Roof module with movable cleaning nozzles for forming a vehicle roof

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the roof module comprising a panel member (12), the outer surface of the panel member at least partially forming a roof skin (14) of the vehicle roof (100), the roof skin (14) serving as an outer sealing surface of the roof module (10), the roof module comprising at least one module member (16), the roof module comprising a drive mechanism unit (32), the drive mechanism unit (32) being configured to be able to move the at least one module member (16) from a retracted position to a deployed position, the at least one module member (16) protruding from the roof skin (14) in the deployed position, the roof module comprising at least one cleaning nozzle (24), the drive mechanism unit (32) being configured to be able to move the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Universal roof modules are commonly used in vehicle construction because they can be prefabricated as individual functional modules and delivered to the vehicle assembly line. On their outer surface, the roof module at least partially forms the roof skin of the vehicle roof, which prevents moisture and airflow from penetrating the vehicle interior. The roof skin is formed from one or more panel components, which can be made of stable materials such as painted sheet metal or painted or fully molded plastic. The roof module can be part of a fixed vehicle roof or part of an openable vehicle roof.

[0003] Furthermore, developments in vehicle manufacturing are increasingly focusing on autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicles. To enable the vehicle control system to autonomously or semi-autonomously control the motor vehicle, multiple environmental sensors (e.g., lidar sensors, radar sensors, (multi-)camera sensors, etc., including additional (electronic) components) are used. These sensors, for example, are integrated into a roof module to detect the environment surrounding the motor vehicle and, for example, determine the corresponding traffic situation from the detected environmental data. A roof module equipped with multiple environmental sensors is also referred to as a roof sensor module (RSM). Known environmental sensors transmit and / or receive corresponding electromagnetic signals, such as laser beams or radar beams, with corresponding signal evaluation generating a data model that is used to control the vehicle.

[0004] Most commonly, environmental sensors for monitoring and detecting the vehicle environment are mounted on the roof of the vehicle, as the roof is typically the highest point of the vehicle and the vehicle environment is highly visible from this highest point. Most commonly, the environmental sensors are formed as attachments and mounted on a panel member forming the roof skin of a roof module, but they may alternatively be positioned in an opening in the roof module so as to be movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0005] During vehicle operation, parts of the roof module, such as the (partially) transparent transmissive parts used by the environmental sensors to detect the vehicle's surroundings, may become soiled or opaque due to environmental influences (e.g. weather conditions). It is known to clean these parts using cleaning nozzles that can clean the transmissive parts. Similar to the nozzles of windscreen wiper systems, known cleaning nozzles are usually arranged statically in an area of ​​the roof module or panel component that is located in front of the environmental sensors, as seen in the direction of their optical axes. However, since this is contrary to aesthetic considerations and since a cleaning nozzle arranged in this manner could also create shadowed areas in the field of view of the environmental sensors, it is also known to design the cleaning nozzles to be retractable.

[0006] In the prior art, these cleaning nozzles deploy using a hydraulic actuator, i.e., the water pressure within the cleaning nozzle itself. Retraction of the cleaning nozzle is typically caused by a return spring, and the hydraulic actuator also acts against its return force when deploying the cleaning nozzle, necessitating high hydraulic pressure to deploy the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, these known cleaning nozzles have other disadvantages. For example, each cleaning nozzle requires its own hydraulic actuator or valve control. Each of these components requires additional assembly space, which is particularly disadvantageous in areas with limited space, such as overhead areas. Furthermore, the hydraulic system can only move in a predetermined direction, i.e., along the hydraulic path of the cleaning nozzle, which limits structural flexibility and design options when positioning the cleaning nozzle. The activation movement can also be delayed due to a waiting time, which is determined by the time required for pressure to build up within the hydraulic drive system and can reach several seconds. Therefore, at least the deployment movement cannot be precisely controlled. Another problem is that because the cleaning nozzle retracts and deploys hydraulically, it is impossible to reach a maintenance position where it can be maintained. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive cannot guarantee that the cleaning function will function in cold outdoor temperatures or when the cleaning nozzle is contaminated, as freezing or contaminated nozzles can prevent the hydraulic pressure required for deployment from building up. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a roof module which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] This object is achieved by a top module according to the teaching of this application.

