Vehicle roof with sensor module and cover element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle roof, which comprises a roof skin device. The roof skin device comprises at least one cover element. The vehicle roof further comprises at least one sensor module (22), and the at least one sensor module has at least one environmental sensor (24) for detecting the vehicle environment. The sensor module is at least partially covered by the cover element, and the cover element is defined by an edge gap (36), and air, in particular cooling air for the sensor module (22), flows under the cover element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle roof which comprises a roof skin device having at least one cover element, and the vehicle roof comprises at least one sensor module having at least one environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle environment, and the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a vehicle roof of this type. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle roofs of the above type are known in practice, especially as part of a passenger vehicle. The vehicle roof may comprise a support structure and a roof skin device which extends over the support structure and may form a roof module which can be mounted as a separate component on a roof beam which is part of the vehicle body forming the vehicle outer shell structure. The roof skin device may have a roof opening which can be closed or opened by a roof opening system. In front of the roof opening, the roof skin device may comprise a cover element which extends in the roof transverse direction and is connected to the front roof of the respective vehicle. Generally, the roof skin device extends up to the roof opening. Alternatively, the vehicle roof may also be formed as a completely fixed roof, wherein the roof skin device is a continuously formed integral cover element.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to provide sensor technology on the vehicle roof, which sensor technology comprises a sensor module having a plurality of environmental sensors for detecting the vehicle environment. The sensor module allows the respective motor vehicle to be driven automatically or semi-automatically, and the vehicle environment can be detected and analyzed by means of the sensor module. For this purpose, the sensor module is mounted on the vehicle roof or on the roof skin of a known vehicle roof, so that it forms the highest point of the vehicle and from where the vehicle environment can be easily observed. In order to ensure that the environmental sensors can detect the vehicle environment without error at any time, their temperature must be kept within a certain range. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle roof of the above type in which the sensor module can be air-conditioned without affecting the optical appearance of the roof due to the air-conditioning function.

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

[0006] The present invention proposes a vehicle roof having a top skin device, which top skin device includes at least one cover element that at least partially covers a sensor module for detecting the environment. The cover element is bounded by an edge gap through which air, in particular cooling air for the sensor module, can flow under the cover element. Thus, the vehicle roof according to the present invention can particularly utilize the air flow that can flow under the cover element through the edge gap, where it can be used as cooling air for the sensor module. A cooling arrangement for the sensor module that can be seen from the outside of the vehicle roof is unnecessary because the edge gap is a transition to additional vehicle components and ventilation gaps. For example, the cover element does not need to provide heat sinks or the like, or only needs a few of them.

[0007] In a specific embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the present invention, the edge gap extends in the roof transverse direction. Thus, the cooling air can flow under the cover element over the entire length of the edge gap, or only at suitable, advantageous positions, and can be used as cooling air for the sensing module by the air conditioner.

[0008] In a specific embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the present invention, the top skin includes a front cover that extends in the roof transverse direction. The front cover forms the front edge of the vehicle roof and has a plurality of cover segments, and one of the plurality of cover segments forms a cover element that at least partially covers the sensor element. Cooling air can flow under the cover element through the edge gap, which is provided at the upper edge of the windshield of the corresponding vehicle, for example formed at the front edge or side edge of the cover element. The cooling air can flow out, preferably through the edge gap, which laterally bounds the cover element with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The edge gap can also be arranged between the cover segments of the cover, and the cooling air can also flow out through the edge gap that bounds the cover element at the back. Thus, the cooling air does not accumulate under the cover element but can flow out through the outlet gap formed therefor.

[0009] To define a clear flow path of the cooling air under the cover element, at least two beadings and / or sealing lips and / or at least one separating wall and / or at least one additional separating element can be provided, by which the cover element is connected to the support structure. For example, the support structure is formed by a roof frame on which the top skin device is also mounted.

[0010] To optimize the cooling of the sensor module, the sensor module can be connected to a temperature controller that is arranged in the flow path of the cooling air. For example, the temperature controller includes a fan and / or an air flow generator and / or a radiator and / or a heat exchanger.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the invention, a wet zone and a dry zone are formed under the cover element. The temperature controller is specifically arranged in the wet zone, which is located under the cover and thus not visible from the outside, while the sensor module is specifically arranged in the dry zone. To ensure cooling by the cooling air flowing under the cover, the temperature controller and the sensor module are interconnected by a temperature control bridge, which, in a specific embodiment, includes cooling pipelines and / or heat pipes through which a coolant is guided. Other elements that can transfer heat / cold, such as parts of the vehicle body structure and / or roof frame parts and / or other metal sheet parts, may also be included.

[0012] In addition, a drainage system for moisture can also be provided under the cover element.

[0013] The environmental sensors of the sensor module can have various designs, using electromagnetic radiation and / or sound waves, and include, for example, lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors such as cameras, antenna devices, and / or similar devices.

