Top module comprising a sensor system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roof module for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprising a roof skin (16) arranged on a roof substructure and a sensor system, wherein the sensor system comprises at least one sensor module (22, 26), the sensor module having at least one environmental sensor (24, 28) for detecting the vehicle environment, the roof skin (16) covering an air conditioning unit (32) having a heat channel device (34), and a cooling and / or heating fluid flows to the sensor module (22, 26) and / or an electrical device of the roof module via the heat channel device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a roof module for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. Background Art

[0002] Roof modules of this type are known in practice and are, in particular, roof elements for passenger vehicles. They can be placed as a separate component on a vehicle body that forms the outer shell and has roof side members for accommodating the roof module therebetween. The roof module can be a completely closed, i.e., light-tight, purely fixed roof element, or it can have a transparent section, forming a see-through roof section, for forming a panoramic roof. Alternatively, the roof module can include a roof opening system with a movable cover element, by means of which the roof opening formed in the roof module can be opened or closed at will. The visible outer surface of the roof module is formed by a roof skin, which, in the case of a fixed roof element, can be partially transparent, forming a see-through roof section, and, in the case of a roof opening system, abuts the roof opening. In the installed state, the roof module is tightly connected to the roof side members.

[0003] The known vehicle roof also includes a sensor system comprising a sensor module with multiple environmental sensors for detecting the vehicle's surroundings. The sensor module can detect and analyze the vehicle's surroundings, enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle in question. The sensor module is placed on the top of the vehicle roof, i.e., on the roof skin, as this is typically the highest point of the vehicle and provides a good view of the vehicle's surroundings. The known sensor module operates only within a specified temperature range below 60°C. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle roof constructed according to the aforementioned type, the sensor system of which operates reliably even at very high and / or very low ambient temperatures, allowing it to drive the motor vehicle in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a top module having the features of the present application.

[0006] The present invention therefore proposes a roof module for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, comprising a roof skin arranged on a roof substructure and a sensor system comprising at least one sensor module having at least one environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle environment. The roof skin covers an air conditioning system having a heat channel arrangement, through which a cooling and / or heating fluid flows to the sensor module and / or the electrical system of the roof module.

[0007] Therefore, the hot channel device is used to cool or heat the sensor module. If the top module is equipped with multiple sensor modules, the hot channel device can generally be used to cool or heat the sensor modules jointly. Therefore, the present invention provides an air conditioning concept for jointly regulating the temperature of the sensor modules in the top module, so that the sensor modules can be maintained at or brought to a suitable operating temperature in an integrated manner.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the hot channel device may be used to cool or heat other electrical devices, including antenna modules, controllers, communication devices, lights, and the like.

[0009] The cooling and / or heating fluid may essentially be a gas, such as air, or a liquid, such as water, a refrigerant, oil or the like.

[0010] The roof skin of the roof module according to the invention forms the upper visible surface, ie the outer visible surface, of the roof module and extends in particular to the longitudinal edges and / or transverse edges of the roof module.

[0011] The substructure, equipped with the roof skin, specifically includes a roof frame. When the roof module is installed, the roof frame forms an intersection with the vehicle body, for example, with the vehicle body's roof longitudinal beams and / or roof cross beams. The roof frame is covered by the roof skin and serves to secure the roof skin. Furthermore, the roof frame, which forms the support structure for the roof module, may also serve as a support unit for at least one sensor module.

[0012] In one specific embodiment of the top module according to the present invention, the air conditioning mechanism, including at least the heat channel arrangement, further comprises a connecting element, via which the air conditioning mechanism can be connected to the air conditioning duct of the vehicle's air conditioning system. The air conditioning duct is disposed in the vehicle's body pillars, and cooling and / or heating fluid is transported from the connecting element to the sensor module via the heat channel arrangement. Thus, in this embodiment, an air conditioning system or other cooling or heating mechanism, whether specifically provided in the motor vehicle, can be used to regulate the temperature of the sensor module. Such cooling or heating mechanisms can be used, for example, for the internal combustion engine or electric motor, power electronics, battery, or other vehicle areas.

[0013] In another embodiment of the top module according to the present invention, the air conditioning mechanism integrated in the top module may include an air conditioning unit that supplies cooling and / or heating fluid to the hot channel device. The air conditioning unit may be an air conditioning component, such as a compressor, a fan, a heat pump and / or a heat exchanger.