[0009] The roof module according to the present invention for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle comprises a panel member, the outer surface of which at least partially forms a top skin of the vehicle roof, the top skin serving as an outer sealing surface of the roof module. The roof module further comprises at least one module member and a drive mechanism unit. The drive mechanism unit is configured to move the at least one module member from a retracted position to an extended position, the at least one module member protruding from the top skin in the extended position. In addition, the roof module comprises at least one cleaning nozzle. The roof module according to the present invention is characterized in that the drive mechanism unit is configured to also move the at least one cleaning nozzle between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0010] An advantage of the roof module according to the present invention is that, because the at least one cleaning nozzle can be moved between a retracted and deployed position, no cleaning nozzle is located within the field of view of the environmental sensor. Consequently, the at least one cleaning nozzle does not create a blind spot where the environmental sensor would be unable to fully detect the vehicle's surroundings due to shadowing caused by the cleaning nozzle. Instead, the environmental sensor can unimpededly detect the vehicle's surroundings throughout its entire detection range. This improves the safety and detection accuracy of the environmental sensor.

[0011] In contrast to the prior art, the top module according to the present invention is designed without a hydraulic adjustment drive for moving the cleaning nozzle, thereby avoiding the disadvantages associated with the hydraulic adjustment technology according to the present invention. Instead, the drive mechanism unit according to the present invention allows the module components and the cleaning nozzle to be retracted and deployed mechanically. In this case, the retractability and deployability of the cleaning nozzle are no longer coupled to the hydraulics, thereby reducing the pressure level of at least one cleaning nozzle (or cleaning circuit) compared to conventional hydraulic drives. In addition, no (pilot) control valve is required, thereby also reducing the assembly space. The reduced system pressure also allows the use of smaller pumps (with lower pressure levels), thereby further reducing assembly space and energy use. By using a motion unit that is preferably electromechanically driven, the retraction and / or deployment of at least one cleaning nozzle can be achieved with shorter waiting times compared to hydraulic drives, because in the case of electromechanical drives there is no longer a delay due to pressure buildup. Instead, the adjustment energy can be provided directly (i.e. within a few milliseconds).

[0012] Furthermore, the drive mechanism unit according to the present invention is decoupled, i.e., independent of the fluid circuit of the cleaning fluid, so that, for example, the at least one cleaning nozzle can be moved to a maintenance position. This also ensures that the at least one cleaning nozzle can be moved, for example, during the cleaning process, which is not possible with a hydraulic drive. This is not possible with the known prior art.

[0013] In particular, the advantage of the top module according to the present invention is that a single, identical (i.e., single) drive mechanism unit is used to move at least one module component and at least one cleaning nozzle. Thus, instead of using multiple drive mechanism units, the functionality of a single drive mechanism unit is enhanced, making at least one module component and the cleaning nozzle movable, preferably independently of one another. Thus, the drive mechanism units can be used in a coordinated manner. This means that a separate drive mechanism unit need not be provided to move the at least one cleaning nozzle. Consequently, the assembly space can also be reduced. This also reduces the complexity of assembling and maintaining the top module. Furthermore, the number of required components is reduced, thereby improving assembly and maintenance efficiency. Due to the reduced number of parts and the reduced assembly space required, the use of a single drive mechanism unit according to the present invention allows for a high degree of design freedom in the construction and layout of the top module. At least one cleaning nozzle can be mechanically moved using the same drive mechanism unit, by which at least one module component is also movable. The cleaning nozzle is also less susceptible to malfunction due to dirt or cold, as the mechanical drive mechanism unit can be designed to be more robust.

[0014] To provide the features according to the present invention, the design of the drive mechanism unit is modified so that it allows the movement of the at least one cleaning nozzle and the modular component, preferably in separate motion sequences. In this case, the at least one cleaning nozzle is preferably not located on the modular component itself. Therefore, the at least one cleaning nozzle is preferably spaced apart from the at least one modular component so that, for example, they do not share a housing.

[0015] "At least one modular component" means that the top module can include one or more modular components. "At least one cleaning nozzle" means that the top module can include one or more cleaning nozzles. Obviously, the environmental sensor can also be part of a sensor module included in the top module, and the sensor module can include the environmental sensor and additional electrical and / or mechanical components (such as a housing, housing components, and / or actuators, etc.).

[0016] Preferably, the top module comprises at least two cleaning nozzles, which are movably arranged in a common opening or two separate openings in the panel member of the top module, spaced apart from each other. In this case, at least two cleaning nozzles are preferably arranged to be separated from or away from the module member with the module member. In addition, the top module can have one or more hose lines and / or a cleaning fluid tank for cleaning purposes. Alternatively, an existing cleaning fluid tank for cleaning the front window and rear window can also be used as a reservoir for cleaning fluid. The deployed position does not necessarily mean the fully deployed position. Therefore, for example, if only a part for the transmission part (for example, due to the contamination in some area) needs to be cleaned, it is possible that at least one cleaning nozzle only, for example, moves to a position that is not fully deployed.

