Showing papers by "Valeo published in 1991"

Actuator for controlling the orientation of a motor vehicle headlamp

Abstract: An actuator for adjusting the setting of a motor vehicle headlamp includes a body which comprises a housing closed by a cover, with a sliding actuating rod mounted in the body and passing through a front wall of the housing of the body. Also within the body is a reversible electric motor for operating the sliding actuating rod through a mechanical transmission, which includes a drive member that engages with the actuating rod. The front wall of the housing carries at least one inwardly projecting lateral wall, which is arranged to support an intermediate element that forms part of the mechanical transmission device and which engages with the drive element.

Connector for fastening a windshield wiper blade to a windshield wiper arm

Abstract: A generally U-shaped connector, having two branches, for fastening together a windshield wiper arm and a windshield wiper blade, has a latching means cooperating with a recess formed in the wiper arm. The connector also includes gripping means for unlocking the arm from the blade. At least one of the branches of the connector body includes at least two resiliently deformable tongues, which are separated from each other by gaps. One of these tongues carries the latching means, while the other tongues, working as a pair, carry the gripping means.

Arrangement and procedure for automatically mounting a unit of equipment on a support, for example a lighting and/or indicating lamp unit on a motor vehicle

Abstract: An indicating lamp unit or the like is mounted on a wall of a motor vehicle body through mounting pins carried by the lighting unit and carrying retaining means which fit in holes formed in the body wall. Each mounting hole in the body wall is of banjo shape, having a first part through which the retaining means can freely pass and a narrower second part which hold the retaining means securely when the lighting unit is moved sideways. Each of the said retaining means comprises a retaining ring having a peripheral groove defining a middle zone bounded by a pair of generally transverse flanks, which engage on either side of the narrow second part of the mounting hole so as to retain the retaining ring to the wall against movement in either longitudinal direction.

Device for monitoring the operation of a microprocessor system or the like

Abstract: A device for monitoring the operation of a microprocessor and capable of generating an error signal whenever the frequency of a signal derived from the microprocessor crosses an upper or a lower frequency threshold comprises: an oscillator periodically producing a monotonically varying voltage and including a threshold circuit, the oscillator generating an error signal when the monotonically varying voltage crosses a threshold, and including a reset input for returning the monotonically varying voltage to level closer to its starting voltage; and a treatment circuit for treating the derived signal and generating pulses on the input at the frequency of the derived signal so long as the frequency is no greater than the upper threshold, otherwise applying no pulse to the input. When pulses are produced at a lower frequency, the time interval between two reset pulses is greater than the time interval required for the monotonically varying voltage to reach the threshold voltage.

Sensor for sensing angle of rotation and/or number of rotations effected, and a power steering system for a vehicle including such a sensor

Abstract: A sensor for measuring an angle of rotation, and in particular the instantaneous angle of rotation of a rotatable member such as a steering column of a motor vehicle, is especially applicable in a power steering mechanism for a motor vehicle and includes a first wheel, the movement of which serves for measuring the angle of rotation and its direction. The sensor further includes a second wheel which is mechanically linked with but movable relative to the first wheel, the displacement of the second wheel being an indication of the number of rotations effected about an axis by the first wheel, and/or an indication of the direction of the rotation.

Heat exchanger apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a main heat exchanger comprising a water box containing a secondary heat exchanger

Abstract: Heat exchanger apparatus for a motor vehicle engine comprises a main heat exchanger having a water box containing a secondary heat exchanger that includes two coupling tubes, which extend sealingly through a side wall of the water box. The secondary heat exchanger is secured in the latter by means of these tubes, each fitted to the secondary heat exchanger by being introduced successively through an access orifice formed in the water box side wall and then into a seating formed in the secondary heat exchanger. The water box side wall carries at least one slide inside the water box, and the secondary heat exchanger has at least one sliding element which slides in the slide so as to enable the secondary heat exchanger to be precisely positioned within the water box, so that the two coupling tubes can then be fitted.

Windshield wiper and washing liquid reservoir assembly

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly comprises a drive mechanism for at least one windshield wiper arm, together with a reservoir for a windshield washing liquid. The drive mechanism comprises a support structure, on which are mounted a motor and a linkage for transmission of motion between a spindle driven by the motor and at least one windshield wiper arm. The support structure is arranged to be secured on to the body of a vehicle, in particular an automotive vehicle. Pumping means are provided to project washing liquid from the reservoir on to the glass being wiped. The reservoir is so designed as to be accommodated substantially within the space envelope defined by the drive mechanism, and it is rigidly secured to the support structure of this mechanism so as to form an assembly therewith.

