Top module for forming a vehicle roof and motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a top module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle, the top module having: a face member, the outer surface of which at least regionally forms the roof skin of the vehicle roof, and the roof skin serves as the outer sealing surface of the top module; at least one environmental sensor that can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals through a transparent area to sense the vehicle environment about the optical axis of the environmental sensor; and at least one cleaning nozzle by means of which the transparent area can be cleaned, characterized in that the at least one cleaning nozzle includes a blocking mechanism that is arranged to switch between an open state and a blocking state, in the open state, cleaning fluid can flow out of the at least one cleaning nozzle, and in the blocking state, the outflow of the cleaning fluid from the at least one cleaning nozzle is blocked. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Generic top modules are widely used in vehicle structures because these top modules can be pre-manufactured as separate functional modules and provided to the assembly line during vehicle assembly. The top module forms a roof skin on its outer surface, which can prevent moisture or air flow from penetrating into the vehicle interior. The roof skin is formed by one or more panel members, which can be made of stable materials, such as painted metal sheets or painted or colored plastics. The top module can be part of a rigid roof or can also be part of an openable roof assembly.

[0003] Furthermore, the development of vehicle structures is increasingly strongly directed towards motor vehicles with autonomous or semi-autonomous driving. In order to enable the vehicle control device to control the motor vehicle autonomously or partially autonomously, a large number of environmental sensors (such as lidar sensors, radar sensors, (multi-) cameras, etc., together with additional (electrical) components) are used, which are integrated, for example, into the top module, sense the surroundings of the motor vehicle and determine, for example, the respective traffic situation from the sensed ambient data. A top module equipped with a large number of environmental sensors is also referred to as a roof sensor module (RSM). Known environmental sensors transmit or receive corresponding electromagnetic signals, such as laser beams or radar beams, wherein a data model of the vehicle surroundings is generated by evaluating the corresponding signal analysis and can be utilized by the vehicle control device.

[0004] Environmental sensors for monitoring and sensing the vehicle surroundings are mostly fastened to the vehicle roof because the roof is usually the highest elevation of the vehicle, from which the vehicle surroundings can be well seen. Here, the environmental sensors are usually mounted as accessories on the panel members forming the roof skin of the top module, but alternatively can also be arranged in an adjustable manner between a retracted position and an extended position in an opening of the top module.

[0005] During the use of an environmental sensor, due to the influence of the surrounding environment (such as weather), there are the following risks: The environmental sensor senses the vehicle environment through a (partially) transparent perspective area, which may be contaminated or non-perspective for the environment due to environmental or weather influences. To clean the perspective area, it is known to use cleaning nozzles, with which the perspective area can be cleaned. Most of the known cleaning nozzles are similar to the spraying nozzles of the windshield wiper system and are statically arranged in the area of the top module or the face member. Looking in the direction of the optical axis of the environmental sensor, this area is located in front of the environmental sensor. In order to be able to remove, for example, stubborn dirt or contaminants sticking to the perspective area with the help of a cleaning tool, for example, in the case of an insect attack, in the known systems, the cleaning fluid used is usually sprayed under high pressure. This pressure is provided by a corresponding pump. If the cleaning nozzles are not used, it is necessary to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing out of the cleaning nozzles undesirably with the help of a shut-off valve, otherwise the cleaning fluid may, for example, enter the installation space of the top module and may cause corrosive damage here. In the prior art, an electromagnetically operated valve is used as the shut-off valve, with which the cleaning fluid can be prevented from flowing out of the cleaning nozzles.

[0006] However, these electromagnetic shut-off valves have a high purchase cost and also have the following disadvantages: These electromagnetic shut-off valves require specific control devices and must be integrated into the motor vehicle. In addition, these electromagnetic shut-off valves require additional installation space. Similarly, due to the additional water and electricity interfaces generated by the use of electromagnetic shut-off valves, these water and electricity interfaces require costly sealing devices and current guiding devices to avoid the risk of short circuits (and accompanying system failures). Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the task underlying the present invention is to provide a top module that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known prior art.