[0017] The roof module according to the present invention can be formed into a modular unit, integrating devices for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving assisted by driver assistance systems, and can be installed as a single unit by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle's outer shell structure. Furthermore, the roof module according to the present invention can be formed as a completely fixed vehicle roof or a vehicle roof with a roof opening system. Furthermore, the roof module can be designed for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The roof module can preferably be provided as a modular unit in the form of a roof sensor module (RSM), equipped with environmental sensors, for insertion into the roof frame of the vehicle's outer shell structure as a supplyable modular unit.

[0018] The environmental sensors of the roof module according to the present invention can be configured in various ways and can include, in particular, lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors such as cameras, and / or the like. For example, lidar sensors operate in the wavelength range of 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm. The roof skin material in the transmissive portion should be transparent to the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor and should therefore be selected based on the wavelength used by the environmental sensor.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one modular component includes at least one environmental sensor that can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals through a transmissive portion to detect the vehicle's environment around its optical axis. The environmental sensor is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position, in which it extends beyond the roof panel to detect the vehicle's environment. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the at least one cleaning nozzle is configured to clean the transmissive portion. The field of view of the environmental sensor preferably extends symmetrically around the optical axis of the environmental sensor in a conical shape with a sensor-specific conical opening angle. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one modular component can be a cover, a housing, a spoiler, or the like. Particularly preferably, the at least one modular component can be any type of component included in the roof module and movable between multiple positions via a drive mechanism. According to the present invention, since the drive mechanism can be coupled to the cleaning nozzle, the mobility that enables the modular component to be retracted and deployed is also used in conjunction with configuring the cleaning nozzle to be retractable and deployable.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one drive mechanism unit is configured to cause a first motion sequence, in which the at least one module component is movable at least between a retracted position and an extended position, and the at least one drive mechanism unit is configured to cause at least one second motion sequence, in which the at least one cleaning nozzle is movable from the retracted position to the extended position. Therefore, the movement of the at least one module component and the at least one cleaning nozzle is preferably carried out in the form of two independent motion sequences, so that the cleaning nozzle can preferably be moved independently of the module component. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle can be extended even if the module component is already extended. If the module component is (still) extended, the cleaning nozzle can also be retracted. It is also possible to move both the module component and the cleaning nozzle to a plurality of intermediate positions, such as a maintenance position, etc., so that positions outside the retracted position and the extended position of the module component or the cleaning nozzle can be reached by means of the drive mechanism unit.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism unit is configured to move at least one modular component along a first axis of motion and / or around a first axis of rotation in a first motion sequence, and further configured to move at least one cleaning nozzle along a second axis of motion and / or around a second axis of rotation in a second motion sequence. The first axis of motion or first axis of rotation of the modular component is preferably different in position and orientation from the second axis of motion or second axis of rotation of the cleaning nozzle. Thus, for example, the modular component can be rotated about the first axis of rotation during the first motion sequence and thereby moved by the drive mechanism unit, while the cleaning nozzle is moved along the second axis of motion (i.e., substantially (±10%) translationally) during the second motion sequence, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of motion being arranged at an angle of ≠0° relative to each other, i.e., not parallel to each other. The two axes of motion can also be oriented parallel but spaced apart from each other, with both the modular component and the cleaning nozzle being able to move substantially translationally along their respective axes of motion. A combined translational and rotational movement of the modular component and the cleaning nozzle is also conceivable. The first and / or second axes of motion and / or the first and / or second axes of rotation can be oriented parallel or at any angle relative to each other. However, it is particularly preferred that the first axis of movement and / or the first axis of rotation are always arranged at a distance from the second axis of movement and / or the second axis of rotation.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism unit comprises a drive that can be moved along and / or around the drive axis. Typically, the drive can also include a plurality of components, some of which rotate around the drive axis and other components move (i.e. translate) along the drive axis. In a preferred embodiment, the drive comprises an electric motor or a Bowden cable. Other types of drives not explicitly mentioned here are also conceivable. For example, (electrically driven) linear drives can also be used. The Bowden cable is preferably a movable mechanical element, which is used to transmit mechanical motion and compressive and tensile forces by a flexible combination of a cable and a compression-resistant sleeve in its length direction.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the drive axis is oriented in a direction different from the first axis of movement and / or the second axis of movement and / or the first axis of rotation and / or the second axis of rotation. In other words, the drive axis is oriented in a direction different from (i.e. not parallel and / or consistent with) at least one of the first axis of movement, the second axis of movement, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation. Therefore, the drive axis can preferably be oriented non-parallel to the first axis of rotation and / or the first axis of movement of the module component and the second axis of rotation and / or the second axis of movement of the cleaning nozzle, but including any angle. In a preferred embodiment, the drive axis is arranged to be spaced a corresponding distance from the first axis of movement and / or the second axis of movement and / or the first axis of rotation and / or the second axis of rotation.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism unit includes a slider movable along a drive axis by a driver, the slider including a slotted track in which a guide pin is movable, the guide pin being configured to move at least one modular component from a retracted position to an extended position along the slotted track. The slider is preferably guided on a linear track (e.g., similar to a track). The slotted track is preferably a predetermined slot in the slider, the form and length of which allows for a desired motion sequence. Particularly preferably, the slotted track includes two substantially parallel track end portions and a ramped track portion extending in a ramped shape. Generally, other slotted track shapes are also possible. It is also preferred that both parallel track ends (one preferably located at the lower end of the ramped track portion and the other at the upper end of the ramped track portion) form a stop for the guide pin. One advantage of the slotted control system is that it allows for optimized movement of the modular components with respect to speed, while requiring less assembly space for the displacement mechanism. The modular component is secured in the retracted position (when the guide pin is in the stopped position) by a first stop (at the lower end of the slotted track). The module assembly is secured in the deployed position (with the guide pin in the stop position) by a second stop (the upper end of the slotted track). Preferably, the guide pin is protected from falling out of the slotted track (e.g. by a protruding bead (similar to a rivet) or by a cotter pin).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the drive comprises a motor with a drive gear, for example, a flexible shaft is provided on the drive gear, which flexible shaft is connected to the slider. The motor is preferably an electric motor. By providing a flexible shaft, the (rotational) movement of the motor is transmitted to the linear movement of the slider via the drive gear, a high level of design freedom can be ensured, since the drive can be placed almost freely close to the other components of the drive mechanism unit. Particularly preferably, the drive is configured to move the slider back and forth along a substantially linear track via the flexible shaft. The term "substantially linear track" means that the slider is preferably movable only along one axis of motion (i.e. the drive axis), and its movement relative to the other axes of motion is restricted (except for structurally necessary clearances).

