Roof module with cooling device for forming a vehicle roof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roof module for forming a roof on a motor vehicle, comprising a surface component, the outer surface of which at least partially forms the roof skin of the vehicle roof and serves as an outer sealing surface of the roof module, and at least one sensor module. The sensor module comprises at least one environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle surroundings during autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the motor vehicle. The sensor module includes a see-through area for the at least one environmental sensor and a cleaning device, by means of which the see-through area can be cleaned. The sensor module is characterized by an adjustment device for controlling a kinematic mechanism and an actuator, the adjustment device being configured to: adjust the sensor module from an inward position to an outward position, in which the at least one sensor module protrudes at least partially with its see-through area beyond the roof skin; and / or adjust the cleaning device to perform a cleaning process, in which the see-through area can be cleaned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a roof module for forming a roof on a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Roof modules of this type are widely used in vehicle construction because they can be prefabricated as independent functional modules and delivered to the assembly line during vehicle assembly. On their outer surface, the roof module forms, at least in some areas, the roof skin of the vehicle roof, which prevents the ingress of moisture and airflow into the vehicle interior. The roof skin consists of one or more surface elements, which can be made of stable materials such as painted sheet metal or painted or painted plastic. The roof module can be part of a rigid roof or part of an openable roof assembly.

[0003] Furthermore, research and development in vehicle manufacturing is increasingly focused on autonomously or semi-autonomously driven vehicles. To enable the vehicle control system to autonomously or semi-autonomously control the vehicle, a large number of environmental sensors (e.g., lidar sensors, radar sensors, (multiple) cameras, etc., along with other (electrical) components) or sensor modules are used. These are integrated, for example, into a roof module, detect the vehicle's surroundings, and, for example, determine the corresponding traffic situation from the detected environmental data. A roof module equipped with a large number of environmental sensors is also referred to as a roof sensor module (RSM). To this end, the known environmental sensors transmit or receive corresponding electromagnetic signals, such as laser beams or radar beams. By evaluating the corresponding signals, a data model of the vehicle's surroundings can be generated and used for vehicle control.

[0004] Sensor modules, including environmental sensors for monitoring and detecting the vehicle's surroundings, are often mounted on the vehicle's roof, as the roof is typically the highest point on the vehicle, offering a good view of the vehicle's surroundings. Previously, sensor modules were constructed as attachments to the relevant vehicle's roof. This resulted in a visual appearance that often did not meet customer requirements. Furthermore, there was a risk that the see-through area of ​​the environmental sensor, which detects the vehicle's surroundings, would become contaminated or opaque to the sensor due to environmental and weather influences. To clean the see-through area, it is known to use a cleaning device that can be moved along the see-through area to clean it.

[0005] The problem with ensuring the retractability of the environment sensor, for example to meet aesthetic requirements and to additionally protect it from environmental influences in the activated state, is that due to other requirements placed on the roof module (e.g., the provision of a sliding roof or panoramic roof), the available installation space for the associated movement mechanism is very limited and is limited to the edge areas of the roof module. Furthermore, the need to install a cleaning device exacerbates this design problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a roof module which reduces the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by the roof module taught by a preferred embodiment.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of alternative embodiments.

[0009] A roof module for forming a roof on a motor vehicle according to the present invention includes a surface component whose outer surface at least partially forms the roof skin of the vehicle roof and serves as an outer sealing surface of the roof module. The roof module includes at least one sensor module having at least one environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle environment during autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle. The at least one sensor module includes a see-through area for the environmental sensor and a cleaning device by means of which the see-through area can be cleaned. The roof module according to the present invention is characterized in that the roof module includes an adjustment device having control kinematics and an actuator, the adjustment device being configured to adjust the sensor module from an extended position to an extended position, in which the sensor module at least partially protrudes from the roof skin with the see-through area, and / or to adjust the cleaning device for a cleaning process in which the see-through area can be cleaned. The term "at least one environmental sensor" is understood to mean that the sensor module can include one or more environmental sensors. The term "at least one sensor module" is understood to mean that the roof module can include one or more sensor modules.

[0010] The roof module of the present invention has the advantage that, due to the installation of preferably only a single actuator, very little installation space is required in the vehicle width direction. If the sensor module is arranged laterally in the vehicle longitudinal direction, very little installation space is also required here. According to the present invention, the actuator, together with the control kinematics, fulfills two different functions, thereby enabling two different motion sequences to be implemented using only a single actuator. On the one hand, the actuator enables the sensor module to be moved in and / or out. On the other hand, the same actuator allows the cleaning device to be moved back and forth, preferably as desired (e.g., starting from a rest position), for the cleaning process. Preferably, a "cleaning position" refers to a large number of different positions along the cleaning path, so that the see-through area can be cleaned over its entire dimensional extent.