[0008] This task is solved by the top module taught by the present invention.

[0009] The advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the content of the preferred embodiments.

[0010] The top module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle according to the present invention includes a face member, the outer surface of which at least regionally forms the roof skin of the roof and the roof skin serves as the outer sealing surface of the top module. The top module includes at least one environmental sensor that can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals through a perspective area for sensing the vehicle environment around the optical axis of the environmental sensor. In addition, the top module includes at least one cleaning nozzle by means of which the perspective area can be cleaned. The top module according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one cleaning nozzle includes a blocking mechanism that is arranged to switch between an open state and a blocking state, in the open state, the cleaning fluid can flow out of at least one cleaning nozzle, and in the blocking state, the flow of the cleaning fluid out of at least one cleaning nozzle is blocked.

[0011] Therefore, according to the present invention, the solenoid valve installed as a valve block in the prior art can be omitted, thereby saving installation space. Instead of the solenoid valve, a non-electromagnetic-operated blocking mechanism is used according to the present invention. Therefore, the separate control device required in a traditional electromagnetically actuated valve can also be omitted, thereby simplifying the overall design and also the assembly. In addition, cost can be saved compared with the prior art. Since the blocking mechanism is not electromagnetically operated, the fluid-electricity interface in the top module can also be reduced, so that the top module is not easily corroded as a whole. According to the present invention, the blocking mechanism preferably acts as a shut-off valve together with a part of the cleaning nozzle, so as to ensure reliable closing of the cleaning nozzle when the cleaning nozzle is not in use. And if the cleaning nozzle is used, the blocking mechanism can release the fluid passage (i.e., the fluid channel) so that the cleaning fluid can flow out through the cleaning nozzle and clean the perspective area. The blocking mechanism can also be installed in its own housing in a simple manner, and the housing forms a dry area in which the blocking mechanism is arranged separately from the rest of the cleaning components, so that in this way, no water-electricity parts are formed again.

[0012] "At least one environmental sensor" should be understood as that the top module can include one or more environmental sensors. "At least one cleaning nozzle" should be understood as that the top module can include one or more cleaning nozzles. The field of view of the environmental sensor preferably extends in the form of a cone having a sensor-specific cone opening angle symmetric about the optical axis of the environmental sensor.

[0013] For cleaning purposes, the top module may further have one or more hose lines and / or a housing for the cleaning fluid. Alternatively, it is also possible that the housing for the cleaning fluid present in the vehicle, which is used to clean the front and rear flaps, is used as a reservoir for the cleaning fluid. The retracted position does not necessarily have to be a fully retracted position. Thus, for example, it is possible that if only a partial area of the see-through area (e.g., due to regional dirt) needs to be cleaned, at least one cleaning nozzle is only moved into a position that is not fully retracted.

[0014] The top module according to the invention can form a structural unit in which devices for autonomous, semi-autonomous or driver-assisted system-supported driving are integrated and which can be installed as a unit on the white body at the vehicle manufacturer. Furthermore, the top module according to the invention can be configured as a pure fixed roof or can also be configured as a roof with a roof opening system. In addition, the top module can be designed for use in passenger cars or in commercial vehicles. The top module can preferably be provided in the form of a roof sensor module (RSM) as a structural unit in which environmental sensors are provided in order to be inserted as a deliverable structural unit into the roof frame of the vehicle body.