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the guide pin is fixed to the at least one modular component. In this embodiment, the guide pin is attached to the modular component in a relatively immovable manner. Furthermore, the guide pin is preferably guided so as to be movable within the slotted track, such that movement of the slider along the guide track, as described above, is transmitted to the guide pin. Because the guide pin is fixed relative to the modular component, this movement is transmitted to the modular component, allowing it to move back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position depending on the direction of movement of the guide pin within the slotted track.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism unit includes at least one transmission element, which is directly or indirectly connected to at least a portion of at least one cleaning nozzle to transmit force. Preferably, the movement of the slider along the drive axis can be transmitted to the at least one cleaning nozzle through the transmission element, so that the at least one cleaning nozzle can be moved between the retracted position and the deployed position. Preferably, the transmission element can also be directly or indirectly connected to at least a portion of the slider to transmit force. The transmission element can therefore be considered as a connecting piece between the slider and the at least one cleaning nozzle. For example, the transmission element can contact the housing of the cleaning nozzle, thereby transmitting the movement of the slider along the drive axis to the cleaning nozzle to move the cleaning nozzle. The transmission element can be in direct contact with a portion of at least one cleaning nozzle (without an intermediate member). Alternatively, the transmission element can also be in indirect contact with a portion of the cleaning nozzle, so that another intermediate member (lever, rod, hinge, etc.) can be inserted.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission element comprises at least one lever element, preferably in the shape of a rocker. This lever element can be mounted, for example, via a fixed mount on the frame structure of the top module or the nozzle housing of the cleaning nozzle, and / or can be connected to the drive mechanism unit and / or the at least one cleaning nozzle, for example, via a floating mount, to transmit force. The movement of the drive mechanism unit can be transmitted directly or indirectly to the at least one cleaning nozzle via the lever element. The movement of the slider along the drive axis is preferably transmitted to the at least one cleaning nozzle via the lever element, which can be, for example, L-shaped. For example, the slider can move the end of the lever element, and this movement is converted into a displacement movement of the at least one cleaning nozzle via the lever. The term "directly" means that one corresponding component contacts another corresponding component without any intermediate components / parts for force transmission. The term "indirectly" means that one corresponding component contacts another corresponding component via one or more intermediate components / parts for force transmission, such as by interposing multiple bearings, gears, etc. Thus, the force required to retract and / or deploy the at least one cleaning nozzle from the drive can be transmitted to the cleaning nozzle, for example, via the slider via one or more lever elements. In this case, such a lever element can simply serve as a loose connecting rod between the slider and the cleaning nozzle, for example, the force is only transmitted to the cleaning nozzle via the connecting rod when the slider is in contact with the connecting rod. Alternatively, at least one lever element can be in contact with the actual movement of the slider and thus, for example, actively participate in the second movement sequence (for example by changing direction). The lever element can also be arranged in a suspended manner on a guide housing, in which the at least one cleaning nozzle is movably guided, in order to transmit the movement of the slider to the cleaning nozzle.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism unit includes a buffer element disposed in the force transmission area of ​​the slider and interacting with the transmission element at least once the second motion sequence is initiated. The buffer element is preferably configured to ensure that the transition between the first and second motion sequences is as stable as possible. Preferably, the buffer element can be disposed on the slider as an extension or attachment or integrally connected to the slider. Preferably, the buffer element extends the slider, viewed along the drive axis. The buffer element can be made of plastic, metal, or the like and preferably has a rubber coating on the abutting surface for cushioning, through which the buffer element interacts with the transmission element. Preferably, the second motion sequence for deploying the cleaning nozzle begins after the first motion sequence has been completed, i.e., after the modular components have been deployed. Preferably, the slider moves further along the guide rail. The buffer element disposed on the slider preferably contacts the transmission element from a predetermined position and, for example, "pushes" against it or interacts with it in another manner. Starting with this pushing motion, the second motion sequence is initiated, in which the cleaning sensor is deployed. To cushion this pushing motion, the buffer element can absorb the initial thrust impulse, thereby ensuring a continuous, i.e., non-abrupt, transition between the first and second motion sequences.

