Ultrasonic sensor device, motor vehicle trim, and motor vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses an ultrasonic sensor device, a vehicle trim piece, and a vehicle, relating to the field of automotive safety assistance technology. The ultrasonic sensor device includes an ultrasonic sensor and a mounting member for mounting the ultrasonic sensor on a corresponding trim piece. The ultrasonic sensor has a diaphragm for emitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals. The mounting member includes a mounting base and a clamping device. The mounting base has a connecting component and a sensor receiving component. The connecting component is used to fix the ultrasonic sensor device to the inner side of the trim panel of the trim piece, and the connecting component has an opening through which the diaphragm passes. The sensor receiving component has a receiving area for accommodating the ultrasonic sensor, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the ultrasonic sensor. The clamping device presses the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor against the inner side of the trim panel using a preload force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile safety assistance technology, and in particular to a sensor mounting component for mounting an ultrasonic sensor on an accessory, an ultrasonic sensor device having the mounting component, a motor vehicle trim having the ultrasonic sensor device, and a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, cars (motor vehicles) have become a must-have for families; multiple sensors (such as ultrasonic sensors) are often installed on current motor vehicles to detect the surrounding environment (obstacles); for example, ultrasonic sensors emit ultrasonic signals, and the ultrasonic signals reflected by objects are received by the ultrasonic sensors. The distance of the detected object can be calculated based on the propagation time of the echo signal received by the ultrasonic sensor; the setting of ultrasonic sensors can provide assistance to drivers during driving to ensure driving safety. For example, some doors of motor vehicles can be opened or closed automatically; during the process of opening or closing the door, if there is no sensor detection, the door may collide with an obstacle and cause damage to the door.

[0003] Ultrasonic sensors in the prior art are generally installed on corresponding decorative parts such as the front bumper, bumper, door interior panel, etc. of motor vehicles. Regardless of what kind of decorative parts they are installed on; most decorative parts must have holes on their surfaces to install ultrasonic sensors.

[0004] Generally, an ultrasonic sensor is installed on a corresponding decorative part through a mounting member, wherein the mounting member and the mounting body of the ultrasonic sensor are the ultrasonic sensor device described below; the curvatures of the decorative panels of the existing decorative parts on which the ultrasonic sensors are mounted are different, so that the ultrasonic sensor device cannot be used universally.

[0005] Most of the spaces for the accessories of the ultrasonic sensor device installed in motor vehicles are relatively small, such as the inside of the door panel, which makes it difficult to replace the ultrasonic components. Summary of the invention

[0006] The first object of the present invention is to provide a mounting component that is convenient for installing and removing an ultrasonic sensor and does not require drilling holes on the decorative parts. The first object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0007] An ultrasonic sensor device comprises an ultrasonic sensor and a mounting member for mounting the ultrasonic sensor on a corresponding decorative part; the ultrasonic sensor has a diaphragm for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals; the mounting member comprises a fixing seat and a clamping device; the fixing seat has a connecting component and a sensor receiving component; the connecting component is used to fix the ultrasonic sensor device to the inner side of the decorative panel of the decorative part, and the connecting component has an opening for the diaphragm to pass through; the sensor receiving component has a accommodating area for accommodating the ultrasonic sensor, and the shape of the accommodating area is adapted to the shape of the ultrasonic sensor; the clamping device presses the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor against the inner side of the decorative panel through a pre-tightening force.

[0008] Preferably, a sound absorbing element is further included, and a groove for mounting the sound absorbing element is further provided at the bottom of the connecting component; the groove is provided around the opening of the connecting component.

[0009] Specifically, the clamping device includes at least one clamping structure, each clamping structure includes at least one elastic element, and the elastic element is used to provide the pre-tightening force.

[0010] More specifically, the clamping structure also includes a pressure plate; the elastic element provides a pre-tightening force to the ultrasonic sensor through the pressure plate; the sensor receiving component has a mounting frame, and the pressure plates of each of the clamping structures are mounted on the mounting frame; the mounting frame is arranged around the accommodating area; when the clamping device has more than two clamping structures, each of the clamping structures is spaced apart around the accommodating area.

[0011] Specifically, the pressing plate is hinged to the mounting frame, and the elastic element is arranged between the pressing plate and the mounting frame.

[0012] Specifically, the pressure plate has a pressure portion that acts on the ultrasonic sensor and provides the preload force to the ultrasonic sensor, and an operating portion for releasing the preload force on the ultrasonic sensor; the pressure plate has a working position, and when the pressure plate is located at the working position, the pressure portion of the pressure plate provides the preload force to the ultrasonic sensor.

