Sensor holder for a vehicle and method of mounting the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor holder for a vehicle and a method for mounting the same. The sensor holder for a vehicle includes: a sensor mounting portion configured to mount a sensor therein; a flange portion extending from an outer surface of the sensor mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion; and a clamping portion extending parallel to the flange portion, wherein the clamping portion extends from the sensor mounting portion to the outside of the sensor mounting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor holder for a vehicle and a method thereof for mounting a sensor on the exterior of a vehicle, and more specifically, to a sensor holder for a vehicle and a method thereof for mounting a sensor thereon that can secure a sensor to a vehicle without the use of processes such as welding. Background Technology

[0002] Sensors can be mounted on the exterior of a vehicle for driving assistance, parking assistance, and other purposes. For example, parking sensors can be mounted on the vehicle's bumper or side trim to identify nearby objects during parking and provide the driver with a parking distance alert, or enable remote parking.

[0003] In some cases, parking sensors are installed onto the sensor holders after they have been pre-installed onto the vehicle's bumper or side trim. For example, the sensor holders can be welded to the bumper or side trim. Therefore, a separate welding process can be performed to install the sensor holders, where this additional welding process can increase production costs. In some cases, fusion jigs can be provided to install the sensor holders via welding, where the fusion jigs can be manufactured for each vehicle model and location, which can also increase production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention describes a sensor holder for a vehicle and a method for installing the same, which allows an operator to manually install the sensor holder without welding.

[0005] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a sensor holder for a vehicle includes: a sensor mounting portion configured to support a sensor, a flange portion extending outwardly from the sensor mounting portion, and a clamping portion extending from the sensor mounting portion and parallel to the flange portion. The flange portion and the clamping portion are configured such that, based on the clamping portion passing through the outer panel of the vehicle and rotating relative to the outer panel, it contacts the surface of a fixing portion of the outer panel, thereby initially securing the sensor holder to the outer panel of the vehicle.

[0006] Embodiments of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the sensor retainer of claim 1 may further include a fastening bolt configured to pass through at least a portion of the clamping portion and be fastened to the clamping portion, wherein the fastening bolt is configured to secure the sensor retainer a second time to the outer panel of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensor retainer may further include an assembly handle projecting from the clamping portion. In some examples, the assembly handle defines an opening and threads in the opening, wherein the fastening bolt is configured to threadedly engage with the threads of the assembly handle.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sensor holder may further include reinforcing ribs disposed on and projecting from the clamping portion. In some examples, the sensor holder may further include a sensor protective portion disposed at the end of the sensor mounting portion and configured to surround the outer periphery of the sensor. In some examples, the sensor protective portion may be connected to the reinforcing ribs.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensor holder may further include a plurality of clamping portions spaced apart from the flange portion. In some examples, the plurality of clamping portions may be arranged spaced apart along the outer periphery of the sensor mounting portion. In some embodiments, the flange portion may define a trim fastening hole configured to engage with a hook projecting from a side trim of the vehicle, wherein the hook of the side trim of the vehicle is configured to pass through and engage with the trim fastening hole.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method for installing a sensor holder for a vehicle includes: positioning the sensor holder to align with a sensor mounting hole defined in an outer panel of the vehicle; inserting the sensor holder into the sensor mounting hole; and rotating the sensor holder relative to the outer panel to position a clamping portion of the sensor holder to a fixing portion of the outer panel, wherein the fixing portion is provided between sub-through holes defined on the periphery of the sensor mounting hole.

[0010] Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method may further include: after rotating the sensor retainer relative to the outer plate, securing the sensor retainer to the outer plate with a fastening bolt. In some examples, securing the sensor retainer to the outer plate may include: inserting the fastening bolt into an opening in the assembly handle of the sensor retainer, and fastening the fastening bolt into the thread in the opening of the assembly handle.

[0011] In some embodiments, positioning the sensor holder may include aligning the clamping portion with one of the sub-through holes. In some examples, rotating the sensor holder may include rotating the sensor holder so that the clamping portion and flange portion of the sensor holder contact the surface of the fixing portion of the outer panel. In some embodiments, rotating the sensor holder may include rotating the sensor holder to align the decorative fastening hole defined in the sensor holder with one of the sub-through holes.

