DE19758075A1 - Sensor mounting sleeve connected to vehicle shock damper - Google Patents

Abstract

The sensor mounting sleeve (11) is attached to a preferably plastics plate (1) in the vehicle. The plastics plate has an attachment fitting (3) molded in one piece with it. The sleeve is mounted on the attachment fitting and connected to it with a non-removable joint, preferably a weld.

Description

The invention relates to a mounting arrangement for sensors, especially transmitter or receiver for distance measurement. For Such sensors have been installed in the bumper Motor vehicle proven, such as in DE-OS 43 33 066th or DE-OS 195 28 474 is described. The Sensors both as radiation receivers and as beams serve service stations or both sequentially in succession have fulfilled. The known arrangements mentioned consist in usually from a receptacle for the sensor, from which to at least part through a prepared opening in the joint catcher from its outside facing away from the vehicle to its Inserted on the inside and then in the bumper core. As the location of the sensor increases during its operation a number of measures must be taken be met, the location of the well-known recording facility secure against the bumper permanently.

The invention is therefore based on a fastening arrangement the resulting from the preamble of claim 1 tung. The object of the invention is to ver the attachment simple and compared to a possible change of position of the Sensors even safer and at the same time by one  simplified structure of the arrangement the cost of installation to reduce the sensor in the motor vehicle.

The task is characterized by a characteristic of the Part of claim 1 resulting combination of features solved. In principle, the invention therefore consists in the arrangement to build essentially from two parts, of which one part is integrally connected to the bumper and already at the manufacture of which is being worked on during the other part of the arrangement with the first part insoluble ver bound, in particular is welded. This creates a permanent connection of the two parts of the arrangement. Since the first part of the arrangement to the bumper at its Manufacture cast on or poured into this can he also have the same material and color scheme and is extremely durable and firmly connected to the bumper. In addition, the preliminary work when casting the bumper relatively small because you can design the first part that its dimensions are perpendicular to the surface of the bumper gers are comparatively very small. The casting of the e Most part is therefore technically quite simple. The first Part can also be made of a different material than the bumper be like B. an iron body that ver with the bumper is poured. According to the invention, this is used as a receiving sleeve designed second part on the designed as an approach first part plugged in and one through an opening in the The protruding sleeve is deformed by welding in such a way that either the two parts are welded together or at least one of the advantages of the approach spatial deformation, which results in the undercut Holding sleeve holds. The second case is for example important if the receiving sleeve is not made of plastic, but made of metal or another suitable material is formed. However, it is also possible within the scope of the invention  Lich, releasably connect the receiving sleeve to the approach, e.g. B. to snap.

Another advantage of the invention is that the to be connected with the approach, e.g. B. To be welded receiving sleeve can be adapted to the sensor to be recorded, so that different sensors are invented on the bumper can be attached properly. So the arrangement is usually not detachably attached to the bumper, however, it can be easily applied to the various sensor types to adjust.

For the connection, especially welding itself different methods can be used. For example the necessary hints can be achieved by hot forming at the base intersection between neck and sleeve can be achieved. In practice has proven itself for the receiving sleeve as well how to choose plastic for the approach, being the art fabric parts preferably by ultrasonic welding to each other get connected.

In principle, the invention is for all types of sensors suitable, which environmental parameters for control devices ei nes motor vehicle to measure. A particularly advantageous te application for the invention results from the feature combination according to claim 2. Since the bumpers rule today be moderately molded from plastic, it is according to the invention particularly appropriate, the approach (first part) of the arrangement to be molded onto the bumper.

To determine the position of the receiving sleeve during the welding process to secure against the approach can be provided  first of all to snap this onto the base and then to ver welding. But it is also within the scope of the invention the inside surface of the bumper facing the vehicle to cast on an approach pointing to the vehicle this approach releasably the receptacle with the bumper fasten, for example by locking. It is essential that part of the receiving arrangement ver with the bumper is poured.

Receives a particularly simple design of the recording one by the combination of features according to claim 3 is the fastening approach with at least one loading provided fastening projection, which through an opening in the receiving sleeve protrudes. This advantage can be achieved with the bordering districts welded to the sleeve or through a hot deformation can be positively connected. The before jump can also be locked with the receiving sleeve, so that it is detachable.

A particularly good alignment of the receiving sleeve the approach and thus the bumper is by the in An reached 4 described combination of features. After that there are several projections evenly on a circumference spread from the surface of the bumper so that the Sleeve is secured several times against the approach and against over transverse moments coming from all directions to the Sleeve provides the same stability of attachment.