[0015] In principle, the environmental sensors of the top module according to the invention can be configured in various ways and in particular include lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors such as cameras, and / or similar sensors. For example, the lidar sensor operates in the wavelength range of 905 nanometers or also in the wavelength range of approximately 1.550 nanometers. The roof skin material in the see-through area should be transparent for the wavelength range used by the environmental sensors and should therefore be selected in terms of material according to the wavelength used by the environmental sensors.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking mechanism includes a drive device. The drive device is particularly preferably an electric motor, a Bowden cable, and / or a hydraulic drive device. The drive device is preferably arranged to reciprocally switch at least one part (i.e., at least one component) of the blocking mechanism between an open state and a blocking state. Other types of drive devices not explicitly mentioned here are also conceivable. For example, a (electrically operated) linear drive device can also be used to move the blocking mechanism from the open state to the blocking state (and vice versa). It is also advantageous to use an electric servo motor that can only move within a predefined angular range about its axis of rotation. The Bowden cable is preferably a movable machine element for transmitting mechanical motion as well as pressure and tensile forces by means of a flexible combination consisting of a steel wire rope and a groove that is compression-resistant along the extension direction. For example, the hydraulic drive device can be one or more hydraulic components that preferably operate with oil or other fluids and operate with a predefined pressure. The hydraulic system has the advantage that any pressure level can be selected and the delay time for building up the pressure to initiate the moving motion can be kept small.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle head and a blocking mechanism, preferably arranged directly (i.e., without intermediate connection by additional components) on the nozzle head. In this embodiment, the blocking mechanism is thus arranged on the nozzle head such that the blocking mechanism can move at least one movable part of the nozzle head in such a way that the nozzle head can move between an open state and a blocking state. For this purpose, the nozzle head can be movable, for example. The blocking mechanism can preferably be dimensioned small (e.g., by means of a small linear drive device) such that the blocking mechanism can be arranged directly on the nozzle head of the cleaning nozzle, so that no additional installation space is required. It is also possible, for example, that the blocking mechanism is implemented as a hydraulic collar that surrounds the nozzle head such that the nozzle head can move between an open state and a blocking state. This has the advantage that such a hydraulic system does not form interfaces that need to be additionally sealed and can also be arranged, for example, in a wet area where the cleaning nozzle is also arranged.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle head is configured as an actuator which is guided in the housing of at least one cleaning nozzle in a manner such that it is movable between an open position and a blocking position by means of a blocking mechanism. In this embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle preferably comprises a housing which can be arranged, for example, on a frame structure or on other parts of the top module or can be fastened to the frame structure or other parts of the top module. The housing is preferably fastened immovably to the frame structure. At least one nozzle head is preferably movably arranged in a part of the housing and is configured as an actuator. For example, the actuator can be a cylindrical member (preferably made of corrosion-resistant metal or plastic) which includes one or more fluid channels inside it (or one or more fluid channels extend inside the cylindrical member), and these fluid channels lead to the outflow nozzles. During cleaning, a fluid cone is generated at the outflow nozzles, by means of which the viewing area can be cleaned. However, instead of a cylindrical shape, the actuator can also have any other shape.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes at least one main line channel by means of which cleaning fluid can be guided from a fluid reservoir to at least one cleaning nozzle. For example, the fluid reservoir can be an additional tank which can be integrated into the installation space of the top module or into other installation spaces of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the fluid reservoir can also be a tank in the motor vehicle in which cleaning fluid is stored which is also used for cleaning the windscreen and / or one or more headlamps. The fluid reservoir preferably stores cleaning fluid for cleaning the viewing area. The housing preferably includes a main line channel which is configured for being connectable to the fluid reservoir. For this purpose, the housing preferably includes a connection nipple in the end region of the main line channel, which connection nipple can be connected to the fluid reservoir, for example, by means of one or more hose lines. The main line channel in the housing is preferably configured such that it is in fluid communication with at least one channel in the open position, which channel is provided in the cleaning nozzle configured as an actuator, such that the cleaning fluid can flow from the main line channel via at least one channel in the actuator to the preferably provided nozzle head of at least one cleaning nozzle.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle includes a nozzle head and at least one member having an introduction channel configured to direct a cleaning fluid to the nozzle head. Particularly preferably, the blocking mechanism is arranged on the member having the introduction channel in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the blocking mechanism is preferably not arranged directly on the cleaning nozzle (or on the nozzle head of the cleaning nozzle), but rather the nozzle head is opened and blocked indirectly by adjusting at least one introduction channel. Thereby, the design freedom is increased because the blocking mechanism can also be arranged spaced apart from the nozzle head of at least one cleaning nozzle (e.g., along the path of the guiding fluid). The introduction channel is preferably arranged in a member movable by means of the blocking mechanism.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the introduction channel is at least sectionally configured as an actuator that is guided in the housing of at least one cleaning nozzle in a manner movable between an open position and a blocked position by means of the blocking mechanism. In this embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle preferably thus includes a housing that can be arranged, for example, on or fastened to other parts of a frame structure or a top module. The housing is preferably immovably fastened to the frame structure. The introduction channel is preferably arranged in a movably arranged actuator that is movable relative to the housing part fastened to the frame structure. For example, the actuator can be a cylindrical member (preferably made of corrosion-resistant metal or plastic) that at least includes the introduction channel (which can be configured, for example, as a hole) inside it, and the introduction channel leads, for example, to another channel that is directed to the nozzle head of the cleaning nozzle. However, instead of a cylindrical shape, the actuator can also have any other shape. By adjusting the actuator to the blocked position, for example, the fluid communication between the introduction channel and the main line channel is disconnected so that no more cleaning fluid can flow from the main (introduction) line channel into the introduction channel and thus to the nozzle head of the cleaning nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, fluid communication with one or more other channels through which the cleaning fluid is guided on the path to the nozzle head of the cleaning nozzle can also be disconnected by adjusting to the blocked position. By adjusting the actuator to the open position, the fluid communication between the introduction channel and at least one other channel (such as the main line channel) is released so that the cleaning fluid can be unobstructedly directed to the nozzle head of the cleaning nozzle.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes at least one main line channel through which the cleaning fluid can be directed from a fluid reservoir to at least one cleaning nozzle. In this embodiment, the fluid communication between the main line channel and the introduction channel is preferably blocked by adjusting the actuator to the blocked position so that no more cleaning fluid can flow from the main line channel into the introduction channel.