[0012] According to another aspect, a sensor holder for a vehicle includes: a sensor mounting portion configured to engage a sensor to an outer panel of the vehicle; a flange extending from an outer surface of the sensor mounting portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion; a clamping portion spaced apart from and extending parallel to the flange, extending from the sensor mounting portion to the outside of the sensor mounting portion; and an assembly handle protruding from the clamping portion. The flange and clamping portion are configured such that the sensor holder is secured to the outer panel of the vehicle by the clamping portion passing through the outer panel and the assembly handle being rotated by an operator, contacting the surface of a fixing portion of the outer panel.

[0013] Embodiments of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the sensor holder may further include a sensor protection portion disposed at an end of the sensor mounting portion and configured to shield at least a portion of the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor mounting portion and the sensor protection portion may be configured to pass through a main through-hole defined in the outer panel of the vehicle, wherein the clamping portion is configured to pass through a sub-through-hole defined in the outer panel of the vehicle, and the sub-through-hole is defined at the periphery of the main through-hole and connected to the main through-hole.

[0014] In some implementations, the assembly handle can be configured to pass through a handle through-hole defined in the outer panel of the vehicle, the handle through-hole being defined on the periphery of and connected to the main through-hole.

[0015] In some implementations, the sensor holder for a vehicle and its mounting method allow an operator to manually mount the sensor holder onto the vehicle without tools such as welding clamps.

[0016] The sensor holder is universal, regardless of the vehicle model and installation location, so it is not necessary to provide tools for mounting the sensor to each vehicle model and location, thereby reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a sensor holder for a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view showing the sensor holder.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the sensor holder.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the location where the sensor holder is installed.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part A.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a parking sensor mounted on the bumper of a vehicle using a sensor holder.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the state after the parking sensor is installed using a sensor holder, and then decorated with side trim pieces.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the sensor holder inserted into the sensor mounting hole in the bumper.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the sensor holder inserted into the sensor mounting hole in the bumper.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a rear view showing the sensor holder rotating within the sensor mounting hole in the bumper.

[0027] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the state in which the fastening bolts are tightened to secure the sensor holder.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a front view showing the sensor holder being installed using fastening bolts.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a rear view showing the sensor mounted on the sensor holder.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a rear view showing the side trim piece attached to the bumper after the sensor has been mounted on the sensor holder.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for mounting a sensor retainer. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The sensor holder for a vehicle and its installation method will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 3The sensor holder 30 for a vehicle includes: a sensor mounting portion 31 for mounting a sensor 40 therein; a flange portion 32 extending outward from the outer surface of the sensor mounting portion 31, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion 31; and a clamping portion 34 spaced apart from and parallel to the flange portion 32, extending from the sensor mounting portion 31 to the outer side of the sensor mounting portion 31. When the clamping portion 34 passes through the outer panel 10 of the vehicle and then rotates, the flange portion 32 and the clamping portion 34 respectively contact the two surfaces of the fixing portion 12 formed in the outer panel 10, thereby securing the sensor holder to the outer panel of the vehicle for the first time.

[0034] In this invention, an example will be described as follows: after assembling the sensor holder 30 onto the bumper, which is an example of the outer panel 10 of a vehicle, and after mounting the parking sensor 40, which is an example of the sensor 40, onto the sensor holder 30, the side trim piece 20, which is an example of the decorative part, is used for finishing.

[0035] The sensor mounting portion 31 can be configured to support a sensor 40, such as a parking sensor 40, mounted therein. The sensor mounting portion 31 can have openings at both ends, so that the sensor 40 can detect external objects even when it is installed inside the vehicle. For example, the sensor mounting portion 31 can be an opening configured to receive the sensor 40 or a wall surrounding the opening.

[0036] The flange portion 32 may extend from the outer surface of the sensor mounting portion 31 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion 31 (e.g., radial direction).

[0037] When the sensor holder 30 is mounted on the bumper, the flange 32 is supported by contact with a surface of the bumper.

[0038] After the sensor holder 30 is mounted on the bumper and the sensor 40 is mounted on the sensor holder 30, a decorative fastening hole 33 for fastening the side trim 20 is formed in the flange portion 32. A hook 21 formed in the side trim 20 passes through the decorative fastening hole 33, thereby engaging the hook 21 with the flange portion 32.