[0011] The "retracted position" does not necessarily have to be a fully retracted position of the sensor module. For example, it can also be an intermediate position between the fully retracted and fully retracted positions. In general, the retracted position can be a position in which the sensor module is positioned at least partially below the roof skin surface, as viewed in the vehicle height direction.

[0012] The roof module according to the present invention can form a structural unit into which devices for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving supported by driver assistance systems can be integrated, and the unit can be installed as a unit on the vehicle body by the vehicle manufacturer. Furthermore, the roof module according to the present invention can be designed as a purely fixed roof or as a roof with a roof opening system. Furthermore, the roof module can also be designed for use in passenger cars or commercial vehicles. The roof module can also be provided as a structural unit, preferably in the form of a roof sensor module (Roof Sensor Module (RSM)), in which environmental sensors are incorporated so that it can be inserted into the roof frame of the vehicle body as a readily available structural unit.

[0013] In principle, the environmental sensors of the sensor module of the roof module according to the present invention can be configured in a variety of ways and may include, in particular, lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors such as cameras, and / or the like. Lidar sensors operate, for example, in the wavelength range of 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm. The roof skin material in the see-through area should be transparent to the wavelength range used by the environmental sensors, but the material should be selected based on the wavelength used by the environmental sensors.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment device is configured to rotate the sensor module about a first rotational axis when adjusting from the retracted position to the extended position, and to rotate the cleaning device along the perspective area (preferably along a circular segment path) about a second rotational axis different from the first rotational axis during the cleaning process. It is particularly preferred that the first rotational axis is oriented substantially orthogonally relative to the second rotational axis. "Substantially orthogonal" in this case means that the first and second rotational axes are at an angle of 90°±20% relative to each other. In other embodiments, the two rotational axes may also be at other angles relative to each other. This depends primarily on how the cleaning device is arranged on the sensor module and its design. During the cleaning process, the cleaning device (or fluid nozzle) preferably moves along a circular segment path about the second rotational axis.

[0015] In other words, the movement between the retracted position and the extended position preferably corresponds to a twisting of the sensor module about a rotation axis. To this end, the sensor module is rotatably mounted on a support structure (e.g., an outer frame of a roof module) so as to be rotatable relative to the support structure about a first rotation axis. Conversely, the cleaning device is arranged on the sensor module such that it is rotatable relative to the sensor module about a second rotation axis.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is arranged next to the sensor module in the structural space of the roof module, viewed in the transverse or longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This has the particular advantage that the structural space required can be minimized. The sensor module can preferably be arranged behind the so-called front and / or rear spoiler of the roof frame. Alternatively, such an arrangement can also be implemented on or in the frame of the roof module. In this case, the actuator is always arranged next to the sensor module, that is, on the right or left side. It is also possible to arrange the sensor module together with the actuator in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. To this end, the actuator and sensor module can, for example, be arranged laterally adjacent behind the longitudinal beams of the roof frame or behind the longitudinal beams of the frame structure of the roof module. Furthermore, multiple such sensor modules, each with an actuator, can be provided, for example to ensure all-round visibility around the vehicle.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the control kinematics mechanism comprises a carriage, and the actuator comprises a motor with a drive pinion, to which a lifting cable (or diagonal cable) is attached, which is connected to the carriage. The motor is preferably an electric motor. The provision of a lifting cable, which converts the (rotational) motion of the motor via the pinion into a linear motion, ensures a high degree of design freedom, as the actuator can be positioned almost arbitrarily next to the sensor module.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is designed to move the carriage back and forth along a substantially linear path (i.e., translationally) by means of the lifting cable. This means that the carriage is preferably moved substantially in the vehicle transverse direction (if the sensor module and actuator are arranged in the vehicle transverse direction) or in the vehicle longitudinal direction (if the sensor module and actuator are arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction) by means of the lifting cable. The term "substantially linear path" is understood to mean that the carriage is movable, preferably along only one axis of movement (e.g., parallel to the vehicle width), while its movement in the other two axes of movement is limited (except for the necessary clearance for design reasons) (having only one degree of freedom of movement).

