SE538931C2

SE538931C2 - A system for providing a ground source of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE538931C2
Application number: SE1550774A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Larsson Anders; Kling Robert; Vager Lars; Brunnsåker Magnus
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2015-06-10
Filing date: 2015-06-10
Publication date: 2017-02-21
Also published as: SE1550774A1; DE102016006463B4; BR102016010959A2; DE102016006463A1

Description

A system for providing a ground source of a vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle being arranged with said system for providing a reliable ground source for power consuming units of said vehicle.

BACKGROUND Vehicles of today, such as trucks, are equipped with various electronic devices or electrical devices also denoted power consuming devices, such as actuators, control units, etc. More examples of such power consuming devices may be a motor fan or an electrical wind screen heater. These power consuming devices of the vehicle may be powered by an electrical machine being connected to an engine of the vehicle. Said power consuming devices may alternatively be powered by an energy storage means, such as a separate battery or an electrical storage means of a hybrid configuration being arranged for propulsion of the vehicle.

Said power consuming devices are today connected to a number of different ground sources for providing a reference voltage of said devices. Today there is provided a number of ground points within the vehicle. Typically there is provided a number of electrical connectors at predetermined locations within a cab of the vehicle. Each of said electrical connectors is provided with a fixed number of terminals, wherein each terminal in turn is connected to a specific power consuming device by means of a suitable wire.

The required need for providing more ground terminals for providing ground access points is continuously increasing. This is due to the ongoing development of vehicles whereby more and more electronic equipment is installed for each new generation/model of vehicles. Since each of said electrical connectors only is provided with a limited number of ground terminals, e.g. 21 ground terminals, which terminals further are dedicated to a specific electronic device, a relatively low flexibility and configurability is achieved. It may in fact sometimes be the case that all terminals of the electrical connectors are occupied.

It should be noted that said electrical connectors often are in the form of a plastic housing comprising said terminals and are thus quite bulky. Due to the fact that said electrical terminals are provided at predetermined locations distributed within the cab of the vehicle substantial wiring is required for connecting each of said terminal and a respective power consuming device. This solution is bulky, in particular in an area at a dash board of the cab. This solution is also rather costly, since relatively long wires are required to connect said terminals with said power consuming devices.

Over time the electrical connections between said terminals and said wires the connections may become loose, due to wear, oscillating environment, etc. This may lead to impaired operation performance and possibly malfunction or failure of some of said power consuming devices.

US6249060 relates to an electrical system for motor vehicle control, including a control processor which controls operation of electrically operated components of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With reference to what is depicted above there is thus a need for providing a cost effective system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle.

One object of the present invention is to propose a novel and advantageous system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to propose a novel and advantageous system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, which system is less bulky and further reduces required wiring for connecting a ground source to said electrical configuration.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a system for providing a robust ground source of a vehicle, said ground source being easy to mount during a manufacturing process of the vehicle.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a versatile, adaptable and configurable system for providing a robust ground source of a vehicle.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose an alternative system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a novel and advantageous vehicle having a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a novel and advantageous vehicle allowing for easy, and hereby relatively cost effective, installation of a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a cab of the vehicle.

Some of these objects are achieved with a system according to claim 1. Other objects are achieved with a vehicle being equipped with the inventive system according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are depicted in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle. Said ground source comprising an elongated ground member arranged to be connected to ground of the vehicle by means of at least one fastening means, said ground source being arranged to provide at least one access point along said elongated ground member, wherein said at least one access point is adapted to be connected to a wire configuration for providing ground to an electrical component of said electrical configuration of said vehicle.

Hereby said system provides for high reliability, cost effective manufacturing and installation as well as presenting a space saving configuration. The total length of said wire configuration may be kept to a minimum, which in turn provide a space saving configuration and reduced costs regarding wire material. Said electrical component may be an electronic component. Said electrical component may be referred to as a power consuming unit.

The inventive system may advantageously be installed in a truck or lorry because of the typically great variety of vehicle configurations provided by manufacturers. The system is easy to implement in any kind of truck or lorry configuration.

Said elongated ground member may be arranged in a vehicle cab and connected to a cab framework.

