GB2493909A

GB2493909A - A vehicle with deployable sensor apparatus for determining wading depth

Info

Publication number: GB2493909A
Application number: GB1114124.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thuy-Yung Tran; Edward George Hoare; Gary Cripps; Craig Carter; Justin Cole
Original assignee: Land Rover UK Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-17
Filing date: 2011-08-17
Publication date: 2013-02-27
Also published as: GB201114124D0

Abstract

A vehicle with deployable sensor apparatus, for determining wading depth of water, comprises a beam emitting sensor 322 which moveable from an inactive position within a perimeter of the vehicle to an active position in which the sensor 322 is operable to direct a beam 340 downwardly and forwardly to detect water of wading depth. In the inactive position the senor may hidden behind, for example, a badge 316 which may be moved by a rack 327 and pinion/worm 356 into the active position so as to allow the sensor beam 340 to project through a window. In another embodiment (figure 9) the sensor is stationary and the beam is deflected through a outwardly facing aperture. The pinion/worm 356 is driven by a motor 323 and the rack 327 may be adjustable, for example by using screw-threaded connections. The badge (16, figure 8) may be pivotally adjustable between limits determined by flats (34, 35) on the rack.

Description

Sensor Apparatus for a Vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus for a vehicle and particularly, but not exclusively, to a wading depth sensor of a vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a sensor apparatus which is protected from damage or hidden from view when in an inactive condition. Aspects of the invention relate to a sensor apparatus, to a body panel, to a method and to a vehicle.

Background

A wading depth sensor may for example comprise a vehicle mounted device for emitting a beam downwardly to detect by reflection the surface of water at wading depth through which the vehicle is being driven. An ultrasonic sensor of the kind used for parking distance control is one suitable sensor. The most useful locations for a wading depth sensor are at the front and rear extremities of the vehicle, so that the vehicle driver can be informed of an increasing depth of wading as the vehicle advances in either a forward or reverse direction. However for effective operation each sensor must project beyond the front and rear extremities, typically defined by the vehicle bumpers, and is thus inevitably exposed to contact damage which may have a detrimental effect on the vehicle styling or appearance.

Summary

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a wading depth sensor apparatus for a vehicle, said sensor apparatus including a beam emitting sensor and being deployable from an inactive condition, wherein the sensor apparatus is disposed within the perimeter of the vehicle, to an active condition in which a sensor beam is directed downwardly at the surface of waler within which the vehicle is standing or is being driven. The water may be at wading depth.

Such a sensor apparatus is protected from contact damage when within the vehicle perimeter, and is exposed only during wading. Since wading generally constitutes only a small proportion of vehicle use the invention ensures that the wading depth sensor is less likely to be damaged between wading events. By perimeter' is generally meant the maximum vehicle dimension in plan, typically defined at least in part by the front and rear bumpers.

A further advantage of the invention is that pedestrian safety may be improved in the event of a vehicle-pedestrian crash.

Yet a further advantage of the invention is that it improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle during normal highway driving, retaining the aerodynamic drag upon the vehicle improves the fuel economy and/or vehicle performance.

Optionally, in the inactive condition the sensor apparatus is protected from the exterior environment, for example by a closure, so as to be less susceptible to deterioration due to weather effects, dirt, corrosion, ice, vibration and the like. The closure may form part of the sensor apparatus.

In an embodiment, the sensor is movable between a first position, corresponding to the inactive condition, and a second position, corresponding to the active condition. Optionally, in the second position, the sensor may be disposed outside of the perimeter of the vehicle.

In one embodiment the sensor apparatus comprises a stationary component for attachment to a vehicle structure, and a movable component for movement relative thereto. The stationary component may comprise a housing having an aperture which in use faces the exterior of the vehicle, and through which the movable component is extendible. The movable component may comprise a closure for the aperture.

The movable component may comprise a beam emitting sensor adapted to emit a beam downwardly. The movable component may comprise a blind sleeve within which the sensor is housed, and may have a side opening or side window through which the sensor signal may be emitted. The blind end of the sleeve may constitute the closure.

The movable component may comprise a beam deflector whereby a beam emitted from the sensor is deflected downwardly in use. The beam deflector may comprise the closure.