[0023] In each of these embodiments, the actuator is preferably movably held in the housing of the cleaning nozzle and is preferably sealed relative to the housing such that in the blocking position, the cleaning fluid cannot flow past the actuator, thereby ensuring a complete seal. For example, the actuator can be implemented as a sliding pin that can be adjusted between at least two positions within the housing bore.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking mechanism includes at least one lever element by means of which the actuator can be moved directly or indirectly between the open position and the blocking position. The actuator can preferably be moved by the lever element. For this purpose, the actuator can be directly, i.e., without any additional components between the lever element and the actuator, connected for force transmission. Alternatively, the actuator and the lever element can also be indirectly connected, i.e., via one or more additional components (such as lever elements and / or fixed connection elements and / or floating bearing connection elements or similar connection elements). Instead of the lever element, the blocking mechanism can also include any other type of component that can transmit the driving force of the drive device to the actuator. For example, a tappet can also be provided that can be reciprocated linearly by the drive device and, for example, contacts the actuator at a force transmission point such that the movement can be transmitted to the actuator.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking mechanism includes at least one return spring by means of which a return can be achieved from the open position to the blocking position or from the blocking position to the open position. For the return of the actuator, the blocking mechanism can also have one or more return springs. The return spring can be pre-tensioned to the blocking position, for example, by means of the lever element or by means of other components or by means of the driving force transmitted via the lever element of the drive device, during the movement from the open position to the blocking position. If the actuator is to be released again, i.e., moved back to the open position, the driving force is released and the actuator moves back to the open position due to the pre-tensioning force of the return spring.

