Sensor module with environmental sensor and air conditioning unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor module (18) for a motor vehicle (1000) comprising a carrier element (27), a viewing area (24), an environment sensor (22) that can detect the vehicle's surroundings through the viewing area (24) and that is adjustable relative to the carrier element (27), and an air conditioning device (28). The air conditioning device (28) has a fan (30) that is arranged on the carrier element (27) and directed towards an airflow area of ​​the environment sensor (22) in order to cool the environment sensor (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor module, in particular a roof sensor module (RSM) for a passenger car, which includes an environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle's surroundings. The invention further relates to a vehicle roof with such a sensor module. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with such a sensor module and / or such a vehicle roof.

[0002] Vehicle roofs are a familiar concept in practice. A vehicle roof can, for example, be designed as a roof sensor module, which can be mounted as a separate unit onto the body shell of a passenger car. The vehicle body includes roof rails, which can be longitudinal and / or transverse, serving as the interface to the roof. These rails form a support structure within the vehicle body shell. The vehicle roof comprises a roof skin that provides an outer viewing surface and features sensor access areas through which ambient sensors, located beneath the roof skin, can detect the vehicle's surroundings.

[0003] Autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles include, for example, a roof designed as a sensor roof module (RSM), which is equipped with a variety of environmental sensors. These sensors, integrated into the vehicle roof in a dry area, and which may be lidar sensors, radar sensors, and / or cameras, detect the surroundings of the vehicle and provide corresponding measurement signals to the vehicle's control electronics. This allows the vehicle to determine the current traffic situation and adapt its driving behavior accordingly.

[0004] A critical aspect of RSM technology is the temperature regulation of the environmental sensors, such as lidar sensors, which are integrated into the RSM modules. To ensure optimal functionality and longevity of the environmental sensors, it is essential that they operate within their specified operating temperature ranges.

[0005] The purpose of an air conditioning unit is to quickly cool the environmental sensor, or a combination of different environmental sensors, within the RSM from a high temperature level, significantly exceeding the maximum permissible operating temperature of the respective environmental sensor, to an acceptable level. This is particularly important in environments or operating areas where the external temperature or internal operating conditions can lead to overheating.

[0006] With extendable environmental sensors, an air conditioning unit is typically located directly on the sensor. This technology effectively addresses the thermal challenges associated with high-performance lidar sensors. The cooling function is usually achieved through a housing cooling concept for the sensor, in which ambient air is drawn in by a fan and directed onto the area of ​​the sensor requiring cooling. This fan is mounted directly on the extendable sensor and facilitates air exchange between the sensor's heat output and the ambient air supply, thus cooling the sensor. The intake and exhaust sections of these fans are mechanically separated to prevent recirculation of warm air within the air conditioning unit. The fan's outlet is directly connected to an air outlet on the sensor module.The fan's intake draws in (outside) air around the sensor module. Depending on the module design, the limited space within the sensor module means that only certain areas of the ambient air sensor can be exposed to airflow, as other areas are occupied by the sensor's movement mechanism and other components of the air conditioning system. This often very compact design of the sensor module therefore offers little scope for improved fan positioning and the associated optimization of air conditioning performance.

[0007] Even though approaches for air conditioning systems for climate control of environmental sensors are already known, there is still potential for development.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2022 108 153 A1 discloses a roof module for a motor vehicle that includes an environmental sensor arranged under a roof membrane behind a sensor viewing area. A temperature control device is also provided, designed to dissipate waste heat generated by the environmental sensor.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a sensor module with an improved air conditioning system.

[0010] The problem is solved by a sensor module with the features of claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The scope of the invention encompasses all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures. It is understood in particular that linguistic transformations and / or the meaningful substitution of respective terms within the framework of usual linguistic practice, especially the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are included in the present disclosure without being explicitly mentioned in their respective formulations.