[0014] In another particular embodiment of the top module according to the invention, the air conditioning device comprises a central unit, which supplies cooling and / or heating fluid to a plurality of hot channels of the hot channel arrangement leading to a plurality of sensor modules and / or electrical devices. The central unit may comprise a compressor, a fan, a heat exchanger, a heat pump, etc. For example, the central fan distributes the air conditioning medium (i.e. the cooling and / or heating fluid) to the hot channels and thereby to the sensor modules. The central fan may form an air conditioning unit and may have a junction point, via which it is connected to the air conditioning ducts of the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioning system. Alternatively, the central fan may be connected only to the environment so that ambient air can be sucked in as cooling and / or heating fluid.

[0015] Advantageously, the sensor module comprises a heat exchanger for cooling and / or heating the fluid, which heat exchanger is connected to the hot channel arrangement.Thus, the temperature of the sensor module in question can be effectively controlled.

[0016] The hot channel arrangement according to the present invention can basically be configured as an open or closed channel system. In the case of a closed embodiment, in which the hot channel arrangement is part of a closed channel system, at least one fluid return channel is provided to an air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, and / or another unit for controlling the temperature of the cooling and / or heating fluid, which is part of the air conditioning mechanism arranged in the top module or of the air conditioning system of the vehicle equipped with the top module according to the present invention.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the roof module according to the invention, the sensor module has a temperature sensor which is connected to a control unit of an air conditioning device or a control unit of an air conditioning system of a vehicle for precisely regulating or controlling the operating temperature of the sensor module.

[0018] As described above, the air conditioning unit of the air conditioning mechanism of the top module according to the present invention can include an air conditioning component in the form of a compressor or a heat exchanger. When a heat exchanger is used, it is advantageously connected to a hot channel device, where the cooling and / or heating fluid is processed to a target temperature for subsequent delivery to the sensor module via the hot channel device, thereby causing the sensor module to reach or maintain the desired target operating temperature.

[0019] The hot channel device, which can set the temperature of at least one sensor module, can also be used to temperature-regulate other structural elements or structural units of the roof module. For example, the roof module according to the present invention includes a lighting device as a further electrical device, which can be used as a lighting system for the interior of the vehicle in question and, for example, be configured as an ambient lighting device. This lighting device can in turn be connected to the hot channel device, in particular it is possible for the lighting device to provide rear ventilation via the hot channel device. Additionally or alternatively, the roof module according to the present invention can include an antenna module connected to the hot channel device. The antenna module is used to communicate with a corresponding communication partner, such as a radio mast or other road users. The antenna module can include an active antenna and an associated controller.

[0020] In a specific embodiment of the roof module according to the invention, the roof skin includes solar cells that provide electrical energy to the electrical system of the air conditioning unit, thereby maintaining the sensor module at operating temperature, particularly when the vehicle is parked. This allows the so-called auxiliary ventilation or heating system, which heats or cools the sensor module, to operate without delays.

[0021] The roof module according to the invention can be a purely fixed roof or comprise a roof opening system, by means of which a roof opening formed in the roof skin can be closed or opened at will.

[0022] The top skin preferably covers not only the hot channel arrangement but also at least one sensor module. In this case, a sensor perspective region, through which an environmental sensor can detect the vehicle environment, is formed in the top skin.

[0023] The environmental sensors of the roof module according to the present invention can be configured in various ways, in particular they can be sensors using electromagnetic radiation and / or sound waves, and can include lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors, such as cameras, antenna units, etc. Thus, systems for orientation and communication between a vehicle and its environment can also be considered environmental sensors within the meaning of the present invention. Antenna units, in particular active antennas, or control devices for communication and / or ranging are also considered environmental sensors.

[0024] If the environment sensor of the sensor module is a lidar sensor, it preferably operates in a wavelength range of approximately 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm.The camera used as the environment sensor can operate in the wavelength range of visible light and / or in the infrared range.

[0025] The present invention provides a roof sensor module (RSM) that enables the vehicle in question to be driven autonomously or semi-autonomously by means of a sensor system.

[0026] The roof module according to the present invention forms an integrated structural unit that accommodates the components required for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of a motor vehicle. Multiple functional elements, such as at least one sensor module and an air conditioning system with a heat channel arrangement, can be integrated into the roof module. The structural unit can be connected to a vehicle body or body shell, which can include side members, i.e., roof longitudinal members, roof cross members, and / or other body shell supporting elements as intersections with the roof module. In particular, the vehicle manufacturer can connect it to a roof substructure or a roof frame to form the vehicle roof.