Said elongated ground member may be arranged to be connected to ground of the vehicle by means of a fastening means, one at each end portion of said elongated ground member. Said elongated ground member is easy and quick to install in a vehicle cab during a manufacturing process of the vehicle, thus providing a cost effective system according to an aspect of the invention, paying regard to reduced requested labour at an assembly facility. Said fastening means may be any suitable fastening means.

Said elongated ground member may according to an example embodiment be fixedly fastened to e.g. a frame work of said cab for providing a reliable ground connection. This may be performed by a welding process. Said elongated ground member may be fixedly fastened to e.g. a frame work of said cab by means of any suitable adhesive.

Said elongated ground member may according to an example embodiment be detachably connected to e.g. a frame work of said cab for providing a reliable ground connection. According to an example said elongated ground member is detachably fastened to ground of the vehicle by means of any suitable coupling member.

Said elongated ground member may be arranged along a dash board of said vehicle cab and connected to a cab framework. Hereby a less bulky and easy to install ground member is provided. Hereby a number of electrical components of said electrical configuration of said vehicle may be connected to said elongated ground member while reducing or minimizing a total required length of wires for providing ground to said electrical components.

Said wire configuration may be connected to said elongated ground member by means of an ultra-sonic weld connection. By providing so called ultra-sonic splices a reliable electrical connection between said wire configuration and said ground member is advantageously achieved. Hereby a reliable connection may be achieved in a cost effective way. Hereby long term proper and reliable function of said system is ensured. Provision of said ultra-sonic weld connection advantageously reduces hazard of improper function due to wear.

Each access point may comprise a portion of said elongated ground member where an insulating layer of said ground member is removed. Removal of said insulating layer of said ground member is relatively easy to achieve. Hereby adequate portions of said elongated ground member may be selected as access points for said wire configuration. This advantageously provides a flexible and versatile system according to an embodiment. Removal of said insulating layer may be performed manually by an operator and suitable tools. Removal of said insulating layer may be performed by means of any suitable industrial robot in an automated fashion.

According to an embodiment at least one multi pole connector element may be connected to said elongated ground member at an access point. Hereby is advantageously achieved a possibility to install an electrical connector having a fixed number of terminals for providing ground to further electrical components. Said electrical connector may be installed after manufacturing of said vehicle. Said multi pole connector element may be installed in said cab of the vehicle when applicable. This advantageously provides a versatile system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Said elongated ground member may provide a considerable cross section area, for example in the range of 10-50 mm<2>, of good electrical conductivity material. Said elongated ground member may be provided with an insulating layer, e.g. consisting of plastics or any other suitable material. Said elongated member may consist of e.g. cupper or any suitable alloy. Said cross section area may be less than 10 mm<2>. Said cross section area may be greater than 50 mm<2>. Hereby a suitable cross section area of said elongated ground member may be provided. Hereby optimal dimensions of said elongated ground member regarding space, weight, cost and performance may be chosen.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle. Said ground source comprising a ground member arranged to be connected to ground of the vehicle by means of at least one fastening means, said ground source being arranged to provide at least one access point along said elongated ground member, wherein said at least one access point is adapted to be connected to a wire configuration for providing ground to an electrical component of said electrical components of said vehicle. Herein said ground member may comprise an elongated ground member, such as a cable. Herein said at least one access point may be a plurality of access points distributed along said elongated ground member. Herein said wire configuration may be arranged for providing ground to a plurality of electrical components of said electrical configuration of said vehicle According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle cab. The vehicle may be a truck or a bus.

Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not confined to the specific details described. One skilled in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations in other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For fuller understanding of the present invention and its further objects and advantages, the detailed description set out below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various diagrams, and in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2a schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 2b schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 2c schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 2d schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 3 schematically illustrates an electrical access point, according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cab of a vehicle being provided with a ground source for an electrical configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle 100. The exemplified vehicle 100 comprises a tractor unit 110 and a trailer 112. The vehicle may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. It may alternatively be a car.

It should be noted that the inventive system for providing a ground source of an electrical configuration is applicable to various vehicles, such as e.g. a mining machine, tractor, dumper, wheel loader, platform comprising an industrial robot, forest machine, earth mover, road construction vehicle, road planner, emergency vehicle or a tracked vehicle. The vehicle may according to an example be an autonomous vehicle.

