U.S. patent application number 11/526606 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for retaining frame for a support element of a sensor.
Invention is credited to Andrejus Afanasjevas, Juergen Bach, Dirk Erdloff, Jochen Gans, Rudolf Hartmann, Thomas Polzer, Hans-Michael Schmitt.
Application Number | 20070205348 11/526606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34963732 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070205348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmitt; Hans-Michael ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Retaining frame for a support element of a sensor
Abstract
A retaining frame for a support element of a sensor in a motor
vehicle is disclosed. The retaining frame has a flat underside that
can be adhered to a window of a motor vehicle, and having an
opening with at least one contact surface for the support element
in which opening the support element can be positioned flat on the
window and against the contact surface, and has a spring element by
which a force can be applied to the support element.
Inventors: |
Schmitt; Hans-Michael;
(Muennerstadt, DE) ; Bach; Juergen; (Salz, DE)
; Polzer; Thomas; (Bad Neustadt, DE) ; Erdloff;
Dirk; (Hohenroth, DE) ; Hartmann; Rudolf;
(Salz, DE) ; Gans; Jochen; (Wargolshausen, DE)
; Afanasjevas; Andrejus; (Bed Neustadt, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGRATH, GEISSLER, OLDS & RICHARDSON, PLLC
P.O. BOX 1364
FAIRFAX
VA
22038-1364
US
|
Family ID: |
34963732 |
Appl. No.: |
11/526606 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP05/03276 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
|
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11526606 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/503 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S 1/0822 20130101;
B60S 1/0881 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/503 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/00 20060101
A47B097/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 26, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 015 402.3 |
Claims
1. A retaining frame for at least one support element of a sensor
in a motor vehicle, the retaining frame comprising: a flat
underside that is adhereable to a window of the motor vehicle; an
opening with at least one contact surface for the support element,
in which opening the support element is positioned such that it is
substantially flat on the window; and a spring element that applies
a force to the support element.
2. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein at least one
projection is provided on the retaining frame so that the support
element is clamped into the retaining frame.
3. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein a connecting
element formed as a receptacle or plug is formed as a single part
on the support element so that the support element can be connected
with a detachable electric line.
4. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the spring
element includes at least one bent spring rod and is held in the
retaining frame so that one end of the spring rod acts in a
direction of the support element and another end is hooked with
preloading in a projection of the retaining frame.
5. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the spring
element includes at least one extension that is molded onto the
retaining frame as a single piece, and wherein the extension is
brought over the support element.
6. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the retaining
frame is made of an injection-moldable material and the spring
element is composed of at least one formed metal sheet, wherein the
formed metal sheet is encased by injection molding in the material
of the retaining frame, wherein the formed metal sheet projects
from the retaining frame so that the support element is positioned
and clamped under the formed metal sheet.
7. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the spring
element is composed of a combination of at least one each of the
spring elements of spring rod and/or extension and/or formed metal
sheet.
8. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the retaining
frame is made of plastic or die-cast zinc or aluminum.
9. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is
a rain sensor and/or temperature sensor and/or moisture sensor.
10. The retaining frame according to claim 8, wherein at least a
portion of the analysis electronics is contained in the support
element.
11. The retaining frame according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is
held flush with an inner side of the window and, wherein the
support element has openings so that at least one measured value
for a climate of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle can
be detected by the sensor.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application is a continuation of
International Application PCT/EP2005/003276, which was filed on
Mar. 29, 2005, and which claims priority to German Patent
Application No. DE 102004015402, which was filed in Germany on Mar.
26, 2004, and which are both herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a retaining frame for a
support element of a sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor
is held in areal contact with an inner side of a window of the
motor vehicle.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] The use of sensors in motor vehicles, for example to sense
temperature, lighting conditions, or precipitation, is commonplace
today to simplify operation and improve comfort. In addition to the
external meteorological influences to which the vehicle is exposed,
it is also commonplace to sense the climate conditions in the motor
vehicle, to measure appropriate predefinable values, such as the
passenger compartment temperature, that affect the interior
climate, and to control the heating and air conditioner with these
measured values. Such sensors are frequently fastened to the inner
side of the windshield in order to sense the external influences on
the vehicle and the relevant data concerning the passenger
compartment of the motor vehicle. It is then possible, for example,
to sense the start of precipitation through the window while
simultaneously measuring the passenger compartment temperature with
a temperature sensor. Such sensors are generally known and
described.
[0006] DE 101 52 999 C2, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No.
