Claims:We claim:

1. A vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100), comprising:
a coupling flange (101) mounted on an output shaft (102) of a gearbox (106) and is coupled to a propeller shaft of the vehicle for transferring the power from the gearbox (106) to the propeller shaft, wherein, an outer circumference (101a) of the coupling flange (101) comprises a plurality of provisions (103); and
a speed sensor unit (104) mounted on a gearbox housing (105), the speed sensor unit (104) is configured tangentially to the coupling flange (101),
wherein, the speed sensor unit (104) generate signals based on interaction between the speed sensor unit (104) and the plurality of provisions (103) on the coupling flange (101) to determine speed of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of provisions (103) are in the form of slots.

3. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of provisions (103) are provisioned equidistantly along the outer circumference (101a) of the coupling flange (101).

4. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots are four or eight in number.

5. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed sensor unit (104) is a hall-effect sensor.

6. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hall-effect sensor generates the signals based on variation of magnetic field when the plurality of provisions (103) on the coupling flange (101) interacts with a sensing portion of the hall effect sensor.

7. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed sensor unit (104) is communicatively coupled to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle to determine vehicle speed.

8. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed sensor unit (104) is configured proximal to the coupling flange (101).

9. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling flange (101) is composed of iron or alloys of iron.

10. A vehicle comprising a vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to arrangement for vehicle speed detection. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a gearbox mounted vehicle speed sensor arrangement for detecting the speed of vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as heavy duty vehicles, light duty vehicles passenger vehicles, are commonly provided with an arrangement for measurement of speed. The speed of vehicle may be determined and may be indicated to driver on an indication unit. The vehicle speed may also be monitored continuously, and may be used to regulate various driving parameters such as braking force to achieve an optimal braking performance. Further, knowing the vehicle speed facilitates maintaining of an optimal force on each axle or even on each wheel such that the force may be kept just below the limit where skidding may occur. Also, measurement of the wheel speed or vehicle speed may be used for stability control where information about the wheel speed will be sent to a computer stability system (ESP). In addition, the vehicle speed may be used to determine if the vehicle is in moving position or is in parked position, which may be useful in some applications. Therefore, it may be imperative to know the wheel or vehicle speed accurately. In order to measure the speed of vehicle, vehicle speed sensor is commonly used. Thus, the vehicle Speed sensor measures transmission output or wheel speed.

In view of the above applications or advantages of knowledge of vehicle speed, various methods of determination of vehicle speed have been proposed. One such conventional configuration of vehicle speed sending arrangement includes a mechanical contact type arrangement. In the mechanical contact type arrangement, a rotating wheel may be mounted on a output shaft of gearbox and a pinion gear may be provisioned to come in contact with the rotating wheel. The rotating wheel acts as a counter wheel to determine the vehicle speed. The rotation of the pinion gear with respect to rotation of the rotating wheel may be used to determine the speed of the vehicle, and may be indicated in either analog or digital form. However, the conventional mechanical contact type speed sensor arrangements may have certain limitation including wear of the gears which may hamper the accuracy of the speed detection, and complexity in the assembly.

With the advancements in the technology, contactless vehicle speed sensing arrangements have been developed and used in the vehicle. FIG.1, illustrates perspective view of one such conventional contactless vehicle speed sensor arrangement. In the conventional contact-less vehicle speed sensor arrangement a stationary sensor (2) and a rotating sensor wheel (3) are commonly used. The stationary sensor (2) that is mounted on a housing (1), which is a non-rotating part, and a corresponding sensor wheel (3) that is mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox, which is a rotating part may be used to determined vehicle speed. The sensor wheel (3) may have provisions on its outer surface and the stationary sensor may use magnetic field to detect the variation in magnetic properties as the sensor wheel (3) rotates and gives an alternating electrical signal to the electronic system of the vehicle from which the vehicle speed is calculated. However, these conventional contactless arrangements involve more number of components, thus increasing the complexity and the costs involved. Additionally, space occupied by the arrangement may be high.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional systems are overcome by system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure a vehicle speed sensor arrangement is disclosed. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement comprises a coupling flange mounted on an output shaft of a gearbox and is coupled to a propeller shaft of the vehicle for transferring the power from the gearbox to the propeller shaft. The coupling flange comprises a plurality of provisions at its outer circumference. The vehicle speed sensor arrangement further comprises a speed sensor unit mounted on a gearbox housing and is configured tangentially to the coupling flange. The speed sensor unit generate signals based on interaction between the speed sensor unit and the plurality of provisions on the coupling flange to determine speed of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of provisions are in the form of slots and are provisioned equidistantly along the outer circumference of the coupling flange. The plurality of slots are four or eight in number.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the speed sensor unit is a hall-effect sensor. The hall-effect sensor generates the signals based on variation of magnetic field when the plurality of provisions on the coupling flange interacts with a sensing portion of the hall effect sensor.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the speed sensor unit is communicatively coupled to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle to determine vehicle speed. The speed sensor unit is configured proximal to the coupling flange.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the coupling flange is composed of iron or alloys of iron.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates perspective view of a conventional vehicle speed sensor arrangement.

