Showing papers by "Valeo published in 1997"

Device for controlling opening of a motor vehicle door

Abstract: Opening of a motor vehicle door, having a door lock, is controlled by a system which includes: a door handle pivoted on the door for displacement between a rest position and an open position and connected to the door lock through a linkage; an intermediate lever which is pivoted about a pivot axis on the door and which is connected to the linkage; and a motorized mechanism interposed between the door handle and the intermediate lever. The motorized mechanism is arranged to assume, selectively, an inhibiting state in which manipulation of the door handle has no effect on the intermediate lever, and an operational state in which manipulation of the handle causes simultaneous displacement of the intermediate lever. When this mechanism is actuated to shift it from its inhibiting state to its operational state, the intermediate lever is displaced until the door lock is unlocked.

Outside door handle

Abstract: The invention concerns an external door-handle for automotive vehicles with a supporting frame (supporting shackle) which can be fastened to the door sheet-metal, to which supporting frame (supporting shackle) a door pull is articulated; and with a swivel arm (rotary shackle) articulated in the supporting frame, which swivel arm (rotary shackle) can be operated by the handle; a transmission part, in particular a Bowden cable, is coupled to the swivel arm (rotary shackle), through which the door is opened via transmission parts; a massive block is supported so it can be swiveled against spring pressure; in case of a lateral impact, the massive block is located in a locking position because of its mass, in which locking position it prevents an opening of the door; wherein the massive block is articulated to the swivel arm and, in the locking position, prevents a swiveling of the swivel arm into the open position.

Improvement in LED circuits, especially for vehicles, signalisation lights and control panels

Abstract: The illumination circuit includes three parallel branches of LEDs forming "i" lines and "j" columns. The network is connected with each branch connected in series and individual LEDs paralleled up, forming a total of "ij" LEDs. Some of the branches have resistors in parallel (22,23). Each LED circuit has a series resistance and zener diode (Ri) placed in series with it.

Performance of nozzle-sprayed ammonia evaporator with square-pitch plain-tube bundle

Abstract: A spray evaporation experiment was conducted using commercial nozzles distributing liquid ammonia on a horizontal, 3 by 3 square pitch, 1.25 pitch ratio, plain-tube bundle composed of stainless-steel tubes of 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) diameter. The saturation temperature test range was from {minus}10 F ({minus}23 C) to 50 F (10 C), with corresponding pressure from 23.7 to 89.2 psia (164 to 615 kPa). Heat transfer coefficient data were collected within the heat flux range from 1,000 to 11,000 Btu/h{center_dot}ft{sup 2} (3.2 to 35 kW/m{sup 2}). The effects of heat flux, saturation temperature, spray flow rate, nozzle height, and nozzle type (standard angle or wide angle) were investigated. The spray evaporation heat transfer performance was compared with pool boiling heat transfer performance of the same tube bundle. A correlation was developed based on the spray evaporation experimental data.

Axially disengageable lock for a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock or the like comprises a locking mechanism for securing and releasing the door, operated by a lock which is disengageable from the locking mechanism. The disengageable lock comprises a stator, a tubular intermediate sleeve, a rotor operable by a key, and a control lever for actuating the locking mechanism. The control lever is coupled to the rotor through a driving sleeve. The lock also includes an indexer which is moveable axially between a rest, or engaged, position and a disengaged position when the intermediate sleeve is rotated during actuation of the rotor by an incorrect key. This axial movement of the indexer displaces the driving member axially to a position in which the driving member is prevented from rotating. The indexer is fixed in rotation to the intermediate sleeve, and is also free to rotate with respect to the stator when in the disengaged position.

Motor vehicle starter contactor incorporating an auxiliary control relay

Abstract: A contactor for a motor vehicle starter comprises a contactor coil, a movable contactor core actuated by a control rod, and a fixed contactor core. It also has an electromagnetic auxiliary control relay which includes a movable relay core carrying a movable contact ring which is arranged for cooperation with at least one pair of fixed relay contacts, carried by a fixed annular contact carrier plate. The relay coil, the contact carrier plate, and the movable contact ring are arranged in axial succession, in that order towards the front of the contactor, and are disposed between the fixed core and the movable contact of the contactor, so that the relay and the contactor are closed in opposite directions.

