Mounting Arrangement for a Sensor

Abstract

A mounting arrangement for fastening a sensor element to a windscreen of a motor vehicle includes a main support, which has a receptacle for the sensor element. The sensor element has a cross-section in the shape of a segment of a circle. The receptacle of the main support has a clear receptacle opening which is likewise in the shape of a segment of a circle and the dimensions of which match the sensor element.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A mounting arrangement for fastening a sensor element to a windshield of a motor vehicle, comprising: a main support which has a receptacle for the sensor element, wherein the sensor element has a cross-section in a shape of a segment of a circle, and the receptacle of the main support has a clear receiving opening which is also in the shape of a segment of a circle and which is adapted dimensionally to the sensor element.

12. The mounting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the receptacle of the main support is formed by an upper frame element and a lower frame element.

13. The mounting arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the lower frame element has an installation edge for the sensor element.

14. The mounting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a lens shade is attached to the mounting arrangement.

15. The mounting arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the lens shade is fastened to the mounting arrangement via a mounting frame or via a soft lip.

16. The mounting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a gel pad is applied to the sensor element.

17. The mounting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the sensor element comprises a temperature measurement unit.

18. The mounting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a plug-in element is attached at a cranked angle with respect to the windshield.

19. The mounting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the sensor element is a rain-light-solar-fogging sensor.

20. A method of fastening a sensor element to a windshield of a motor vehicle using the mounting arrangement according to claim 11.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0023] The FIGURE shows a mounting arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in a schematic plan view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0024] The FIGURE schematically shows, in plan view, the mounting arrangement 10 for the fastening of a sensor element 12 to a windshield 26 of a motor vehicle, having a main support 14 which has a receptacle 16 for the sensor element 12. The sensor element 12 has a cross section in the shape of a segment of a circle, and the receptacle 16 of the main support 14 has a clear receiving opening which is likewise circular-segment-shaped and which is adapted in terms of its dimensions to the sensor element 12.

[0025] The main support 14 is fastened to the windshield 26 by way of adhesive bonding. Owing to its circular-segment-shaped design, the structural space taken up by the sensor element 12 is reduced. This makes possible a compact interior mirror fastening, which can be positioned higher up on the windshield 26 by the distance A.

[0026] The receptacle 16 of the main support 14 is formed by an upper frame element 14a and a lower frame element 14b.

[0027] The formation of the two frame elements 14a and 14b makes it possible for the sensor element 12 to be introduced more easily, which sensor element does not need to be introduced into the circular-segment-shaped receptacle 16 before the main support 14 is attached to the windshield 26, but may also be pushed into the circular-segment-shaped receptacle 16 after the main support 14 has been fastened to the windshield 26. This structural form therefore allows simplified installation and also easy exchange of the sensor element 12.

[0028] The lower frame element 14b has an installation edge 22 for the introduction of the sensor element 12. The installation edge 22 makes it easier for the sensor element 12 to be pushed into the receptacle 16. Damage to the surface of the sensor element 12 resulting from mechanical load, for example in the event of contact with the main support 14, can be reliably prevented by way of the installation edge 22. Coatings of the sensor element 12, such as for example a gel pad, which are not resistant to mechanical load can thus be introduced more easily.

[0029] The installation edge 22 may be rounded. The installation edge 22 may also be provided with a deformable coating. Deformable coatings may be polymers, preferably rubber, foams or silicones.

[0030] A lens shade is attached to the mounting arrangement 10. The lens shade prevents laterally incident light being reflected on glass or enclosure parts and thus striking the sensor element 12. An impairment of the sensor element 12 is thus prevented.

[0031] The lens shade is fastened to the mounting arrangement 10 by means of a mounting frame 24. The fastening of the lens shade by means of a mounting frame exhibits increased stability.

[0032] The lens shade may alternatively be fastened by means of a soft lip. The fastening of the lens shade by means of a soft lip requires less structural space and thus leads to a further space saving. The space saving additionally corresponds to the width B of the mounting frame 24, which is not required.

[0033] A gel pad is applied to the sensor element 12. The gel pad prevents mechanical damage to the sensor element 12, in particular to the sensor receptacle, resulting from mechanical load, such as for example vibration in the case of direct contact with the windshield 26.

[0034] The sensor element 12 has a unit 18 for temperature measurement. The temperature measurement is performed at the windshield 26.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment, the plug-in element 20 is attached at a cranked angle with respect to the windshield 26. Owing to the angled attachment, the interior mirror fastening and the cable lines for the transmission of sensor information can be more easily attached and also removed.

[0036] According to one advantageous embodiment, the sensor element 12 is a rain-light-solar-fogging sensor. The mounting arrangement 10 is enclosed by a paneling 28 that is arranged on the interior mirror.

[0037] A further embodiment is the use of the mounting arrangement 10 for the fastening of the sensor element 12 to the windshield 26 of a motor vehicle. Through the use of the mounting arrangement 10, the sensor element 12 can be attached to the windshield 26 more easily and more efficiently than was previously the case. The advantages of the use otherwise arise from the advantages of the mounting arrangement 10.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

[0038] 10 Mounting arrangement [0039] 12 Sensor element [0040] 14 Main support [0041] 14a Upper frame element [0042] 14b Lower frame element [0043] 16 Receptacle [0044] 18 Unit [0045] 20 Plug-in element [0046] 22 Installation edge [0047] 24 Mounting frame [0048] 26 Windshield [0049] 28 Paneling