[0013] Preferably, the pressure plate also has a pick-up and placement position for picking up and placing the ultrasonic sensor; a locking structure is provided on the pressure plate, and the sensor receiving component has a matching structure corresponding to the locking structure, and the locking structure is tightly matched with the matching structure to fix the pressure plate at the pick-up and placement position.

[0014] Specifically, the locking structure is snap-fitted with the matching structure.

[0015] More specifically, the locking structure is a protrusion arranged on the operating part, and the matching structure is a baffle arranged on the sensor receiving part; the operating part is an elastic part, and when the pressure plate is located at the picking and placing position, the protrusion of the operating part abuts against the baffle on the inner side of the accommodating area.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, a guide component is further provided between the top of the ultrasonic sensor and the pressure portion of the pressure plate; the clamping device includes at least two clamping structures, and the pressure portion of each clamping structure is pressed against the top surface of the guide component.

[0017] Specifically, the pressure portion of each pressure plate has at least one circular protrusion, which is arranged relative to one side of the guide component; the corresponding top surface of the guide structure has a guiding groove corresponding to the circular protrusion, and the guiding groove is arranged at the top surface of the guide structure close to the edge.

[0018] As another preferred technical solution, a shock absorbing component is further arranged between the top of the ultrasonic sensor and the pressure portion of the pressure plate.

[0019] Preferably, a coupling element is further provided between the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor and the decorative plate of the decorative component.

[0020] The second object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle trim equipped with the technical solution of the first object of the present invention. The second object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0021] A motor vehicle trim having a trim panel; characterized in that it includes the ultrasonic sensor device described in the technical solution of the first purpose, and the ultrasonic sensor device is connected to the inner side of the trim panel of the motor vehicle trim through the fixing seat of the mounting component.

[0022] The third object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle trim installed with the technical solution of the second object of the present invention. The second object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0023] A motor vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a power system, and is characterized in that it also comprises at least one motor vehicle trim as described in the technical solution of the second purpose.

[0024] The second object of the present invention is to provide a car equipped with the technical solution of the first object of the present invention. The second object of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0025] A car comprises a car body and a power system, wherein the car is equipped with the on-board camera described in the technical solution of the first purpose.

[0026] Beneficial technical effects of the present invention:

[0027] The present invention provides a pre-tightening force for the ultrasonic sensor, and realizes accurate obstacle detection without opening a hole in the motor vehicle trim panel, and maintains the integrity and beauty of the trim without opening a hole. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor can automatically adjust the angle so that it can adapt to trim panels with different curvature structures, increasing its versatility. - In most motor vehicle trims, the space is relatively small, such as the inside of the door panel. In order to solve the problem of difficult sensor removal, the ultrasonic sensor device is designed to be able to simply and quickly remove and replace the sensor components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a front view of an exploded view of the ultrasonic sensor device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of an exploded view of an ultrasonic sensor device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram of an assembly diagram of an ultrasonic sensor device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 A front view of the ultrasonic sensor device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention (the pressing plate is in the working position);

[0032] Figure 5 A front view of the ultrasonic sensor device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of a part of the structure (the pressing plate is in the pick-and-place position);

[0033] Figure 6 A front view of the ultrasonic sensor device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention (the pressure plate is in the working position, and the angle of the ultrasonic sensor is adapted to the curvature of the decorative component).

[0034] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the ultrasonic sensor device provided in the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For the sake of ease of explanation, the present application defines directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back. The definition of these directions is intended to determine the relative positional relationship in combination with the drawings and text descriptions, and does not constitute a limitation on the actual directions of the devices, components, and parts involved in the present application during production, use, sales, etc.

[0036] In order to more clearly understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with embodiments. The specific embodiments are only used to facilitate the explanation of the solution content of the present invention, and the content protected by the present invention is not limited to the content disclosed in the specific embodiments.

[0037] Embodiment 1

[0038] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides an ultrasonic sensor device, including a mounting component and an ultrasonic sensor 3; the ultrasonic sensor 3 has a diaphragm for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals; the mounting component includes a fixing seat 1 and a clamping device.

[0039] The fixing base 1 is used to fix the ultrasonic sensor 3 on the inner side of the decorative panel of the corresponding decorative part 5, and the fixing base 1 has a connecting component 11 and a sensor receiving component 12; the connecting component 11 is used to be fixedly connected to the decorative part 5, and in this embodiment, double-sided adhesive is used for bonding so that the connecting component 11 is tightly fitted to the surface of the decorative part 5; the connecting component 11 is composed of a plurality of elastically deformable components 18 (the components 18 can be, for example, a structure made of plastic), and the connecting component 11 has an opening for passing the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor 3; the sensor receiving component 12 has a accommodating area for accommodating the ultrasonic sensor 3, and the shape of the accommodating area is adapted to the shape of the ultrasonic sensor; the ultrasonic sensor 3 also has a wiring plug 32 for external signal transmission, through which an external device can control the ultrasonic sensor 3 and send and receive signals; the wiring plug 32 protrudes from the outer shell of the ultrasonic sensor 3, and the sensor receiving component 12 has a corresponding notch that matches the wiring plug 32.

[0040] Preferably, a coupling element 31 is provided between the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the decorative part 5, and the coupling element 31 is bonded to the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor 3; in this embodiment, the coupling element 31 is a circular sheet made of silicone material. If the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor 3 is in direct contact with the decorative part 5, the sound wave vibration will generate clutter, so that the ultrasonic sensor 3 cannot accurately detect obstacles. The setting of the coupling element 31 can provide shock absorption and buffering, reduce the impact of clutter on detection accuracy, and improve detection accuracy.

[0041] Preferably, a sound-absorbing element is also provided at the bottom of the connecting component 11, for example, the sound-absorbing element can be a sound-absorbing cotton 14 arranged around the opening of the connecting component 11; a groove 17 for placing the sound-absorbing cotton 14 is also provided at the bottom of the connecting component 11, so that the sound-absorbing cotton 14 and the plane of the bottom of the connecting component 11 are on the same plane, and the groove 17 is arranged around the opening of the connected component 11; the sound-absorbing cotton 14 is bonded to the groove 17 of the connecting component 11 by double-sided tape; the sound-absorbing cotton 14 can absorb the ultrasonic echo of the ultrasonic sensor, prevent false alarms, and improve the detection accuracy of the ultrasonic sensor; more preferably, the outer periphery of the connecting component 11 is also provided with at least one mounting ear 15 for placing the sound-absorbing element, and each mounting ear 15 is arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the connecting component 11.

[0042] The clamping device presses the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor 3 against the inner side of the decorative panel through a pre-tightening force and includes at least one clamping structure 2 (when there is a coupling element, the coupling element is pressed against the inner side of the decorative panel), and the sensor receiving component 12 has an installation frame for installing the clamping structure 2, and the installation frame is arranged around the accommodating area; the clamping structure 2 is used to press the ultrasonic sensor 3 into the accommodating area.

[0043] When the clamping device has more than two clamping structures, each of the clamping structures is arranged at intervals around the accommodating area; this embodiment adopts two clamping structures 2, and the two clamping structures 2 are symmetrically arranged around the accommodating area; the two clamping structures 2 press the ultrasonic sensor 3 downward on the top of the ultrasonic sensor 3, so that the coupling element 31 is in close contact with the decorative panel of the decorative part 5; in this embodiment, each clamping structure 2 includes a pressing plate 21 and an elastic element 24; the pressing plate 21 and the elastic element 24 are installed on the top of the mounting frame through a positioning pin 23, and the positioning pin 23 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame (this embodiment uses a screw 22 for connection); the pressing plate 21 and the elastic element 24 are hinged to the mounting frame; the elastic element 24 is arranged between the mounting frame and the pressing plate 21, and the elastic force of the elastic element 24 acts between the pressing plate 21 and the mounting frame, and the elastic element 24 is used to provide the preload force.

[0044] The pressing plate 21 has a working position for pressing the ultrasonic sensor 3 and a pick-up and placement position for picking up and placing the ultrasonic sensor; the pressing plate 21 has a pressure portion that acts on the ultrasonic sensor 3 and provides pressure to the ultrasonic sensor 3, and an operating portion for manual operation; a locking structure is also provided on the operating portion of the pressing plate 21, and the sensor receiving component 12 has a matching structure corresponding to the locking structure, and the locking structure cooperates with the matching structure to fix the pressing plate 21 at the pick-up and placement position.

[0045] like Figure 3 , 4As shown, when the pressing plate 21 is in the working position, the pressure portion of the pressing plate 21 is acted upon by the spring 24 to press the ultrasonic sensor 3 downward; Figure 5 The operator shown applies force to the operating part of the pressure plate 21 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 24, thereby releasing the pressure on the ultrasonic sensor 3. When the locking structure cooperates with the matching structure to fix the pressure plate 21 in the placement position, the ultrasonic sensor 3 can be placed or replaced.

[0046] Further, specifically, the matching structure corresponding to the locking structure works in a snap-fit ​​manner; more specifically, the operating part of the pressure plate 21 has an outward protrusion 25, and the sensor receiving part 12 has a baffle 16 that cooperates with the protrusion 25. When the protrusion 25 of the operating part reaches the baffle 16 on the sensor receiving part 12, the protrusion 25 of the operating part abuts against the baffle 16 and is intercepted by the baffle 16 to fix the position of the pressure plate 21. At this time, the pressure plate 21 has no pressure on the ultrasonic sensor 3, and the ultrasonic sensor 3 can be taken and placed; the operating part of the operating pressure plate 21 has an elastic part, which causes the operating part to produce a certain deformation so that its protrusion 25 escapes from the baffle 16, releasing the operating part, and under the action of the elastic force of the spring 25, the pressure plate 21 presses the ultrasonic sensor 3 downward.

[0047] Preferably, in this embodiment, the mounting structure also includes a guide structure 4, which is placed on the top of the ultrasonic sensor 3, and the shape of the guide structure 4 matches the shape of the top of the ultrasonic sensor 2; the pressure portion of the pressure plate 21 of each clamping structure 2 has at least one downward circular protrusion 26, and the circular protrusion 26 is the force application point for the pressure plate to apply force to the ultrasonic sensor; the corresponding guide structure 4 has a guiding groove 41 corresponding to the circular protrusion 26, and the number of the guiding grooves 41 matches the number of the circular protrusions 26; in this embodiment, the circular protrusion 26 of each clamping structure 2 is one.

[0048] The guiding groove 41 (force point) on the guiding structure cooperates with the circular protrusion 26 (force application point) of the pressing plate 21 to adjust the angle of the ultrasonic sensor 3, so that after the ultrasonic sensor 3 is attached, the curvature normal of the ultrasonic radar and the decorative part 5 are consistent. In order to facilitate the adjustment of the angle of the ultrasonic sensor 3, the circular protrusions of the pressing plates 21 of the two clamping structures act on the top surface of the guiding structure 4 near the edge; through the elastic force of the elastic element 24, sufficient pressure can be applied to the ultrasonic sensor 3 to ensure the stability of the ultrasonic sensor 3 during the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. In this embodiment, there are two guiding grooves 41, which are arranged on two opposite sides of the top surface of the guiding structure.

[0049] The assembly process of the ultrasonic sensor device of this embodiment is as follows: After the pressure plate 21 and the elastic element 24 are assembled, the positioning pins 23 are passed through the mounting frame, and the positioning pins 23 are fixed to the mounting frame with screws 22; each sound absorbing element and the sound absorbing component are assembled at the corresponding position of the connecting component 11; the coupling sheet 31 is bonded to the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor 3 with double-sided tape, and the guide structure 4 is placed above the ultrasonic sensor and then the ultrasonic sensor 3 is placed in the accommodating area of ​​the sensor receiving component 12, and the coupling sheet 31 passes downward through the opening of the connecting component 11; (the guide structure 4 matches the shape of the accommodating area, so that the guide structure 4 will not have a large displacement in the accommodating area). After the ultrasonic sensor device is assembled, it is attached to the inside of the motor vehicle trim (the connecting component 11 is bonded to the inside of the trim panel of the trim 5). The ultrasonic sensor 3 will automatically adjust its angle according to the curvature of the trim 5, and the pressure plate 21 can provide sufficient pre-tightening force to the ultrasonic sensor 3 so that the coupling sheet 31 can firmly fit the inside of the trim panel. Figure 5 If the ultrasonic sensor needs to be replaced, lift the pressure part of the pressure plate 3, snap the protrusion 25 into the baffle 16 to lock the pressure plate 21, and then it can be easily taken out. After replacement, unlock the pressure plate 21 and return to the working position.

[0050] The present invention provides a pre-tightening force for the ultrasonic sensor, and realizes accurate obstacle detection without opening a hole in the motor vehicle trim panel, and maintains the integrity and beauty of the trim without opening a hole. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor can automatically adjust the angle so that it can adapt to trim panels with different curvature structures, increasing its versatility. - In most motor vehicle trims, the space is relatively small, such as the inside of the door panel. In order to solve the problem of difficult sensor removal, the ultrasonic sensor device is designed to be able to simply and quickly remove and replace the sensor components.

[0051] In another embodiment, the clamping device may include three or more clamping structures 2 , and the force application points of the clamping structures 2 for applying force to the ultrasonic sensor 3 are spaced around the top surface of the guide structure 4 near the edge portion to adjust the angle of the ultrasonic sensor 3 .

