Assembly for motor vehicles including a sensor and a mounting device for attaching the sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor (9), a part (4) having an orifice (6) and a fastening device (11) for fixing the sensor (9) to the part (4), characterized in that the fastening device (11) comprises a first and a second plate installed on either side of the orifice (6) of the part (4), and fixed to each other through the orifice (6) by at least one connecting member, said at least one connecting member maintaining the first and second plates respectively in contact (directly or indirectly) against two opposite edge surfaces, the two edge surfaces bordering the orifice (6) of the part (4) and extending respectively along a first and a second support plane; one of the first and second plates having at least two support members which are in contact against an edge of the orifice (6) respectively along a first and a second support direction;the first and second support directions being intersecting each other; and, in that the sensor (9) is fixed to the first plate. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a sensor and a mounting device for attaching the sensor

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to an assembly comprising a sensor and a fixing device for fixing the sensor to a part of the assembly.

[0003] In a motor vehicle, sensors play a fundamental role by collecting data on various parameters of the vehicle and its environment.

[0004] These sensors measure physical variables such as pressure, temperature, position, and speed, and transmit this information to the onboard electronic systems. These systems then use this data to optimize engine operation, improve safety, and provide greater comfort for vehicle occupants.

[0005] A sensor can, for example, be a ride height sensor installed at the front or rear lights of the vehicle.

[0006] Usually, the fixing of a sensor on a support part is done by gluing, by means of fixing elements passing through dedicated holes, made in the support part or by the shape of the sensor fitting into a machined area of ​​the support part.

[0007] However, these fastening methods have certain drawbacks. Indeed, although simple, gluing does not offer the best durability and strength over time. Drilling or machining, on the other hand, leads to damage to the support part.

[0008] In addition, for some sensors such as ride height sensors, it is necessary to position them precisely otherwise this can lead to errors affecting their performance and the accuracy of the data collected.

[0009] However, the fixing methods presented above do not allow a sufficient level of precision to obtain reliable measurements.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a fastening device that allows a sensor to be fixed precisely and simply in a motor vehicle.

[0011] To this end, an assembly for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a sensor, a part having an opening, and a fastening device for attaching the sensor to the part. The fastening device comprises a first and a second plate installed on either side of the opening in the part, and fastened to each other through the opening by at least one connecting member. Said at least one connecting member holds the first and second plates respectively in contact, directly or indirectly, against two opposing edge surfaces, the two edge surfaces bordering the opening of the part and extending respectively along a first and a second bearing plane. One of the first and second plates having at least two bearing elements that bear against an edge of the opening respectively along a first and a second bearing direction. The first and second bearing directions are intersecting, and the sensor is fixed to the first plate.

[0012] Such a fastening device allows the sensor to be precisely fixed to the assembly part. Indeed, one of the two plates includes several support elements that allow them to be positioned precisely at the level of the opening and installed in such a way that they cannot be displaced by the movement of the vehicle.

[0013] In addition, the fixing device allows the sensor to be fixed to the part of the assembly without damaging or modifying that part.

[0014] Preferably, the fastening device comprises two connecting members for fixing the first plate to the second plate.

[0015] This allows a stable relative positioning of the two plates with respect to each other.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first and second plates each have a bearing surface parallel respectively to the first and second bearing plane and the at least two bearing members are tabs perpendicular to the bearing surface of the first or second plate.

[0017] Preferably, the fastening device comprises three support members, the third support member is also in support against the edge of the orifice along the first direction of support.

[0018] A third support member provides additional support for better stability of the fastening device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the part is a lower arm of a front axle.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the sensor is a ride height sensor for measure the vehicle's ride height.

[0021] Preferably, the sensor comprises a sensor module intended to be fixed to a part of the motor vehicle moving relative to the part having the orifice, a connecting rod having a first end and a second end which is opposite to the first end, and a ball joint which is attached to the second end of the connecting rod, said first end being attached to the sensor module and the ball joint being attached to the first plate.

[0022] Advantageously, one of the first and second plates has at least two protrusions, the other has cutouts, and the protrusions and cutouts are are positioned vertically opposite each other and are arranged to ensure the positioning of the first plate relative to the second plate.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, certain protrusions also serve as support members for the fastening device. The support members thus have a dual function, namely, on the one hand, bearing against the edge to position one of the plates relative to the workpiece and, on the other hand, positioning said plate relative to the other.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting member is a screwable connecting member.