[0039] In some embodiments, the clamping portion 34 may extend parallel to the flange portion 32 and from the sensor mounting portion 31. Like the flange portion 32, the clamping portion 34 may extend from the outer surface of the sensor mounting portion 31 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion 31. The clamping portion 34 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the flange portion 32 along the axial direction of the sensor holder 30. Therefore, a portion of the bumper is inserted between the flange portion 32 and the clamping portion 34, thereby securing the sensor holder 30 to the bumper. For example, the clamping portion 34 may be a protrusion extending radially from the outer surface of the sensor mounting portion 31.

[0040] In some examples, after the sensor holder 30 is inserted into the bumper so that the clamping part 34 passes through the bumper, when the sensor holder 30 rotates, the clamping part 34 and the flange part 32 respectively contact the two surfaces of the fixing part 12 formed in the bumper, so that the sensor holder 30 is fixed to the bumper.

[0041] In some embodiments, the clamping portions 34 may be arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the sensor mounting portion 31. Therefore, when the clamping portions 34 pass through the bumper and the sensor holder 30 rotates, the fastening force is applied evenly along the outer periphery of the sensor holder 30.

[0042] Additionally, a molding hole 32a is formed in the flange portion 32 below the clamping portion 34, so that during the injection molding of the sensor holder 30, the mold passes through the flange portion 32 to form the clamping portion 34.

[0043] In some examples, the fastening bolt 50 can be tightened by passing through the clamp 34, thereby securing the sensor holder 30 to the bumper for a second time.

[0044] An assembly handle 36 is formed on at least one clamping portion 34. The assembly handle 36 is formed to protrude from the clamping portion 34. Because the assembly handle 36 protrudes from the clamping portion 34, the operator can grasp the assembly handle 36 and easily rotate the sensor holder 30. Because the operator grasps and rotates the assembly handle 36, the sensor holder 30 can be installed without the use of tools.

[0045] The assembly handle 36 is formed as a downward opening and has a thread 36a formed therein. During the second fixing of the sensor retainer 30, the fastening bolt 50, which has passed through the clamping part 34, is screwed into the thread 36a.

[0046] In some cases, markings can be formed on the upper surface of the assembly handle 36 to guide the assembly position of the sensor retainer 30. Triangular markings are formed on the upper surface of the assembly handle 36. When installing the sensor retainer 30, the sensor retainer 30 rotates until the triangular marking aligns with another marking formed on the bumper. This allows the operator to easily assemble the sensor retainer 30 into the correct position. In particular, the sensor retainer 30 is universal, regardless of vehicle model or installation location; therefore, by forming markings on the bumper, the sensor retainer 30 can be easily assembled into the predetermined assembly position.

[0047] In some embodiments, reinforcing ribs 35 may protrude from the clamping portion 34 to enhance the rigidity of the clamping portion 34. The reinforcing ribs 35 are formed to protrude from the clamping portion 34 and extend along the radial direction of the sensor holder 30, that is, along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion 31.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sensor protection portion 37 may be disposed at the end of the sensor mounting portion 31. The inner surface of the sensor protection portion 37 is formed to be bonded to the inner surface of the sensor mounting portion 31.

[0049] When the sensor 40 is installed in the sensor mounting part 31, the sensor protection part 37 surrounds the outer periphery of the sensor 40 to help install the sensor 40 and protect the installed sensor 40.

[0050] In addition, the outer surface of the sensor protection part 37 is connected to the clamping part 34 to support the inner end of the clamping part 34.

[0051] The sensor 40 is mounted on the bumper using a sensor holder 30 with the above-described structure.

[0052] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example is shown where a sensor mounting hole 11 is formed in a bumper, and a sensor retainer 30 is mounted on the sensor mounting hole. The sensor mounting hole 11 includes a main through hole 11a through which a sensor mounting part 31 and a sensor protection part 37 pass, and a sub-through hole 11b located on the outer periphery of the sensor mounting hole 11 and communicating with the main through hole 11a. A clamping part 34 passes through the sub-through hole 11b. In addition, a handle through hole 11c is formed through which an assembly handle 36 passes. The handle through hole 11c is also located on the outer periphery of the sensor mounting hole 11 and communicates with the main through hole 11a. In addition, a bolt through hole 11d is formed through which a fastening bolt 50 passes.