[0014] If the environmental sensor is a lidar sensor, it preferably operates in the wavelength range of approximately 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm. The camera used as an environmental sensor can operate in the wavelength range of visible light and / or in the infrared range.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the invention is formed as a roof module. Such a roof module integrally forms a component in which the components required for an automatically or semi-automatically driven vehicle are accommodated. As a compact module unit, a plurality of functional elements can thus be integrated in the roof module, which is connected by the vehicle manufacturer to the vehicle body or vehicle shell structure including a roof beam, such as a roof side beam. Thus, the vehicle roof formed as a roof module is a sensor roof module or roof sensor module (RSM), which allows the corresponding vehicle to be driven automatically or semi-automatically.

[0016] A vehicle having a roof according to the invention and being an autonomous vehicle drives independently in the autonomous driving mode, at least without significant interference from the driver. In the semi-autonomous driving mode, the vehicle roof according to the invention constitutes, for example, part of a driver assistance system.

[0017] The vehicle roof according to the invention can be provided with a transparent fixed roof part and / or a roof opening system for a roof opening.

[0018] In particular, the vehicle roof according to the invention is the roof of a passenger car. However, it can also be the roof of a commercial vehicle designed as a delivery vehicle, a public vehicle, an autonomous minibus (such as a passenger-carrying vehicle), or even a tractor device, etc.

[0019] A sensor perspective portion may be formed on a cover element that at least partially covers the sensor module, through which the environmental sensor can observe the vehicle environment. The sensor perspective portion is integrally formed, is part of the cover element, or may be an insert of the cover element or part of the sensor module, such as part of the sensor module housing, and is advantageously penetrable for the wavelengths used by the environmental sensor. In particular, the perspective portion of the sensor is designed such that signals of the environmental sensor in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 2000 nm can penetrate. Additionally, it is particularly advantageous if the perspective portion of the sensor is penetrable for radar beams.

[0020] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle top of the above type, which is preferably formed as a top module that is connected to the vehicle body structure and is formed as a sensor top module or a top sensor module.

[0021] Other advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be derived from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] An embodiment of the vehicle top according to the invention is schematically simplified in the drawings and is described in more detail below.

[0023] Figure 1 A top view of a motor vehicle having a vehicle top according to the invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 A perspective front view of the front part of the vehicle top is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 an enlarged view of region III in

[0026] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the device according to Figure 3 along line IV-IV in Figure 3;

[0027] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the device according to Figure 3 along line V-V in Figure 3 is shown;

[0028] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the device according to Figure 3 along line VI-VI in Figure 3 is shown; and

[0029] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5 of an alternative embodiment of the vehicle top is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figures 1 to 6There is shown a motor vehicle 10, which is configured as a passenger car and is provided with a vehicle top 12, which includes top side beams 14 on both sides of a top center longitudinal plane, and the top side beams are part of a body forming a shell. Between the top side beams 14, the vehicle top 12 includes a top module 16, which is rigidly connected to the top side beams 14 to form a shell support structure.

[0031] The top module 16 includes a top skin 18, which is arranged on a support structure 20, and the support structure is a top frame and forms an intersection with the top module 16 through the top side beams 14.

[0032] The top module 16 is formed as a sensor top module or a roof sensor module (RSM), and it is equipped with devices that allow the corresponding vehicle to drive autonomously. For this purpose, the top module 16 has sensor technology, which includes sensor modules 22 in each of at least two front corner portions of the top module 16. The sensor modules 22 have at least one environmental sensor 24 and are mounted on the support structure 20. Through the environmental sensor 24, the vehicle environment can be detected for the autonomous driving of the motor vehicle 10. By evaluating the measurement signals of the environmental sensor 24 by the control unit of the motor vehicle 10, the corresponding traffic conditions can be detected, so that the motor vehicle 10 can automatically or independently adjust itself to adapt to the corresponding traffic conditions and take corresponding actions.

[0033] The environmental sensor can have various designs, including, for example, lidar sensors, radar sensors, cameras, antenna devices, and / or other suitable sensors.

[0034] Especially in Figure 1 and Figure 2 it can be seen that the top skin 18 has a front cover 26, which extends between the bilaterally arranged top side beams 14 and is arranged above the windshield 28. After the front cover 26, the top skin 18 forms a fixed top part with a transparent top part 30, and light can enter the interior of the vehicle through this transparent part.

[0035] The front cover 26 includes two side cover segments 32A and 32B, and a center cover segment 34 arranged between the two side cover segments 32A and 32B. One of the sensor modules 22 is placed under each of the cover segments 32A and 32B. Additional sensor modules, such as sensor modules in the form of cameras, can be arranged under the cover segment 34. At the front edge, a continuous edge gap 36 extends along the cover segments 32A, 32B, and 34. Edge gaps 38A or 38B are formed between each of the side cover segments 32A and 32B and the center cover segment 34. A continuous edge gap 40 is formed at the rear edge of the cover segments 32A, 32B, and 34, and the fixed top part with the transparent top part 30 is also adjacent to the edge gap 40.

[0036] Both cover sections 32A and 32B have a wall portion 42 which forms a perspective part of the sensor through which the corresponding ambient sensor 24 can detect the vehicle environment. Thus, the wall portion 42 is penetrable for the wavelengths used by the ambient sensor 24, in particular for the wavelength range between 200 nm and 2000 nm. Penetrability is also provided for radar beams.