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, a first and a second slotted track are provided in the carriage, wherein the first slotted track controls the adjustment of the sensor module from the retracted position to the extended position, and the second slotted track controls the adjustment of the cleaning device for the cleaning process (e.g., starting from a rest position of the cleaning device on the sensor module). The slots are each predefined slots in the carriage, the shape and length of which reflect the desired motion sequence. Particularly preferably, the first and second slotted tracks each include two mutually parallel track sections and a ramped track section. Preferably, one of the two parallel track sections is significantly shorter than the other of the two parallel track sections of the respective slotted track. The shortened parallel track section preferably serves only as a stop for the guide pin. The ramped track sections of the first and second slotted tracks are preferably at least partially adjacent to each other. The two shortened parallel track sections of the first and second slotted tracks are preferably oriented in the direction of the ramped track section of the respective other slotted track. In principle, other slotted track shapes are also possible. The advantage of the slot control is that it allows for speed-optimized adjustment of the sensor module and the cleaning device, since, due to the two separate slot paths, for example the sensor module can be adjusted at a different speed than the cleaning device.

[0020] The two parallel track sections are preferably arranged offset from each other. The longer of these parallel track sections points away from each other. The two parallel track sections each define a so-called "empty path," along which no motion is transferred to other components of the control kinematics mechanism. The magnitude of the offset is determined by the length of the ramped track section and its slope relative to the two parallel track sections. That is, the ramped track section has a corresponding inclination angle relative to the two parallel track sections.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second slotted track are arranged substantially parallel to one another in the carriage. Consequently, the individual track sections of the first and second slotted track are parallel to one another. Overall, the two slotted track are preferably arranged substantially mirror-symmetrically, but the first and second slotted track do not necessarily need to overlap. The free paths (two parallel track sections of the respective slotted track) can also be of different lengths in the first and second slotted track, for example.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor module includes a housing with the see-through area, and the cleaning device is rotatably arranged on the outside of the housing. The location of the cleaning device on the housing is generally arbitrary and depends on the specific implementation of the sensor module and the size and arrangement of the see-through area.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the control kinematics include a first control rod and a ball-end lever. The ball-end lever is rotatably mounted on the housing at one end and engages the first control rod at its opposite end. The first control rod engages the first control rod movably along the first guide track via a first guide pin. The ball-end lever preferably seats with its ball head in a ball joint seat provided on the housing for unilateral support of the ball-end lever. Other embodiments other than a ball-end lever are also contemplated. The first control rod is retained in the guide track via the guide pin in such a manner that it is prevented from slipping out of the guide track while ensuring mobility along the guide track. This can be achieved, for example, by forming a protrusion provided on one side of the guide pin. When the carriage moves along the axis of motion, the carriage moves relative to the first control rod, while the control rod preferably remains fixed relative to the carriage's axis of motion (for example, because the sensor module is positioned in a fixed position relative to the vehicle's width or longitudinal direction).

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the control kinematics include a toothed rack that is supported on both sides on cantilevered arms of the housing. The cantilevered arms on the housing preferably form a guide for the toothed rack so as to align the toothed rack concentrically and parallel to the first rotational axis. For example, a rotational bearing can be provided in the guide to ensure the lowest possible friction movement of the toothed rack. Particularly preferably, the rotational axis of the toothed rack defines the first rotational axis or coincides with it.

[0025] The rotational movement about the first rotational axis that initiates the retraction and extension of the sensor module is initiated by the movement of the carriage relative to the first control lever. The first link track moves relative to the first control lever, causing the guide pin to move along the first link track. The rotational movement (i.e., retraction or extension of the sensor module) begins as soon as the guide pin of the first control lever moves along the ramped track section of the first link track. The ball stud is preferably supported on one side on the housing (i.e., its movement relative to the housing in the vertical direction of the vehicle is restricted). The movement of the guide pin along the ramped track section of the first link track induces a force into the ball stud, which lifts the housing above the support device. Therefore, since the housing is preferably movable only about the first rotational axis and is otherwise fixed in position (without further degrees of freedom of movement), the sensor module begins to move about the rotational axis.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the rack bar includes a second control lever that engages with clearance in an elongated hole of a third control lever, wherein the third lever is movably engaged in the second guide track along the second guide track by means of a second guide pin. The above-mentioned provisions regarding the first guide pin also apply to the second guide pin. The second control lever is preferably fixedly connected to the rack bar and preferably protrudes from it orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal extension of the rack bar. The elongated hole is designed to ensure minimal clearance, thereby preventing the components of the control kinematics from jamming.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the control kinematic mechanism includes a transmission, preferably a multi-stage gear transmission. Particularly preferably, the transmission includes a first gear rotatably supported on the housing and engaging with the external toothing of the rack rod. The first gear is preferably a spur gear or a spur gear having teeth on its end face corresponding to the external toothing of the rack rod.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission also includes a second gear having a face toothing on its rotational surface, the second gear mating with the first gear via the face toothing. The second gear is preferably rotatably mounted on the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational axis of the first gear is substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis of the second gear. The rotational axis of the first gear is preferably oriented parallel to the second rotational axis of the cleaning device.