[0012] In a preferred aspect, a sensor module for a motor vehicle is proposed. The sensor module comprises a carrier element, a viewing area, an environment sensor that can detect the vehicle's surroundings through the viewing area and is adjustable relative to the carrier element, and an air conditioning device for conditioning the environment sensor. The air conditioning device includes a fan that is arranged and / or fixed to the carrier element, preferably in a stationary manner, and directed towards an airflow area of ​​the environment sensor in order to condition or cool the environment sensor, in particular by directing ambient air and / or outside air drawn in by the fan onto and / or around it.

[0013] The mounting element can be connected to a body component of the vehicle surrounding the sensor module. The environmental sensor is adjustable relative to the mounting element, at least between a retracted position and an extended position in which the sensor can detect the vehicle's surroundings. Intermediate positions are also possible. The environmental sensor is preferably adjustable by an adjustment mechanism that includes at least one actuator.

[0014] Unlike in the prior art, the fan in this design no longer needs to be positioned in a suction direction directly against the ambient sensor. Instead, at least when the sensor is extended, it is positioned at a distance from it on the support element. This allows for optimal cooling performance, as the fan can direct airflow at high velocity towards the sensor's approach area. A blowing position of the fan towards the sensor's approach area offers advantages for heat transfer and thus increases the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system. Unlike in the prior art, the fan no longer needs to be placed directly and close to the ambient sensor. This enables a blowing position where the ambient sensor is not only exposed to the airflow at a single point. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to elaborately redirect the airflow around the ambient sensor.to route the airflow around a sensor housing in order to generate the most effective cooling performance possible. Instead, a simple flow path can be achieved within the support element.

[0015] In another aspect, it is proposed that the support element be designed in a trough shape, wherein the environment sensor is adjustable between a retracted position in which the environment sensor is at least partially contained within the trough-shaped support element, and at least one extended position in which the environment sensor protrudes beyond the trough-shaped support element.

[0016] The fan is preferably arranged or mounted in the area of ​​a tray base of the support element. The fan is preferably mounted in the tray that forms the fixed part of the sensor module opposite the ambient sensor. When the ambient sensor is in the extended position, there is space and clearance between the fan and the sensor's airflow area, which increases the air conditioning performance because the airflow area can be more effectively reached by the fan. Adjusting the ambient sensor increases the distance between the fan (or one of its air outlets) and the sensor's airflow area. The airflow from the fan can then spread out more widely and affect a larger area of ​​the sensor housing surface. This increases the air conditioning system's performance and the amount of heat that can be dissipated.The fan is preferably oriented with its air outlet towards the airflow area of ​​the ambient sensor. This airflow area can be, for example, a section or area of ​​the sensor housing surface. Heat-conducting elements, such as cooling fins, can also be provided in this airflow area to increase heat dissipation. The extended position is a functional position of the ambient sensor, in which it is to be cooled. The retracted position is a rest position of the ambient sensor, in which cooling is preferred and possible, but not functionally relevant.

[0017] In another aspect, it is proposed that the fan be arranged on the support element in such a way, in particular in a fixed manner, that the fan has an angle of attack relative to the environmental sensor in order to direct airflow towards the area of ​​approach of the environmental sensor.

[0018] The angle of attack can preferably be determined by the fan's main airflow direction towards the area of ​​the ambient sensor when the sensor is extended. The fan is therefore preferably mounted at an angle in the support element or housing and directed towards any desired area of ​​the ambient sensor. The adjustable ambient sensor and the fan's placement in the support element, which is fixed relative to the vehicle, structurally increase the distance between the fan's air outlet and the ambient sensor, at least when the sensor is in its extended (functional) position. Because the fan's outlet is directed towards the sensor, precise airflow control is only conditionally necessary.

[0019] In another aspect, it is proposed that the sensor module has a cover, wherein the air conditioning device has an air inlet and an air outlet spaced apart from the air inlet, with the air inlet and / or the air outlet being provided on the cover.