[0030] Preferably, the reset movement of at least one cleaning nozzle is achieved by a static load of at least one cleaning nozzle (from the deployed position to the retracted position) or by another type of reset. Preferably, the reset from the deployed position to the retracted position or vice versa can be achieved, for example, by a reset spring. This reset preferably also moves the transmission element back to the starting position (in this starting position, the transmission element starts the second motion sequence). This reset spring can be arranged on the support of the transmission element, for example, the transmission element in this case is advantageously connected to a part of at least one cleaning nozzle on at least one side. Compared to the prior art, the size of the reset spring is not critical, because the reset force of the spring can be overcome significantly more easily by driving the mechanism unit rather than by hydraulic drive.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cleaning nozzle includes at least one cover element. In the retracted position of the at least one cleaning nozzle, the at least one cover element is arranged flush with the outer surface of the roof skin of the vehicle roof. In the deployed position of the at least one cleaning nozzle, the at least one cover element at least partially protrudes beyond the outer surface of the roof skin of the vehicle roof, allowing cleaning fluid from the cleaning nozzle to flow out of the cleaning nozzle and spray onto the transmissive portion from the outside. In general, according to the present invention, it is also possible to clean the transmissive portion with the at least one cleaning nozzle in the retracted position.

[0032] Preferably, at least one cleaning nozzle is in the deployed position so that the conical fluid jet strikes the transmissive portion at an oblique angle. This embodiment is particularly preferred if two cleaning nozzles are used, arranged on either side of the module component (e.g., on either side of the ambient sensor in the viewing direction of the optical axis, i.e., on the right and left). In this case, for example, each cleaning nozzle or at least one nozzle head of a cleaning nozzle can have an oblique angle relative to the optical axis of the ambient sensor, so that the two conical fluid jets formed by the cleaning nozzles at least partially overlap. This improves the cleaning effect at least in the overlapping area, which, depending on the cone opening angle, preferably covers almost the entire transmissive portion.

[0033] Generally speaking, any type of environmental sensor can be installed in the top module. Particularly advantageous are lidar sensors and / or radar sensors and / or camera sensors and / or multi-camera sensors.

