Top module used to form the roof of the vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a top module (01) for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle, the top module including a panel member (03) whose outer surface at least partially forms a top skin of the vehicle roof, the top module (01) including at least one environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals (09) to detect the vehicle environment. The at least one environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) is associated with at least one reflector element (07, 14, 17) at which the electromagnetic signals (09) can be reflected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a top module for forming the roof of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Such a top module is known in practice. This top module can be placed as a separate component on the top of the vehicle body, forming the body shell. The top module can be a purely fixed top element with a transparent portion for forming a panoramic roof, creating a see-through portion. Alternatively, the top module can have a top opening system including a movable cover element through which the top opening can be opened or closed at will. Such a top module always includes a top skin that forms the visible outer surface of the top module and can be partially transparent to form a see-through portion and, in the case of a top module with a top opening, abuts the top opening system. When in the installed position, the top module is typically permanently attached to the top side beam of the vehicle body.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known that environmental sensors are mounted on top modules, enabling the vehicle in question to drive automatically or semi-automatically. The vehicle's environment can be monitored and detected via these sensors. It is known in the prior art that sensor modules are placed on the top of the vehicle roof, as the roof is typically the highest point of the vehicle, from which the vehicle's environment is easily visible. However, configuring sensor modules as top attachments often results in a vehicle appearance that does not meet customer requirements. Another characteristic of sensor modules with integrated environmental sensors is that the environmental sensors are constantly exposed to weather conditions in this manner. In particular, this can lead to the environmental sensors being covered by ice and thus becoming unusable. Moreover, sensor modules mounted on the top of the roof are disadvantageous in terms of aerodynamics and the generation of unwanted wind noise. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new top module that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] This objective is achieved through the top module as taught in this application.

[0006] The top module according to the invention is characterized by a reflector element associated with and capable of reflecting electromagnetic signals at an environmental sensor. In other words, this means that the reflector element deflects the electromagnetic signals sent or received by the environmental sensor at a reflective surface. This deflection of the electromagnetic signals at the reflector element allows for the compact integration of the environmental sensor into the top module. After all, the environmental sensor itself does not need to directly observe the field of view. Instead, the field of view is reflected to the environmental sensor via the reflector element. The fact that the beam path of the electromagnetic signal is deflected at the reflector element results in greater design freedom when placing the environmental sensor in the top module. Furthermore, the reflective properties of the reflector element enable the achievement of specific reflective characteristics. For example, a magnified or reduced field of view can be reflected to the environmental sensor.

[0007] Basically, any type of reflector element can be used to reflect electromagnetic signals. Given specific reflection characteristics, reflector elements with a spherically curved reflective surface, either convex or concave, are particularly advantageous. This spherically curved reflective surface allows for a significant widening or miniaturization of the field of view. Furthermore, the focal point and focusing distance can be adjusted using the reflector element.

[0008] Reflective surface portions of components, regardless of their form—such as panel components or frame parts—can be used to form reflector elements to avoid introducing additional components into the top module. For this purpose, the surface portion in question must exhibit sufficient reflective properties.

[0009] The reflective surface can be polished, vapor-deposited, and / or coated to increase reflectivity.

[0010] There are several options for attaching environmental sensors to the vehicle body. If the environmental sensor is attached indirectly or directly to a frame component on the vehicle roof or a body shell component, the sensor is supported in a particularly stable manner. For example, the frame component could be a roof frame. The body shell component could be a chassis. In this way, high-precision reflection can be achieved when electromagnetic signals from a reflector element are reflected back to the environmental sensor.

[0011] There are several options for attaching the reflector element to the top module. According to the first alternative, the reflector element can be attached to the panel member of the top module. A particularly simple way to attach the reflector element to the panel member is to glue, inject, thread, or clip the reflector element to the inside of the panel member.

[0012] According to the second alternative, the reflector element can also be attached to the sensor housing of the environmental sensor. In this way, the reflector element can be pre-installed while the environmental sensor is mounted in its sensor housing, and the beam path can be pre-tested.

[0013] According to the third alternative, the environmental sensor and reflector elements can be attached together to the support structure.

[0014] Of particular advantage is that the environmental sensor and reflector elements are arranged in a packaged manner within the housing unit to protect them from harmful weather conditions. The housing unit must have at least one channel element through which electromagnetic signals can pass and then be reflected at the reflector element.