In an optional embodiment the movable component includes a pivotable end piece whereby a beam emitted from the sensor is deflected downwardly and optionally forwardly in use. The pivotable end piece may comprise the deflector or a support of the sensor. In this arrangement the movable component extends on a first axis to a first stop and subsequently the end piece pivots about a second axis to a second stop. In one embodiment, the first and second axes are orthogonal. The first and/or second stop may include an adjuster, for example one or more screw-threaded abutments to vary the stopping position of the or each movable part.

The stationary component may include a partition wall to define a first chamber exposed to the exterior of the vehicle in the active condition, and a second chamber not exposed to the exterior of the vehicle. Optionally, a motor for driving the movable component is housed within the second chamber. The second chamber may be sub-divided into first and second sub-chambers, the motor being housed in one sub-chamber, and a gear mechanism for connecting the motor and movable member being housed in the other sub-chamber. Necessary apertures are provided for a motor drive shaft, and a drivable member of the movable member, which apertures are substantially sealed in use. In one embodiment the gear mechanism is a rack and pinion.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a sensor apparatus for a vehicle for determining the distance between the sensor apparatus and an object, for example determining the wading depth of water through which the vehicle is being driven, the sensor apparatus comprising a housing for mounting a beam emitting sensor for emitting a sensor beam directed substantially downwardly at an object or surface wherein the beam emitting sensor is deployable from an inactive condition within the perimeter of a vehicle to an active condition, wherein the beam emitting sensor is mounted behind an external trim element of the vehicle in both the inactive and active condition.

Optionally, the beam emitting sensor is mounted within a substantially tubular structure which can be translationally operable between the inactive and active conditions. In some embodiments, the substantially tubular structure may be an open channel.

Such a sensor apparatus protects the sensor from damage in both the active and inactive condition. Further, the sensor is less prone to interference for example from extraneous reflections or signals.

Alternatively, or in addition, the external trim portion comprises a beam deflector.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle body panel comprising a housing for mounting a beam emitting sensor, the housing comprising a moveable component comprising a mounting element for said sensor, the moveable component being deployable from between active and inactive positions, the mounting element located behind an external trim element of the vehicle in both the active and inactive positions.

Optionally, the moveable component further comprises a window or aperture located behind the external trim element in both the active and inactive positions.

Optionally, said housing is integrally mounted within the vehicle body panel.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, except where there is incompatibility of features.

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a partial side elevation of the front of a vehicle; Fig. 2 is a partial front elevation of one side of a vehicle; Fig. 3 is a rear elevation of a sensor apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the sensor apparatus of Fig. 3 in an inactive condition; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the sensor apparatus of Fig. 3 in an active condition; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view along line 7-7 of Fig. 3 showing the sensor apparatus in the inactive condition; Fig. 7 corresponds to Fig. 6 and shows the sensor apparatus in a partially opened condition; Fig. 8 also corresponds to Fig. 6 and shows the sensor apparatus in a fully opened (active) condition; Fig. 9 is a side elevation of another embodiment of the invention in an active condition; Fig. 10 illustrates a rear elevation of a sensor apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 illustrates a side elevation of the sensor apparatus of Fig. 10 in the inactive condition; Fig. 12 illustrates a side elevation of the sensor apparatus of Fig. 10 in the active condition; Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sensor apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention mounted within a radiator grille of a vehicle; and Fig. 14 illustrates a transverse sectional view of the sensor apparatus of Fig. 13.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the sensor apparatus are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the disclosure may be embodied. indeed, it will be understood that the sensor apparatus described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the clairris and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to

variously employ the disclosure.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 comprises a front fender 11, front wheel 12, clam shell bonnet 13 and front bumper 14. A radiator grille 15 includes a forward facing vehicle emblem or badge 16 at one side thereof.

The front bumper 14 is the forward-most point of the vehicle 10, and is therefore the optimal position for mounting a wading depth sensor, particularly since the vehicle 10 may enter water at a steep angle. Mounting of the wading depth sensor to view ahead or in front of the leading edge 17 of the front bumper 14, gives the earliest indication to the driver that maximum wading depth is approaching. Ground level is indicated by reference numeral 18 and water at wading depth by reference numeral 19. It is envisaged that the wading depth sensor may be mounted at a height with respect to ground level which is equal to or greater than the maximum wading depth of the vehicle.