Device with torsion damping by resilient plates, especially for an automotive vehicle

Abstract: A torsion damper comprising juxtaposed resilient plates which operate in parallel and are interposed between a support member and a hub. Each resilient plate comprises at least one resiliently deformable arm. The torsion damper has at least two pairs of similar resilient plates. One of the pairs lies between the plates of the other pair and is offset with respect to the other pair by an angle such that the two pairs of plates are radially balanced. The resilient arms of any one pair are aligned with each other.

Torsion damper for a motor vehicle disc-type clutch

Abstract: A torsion damper comprises two coaxial parts, one of which comprises a damper plate and a hub, coaxial with each other and having respective complementary sets of teeth. A resilient member in the form of a shock absorbing ring is provided in the same coaxial part of the damper and is coupled in rotation to the damper plate. The shock absorbing ring comprises at least one substantially rigid first member, on which the set of complementary teeth is formed, together with at least one resiliently deformable second member for coupling in rotation with the damper plate.

Clutch control mechanism, in particular for motor vehicles

Abstract: A clutch control mechanism, for manoeuvring an actuating member such as a clutch release bearing, comprises a support member, a tubular driving member, a tubular driven member having a mounting means and, between the driving member and the driven member, camming means of the helical ramp type. The said mounting means comprises a first sleeve adapted to penetrate into the interior of the actuating member and to carry internally one of the cams, while the driving member penetrates into the interior of the sleeve and carries the other cam, the sleeve having an external radial flange, which acts as an abutment for the clutch release bearing and which is coupled in rotation to the support member.

Heating and ventilating apparatus for the cabin of an automotive vehicle

Abstract: This apparatus includes a housing defining within it a first conduit having at least one internal bulkhead extending partially within a distribution chamber and at right angles to the pivot axis of a distribution valve so as to define at least two adjacent air outlets. The housing also defines within it a second conduit having a further air outlet. The distribution valve comprises vanes which are offset axially and circumferentially from each other, for selectively controlling the distribution of air through the outlets of the first conduit, together with a vane for controlling the distribution of air through the outlet of the second conduit.

Hydraulic fluid supply system for an installation in a motor vehicle having power assisted steering with a pressure regulation value connected to the main and secondary circuits

Abstract: The steering of a motor vehicle is assisted by a power steering means including a hydraulic distributor which is supplied with pressurized fluid by a pump from a reservoir. The vehicle also has a clutch having hydraulic servo assistance supplied by a servo unit. The distributor of the power steering system and the clutch servo unit are both supplied with hydraulic fluid from the same pump and reservoir, through a distribution unit which is so arranged that the power steering system has first call at all times on the available pressurized fluid. The distributor unit includes a flow distributing valve, fed from the pump and dividing the flow between a main circuit which leads to the steering distributor, and a secondary circuit which leads to the servo unit. A pressure regulating valve is connected to both the main circuit and the secondary circuit so as to regulate the pressure in each of these circuits according to the demand of the power steering system.

Torsion damping device, in particular for a clutch friction disc for a motor vehicle

Abstract: A torsion damping device comprises two coaxial parts, one of which consists of a damper plate and a hub coaxial with the damper plate, the hub and damper plate having cooperating teeth defining a circumferential clearance between them so that the hub and damper plate are able to undergo a limited relative angular displacement which is defined by a circumferential clearance between the two sets of teeth. A ring extends parallel to the damper plate and has a further set of teeth, of resilient material, complementary to the hub teeth and meshing with the latter so as to define a further circumferential clearance between the resilient teeth and the hub teeth. This further circumferential clearance is smaller than that between the two sets of teeth of the damper plate and the hub themselves. In addition, the set of teeth on the hub is extended axially so that it can mesh with the teeth on both the damper plate and the ring.

Transmission clutch for a motor vehicle having a dynamic absorber

Abstract: A transmission clutch, for releasably coupling a driven shaft to a driving shaft, comprises a driving part and a driven part, with the driving part including a reaction plate and the driven part including a hub which is fixed to the driven shaft for rotation with the latter. The clutch includes a dynamic absorber associated with the hub and carried by the pressure plate. The dynamic absorber comprises an input part carried by the inner periphery of the pressure plate, with a bearing being interposed between this input part and the inner periphery of the pressure plate. The absorber also has an output part and a disengageable rotatable coupling between the output part and the hub. This coupling couples the output part of the dynamic absorber rotatably with the hub when the clutch is engaged.