[0025] Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle comprising the assembly described above.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - [Fig.l] is a partial perspective view of a front structure of a motor vehicle equipped with a sensor and a fixing device for fixing the sensor to the front structure; - [Fig.2] is a detailed perspective view of the sensor in [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] is another perspective view of the front structure of [Fig.1], in which the sensor is not shown, thus allowing better visualization of the fixing device; - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the first plate of the fastening device; - [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the second plate of the fastening device; - [Fig.6] is a partial schematic view of part of the first and second plates of the fastening device.

[0027] In the figures, with regard to the coordinate system (XY, Z), the motor vehicle extends longitudinally from front to back along the X axis, transversely from left to right in driving situation, along the Y axis and vertically opposite the support surface along the Z axis.

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates part of the front structure 1 of a motor vehicle.

[0029] The front structure 1 shown includes a steering rack 2 connected to a steering tie rod 3 and a lower arm 4.

[0030] The lower arm 4, also known as the suspension arm, is part of the front suspension. The front suspension may be, for example, of the pseudo McPherson type.

[0031] The lower arm 4 is equipped with a suspension ball joint 5. The suspension ball joint 5 is connected to the wheel via a spindle. The lower arm 4 follows the movement of the vehicle's wheel, moving up and down relative to the bearing surface along the Z-axis.

[0032] The lower arm 4 has a lower face 41 and an upper face 42.

[0033] They also have two through-holes 6 and 7. The holes 6 and 7 can have different shapes and sizes. Such through-holes 6, 7 are intended in particular to lighten the lower arm 4. In [Fig. 1], hole 7 is oblong. As an example, hole 6 measures 88 millimeters in length and 61 millimeters in width.

[0034] The through-hole 6 is delimited by a rim 63, that is, a peripheral surface surrounding the through-hole 6. The lower arm 4 further has two opposing rim surfaces 61 and 62. The rim surfaces 61 and 62 border the through-hole 6 and are respectively formed on the upper 42 and lower 41 faces of the lower arm 4. The first rim surface 61 extends along a first support plane, while the second rim surface 62 extends along a second support plane.

[0035] The front structure 1 further includes a cradle horn 8. The cradle horn 8 is a structural part of the vehicle chassis, belonging to the cradle, which is a subframe. The cradle supports the main components of the vehicle's suspension and steering, as well as the powertrain. The cradle has at least two horns, which are extensions or protrusions that allow for the attachment of various elements such as steering or suspension components.

[0036] The front structure 1 also includes a ride height sensor 9 used to measure the ride height of the vehicle. The sensor 9 is attached to the horn of the cradle 8 and to the movable lower arm 4.

[0037] The sensor 9 includes a module 91. The module 91 includes an electronic device for measuring the vehicle's ride height and includes a connection device for receiving a connector to connect said module 91 to the vehicle's on-board electronic system.

[0038] The sensor module 91 is attached to the horn of the cradle 8.

[0039] In [Fig.1], the sensor module 91 is fixed to a plate 10 by a screw (not shown) and the plate 10 is also fixed to the cradle horn 8 by a screw 11.

[0040] The use of a screw is not mandatory; any other means of fastening commonly used in motor vehicles may be employed.

[0041] The sensor module 91 can also be attached to the cradle horn 8 by bolts and nuts through holes provided in the cradle horn and at the sensor. The sensor module 91 can also be attached to the horn by clips, fasteners, or by welding.

[0042] With reference to [Fig.2], the sensor 9 comprises a connecting rod 92 and a lever arm 94.

[0043] The connecting rod 92 links the lever arm 94 of the sensor 9 to the lower movable arm 4.

[0044] The connecting rod 92 has a first end 921 and a second end 922 opposite the first end 921.

[0045] The first end 921 is mounted to rotate freely on the lever arm 94. The lever arm 94, for its part, is mounted to rotate freely on the sensor module 91.

[0046] The second end 922 of the connecting rod 92 is mounted movably in motion on the ball joint 93.

[0047] The ball joint 93 is fixed to the lower arm 4 by a fixing device 11. The ball joint 93 allows the connecting rod 92 to pivot freely along several axes, thus ensuring the mobility necessary to follow the movements of the vehicle.

[0048] During a relative vertical displacement of the cradle 8 with respect to the lower arm 4, the lever arm 94 and the connecting rod 92 pivot to compensate for this relative displacement. More specifically, the lower end of the connecting rod 92 moves in an arc within a vertical plane containing the Z-axis, relative to the cradle 8, following the movement of the lower arm 4, and the connecting rod 92 and the lever arm 94 pivot through an angle whose value depends on the relative displacement about the Z-axis.