[0020] The viewing area can preferably be provided on the cover. The air inlet can be provided on the cover, for example, in the form of at least one opening. The air outlet can also be provided on the cover, for example, in the form of at least one opening. Ambient air can be drawn in through the air inlet by the fan and blown onto the approach area of ​​the environmental sensor, where the ambient air absorbs the (waste) heat from the environmental sensor and / or heat introduced into the sensor module from the outside. The heated air is then discharged from the sensor module into the environment via the air outlet. Within the air conditioning unit, the air inlet and the air outlet are separated in such a way that no recirculation can take place, but rather a predominantly unidirectional flow is created.

[0021] In another aspect, it is proposed that the fan is flow-conductingly connected to the air inlet and is designed to draw in ambient air via the air inlet and expel it onto the approach area of ​​the environmental sensor.

[0022] This means that the air inlet and outlet within the air conditioning unit are structurally separated, thus preventing air recirculation within the unit. In this case, the air outlet and air inlet of the air conditioning unit do not need to be located on the back of the extendable environmental sensor in the slipstream. The air outlet can, for example, also be located in a low-pressure area of ​​the sensor module or the air conditioning unit, such as in a lateral area of ​​the cover. This increases design freedom in the placement of the air inlet and outlet. Since the need for complex air routing within the air conditioning unit is eliminated, the overall internal geometry of the unit is considerably simpler.

[0023] Another aspect proposed is that the air inlet and / or the air outlet be adjustable relative to the fan using the environmental sensor.

[0024] When adjusting the ambient light sensor, the cover containing the air inlet and outlet is preferably also adjusted, since, for example, the ambient light sensor is mounted on the cover. The flow-guiding connection between the air inlet and the fan is therefore preferably designed such that it can move along with the ambient light sensor when it is adjusted, while still allowing proper airflow guidance.

[0025] In another aspect, it is proposed that the fan be connected to the air inlet in a flow-conducting manner by means of a flexible component, in particular by means of a flexible and / or foldable duct or hose.

[0026] Preferably, an intake side of the fan is connected to the air inlet via a foldable, flexible component, such as a duct section or a hose segment. The connection is preferably designed such that ambient air can flow into the air inlet via the component and is then expelled by the fan. Air exiting the component into the surrounding support element is preferably prevented, so that the intake air can only exit after leaving the fan. The air inlet is preferably located on the rear side or a leeward side of the extendable environmental sensor.

[0027] In another aspect, it is proposed that the support element defines a wet area of ​​the sensor module, within which the environmental sensor and the air conditioning unit are arranged.

[0028] The entire interior area of ​​the sensor module, which is preferably limited by the support component, is therefore preferably designed as a wet area.

[0029] The present claim also includes a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor module according to any embodiment.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof is designed as a roof sensor module. Such a roof sensor module forms an integrated unit that incorporates components required for the autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle in question. The roof sensor module, which can integrate a multitude of functional elements, thus represents a compact unit that is connected by the vehicle manufacturer to a vehicle body or body shell, which includes roof pillars such as side pillars and / or longitudinal pillars. The vehicle roof designed as a roof sensor module is therefore a roof sensor module (RSM) that enables autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle in question.

[0031] A motor vehicle equipped with such a roof and designed as an autonomous vehicle drives independently in autonomous driving mode, at least without significant driver intervention. In a semi-autonomous driving mode, the vehicle roof, according to the invention, forms, for example, part of a driver assistance system.

[0032] The vehicle roof may be equipped with a transparent fixed roof section and / or a roof opening system for a roof opening.

[0033] In particular, the vehicle roof forms at least part of the roof of a passenger car. However, it can also be the roof of a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery van, a bus, an autonomous minibus (like a so-called people mover), or a truck tractor.

[0034] The present claim also includes a motor vehicle comprising a sensor module and / or a vehicle roof of the type described above. The vehicle roof preferably forms a roof sensor module (RSM) that can be arranged as a pre-assembled unit on the vehicle body. In other words, a vehicle body shell can be provided with a prefabricated or pre-assembled roof sensor module designed as a roof sensor module.