Device for dumping torsions, for a disck cluch of a automobile vehicle

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsion-damping device comprising two coaxial parts (15-16-11-10, 18-12). In this device one (18-12) of these two parts is itself composed of a web (18) and hub (12) which are coaxial with complementary teeth (25, 26). Also in this device, third elastic means (40-140-240) are provided comprising a shock-damping washer coupled in rotation to the web. … According to the invention, the said damping washer (40, 140, 240) comprises at least one first rigid piece (42, 142, 242) provided with the said complementary teeth and at least one second elastically deformable piece (58,90-158,96-258) for rotational coupling with the said web (18, 118, 218). … Application to motor vehicles (Figure 3). … …

Automotive ram air system

Abstract: An improved ram air charge heat exchanger ducting system, is disclosed comprising an elongated, hollow header tank, having a generally rectangular opening therein for engagement to a header sheet of a heat exchanger core. The hollow header tank is of increasing depth from a closed end to an outlet end, and the outlet comprises an attachment ridge having a mounting surface arranged in a plane at an angle to the plane of the header mounting surface. A duct inlet has a mounting surface configured to generally mate with the mounting surface of the header outlet and, means are provided to removably attach the duct to the header outlet. This system allows variety in attachment for multiple automotive environments.

Motor vehicle headlight including an indicator device for indicating the elevation direction of its reflector

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprising a light source, a reflector, a housing, and a front glass, and also comprising an indicator device for indicating the elevation direction of the reflector, the indicator device being of the type comprising a spirit level mounted on the reflector in a plane which is essentially vertical and parallel to the optical axis defined by the reflector, the spirit level being in a predetermined angular relationship with the optical axis. The spirit level is mounted on a hollow support having an end edge suitable for bearing against the rear face of the reflector around a lamp mounted in the reflector.

Zone controlled automobile air conditioning system with air mixers at selected outlets

Abstract: In a heating and ventilating apparatus for the cabin of an automotive vehicle with a facility for supplying air at different temperatures to the driver and the front passenger at the level of the fascia and at the level of their feet, means are provided to ensure that air used for other purposes shall, where necessary, be at a uniform temperature. The apparatus comprises a housing having a fresh air inlet duct and at least three outlet ducts for fresh or heated air. The housing has a central bulkhead which divides the housing into two separate halves, each containing a separate regulating means for regulating the temperature delivered from that half of the housing into the cabin of the vehicle. The de-icing outlet duct and/or the central fascia ventilating air outlet duct are provided with a mixer for ensuring that the temperature delivered through the corresponding outlet duct is uniform.

Multi-function headlamp for a motor vehicle, adapted to improve the illumination of road signs

Abstract: A multi-function headlamp, in particular for a motor vehicle, is arranged to improve the illumination of road signs and other external objects. It includes an occulting means for defining a cut-off line for a beam such as a dipped beam or fog penetrating beam, lamp means of the kind that emits both visible light and ultra violet radiation simultaneously, and a front closure glass of a material which is at least partially transparent to ultra violet radiation. The occulting means is also opaque to visible light radiation and at least partially transparent to ultra violet radiation, and the occulting means is mounted for displacement between an occulting position, in which it intercepts all visible radiation directed above the cut-off line, and a retracted position in which it has substantially no effect on the transmission of visible light radiation.

Motorized gear shift control apparatus for a transmission gearbox, in particular for automotive vehicles

Abstract: A motorized gear shift control apparatus for a transmission gearbox of the kind having fixed gear ratios and a neutral position, comprising a first actuator which actuates a receptor element through a linkage having an output element coupled to the receptor element. The receptor element operates the gear shifting apparatus of the gearbox itself. The output element is mounted by means of the receptor element, so as to be moveable in rotary and/or translational movement, and the linkage includes an intermediate element for actuating the output element in response to the action of the first actuator. The output element is adapted so that during its displacement it can intercept and/or transverse a cam or ramp which is moveable in a fixed support. A second actuator is provided for moving the ramp in translational movement.

Headlamp having beam orientation adjusting means

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp has adjusting means for adjusting the orientation of its reflector by essentially linear displacement of an application point on the reflector. This application point is defined by one end of a threaded rod which includes at its opposite end an adjusting head, and which is threadedly mounted with a first degree of friction in a fixed part of the headlamp. The threaded rod is also threadedly engaged, but with a second degree of friction, in an adjusting cap. The second degree of friction is greater than the first degree of friction.