[0034] It is obvious that the embodiments and illustrative examples described above and to be explained below can be formed not only individually but also in any combination without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any and all embodiments of the roof module relate to a motor vehicle comprising such a roof module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described below in an exemplary manner.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof module according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a top module according to the present invention, wherein the module member is in a retracted position and the cleaning nozzle is in a retracted position;

[0038] Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a top module according to the present invention, wherein the module members are in an extended position and the cleaning nozzles are in a retracted position; and

[0039] Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a top module according to the present invention, wherein the module members are in the deployed position and the cleaning nozzles are in the deployed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 A vehicle roof 100 of a vehicle (not fully shown) is shown, comprising a roof module 10 according to the present invention. The roof module 10 is inserted as a modular unit into a roof frame 104 of the vehicle or is mounted on at least two cross members 102 and at least two longitudinal members 106 forming the roof frame 104. In the embodiment shown, the roof module 10 has a panoramic roof 108.

[0041] The roof module 10 includes a panel component 12 for forming a roof skin 14 of a vehicle roof 100. In the front region of the vehicle roof 100 or roof module 10 (as viewed in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle), module components 16 are arranged symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis x of the vehicle. In the present case, module component 16 is an environmental sensor 18. In general, module component 16 could also be a lid, spoiler, housing component, etc.

[0042] The environmental sensor 18 is disposed directly behind the front cross member 102, which defines the roof of the vehicle. The environmental sensor 18 can be in a retracted position (see Figure 2 ) and expanded position (see Figure 2 and 3 ) or is arranged (or installed) to be retractable and deployable in an opening (not shown) in the top skin 14 on the frame structure 110 of the top module 10. The environmental sensor 18 is arranged in the interior space of the sensor housing 19 (see Figures 2 to 4 The sensor housing 19 forms a dry area in which the environmental sensor 18 is arranged to protect it from moisture. In the present case, the environmental sensor 18 is a lidar sensor. However, other types of sensors, such as (multi-directional) cameras for (semi-)autonomous driving, can also be used.

[0043] The environmental sensor 18 or the sensor housing 19 of the environmental sensor 18 comprises a transmissive part 20 which can be made of, for example, preferably shatterproof plastic or another (semi-)transparent material. The environmental sensor 18 is positioned along an optical axis 22 which is parallel to the optical axis 22 of the Figure 1 The vehicle's longitudinal x positioning.

[0044] In addition, the top module 10 includes at least one retractable and deployable cleaning nozzle 24, through which the transmissive part 20 can be cleaned with the aid of a cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid or gas). For example, the cleaning fluid can be a soapy water solution. Alternatively, compressed air or other pressurized gases can also be used for cleaning. The cleaning fluid flowing out of the cleaning nozzle 24 generates a conical fluid jet 26, which strikes and cleans the transmissive part 20 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 4 If two cleaning nozzles 24 are used as is preferred, the conical fluid jets 26 may preferably at least partially overlap in an overlapping region of the transmissive portion 20 (not shown) to increase the cleaning effect in this overlapping region.

[0045] In this example, the cleaning nozzle 24 is disposed in a nozzle housing 28. The nozzle housing 28 is disposed or mounted on the frame structure 110. The nozzle housing 28 is designed so that at least one nozzle tip 30 of the cleaning nozzle 24 (which is configured to generate a conical fluid jet 26) is mounted in the nozzle housing 28 so as to be retractable in a retracted position (see FIG. Figure 2 and 3 ) and expanded position ( Figure 4 ) to move between.

[0046] According to the present invention, the movability of the module component 16 (and / or the environmental sensor 18) at least between the retracted position and the extended position during the first movement sequence and the movability of the cleaning nozzle 24 (and / or at least the nozzle head) at least between the retracted position and the extended position during the second movement sequence are provided by a single drive mechanism unit 32.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism unit 32 is configured to initiate a first movement sequence in which at least one module component 16 is moved about a first rotational axis 34 between a retracted position and a deployed position. Typically, the module component 16 can also be moved along a first movement axis (not shown) or in a combined rotational and translational movement between the retracted position and the deployed position. The module component 16 is rotatably mounted on the frame structure 110 of the top module 10 for rotation about the first rotational axis 34 by means of a guide rod 36 that is disposed on or integrally connected to the housing 19.

[0048] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism unit 32 is configured to be able to initiate a second motion sequence in which the at least one cleaning nozzle 24 is moved between the retracted position and the deployed position about the second motion axis 38. Typically, the at least one cleaning nozzle 24 can also be rotated along a second rotation axis (not shown) or moved between the retracted position and the deployed position in a combined rotation and movement motion.