[0053] The fixing part 12 is formed to extend from the bumper toward the center of the sensor mounting hole 11. When the sensor holder 30 is inserted into the sensor mounting hole 11 and then rotated, the clamping part 34 and the flange part 32 respectively contact the two surfaces of the fixing part 12, thereby fixing the sensor holder 30 to the outer panel 10 of the vehicle for the first time.

[0054] By using sensor holder 30 (see Figure 6 After mounting the sensor 40 into the sensor mounting hole 11, the side decorative piece 20 is used for decoration, so that only the object-detecting part of the sensor 40 is exposed to the outside (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0055] The following is a description of the installation method for sensor holders used in vehicles.

[0056] like Figure 15 As shown, the method for installing a sensor holder for a vehicle includes: a positioning step, wherein the sensor holder 30 is positioned to align with a sensor mounting hole 11 formed in the outer panel 10 of the vehicle (S110); an insertion step, wherein the sensor holder 30 is inserted into the sensor mounting hole 11 (S120); and a rotation step, wherein the sensor holder 30 is rotated such that a clamping portion 34 formed in the sensor holder 30 is located at a fixing portion 12 formed between sub-through holes 11b, the sub-through holes being formed on the outer periphery of the sensor mounting hole 11 (S130).

[0057] In positioning step S110, the sensor holder 30 is positioned to align with the sensor mounting hole 11 formed in the outer panel 10 of the vehicle (see...). Figure 8 The shape of the sensor holder 30 is matched with the shape of the sensor mounting hole 11, so that the sensor holder 30 is inserted into the sensor mounting hole 11.

[0058] For example, if the sensor holder 30 is to be mounted on the bumper, which is the outer panel 10 of the vehicle, the sensor holder 30 is positioned such that the shape of the sensor holder 30 matches the shape of the sensor mounting hole 11 formed in the bumper.

[0059] The sensor mounting hole 11 is formed as a main through hole 11a through which the sensor mounting portion 31 of the sensor holder 30 passes and a sub through hole 11b that communicates with the main through hole 11a and is formed at intervals on the outer periphery of the sensor mounting hole 11.

[0060] Therefore, in positioning step S110, the sensor holder 30 is positioned such that the clamping portion 34 formed in the sensor holder 30 is aligned with the sub-through hole 11b. Additionally, the assembly handle 36 formed in the sensor holder 30 is aligned with the handle through hole 11c, and the handle through hole 11c is configured to communicate with the main through hole 11a.

[0061] In the insertion step S120, the sensor retainer 30 is inserted into the sensor mounting hole 11.

[0062] When the sensor holder 30 is positioned, when the sensor holder 30 is inserted into the sensor mounting hole 11, the sensor mounting part 31, the clamping part 34 and the assembly handle 36 pass through the main through hole 11a, the sub-through hole 11b and the handle through hole 11c respectively.

[0063] Therefore, when the sensor holder 30 is inserted into the sensor mounting hole 11, the flange portion 32 formed in the sensor holder 30 is placed on the fixing portion 12 formed in the outer plate 10 (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0064] In some examples, where markings are formed on the assembly handle 36 and the bumper respectively, it is possible to check whether the sensor retainer 30 has been inserted into the correct position.

[0065] In the rotation step S130, the sensor holder 30 rotates such that the clamping part 34 is positioned between the fixing part 12 formed in the sub-through hole 11b, the sub-through hole being formed on the outer periphery of the sensor mounting hole 11 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0066] When the sensor holder 30 is inserted and the flange 32 is placed on the fixing part 12, the sensor holder 30 rotates, thereby fixing the sensor holder 30 for the first time.

[0067] When the sensor holder 30 rotates, the flange portion 32 and the clamping portion 34 contact the two surfaces of the fixing portion 12 respectively, thereby fixing the sensor holder 30 to the outer plate 10.

[0068] The clamping portion 34 is spaced apart from the flange portion 32 along the axial direction of the sensor mounting portion 31. Therefore, by rotating the sensor holder 30, the clamping portion 34 and the flange portion 32 can respectively come into close contact with the two surfaces of the fixing portion 12, so that the sensor holder 30 can be fixed.

[0069] Specifically, in the rotation step S130, the sensor holder 30 is rotated so that the decorative fastening hole 33 formed in the flange portion 32 is aligned with the sub-through hole 11b. This is for later fastening of the side decorative piece 20 through the decorative fastening hole 33.