[0049] The sensor module 91 includes a means for measuring the pivoting of the lever arm 94, such as an optical encoder, a Hall effect sensor, or a potentiometer, for example. The means for measuring the pivoting of the lever arm converts the pivoting angle of the lever arm into an electrical signal usable by the vehicle's on-board electronic system.

[0050] The measured angle is then converted into ride height by the electronic device of module 91 or by the vehicle's on-board electronic system.

[0051] According to [Fig.3], the fixing device 11 comprises a first plate 110 and a second plate 111. The first and second plates 110, 111 are installed on either side of the through hole 6 of the lower arm 4.

[0052] The plates each have a flat bearing surface 1101, 1111. The plates have a thickness between 1 and 3 millimeters.

[0053] The first and second plate can be made of metal, and in particular of metal alloy, such as steel, or of polymer material.

[0054] With reference to [Fig. 4], the first plate 110 has a tab 112 perpendicular to the bearing surface 1101 and projecting upwards. The tab 112 has a through hole 113 allowing it to be fixed to the ball joint 93 by a screw.

[0055] The flat bearing surface 1101 of the first plate 110 is installed in support against the edge surface 61 of the orifice 6 while the flat bearing surface 1111 of the second plate 111 is installed in support against the edge surface 62 of the orifice 6.

[0056] In the figure, the first plate 110 and the second plate 111 are respectively arranged in direct contact with the edge surfaces 61, 62 of the orifice. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the contact of the first plate 110 and / or the second plate 111 against the respective edge surface 61, 62 can be indirect, that is to say, an intermediate piece is inserted between said first or second plate 110, 111 and the edge surface 61, 62 of the orifice.

[0057] Each of the first and second plates 110, 111 has two orifices 114. The two orifices 114 of the first plate 110 are each arranged opposite one of the orifices of the second plate. Thus, a connecting member (not shown) passes through an opening 114 in each of the first and second plates 110, 111, as well as through the opening 6 in the lower arm 4. The connecting members are arranged to fix the first and second plates 110, 111 to each other and exert a fixing force perpendicular to their flat bearing surface 1101, 1111. Thus, the fixing members allow the first and second plates 110, 111 to sandwich the lower arm 4. The first and second plates 110, 111, and more particularly their flat bearing surface 1101, 1111, are thus respectively pressed against one and the other of the two edge surfaces 61, 62.The fasteners used are screw-type fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 5], it can be seen that the second plate 111 has five protrusions 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154. The protrusions are folded tabs perpendicular to the flat bearing surface 1111 of the second plate 111, and their height varies between 10 and 20 millimeters (including the ends). They are formed, for example, by folding a portion of the second plate 111.

[0059] Three of the protuberances are support members 115. The support members 115 are in contact with the edge 63 of the orifice 6.

[0060] Two of the support members 1151 are supported along a first support direction DI while another support member 1152 is supported along a second support direction D2. The first DI and second D2 support direction are intersecting and advantageously perpendicular to each other.

[0061] The contact of the two support members 1151 is a support contact that can be assimilated to a linear support contact, while the contact of the support member 1152 is a support contact that can be assimilated to a point support contact.

[0062] These three support members allow the second plate 111 to be positioned precisely along the X and Y axes, while the contact of the flat support surfaces 1101, 1111 against the two edge surfaces 61, 62 ensures precise positioning along the Z axis.

[0063] The two other protrusions 1153, 1154 serve to guide the movement of the second plate 111 inside the opening 6 of the lower arm. The protrusion 1153 faces the edge 63 of the orifice 6 in a direction opposite to the second direction D2, while the protrusion 1154 faces the edge 63 of the orifice 6 in a direction opposite to the second direction D2.

[0064] To achieve pre-positioning of the first plate 110 relative to the second plate 111, the first plate has cutouts 1102 which are located vertically opposite the support members 1151, 1152 and the tongue 1153 when the first plate 110 and the second plate 111 are correctly oriented relative to each other along the X and Y axes. In other words, the support members 1151, 1152, the tongue 1153 and the cutouts 1102 are positioned so as to allow only one correct alignment between the first plate 110 and the second plate 111. If the plates 110, 111 are not correctly oriented, the support members 1151, 1152 and the tongue 1153 will not be able to fit into the cutouts. 1102.