[0029] Preferably, the second gear is constructed in a truncated cone shape and includes a bevel tooth portion on its truncated cone side or circumference (the side facing away from the rotation surface of the second gear). Preferably, the truncated cone portion of the second gear is rotatably supported on the second gear toward the housing surface.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device includes a rotating device. By means of the rotating device, the cleaning device is preferably supported on the housing of the sensor module so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis. For example, a pin is provided on the housing, with which the rotating device cooperates. This (cylindrical) pin defines, along its longitudinal axis, preferably the second rotation axis, about which the cleaning device can be rotated back and forth during the cleaning process.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating device includes a substantially circular segment-shaped truncated cone region, with bevel gearing provided on the truncated cone side surface or circumference of the truncated cone region. The bevel gearing cooperates with the bevel gearing of the second gear. These bevel gearings preferably correspond to each other. The rotating device is preferably arranged on the housing such that the circular segment-shaped truncated cone region is oriented toward the housing surface.

[0032] The rotational movement of the cleaning device during the cleaning process preferably begins from a rest position, as explained below. While the sensor module is moving from the retracted position to the extended position or vice versa (i.e., while the first control lever is moving along the ramp-shaped track section of the first slot track), the third control lever is moved along one of the two mutually parallel track sections of the second slot track (i.e., not along the ramp-shaped track section of the second slot track). This movement of the third control lever is referred to as an "idle path" because it does not initiate a rotational movement of the cleaning device.

[0033] If the first control lever is transferred from the ramp-shaped track section of the first sliding guide track (after the sensor module has been completely extended) into one of the two mutually parallel track sections of the first sliding guide track, a movement transition from the extension movement of the sensor module to the rotational movement of the cleaning device takes place in this position (in this transfer position) in order to twist the cleaning device from its rest position on the sensor module to start the cleaning process.

[0034] That is, if the first control lever shifts from the ramp-shaped section to one of the two parallel track sections of the first link track, the third control lever shifts from one of the two parallel track sections of the second link track to the ramp-shaped section of the second link track due to the geometric arrangement of the two link tracks relative to each other. If the third control lever moves on the ramp-shaped section of the second link track, this tilting motion (inclined to the first axis of rotation) is transmitted by the second control lever to the rotational motion of the toothed rack about the first axis of rotation. During its movement on the ramp-shaped section of the second link track, the third control lever preferably moves back and forth orthogonally to the first axis of rotation (depending on the direction of movement of the carriage). The rotational motion of the toothed rack is transmitted to the first gear via its external toothing. The rotational motion initiated in the first gear is converted by the first gear into the rotational motion of the second gear via the face toothing of the second gear. Via the bevel teeth of the second gear, the rotational movement of the second gear is transferred to the rotary device, so that the rotary device can rotate back and forth about the second rotation axis (depending on the movement direction of the slide) from the rest position along the perspective area during the cleaning movement (or return to the rest position after the cleaning process is completed).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor module includes a cover that, in the retracted position, is flush with the roof skin surface. To seal against the roof skin, the cover preferably includes a circumferential sealing device (e.g., in the form of a sealing strip) that preferably extends continuously around the edge region of the cover and provides a watertight seal of the cover relative to the roof skin. This prevents water from penetrating the interior of the sensor module when the sensor module is fully retracted.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor module includes a sealing plate that is designed to substantially overlap the cover and, when the sensor module is fully extended, forms a seal against the roof skin. To provide a seal, the sealing plate preferably includes a circumferential sealing device (e.g., in the form of a sealing strip) that preferably extends uninterrupted around the edge region of the sealing plate. This prevents water from entering the interior of the sensor module when the sensor module is fully extended. The cover and sealing plate are preferably arranged at an angle offset relative to each other (i.e., non-parallel).

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device includes a fluid nozzle that, when actuated, generates a fluid cone that impinges upon the see-through area from the outside. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device may also include a wiper element with which the see-through area can be cleaned, for example mechanically by pulling it open or down. To reduce the risk of cleaning fluid entering the vehicle interior through the roof opening in roof modules with a roof opening, the fluid nozzle preferably generates a fluid cone whose cone axis points toward the front of the vehicle and / or whose cone axis is oriented at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the roof.

[0038] It will be appreciated that the movement of the cleaning device can be carried out at any time in the (completely) extended state of the sensor module independently of the extension and retraction of the sensor module, in order to thereby ensure continuous cleaning of the see-through area.