FIG.2 illustrates perspective view of a gearbox mounted vehicle speed sensor arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.3 illustrates front cross sectional view of a vehicle speed sensor arrangement of FIG.2.

FIG.4 illustrates side cross sectional view of the gearbox mounted vehicle speed sensor arrangement of FIG.2.

FIG.5 illustrates side view a coupling flange of a vehicle speed sensor arrangement of FIG.2, with a plurality of provisions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiments of present disclosure discloses a vehicle speed sensor arrangement, particularly a gearbox mounted vehicle speed sensor arrangement. The speed sensor arrangement may determine the speed of rotation of an output shaft of the gearbox with the use of coupling flange. Thus, the arrangement of the present disclosure eliminates the need for additional components for determining the speed of vehicle. In an embodiment, components such as provision of a separate sensing wheel may be avoided with the arrangement of vehicle speed sensor as in the present disclosure.

The vehicle speed sensor arrangement comprises a coupling flange which may be mounted on an output shaft of gearbox of the vehicle. The gearbox may in turn be coupled to the engine of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the coupling flange may also be coupled to a propeller shaft of the vehicle. The coupling flange thus allows transmission of power from the gearbox to the propeller shaft to drive wheels of the vehicle through rear axle. According to the embodiments of the disclosure, the coupling flange may be provided with a plurality of provision or slots which may operate as sensing slots to determine speed of the vehicle. The plurality of provisions or slots of may be provided on an outer circumference or an outer surface of the coupling flange. These slots may be configured equi-distantly from each other along the circumference of the coupling flange. In an embodiment, the number of slots or provisions may be four or eight. Further, the vehicle speed sensor arrangement comprises a speed sensor or speed sensor unit mounted on a housing of the gearbox. The speed sensor unit may be mounted on the housing such that it is arranged tangentially to the coupling flange. The speed sensor unit may be positioned proximal to the coupling flange, thus maintaining a pre-defined gap from the coupling flange. This makes the speed sensor unit a contactless vehicle speed sensor.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speed sensor unit may be a hall-effect sensor. The speed sensor unit generate signals based on varying magnetic field sensed by the speed sensor unit or the hall-effect sensor. The varying magnetic field may be due to the plurality of provisions or the slots provided on the outer circumference of the coupling flange. The signals generated may be communicated to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle to determine vehicle speed.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. The air intake system shown in figures is of one particular configuration, it is to be noted that slight variations in configuration of the air intake system is to be considered as part of the present disclosure.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS.2 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

FIG.2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates perspective view of vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100). As shown in FIG.2, the vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) mainly comprises a coupling flange (101) and a speed sensor unit (104). The vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) may be configured on a gearbox (106) of the vehicle, and may be adapted to determine speed of the vehicle using rotational speed of an output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106).

As shown in FIG.2, the coupling flange (101) may be concentrically mounted on an output shaft (106a) of gear box (106). The gearbox (106) may in turn be coupled to an engine to transmit power generated by the engine. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the coupling flange (101) may have a cylindrical connecting portion (101b) for accommodating the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106). The cylindrical connecting portion (101b) may have splines matching keys on the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106). Further, a flange portion (101c) of the coupling flange (101) may be coupled to propeller shaft [not shown] of the vehicle to drive the rear axle. The coupling flange (101) is thus a member which is provisioned in between the gearbox output shaft (102) and the propeller shaft. In an embodiment, the coupling flange (101) may transmit power from the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106) to the propeller shaft. Further, as shown in FIG.2, the coupling flange (101) may comprise a plurality of provisions (103) or slots on an outer circumference or an outer surface of the coupling flange (101). These slots (103) may be configured as sensing slots to determine the speed of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the number of plurality of provisions (103) or slots may be four or eight in number provisioned equi-distantly along the outer circumference of the coupling flange (101).

