Sensor with connecting rod

Abstract

Sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor (1) is attached to a first part of the motor vehicle and wherein a swivel arm of the sensor (1) is connected by means of a connecting rod (5) to a second part which is displaceable relative to the first part, characterized in that means for draining (7) fluid are arranged in each end region of the connecting rod (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor is attached to a first part of the motor vehicle and wherein a swivel arm of the sensor is connected by means of a connecting rod to a second part which is displaceable relative to the first part.

[0002] Such sensors are known per se and are described, for example, in WO 2014 / 005964 A1. They are used, for example, as level sensors in motor vehicles. For this purpose, a rotor of the sensor is connected to a swivel arm, to which a connecting rod for linking the swivel arm to, for example, a rear wheel suspension is rotatably attached by means of a ball joint.

[0003] If the sensor, and therefore the connecting rod – as is typical for a level sensor – is mounted externally on the vehicle body, it is exposed to environmental influences and, in wet conditions, especially to road spray. This spray is contaminated with dirt particles. Since the connecting rod is often at an acute angle to the vertical, any spray hitting it runs down the rod due to gravity and partially into the ball joint. This also introduces dirt particles into the ball joint, which can lead to accelerated wear and, in extreme cases, dislocation.

[0004] From DE 10 2015 215 770 A1, an operating device of a household appliance is known in which a channel for the targeted drainage of liquids is arranged in a spacer element.

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a sensor in which fluid flowing from a connecting rod is kept away from a joint.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Means for draining fluid are arranged in each end region of the connecting rod. This keeps fluid running down the connecting rod away from the ball joint. Only splash water directly impacting the ball joint can penetrate it. Therefore, the amount of dirt particles reaching the ball joint is significantly reduced, thus correspondingly increasing the overall durability of the sensor. In particular, the risk of dislocation is very low to nonexistent. The end region comprises a maximum of one-quarter of the length of the connecting rod.

[0007] The dependent claims relate to the advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0008] In one embodiment, the drainage means are designed as a web encircling at least part of the connecting rod's circumference. The web can be easily formed onto the connecting rod and reliably drains liquids even if the connecting rod's sides are not flat.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the means for conveying the flow are designed as a groove encircling at least part of the connecting rod. The groove is easy to shape and results in a slight weight saving. It is particularly suitable for use on smooth surfaces.

[0010] In another embodiment, the partial circumference encompasses three sides of the connecting rod. This is sufficient because fluid running off a side facing away from the ball joint cannot enter it.

[0011] In another embodiment, the sensor is designed as a rotary angle sensor. This is particularly suitable.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the sensor is designed to determine the tilt angle of the vehicle. These sensors are particularly exposed to splashing water.

[0013] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A view of a sensor with connecting rod in installed position and Fig. 2. A detail of the end part of the connecting rod.

[0014] As from the Fig. As can be seen, a sensor 1 designed as an inclination sensor comprises a sensor housing 2, which is attached to a body as the first part of a motor vehicle, e.g., in the area of ​​a wheel arch, by means of a holder 3. The sensor housing 2 contains the sensor structures required for a rotation angle sensor as well as at least part of the evaluation electronics and can be electrically connected to the vehicle's electronics. A rotor of the rotation angle sensor is connected to a swivel arm 4.

[0015] A first end of a connecting rod 5 is pivotally attached to the swivel arm 4. The joint is a ball joint consisting of a ball section attached to the swivel arm 4 and a socket 6 formed in a corresponding end region of the connecting rod 5. A second end of the connecting rod 5, opposite the first, is pivotally attached by means of another ball joint to a second part of the vehicle that is movable relative to the body, e.g., a rear axle (not shown).

[0016] As from the Fig. As is particularly evident in Figure 2, the connecting rod 5 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, with groove-like recesses potentially incorporated into its sides to reduce weight. At each end of the connecting rod 5, a web 7 is formed at a short distance from the corresponding end, extending over a partial circumference of the connecting rod 5, to serve as a means of draining fluid. This partial circumference is defined by the side containing an opening in the pan 6 and the adjacent sides. The height of the web 7, excluding any recesses, is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The short distance between the web 7 and the corresponding end of the connecting rod is two to four times the diameter of the pan 6.

[0017] As an alternative to the bridge 7, a groove is arranged if the corresponding sides in the area of ​​the groove are otherwise smooth, i.e., have no depression apart from the groove.

[0018] The openings of pan 6 can be used as in the Fig. 1 shown on the same side of the connecting rod 5. However, depending on the installation situation in the vehicle, it is also possible that the openings of the sockets 6 are arranged on two opposite sides.

[0019] As an alternative to the rectangular cross-section, the connecting rod 5 can have a round cross-section. Reference symbol list 1 sensor 2 sensor housings 3 holders 4 swivel arms 5 stabilizer link 6 pans 7 Bridge

Claims

[1] Sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor (1) is attached to a first part of the motor vehicle and wherein a swivel arm of the sensor (1) is connected by means of a connecting rod (5) to a second part which is displaceable relative to the first part, characterized by , that in each end area of ​​the connecting rod (5) means for draining fluid (7) are arranged. [2] Sensor according to claim 1, characterized by , that the means for diverting are designed as a web (7) circumferentially around at least a partial circumference of the connecting rod (5). [3] Sensor according to claim 1, characterized by , that the means for diverting are designed as a channel circumferential around at least a partial circumference of the connecting rod (5). [4] Sensor according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that the partial circumference comprises three sides of the connecting rod (5). [5] Sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that it is designed as a rotary angle sensor. [6] Sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that it is designed to determine the tilt angle of the motor vehicle.

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