[0039] In principle, any type of environmental sensor is installed in the roof module. The cooling provided according to the invention in the roof module is particularly advantageous when using lidar sensors and / or radar sensors and / or camera sensors and / or multi-camera sensors.

[0040] It is understood that the embodiments and examples mentioned above and to be explained below can be configured not only individually but also in any combination with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, all embodiments and examples of the roof module fully relate to a motor vehicle having such a roof module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are schematically shown in the drawings and will be explained below by way of example. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle roof with a roof module according to the invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 An embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention together with an adjustment device is shown in a perspective view;

[0044] Figure 3 An embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention together with the adjustment device is shown in a side view;

[0045] Figure 4 An embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention together with the adjustment device is shown in a perspective detail view;

[0046] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention is shown in a bottom view in the retracted state together with the adjustment device;

[0047] Figure 6 An embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention is shown in a bottom view in the extended state together with the adjustment device; and

[0048] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention is shown in a bottom view in the extended state with the adjustment device, wherein the cleaning device is in the cleaning position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] exist Figure 1 , a roof 100 is shown, which comprises a roof module 10. The roof module 10 comprises a surface component 12 for forming a roof skin 14 of the roof 100 of the vehicle (not shown in its entirety). Viewed in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle, the sensor module 16 is arranged in the right corner area of ​​the roof 100 or the roof module 10. The sensor module is arranged in the right outer corner area of ​​the front part of the roof 100 or the roof module 10 directly behind the front cross member 102, which defines the roof side deflector of the vehicle. An adjusting device 18 is arranged next to the sensor module 16. In the embodiment shown, the adjusting device 18 is arranged next to the right side of the sensor module 16, as viewed in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. The sensor module 16 can be adjusted from the retracted position to the retracted position, in which the sensor module 16 at least partially protrudes from the roof skin 14. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the sensor module 16 is exposed to be seen together with the adjusting device 18. Conventionally, in particular, the adjusting device 18 cannot be seen in the installed state and is completely located under the roof skin 14, being considered to be covered by it.

[0050] The roof module 10 is preferably inserted as a structural unit into a roof frame 104 of the vehicle or mounted on at least two transverse members 102 and at least two longitudinal members 106 forming the roof frame 104 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the roof module 10 has a panoramic roof 108 .

[0051] Figure 2 The sensor module 16 of the present invention is shown in a perspective view together with the adjustment device 18. The sensor module 16 includes a see-through area 20, which can be made, for example, of a preferably unbreakable plastic or other (partially) transparent material. The sensor module 16 also includes an environmental sensor 22 arranged inside the sensor module 16 or inside a housing 24 of the sensor module 16. In the present case, the environmental sensor 22 is a lidar sensor. In the present case, the environmental sensor 22 includes a plurality of electrical connections 23 (see Figure 4 ) in order to connect the environmental sensor 22 to the vehicle control unit (not shown) and to supply it with electrical energy. Other sensor types, such as (multi-directional) cameras, can also be used. The environmental sensor 22 can be arranged within the housing 24 in an additional, separate sensor housing (not shown), which forms a dry area in which the environmental sensor 22 is arranged to be sealed against moisture.

[0052] Furthermore, the sensor module 16 includes a cover 26 and a sealing plate 28 (see in particular Figure 3 and 5 ). The cover 26 is arranged around the housing 24 and is flush with the surface of the roof skin 14 in the retracted position of the sensor module 16. The sealing plate 28 is designed to substantially coincide with the cover 26. In the fully extended position of the sensor module 16, the sealing plate 28 forms a seal against the roof skin 14. To this end, the cover 26 and the sealing plate 28 preferably have circumferential seals (not shown) on their outer edge regions.

[0053] Furthermore, the sensor module 16 comprises a cleaning device 30, by means of which the see-through region 20 can be cleaned. In the present case, the cleaning device 30 comprises two fluid nozzles 32 (see Figure 3 and 4 ). These fluid nozzles are each supplied with a cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) via a supply channel 34. These cleaning nozzles 34 are preferably oriented at an angle to each other so that the perspective area 20 can be cleaned from two different directions. The cleaning fluid can be, for example, an aqueous soap solution. Alternatively, compressed air or other gas under pressure can also be used for cleaning. When the cleaning fluid flows out of the cleaning nozzles 34, a fluid cone 36 is generated, which impacts the perspective area 20 and cleans it. Figure 3In FIG. 3 , the fluid cones 36 of the two cleaning nozzles 34 overlap, so that only one of the two fluid cones 36 is shown. In addition to the cleaning nozzles 34, the cleaning device 30 also includes a wiper 38 (see FIG. 3 ). Figure 2 ), which enables mechanical post-cleaning (for example drying after cleaning with a cleaning fluid).