[0035] It is understood that the aforementioned and subsequently explained embodiments and exemplary embodiments can be implemented not only individually, but also in any combination with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the aforementioned and subsequently explained embodiments and exemplary embodiments relate in an equivalent or at least similar manner to all embodiments of the invention, without each being specifically named.

[0036] Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained below by way of example. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle roof with a sensor module. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an air conditioning system. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an air conditioning system. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an air conditioning system.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 1000, which has a vehicle body 1002. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1000 has a roof sensor module 10, which is arranged as a unit on the vehicle body 1002 and forms at least part of the vehicle roof 100 of the motor vehicle 1000. The roof sensor module 10 can be provided as a pre-assembled unit.

[0038] In alternative versions, the vehicle roof 100 can also refer to a vehicle roof that is not configured as a roof sensor module. Therefore, all versions also refer to such a vehicle roof 100.

[0039] The roof sensor module 10 comprises a surface component 12, which at least partially forms a roof skin 14 of the vehicle roof 100. The roof sensor module 10 comprises, according to Fig. 1. A fixed roof element 16, which forms at least a partially transparent area of ​​the vehicle roof 100. The roof sensor module 10 may, in other or supplementary versions, have a roof opening system comprising a cover element that can be moved to selectively open or close a roof opening.

[0040] The roof sensor module 10, or the vehicle roof 100, includes a sensor module 18. The sensor module 18 may have a cover 20. Furthermore, the sensor module 18 includes at least one environmental sensor 22 for detecting the vehicle's surroundings. The environmental sensor 22 is configured to detect the vehicle's surroundings via a viewing area 24. The viewing area 24 is located on the cover 20. The environmental sensor 22 can be a lidar sensor and / or a camera and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor. Other sensors are also conceivable.

[0041] The environmental sensor 22 is adjustable between a retracted position (see below) by an adjustment mechanism not shown in detail. Fig. 3) and an extended position (see Fig. 2) adjustable. For this purpose, the environmental sensor 22 is arranged in an opening 25 of the surface component 12.

[0042] The environmental sensor 22 can be arranged in a sensor housing 26. The environmental sensor 22 can be arranged below the cover 20 or covered by the cover 20. The viewing area 24 can be provided as a window in an opening in the cover 20 (not shown). The viewing area 24 can be integral to the cover 20 or arranged separately within it. The viewing area 24 can also be provided within the sensor housing 26.

[0043] As from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 2 to 4, the sensor module 18 has an air conditioning unit 28 for air conditioning the environmental sensor 22.

[0044] The sensor module further comprises a support element 27 or a support component. The support element 27 is designed in a trough shape. The support element 27 thus forms a module trough in which the environmental sensor 22 is arranged, at least partially, in the retracted position. (see Fig. 3) The support element 27 defines a wet area of ​​the sensor module 18. The environmental sensor 22 is adjustable relative to the support element 27. In this embodiment, the support element 27 is connected to the surface component 12 or the roof skin 14, but in other embodiments it can also be connected to a part of the vehicle body 1002. The support element 27 preferably surrounds the opening in which the environmental sensor 22 is adjustably arranged. In the retracted position, the cover 20 is flush with the surrounding surface component 12 and closes or covers the opening 25.

[0045] The air conditioning unit 28 includes a fan 30. The fan 30 is arranged on the support element 27 and directed towards the airflow area of ​​the environmental sensor 22 in order to cool the environmental sensor 22. The fan 30 is arranged on the support element 27 such that it has a fixed angle of attack 32 relative to the environmental sensor 22, directing airflow towards the sensor's airflow area.

[0046] The air conditioning unit 28 further comprises an air inlet 34 and an air outlet 36 spaced apart from the air inlet 34. The air inlet 34 and the air outlet 36 are each provided in the cover 20 in the form of openings. The fan 30 is flow-conductingly connected to the air inlet 34 and is configured to draw in ambient air through the air inlet 34 and expel it onto the approach area of ​​the environmental sensor 22. Since the air inlet 34 and the air outlet 36 are arranged on the adjustable cover 20, they are adjustable relative to the fan 30 together with the environmental sensor 22 and the cover 20, so that in the extended position the distance between the fan 30 and the air inlet 34 is greater than in the retracted position of the environmental sensor. The air inlet 34 is preferably arranged on a leeward side 35 of the sensor module 18. The air outlet 36 is preferably arranged laterally on the cover 20 (see Fig. 4).