On the sleeve are still Rastla known per se provided for detachable mounting of the sensor. By the subsequent attachment of the sleeve to the bumper the sleeve can at the same time as already explained above,  used as an adapter for different types of sensors the.

Around the beam path of those emitted by the sensor To improve ultrasound or radar radiation is the Bumper according to the combination of features according to claim 5 with provided a circular opening through which the Sensor emits. The circularity of the breakthrough is but not mandatory. It can also be slit-shaped breaks are provided, for example around the club shape to influence the sensor radiation positively.

In some cases it may be enough to have a breakthrough to do without in the bumper, but only locally reduce its strength so that it is in the area of Sen sors acts as an aperture that that emitted by the sensor Radiation such as radar radiation only a little opposed to resistance. Radar radiation can also also be formed in such a way that they are also larger Thickness of the bumper is not hindered.

Especially if the bumper has a breakthrough, it is advisable to trim the edge with a ring rib sen and the protruding from the bumper surface jumps laterally with the outer surface of the annular rib connect. This gives the projections a higher one Reinforcement. In addition, the end face of the ring rib at the same time as a contact surface for the sensor and / or the Serve the receiving sleeve of the sensor (see claim 9). A Other and possibly additional investment opportunities for the Auf The receiving sleeve results from the combination of features according to An saying 6. The spacing ribs can be simultaneously  be connected in pieces with the projections, which for Fi xation of the receiving sleeve. To the contact surface of the To enlarge the sleeve, this can be according to the combination of features tion according to claim 6 with a circumferential console (collar) be provided, which are against the spacer ribs supports. Clear about the angular position of the receiving sleeve Securing against the bumper can change in Next education of the invention, the combination of features according to claim 8 recommend. After that, the projections can only be with one agreed with the angular position of the receiving sleeve reach through ordered openings so that the receiving sleeve not in the wrong installation position compared to the fastening attachment can be fixed or locked.

Different heights of the spacing ribs can also the spacer sleeve or the sensor with a predetermined Tilt against the bumper. Like this is described in connection with claim 7.

A second solution to the problem arises from the features according to claim 10. This inventive solution consists in the core in not holding the holder through a preferably unsolvable Connection via an approach to connect to the bumper but to snap the holder into the bumper. Here can, as in the embodiments described above also play, the plate be curved and only in the reverse exercise of the bumper have a flat part. Essential is that the plate in its areal extent is very much is greater than its thickness. Otherwise, the shape the plate is less important with regard to the invention. The solution according to claim 10 allows it already with Snap the sensor-equipped holder into the plate. Here  the detachable connection is directly between the holder and the plate itself. An additional approach to the plate or the bumper is not necessary. Of course allow the features of the invention that the sensor subsequently from the back or the front of the Plate is inserted into the holder. An exchange of the Sensor is therefore still possible. Furthermore, too the holder is releasably attached so that it can be connected to a sensor or can be exchanged on its own. Farther can the holder as an adapter for with changed dimensions provided sensors are used. In this case an im noticeably modified with its internal dimensions, with the Sensor equipped holder compared to the older holder swaps, d. H. the older holder disengaged and the new one Holder snapped into place.

If you want to populate the holder from the front, so the feature is recommended in a further development of the invention Combination according to claim 11. The built-in holder works especially appealing when you have it wrapped around Provides a head start, since here the geometric configuration becomes pretty easy. With the combination of features according to An Say 11 grab the locking tabs on the back of the Plate and are therefore not visible to the viewer. The Ver Use of the features according to claim 3. The sensor locked with the holder via locking means. But he can also in another form (e.g. by screws) can be released with the holder be connected or ver non-detachable with the holder be bound. In this case it can also be useful prove moderate, the holder with the sensor housing in one piece to combine so that the locking means and holding means according to the  o.a. Features added directly to the sensor housing or with are united in one piece.

Occasionally, the shock produced in large series catchers in their dimensions, especially in their strength, differ slightly from each other. To prevent the rest connection is loosened with thinner bumpers is recommended the combination of features in a development of the invention according to claim 4. The located on the back of the plate supporting locking fingers are thus designed such that they at the same time a spreading locking fingers pull the front end of the holder towards the back exert force. The circumferential projection is thus fixed against the edge of the opening on the front of the Pulled bumper. One obtains particularly simple locking arms according to the combination of features according to claim 14 molded on the lateral surface locking arms, which are only slightly gig leak below the projection on the holder.