[0049] For this purpose, the drive mechanism unit 32 has a slide 40 which can be moved along a drive axis 42 by means of a drive 44 (in the present case an electric motor). The slide 40 is guided on a guide rail 46 along which it can slide. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the drive axis 42 is oriented in a different direction than both the first rotation axis 34 and the second movement axis 38. In this case, the drive axis 42 is oriented orthogonally to the first rotation axis 34 and substantially orthogonally (90°±10%) to the second movement axis 38. The first rotation axis 34 is oriented orthogonally to the second movement axis 38. The slide 40 comprises a slotted track 48 in which a guide pin 50 can move. By moving the guide pin 50 along the slotted track 48, at least one module component 16 can be moved from the retracted position to the deployed position, since the guide pin 50 is fixed to the housing 19 and its movement is therefore transmitted to the housing and causes the housing 19 to rotate about the first rotation axis 34. In this way, the drive mechanism unit 32 initiates the first movement sequence. In the present case, the slotted track 48 is substantially ramp-shaped.

[0050] When the module member 16 reaches the deployed position (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) After that, the second motion sequence is started by the drive mechanism unit, so that the cleaning nozzle 24 can also be moved from the retracted position (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) to the expanded position (see Figure 4 ). For this purpose, the drive mechanism unit has a transmission element 52 in the present case. In the present case, the transmission element 52 is formed in the form of a tilting rod 54 (of a lever element) and is mounted so as to be rotatable on the nozzle housing 28. The tilting rod 54 is directly connected to at least a portion of at least one cleaning nozzle 24, in this case with a nozzle head 30, in order to transmit force. By moving or rotating the tilting rod 54 around its support point 55 (in the form of a fixed support) on the nozzle housing 28, the movement of the slide 40 along the drive axis 42 can be transmitted to the at least one cleaning nozzle 24, so that it can move between a retracted position and a deployed position. Resetting the cleaning nozzle 24 is preferably carried out via a return spring (not shown) or a counterweight.

[0051] Furthermore, the drive mechanism unit 32 comprises a damping element 56 which is arranged in the force transmission region of the slide 40 and which can interact in this way with the transmission element 52 or the tilting lever 54. Figure 4 Schematically marked as a block in FIG. For example, the buffer element 56 can be an additional component which, viewed in the driving direction of the slider 40, can be mounted as an extension on the slider 40 or be integrally connected to the slider. After the first movement sequence has been completed, meaning that the environmental sensor 18 has been deployed, the slider 40 can, for example, be moved even further along the guide rail 46, thereby initiating a second movement sequence. In this case, the slider 40 presses, for example with the buffer element 56, for example with a force F, against the tilting lever 54, which is formed in the shape of a rocker. As Figure 3 and 4 As a result of this introduced momentum, the tilting lever 54 rotates counterclockwise around the support point 55 in the present case, as schematically indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 5 , the force F is redirected via the support point 55. Due to the preferred L-shaped design of the tilting lever 54 (which is usually covered by the nozzle housing 28 and only Figure 4 The end portion 58 of the tilt rod 54 disposed in the nozzle housing 28 is pressed against the lower portion 60 of the nozzle head 30 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), so that the nozzle head 30 is pressed into the deployed position by means of the resultant force F (see Figure 4In the deployed position of the nozzle head 30, the cover 60 of the cleaning nozzle 24 protrudes from the top skin 14. In the retracted state of the cleaning nozzle 24, the cover 60 is preferably substantially flush with the top skin 14. The cover 62 of the environmental sensor 18 and the sensor housing 19 is also preferably arranged substantially flush with the top skin 14.