[0027] The roof module according to the invention can be part of essentially any road or rail vehicle. In particular, however, the roof module according to the invention is part of the roof of a passenger car. However, it can also be used for the roof of a utility vehicle, such as a delivery van, a self-driving minibus, such as a so-called people mover, or a tractor.

[0028] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a roof module of the type described above.

[0029] The motor vehicle is in particular an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle which drives itself in an autonomous mode without at least substantial intervention by the driver. For example, in the semi-autonomous mode, the top module forms part of a driver assistance system.

[0030] Further advantages and advantageous configurations of the subject matter of the invention are apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Illustrative examples of top modules according to the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be discussed in more detail in the following description.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a motor vehicle having a vehicle roof comprising a roof module according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of the top of a motor vehicle;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of a top module;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a third embodiment of a top module;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a top module; and

[0037] Figure 6is a schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of a top module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 and 2 A motor vehicle 10 is shown, which is a passenger car and has a body shell or body with roof side members 12 on either side of the vehicle's vertical longitudinal center plane. A roof module 14, which together with the two roof side members 12 forms the vehicle roof, is arranged between the two roof side members 12.

[0039] The roof module 14 includes a roof skin 16 which forms the outer visible surface of the roof module 14 and is attached to a circumferential roof frame which is part of the roof substructure and is a support structure 20 for the roof module 14 and forms the intersection between the roof module 14 and the roof side beams 12 .

[0040] The top module 14 is configured in an integrated manner as a top sensor module (RSM), which has means for enabling the motor vehicle 10 to operate autonomously. To this end, the top module 14 has a sensor system 18, which includes a sensor module 22 in each of the four corner regions of the top module 14, the sensor modules 22 being placed on top of the support structure 20 of the top module 14. The sensor modules 22 each include at least one environmental sensor 24, by means of which the environment of the motor vehicle 10 can be detected, thereby allowing the motor vehicle 10 to operate in autonomous driving mode. In addition to the sensor modules 22, the sensor system 18 also includes a sensor module 26 arranged in the center of the front edge and a sensor module 26 arranged in the center of the rear edge of the top module 14, each sensor module 26 being further equipped with an environmental sensor 28 for detecting the vehicle's surroundings. The sensor modules 26 are likewise placed on top of the support structure 20 of the top module 14. As Figure 2 As shown, the top skin 16 of the top module 14 covers the sensor modules 22 and 26, thereby forming a cover for the sensor modules 22 and 26. Furthermore, the top skin 16 forms end faces in the region of the sensor modules 22 and 26, respectively, which are formed by vertical walls 30 of the top skin 16 and form sensor perspective regions for the environmental sensors 24 and 28. Furthermore, the top skin 16 extends up to the edge of the top module, which extends in the top transverse direction and the top longitudinal direction.

[0041] For example, the environmental sensors 24 and 28 of the sensor modules 22 and 26 can be configured in various ways and can include lidar sensors, radar sensors, cameras, and / or any other suitable sensors. The cameras can be, in particular, stereo cameras and / or infrared cameras. The walls 30 forming the sensor's see-through area are transparent to wavelengths between 200 nm and 2000 nm. Transparency to radar radiation may also be required.

[0042] In order to be able to bring the sensor modules 22 to the desired operating temperature and to maintain it, the top module 14 is equipped with an air conditioning mechanism 32, which is covered by the top skin 16 and includes a hot channel arrangement 34, which connects a central air conditioning unit 36 ​​to the sensor modules 22 and 26. To this end, the hot channel arrangement 34 comprises, in the present case, six hot channels 38, each of which leads to one of the sensor modules 22 and 26. The hot channels 38 assigned to the rear sensor modules 22 and 26 are connected to a collecting channel 40, the other end of which is connected to the air conditioning device 36.

[0043] The air conditioning unit 36 ​​can be a fan without additional heating or cooling. Alternatively, the air conditioning unit 36 ​​can also include a heater and / or a cooling unit. It is also conceivable that the air conditioning unit 36 ​​is a combination device, which means that it includes features such as a fan, a heating device and / or a cooling unit, which can be operated individually or in combination. The air conditioning unit 36 ​​provides a cooling and / or heating fluid to the sensor modules 22 and 26 via the hot channel device 34, which in this case is air. The sensor modules 22 and 26 are each provided with a heat exchanger 42 and / or a radiator and / or a heat conducting element so as to be able to absorb the cold and / or heat of the cooling and / or heating fluid.