Motorized control device for the changing of gear ratio in a gear box, in particular for automotive vehicles

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorised control device for changing the gear ratios in a gearbox having staged ratios and a neutral (PM), especially for motor vehicles, of the type comprising a first actuator (100), a linkage (200), in which a second actuator (700) is provided which is associated with an output element (500) of a linkage (200) for manoeuvring said output element (500). The first actuator (100) is a hydraulic jack suitable for rotatably driving the receiving element (600). The second actuator (700) is a hydraulic jack suitable for driving the output element (500) for displacing the receiving element (600). The second actuator (700) is associated with an intermediate element (400) which can be deformed and is equipped with an energy accumulator (706), so that for passage with selection of gears the said second actuator (700) compresses the energy accumulator (400), then, after moving the receiving element, under the action of the first actuator (100), to a neutral position, makes a relaxation (release) of the said energy accumulator possible. Application to motor vehicles.

Clutch with a plurality of friction discs, especially for motor vehicles

Abstract: A clutch includes a reaction plate, a cover plate, a pressure plate, and, disposed between the pressure and reaction plates, at least two friction discs and at least two intermediate discs. The intermediate driving member has at least one thrust surface facing towards the reaction plate, with the intermediate disc adjacent to the reaction plate having a reaction surface associated with the thrust surface for cooperation with the latter so as to locate the intermediate disc axially.

Link between windscreen wiper arm, in particular for an automotive vehicle

Abstract: Device for linking between a drive shaft (11) and an arm of a windscreen wiper (1), the said drive shaft (11) traversing a bearing holder (12) connected to a fixed bodywork element. According to the invention, the drive shaft (11) carries a positioning sleeve (22) comprising at least a first positioning means (23) and a second positioning means (24).

Control method and device for an alternator

Abstract: Method for controlling the excitation current of a motor vehicle alternator inductor, the said alternator comprising in particular a rectifier bridge delivering a rectified voltage Ub+ to be controlled having a low-frequency ripple which can vary in amplitude, superimposed on a high-frequency ripple which is constant in amplitude, the said rectified voltage Ub+ thus being a periodic voltage of period T, each period of which comprises a first alternation of duration T1 in the course of which a voltage is applied to the inductor of the alternator, and a second alternation of duration T2 in the course of which no voltage is applied to the inductor, characterised in that it consists: - in triggering measurement of the rectified voltage Ub+ within one of the alternations T1, T2, - in carrying out the measurement for a time Te predetermined by sampling, that is to say by performing successive and nearing measurements, - in comparing the measured value Ub+ with a calculated theoretical value, - in deducing from this comparison the values T1 and T2 of the alternations of the succeeding period T.

Vehicle alternator cooling system - has feed and return connections for cooling fluid flow provided in common cover of alternator housing and container

Abstract: The cooling system comprises a container (17) with feed and return lines for a cooling fluid, enclosing the alternator housing (10) which is provided with external cooling ribs (15) lying in the cooling fluid flow path. The cooling ribs (15) cooperate with the inside wall of the container (17) to define a meandering flow path. The alternator housing (10) and the container (17) have a common cover (21), with respective sealing flanges (22, 27) cooperating with each, providing the feed and return connections for the cooling fluid flow. ADVANTAGE - Max compactness.

Motor vehicle headlight including an improved light source

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprising: a light source; a first reflector of the ellipsoid kind having a first focus situated in the vicinity of the source; a mask passing through the second focus of the first reflector and presenting a light-passing window in the vicinity of said second focus, the shape of the window being fixed and predetermined so as to define a virtual light source whose light emission pattern corresponds essentially to said shape; and a second reflector situated on the opposite side of the mask to the first reflector and having a surface which itself determines the positions of the images of the virtual source as a function of a determined photometric distribution. The headlight is particularly suitable for use with an arc lamp that is required to co-operate with a reflector capable itself of generating a beam with a sharp cutoff.

Heating and/or air conditioning apparatus for a motor vehicle, having two air fans

Abstract: The invention relates to heating and/or air conditioning apparatus for the cabin of a motor vehicle, of a kind in which two separate fans deliver air into a common housing through which the air is passed to a heat exchanger. The object of the invention is to obtain even distribution of the air delivered through the heat exchanger, despite any differences in the flow rates of air delivered by one fan as compared with the other. The apparatus includes a housing having two inlet sections which are arranged facing each other and which are connected to the two respective fans for introducing the two air streams into the housing in parallel and opposed inlet directions. These directions are parallel to a base wall of the housing, and this base wall is provided with a separating bulkhead which projects from it into the interior of the housing. The bulkhead extends in a direction close to the inlet direction, which is substantially diagonal so as to define two chambers within the housing and extending over substantially the same width in the inlet direction. The two chambers exhaust into an outlet section which leads to the heat exchanger.