[0052] Reference Signs List

[0053] 10 Top module

[0054] 12 Panel components

[0055] 14 Top skin

[0056] 16 Module components

[0057] 18 Environmental Sensors

[0058] 19 Sensor housing

[0059] 20 Transmission part

[0060] 22 optical axis

[0061] 24 Cleaning the Nozzle

[0062] 26 Conical fluid jet

[0063] 28 Nozzle housing

[0064] 30 nozzle tip

[0065] 32 drive mechanism unit

[0066] 34 First rotation axis

[0067] 36 guide rod

[0068] 38 Second axis of motion

[0069] 40 Sliders

[0070] 42 Drive axis

[0071] 44 Driver

[0072] 46 guide rails

[0073] 48 slotted track

[0074] 50 guide pins

[0075] 52 Transmission elements

[0076] 54 Tilt lever, lever element

[0077] 55 support points

[0078] 56 cushioning elements

[0079] 58 End of tilt rod

[0080] 60 cover sheet

[0081] 62 Cover

[0082] 100 Vehicle top

[0083] 102 beam

[0084] 104 top frame

[0085] 106 longitudinal beam

[0086] 108 Panoramic Roof

[0087] 110 frame structure

Claims

1. A roof module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the roof module having a panel member (12), the outer surface of the panel member at least partially forming a top skin (14) of the vehicle roof (100), the top skin (14) serving as an outer sealing surface of the roof module (10), the roof module having at least one module member (16), the top module having a drive mechanism unit (32), the drive mechanism unit (32) being configured to enable the at least one module member (16) to move from a retracted position to an extended position, the at least one module member (16) protruding above the top skin (14) in the extended position, the roof module having at least one cleaning nozzle (24), characterized in that The drive mechanism unit (32) is configured to also move the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) between a retracted position and a deployed position.

2. The top module according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one module component (16) includes at least one environmental sensor (18), which transmits and / or receives electromagnetic signals through a transmissive portion (20) to detect the vehicle environment around its optical axis (22), the environmental sensor (18) being movable from a retracted position to a deployed position, in which the environmental sensor protrudes from the top skin (14) to detect the vehicle environment, and the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) being configured to clean the transmissive portion (20).

3. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one module component (16) comprises a cover, a housing, or a spoiler.

4. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one drive mechanism unit (32) is configured to cause a first motion sequence in which the at least one module component (16) is movable at least between a retracted position and an extended position, and the at least one drive mechanism unit (32) is further configured to cause at least one second motion sequence in which the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is movable from the retracted position to the extended position.

5. The top module according to claim 4, characterized in that In the first motion sequence, the drive mechanism unit (32) is configured to enable the at least one module component (16) to move along a first motion axis and / or around a first rotation axis (34), and in the second motion sequence, the drive mechanism unit (32) is configured to enable the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) to move along a second motion axis (38) and / or around a second rotation axis.

6. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, characterized in that: The drive mechanism unit (32) includes a drive (44) that can be moved along a drive axis (42) and / or around the drive axis (42).

7. The top module according to claim 6, characterized in that The drive axis (42) is positioned in a different direction than the first movement axis and / or the second movement axis (38) and / or the first rotation axis (34) and / or the second rotation axis.

8. The top module according to claim 6, characterized in that The drive mechanism unit (32) comprises a slider (40) which is movable along the drive axis (42) by means of the driver (44), the slider comprising a slotted track (48) in which a guide pin (50) is movable, the guide pin (50) being configured to be able to move the at least one module component (16) from a retracted position to an extended position by moving along the slotted track (48).

9. The top module according to claim 8, characterized in that The guide pin (50) is movable between a first stop of the slotted track (48), by means of which the at least one module component (16) is secured in a retracted position, and a second stop of the slotted track (48), by means of which the at least one module component (16) is secured in an extended position.

10. The top module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The slotted track (48) is generally ramp-shaped.

11. The top module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The guide pin (50) is fixed to the at least one module member (16).

12. The top module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The drive mechanism unit (32) includes at least one transmission element (52), which is directly or indirectly connected to at least a portion of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) to transmit force, and the movement of the slider (40) along the drive axis (42) is transmitted to the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) by means of the at least one transmission element, thereby enabling the at least one cleaning nozzle to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

13. The top module according to claim 12, characterized in that The transmission element (52) comprises at least one lever element (54), which is mounted via a fixed support and / or connected to the drive mechanism unit (32) and / or the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) via a floating support to transmit force, and the movement of the drive mechanism unit (32) is directly or indirectly transmitted to the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) by means of the lever element.

14. The top module according to claim 13, characterized in that The at least one lever element (54) is in the shape of a rocker.

15. The top module according to claim 12, characterized in that The drive mechanism unit (32) includes a buffer element (56) which is arranged in a force transmission area of ​​the slide (40) that interacts with the transmission element (52).

16. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 7-9, 13-15, characterized in that: The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) includes at least one cover member (60), wherein the at least one cover member (60) is flush with the outer surface of the top skin (14) of the vehicle roof in the retracted position of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24), and the at least one cover member at least partially protrudes from the outer surface of the top skin (14) of the vehicle roof (100) in the deployed position of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24).

17. The top module according to claim 2, characterized in that The at least one environment sensor (18) 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.

18. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 7-9, 13-15, and 17, characterized in that: The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is disposed spaced apart from the at least one modular component (16).

19. A motor vehicle comprising a top module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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