[0044] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 32 can be connected via a connecting element 44 to an air conditioning duct 46 which is connected to the air conditioning of the motor vehicle 10 and is arranged in an A-pillar 48 or another body pillar of the vehicle body on which the vehicle roof is arranged.

[0045] Figure 3 The top module 50 is shown, which is Figure 1 and 2 An alternative embodiment of the top module shown in . Figure 1 and 2 Like the roof module of FIG5 , the roof module 50 includes a sensor module 22 with an environmental sensor 24 in each corner region of the roof frame and a sensor module 26 with an environmental sensor 28 in both its front edge region and its rear edge region.

[0046] and Figure 1 and 2Like the top module of FIG. 1 , the top module 50 includes an air conditioning unit 32 that is covered by the top skin 16 and has a hot channel arrangement 34. The hot channel arrangement 34 includes five hot channels 38 that lead from the central air conditioning unit 36 ​​to the front sensor modules 22 arranged in the corner areas and the rear sensor modules 22 arranged in the corner areas. In addition, the hot channel arrangement 34 includes two hot channels 52 that are connecting channels and each connects one of the sensor modules 22 arranged in the corner areas with the sensor module 26 arranged in the rear center. The air conditioning unit 36 ​​can be configured according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Accordingly, the sensor modules 22 and 26 disposed below the top skin 16 each further include a heat exchanger 42 that transfers heat or cold from the heating and / or cooling fluid flowing in the hot channels 38 and 52 to the sensor modules 22 and 26.

[0047] In order to be able to control the temperature level in the sensor modules 22 and 26 , they each have a temperature sensor 54 which detects the temperature of the sensor module 22 or 26 and is connected via an electrical line 56 to a control unit 58 which in turn is connected via a control line 60 to the air conditioning unit 36 ​​.

[0048] Furthermore, the top module 50 is provided with a top opening 62 which can be opened or closed at will by means of a cover element 64 of a top opening system.

[0049] Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated air conditioning mechanism is an open system, ie, the cooling and / or heating fluid provided to the sensor modules 22 and 26 via the hot channel arrangement 34 is exhausted to the environment rather than being returned.

[0050] Figure 4 A top module 70 is shown, with Figure 1 and 3 Like the embodiment of the present invention, the top module 70 is also provided with a sensor module 22 at each corner region thereof, each sensor module 22 including at least one environmental sensor 24 similar to the above-described embodiment. At the front and rear edges, the top module 70 also has a centrally arranged sensor module 26 including an environmental sensor 28. Figures 1 to 3 As in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor modules 22 and 26 disposed on the top frame or top substructure are covered by the top skin 16. In addition, the top module 70 includes a conditioning mechanism 72 by which the sensor modules 22 and 26 can be brought to and maintained at the desired operating temperature.

[0051] The air conditioning mechanism 72, covered by the top skin 16, includes a hot channel arrangement 34 comprising a hot channel 74 that leads from a heat exchanger 76, serving as a central air conditioning unit, to the central sensor module 26 located at the rear. Two hot channels 78 transport gaseous or liquid cooling and / or heating fluid supplied by the hot channels 74 to the sensor modules 22 located in the rear corner regions. These channels branch off from the rear sensor module 26. The rear sensor modules 22 are located in the corner regions, each connected to the front sensor module 22 located on its top side via a hot channel 80, thereby transporting cooling and / or heating fluid to the corresponding front sensor module 22. Respective hot channels 82 are formed between the front sensor modules 22 located in the corner regions and the centrally located front sensor module 26. A return line 84 branches off from the front sensor module 26, returning the cooling and / or heating fluid to the heat exchanger 76 for re-temperature conditioning. Thus, the hot channel arrangement 34 of the air conditioning mechanism 32 forms a closed system, while the heat exchanger 76 forms a central air conditioning system. The entire air conditioning mechanism 72 , including the hot channel arrangement 34 and the sensor modules 22 and 26 , is covered by the top skin 16 .

[0052] In principle, Figure 4 The fluid in the illustrated hot channel arrangement 34 may also flow in the opposite direction.

[0053] Figure 5 A top module 90 is shown, which corresponds primarily to Figure 3 , which is why reference is made to the above description in this regard. Furthermore, the top module 90 includes lighting devices 92 in the form of LED strips along each lateral edge of the top opening 62; the LED strips can be cooled by ventilating the lighting devices 92 from behind them using the cooling air flowing in the hot channel arrangement 34.