Figure 2a schematically illustrates a part of a system for providing a reliable ground source 200 of an electrical configuration of a vehicle 100, according to an example embodiment.

Said system comprises an elongated ground member 200. Said elongated ground member 200 is arranged to be connected to a first portion of a cab of said vehicle 100 at a first end portion El. A first fastening means 201 is arranged at said first end portion El of said elongated ground member 200 and/or at said first portion of said cab of said vehicle 100. Said first fastening means 201 is arranged to electrically connect said elongated ground member 200 to ground of said vehicle 100. Said elongated ground member 200 may be arranged to be fixedly secured at said first end portion El to said first portion of said cab of said vehicle 100. Alternatively said elongated ground member 200 may be arranged to be detachably connected at said first end portion El to said first portion of said cab of said vehicle 100.

Said elongated ground member 200 is arranged to be connected to a second portion of a cab of said vehicle 100 at a second end portion E2. A second fastening means 202 is arranged at said second end portion E2 of said elongated ground member 200 and/or at said second portion of said cab of said vehicle 100. Said second fastening means 202 is arranged to electrically connect said elongated ground member 200 to ground of said vehicle 100. Said elongated ground member 200 may be arranged to be fixedly secured at said second end portion E2 to said second portion of said cab of said vehicle 100. Alternatively said elongated ground member 200 may be arranged to be detachably connected at said second end portion E2 to said second portion of said cab of said vehicle 100.

Said first fastening means 201 and said second fastening means 202 may be any suitable fastening means. According to one example said first fastening means 201 and said second fastening means 202 may comprise a screw. According to one example said first fastening means 201 and said second fastening means 202 may comprise an adhesive. According to yet an example said first end portion El and said second end portion E2 may be welded to said first portion of said cab and said second portion of said cab, respectively.

Said elongated ground member 200 is connected to the cab of the vehicle 100 so that it is grounded. Hereby said elongated ground member 200 may be connected to a frame work of said cab of said vehicle 100.

According to this example embodiment said elongated ground member 200 is attached at two end portions thereof so as to constitute a ground source. According to another example embodiment only one end portion, e.g. said first end portion El, is connected to a ground portion of said cab, e.g. said first portion of said cab.

Said elongated ground member 200 is provided with a number of access points. According to this embodiment said elongated ground member 200 is provided with four access points, namely a first access point PI, second access point P2, third access point P3 and a fourth access point P4. According to this example said four access points P1-P4 are substantially evenly distributed along said elongated ground member 200. Said elongated ground member 200 may have an arbitrary suitable number of access points. The access points may be distributed in any suitable way. According to an example 10 or 25 access points may be provided at said elongated ground member 200. The number of access points and a distribution of said access points along said elongated ground member is a choice of design, paying regard to the power consuming units which are to be connected to said elongated ground member 200.

Each of said access point has a number of electrical wires connected between said elongated ground member 200 and a number of power consuming units for providing ground to said power consuming units. According to this example said first access point PI has two electrical wires, namely a first electrical wire Wla and a second electrical wire Wlb. Herein said second access point P2 is provided with two electrical wires, namely a first electrical wire W2a and a second electrical wire W2b. Said third access point P3 is provided with two electrical wires, namely a first electrical wire W3a and a second electrical wire W3b. Said fourth access point P4 is provided with two electrical wires, namely a first electrical wire W4a and a second electrical wire W4b. It should be noted that each of said access points Pl-P4 may be provided with a suitable number of electrical wires each being electrically connected to a respective power consuming unit. According to one example each of said access points P1-P4 may be provided with more than 10 separate electrical wires. According to one example each of said access points P1-P4 may be provided with more than 50 separate electrical wires. Each of said access points may be distributed in a way such that the total required length of said electrical wires connecting provided power consuming units with said elongated ground member is minimized. Herein said wire configuration refers to said provided electrical wires connecting said elongated ground member and said power consuming units. Said electrical wires of said wire configuration may consist of any suitable electrical wires, such as for example insulated copper wires.