[0054] The regulating device 18 comprises a control kinematic mechanism 40 and an actuator 42. Figure 4 4 shows a portion of the control kinematics 40 as an exploded view. The control device 18 is designed to adjust the sensor module 16 from the retracted position to the extended position by means of the control kinematics 40 and the actuator 42, and to adjust the cleaning device 30 from the rest position on the sensor module 16 to the cleaning process (see Figures 2 to 4 and 7), during which the perspective area 20 can be cleaned. To ensure this movement sequence, the adjustment device 18 is designed to rotate the sensor module 16 about a first rotation axis 44 when adjusting from the retracted position to the extended position by means of a control kinematic mechanism 40 and an actuator 42, and to rotate the cleaning device 30 about a second rotation axis 46 when adjusting from the rest position to the movement sequence of the cleaning process, which second rotation axis is different from the first rotation axis 44. Figure 2 It follows that the first rotation axis 44 and the second rotation axis 46 are oriented orthogonally to one another (see also Figure 4 ).

[0055] According to the present invention, the control kinematic mechanism 40 includes a carriage 48, which is preferably rigid and made of sheet metal, for example. The actuator 42 includes a motor 50 having a drive pinion 52. The motor 50 is preferably an electric motor. The drive pinion 52 is rotatably coupled to the motor 50. A lifting cable 54 engages the drive pinion and is connected to the carriage 48 via a connector 56.

[0056] A first guide rail 58 and a second guide rail 60 are provided in the carriage 48. These two guide rails 58, 60 are preferably formed in the plate-shaped carriage. The adjustment of the sensor module 16 from the retracted position to the extended position is controlled via the first guide rail 58. The adjustment of the cleaning device 30 for the cleaning process is controlled via the second guide rail 60.

[0057] Furthermore, the control kinematics mechanism 40 comprises a first control rod 62 and a ball-end rod 64. The ball-end rod 64 is rotatably held in a ball joint seat on the housing 24 at one end (see Figure 3The ball-end rod 64 cooperates with the first control rod 62 at its opposite end. The control kinematic mechanism 40 further comprises a gear rod 66 which is rotatably supported on both sides on a cantilever 68 of the housing 24 (see Figure 4 The gear rod 66 has an external toothing (not shown). The longitudinal axis or rotation axis of the gear rod 66 coincides with the first rotation axis 44. In addition, the gear rod 66 includes a second control rod 70, which is movably engaged with a third control rod 72.

[0058] Furthermore, the control kinematics 40 comprises a transmission 74 which in this case is designed as a multi-stage gear transmission (see Figure 4 ). In principle, other types of transmissions are also possible. The transmission 74 includes a first gear 76, which is rotatably supported on the housing 24 and cooperates with the external toothing of the gear rod 66. The transmission 74 includes a second gear 78, which has a face toothing on its rotating face, via which the second gear 78 cooperates with the first gear 76. The second gear 78 is designed as a truncated cone and has a bevel toothing on the truncated cone side surface, which, in the assembled state, faces in the direction of the housing 24. In order to use the rotational movement transmitted to the second gear 78 to rotate the cleaning device 30, the cleaning device 30 includes a rotating device 80. The rotating device 80 includes a truncated cone area that is essentially in the shape of a circular segment, and has a bevel toothing on its truncated cone side surface, which cooperates with the bevel toothing of the second gear 78. With the help of the rotating device 80, the cleaning device 30 is rotatably mounted on the housing 24 about the second rotation axis 46.

[0059] In order to transmit the movement of the carriage 48 (which movement is introduced or started by the motor 50 via the lifting cable 54) to the first control lever 62, the first control lever is movably engaged with the first guide rail 58 by means of a first guide pin 82 along the first guide rail 58 (see in particular Figures 5 to 7 ). Similarly, the third control rod 72 is movably engaged with the second slide track 60 by means of a second guide pin 84 along the second slide track 60. In addition, the third control rod 72 includes an elongated hole 86, and the second control rod 79 engages with the elongated hole (see Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0060] In order to realize the independent rotational movements, i.e., to move the sensor module 16 in and out, and to introduce or start the cleaning process of the cleaning device 30 (starting from the rest position), the first slotted track 58 and the second slotted track 60 each have two mutually parallel track sections 88 and a ramp-shaped track section 90 (see FIG. Figure 5). One of the two parallel track sections 88 is shortened relative to the other track section 88. The longer track sections of the two parallel track sections of the first and second slotted guide tracks 58, 60 face away from each other.