[0070] In some examples, where markings are formed on the assembly handle 36 and the bumper respectively, it is possible to check whether the sensor retainer 30 has been rotated to the predetermined position.

[0071] In the fastening step S140, the sensor retainer 30 is fixed to the outer plate 10, i.e., the bumper, for the second time by using the fastening bolt 50.

[0072] When the fastening bolt 50 passes through the outer plate 10 and is tightened to the sensor holder 30, the outer plate 10 is assembled and fixed between the sensor holder 30 and the fastening bolt 50. That is, when the fastening bolt 50 is positioned to align with the thread 36a of the assembly handle 36 (see...). Figure 11 The fastening bolt engages with the thread 36a of the assembly handle 36 (see...). Figure 12 ).

[0073] In some implementations, the sensor retainer 30 is secured to the outer panel 10, i.e., the bumper, for a second time using fastening bolts 50, thereby completing the installation of the sensor retainer 30.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the sensor holder 30 is installed, the sensor 40 is mounted on the sensor holder 30 such that the sensor 40 is located within the sensor mounting portion 31, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown.

[0075] When the sensor 40 is installed on the sensor holder 30, decorative parts such as the side trim 20 are secured to the outer panel 10. When the hook 21 formed in the side trim 20 passes through the trim fastening hole 33, the hook 21 engages and secures to the flange portion 32 of the sensor holder 30 (see...). Figure 14 Specifically, in the rotation step S130, the sensor holder 30 rotates so that the decorative fastening hole 33 aligns with the sub-through hole 11b. Therefore, the hook 21 can be fixed to the flange 32 without interfering with the outer plate 10.

Claims

1. A sensor holder for a vehicle, the sensor holder comprising: A sensor mounting section configured to support the sensor; A flange portion that extends outward from the sensor mounting portion; as well as A clamping portion that extends from the sensor mounting portion and is parallel to the flange portion. The flange and the clamping portion are configured such that the clamping portion passes through the outer panel of the vehicle and rotates relative to the outer panel, making contact with the surface of the fixing portion of the outer panel, thereby fixing the sensor holder to the outer panel of the vehicle for the first time.

2. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening bolt configured to pass through at least a portion of the clamping portion and fasten to the clamping portion, the fastening bolt being configured to secure the sensor holder to the outer panel of the vehicle for a second time.

3. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising an assembly handle protruding from the clamping portion.

4. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The assembly handle defines an opening and threads in the opening, and the fastening bolt is configured to threadedly engage with the threads of the assembly handle.

5. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing rib disposed on and protruding from the clamping portion.

6. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising a sensor protection portion disposed at an end of the sensor mounting portion and configured to surround the outer periphery of the sensor.

7. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The sensor protective section is connected to the reinforcing rib.

8. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of clamping portions spaced apart from the flange portion.

9. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, Multiple clamping parts are arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the sensor mounting part.

10. The sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The flange portion defines a trim fastening hole configured to engage with a hook protruding from the side trim of the vehicle, the hook of the side trim of the vehicle being configured to pass through and engage with the trim fastening hole.

11. A method for mounting a sensor holder for a vehicle, the method comprising: The sensor holder is positioned to align with the sensor mounting hole defined on the outer panel of the vehicle; Insert the sensor holder into the sensor mounting hole; as well as The sensor holder is rotated relative to the outer plate to position the clamping part of the sensor holder to the fixing part of the outer plate. The fixing part is disposed between the sub-through holes, which are defined on the outer periphery of the sensor mounting hole.

12. The method for mounting a sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising: After rotating the sensor holder relative to the outer plate, the sensor holder is secured to the outer plate by fastening bolts.

13. The method for mounting a sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, Fastening the sensor holder to the outer plate includes: Insert the fastening bolt into the opening of the assembly handle of the sensor holder, and tighten the fastening bolt into the thread in the opening of the assembly handle.

14. The method for mounting a sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, Positioning the sensor holder includes aligning the clamping portion with one of the sub-through holes.

15. The method for mounting a sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, Rotating the sensor holder includes: Rotate the sensor holder so that the clamping part and flange part of the sensor holder come into contact with the surface of the fixing part of the outer plate.

16. The method for mounting a sensor holder for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, Rotating the sensor holder includes: Rotate the sensor holder to align the decorative fastening hole defined in the sensor holder with one of the sub-through holes.

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