[0026] Basically, any type of environmental sensor can be installed in the top module. It is particularly advantageous to use a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

[0027] Obviously, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the above-described and the following embodiments and examples can not only be constructed individually, but also can be combined with each other in any arbitrary manner. In addition, all embodiments and examples of the top module are comprehensively related to a motor vehicle having such a top module. Description of the Drawings

[0028] One embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in the drawings and will be described below by way of example. The drawings show:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle roof having a top module according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 A first embodiment of the blocking mechanism according to the present invention in the blocked state;

[0031] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the blocking mechanism according to the present invention in the open state;

[0032] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the blocking mechanism according to the present invention in the blocked state; and

[0033] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the blocking mechanism according to the present invention in the open state. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] Figure 1 The roof 100 of a vehicle (not fully shown) is shown, which roof includes a top module 10. The top module 10 is preferably inserted as a structural unit into the roof frame 104 of the vehicle or placed on at least two transverse struts 102 and at least two longitudinal struts 106, and the roof frame 104 is formed by these struts. The top module 10 includes a panoramic roof 108 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0035] The top module 10 includes a face member 12 for forming the roof skin 14 of the roof 100. In the front side region of the roof 100 or the top module 10 (observed in the vehicle longitudinal direction x), an environmental sensor 16 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged immediately behind the front transverse strut 102, which front transverse strut defines the vehicle wind direction on the roof side. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged in a sensor housing 18, by means of which the environmental sensor 16 is arranged (or assembled) on a frame structure 110 in an opening (not shown in detail) in the roof skin 14 of the top module 10 in a manner that can be moved in or out. Alternatively, the environmental sensor 16 with the sensor housing 18 can also be assembled on the outer surface of the roof skin 14 or on the face member 12. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged inside the sensor housing 18. The sensor housing 18 forms a dry area, and the environmental sensor 16 is arranged in this dry area in a moisture-proof manner. Currently, the environmental sensor 16 is a lidar sensor. However, other types of sensors used during (partial) autonomous driving can also be used, such as (multi-directional) cameras.

[0036] The environmental sensor 16 or the sensor housing 18 of the environmental sensor 16 includes a see-through area 20, which can be made of, for example, preferably fracture-resistant plastic or other (partially) transparent material. The environmental sensor 16 is oriented along an optical axis 22, which is oriented parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction x in the case of Figure 1 .

[0037] The top module 10 further includes at least one cleaning nozzle 24 by means of which the see-through area 20 can be cleaned (see Figures 2 to 5 ). Preferably, the top module 10 includes two cleaning nozzles 24 (not shown), which are fed with a cleaning fluid (such as a liquid or a gas). The cleaning nozzles 24 are preferably oriented at an angle relative to each other in the cleaning position, such that the see-through area 20 can be cleaned from two different directions. For example, the cleaning fluid can be an aqueous soap solution. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to clean with compressed air or other gases under pressure. When the cleaning fluid flows out of the cleaning nozzles 24, a fluid cone 26 is generated, which hits the see-through area 20 and cleans the see-through area (exemplarily see Figure 3 ). The fluid cone 26 preferably can intersect at least regionally in the (not shown in detail) intersection area of the see-through area 20.

[0038] Currently, the cleaning nozzle 24 is arranged in at least one housing 28. The housing 28 is preferably assembled (e.g., removably or fixedly in place) on the frame structure 110. The top module 10 of the present invention includes a blocking mechanism 30. The blocking mechanism 30 includes a drive device 32 by means of which the blocking mechanism 30 is configured to switch between an open position (see Figure 3 and 5 ) and a blocking position (see Figure 2 and 4 ), in the open position, the cleaning fluid flows out of at least one cleaning nozzle 24, and in the blocking position, the outflow of the cleaning fluid from at least one cleaning nozzle is blocked. For this purpose, the blocking mechanism 30 can have, for example, an electric servo motor as the drive device 32. Alternatively or additionally, the blocking mechanism 30 can also include a Bowden cable and / or a hydraulic drive device as the drive device 32. The drive device 32 is schematically shown only as a triangle. The drive device 32 is preferably rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0039] The housing 28 of the cleaning nozzle 24 includes a main line channel 34 through which cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 24. The main line channel 34 is currently connected to a hose line 36 which may be connected, for example, to a fluid reservoir not shown in detail. The main line channel 34 starts from a connecting nipple 38 by means of which the main line channel 34 is connected to the hose line 36 and is connected in a straight line (currently horizontally) in the form of a hole into the housing 28.

