Bumper measuring device with Pitot probe

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for a motor vehicle designed to be installed in a bumper (2), and to carry out at least two types of measurements of the external environment of the vehicle located opposite a bumper skin (4) of the bumper (2), the device (1) comprising at least a first part (5) comprising at least one sensor (6), each designed to carry out a first type of measurements of the environment, the device (1) comprising a second part (10), separate from the first part (5), designed to measure a pressure caused on the bumper skin (4) by the movement of the vehicle equipped with the device (1). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Measuring device for bumpers with Pitot probe

[0001] The technical field relates to measuring devices designed to be installed in a motor vehicle bumper, as well as motor vehicles equipped with such a device.

[0002] The regulation of ever-increasing automobile traffic is becoming a major challenge for players in the automotive world, who are considering innovative solutions to optimize the use of road infrastructure, in particular convoy driving. Indeed, convoy driving would make it possible to optimize road space, by reducing distances between vehicles, would improve safety by managing vehicle driving in a coordinated manner, with communication systems between vehicles, and finally would allow a reduction in traffic jams.

[0003] Furthermore, in a context where ecological concerns are becoming very important, driving in convoy is of major interest, since it allows the air resistance of the entire convoy to be reduced and each vehicle then benefits from reduced aerodynamic drag. This reduction in drag makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption or electrical consumption for an electric vehicle.

[0004] In convoy driving, in addition to the communication and distance regulation capabilities of each vehicle, the optimal distance between two vehicles following each other depends on many factors such as the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicles, their weight, their size, or even their braking capabilities. The factors influencing the optimal distance can also vary depending on driving conditions, such as the weather and the state of the road. These multiple factors are difficult to determine in real time, so the distance between each vehicle is not necessarily optimal, at least from an aerodynamic point of view.

[0005] More generally, it is interesting to know in real time the efficiency of a vehicle during its movements, but the addition of such a functionality should be done by limiting as much as possible the modifications to the vehicle. Indeed, it should be taken into account that any adaptation, which involves the addition of one or more parts, involves consequences in terms of development and production costs.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for a solution that allows the efficiency of a moving vehicle to be measured while limiting the modifications required to measure such efficiency.

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome the problems set out above. In this technical context, one aim of the present invention is to provide a measuring device intended to replace a sensor installed in a bumper to measure two types of measurements including aerodynamic efficiency.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a measuring device for a motor vehicle designed to be installed in a bumper, and to carry out at least two types of measurements of the external environment of the vehicle located opposite a bumper skin of the bumper, the device comprising at least a first part comprising at least one sensor, each designed to carry out a first type of measurements of the environment, the device comprising a second part, distinct from the first part, designed to measure a pressure caused on the bumper skin by the movement of the vehicle equipped with the device.

[0009] The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one bumper provided with a bumper skin and comprising at least one device according to the invention installed in a bumper.

[0010] Thus, the measuring device according to the invention makes it possible to measure the aerodynamic efficiency of the moving vehicle that it equips, thanks to the second part which makes it possible to measure a pressure caused on the bumper skin by the movement of the vehicle equipped with the device. Such a pressure is representative of the aerodynamic efficiency. Furthermore, the measuring device according to the invention, thanks to the first part, makes it possible to carry out another type of measurement obtained by the sensor that it replaces. Thus, the measuring device according to the invention minimizes the modifications required to equip the vehicle according to the invention.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part forms at least part of a Pitot probe, provided with a cylindrical orifice, making it possible to measure a pressure in the orifice at least partly caused by an air flow directed into the orifice when the vehicle is moving.

[0012] According to one possibility, the second part comprises a pressure gauge or a pressure capsule making it possible to measure a pressure in the orifice.

[0013] Advantageously, the second part is designed to determine a dynamic pressure.

[0014] According to one possibility of the measuring device, the first part comprises an ultrasonic sensor.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the measuring device extends between a common base and at least one measuring end, each adapted to be positioned in a cutout of the bumper skin.

[0016] According to one possibility, the vehicle comprises a front bumper and a rear bumper, each equipped with at least one measuring device.

[0017] The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a measuring device according to the invention installed in a bumper of a vehicle according to the invention, seen from inside a bumper;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the device of [Fig.l] seen from outside the vehicle;

[0020] In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements.

[0021] A measuring device 1 according to the invention, illustrated in the figures, is designed to equip a bumper 2 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The device 1, installed in the bumper 2, is designed to carry out at least two types of measurements of the external environment 3, illustrated in [Fig. 2], of the vehicle located opposite a bumper skin 4 of the bumper 2. Advantageously, the motor vehicle according to the invention comprises two bumpers 2, forming a front bumper and a rear bumper, each being equipped with a measuring device 1.