A protruding sensor is susceptible of contact damage, especially when the vehicle is being driven off road, but according to the illustrated embodiment the sensor is mounted behind the vehicle badge 16 and can be advanced, that is moved, to "look" downwardly in front of (in other words, beyond) the front bumper 14.

The following description is with reference to a front mounted sensor; however the invention can be applied to any external position of the vehicle so as to provide a movable depth sensor.

Mounting on the rear bumper or bodywork such as the tailgate is particularly useful when reversing into water, for example on a slipway.

Figs. 3 to 5 show a first embodiment of the invention. A sleeve 21 comprises a housing for an ultrasound transducer or sensor 22 capable of pulsing an ultrasound beam on demand. In some embodiments the housing may comprise one or more transceivers, in yet other embodiments the housing may comprise one or more separate transmitters and receivers. The sensor 22 is also capable of detecting a reflected beam, and a processor (not shown) is provided to determine the time of flight of the ultrasound pulse. The kind of ultrasound sensor suitable for parking distance control is suitable for use in the present invention. The use of other suitable sensors for determining the distance between the sensor and a surface is also envisaged.

The sleeve 21 is open to the back and to the front. The front of the sleeve 21 is closed by a cover, in one embodiment the cover forms a mounting structure for the vehicle badge 16, in alternative embodiments the cover may be formed from the vehicle badge 16 itself, and the back of the sleeve 21 may be closed or partially closed by a suitable cover, which may be clipped, glued, or otherwise held in place.

A motor 23, typically electric, is housed in a chamber 24. The chamber 24 is defined at one side of the sleeve 21 by a partition wall 25. The output shaft 30 of the motor 23 extends through a close fitting aperture of the partition wall 25 to engage a toothed quadrant 26 which engages a rack 27. The toothed quadrant 26 and rack 27 enable rotational movement of the motor 23 to be translated into reciprocal motion of the rack 27 along the axis of the sleeve 21. The rack 27 is coupled to the inner side of the vehicle badge 16 so that actuation of the motor 23 causes the vehicle badge 16 to move from a closed condition against the sleeve 21 (Fig. 6), to an open condition (Figs. 7 and 8).

The gearing advantage of the rack 27 and toothed quadrant 26 permit a relatively high breakout force without a large dimension in the vehicle fore and aft direction. This arrangement facilitates packaging in the vehicle 10 and can overcome sticking of the cover due to ice or dirt.

A guide rod 28 is also coupled to rear side of the vehicle badge 16 above the connection of the rack 27, as illustrated in Figure 5. Both rack 27 and guide rod 28 pass through a front wall 29 which front wall 29 is inset from the front of the sleeve 21 (Figs. 6 to 8) and together prevent arcuate movement of the vehicle badge 16 about the movement axis of the rack 27. The front wall 29 is thickened whore it receives the guide rod 28 and rack 27 to provide a suitable length of bearing not shown in detail. The guide rod 28 has an enlarged head 31 at the inner end and a pivotal connection 32 at the outer end, such that when the head 31 engages the front wall 29, further outward movement of the rack 27 tilts the vehicle badge 16 upwardly (Fig. 8). A second pivotal connection 33 facilitates tilting of the vehicle badge 16 with respect to the rack 27.

The desired orientation of the beam 40 may be tuned for different vehicle designs, for example the guide rod 28 may be interchangeable with alternative guide rods (not shown) of different lengths. In yet another erribodiment, the effective length of the guide rod 28 may be adjustable, for example the guide rod 28 may be provided with a plurality of apertures for receiving a bar orientated substantially perpendicularly to the guide rod 28, the bar may be held in place by a split pin or other securing device. The bar may provide an adjustable stop for limiting the travel of the guide rod 28.

In a first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the sensor 22 is mounted on the inner face of the vehicle badge 16, and orientated to project a beam 40 downwardly and forwardly in the active condition. A bracket or clip may be provided on the inner face of the vehicle badge 16 for mounting the sensor. The extension of the rack 27, and tilt of the vehicle badge 16 is selected so that the beam 40 clears the front bumper 14 in use. Zero tilt may be provided in some circumstances. A negative tilt may be provided by placing the guide rod 28 below the rack 27.