6,809,530, and which is incorporated herein by reference, describes
a sensor that can be used to detect a tendency toward condensation
on a motor vehicle windshield. In this example embodiment, the
sensor has a sensor housing in which is integrated a sensor that
operates capacitively, wherein one of the two electrodes of the
sensor is held by the sensor housing in such a manner that this
electrode terminates flush with the window. The housing, at least
in the area of the sensor, has a thin film for thermal connection
to the window and to compensate for the curvature of the window.
The film has high thermal conductivity and good adhesion. An
aluminum oxide with adhesive components is provided here as a film,
for example, so that the underside of the sensor can be adhered
flush with the window.
[0007] Known from EP 0 723 897 B1 is a detector by means of which
water can be detected on the outside of a glazing, in particular a
composite glass window. The ultrasonic detector described in this
document is adhered to the glazing be means of an adhesive
film.
[0008] Another sensor that is likewise adhered to a surface by
means of a thermally conductive adhesive is known from EP 0 613 000
B1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,977. These latter two
references have the disadvantage that the sensor is joined to the
window such that it is nearly impossible to remove in the event of
damage to the supporting material, where the supporting material in
the example embodiments can be a windshield. Thus, when the
windshield is replaced the sensor must be replaced as well, since
it is joined to the windshield or could at least be damaged or
destroyed due to its very delicate interior structure during
removal from the windshield. As a result, costs for the very
sophisticated sensor are incurred in addition to the cost of a new
window.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a way to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and
fasten the sensor to the window in a removable manner. It is also
the object of the invention to create a removable connection
between the sensor and the window that is simple in design and
economical to implement.
[0010] The object of the invention is attained by a retaining frame
for a support element of a sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the
retaining frame has a flat underside that can be adhered to a
window of a motor vehicle, has an opening with at least one contact
surface for the support element, in which opening the support
element can be positioned flat on the window and against the
contact surface, and having a spring element by which a force can
be applied to the support element. The inventive use of a retaining
frame, and the separation between the retaining frame and the
support element for the sensor, now make it possible to attach the
costly sensor element to the window in a removable manner and
ensure reusability in the event of breakage of the window. Due to
the inventive design, it is advantageously possible, with the most
minimal design complexity and low production costs, to provide a
retaining frame for the sensor that can remain on the window in the
event of breakage of the window and that is easy to replace.
Moreover, the inventively designed retaining frame makes it
possible to press the sensor directly against the window, ensuring
optimal connection of the sensor to the window. An opening is
provided in the retaining frame that provides at least one contact
surface in order to position the sensor vertically. In this way,
easy and positionally precise installation of the support element
in the retaining frame is ensured.
[0011] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a retaining frame with an inserted
support element and a spring element as an extension, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a retaining frame with a spring element
as a spring rod;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a retaining frame with a spring element
as a spring rod with a support element installed;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a formed metal sheet for creating a
composite component;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a formed metal sheet with installed
support element;
[0018] FIG. 6 a formed metal sheet encased in molded plastic or
metal as a composite component,
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a retaining frame with a formed metal
sheet and installed support element;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a formed metal sheet with an alternative
support element; and
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a retaining frame with a formed metal
sheet and an alternative support element installed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a retaining frame 1 with an installed support
element 2 and an extension 3 that is molded onto the retaining
frame 1 as a single piece. The retaining frame 1 has a flat
underside 4 and a contact surface 5 against which the support
element 2 can be positioned at installation. Also provided on the
retaining frame 1 are projections 6 by means of which the support
element 2 can be clamped into the retaining frame 1. Formed as a
single piece with the support element 2 is a connecting element 7,
wherein the connecting element 7 in this embodiment is designed as
a receptacle for a plug. In addition, the support element 2 has
openings 8 that make it possible for a sensor held in the support
element 2 to also sense measured values in the vehicle passenger
compartment. The sensor element is not shown in this embodiment. In
this case, the sensor element would be below the support element 2
in the regions 9 and 8, directly on the window. The sensor can sit
directly on the window or can be connected to the window by means
of a thin film. The film provides thermal coupling and also permits
compensation of tolerances with regard to the curvature of the
window. Ribs 10 are provided to stiffen the retaining frame 8; for
purposes of clearer illustration, only one rib 10 is labeled with a
reference number in FIG. 1.
[0023] In this example embodiment, the retaining frame 1 has a
closed form and extends completely around the support element 2.