[0040] In Figure 2 and 3 in the first embodiment shown, the main line channel 34 leads into a vertically extending central hole 40 in the housing 28. The central hole 40 is dimensioned such that it can receive the nozzle head 42 of the cleaning nozzle 24. Here, the central hole 40 receives the nozzle head 42 in a movable manner such that the nozzle head can be moved along a movement axis 43 by means of a blocking mechanism 30. For this purpose, the central hole is preferably dimensioned such that, taking into account the gapless case, it is dimensioned correspondingly larger than the outer diameter of the actuating member 44. The nozzle head 42 forms the actuating member 44 which can be reciprocated by means of the blocking mechanism 30 along the movement axis 43 between a blocking position and an open position. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the actuating member 44 to be rotated by means of the blocking mechanism 30 about a (not shown) axis of rotation in order to reciprocate between a blocking position and an open position. The nozzle head 42 is preferably implemented as cylindrical such that, taking into account the gapless case, the central hole 40 is also implemented as cylindrical. In Figure 2 in, the actuating member 44 is in the blocking position. Here, although the main line channel 34 leads into the central hole 40, the fluid communication between the main line channel 34 and the nozzle head channel 46 is blocked. Thus, no cleaning fluid can flow from the main line channel 34 into the nozzle head channel 46 in order to flow out of the nozzle head 42 in the form of a fluid cone 26. In Figure 3 in the open position shown in, the actuating member 44 or the nozzle head 42 is arranged such that the fluid communication between the main line channel 34 and the nozzle head channel 46 is established or released. Thus, the cleaning fluid can flow unhindered from the main line channel 34 into the nozzle head channel 46 in order to flow out of the nozzle head 42 in the form of a fluid cone 26.

[0041] In Figure 4 and Figure 5In the second embodiment shown in the figure, the main line channel 34 leads into a vertically extending central bore 40 in the housing 28. The central bore 40 is dimensioned such that it can receive the component 48 of the cleaning nozzle 24. Here, the central bore 40 receives the component 48 in a movable manner such that the component can be moved along the movement axis 43 by means of the blocking mechanism 30. For this purpose, the central bore is preferably dimensioned such that, taking into account the case of no clearance, it is dimensioned correspondingly larger than the outer diameter of the component 48. In this embodiment, the component 48 forms the actuator 44, which can be reciprocated along the movement axis 43 between a blocking state and an open state by means of the blocking mechanism 30. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be achieved that the actuator 44 rotates about a (not shown) axis of rotation by means of the blocking mechanism 30 in order to reciprocate between a blocking state and an open state. The component 48 includes at least one inlet channel 50 inside it. The inlet channel 50 is implemented as a hole in the preferably cylindrically shaped component 48. The inlet channel 50 is in fluid communication with the nozzle head channel 46 via a channel connection section 52. Taking into account the case of no clearance, the central bore 40 is preferably also implemented as cylindrical. In Figure 4 In the figure, the actuator 44 is in the blocking state. Here, although the main line channel 34 leads into the central bore 40, the fluid communication between the main line channel 34 and the inlet channel 50 is blocked. Therefore, no cleaning fluid can flow from the main line channel 34 into the inlet channel 50 in order to flow out of the nozzle head 42 in the form of a fluid cone 26 via the nozzle head channel 46. While in Figure 5 In the open state shown in the figure, the actuator 44 or the component 48 is arranged such that the fluid communication between the main line channel 34 and the inlet channel 50 is established or released. Therefore, the cleaning fluid can flow unhindered from the main line channel 34 into the inlet channel 50 and from there into the nozzle head channel 46 via the channel connection section 52 in order to flow out of the nozzle head 42 in the form of a fluid cone 26.