To now be the possible swivel angle for the locking arms limit and thereby a buckling of the locking arms when force It is advisable to prevent the holder from being affected Development of the invention according to the combination of features Claim 15.

To the automated assembly of sensor and holder too facilitate, the Merk Painting combination proposed according to claim 17. After that are The surface of the holder and sensor is designed in such a way that an assembly in a twisted state is not possible. To the construction of the components mentioned To simplify, it is ensured that the Rastmit  tel also for joining sensor and holder still act as a rotation lock. For example, the Locking tabs of the holder just before locking the holder if they fit into a corresponding groove in the holder to run. Conversely, moving the sensor into the Holder can be prevented that in the wrong rotational position Barrier walls on the sensor run against the ends of the locking tabs and thus an insertion movement of the sensor into the holder Prevent wrong rotation. The invention describes still a suitable method for assembling the Sen sors in the bumper according to the characteristics of An Proverb 18. As already explained above, is also a different order of assembling the parts possible. The invention also allows the sensor in snap the holder into the bumper. There the insertion movement can in principle be from the front or the rear of the bumper. Doing so you welcome an installation from the front, because at assembled vehicle the rear of the bumper is difficult to access.

An embodiment of the invention is described below hand of the drawing explained. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows the approach of a first embodiment of the invention on the inner surface of the bumper.

Fig. 2 seen the same approach as Fig. 1 from the outer surface of the bumper.

FIGS. 3 and 4 obligations the receiving sleeve from two different Rich.

Fig. 5 in an exploded view of the receiving sleeve compared to the mounting approach.

Fig. 6, the receiving sleeve of FIG. 5, wherein the loading attachment against the inner surface of the bumper has an inclined end face.

Fig. 7 on the approach to Fig. 5 attached fastening sleeve and

Fig. 8, the deformation of the projections of the projection according to Fig. 7.

9 to 11 show a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a section of the bumper 1 , on the inner surface 2, a fastening projection is cast. The mounting attachment points in the installed state from the inner surface of the shock absorber to the vehicle. The fastening supply approach 3 has an annular rib 4 , which comprises an opening 5 in the bumper 1 . The end face 6 of the annular rib 4 also serves as a contact surface for the receiving sleeve, not shown in FIG. 1.

Three projections 7 protrude perpendicularly from the inner surface 2 of the bumper 1 and lean with a lower section against the outer circumferential surface of the ring rib 4 , whereby the material closure gives them a higher strength.

The projections 7 move radially outwardly into spacer ribs 8 on, 9 serve their surfaces to the inner surface 2 of the bumper 1 in wesentli parallel front surfaces as a support for a umlau Fende console of the receiving sleeve.

Fig. 2, the outer surface 1 shows a section according to FIG. Corresponding portion of the bumper 1, and therefore the not visible in Fig. 1 of the bumper. A protrusion 7 protruding from the inner surface (not shown) can be seen through the opening 5 in FIG. 2. This results in a very smooth outer surface 10 for the bumper, which is easy to machine and in particular can be painted.

Fig. 3 shows the receiving sleeve 11 , which has a circumferential bracket 12 at its inner surface 10 of the bumper 1 facing end. The sleeve 11 is rule with resilient Rastla 13 which by lateral sleeve, up to the console 12 projecting from the slots of the hollow cylindrical wall of the housing are machined. 11 For the attachment of the receiving sleeve 11 on the attachment projection 3 are important three openings 15 in the receiving sleeve, which are evenly distributed over the circumference of a circle. The projections 7 according to FIG. 1 can pass through these openings and reach behind the console 12 .

FIG. 4 shows the rear surface 16 opposite the front surface 17 of the bracket 12 of the receiving sleeve 11 according to FIG. 3. An annular collar 18 can also be seen in FIG. 4, with the end face 19 of the receiving sleeve 11 on the end face 6 of the annular rib 4 ( Fig. 1) supports.

The operation of the locking tabs 13 is described in connection with DE-OS 195 28 474 and will not be explained again at this point.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the approach 3 with opposite receiving sleeve 11 in the installation direction before connecting these two parts of the fastening arrangement according to the invention. Fig. 6 shows essentially the same arrangement as Fig. 5. The special difference is that the spacing ribs 8 have a different height, so that the receiving sleeve 11 can be placed inclined relative to the inner surface 2 of the bumper 1 as desired. Accordingly, the plane spanned by the end face 6 is inclined relative to the inner surface 2 of the bumper 1 . This results in a certain inclination of the sensor relative to the surface of the road, which is desired for measurement purposes.