For sake of clarity, only four power consuming units are present in Figure 2a. It is illustrated that said first access point PI is provided with said first electrical wire Wla and said second electrical wire Wlb. Said first electrical wire Wla is connected to a first power consuming unit 110a. Said second electrical wire Wlb is connected to a second power consuming unit 110b. It is further illustrated that said second access point P2 is provided with said first electrical wire W2a and said second electrical wire W2b. Said first electrical wire W2a is connected to a first power consuming unit 120a. Said second electrical wire W2b is connected to a second power consuming unit 120b. Hereby said power consuming units 110a, 110b, 120a and 120b are connected to said elongated ground member 200 via said electrical wires Wla, Wlb, W2a and W2b, respectively. Said power consuming units may be denoted power consuming devices.

It should be understood that said electrical wires of said third access point P3 and said fourth access point P4 also are connected to a respective dedicated power consuming unit, even though it not illustrated in Figure 2a.

According to an example at least one electrical wire of any access point may not connected to a power consuming unit, but may function as back-up in case yet another power consuming unit is to be installed in said vehicle 100.

Said power consuming units may be any suitable power consuming units. Said power consuming units may for example be anyone chosen from a group comprising: electronic control unit, electrical instrument, electrical machine, l/O-unit, actuator means, auxiliary device, etc. Said power consuming units may be any power consuming units requiring provision of electrical ground. Said electrical configuration may comprise said power consuming units.

Herein said power consuming units are powered by at least one power source, such as a battery package or an electrical machine. For sake of simplicity power sources for electrically powering said power consuming units are not illustrated or depicted in greater detail herein. The description of various embodiments of the present invention is focused on provision of ground (GND) to said power consuming units. According to one example "ground" herein is intended to be a reference voltage, such as for example 0 Volts.

Figure 2b schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention; Hereby is presented an alternative configuration of said elongated member 200. Hereby two access points PI and P2 are provided Said access points PI and P2, having said wires Wla, Wlb, W2a and W2b, as well as the end portions El and E2 are depicted with reference to Figure 2a.

According to this example a fifth access point P5 is provided. A fifth electrical wire W5 is arranged between said elongated ground member and an electrical connector device 250. Said electrical connector device 250 is provided with n terminals, where n is a positive integer, such as 10, 20 or 30. Each of said n terminals may be connected to a power consuming unit. Herein is presented that a first terminal 250:1 is connected to a power consuming unit 150a by means of an electrical wire W5:l. The terminal number n is hereby connected to a power consuming unit 250:n by means of an electrical wire W5:n. It should be noted that a number of terminals, possibly all of said terminals, may be connected to a dedicated power consuming unit via a respective electrical wire. Hereby ground may be provided to a number of power consuming members by means of said connector device 250 and suitable electrical wires from said fifth access point.

Said electrical connector device 250 may be referred to as a multi pole connector element. Herein said electrical connector device 250 is arranged to provide ground on each terminal.

According to one example more than one connector device may be provided in a similar way as depicted above.

Figure 2c schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle 100, according to an aspect of the invention.

Said system comprises said elongated ground member 200. Said elongated ground member 200 is arranged to be connected to a first portion of a cab of said vehicle 100 at said first end portion El by means of said first fastening means 201. Said elongated ground member 200 is arranged to be connected to a second portion of a cab of said vehicle 100 at said second end portion E2 by means of said second fastening means 202.

According to this example there is provided a third end portion E3 of said elongated ground member. Said elongated ground member 200 is hereby arranged to be connected to a third portion of a cab of said vehicle 100 at said third end portion E3 by means of a third suitable fastening means 203. Said third fastening means 203 is arranged to electrically connect said elongated ground member 200 to ground of said vehicle 100 so as to further increase stability and reliability of said elongated ground member 200. Said elongated ground member 200 may be arranged to be fixedly secured at said third end portion E3 to said third portion of said cab of said vehicle 100. Alternatively said elongated ground member 200 may be arranged to be detachably connected at said third end portion E3 to said third portion of said cab of said vehicle 100. Herein said elongated ground member 200 is generally Y-shaped.

Figure 2d schematically illustrates a system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle, according to an aspect of the invention.

