Roof module with cleaning nozzles for forming a vehicle roof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roof module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the roof module comprising: a panel member (12) 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); at least one environmental sensor (16) configured to send and / or receive electromagnetic signals through a transmission area (20) to detect the vehicle environment; and at least one cleaning nozzle (24) configured to clean the transmission area (20). The panel member (12) is provided with at least one deflector element (27), the deflector element (27) being configured to gather headwind W onto at least a portion of the transmission area (20).

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 generally 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 disposed in an opening in the roof module so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0005] When using environmental sensors, parts of the roof module, for example the (partially) transmissive parts of the environmental sensor used to detect the vehicle's surroundings, may become contaminated or non-transmissive 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 a windshield wiper system, known cleaning nozzles are usually statically arranged in an area of ​​the roof module or panel component that is located in front of the environmental sensor, as seen in the direction of its optical axis. The cleaning nozzles can generally be arranged either within or outside the field of view of the environmental sensor; for the sake of detection accuracy of the environmental sensor, they are preferably arranged outside the field of view.

[0006] Known cleaning systems typically include at least one cleaning nozzle, through which a fluid cone for cleaning the transmissive area can be generated using a cleaning fluid, such as a liquid or gas (e.g., pressurized air). The cleaning fluid is typically pressurized to a pressure of 2 to 3 bar or higher, provided by a pump (in the case of a liquid) or a compressor (in the case of a gas). The pressurized cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned through the cleaning nozzle at a speed of up to 36 km / h (corresponding to 10 m / s). Because the cleaning nozzle is preferably positioned outside the field of view of the ambient sensor to improve cleaning effectiveness, at least one cleaning nozzle is typically arranged so that its main emission direction is tilted relative to the optical axis of the ambient sensor. When the cleaning system is used while the vehicle is moving, this tilted orientation can have the effect of at least partially blowing away the cleaning fluid due to headwinds and any increased ambient winds, and no longer impacting the surface to be cleaned at high vehicle speeds. This negatively impacts the cleaning effectiveness of the cleaning system. Instead, the cleaning fluid is deflected by the headwind and does not strike the transmissive area at all, or to a sufficient degree. This negative impact becomes more pronounced as the tilt angle between the main emission direction and the optical axis of the ambient sensor increases. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on the above-mentioned disadvantages that can occur in conventional cleaning systems, it is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a top module with at least one cleaning nozzle which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known state of the art.

[0008] This object is achieved by a top module according to the teachings of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the inventive solution.

[0010] A roof module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle according to the present invention comprises a panel member that at least partially forms a roof skin of the vehicle roof, the roof skin serving as an outer sealing surface of the roof module. The roof module comprises at least one environmental sensor configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals through a transmissive region to detect the vehicle environment around an optical axis of the environmental sensor. Furthermore, the roof module comprises at least one cleaning nozzle configured to clean the transmissive region. The cleaning nozzle preferably generates a fluid cone of cleaning fluid that impinges upon the transmissive region to clean it. The roof module according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one flow guide element is disposed on the panel member, the flow guide element being configured to direct a headwind (and possibly additional (sometimes turbulent) ambient wind) onto at least a portion (or section) of the transmissive region, thereby also directing the preferably generated fluid cone or cleaning jet toward the transmissive region. The headwind is preferably directed (i.e., directed) toward the transmissive region by the flow guide element (in particular, in the form of a directional flow guide). The headwind preferably serves as a support, i.e., a carrier, for the cleaning fluid exiting the cleaning nozzle and is guided by the flow guide element toward the transmissive region (or at least a portion thereof). Thus, during operation of the cleaning nozzle, the cleaning fluid (i.e., the jet) can be influenced by the headwind directed in a targeted manner toward the transmission area so that it strikes the surface to be cleaned, i.e., the transmission area, again in an optimal manner (i.e., as if the vehicle were stationary and there were no headwinds). The headwind does not necessarily have to be directed, i.e., concentrated, over the entire outer surface of the transmission area; rather, the at least one flow guide element can direct or align it only over a portion of the transmission area (e.g., the center of the transmission area).

[0011] At least one guide element can essentially have any geometric shape, which is preferably configured to guide the flow (in this case, the headwind) in a manner along a predetermined contour of the guide element, so that the flow is guided along the contour and leaves the contour in the predetermined detachment area in a tangential direction (relative to the contour in the detachment area) and is thus directly concentrated or pointed in the direction toward the transmission area. The top module can essentially have one or more guide elements. In the present case, the guide element is any type of body that is configured to guide the flow in the desired direction. For example, the guide element can be understood as a spoiler. At least one guide element can be understood as a nozzle through which the headwind is guided and thus directed to the transmission area. To this end, the guide element can essentially have any geometric shape, grooves, openings, channels, rounded portions, tapered areas, etc. The headwind can preferably be guided by the guide element so that it is oriented at least partially parallel to the main exit direction of the cleaning fluid leaving the cleaning nozzle.

[0012] As an alternative to the typical cleaning nozzle configuration that requires increasing nozzle pressure to increase the exit velocity, the cleaning effect can be optimized using the unchanged cleaning nozzle according to the present invention. After all, according to the present invention, at least one flow guide element is provided, through which the headwind (and potentially additional (sometimes turbulent) ambient wind) can be preferably concentrated or directed to at least part of the transmission area. Therefore, the known cleaning nozzles can continue to be used.