[0061] Figure 5 The lifting or extension of the sensor module 16 is shown schematically in a bottom view. To this end, the carriage 60 is moved in the y-direction (see coordinate system). The first control rod 62 is moved along the first guide rail 58 while being guided by the first guide pin 82, wherein the rotational movement about the first rotational axis 44 is initiated or started by the movement of the first guide pin 82 along the ramp-shaped rail section 90 of the first guide rail 58. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the first guide pin 82 is located in the end region of the shorter of the two parallel track sections 88 of the first slotted link track 58 , ie, shortly before the transition into the ramp-shaped track section 90 of the first slotted link track 58 .

[0062] from Figure 6 It turns out that after the extension movement about the first rotational axis 44 is completed, the first guide pin 82 is located at the lower end of the ramp-shaped track section 90 of the first link track 58 (viewed in the drawing plane). This means that the first guide pin 82 has moved along the entire ramp-shaped track section 90 of the first link track 58. The rotational movement of the sensor module 16 has then concluded, and the sensor module is in the extended state. In this position, the second guide pin 84 is now located between the parallel track section 88 and the ramp-shaped track section 90 of the second link track 60. During the previous rotational movement of the sensor module 16, the second guide pin 84 moved along the longer of the two parallel track sections of the second link track 60, with no movement being introduced into the third control lever 72 during this movement. This means that the movement of the second guide pin 84 represents an idle path, during which no movement of the cleaning device 30 occurs.

[0063] If the carriage 48 now moves further in the y-direction, the second guide pin 84 moves along the ramp-shaped track section 90 of the second slotted track 60. During this movement, a rotational movement is introduced into the third control lever 72, which is transferred to the toothed rack 66 and from there via the gear mechanism 74 to the rotation device 80 of the cleaning device 30, so that the cleaning device 30 rotates about the second axis of rotation 46.

[0064] exist Figure 7After the rotational movement is completed, the cleaning device 30 is in the cleaning position. Therefore, the second guide pin 84 is located in the end region of the shorter of the two parallel track sections 88 of the second chute track 60, that is, just after the transition from the ramp-shaped track section 90 to the shorter of the two parallel track sections 88 of the second chute track 60.

[0065] Reference Signs List

[0066] 10 Roof module

[0067] 12-sided components

[0068] 14 Roof skin

[0069] 16 sensor modules

[0070] 18 Adjustment device

[0071] 20 Perspective Area

[0072] 22 Environmental Sensors

[0073] 23 electrical connectors

[0074] 24 Shell

[0075] 26 Cover

[0076] 28 Sealing plate

[0077] 30 Cleaning device

[0078] 32 fluid nozzles

[0079] 34 Supply Channel

[0080] 36 Fluid Cone

[0081] 38 Wiper

[0082] 40 Controlling Kinematic Mechanisms

[0083] 42 actuators

[0084] 44 First rotation axis

[0085] 46 Second rotation axis

[0086] 48 Slide

[0087] 50 motor

[0088] 52 drive pinion

[0089] 54 Lift Cable

[0090] 56 connector

[0091] 58 first chute track

[0092] 60 Second chute track

[0093] 62 First Control Lever

[0094] 64 ball head

[0095] 66 gear rod

[0096] 68 Cantilever

[0097] 70 Second control lever

[0098] 72 Third control lever

[0099] 74 Transmission

[0100] 76 First Gear

[0101] 78 Second Gear

[0102] 80 Rotating device

[0103] 82 First guide pin

[0104] 84 Second guide pin

[0105] 86 oblong hole

[0106] 88 parallel track sections

[0107] 90 Sloping track section

[0108] 100 Roof

[0109] 102 beam

[0110] 104 roof frame

[0111] 106 longitudinal beam

[0112] 108 Panoramic roof.

Claims

1. A roof module for forming a roof (100) on a motor vehicle, comprising: a surface component (12), the outer surface of which forms at least in some areas a roof skin (14) of the roof (100) and serves as an outer sealing surface of the roof module (10); at least one sensor module (16), which has at least one environmental sensor (22) for detecting the vehicle environment during autonomous or semi-autonomous driving operation of the motor vehicle, wherein the sensor module (16) comprises a see-through area (20) for the at least one environmental sensor (22) and a cleaning device ( 30), by means of which the see-through area (20) can be cleaned; and an adjusting device (18) having a control kinematic mechanism (40) and an actuator (42), wherein the adjusting device (18) is configured to: adjust the sensor module (16) from a retracted position to an extended position, in which at least one sensor module (16) protrudes at least partially with the see-through area (20) from the roof skin (14); and / or adjust the cleaning device (30) for a cleaning process, in which the see-through area (20) can be cleaned, characterized in that The adjusting device (18) is configured to rotate the at least one sensor module (16) about a first rotation axis (44) when adjusting from an inward position to an outward position, and to rotate the cleaning device (30) along the perspective region (20) about a second rotation axis (46) different from the first rotation axis (44) during a cleaning process.