The speed sensor unit (104) in the vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) may be provisioned tangentially to the coupling flange (101) and is mounted on a housing (105) of the gearbox (106). The gearbox housing (105) may be configured to house and support the components of the vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100). In an embodiment, the speed sensor unit (104) may comprise a mounting plate (not shown in the figure), to support the speed sensor unit (104) and may also include brackets and mounting holes (not shown in the figure) to mount the vehicle speed sensor and support the harness of the vehicle speed sensor through brackets. Further, the speed sensor unit (104) may be mounted on the housing (105) with fastening members such as but not limited to nut and bolt assembly. Alternatively, the speed sensor unit (104) may be connected to the housing (105) through joining process with the usage of adhesives or glue. The speed sensor unit (104) may be provisioned proximal to the coupling flange (101), thus maintaining a pre-defined gap with respect to the coupling flange (101). Hence, the speed sensor unit (104) of the present disclosure may be referred to as a contact less sensor.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speed sensor unit (104) may be a hall effect sensor. The speed sensor unit (104) may generate signals corresponding to the interaction between the speed sensor unit (104) and the coupling flange (101). The presence of plurality of provisions (103) or slots on the outer circumference of the coupling flange (101) contributes in generating varying magnetic field signals by the speed sensor unit (104) or the hall effect sensor when the coupling flange rotates with the rotation of the output shaft (102). In an embodiment, the speed sensor unit (104) may be communicatively coupled to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) [not shown in the figure] of the vehicle. The ECU is configured to receive the signals from the speed sensor unit (104), analyzes these signals and evaluates the speed of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS.3 and 4, which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrates a front cross-sectional view and side cross-sectional view of the vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) respectively. As shown in FIGS.3 and 4, the components of the vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) may be housed and supported by the housing (105). The coupling flange (101) may be mounted on the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106). In an embodiment, the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106) may have splines on its outer surface and the coupling flange (101) may have corresponding splines on its inner surface. During mounting, these splines may lock with each other to ensure proper mounting of the coupling flange (101) on the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106). Further, it can be seen from FIGS.3 and 4, that a pre-defined amount of gap may be maintained between the speed sensor unit (104) and the coupling flange (101) and thus acts as a contact less speed sensor. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.3, there may be four number of provisions or slots (103) provided on outer circumference of the coupling flange (101). The slots (103) may act as sensing slots generating varying magnetic field upon interaction with the speed sensor unit (104). In an embodiment, as the slots or provisions (103) are provided on the coupling flange (101) itself, there may be no need for an extra component or part such as a sensing wheel to assist in determining vehicle speed. Further, since a separate sensing wheel is not required, instead coupling flange (101) with slots may be used, the design of the vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) as in the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with any gearbox.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the coupling flange (101) may be concentrically mounted on the output shaft (102) of the gearbox (106), such that at least a portion of the coupling shaft resides in the housing (105) of the gearbox (106). Also, a sealing member may be provided between the housing (105) of the gearbox (106), and the coupling flange (101) prevent entry of foreign particles into the gearbox (106). The sealing member may also act as an oil seal between the gearbox (106) and the coupling flange (101).
FIG.5 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates side view a coupling flange (101) of a vehicle speed sensor arrangement (100) with a plurality of provisions or slots (103). The plurality of provisions or slots (103) are provided on an outer circumference (101a) of the coupling flange (101). In an embodiment, four, eight, or any equal number of slots (103) may be provided on the outer surface of the coupling flange (101). These slots (103) are provided equi-distantly from each other. As described in the aforementioned paragraphs, the slots (103) exhibit varying magnetic field behavior which may be sensed by the speed sensor unit (104). In an embodiment, the speed sensor unit (104) is a hall effect sensor, and may be communicatively coupled to the ECU of the vehicle. The ECU determines the speed of the vehicle based on the signals, and may indicate on an indication unit provided in the vehicle.

Advantages of the present disclosure

The present disclosure discloses a vehicle speed sensor arrangement with provision of sensing slots on the coupling flange to sense vehicle speed. This eliminates the need for additional component such as sensing wheel.

The vehicle speed sensor arrangement of the present disclosure is economical with usage of lesser number of parts and also saves space. Further, the vehicle speed sensor arrangement provides accurate results in terms of measurement of vehicle speed.

The vehicle speed sensor arrangement of the present disclosure, may be used with any gearbox of the vehicle.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:
Description Reference Number
Vehicle speed sensor arrangement 100
Coupling flange 101
Outer circumference of the coupling flange 101a
Cylindrical connecting portion 101b
Flange portion 101c
Output shaft of gearbox 102
Provisions/slots on the coupling flange 103
Speed sensor unit 104
Gearbox housing 105
Gearbox 106
Conventional arrangement
Housing 1
Stationary speed sensor 2
Sensing wheel 3
Gear box shaft 4
Flange 5