FIG. 7 shows the receiving sleeve 11 placed on the fastening projection 3 , the projections 7 projecting through the openings 15 in the receiving sleeve 11 . At the same time, the front surface 17 of the console 12 rests on the front surfaces 9 of the spacer ribs 8 . In addition, the end face 19 of the annular collar 15 bears against the end face 6 of the annular rib 4 (not shown in FIG. 7). Fig. 8 finally shows the deformation of the projections 7 by ultrasonic welding or another suitable molding process. The material of the projections at the interface with the receiving sleeve can fuse with the plastic thereof. However, this is not necessary for the invention.

In other words, the invention can be summarized as follows:
An ultrasonic transducer should be attached to the vehicle (e.g. in the bumper). The proposed solution consists of a one-piece bracket with a formed flange, which is plugged behind an opening in the bumper, to which small ribs are molded, and the ribs are then deformed by ultrasonic welding in such a way that there is a positive connection between the deformed rib and holder or flange.

To fix the position, the holder has one on the flange additional collar on which the coaxiality between Hal ter and hole in the bumper ensures. The flange itself is provided with breakthroughs through which the am Be bumper or ribs molded onto the bumper can cross through any cross-sectional shape to subsequently to be deformed by ultrasound and a shape establish a conclusive connection.

By heels on the ribs, which in a certain level ne molded can also have a direction Orientation are integrated, and thus the holder under different inclinations in the bumper or strip to be brought.  

Benefits:

• - easy construction;
• - one holder for all positions;
• - Visually appealing solution.

Through the above-described formation of paragraphs on the Ribs is also using a standard holder different spatial orientation possible. Hereby there is a logistics and administrative advantage from Re Production of the number of equipment for the vehicle necessary number of holders regardless of the curvature of the Bumper.

A second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 shows the holder 101 , which has essentially the shape of a hollow cylinder. The holder carries at its end facing the front of the bumper, not shown, a circumferential projection 102 , which is supported on the edge of the opening, not shown, through which the holder is inserted into the plate.

Important for the invention are the outwardly inclined ela tical locking projections 103rd These projections are inclined so far outwards in their rest position that they span a circular outer circumference, which has a larger diameter than the opening through which the holder 101 is pushed as far as the stop 102 (circumferential projection). In other words: when the holder is pushed through the opening, the resilient locking projections are pivoted inward through the inner contour of the opening and then jump out again as soon as they have passed the edge of the opening. As a result, the holder 101 is locked in relation to the plate, since the latching projections on the back engage behind the edge of the opening. The strength of the locking projections is chosen such that they have enough space even when the sensor is not locked (not shown) to be able to dodge ge in relation to the edge of the opening. This allows the holder equipped with the sensor to be pushed through the opening, after which it snaps into place.

At the ends of the locking projections 103 stops 104 are arranged or cast on, which strike the opening at the inner edge of the opening when pivoting out the locking projections 103 and thus limit the outward pivoting movement of the locking projections 103 in the installed state of the holder 101 .

At the end of the latching projections facing the circumferential projection 102 , the end faces are provided with a radially inwardly increasing inclination. These attack surfaces 105 described in this way therefore have the property of being supported on the inner edge of the opening in the plate when the latching projections 103 swing out during the latching process and thereby pulling the holder 101 further through the opening until the circumferential projection 102 securely at the opening edge strikes on the front of the bumper. In this way, the holder 101 jams automatically with the area around the opening. The upper portion of the holder is slightly tapered outwards and thus forms a centering of the holder with respect to the opening. At the end of the holder 101 facing the viewer in FIG. 9, latching tabs 106 are provided as latching means, which latching recesses 107 have. The locking tabs are bent open when the sensor is inserted. The sensor, not shown, sits the projections assigned to the latching openings 107 , which are engaged by the latching openings 107 in the locked state and thus hold the sensor. In the exemplary embodiment, the holder 101 has two locking tabs 106 . However, further locking tabs can also be used or only a single locking tab can be provided. Fig. 11 shows an incorporated in the holder 101 side Füh approximately slot 108 , which serves as a means of rotation, so that a inserted in the holder 101 with a corresponding guide projection sensor is automatically brought into the correct rotational position.