[0015] A major challenge in integrating an environmental sensor into the top module is the conflict between the goal of designing the most compact possible target and the target of the environmental sensor's maximum possible observation area. This target conflict can be optimized by positioning the reflector element vertically above the channel element. This allows the beam path of the environmental sensor to be oriented upwards and then reflected downwards at the reflector element. The reflected beam can then exit through the channel element positioned below and cover a large observation area. In the horizontal direction, the reflector element can be positioned to the side of the channel element to achieve an optimized beam path for the environmental sensor. If the channel element is also positioned above the environmental sensor, the resulting beam path allows for a particularly compact design of the top module.

[0016] The top module is designed to be as compact as possible, and it is particularly advantageous that the environmental sensor is positioned at least partially vertically at the same height as the channel element. In this way, the mounting space within the top module can be ideally used for the encapsulation and housing of the environmental sensor.

[0017] An adjustment device can be provided that allows the relative position between the environmental sensor and the reflector element to be adjusted, so that the relative position between the environmental sensor and / or the reflector element can be adjusted.

[0018] Excessive buildup of dirt can interfere with or completely block electromagnetic signals from passing through the channel element. According to a preferred embodiment, a cleaning device configured to clean the channel element can be provided to avoid this.

[0019] Basically, any type of cleaning device can be used to clean channel elements. The cleaning device is particularly easy to implement if it includes a cleaning nozzle configured to discharge cleaning fluid to clean the surface of the channel element by, for example, spraying the surface of the channel element with the cleaning fluid.

[0020] If the surface of the reflector element is fogged or covered with ice, it will also hinder the reflection of electromagnetic signals at the reflector element. According to a preferred embodiment, the reflector element can be heated by a heating device to dry the reflective surface of the reflector element and avoid this situation. In this case, the heating device can also be used to heat the perspective element.

[0021] Virtually any type of environmental sensor can interact with the reflector element. Preferably, the environmental sensor can be a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

[0022] A vehicle equipped with a top sensor module according to the invention, and which is an autonomous vehicle, can operate autonomously in autonomous mode without at least significant driver intervention. For example, in a motor vehicle operating in a semi-autonomous driving mode, the top module according to the invention can form part of a driver assistance system. The top sensor module (RSM) is formed in an integrated manner as a building component, housing the components required for the autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle in question. The top module, which may include multiple functional elements, is a compact structural unit that can be attached by the vehicle manufacturer to a body or body shell to form a roof, the body or body shell including roof longitudinal beams, with the top module housed between the roof longitudinal beams.

[0023] The top module according to the invention is particularly a part of a passenger car, but it can also be used in multi-purpose vehicles, such as delivery vehicles, minibus-like autonomous vehicles, for example, as passenger transport vehicles or truck tractors. The use of the top module in rail or water-based motor vehicles is also conceivable.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a top module of the type described above, and particularly an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can essentially be any means of transport by road, rail, or waterway. However, it is preferably a passenger car or multi-purpose vehicle and may be equipped with an electric drive and / or an internal combustion engine. Attached Figure Description

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be discussed below as an example.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top module with environmental sensors and reflector elements;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a side view of an environmental sensor having a reflector element attached to a support member;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an environmental sensor with a reflector element mounted in a sensor housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of the top module 01 is shown. Figure 1Only the right edge of the top module 01 is shown. The top module 01 is mounted laterally on the frame member or body shell member 02 on the top of the vehicle and secured there in a suitable manner. The panel member 03 forming the top skin and the top frame 04 define a cavity 05 in which an environmental sensor 06 is mounted. A reflector element 07 is associated with the environmental sensor 06. Electromagnetic signals 09, such as light beams or radar beams, can be reflected at the reflective surface 08 of the reflector element 07, which is spherically curved in a convex manner. Figure 1 In this context, electromagnetic signal 09 only indicates the boundary of the field of view, but the reflected electromagnetic signal 09 can certainly cover the entire field of view between the boundaries.

[0030] Depending on the beam direction, i.e., whether the signal is first emitted by or will be detected by the ambient sensor 06, the electromagnetic signal 09 passes through the channel element 10 before or after reflection and is deflected at the reflector element 07 in the process. This allows the electromagnetic signal 09 to be reflected onto the sensor surface of the ambient sensor 06 or radiated by the reflector element in the desired direction. This deflection of the electromagnetic signal 09 allows the ambient sensor 06 to be compactly integrated into the top module 01. Simultaneously, a field of view directly below the top module can be observed along the side edge of the vehicle. This allows the field of view to cover the immediate surrounding area of ​​the vehicle. Furthermore, an improved 360° view with smaller blind spots or blind zones can be achieved.