Hereby is presented an embodiment of the system presented with reference to Figure 2c. Hereby said elongated ground member 200 is provided with three access points between said first end portion El and said second end portion E2, namely said first access point PI, said second access point P2 and said third access point P3. Further, said fourth access point P4 is provided in proximity of said third end portion E2. Herein said elongated ground member 200 is generally Y-shaped.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates said first electrical access point PI, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Hereby, a number of electrical wires are provided between a respective power consuming unit and said elongated ground member 200. Any suitable number of electrical wires may be connected to said elongated ground member 200 at each access point thereof. According to this example m electrical wires are connected to said elongated ground member 200, where m is a positive integer, such as for example 10, 20 or 30. Herein said first electrical wire Wla is connected to said first power consuming unit 110a, etc. Hereby said power consuming units are connected to ground for proper performance and operation.

Various techniques for connecting said electrical wires Wla-Wlm to said elongated ground member may be applied. According to this example said electrical wires Wla-Wlm are crimped by means of a crimping element 300 at said elongated ground member 200. This may be performed manually by means of suitable tools. Alternatively said crimping process may be performed by means of any suitable industrial robot at an assembly facility. Any suitable number of electrical wires may be connected to an access point of said elongated member 200. It should also be noted that said connected electrical wires may present mutually independent lengths. The respective lengths of electrical wire may thus be mutually different. A length of each of said electrical wire is chosen on the basis of a relative position of a respective power consuming unit.

One advantageous technique for connecting said electrical wires to said elongated ground member 200 is so called ultrasonic welding. Hereby reliable connections of said electrical wires to said elongated ground member are achieved. Ultrasonic welding is a technique whereby high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to elements being held together under pressure. Hereby a solid-state weld is created so as to fastening said electrical wires to said elongated ground member. According to this technique there are no connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives necessary to bind the materials together.

According to another technique for connecting said electrical wires to said elongated ground member 200 any suitable adhesive may be used. Alternatively any suitable connecting element may be used for connecting said electrical wires to said elongated ground member 200. According to one example various connecting techniques may be used at different access points.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cab 410 of the vehicle 110 being provided with a ground source of an electrical configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Hereby is illustrated Hereby is illustrated that said elongated ground member 200 is arranged along a dash board of a cab 410 of the vehicle 110. Said elongated ground member 200 is hereby arranged beneath said dash board. Said elongated ground member 200 is thus non visible from a drivers perspective in said cab.

Said elongated ground member 200 is connected to ground portions of said cab at said first end portion El and said second end portion E2. Hereby said elongated ground member 200 is connected to ground of said vehicle 110.

For purposes of illustration a wind screen 420 and a steering wheel 430 of said cab is schematically illustrated.

Hereby said elongated ground member 200 is arranged to provide ground to a number of power consuming units of the vehicle 110 via an electrical wire configuration (not shown).

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications and thereby make it possible for one skilled in the art to understand the invention for different embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims

1. A system for providing a reliable ground source of an electrical configuration of a vehicle (110), characterized in that said ground source comprises an elongated ground member (200) arranged to be connected to ground of the vehicle (110) by means of at least one fastening means (201; 202; 203), said ground source being arranged to provide at least one access point (PI; P2; P3; P4; P5) along said elongated ground member (200), wherein said at least one access point (PI; P2; P3; P4; P5) is adapted to be connected to a wire configuration (Wla-Wlb; Wla-Wlm; W2a; W2b; W3a; W3b; W4a; W4b; W5; W5:l-W5-n) for providing ground to an electrical component (110a; 110b; HOa-llOm; 120a; 120b; 150a-150n) of said electrical configuration of said vehicle (110).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said elongated ground member (200) is arranged to be connected to ground of the vehicle (110) by means of a fastening means (201; 202; 203), one at each end portion of said ground member (200).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said elongated ground member (200) is arranged along a dash board of a vehicle cab (110) and connected to a cab framework.

4. The system according to anyone of the claims 1-3, wherein said wire configuration is connected to said elongated ground member (200) by means of an ultra-sonic weld connection.

5. The system according to anyone of the claims 1-4, wherein each access point (P1-P5) comprises a portion of said elongated ground member (200) where an insulating layer of said ground member (200) is removed.

6. The system according to anyone of the claims 1-5, wherein at least one multi pole connector element (250) is connected to said elongated ground member at an access point (P1-P5).

7. The system according to anyone of the claims 1-6, wherein said elongated ground member (200) provides a considerable cross section area, for example in the range of 10-50 mm <2> , of good electrical conductivity material.

8. A vehicle comprising the system according to anyone of the claims 1-7.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, which vehicle is a truck or a bus.