2. The roof module according to claim 1, characterized in that The first axis of rotation (44) is oriented substantially orthogonally relative to the second axis of rotation (46).

3. The roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The actuator (42) is arranged next to the at least one sensor module (16) in the installation space of the roof module (10) when viewed in the vehicle transverse direction (y) or in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x).

4. The roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control kinematics (40) comprises a carriage (48) and the actuator (42) comprises a motor (50) with a drive pinion (52) on which a lifting cable (54) is provided, which is connected to the carriage (48).

5. The roof module according to claim 4, characterized in that The actuator (42) is configured to adjust the carriage (48) back and forth along a substantially linear track by means of the lifting cable (54).

6. The roof module according to claim 5, characterized in that A first slotted track (58) and a second slotted track (60) are provided in the carriage (48), wherein the first slotted track (58) is provided for adjusting the sensor module (16) from a retracted position to a retracted position, and the second slotted track (60) is provided for adjusting the cleaning device (30) for a cleaning process.

7. The roof module according to claim 6, characterized in that The first chute track (58) and the second chute track (60) respectively include two mutually parallel track sections (88) and a sloped track section (90).

8. The roof module according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The first slotted link track (58) and the second slotted link track (60) are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the carriage (48).

9. The roof module according to claim 8, characterized in that The sensor module (16) comprises a housing (24) with the see-through area (20), and the cleaning device (30) is rotatably arranged on the housing outer side of the housing (24).

10. The roof module according to claim 9, characterized in that The control kinematic mechanism (40) includes a first control rod (62) and a ball rod (64), which is rotatably retained on the housing (24) at one end thereof and cooperates with the first control rod (62) at its opposite end, and the first control rod is movably cooperated with the first slide track (58) along the first slide track (58) by means of a first guide pin (82).

11. The roof module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The control kinematics (40) comprises a toothed rack (66) which is supported on both sides on cantilever arms (68) of the housing (24).

12. The roof module according to claim 11, characterized in that The rotational axis of the gear rod (66) defines the first rotational axis (44).

13. The roof module according to claim 11, characterized in that The gear rod (66) includes a second control rod (70), which is clearance-matched with the elongated hole (86) of the third control rod (72), wherein the third control rod (72) is movably matched with the second slide groove track (60) along the second slide groove track (60) by means of a second guide pin (84).

14. The roof module according to claim 13, characterized in that The control kinematics mechanism (40) includes a transmission device (74).

15. The roof module according to claim 14, characterized in that The transmission (74) includes a first gear (76) which is rotatably supported on the housing (24) and cooperates with an external toothing of the gear rod (66).

16. The roof module according to claim 15, characterized in that The transmission device (74) includes a second gear (78) having a face tooth portion on its rotation surface, and the second gear (78) cooperates with the first gear (76) via the face tooth portion.

17. The roof module according to claim 16, characterized in that The second gear (78) is configured in a truncated cone shape and includes a bevel tooth portion on a truncated cone circumference.

18. The roof module according to claim 17, characterized in that The cleaning device (30) comprises a rotating device (80).

19. The roof module according to claim 18, characterized in that The rotating device (80) comprises a truncated cone region which is substantially in the shape of a circular segment. A bevel gear portion is provided on the truncated cone circumference of the truncated cone region. The bevel gear portion cooperates with the bevel gear portion of the second gear (78).

20. The roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one sensor module (16) comprises a cover (26) which, in the retracted position of the sensor module (16), is flush with the surface of the roof skin (14).

21. The roof module according to claim 20, characterized in that The sensor module (16) comprises a sealing plate (28) which is designed to substantially coincide with the cover (26) and forms a seal towards the roof skin (14) in the fully extended position of the sensor module (16).

22. The roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cleaning device (30) comprises a fluid nozzle (32) which, when actuated, generates a fluid cone (36) which impinges on the see-through area (20) from the outside, and / or a wiper (38) with which the see-through area (20) can be cleaned.

23. The roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one surroundings sensor (22) is designed as a lidar sensor and / or as a radar sensor and / or as a camera sensor and / or as a multi-camera sensor.

24. The roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control kinematics mechanism (40) includes a gear transmission device.

25. A motor vehicle comprising a roof module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

Images