Fig. 3 illustrates a suitable socket 34 at the rear of a sensor 22.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 14, there is shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second, third and fourth embodiments, like numerals have where possible been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100", "200" or "300" to indicate that these features belong to the respective embodiment. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 8 will be described in detail.

In a second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9, the rear face of the vehicle badge 116 comprises a reflector whereby the beam 140 from a sensor 122 fixed within the sleeve 121 is projected downwardly and forwardly. Again a suitable mounting element is provided for mounting the sensor 122 behind the vehicle badge 16. At least a portion of the reflected beam is transmitted back to the sensor 122 (as detector) in the same manner. This second embodiment has the advantage that the sensor 122 is better protected and no flexing of the necessary electrical connection is required.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate sensor apparatus according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the vehicle badge 216 is coupled to a tubular member 250. The tubular member 250 is moveably mounted within the sleeve 221. Tubular member 250 is closed at a front end; in the illustrated embodiment the tubular member 250 is closed by the vehicle badge 216. The sensor 222 is mounted within the tubular member 250, preferably in close proximity to the vehicle badge 16. This third embodiment has the advantage of providing greater protection to the sensor 222 whilst still allowing it to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. An aperture or window may be provided in a lower wall of the tubular member 250 to allow the sensor 222 to project a beam 240 downwardly, ahead of the leading edge of the front bumper 14. The aperture may form part of a mounting element for securing the sensor 222 in place or alternatively a separate clip or bracket may be provided. The rear end of the tubular structure 250 may be open or may in some embodiments be closed by a closure which may be glued, clipped or otherwise secured to the tubular member 250. It is envisaged that such closure may be provided with one or more apertures for coupling the sensor 222 to a power supply and/or control device which receives a signal from the sensor. Such apertures may be provided with a suitable sealing device to prevent the passage of dirt or moisture into the housing.

The tubular member 250 is provided with a rack 227, extending at least partially longitudinally along tubular member 250. The rack 227 is mounted on an outer surface of a lowermost region of the tubular member 250. The rack 227 may be integrally formed with tubular member 250 or may be formed from a separate component and secured to the tubular member 250. The rack 227 is coupled to a pinion 254, which pinion 254 is mounted upon a drive shaft coupled to a motor 223.

Figure 11 illustrates the sensor apparatus in an inactive state in which the tubular member 250 is stowed within the sleeve 221, whereas Figure 12 illustrates the sensor apparatus in a deployed or active condition. In the deployed condition, it can be seen that the tubular member 250 has been driven outwardly from the sleeve 221 by the motor 223 such that the vehicle badge and sensor 222 protrude ahead of the sleeve 221 by a distance Dl. This translation of the sensor 222 allows the beam 240 to be projected downwardly ahead of the leading edge of the vehicle 10.

Tubular member 250 may comprise one or more locating devices which prevent the tubular member 250 from rotating within the sleeve 221. These may be formed by providing the outer surface of the tubular member 250 with flat or linear portions extending along the tubular member 250 parallel to the tubular axis; alternatively the locating devices may comprise an -10 -external projection on the outer surface of the tubular member 250 extending longitudinally along the tubular member 250.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular member 250 is mounted within an aperture in a front wall of the sleeve 221. The aperture is provided with a seal to restrict or prevent ingress of dirt and or moisture into the housing 224.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the motor 323 has been rotated about 90° such that the drive shaft is substantially parallel with the tubular axis of the tubular member 350. The pinion gear 356 is a worm gear, thereby allowing rotational movement of the motor 323 to be transformed into linear motion of the tubular member 350 when mated with the rack 327. This embodiment has the advantage of simplifying the assembly of the sensor apparatus.

It will be understood that suitable sealing arrangements can be provided to prevent entry of moisture and dirt when the device is in the inactive condition. For example the cover may carry a seal on the rear side thereof. Although described with reference to a badge 16, 116, 216, 316, the sensor may be hidden behind any kind of cover or external trim piece of the vehicle, and be placed at the front, rear and/or side.

It will be appreciated in the foregoing embodiments that the sensor 22 in both the active condition and the inactive condition is located behind the vehicle badge 16, sLibstantially between the vehicle badge 16 and the rear of the sleeve 21.