Method for making a motor vehicle dashboard with built-in air ducts, and resulting dashboard

Abstract: A motor vehicle dashboard including a body (10) made of injection-moulded plastic foam (M), and at least one air duct (28; 30) integrally moulded with the dashboard body (10). The air duct is produced by means of an at least partially absorbable removable insert (60), particularly an inflatable balloon. Motor vehicle dashboards may thus be produced.

Blower assembly having integral air flow cooling duct

Abstract: A blower assembly (10) includes a motor cover (18) having a body portion (40) defining a motor cavity (19), an air flow guide surface (42) connected to an end (41) of the body portion (40), the guide surface (42) extending radially outwardly from the body portion (40), and a cooling duct (44) integrally formed with the body portion (40) and having an inlet (48) and an outlet (50), the inlet (48) being located at the end (41) of the body portion and the outlet (50) being defined in a sidewall of the body portion (40). The blower assembly (10) further includes a motor (16) positionable in the motor cavity (19) the motor (16) having a motor shaft (20) having a central axis (A1). In addition, the blower assembly (10) includes a fan housing (12) connected to the motor cover (18), wherein the fan housing (12) defines a scroll cut-off line (63), and a plane (P1) passes through the scroll cut-off line (63) and the central axis (A1), and the cooling duct (44) is positioned adjacent to the plane (P1). The blower assembly (10) also includes a fan (14) positioned within the fan housing (12), wherein the fan (14) rotates in a rotational direction (65), and the cooling duct (44) is positioned on the upstream side of the plane (P1) relative to the rotational direction (65) of the fan (14).

Method and apparatus for load compensating doors and hatches

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle frame. The apparatus includes a motor for rotating a shaft. The apparatus further includes a first threaded member coupled to the shaft of the motor, wherein the first threaded member is mechanically linked to the vehicle frame. In addition, the apparatus includes a second threaded member which cooperates with the first threaded member so that the second threaded member is moved relative to the first threaded member when the first threaded member is rotated by the shaft of the motor, wherein the second threaded member is mechanically linked to the vehicle door. A method for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle frame is also disclosed.

A flatness based control synthesis of linear systems and application to windshield wipers

Abstract: A Brunovsky form for perturbed linear dynamics is derived. It is utilized for synchronizing a system of windshield wipers controlled by two independent motors.

Flat heat exchanger tube with a central partition

Abstract: A fabricated flat heat exchanger tube, applicable especially to cooling radiators for motor vehicle engines, is divided into two by a reinforcing partition. The partition consists of a pleat extending into the interior of the tube and formed in the sheet metal strip from which the tube is fabricated. The regions of the strip which are adjacent to the pleat constitute a first main wall of the tube, while its two terminal or marginal regions are bent back at 180 degrees into the interior of the tube from the adjacent regions that constitute the second main wall of the tube. These terminal regions are brazed sealingly to the pleat. The outer dimensions of the tube in transverse cross section, and the quality of brazing, do not depend on the exact width of strip.

Method and device for stopping the starter of a motor vehicle once the engine of the vehicle has started

Abstract: A starter for a motor vehicle engine is equipped with a device for cutting off the operation of the starter as soon as the engine is running by itself. The device detects the voltage or current waves in the power supply to the starter, and stops the starter when these waves disappear. At each new wave in the power supply signal, a monitoring period is generated, having a duration which decreases as the frequency of the waves increases, the starter being stopped when no new wave is detected in the last monitoring period.

Hydraulic control receiver with closing plate

Abstract: The invention concerns a receiver comprising an external body (4) with an internal flange (15) constituting the base of the cavity (7) of the receiver (1), also delimited by guide bushing (58) assembled to the external body. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.

Electric motor incorporating its own electronic control

Abstract: In an electric motor which includes an electronic control device and an armature within a closed motor casing, the electronic control device is arranged within the casing, in a position offset axially from but close to the armature. The motor includes a thermal screen which is interposed axially between the armature and the control device, and the screen includes means for dissipating heat outside the casing.