The holder according to the invention is regularly designed so that it is inserted into the plate opening with the sensor fitted can be and is locked there with the plate. It is within the scope of the invention it is also conceivable that the dimensions conditions with regard to the strength of the locking projections and the An is designed such that the holder without a sensor can be locked in the opening and subsequently in the inserted holder with its Outer contour for a further expansion of the locking projections and thus ensures automatic locking of the catch.

Claims (18)

1. Arrangement for fastening a sensor to a plate (plastic part) ( 1 ) of a motor vehicle, which is preferably made of plastic, characterized in that on the plastic part ( 1 ) a fastening projection ( 3 ) is integrally cast that a receiving sleeve ( 11 ) for the sensor plugged onto the extension ( 3 ) and at least at least one suitable connection point ( 7 , 15 ) the fastening sleeve ( 8 ) with the attachment extension ( 3 ) is preferably connected by a non-releasable connection, in particular welding. 2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic part ( 1 ) is a bumper and the sensor is an ultrasonic distance sensor. 3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening projection is provided with at least one fastening projection ( 7 ), which in the mounted state of the receiving sleeve ( 11 ) through an assigned opening ( 17 ) in the receiving sleeve ( 8 ) protrudes and that in the fixed state of the receiving sleeve, the free end of the projection ( 7 ) engages behind the surrounding edge region of the opening ( 15 ) by deformation, preferably by welding. 4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving sleeve ( 11 ) is molded from plastic and a plurality of uniform projections ( 7 ) distributed on the circumference of a circle substantially perpendicular to the inner surface ( 2 ) of the plastic part protrude that the receiving sleeve is substantially hollow cylindrical and is provided at its end facing away from the fastening projection ( 3 ) with locking tabs ( 13 ) for releasably fastening a sensor. 5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bumper is provided with a circular opening ( 5 ). 6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening projection ( 3 ) and / or the plastic part ( 1 ) is provided with spacing ribs ( 8 ), against which in the installed state the end face of a circumferential collar ( 18 and / or 12th ) of the receiving sleeve ( 11 ). 7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of the spacer ribs ( 8 ) is selected so that the bracket ( 12 ) with a given inclination with respect to the plastic part ( 1 ) bears against spacer ribs ( 8 ). 8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimensions of the projections ( 8 ) and the associated openings ( 15 ) are set such that the receiving sleeve ( 7 ) only in a predetermined rotational position on the neck ( 3 ) is attachable. 9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic part ( 1 ) facing away from the end face ( 6 ) of the annular rib ( 4 ) serves as a contact surface for the plastic part ( 1 ) facing end face of a sensor. 10. With an arrangement for attachment to a plate, in particular bumper of a motor vehicle provided sensor, preferably distance sensor, characterized in that the arrangement has a substantially zylin-shaped holder ( 101 ) which can be connected to the plate, the holder by an opening protrudes in the plate and can be detachably connected to the plate by means of at least one elastic locking projection ( 3 ) engaging behind the plate. 11. The arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the holder ( 101 ) by means of a preferably circumferential lateral projection ( 102 ) on the front of the plat te, while the or the latching projections ( 103 ) engage the back of the plate. 12. Sensor according to claim 10, characterized in that the holder ( 101 ) is provided with first latching means ( 6 , 7 ), via which the sensor provided with assigned second latching means can be releasably latched to the holder ( 101 ). 13. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching projection ( 103 ) with an inclined engagement surface ( 105 ) is supported on the back of the plate, preferably in the vicinity of the opening, the inclination being selected such that a force thereby is exerted on the holder ( 101 ), which is directed from the front of the plate to the rear. 14. Sensor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching projections ( 103 ) from the lateral surface of the holder ( 101 ) projecting elastic latching arms, which preferably leak slightly below the pre jump ( 102 ). 15. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free ends of the locking arms ( 103 ) are provided with stops ( 104 ) which engage on the inner edge of the opening of the plate and limit the outward movement of the locking arms ( 103 ). 16. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inclined engagement surfaces ( 105 ) are inserted into the end faces of the latching arms ( 103 ). 17. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder ( 101 ) and the sensor with mutually associated anti-rotation means ( 108 ) are verses that allow the locking of the two elements only in a predetermined rotational position. 18. A method for mounting the sensor according to one of the preceding claims in the plate, characterized in that the sensor is inserted in its measuring direction in the holder ( 101 ) and locked with this and then the holder ( 101 ) thus equipped by the Front of the plate against the direction of measurement inserted into the plate opening and locked with the plate.