[0047] As from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 2 to 4, the fan 30 is connected to the air inlet 34 by a flexibly movable component 38, in particular by a flexibly movable and / or foldable channel or hose, in a flow-conducting manner. This ensures a clear flow direction within the air conditioning unit 28. If the ambient sensor 22 is adjusted, the component 38 can move along with it without interrupting the flow-conducting connection.

[0048] As particularly in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, ambient air is drawn in through the air inlet 34 by the fan 30. The fan 30 generates an airflow 40, which is drawn in through the air inlet 34 and the tubular component 38. The airflow 40 is then expelled through an air outlet 42 of the fan 30 in the direction of the approach area of ​​the ambient sensor 22 (see Figure 4). Fig.2) After the airflow reaches the approach area of ​​the environmental sensor 22, the airflow is then discharged from the sensor module 18 via the air outlet 36. Reference symbol list 10 Roof sensor module 12 Surface component 14 Roof membrane 16 fixed roof elements 18 Sensor module 20 Cover 22 Environmental sensor 24 viewing area 25 Opening 26 sensor housings 27 Support element 28 Air conditioning unit 30 fans 32 Angle of attack 34 Air intake 35 lee side 36 Air outlet 38 components 40 airflow 42 Air discharge side 100 vehicle roof 1000 motor vehicles 1002 Vehicle body x Vehicle longitudinal direction y Vehicle width direction

Claims

[1] Sensor module (18) for a motor vehicle (1000), comprising: a carrier element (27), a viewing area (24), an environment sensor (22) which can detect a vehicle environment through the viewing area (24) and which is adjustable relative to the carrier element (27), and an air conditioning device (28) which has a fan (30) which is arranged on the carrier element (27) and is directed towards an airflow area of ​​the environment sensor (22) in order to air condition the environment sensor (22). [2] Sensor module (18) according to claim 1, wherein the support element (27) is shaped like a trough and wherein the environment sensor (22) is adjustable between a retracted position in which the environment sensor (22) is at least partially received within the trough-shaped support element (27) and at least one extended position in which the environment sensor (22) protrudes beyond the trough-shaped support element (27). [3] Sensor module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan (30) is arranged, in particular immovably, on the carrier element (27) such that the fan (30) has an angle of attack (32) relative to the environment sensor (22) in order to direct airflow towards the area of ​​approach of the environment sensor (22). [4] Sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module (18) has a cover (20), wherein the air conditioning device (28) has an air inlet (34) and an air outlet (36) spaced apart from the air inlet (34), wherein the air inlet (34) and / or the air outlet (36) is / are provided on the cover (20). [5] Sensor module (18) according to claim 4, wherein the fan (30) is flow-conductingly connected to the air inlet (34) and is configured to draw in ambient air via the air inlet (34) and expel it onto the inflow area of ​​the ambient sensor (22). [6] Sensor module (18) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the air inlet (34) and / or the air outlet (36) is / are adjustable relative to the fan (30) with the environmental sensor (22). [7] Sensor module (18) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the fan (30) is flow-conductingly connected to the air inlet (34) by a flexible component (38), in particular by a flexible and / or foldable channel or hose. [8] Sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element (27) defines a wet area of ​​the sensor module (18) within which the environment sensor (22) and the air conditioning device (28) are arranged. [9] Vehicle roof (100) of a motor vehicle (1000), comprising at least one sensor module (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Motor vehicle (1000) comprising a sensor module (18) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a vehicle roof (100) according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle roof (100) forms a roof sensor module (10) which can be arranged as a pre-assembled assembly unit on a vehicle body (1002) of the motor vehicle (1000).

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