The vehicle badge 16, the sensor 22 and the sleeve define a notional line or axis. The vehicle badge 16, the sensor 22 and the sleeve 21 remain on the same notional line or axis in both the active and inactive condition, or at least the orientation of the notional line or axis is the same.

In the illustrated embodiments the notional line or axis is orientated parallel with the direction of vehicle travel.

The travel of the rack 27, 127, 227, 327 and/or guide rod 28, 128 may be adjustable for example by the use of screw-threaded connections or the like. Thus the position of the head 31 may be adjustable axially with respect to the guide rod 28, 128. Pivoting movement of the badge 16, 116 may be between limits determined by fIats 34, 35 of the rack 27.

-11 -Rotational movement of the motor 23, 123, 223, 323 can be controlled in any suitable manner.

An electrical stepper motor may be used, but in the first illustrated embodiment limit switches 36, 37 are provided to cut electrical power to the motor by contact with the quadrant gear 26.

The vehicle may include an automatic or manually operated wading detector whereby wading in a pro-determined depth of water causes automatic deployment of the wading depth sensor of this invention. Wading depth may be displayed on a suitable screen of an HMI interface.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, the worm gear of the fourth embodiment may be employed with the rod mechanism of the first embodiment.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" need not limit the respective features to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these features from one another.

Claims

<claim-text>-12 -Claims 1. A sensor apparatus for a vehicle comprising a beam emitting sensor deployable from an inactive condition within the perimeter of a vehicle to an active condition in which the sensor is operable to direct a beam substantially downwardly towards water at wading depth.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A sensor apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a stationary component for attachment to a vehicle structure and a movable component for movement relative thereto between the active and inactive conditions.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A sensor apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stationary component comprises a housing having an outwardly facing aperture through which the movable component extends in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A sensor apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movable component comprises in the closed condition a closure for said aperture.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A sensor apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the movable component comprises the beam emitting sensor.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A sensor apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the movable component comprises a blind sleeve within which the sensor is housed, and having a window through which the sensor beam projects in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A sensor apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the movable component comprises a beam deflector whereby a beam emitted from the sensor is deflected substantially downwardly in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A sensor apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the movable component includes a pivotable end piece whereby a beam emitted by the sensor is directed substantially downwardly and forwardly in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>-13 - 9. A sensor apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movable component extends on a first axis, and the pivotable end piece pivots about a second axis orthogonal thereto.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A sensor apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said first and second axes lie in a substantially horizontal plane.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A sensor apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 10, and including first and second stops whereby said movable component extends on the first axis to the first stop, and subsequently pivots about the second axis to the second stop.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A sensor apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one or more of said first and secondstops is adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A sensor apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein said stationary component includes a partition wall to define a first chamber exposed to the exterior in the active condition and a second chamber not exposed to the exterior of the vehicle, the second chamber containing a motor for driving the movable component via close fitting opening in said partition wall.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A sensor apparatus for a vehicle for determining the wading depth of water, the sensor apparatus comprising a housing arranged to mount a beam emitting sensor for emitting a sensor beam directed substantially downwardly at an object wherein the sensor apparatus is deployable from an inactive condition within the perimeter of a vehicle to an active condition, wherein the beam emitting sensor is mounted behind an external trim element of the vehicle in both the inactive and active condition.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A sensor apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the beam emitting sensor is mounted within a substantially tubular structure which is movable translationally between the inactive and active conditions.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A sensor apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the external trim element comprises a beam deflector.</claim-text> <claim-text>-14 - 17. A vehicle body panel comprising a housing for mounting a beam emitting sensor, the housing comprising a movoable component comprising a mounting element for said sensor, the moveable component being deployable from between active and inactive positions, the mounting element located behind an external trim element of the vehicle in both the active and inactive positions.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A vehicle body panel according to claim 17 wherein the moveable component further comprises a window or aperture located behind the external trim element in both the active and inactive positions.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A vehicle body panel according to claim 17 wherein said housing is integrally mounted within the vehicle body panel.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A vehicle having a sensor apparatus according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A sensor apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in one of more of Figures 3-14.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A vehicle comprising a sensor apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in one of more of Figures 3-14.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A vehicle body panel comprising a housing for receiving a sensor constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in one of more of Figures 3-14.</claim-text>