This has the advantage that the retaining frame 1 keeps its shape
when adhered to the windshield, and that the support element 2 can
be installed very easily and with precise positioning. An extension
3 is molded onto the retaining frame 1 as a single piece; this
extension can be brought partially over the support element 2. When
the support element 2 is inserted against the contact surface 5,
the support element 2, and in this case especially the connecting
element 7, can be brought under the extension 3 by elastic bending
of the extension, and the support element 2 sits in the retaining
frame 1 under preloading. The retaining frame 1 is preferably made
of plastic or metal, as for example aluminum or die-cast zinc, so
that the extension 3 can be elastically displaced and can be
brought over the support element 2. The projections 6 apply
additional clamping force in this regard and position the support
element 2 very precisely in the retaining frame 1.
[0024] Even though only one support element is provided in this and
the following example embodiments, it is equally conceivable
according to the invention to accommodate, position and hold one
multi-piece support element or multiple support elements, and thus
multiple sensors as well, in one retaining frame. In this regard,
it is conceivable to connect one or even more connecting elements
to electrically contact the different support elements.
[0025] FIG. 2 also shows a closed form of a retaining frame 11. The
retaining frame 11 likewise has a contact surface 12, a spring
element 13 that is embodied as a spring rod 13, and a number of
extensions 14, 15, 16, by means of which a support element can be
fixed and positioned in the retaining frame 11.
[0026] Depending on the sensor used and on the design constraints
of a support element, it is possible to exert a central and
settable force on a support element by means of the spring rod 13.
The spring rod 13 is pivotably accommodated in a retainer 17 and
has a first end 18, by means of which a force can be exerted on the
support element, and a second end 19 that can be hooked under a
projection in the form of a lug 20. The extensions 14, 15, 16 are
connected to the retaining frame 11 as a single piece, and act in
such a manner as to exert a force on a support element and press it
toward a window. A support frame can be slid under the extensions
15, 16; in contrast, a support frame can be latched or clipped
under the extensions 14, which have a mirror-image arrangement.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a retaining frame 11 from FIG. 2 with installed
support element 21. In a first step, the underside 22 of the
retaining frame 11 is provided with an adhesive film or adhesive,
and is adhered to the windshield. Next, the support element 21 is
pushed under the extensions 15, 16 and is latched under the
extensions 14. In this combined embodiment with two types of spring
elements, namely the extensions 14, 15, 16 and the spring rod 13, a
very precisely controllable exertion of force on the support
element 21 can be set. Once the support element 21 is held in the
retaining frame 11 by means of the extensions 14, 15, and 16, the
spring rod 13 is pivoted in the retainer 17 in the direction of the
arrow P and the second end 19 under the lug 20 is hooked under the
lug 20 in opposition to the preloading produced by the first end 18
against the support element 21. By this means, the support element
21 is additionally subjected to a force so that optimal connection
of the sensor (not shown) is achieved in the support element 21.
The retaining frame 11 is also provided with ribs 23 to stiffen the
retaining frame 11.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a formed metal sheet 24. The formed metal sheet
24 has a first flat region 25 and a second overhanging region 26,
and also has installation openings 27. The formed metal sheet 24 is
preferably made of steel, and more preferably of spring steel, but
in any case is made from an elastically movable, high-quality
material. Two U-shaped clips are formed in the overhanging region
26. As shown in FIG. 5, a support element 29 can be brought under
these clips 28. By means of these clips 28, a preloading is applied
to the support element 29, and the support element is
simultaneously positioned.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows an open form of the retaining frame 30. The
formed metal sheet 24 in this example embodiment is encased in
plastic by injection molding, so that the retaining frame 30 is
made as a composite component of a formed metal sheet 24 and a
plastic coating. An additional component, for example a cover, can
now be installed in the installation openings 27. In this regard,
the installation clip 27 in the overhanging region 26 preferably
serves to raise the region 26 during installation of the support
element 29 with the integrated sensor.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows a retaining frame 30 in which a support element
29 is placed. For installation, the support element 29 is laid
against the contact surface 31 and is pushed under the overhanging
region 26 until the support element 29 is clamped under the
projection 32 and is fixed and positioned by means of the clips 28.
In this case, the preloading of the overhanging region 26 acts on
the support element 29.
[0031] FIG. 8 shows an alternative form of a support element 33. In
contrast to the above-described support elements 2, 20, and 29,
this support element is provided with a connecting element 34 in
the form of a jack, angled by approxiametly 90.degree.. This
embodiment of a support element 33 is useful depending on the
design constraints. FIG. 9 shows the finished molded-in retaining
frame 35 with integrated formed metal sheet 24 and installed
support element 33.
[0032] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *