Sensor devices on vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device (10) on a vehicle, comprising a connecting device (20) which connects a holding device (12) to at least one vehicle component (2) in a manner that allows movement between a working position and at least one protection position, the holding device (12) receiving a sensor (60), the collision force caused by a collision object comprising a first force component acting in a first spatial direction (R1), the first force component causing the holding device (12) to move component-wise in the corresponding first spatial direction (R1) into at least one protection position, the resetting force of at least one resetting device (51) causing the holding device (12) to transfer from the at least one protection position into the working position, the first spatial direction (R1) corresponding to the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle. According to the present invention, the connecting device (20) has at least one rod device (30), which additionally converts at least one force component of the impact force acting in other spatial directions (R2, R3, y, z) into a component-by-component movement of the retaining device (12) in the corresponding spatial direction (R2, R3, y, z), and at least one rod device (30) transfers the retaining device (12) to at least one protective position in the direction of the combined force of the impact force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device on a vehicle of the type claimed in claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] Many variants of sensor devices on vehicles are known. Here, the sensor installed in the vehicle is used for auxiliary programs, such as emergency brake assist devices. The function of the corresponding sensor device is to protect the sensor from damage in the event of a collision load in the low speed range, so that the sensor can still work normally after such a collision. Here, the sensor can be arranged behind an external component in a protected position, for example. Alternatively, the sensor device can include a connecting device, which connects the holding device to at least one vehicle component in a way that it can move between an operating position and at least one protection position. The holding device accommodates a sensor. The collision force caused by the collision object includes a first force component / force component acting in a first spatial direction, which first force component causes the holding device to move in a corresponding first spatial direction in a proportion / proportion / amount to at least one protection position. The resetting force of at least one resetting device transfers the holding device from at least one protection position to a working position. The first spatial direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0003] A sensor device of this type is known from DE 10 2017 009 057 A1, in which a sensor having a sensor active surface / sensor action surface is arranged on or behind an external mounting part of a vehicle. The sensor device comprises a sensor guide, by means of which the sensor is pivotably connected to a first structural element of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In addition, the device comprises a spacing element, by means of which the movement of the sensor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is limited to a maximum distance to a second structural element of the vehicle corresponding to the use position of the sensor, the second structural element being offset in the direction of the vehicle interior relative to the first structural element. In addition, the sensor device comprises a reset element, which is designed to move the sensor in the return direction. The sensor moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the external force generated by a collision in the low-speed range.

[0004] DE 10 2017 009 055 A1 discloses an arrangement of a sensor with a sensor active surface on or behind an external mounting part of a vehicle, the external mounting part comprising a sensor guide having a tension element and a reset element made of a shape memory alloy. The sensor can be moved from an operating position in the direction of the vehicle interior into a protection position by means of the tension element in the event of a sensed impending collision load in the low speed range and / or in the event of a sensed collision load in the low speed range. The sensor can be moved from the protection position back into the operating position by means of the reset element.

[0005] DE 10 2015 209 904 A1 describes a sensor device on a vehicle having a connection device. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a sensor arrangement on a vehicle which improves the protection of the respective sensor in the event of a crash load in the low speed range.

[0007] This object is achieved by a sensor device on a vehicle having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] In order to provide a sensor device on a vehicle, which improves the protection of corresponding sensors under collision load conditions in a low-speed range, the connecting device has at least one rod device, which - in addition to the force component of the impact force acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle - also converts at least one force component of the impact force acting in other spatial directions into a component / proportional / appropriate (anteilig) movement of a retaining device in a corresponding spatial direction, wherein the at least one rod device shifts the retaining device in the direction of the combined force of the impact force into at least one protective position.

[0009] A collision load situation in the low speed range is understood below as at least two collision objects hitting each other at a speed less than a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is, for example, in a speed range of 3 km / h to 10 km / h, preferably at a speed of about 5 km / h.

[0010] The sensor device is understood below to be a component having a connecting device and a holding device. The holding device receives the sensor. The connecting device connects the holding device to at least one vehicle component in such a way that it can move between a working position and at least one protection position. The collision force transmitted by the collision object comprises a plurality of force components acting in corresponding spatial directions, wherein at least one force component causes the holding device to move component-wise in the corresponding spatial direction into at least one protection position. The resetting force of at least one resetting device transfers the holding device from the at least one protection position into the working position. In this case, the holding device is transferred into the at least one protection position by at least one rod device in the direction of the combined force of the collision forces.

[0011] The sensor device is connected to a vehicle component at the front of the vehicle or at the rear of the vehicle.

[0012] A sensor is understood below to mean a component having an active sensor surface.

[0013] In an advantageous manner, the holding device can move together with the sensor in more than one spatial direction, so that the holding device can be more flexibly away from the collision object or can move together with the collision object. In addition, the holding device can also react to the collision force that is not transmitted to the holding device along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or does not directly hit the holding device or the sensor area of ​​the holding device. Thus, the holding device can also move away from the collision object in an advantageous manner in the case of a lateral misalignment collision or in the case of a corner collision, so as to protect the sensor. Here, the holding device can move away from the working position to such an extent that the collision energy generated by the collision force is converted into the kinetic energy of the holding device and / or into the friction energy of at least one rod device. The position of the holding device caused by this movement is equivalent to the protection position. Here, many different protection positions can be realized according to the impact angle of the collision object and according to the collision force acting, wherein at least one rod device can be adapted to the collision force acting.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the second spatial direction may correspond to the vehicle transverse direction and the third spatial direction may correspond to the vehicle vertical direction, wherein at least one rod device converts the force component of the collision force acting in the vehicle transverse direction into a component-wise movement of the holding device in the vehicle transverse direction and / or converts the force component of the collision force acting in the vehicle vertical direction into a component-wise movement of the holding device in the vehicle vertical direction. Here, the holding device can move in a plane that is expanded by the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle transverse direction. Additionally or alternatively, the holding device can move in a plane that is expanded by the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle vertical direction. Alternatively, the holding device can move in a space that is expanded by the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle transverse direction and the vehicle vertical direction. This makes it possible to realize many avoidance possibilities for the holding device.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the first rod device can be connected to the first end region of the holding device and to the first resetting device, and the second rod device can be connected to the second end region of the holding device and to the second resetting device. In this way, a symmetrical arrangement can be produced, which can react flexibly to different collision situations. In addition, the rod device can move due to the impact of the collision force, overcoming the resetting force of the corresponding resetting device, whereby the collision energy can be additionally converted into potential energy and the holding device can be displaced shorter. As a result, a collision of the holding device with a component arranged behind the holding device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be avoided or at least made more difficult.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the lever device can respectively have at least one swing arm and at least one holding arm, wherein the at least one swing arm is connected with a corresponding end region of the holding device with a first end region and is connected with a corresponding resetting device with a second end region. The at least one holding arm can be connected with at least one vehicle component in a swingable manner with a first end region and with a holding region of the corresponding swing arm in a swingable manner with a second end region, wherein the holding region can be arranged between the first end region of the swing arm and the second end region of the swing arm. Here, the at least one swing arm can be swung around the holding region against the resetting force of the corresponding resetting device. As a result, the movement of the holding device can be achieved, while at the same time the relative movement between the at least one swing arm and the at least one corresponding holding arm can be at least difficult or prevented. In addition, the movement can be carried out without twisting / warping of the at least one holding arm and the at least one swing arm. Here, at least one swing arm or at least one holding arm of the corresponding lever device is at least difficult to be hooked or clamped or stuck or prevented.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, at least one swing arm may have a first guide geometry on the holding region, which can cooperate in a centered manner with a second guide geometry arranged on the second end region of the holding arm. Additionally or alternatively, at least one holding arm may have a third guide geometry on the first end region, which can cooperate in a centered manner with a fourth guide geometry arranged on at least one vehicle component. In this case, the respective holding arm can be connected to at least one vehicle component via a corresponding fastening adapter. Therefore, the fourth guide geometry can also be formed on the fastening adapter. By means of the cooperating guide geometries, the corresponding swing arm or the corresponding holding arm can be transferred to the working position better or more reliably, especially during the reset movement. To implement this solution, one of the two / respectively two cooperating guide geometries can be implemented, for example, as a recessed portion (negative part), and one of the two cooperating guide geometries can be implemented as a protruding portion (positive part). In order to achieve a particularly good centered guiding effect, the cooperating guide geometries can preferably have a trapezoidal cross section respectively. Of course, other suitable guide geometries can also be used, which have other cross sections, for example semicircular, triangular or elliptical cross sections.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the resetting device can be coupled to the at least one vehicle component. The vehicle component can correspond, for example, to a structural component, such as a cross member or a mounting carrier, which can safely and reliably hold the corresponding resetting device without deforming itself under the action of collision forces. The mounting carrier is preferably formed from a plastic component and is screwed to the vehicle body at a front screwing point.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the reset device can each have at least one spring element. The at least one spring element can be implemented as a spiral spring, for example. The reset force can be easily generated by the at least one spring element. In addition, the size and properties of the spring element can be matched to the existing installation space.

[0020] In an alternative design of the sensor device according to the present invention, the reset device can have at least one drive and at least one pulling element, which is connected to at least one swing arm. Here, the at least one drive generates a reset force and transmits the reset force to at least one pulling element. In addition, the reset device can additionally include an overload protection device with a separation device, which separates at least one swing arm from at least one pulling element. When the collision force decreases, the pulling element and the swing arm can be connected to each other again by a suitable device. The pulling element can be equivalent to a pull rod or a pulling rope or a telescopic member movably supported in the receiving part. The reset force can be matched to the current collision force by the drive. In addition, the holding device can be simply transferred to the working position by the drive after the collision. In addition, the position of the holding device can be more finely adjusted by the drive and the position of the sensor in the working position can be more finely adjusted. Thus, the sensor can have a position preferably used to determine sensor data.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the retaining device can accommodate a controllable cooling air inlet. As a result, in addition to the sensor, the cooling air inlet can also be protected in the event of a crash load in the low speed range by the movably supported retaining device. The cooling air inlet can have an open state and a closed state. In the event of a crash load in the low speed range, the cooling air inlet can be arranged further forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, since the cooling air inlet can be moved into at least one protective position. Thus, in the closed state, the dynamic pressure can be reduced and the air conductivity of the vehicle can be increased as a result.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the holding device can include a frame that at least partially surrounds the sensor. The frame can make direct contact between the collision object and the sensor difficult. In addition, the frame can divert force effects away from the sensor.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the holding device can include at least one reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib can divert impact forces or impact energy introduced into the holding device to the at least one lever device or the at least one resetting device, thereby further reducing the possibility of damage to the holding device or the sensor or the cooling air inlet.

[0024] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the specification and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings can be used not only in the respectively given combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the drawings but can be revealed and derived by the individual feature combinations of the described embodiments should also be regarded as included and disclosed by the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and explained in detail in the following description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent components or elements that implement the same or similar functions. Herein, it is shown:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic front view shows a detail of the front part of a vehicle with an exemplary embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention, wherein the sensor device is in an operating position;

[0027] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Schematic top view of the sensor device according to the invention in the working position,

[0028] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic top view of the sensor device according to the invention in a first protective position,

[0029] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic top view of the sensor device according to the invention in a second protective position, and

[0030] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A schematic perspective side view of a portion of the front portion of the vehicle as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle;

[0031] Figure 6 Show Figures 1 to 5 Schematic perspective view of a holding arm of a sensor device according to the invention.

[0032] Figure 7 Show Figures 1 to 5 Schematic perspective view of a swing arm of a sensor device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, the sensor device 10 on the vehicle has a connecting device 20, which connects the holding device 12 to at least one vehicle component 2 in a manner that it can move between an operating position and at least one protection position. The holding device 12 receives the sensor 60 to be protected. The collision force F caused by the collision object includes a first force component FX acting in a first spatial direction R1, which moves the holding device 12 component by component in the corresponding first spatial direction R1 into at least one protection position. The resetting force of at least one resetting device 51 resets the holding device 12 from at least one protection position to the operating position. The first spatial direction R1 corresponds to the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle in the illustrated embodiment.

[0034] According to the present invention, the connecting device 20 has at least one rod device 30, 40, which additionally converts at least one force component FY of the impact force F acting in other spatial directions R2, R3, y, z into a component-by-component movement of the retaining device 12 in the corresponding spatial directions R2, R3, y, z, wherein the at least one rod device 30, 40 transfers the retaining device 12 in the direction WR of the combined force of the impact force F to at least one protective position.

[0035] If you can also Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen in , the connecting device 20 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment comprises two lever devices 30 , 40 , which are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0036] As Figures 1 to 5 It can be further seen that the second spatial direction R2 corresponds to the vehicle transverse direction y and the third spatial direction R3 corresponds to the vehicle vertical direction z. In the illustrated embodiment of the two lever devices 30, 40, the two lever devices 30, 40 convert the force component FY of the collision force F acting in the vehicle transverse direction y into a component-wise movement of the holding device 12 in the vehicle transverse direction y. In this case, the holding device 12 can move in a plane spanned by the vehicle longitudinal direction x and the vehicle transverse direction y.

[0037] In an alternative, not shown, embodiment of the two lever devices 30, 40, the lever devices 30, 40 convert a force component FZ of the impact force F acting in the vehicle vertical direction z into a component-wise movement of the holding device 12 in the vehicle vertical direction z. In this case, the holding device 12 can move in a plane spanned by the vehicle longitudinal direction x and the vehicle vertical direction z.

[0038] In another alternative embodiment of the lever devices 30, 40, which is not shown, the lever devices 30, 40 convert the force component FY acting in the vehicle transverse direction y and the force component FZ acting in the vehicle vertical direction z of the collision force F into a component-wise movement of the holding device 12 in the vehicle transverse direction y and in the vehicle vertical direction z. In this case, the holding device 12 can move in a space spanned by the vehicle longitudinal direction x, the vehicle transverse direction y and the vehicle vertical direction z.

[0039] If you can also Figures 1 to 7 As can be seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment of the connecting device 20, the first rod device 30 is connected to the first end region 13 of the holding device 12 and is connected to the first end region 13 of the holding device 12. Figure 1 For the sake of clarity, the reset device 51 is connected to the first reset device 51 visible in FIG. Figures 2 to 5 1 . The second lever device 40 is connected to the second end region 14 of the holding device 12 and to a second resetting device (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the holding device 12 extends in the vehicle transverse direction y and spans almost the entire width of the front part of the vehicle. In this case, the holding device 12 is arranged behind a trim panel (not shown), for example a bumper cover. The cover has a cutout, which is arranged in alignment with the sensor 60, which is received by the holding device 12. The cutout of the trim panel can essentially correspond to the size of the sensor active surface 62 of the sensor 60.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the restoring device 51 is connected to the vehicle component 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the vehicle component 2 corresponds to a mounting carrier designed as a plastic component, which is arranged behind the sensor device 10 according to the invention in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle x and is screwed to the vehicle body at the front screwing point. In this case, the impact force F does not act on the vehicle component 2, but only on the trim, the holding device 12 and the connecting device 20.

[0041] If you can also Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen in FIG. 8 , the lever arrangements 30 , 40 shown each have at least one pivot arm 32 , 42 and at least one retaining arm 34 , 44 .

[0042] If you can also Figure 1As can be seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment of the connecting device 20, the lever device 30, 40 has two swing arms 32, 42 on both sides of the vehicle. The two swing arms 32, 42 are arranged one above the other and extend parallel to each other. That is, viewed in the positive longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, two first swing arms 32 are arranged one above the other on the left side of the vehicle, and two second swing arms 42 are arranged one above the other on the right side of the vehicle. In alternative, not illustrated, embodiments of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, the lever devices 30, 40 can have only one swing arm 32, 42 or more than two swing arms 32, 42 on both sides of the vehicle.

[0043] If you can also Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the swivel arms 32, 42 are connected with a first end region 32.1, 42.1 to a corresponding end region 13, 14 of the holding device 12. The swivel arms 32, 42 are connected with a corresponding resetting device 51 with a second end region 32.2, 42.2.

[0044] If you can also Figure 1As can be seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment of the connecting device 20, the lever devices 30, 40 have two holding arms 34, 44 on both sides of the vehicle. A swing arm 32, 42 is assigned to each holding arm 34, 44. In addition, the holding arms 34, 44 of the lever devices 30, 40 are arranged one above the other and extend parallel to each other. That is, when viewed in the positive longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, two first holding arms 34 are arranged one above the other on the left side of the vehicle, and two second holding arms 44 are arranged one above the other on the right side of the vehicle. The holding arms 34, 44 are connected to the vehicle component 2 in a swingable manner with a first end region 34.1, 44.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end regions 34.1, 44.1 of the holding arms 34, 44 are connected to the vehicle component 2 via the fastening adapters 4, 6, respectively. The holding arms 34, 44 are connected to the holding regions 32.3, 42.3 of the respective swing arms 32, 42 in a pivotable manner with the second end regions 34.2, 44.2, wherein the holding regions 32.3, 42.3 are arranged between the first end regions 32.1, 42.1 of the swing arms 32, 42 and the second end regions 32.2, 42.2 of the swing arms 32, 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection regions of the first end regions 34.1, 44.1 of the holding arms 34, 44 on the vehicle component 2 or on the fastening adapters 4, 6 are not the connection regions 51.4, 52.4 of the reset device 51. As a result, a greater force can be transmitted from the reset device 51 to the respective swing arms 32, 42. In an alternative, not illustrated, embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, the connection regions 51.4, 52.4 of the reset device 51 can be arranged on a vehicle component 2 different from the connection regions of the first end regions 34.1, 44.1 of the holding arms 34, 44.

[0045] Especially from Figures 5 to 7As can also be seen in the figure, the swing arms 32, 42 have a first guide geometry 32.4, 42.4 on the holding area 32.3, 42.3, respectively, which cooperates in a centered manner with a second guide geometry 34.3, 44.3 arranged on the second end area 34.2, 44.2 of the holding arms 34, 44. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the holding arms 34, 44 have a third guide geometry 34.4, 44.4 on the first end area 34.1, 44.1, respectively, which cooperates in a centered manner with a fourth guide geometry 4.1, 6.1 arranged on at least one vehicle component 2. In the embodiment shown, the fourth guide geometry 4.1, 6.1 is respectively formed on the corresponding fastening adapter 4, 6. By means of the cooperating guide geometries 32.4, 34.2; 42.4, 44.2; 34.4, 4.1; 44.4, 6.1, the corresponding swivel arm 32, 42 or the corresponding retaining arm 34, 44 can be transferred into the working position better or more reliably, especially during the return movement. Figures 5 to 7 As can also be seen in the figure, one of the two cooperating guide geometries 32.4, 34.2; 42.4, 44.2; 34.4, 4.1; 44.4, 6.1 is implemented as a recessed portion with a trapezoidal cross section, and one of the two cooperating guide geometries 32.4, 34.2; 42.4, 44.2; 34.4, 4.1; 44.4, 6.1 is implemented as a projection with a trapezoidal cross section. That is, the first guide geometries 32.4, 42.4 constructed on the swing arms 32, 42 are respectively constructed as projections with a trapezoidal cross section. The second guide geometries 34.4, 44.4 constructed on the holding arms 34, 44 are respectively constructed as recessed portions with a trapezoidal cross section. Similarly, the third guide geometries 34.4, 44.4 formed on the holding arms 34, 44 are each formed as projections with a trapezoidal cross section, and the fourth guide geometries 4.1, 6.1 formed on the fastening adapters 4, 6 are each formed as recesses with a trapezoidal cross section. In alternative embodiments not shown, the guide geometries 32.4, 34.2; 42.4, 44.2; 34.4, 4.1; 44.4, 6.1 each have a semicircular or triangular or elliptical cross section.

[0046] If you can also Figure 1As can be seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment of the rod device 30, 40, the swing arms 32, 42 of the rod device 30, 40 are connected to each other via connecting webs 43.1, 43.2, 43.3, respectively. Here, the first connecting web 43.1 is connected to the reset element 51.2 of the corresponding reset device 51. In addition, the first connecting web 43.1 connects the second end regions 32.2, 42.2 of the corresponding swing arms 32, 42 to each other. The second connecting web 43.2 connects the holding regions 32.3, 42.3 of the corresponding swing arms 32, 42 to each other. Here, the corresponding holding arms 34, 44 can be connected to the corresponding holding regions 32.3, 42.3 and to the second connecting web 43.2 via a connecting element. The third connecting web 43.3 forms the corresponding end regions 13, 14 of the holding device 12. The first end regions 32.1, 42.1 of the swing arms 32, 42 are rotatably supported on the corresponding connecting web 43.3. The connecting tabs 43.1, 43.2, 43.3 extend in the vehicle vertical direction z. Furthermore, the connecting tabs are parallel to the rotation axis or the swing axis of the corresponding swing arm 32, 42. By means of the sensor device 10 according to the invention, the holding device 12 is moved into the protection position in the direction WR of the resultant force of the collision force F against the restoring force of the restoring device 51. After the collision, the holding device 12 is returned to the working position by the restoring force.

[0047] Especially from Figure 1 As can also be seen in the figure, the reset device 51 in the illustrated embodiment has three spring elements, which are arranged in a cylindrical receptacle 51.2. In an alternative embodiment of the reset device 51, which is not shown, the reset device 51 can have more or fewer than three spring elements. The spring elements can achieve a length compensation that may be required when the respective holding arm 34, 44 is swiveled or when the swing arm 32, 42 is swiveled.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment of the reset device 51 that is not shown, the reset device can have at least one drive and at least one pulling element, respectively, and the at least one pulling element is connected to the corresponding swing arm 32, 42. Here, the at least one drive generates a reset force and transmits the reset force to the at least one pulling element. The pulling element can be configured as a pull rod, a pulling rope, a telescopic member or as other suitable elements or as other suitable devices. The drive can also have an electric adjustment element or a pneumatic adjustment element or a hydraulic adjustment element. In addition, the position of the holding device 12 can be adjusted by the adjustment element and the position of the sensor 60 or the sensor effective surface 62 can be adjusted thereby. Thus, the sensor 60 can have a position preferably for determining sensor data. The reset device 51 can each include an overload protector with a separation device. The separation device separates the swing arm 32, 42 from the corresponding pulling element. Here, the swing arm 32, 42 is preferably connected to the corresponding pulling element by a reversible connection, for example, by a clamping connection. The servomotor can guide the swing arm 32, 42 and the corresponding pulling element together again.

[0049] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can also be seen in FIG. 1 , at least one protective position of the holding device 12 is not explicitly defined. The protective position of the holding device 12 depends on various factors, such as the impact direction of the collision object, the impact angle of the collision object, the intensity and action direction WR of the collision force F and the resulting acceleration of the holding device 12. In addition, the friction between the impact surface of the collision object on the trim and the holding arms 34, 44 and the swing arms 32, 42 can contribute to the movement of the holding device 12.

[0050] To arrive Figure 3 In the protection position shown in FIG. 1 , the retaining arm 34 of the rod device 30 facing the collision force F is moved from Figure 1 and Figure 2 2. The working position shown in FIG. 1 is swung outward, while the first end region 32.1 of the corresponding swing arm 32 moves backward in the direction of the cross beam 2. As a result, the holding device 12 is also swung backward. As a result, a force also acts on the second rod device 40 located opposite. The corresponding holding arm 44 is swung toward the outside of the vehicle, while the corresponding first end region 42.1 of the swing arm 42 is swung backward in the direction of the cross beam 2. In this case, no relative movement occurs between the holding device 12 and the bumper cover that is moved by the collision object in the direction of the cross beam 2. The holding device 12 moves together with the deformation of the bumper cover and moves to the corresponding protection position according to the impact angle of the collision object.

[0051] In order to arrive at Figure 4In the protection position shown in FIG. 1 , only the lever device 30 facing the impact force F is actuated. The retaining arm 34 does not move in the illustrated impact situation. The first end region 32.1 of the corresponding swing arm 32 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The working position shown in the figure is swung backwards in the direction of the cross member 2. As a result, the corresponding end region 13 of the holding device 12 is also swung backwards. Here, a relative movement is generated between the holding device 12 and the bumper cover.

[0052] As Figure 1 It can further be seen that the holding device 12 in the illustrated embodiment also accommodates a controllable cooling air inlet 70. The cooling air inlet 70 has a vane 72 which at least partially opens the inlet in an open position and completely closes the inlet in a closed position.

[0053] As Figure 1 It can be further seen that the holding device 12 comprises a frame 16, which at least partially surrounds the sensor 60. The frame 16 can divert the impact force F from the sensor 60. In addition, the sensor 60 can be movably supported in the frame 16. The orientation of the sensor 60 can be adjusted more finely, for example, by a drive. The drive can include an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment element, whereby the sensor 60 can be rotated about multiple axes.

[0054] If you can also Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the holding device 12 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs 18. The reinforcing ribs 18 can be arranged so as to coincide with the reinforcing ribs of the bumper cover or of the bumper cross member.

[0055] List of reference numerals:

[0056] 2 Vehicle components

[0057] 4, 6 Fastening adapter

[0058] 4.1, 6.1 Fourth guiding geometry (recessed portion)

[0059] 10 Sensor device

[0060] 12. Keep the device

[0061] 13 First end region

[0062] 14 Second end region

[0063] 16 Frame

[0064] 18 Reinforcement ribs

[0065] 20 Connection device

[0066] 30 First rod device

[0067] 40 Second rod device

[0068] 32, 42 swing arm

[0069] 32.1, 42.1 First end region (on the holding device)

[0070] 32.2, 42.2 Second end region (on the reset device)

[0071] 32.3, 42.3 Holding area (between end areas)

[0072] 32.4, 42.4 First guide geometry (protrusion)

[0073] 43.1, 43.2, 43.3 Connecting tabs

[0074] 34, 44 holding arm

[0075] 34.1, 44.1 First end region (vehicle component)

[0076] 34.2, 44.2 Second end area (swing arm)

[0077] 34.3, 44.3 Second guide geometry (recessed portion)

[0078] 34.4, 44.4 Third guide geometry (protrusion)

[0079] 51 Reset device

[0080] 51.2 Reception Department

[0081] 51.4, 52.4 Fastening area

[0082] 60 Sensors

[0083] 62 Sensor active surface

[0084] 70 Controllable cooling air inlet

[0085] 72 blades

[0086] x Vehicle longitudinal direction

[0087] y Vehicle lateral direction

[0088] z Vehicle vertical direction

[0089] F Collision force

[0090] FX Force component in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle

[0091] FY Second force component in the vehicle lateral direction

[0092] WR Direction of the collision force

[0093] R1 First spatial direction

[0094] R2 Second spatial direction

[0095] R3 Third spatial direction

Claims

1. A sensor device (10) on a vehicle, comprising a connecting device (20) which connects a holding device (12) to at least one vehicle component (2) in a manner that allows movement between an operating position and at least one protective position, wherein: The holding device (12) receives a sensor (60), wherein the collision force (F) caused by the collision object comprises a first force component (FX) acting in a first spatial direction (R1), which first force component moves the holding device (12) component-wise in the corresponding first spatial direction (R1) into at least one protective position, wherein a resetting force of at least one resetting device (51) transfers the holding device (12) from the at least one protective position into a working position, wherein the first spatial direction (R1) corresponds to the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle, It is characterized in that The connecting device (20) has at least one rod device (30, 40), which additionally converts at least one force component of the impact force (F) acting in other spatial directions (R2, R3, y, z) into a component-by-component movement of the holding device (12) in the corresponding spatial direction (R2, R3, y, z), wherein the at least one rod device (30, 40) transfers the holding device (12) in the direction (WR) of the resultant force of the impact force (F) to the at least one protective position, and the rod devices (30, 40) respectively have at least one swing arm (32, 42) and at least one holding arm (34, 44), wherein the at least one swing arm (32, 42) is connected to the holding device (12) by means of a first end region (32.1, 42.1) The corresponding end region of the holding device (12) is connected and connected to the corresponding resetting device (51) by means of the second end region (32.2, 42.2), wherein the at least one holding arm (34, 44) is connected to at least one vehicle component (2) in a swingable manner by means of the first end region (34.1, 44.1) and is connected to the holding region (32.3, 42.3) of the corresponding swing arm (32, 42) in a swingable manner by means of the second end region (34.2, 44.2), wherein the holding region (32.3, 42.3) is arranged between the first end region (32.1, 42.1) of the swing arm (32, 42) and the second end region (32.2, 42.2) of the swing arm (32, 42).

2. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The second spatial direction (R2) corresponds to the vehicle transverse direction (y), and the third spatial direction (R3) corresponds to the vehicle vertical direction (z), wherein the at least one rod device (30, 40) converts a force component (FY) of the collision force (F) acting along the vehicle transverse direction (y) into a component-by-component movement of the retaining device (12) along the vehicle transverse direction (y), and / or converts a force component (FZ) of the collision force (F) acting along the vehicle vertical direction (z) into a component-by-component movement of the retaining device (12) along the vehicle vertical direction (z).

3. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The first lever device (30) is connected to the first end region (13) of the holding device (12) and to the first resetting device, and the second lever device (40) is connected to the second end region (14) of the holding device (12) and to the second resetting device.

4. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least one swing arm (32, 42) has a first guide geometry (32.4, 42.4) on a holding region (32.3, 42.3) which interacts in a centering manner with a second guide geometry (34.3, 44.3) arranged on a second end region (34.2, 44.2) of the holding arm (34, 44).

5. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 4, It is characterized in that The at least one holding arm (34, 44) has a third guide geometry (34.4, 44.4) at a first end region (34.1, 44.1), which third guide geometry interacts in a centering manner with a fourth guide geometry (4.1, 6.1) arranged on at least one vehicle component (2).

6. The sensor device (10) according to claim 4, It is characterized in that One of the two interacting guide geometries (32.4, 42.4, 34.3, 44.3) is designed as a depression and one of the two interacting guide geometries (32.4, 42.4, 34.3, 44.3) is designed as a projection.

7. The sensor device (10) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The guide geometries (32.4, 42.4, 34.3, 44.3) each have a trapezoidal or semicircular or triangular or elliptical cross section.

8. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The restoring devices (51) are respectively connected to the at least one vehicle component (2).

9. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The restoring devices (51) each have at least one spring element.

10. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The restoring devices (51) each have at least one drive and at least one pulling element, the at least one pulling element being coupled to the at least one swing arm (32, 42), wherein the at least one drive generates a restoring force and transmits it to the at least one pulling element.

11. The sensor device (10) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The resetting devices (51) each comprise an overload protection device having a disconnecting device which disconnects the at least one pivot arm (32, 42) from the at least one pulling element.

12. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The holding device (12) receives a controllable cooling air inlet (70).

13. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The holding device (12) comprises a frame (16) which at least partially surrounds the sensor (60).

14. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The holding device (12) comprises at least one reinforcing rib (18).

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