Hydraulically powered fan and power steering in vehicle

Abstract: A hydraulic system for use in an automotive vehicle. A source of hydraulic pressure selectively operates in two modes. In one mode, it feeds a radiator cooling fan and a power steering system in parallel when a system pressure or flow exceeds a predetermined pressure rate. In another mode, it feeds the radiator cooling fan and the power steering system in series when the system pressure or flow is less than the predetermined pressure or flow.

Method for vehicle data dependent range measurement from a vehicle

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasound parking aid system which emits warning signals when an echo signal lying within an audibility window exceeds a given threshold value. Hitherto, an audibility window or the sensitivity of the system was adapted to fixed data of the vehicle and/or the roadway. According to the invention, the sensitivity, audibility window or even the emission response is adapted as a function of varying dynamic data of the vehicle or roadway.

Heat exchanger and method of producing the same

Abstract: A heat exchanger for vehicles comprises firstly a heat-exchanger assembly consisting of flat liquid-conveying tubes and surface-enlarging means, secondly an inlet tank, and thirdly an outlet tank. The inlet tank and the outlet tank have a connection plate with a number of connection holes for the tubes. At each hole, the plate has a projecting connecting sleeve element. Each tube has at its ends a widened main portion which is accommodated on said connecting sleeve element. A rounded transitional area is formed between the connection plate and each connecting sleeve element, and the main portion is inserted in the conecting sleeve element and is applied with its outside against the inside of the connecting sleeve element. Each tube has at its ends an end portion which is widened in relation to the main portion, merges with the main portion and is applied against the transitional area. In a method of producing such a heat exchanger, the widened end area of the tubes are inserted in the connecting sleeve elements and are widened further in such a manner that each tube end is applied against the transitional area between the plate and the respective connecting sleeve element.

Rotational angle sensor using a ccd line with enhanced measuring precision

Abstract: It is common knowledge that so-called CCD lines are used to build faster rotational angle sensors, whereby the light distribution (L) controlled by a disk containing a coded pattern is measured by a pixel line (11) and converted to digital values by an evaluation device. The present invention seeks to create a positional sensor with enhanced resolution. To this end it proposes to undertake several measures such as conducting a pulsed operation of the light source and using a digital code in the coded element. Other advantageous designs deal with the selection of a maximum code and with a more accurate determination of the coarse position value determined by the digital value obtained. The measuring precision can be further enhanced by displacing the code track or various radially incident code tracks.

Motorized locking device for a motor vehicle, such as a steering lock, having improved means for limiting the course of travel of the bolt

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a motorized steering lock including a bolt which locks the steering column by engaging in a recess in the steering shaft in the column. The bolt is actuated by an internally threaded slider which is carried on an externally threaded drive rod, and which cooperates with abutment surfaces formed on the bolt so as to displace the latter between its locking and unlocking positions. Besides its threaded portion, and in extension of the latter, the drive rod has a portion of reduced diameter such that, when the drive rod is rotated, the slider can slide axially along the portion of the drive rod having the reduced diameter, to a position in which its internal thread is out of mesh with the external thread of the drive rod.

Actuating handle for opening a lock of a motor vehicle wing

Abstract: The control is part of the opening control system of an automobile door (20) lock (24) and is of the type which has a hand movable flap (22) which is hinged around an axis (A1). The flap when pulled outwards opens the door lock and is spring reset to its rest position after release of the flap. The flap has a grip zone (76) which permits the user to move the flap to the door lock open position it is of the type which is associated with an electrical switch on which acts a manual control element (86). The control element is a shutter which is movable with respect the flap and is fitted behind the grip zone of the flap. The user is able to exert a force on the shutter (86) when the flap is pulled. The shutter is movable between a neutral position to which it is spring reset and an active position in which it acts on the trigger of the electrical switch (42) when the flap is in its rest position. The shutter pivoted with respect to the flap around an axis parallel to the axis (A1,74) of the flap.

Synchronous type electrical machine

Abstract: A synchronous electrical machine comprising a rotor and a stator, each having a plurality of notches, wherein the rotor is a stack of laminations without conductor windings and without permanent magnets, and wherein the stator has magnetizing means defining at least one pair of poles thereon, while the notches of said stator receive at least one secondary winding.