[0065] By way of example, in [Fig.5], the cutouts 1102 are made in such a way that the protuberances 1151, 1152, 1154 each rest against a right angle of one of the cutouts 1102.

[0066] Thus the support members 1151, 1152 have a dual function: on the one hand, they bear against the edge 63 to position the plate 111 relative to the lower arm 6 and on the other hand, they provide relative positioning of the plates 110 and 111, while the protrusions 1154 have a dual function of guiding and relative positioning of the plates 110, 111. The manufacture of the fixing device 11 is therefore simplified in that the number of protrusions can be reduced thanks to their dual function.

[0067] The number of support members is not limited to three, as shown above. The fastening device may include a minimum of two. Additional support members may provide additional support along the edge 63 of the opening 6.

[0068] Part of the support members can also be installed on the first plate, while the other part is installed on the second plate.

[0069] Preferably, the bearing members 115 are installed on the second plate 111, that is, the one below the lower arm 4, in order to ensure a larger contact area with the rim 63 of the orifice 6. Indeed, for manufacturing reasons, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], at the bearing surface 61, the rim 63 has a right angle, while at the bearing surface 62, the rim 63 has a rounded angle. Since the bearing member 115 is made By folding, it is preferable to place it on the second plate 111 to optimize its contact surface with the edge 63.

[0070] The fixing device 11 thus makes it possible to immobilize the angular sensor in a precise position, avoiding any risk of mechanical reversal or inaccurate measurements.

[0071] Indeed, the angular sensor, like any other sensor, must be positioned precisely, because any deviation can distort the measurements and, consequently, the determined body height.

[0072] Furthermore, the angular sensor operates within three non-cumulative ranges of plus or minus 54 degrees around its axis of rotation. Exceeding one of these limits resets the sensor, resulting in the loss of its calibration.

[0073] The angular sensor operates over a range of 120° with a maximum and a minimum angle. If these angles are exceeded by the lever arm 94, there is a risk of mechanical reversal that could damage the sensor 9 and result in a loss of the ride height measurement.

[0074] It is therefore necessary to fix the base of the connecting rod 92 precisely and securely with the fixing device 11 described above to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0075] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

[0076] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0077] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor (9), a part (4) having an orifice (6) and a fastening device (11) for fastening the sensor (9) to the part (4), characterized in that the fastening device (11) comprises a first (110) and a second (111) plates installed on either side of the orifice (6) of the part (4), and fastened to each other through the orifice (6) by at least one connecting member, said at least one connecting member holding the first (110) and the second (111) plates respectively in contact with two opposing edge surfaces (61, 62), the two edge surfaces (61, 62) bordering the orifice (6) of the part (4) and extending respectively along a first and a second support plane;one of the first (110) and second (111) plates having at least two support members (115, 1151, 1152) which are in contact with an edge (63) of the orifice (6) respectively in a first (D1) and a second (D2) contact directions; the first (D1) and the second (D2) contact direction being intersecting each other; and, in that the sensor (9) is fixed to the first plate (110).;

2. Assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device (11) comprises two connecting members for fixing the first plate (110) to the second plate (111).

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first (110) and second (111) plates each have a flat bearing surface (1101, 1111) respectively bearing against the edge surfaces (61, 62) of the orifice (6) and in that the at least two bearing members (115) are tabs perpendicular to the bearing surface of the first or second plate.

4. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fastening device (11) comprises three support members (115), the third support member (1151) is also in support against the edge (63) of the orifice (6) along the first support direction (Dl).

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that part (4) is a lower arm (4) of a front axle.

6. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor (9) is a ride height measurement sensor.

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor (9) comprises a sensor module (91) intended to be fixed to a part of the motor vehicle movable relative to the part (4) having the orifice (6), a connecting rod (92) having a first end (921) and a second end (922) which is opposite the first end (921), and a ball joint (93) which is attached to the second end (922) of the connecting rod (92), said first end (921) being attached to the sensor module (91) and the ball joint (93) being attached to the first plate (110).

8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one of the first (110) and second (111) plates has at least two protrusions (1151, 1152, 1154), the other has cutouts (1102) and in that the protrusions (1151, 1152, 1154) and the cutouts (1102) are located vertically opposite each other and are arranged to ensure positioning of the first plate (110) relative to the second plate (111).

9. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting member is a screwable connecting member.

10. Motor vehicle comprising an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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