[0054] Furthermore, the top module 90 comprises an antenna module 94 which is used for communication of the vehicle in question with radio masts, other road users, etc. For cooling, the antenna module 94 is also connected to the thermal channel arrangement 34, allowing the antenna module 94 to also be kept at a suitable operating temperature.

[0055] In addition, the top module 90 corresponds to Figure 3 .

[0056] Figure 6 A top view of the top module 100 is shown, which mainly corresponds to Figure 3, but additionally includes an array of solar cells 102 on the top skin 16 that powers a central air conditioning unit (e.g., fan 104) so ​​that the sensor module can be maintained at a suitable operating temperature by means of the fan 104 through the heat channel arrangement 34 even when the motor vehicle is parked. Figure 3 Description of embodiments.

[0057] Reference Signs List

[0058] 10 Motor Vehicles

[0059] 12 Top side rails

[0060] 14 Top Module

[0061] 16 Top Skin

[0062] 18 Sensor System

[0063] 20 Support structure

[0064] 22 sensor modules

[0065] 24 environmental sensors

[0066] 26 sensor modules

[0067] 28 Environmental Sensors

[0068] 30 wall

[0069] 32 Air conditioning mechanism

[0070] 34 Hot channel device

[0071] 36 air conditioning units

[0072] 38 hot aisles

[0073] 40 Collection Channels

[0074] 42 Heat Exchanger

[0075] 44 Connecting elements

[0076] 46 Air conditioning ducts

[0077] 48 A-pillar

[0078] 50 top module

[0079] 52 hot aisles

[0080] 54 Temperature Sensor

[0081] 56 Wire

[0082] 58 control unit

[0083] 60 control unit

[0084] 62 Top opening

[0085] 64 cover element

[0086] 70 top module

[0087] 72 Air conditioning mechanism

[0088] 74 hot aisles

[0089] 76 Heat Exchanger

[0090] 78 hot aisles

[0091] 80 hot aisle

[0092] 82 hot aisles

[0093] 84 return line

[0094] 90 Top Module

[0095] 92 lighting fixtures

[0096] 94 antenna module

[0097] 100 Top Module

[0098] 102 Solar Cells

[0099] 104 Fan

Claims

1. A roof module for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor system and a roof skin (16) arranged on a roof substructure, wherein the sensor system comprises at least two sensor modules (22, 26), the sensor modules having at least one environmental sensor (24, 28) for detecting the vehicle environment, the environmental sensor comprising a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or an optical sensor, and wherein: The top skin (16) covers an air conditioning mechanism (32, 72) having a hot channel device (34), through which a cooling and / or heating fluid flows to the sensor modules (22, 26), the hot channel device including a plurality of hot channels (38), the air conditioning mechanism (32) including a central unit, the central unit supplying cooling and / or heating fluid to the plurality of hot channels (38) and having a fan, a heat exchanger and / or a heat pump, the plurality of hot channels respectively leading to corresponding sensor modules of the at least two sensor modules.

2. The top module according to claim 1, characterized in that The air conditioning mechanism (32) includes a connecting element (44) and is connectable to an air conditioning duct (46) of an air conditioning system of a vehicle via the connecting element (44). The air conditioning duct (46) is arranged in a body pillar of the vehicle. The hot channel device (34) transports cooling and / or heating fluid from the connecting element (44) to the sensor modules (22, 26).

3. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The air conditioning mechanism (32) includes an air conditioning unit (36) for supplying cooling and / or heating fluid to the hot channel device (34).

4. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sensor module (22, 26) comprises a heat exchanger (42) for cooling and / or heating a fluid, the heat exchanger (42) being connected to the hot channel arrangement (34).

5. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The hot channel arrangement (34) is part of a closed channel system including at least one fluid return channel (82) leading to an air conditioning unit.

6. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The hot channel device (34) is connected to the heat exchanger (76) of the air conditioning mechanism (72), and the cooling and / or heating fluid is processed to a target temperature in the heat exchanger (76) so as to be delivered to the sensor modules (22, 26) via the hot channel device (34).

7. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sensor modules (22, 26) are provided with a temperature sensor (54), and the temperature sensor (54) is connected to the air conditioning mechanism (32) via an electric wire (56).

8. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The top skin (16) includes solar cells (102) for providing electrical energy to electrical devices of the air conditioning mechanism (32).

9. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The top module includes a top opening (62) and a top opening system for the top opening (62).

10. A motor vehicle comprising a top module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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