Dual function radio frequency remote control system for a motor vehicle

Abstract: A dual function radio frequency remote control system has a dual function portable emitter, and a receiver carried on a motor vehicle. The signal emitted by the emitter contains a function code in at least two parts at different power levels, and the receiver is adapted to control at least two functions of the vehicle selectively according to the power level of the received signal. If the receiver identifies both parts of the function code, the doors are unlocked. If only one part is received the doors are not unlocked, but the courtesy light or flashing indicators are switched on to enable the vehicle to be located.

Exterior handle for a motor vehicle

Abstract: The invention concerns a handle, especially with a lock, for the exterior of a motor vehicle's gate or door, with a housing in which the handle is sunk, and on which the handle is linked swivel-mounted whereby it is possible to grab around the handle by hand, whereby the front surface of the housing is completely or partially covered on the outside by a covering disk which is swivel-mounted or slidable in such a manner relative to said housing, that the covering disk covers up the handle in the disk's closed-position and the covering disk releases the handle in the disk's open-position, and that the handle 3 is acted upon in an external direction by a spring, by which the handle can be pressed from its internal position into its external position protruding outwards.

Method for regulating the excitation current in a motor vehicle alternator by digital processing, and a regulating device for carrying out the method

Abstract: The method of regulation includes: starting to measure the rectified voltage at the output of the alternator during each period T of this voltage, performing this measurement by sampling over a predetermined period Te, comparing this measured value of the rectified voltage with a calculated reference value, and deducing from this comparison the duration of the first phase T1 for the next following period T, this first phase being the one in which the battery voltage of the vehicle is applied to the alternator rotor winding. The sampling measurement of period Te ends, in each period T, at an instant T-e, where e is a period of time which is very short by comparison with the length of the period T.

Starter contactor incorporating an electronic control circuit, and a vehicle starter having such a contactor

Abstract: A motor vehicle starter has a contactor of the type that includes an electronic control circuit, which includes a printed circuit board in the form of a disc with a central hole through which the body of the control rod of the contactor passes. The electronic components of the control circuit are carried by the circuit board, which is located in an axial position within the interior of the pot-shaped end cap of the contactor, between the fixed core and the movable contact of the contactor. The electronic control circuit is mounted within a protective housing which is arranged inside the end cap, between the fixed core and the movable contact, and this housing also has electrical connection facilities.

Method and device for controlling cut-off of a motor vehicle starter

Abstract: A motor vehicle starter is controlled by a control device which cuts off the starter by measuring the power supply voltage of the starter and interrupting the power supply when that voltage reaches a threshold value. The threshold value is a function of the value of the power supply voltage measured at the inception of the starting operation.

RF remote controls with dual functional ranges for a motor vehicle

Abstract: The control delivers the signal carrying control codes at two different power levels. The received signal is compared to a threshold level, and the locking/unlocking of doors is activated by the high power level, while a lower power level is used to activate the location aids. In the case of the received signal falling below a lower threshold no action is taken. The message carried by the RF signal includes an identification code for the vehicle and command codes activating the operation of the door locks or of the localisation device if the vehicle identification is verified.

Improved tight rapid action pipe coupling

Abstract: The invention concerns a pipe coupling comprising a couple of complementary coaxial elements (11, 12) one of which (12) includes a seal (52) the mobile cap (54) of which comprises a rear guide section (104) for enabling it to slide inside the tubular body (14) of the element and the peripheral wall of which comprises at least an axial adjusting passage which communicates the two elements (11, 12) of the pipe coupling, the closing spring (50) of the seal acting on the rear section (104) of the mobile cap (54), and said passage axially opening towards the rear into the coil spring (50).

Alternator used both as a generator and as a motor for starting the engine of a self-propelled vehicle

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle alternator used both as a generator and as an electric motor for starting the engine of the vehicle. A coil-carrying rotor and a multiphase stator connected to a bridge of diodes and switches for rectifying and controlling the phases cooperate for selective operation as a generator or starting motor. A control unit for the switches recognizes a code signal transmitted by a code transmitter and controls the phases of the stator to cause the alternator to operate as an electric motor and start the engine only if it receives a code signal from the transmitter authorizing starting.