[0052] In another real-time example, the pressing device may include only one pressing structure 2, and the pressure of the pressing structure 2 on the ultrasonic top surface is set at the middle position of the ultrasonic sensor top surface so that the ultrasonic sensor is subjected to uniform force in all directions.

[0053] Embodiment 2

[0054] Combination Figure 7The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that there is no guide structure at the top of the ultrasonic sensor 3, and a shock-absorbing component 6 is arranged between the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the pressure part of the clamping structure. The shock-absorbing component 6 can be a silicone sheet. The soft silicone sheet can effectively fill the gap between the shock-absorbing component itself and the ultrasonic sensor. The shock-absorbing component 6 can reduce the influence of the working vibration of the aluminum shell of the ultrasonic sensor caused by the external metal on the detection accuracy, and can make the preload force evenly conduct to the ultrasonic sensor; the cooperation of the shock-absorbing component 6 and the coupling element 31 can make the consistency of the ultrasonic detection range better and reduce the detection blind area.

[0055] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle trim having the above-mentioned ultrasonic sensor device, wherein the ultrasonic sensor device is connected to the inner side of the trim panel of the motor vehicle trim via a fixing seat of the mounting component; if the trim is a vehicle door, when the vehicle door is opened, the ultrasonic sensor can detect the distance to an obstacle, and can issue an early warning for an obstacle that is too close, thereby avoiding collision with the obstacle when the vehicle door is opened.

[0056] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle, which includes a frame body and a power system, and also has at least one of the motor vehicle trims described above.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent substitution, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention without creativity shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic sensor device, comprising an ultrasonic sensor and a mounting member for mounting the ultrasonic sensor on a corresponding decorative part; the ultrasonic sensor has a diaphragm for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals; characterized in that: The mounting member comprises a fixing seat and a pressing device; the fixing seat comprises a connecting component and a sensor receiving component; the connecting component is used to fix the ultrasonic sensor device to the inner side of the decorative plate of the decorative part, and the connecting component has an opening for the diaphragm to pass through; the sensor receiving component has a receiving area for receiving the ultrasonic sensor, and the shape of the receiving area is adapted to the shape of the ultrasonic sensor; the pressing device presses the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor against the inner side of the decorative plate through a pre-tightening force; The clamping device includes at least one clamping structure, each clamping structure includes at least one elastic element, and the elastic element is used to provide the pre-tightening force; the clamping structure also includes a pressure plate; the elastic element provides a pre-tightening force to the ultrasonic sensor through the pressure plate; the sensor receiving component has a mounting frame, and the pressure plates of each of the clamping structures are mounted on the mounting frame through positioning pins, and the positioning pins are fixedly connected to the mounting frame; the mounting frame is arranged around the accommodating area; when the clamping device has more than two clamping structures, each of the clamping structures is arranged at intervals around the accommodating area.

2. The ultrasonic sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a sound absorbing element, and a groove for installing the sound absorbing element is also arranged at the bottom of the connecting component; the groove is arranged around the opening of the connecting component.

3. The ultrasonic sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressing plate is hinged to the mounting frame, and the elastic element is arranged between the pressing plate and the mounting frame.

4. The ultrasonic sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressure plate has a pressure portion that acts on the ultrasonic sensor and provides the preload force to the ultrasonic sensor, and an operating portion for releasing the preload force on the ultrasonic sensor; the pressure plate has a working position, and when the pressure plate is located at the working position, the pressure portion of the pressure plate provides the preload force to the ultrasonic sensor.

5. The ultrasonic sensor device according to claim 4, characterized in that The pressure plate also has a pick-up and placement position for picking up and placing the ultrasonic sensor; a locking structure is provided on the pressure plate, and the sensor receiving component has a matching structure corresponding to the locking structure, and the locking structure is tightly matched with the matching structure to fix the pressure plate at the pick-up and placement position.

6. The ultrasonic sensor device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A guide component is also arranged between the top of the ultrasonic sensor and the pressure portion of the pressure plate; the pressing device includes at least two pressing structures, and the pressure portion of each pressing structure is pressed against the top surface of the guide component.

7. The ultrasonic sensor device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A shock absorbing component is also arranged between the top of the ultrasonic sensor and the pressure portion of the pressure plate.

8. The ultrasonic sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A coupling element is also provided between the diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor and the decorative plate of the decorative component.

9. A motor vehicle trim having a trim panel; characterized in that: The ultrasonic sensor device comprises the ultrasonic sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ultrasonic sensor device is connected to the inner side of the trim panel of the motor vehicle trim through the fixing seat of the mounting member.

10. A motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle body and a power system, characterized in that: Also included is at least one motor vehicle trim part as claimed in claim 9.

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