[0037] Each cover element formed by the cover sections 32A and 32B experiences a linear bead 44 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a frame-shaped bead 46 being glued to the support structure 20. The bead 46 circumferentially defines a dry zone T, while a wet zone N is placed between the inner leg of the bead 46 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the bead 44.

[0038] The sensor module 22 with the ambient sensor 24 is arranged in the dry zone T. A temperature controller 48 for the sensor module 22 is arranged in the wet zone N and mounted on the support structure 20. The temperature controller 48 includes a fan 50 and a radiator 52 and is connected to the sensor module 22 via a temperature control bridge 54 which includes cooling lines and / or heat pipes through which heat can be discharged from the sensor module 22.

[0039] The front edge gap 36 serves as an inflow gap through which, during the operation of the motor vehicle 10, cooling air flows under the cover sections 32A and 32B into the wet zone N to reach the temperature controller 48. Thus, the cooling air cools the sensor module 22 through the temperature control bridge 54. An edge gap 40 formed on the rear edge of the cover sections 32A and 32B serves as an outlet gap through which the cooling air can flow out of the wet zone N. By means of the beads 44 and 46, a flow path of the cooling air flowing in via the edge gap 36 is defined in the wet zone N. In this case, the cooling air can flow out through edge gaps 38A and 38B extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0040] Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of the vehicle top is shown which largely corresponds to the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 6 but differs in that each sensor module 22 with the ambient sensor 24 is arranged in the wet zone N which is arranged under the cover section 32A or 32B which is glued to the top support structure 20 by beads 44 and 46 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The corresponding sensor module 22 is provided with a temperature controller 48 which includes a radiator 52 and a fan 50, and the radiator 52 and the fan 50 are also arranged in the wet zone N. As compared to the according to Figures 1 to 6As in the case of the embodiments, cooling air can flow into the humid area N via the leading edge gap 36, which extends in the top lateral direction and abuts the cover segments 32A and 32B, and cool the corresponding sensor module 22 through the fan 50 and the radiator 52. The cooling air can then flow out through the trailing edge gap 40 that extends in the top lateral direction.

[0041] In addition, according to Figure 7 the vehicle top corresponds to the vehicle top according to Figures 1 to 6 which is why the description related thereto is referred to in order to avoid repetition.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 10 Motor vehicle

[0044] 12 Vehicle top

[0045] 14 Top side beam

[0046] 16 Top module

[0047] 18 Top skin

[0048] 20 Support structure

[0049] 22 Sensor module

[0050] 24 Environmental sensor

[0051] 26 Cover

[0052] 28 Windshield

[0053] 30 Transparent top part

[0054] 32A, B Cover segment

[0055] 34 Cover segment

[0056] 36 Edge gap

[0057] 38A, B Edge gap

[0058] 40 Edge gap

[0059] 42 Wall part

[0060] 44 Bead

[0061] 46 Bead

[0062] 48 Temperature controller

[0063] 50 Fan

[0064] 52 Radiator

[0065] 54 Temperature control bridge

[0066] N Humid area

[0067] T Dry area

Claims

1. A vehicle roof, comprising a roof skin device having at least one cover element, the vehicle roof including at least one sensor module (22), the at least one sensor module having at least one environmental sensor (24) for detecting the vehicle environment, the at least one environmental sensor being at least partially covered by the cover element, the cover element being defined by an edge gap (36), air for the sensor module (22) flowing under the cover element via the edge gap, the roof skin device including a front cover or a rear cover (26) extending in the roof transverse direction, the front cover or the rear cover having a plurality of cover segments (32A, 32B, 34), one of the plurality of cover segments forming the cover element that at least partially covers the sensor module (22), an inflow gap and / or an outlet gap for air being formed between each of the cover segments (32A, 32B, 34).

2. The vehicle top according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge gap (36) extends in the roof transverse direction.

3. The vehicle top according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover element defines a front edge or a rear edge of the vehicle roof.

4. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The flow path of air under the cover element is defined by at least two beadings (44, 46) and / or sealing lips and / or at least one separating wall and / or additional separating elements, the cover element being connected to a support structure via the at least two beadings and / or sealing lips and / or at least one separating wall and / or additional separating elements.

5. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor module (22) is connected to a temperature controller (48) provided in the air flow path.

6. The vehicle roof according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature controller (48) is provided in a wet zone (N), the sensor module (22) is provided in a dry zone (T), and the temperature controller (48) and the sensor module (22) are connected to each other via a temperature control bridge (54).

7. The vehicle top according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature control bridge (54) includes a cooling line and / or a heat pipe and / or a vehicle body structure element and / or a roof frame element.

8. The vehicle top according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature controller (48) includes a fan (50) and / or an air flow generator.

9. The vehicle top according to claim 5, wherein The temperature controller (48) includes a radiator (52).

10. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 - 9, characterized in that, The vehicle roof is a roof module.

11. A motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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