[0042] In order to adjust the actuator 44, in addition to the drive device 32, the blocking mechanism 30 also includes a lever element 54. The lever element 54 is preferably connected to the actuating device 32 such that a driving force is transmitted to the actuator via the lever element 54 such that the actuator can reciprocate between an open state and a blocking state. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever element 54 is pressed onto the actuator 44 by a support point on the actuator 44 in order to move the actuator 44.

[0043] List of reference numerals

[0044] 10 Top module

[0045] 12 Face member

[0046] 14 Roof skin

[0047] 16 Environmental sensor

[0048] 18 Sensor housing

[0049] 20 Perspective area

[0050] 22 Optical axis

[0051] 24 Cleaning nozzle

[0052] 26 Fluid cone

[0053] 28 Housing

[0054] 30 Blocking mechanism

[0055] 32 Driving device

[0056] 34 Main line channel

[0057] 36 Hose line

[0058] 38 Connecting adapter

[0059] 40 Central hole

[0060] 42 Nozzle head

[0061] 43 Movement axis

[0062] 44 Actuator

[0063] 46 Nozzle head channel

[0064] 48 Component

[0065] 50 Introduction channel

[0066] 52 Channel connection section

[0067] 54 Lever element

[0068] 100 Roof

[0069] 102 Lateral strut

[0070] 104 Roof frame

[0071] 106 Longitudinal strut

[0072] 108 Panoramic roof

[0073] 110 Frame structure

Claims

1. A top module for forming a roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the top module having: a panel member (12), an outer surface of which at least regionally forms a roof skin (14) of the roof (100), and the roof skin serving as an outer sealing surface of the top module (10); At least one environmental sensor (16) which is capable of transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals through a transparent area (20) for sensing the vehicle environment around the optical axis (22) of the environmental sensor (16); and at least one cleaning nozzle (24) by means of which the transparent area (20) can be cleaned, wherein the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) comprises a blocking mechanism (30) which is arranged to be switched between an open position and a blocking position, in the open position cleaning fluid being able to flow out of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24), and in the blocking position the outflow of the cleaning fluid from the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) being prevented, wherein the blocking mechanism (30) is arranged on a nozzle head (42), wherein the blocking mechanism (30) comprises a drive device (32) which is arranged to switch at least a part of the blocking mechanism (30) between the open position and the blocking position, wherein the nozzle head (42) is configured as an actuating element (44) which is guided in a housing (28) of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) in a manner such that it is movable between the open position and the blocking position by means of the blocking mechanism (30), characterized in that the blocking mechanism (30) comprises a lever element (54) which is connected to the drive device (32) such that a driving force can be transmitted via the lever element (54) to a support point on the actuating element (44) in order to move the actuating element (44) back and forth between the open position and the blocking position.

2. The top module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive device is an electric motor, a Bowden cable and / or a hydraulic drive device.

3. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing (28) comprises at least one main line channel (34) by means of which the cleaning fluid can be guided from a fluid reservoir to the at least one cleaning nozzle (24).

4. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) comprises a nozzle head (42) and at least one component (48) having an inlet channel (50) which is arranged to guide the cleaning fluid to the nozzle head (42), and the blocking mechanism (30) is arranged on the component (48).

5. The top module according to claim 4, wherein The component (48) is at least sectionally configured as an actuating element (44) which is guided in a housing (28) of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) in a manner such that it is movable between the open position and the blocking position by means of the blocking mechanism (30).

6. The top module according to claim 5, characterized in that The housing (28) comprises at least one main line channel (34) by means of which the cleaning fluid can be guided from a fluid reservoir to the at least one cleaning nozzle (24).

7. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The blocking mechanism (30) comprises at least one return spring by means of which a return can be effected from the open position to the blocking position or from the blocking position to the open position.

8. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one environmental sensor (16) is configured as a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

9. A motor vehicle, comprising a top module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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