[0031] A cleaning nozzle 11 is provided for cleaning the channel element 10. If too much dirt accumulates on the outside of the channel element 10, cleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the outside of the channel element 10 through the cleaning nozzle 11.

[0032] The reflector element 07 is glued, injection molded, threaded, or clipped to the inside of the panel member 03 of the top module 01. Additionally, the reflector element 07 can be heated by a heating device, which is not located in... Figure 1 It is shown separately. Alternatively, the reflector element can also be fabricated by vapor deposition of a suitable material with good reflective properties, for example by vapor deposition of a metal layer.

[0033] Figure 2 An ambient sensor 12 is shown, with a support member 13 attached to its side. On the front of the support member 13, opposite the sensor of the ambient sensor 12, a reflector element 14 is attached, for example, glued to the support member 13. Attaching the reflector element 14 to the ambient sensor 12 in this way allows for testing the correct orientation of the reflector element 14 relative to the ambient sensor 12 before installation into the top module.

[0034] Figure 3Another environmental sensor 15 is shown, mounted within a sensor housing 16. A reflector element 17 is attached, for example, glued to the inside of the sensor housing 16. The housing wall 18 opposite the reflector element 17 is made of a material permeable to the electromagnetic signals 09 of the environmental sensor 15, such as a material transparent to light or permeable to radar beams. In this way, the environmental sensor 15, together with the reflector element 17, can be housed within a sealed housing unit, thus protecting them from harmful environmental conditions.

[0035] List of reference numerals

[0036] 01 Top Module

[0037] 02 Frame components or body shell components

[0038] 03 Panel Components

[0039] 04 Top Frame

[0040] 05 cavity

[0041] 06 Environmental Sensors

[0042] 07 Reflector Element

[0043] 08 Reflective surface

[0044] 09 Electromagnetic signals (field of view boundary)

[0045] 10-channel element

[0046] 11 Cleaning nozzles

[0047] 12 Environmental Sensors

[0048] 13 Supporting components

[0049] 14 Reflector elements

[0050] 15 Environmental Sensors

[0051] 16 Sensor Housing

[0052] 17. Reflector element

[0053] 18. Shell wall

Claims

1. A roof module (01) for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle, the roof module (01) comprising a panel member (03) whose outer surface at least partially forms a roof skin of the vehicle roof, the roof module (01) comprising at least one environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) configured to be able to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals (09) for detecting the vehicle environment, wherein The at least one environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) is associated with at least one reflector element (07, 14, 17), the electromagnetic signal (09) being able to be reflected at the at least one reflector element, the reflector element being formed by a reflective surface portion of a panel member or a frame part or a body shell part (02) of a roof module, the reflector element deflecting the electromagnetic signal (09) transmitted and / or received by the environmental sensor of the roof module (01).

2. The roof module of claim 1, wherein, The reflector element (07, 14, 17) has a reflective surface (08), which is curved in a convex or concave manner and in a spherical manner.

3. A roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) is indirectly or directly attached to a frame part or a body shell part (02) of a roof of a vehicle.

4. The roof module of claim 1, wherein, The reflective surface portion is formed by a polished, vapor-deposited and / or coated reflective surface.

5. The roof module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (12) and the reflector element (14) are attached together to a support member (13).

6. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (15) and the reflector element (17) are arranged in an encapsulated manner to a sensor housing (16), the sensor housing (16) comprising at least one passage element (10) through which the electromagnetic signal (09) is able to pass.

7. The roof module of claim 6, wherein, The reflector element (07) is arranged above the passage element (10) in a vertical direction.

8. The roof module of claim 7, wherein, The environmental sensor (06) is arranged at least partially at the same height as the passage element (10) in a vertical direction.

9. The roof module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, characterized in that, The environmental sensor and / or the reflector element are associated with an adjustment device, which allows the relative position between the environmental sensor and the reflector to be adjusted.

10. A roof module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that A cleaning device configured to clean the passage element (10) is associated with the environmental sensor (06).

11. The roof module of claim 10, wherein, The cleaning device comprises a cleaning nozzle (11) configured to emit a cleaning fluid.

12. The roof module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, characterized in that, A heating device configured to heat the reflector element is arranged on the roof module.

13. The roof module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) is a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor.

14. The roof module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (06, 12, 15) is a lidar sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

15. A motor vehicle comprising a roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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