[0022] The device 1 comprises at least a first part 5 comprising at least one sensor 6, each designed to perform a first type of measurements of the environment 3. In the example illustrated in the figures, the sensor 6 is an ultrasonic sensor for measuring a distance between the sensor 6 and an obstacle to provide parking assistance. The sensor 6 extends between a common base 7, illustrated in [Fig.l], and a measuring face 8, illustrated in [Fig.2]. The measuring face 8 is designed to be installed in an opening 9 of the bumper skin 4 provided for this purpose.

[0023] The device 1 also comprises a second part 10, distinct from the first part 5, designed to measure a pressure caused on the bumper skin 4 by the movement of the vehicle equipped with the device 1. The second part 10 extends from the common base 7 towards a measuring end 11, designed to be arranged in a cutout 12 of the bumper skin 4, so that the measuring end 11 is in contact with the external environment 3.

[0024] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the second part 10 forms at least a part of a Pitot probe. A Pitot probe is, in a known manner, capable of measuring an air pressure around the probe, in particular a so-called total pressure resulting from the static pressure of the air (observed in the absence of air movement) and a dynamic pressure resulting from the forces produced by an air flow directed towards the probe and resulting from a movement of the probe. For this purpose, the second part 10 is provided with a cylindrical orifice 13, making it possible to measure a pressure in the orifice 13 at least partly caused by an air flow directed into the orifice 13, when the vehicle is moving. In order to allow the air flow, caused by a movement of the vehicle to enter the orifice 13, the latter has an opening 14 provided at the measuring end 11.

[0025] The orifice 13 is preferably oriented along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0026] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the orifice 13 is provided in a 15 cy tube lindrique with a circular base, illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0027] In order to measure a pressure in the orifice 13, the second part 10 comprises a pressure gauge or a pressure capsule, not illustrated, making it possible to measure a pressure in the orifice 13. The pressure gauge or the pressure capsule are generally connected to a bottom of the orifice 13 opposite the opening 14. When a pressure gauge is used, the pressure measured in the orifice 13 is then a total pressure, including the atmospheric pressure of the environment 3. A pressure capsule is designed to deduce a static pressure from the measured pressure to obtain a dynamic pressure. Alternatively, to obtain a dynamic pressure when the second part 10 comprises a pressure gauge, the second part 10 is connected to a static pressure tap, arranged in an area sheltered from air flows during the movement of the vehicle, in order to measure the difference between the total pressure and the static pressure.

[0028] Advantageously, a support 16, illustrated in [Fig.l], allowing a conventional proximity sensor to be fixed is also adapted to fix the device 1 via the sensor 6. The common base 7 has a tab 17 projecting from the sensor 6 to allow the second part 10 to be fixed. The tab 17 is shaped so that the support 16 can be used with the device 1 without adaptation.

[0029] Advantageously, in order to maintain the measuring end 11 in position in the cutout 12, a seal 18 is placed between the tube 15 and the periphery of the cutout 12.

[0030] Finally, in order to connect the measuring device 1 to a control unit, not illustrated, the device 1 has a connection interface 19.

[0031] Thus, the measuring device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to measure the aerodynamic efficiency of the moving vehicle that it equips, thanks to the second part 10 which makes it possible to measure a pressure caused on the skin 4 of the bumper by the movement of the vehicle equipped with the device 1. Such a pressure is representative of the aerodynamic efficiency. Furthermore, the measuring device 1 according to the invention, thanks to the first part 5, makes it possible to carry out another type of measurement carried out by the sensor 6 that it replaces. Thus, the measuring device 1 according to the invention minimizes the modifications required to equip the vehicle according to the invention.

[0032] The invention is not limited to the embodiment of the measuring device described above, only by way of example, but other embodiments can be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Measuring device (1) for a motor vehicle designed to be installed in a bumper (2), and to carry out at least two types of measurements of the environment (3) outside the vehicle located opposite a bumper skin (4) of the bumper (2), the device (1) comprising at least a first part (5) comprising at least one sensor (6), each designed to carry out a first type of measurements of the environment (3), the device (1) comprising a second part (10), separate from the first part (5), designed to measure a pressure caused on the bumper skin (4) by the movement of the vehicle equipped with the device (1).

2. Measuring device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part (10) forms at least part of a Pitot probe, provided with a cylindrical orifice (13), making it possible to measure a pressure in the orifice (13) at least partly caused by an air flow directed into the orifice (13) when the vehicle is moving.

3. Measuring device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second part (10) comprises a pressure gauge or a pressure capsule making it possible to measure a pressure in the orifice (13).

4. Measuring device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second part (10) is designed to determine a dynamic pressure.

5. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first part (5) comprises an ultrasonic sensor (6).

6. Measuring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it extends between a common base (7) and at least one measuring end (11), each designed to be positioned in a cutout (12) of the bumper skin (4).

7. Motor vehicle comprising at least one bumper (2) provided with a bumper skin (4) and comprising at least one device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 installed in a bumper (2).

8. Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a front bumper (2) and a rear bumper (2), each equipped with at least one measuring device (1).

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