[0013] The solution according to the present invention is also generally applicable to retrofit solutions and, for example, can be combined, at least to some extent, with existing cleaning nozzles. Since, according to the present invention, the cleaning fluid is no longer deflected by headwinds but is instead directed more precisely toward the transmission area, the cleaning effect can be improved using existing cleaning nozzles compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the solution according to the present invention does not require higher system pressure levels, which means that the costs of supply lines, compressors (if applicable), pumps (if applicable), and at least one cleaning nozzle do not increase compared to the prior art. Instead, by providing at least one additional element in the form of a guide element, the air flowing along the exterior of the vehicle, i.e., the headwind, is directed so that the cleaning fluid exiting the cleaning nozzle during cleaning is directed toward or collected at the transmission area in a predetermined manner (i.e., in a manner defined by the flow profile of the guide element). Therefore, the headwind can preferably increase the speed at which the cleaning fluid strikes the transmission area, as the cleaning fluid is carried by the headwind and therefore strikes the transmission area at the higher speed caused by the headwind.

[0014] During operation or cleaning mode, the deflector element can focus the cleaning jet from at least one cleaning nozzle on at least a portion of the transmission area in a targeted manner, accelerating it in the process. This effect can preferably be enhanced by increasing vehicle speed, as the cleaning fluid is accelerated increasingly faster by the headwind. Consequently, the cleaning fluid is no longer affected by the headwind; instead, the deflector element utilizes the headwind to direct the cleaning fluid as directly as possible toward the transmission area. Consequently, the cleaning of the transmission area can be significantly improved by at least one deflector element, preferably depending on vehicle speed. Furthermore, the deflector element according to the present invention allows for at least partial elimination or at least minimization of cleaning, as the headwind is focused on at least a portion of the transmission area, transforming the headwind itself into a gaseous cleaning fluid stream. This minimizes the adhesion of dirt particles and / or insects to the transmission area and has the effect of reducing the overall accumulation of dirt in the transmission area. This, in particular, minimizes the amount of cleaning fluid required. In other words, the deflector element reduces the accumulation of, for example, rainwater and dirt on the transmission area, as the headwind flow is directed toward the transmission area, preventing either from adhering to it. The principle according to the invention implemented by the flow-guiding element can essentially be used for liquid-based cleaning and gas-based cleaning and is unconditionally effective.

[0015] The at least one flow-guiding element according to the present invention proves particularly effective if at least one cleaning nozzle is positioned to the left and / or right of the ambient sensor relative to its line of sight along its optical axis. The respective main emission direction of the at least one cleaning nozzle is preferably inclined relative to the optical axis (i.e., ≠ 0°, for example, within an angular range of ±55° to 85°). This lateral arrangement of the at least one cleaning nozzle can be advantageous, as, for example, a crossbeam of the top frame must be perforated to position the cleaning nozzle in front of the ambient sensor. Furthermore, the lateral arrangement of the at least one cleaning nozzle relative to the ambient sensor's line of sight requires minimal installation space, which is always advantageous. Particularly preferably, at least two cleaning nozzles are provided, spaced apart from each other, on the right and left sides of the panel member, preferably symmetrically about the ambient sensor's optical axis and outside the ambient sensor's field of view. In this configuration, for example, an ideal overlap of the fluid cones can be established, as the fluid nozzles can be directed toward the transmission area from both sides, preferably mirror-symmetrically about the optical axis. Furthermore, if the transmission area is large, one of the two cleaning nozzles can be used to clean half of the transmission area, while the other cleaning nozzle can be used to clean the other half. Furthermore, this lateral arrangement is preferred because the cleaning nozzles are preferably not positioned in the field of view of the surroundings sensor and therefore do not negatively impact the detection of the vehicle's surroundings. If at least one cleaning nozzle is positioned laterally in this manner, the flow guide element according to the present invention has a particularly strong improvement in cleaning. Because, at such an angle of inclination in this lateral position (i.e., without the flow guide element according to the present invention), headwinds and ambient winds typically have a particularly strong influence on, or deflect, the cleaning fluid. This can be avoided with the flow guide element, which specifically directs the headwind flow toward the transmission area.

[0016] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the deflector element according to the invention is fastened to the outside of the panel component, since the cross-bracing of the vehicle roof or the panel component is not negatively affected by holes, for example due to the need for nozzles in cross members, etc. In the simplest case, the deflector element can, for example, be glued, soldered or welded to the panel component, and this type of fastening is particularly suitable for retrofitting.

[0017] "At least one environmental sensor" means that the top module can include one or more environmental sensors. "At least one cleaning nozzle" means that the top module can include one or more cleaning nozzles. The field of view of the environmental sensor preferably extends symmetrically around the optical axis of the environmental sensor in the shape of a cone with a sensor-specific cone opening angle.

[0018] The roof module preferably includes at least two cleaning nozzles, which are arranged on the panel member (and preferably are retractable and deployable) and spaced apart from each other. For cleaning purposes, the roof module may also have one or more pipes and / or tanks for a cleaning liquid or cleaning gas. Alternatively, existing cleaning fluid tanks used for cleaning the front and rear windows of a vehicle may be used as a reservoir for the cleaning fluid.

[0019] The roof module according to the present invention can form a structural unit that integrates features for automated or semi-automated driving assisted by driver assistance systems and can be placed as a single unit on the vehicle body shell by the vehicle manufacturer. Furthermore, the roof module according to the present invention can be a purely fixed vehicle roof or a vehicle roof that includes a roof opening system. Furthermore, the roof module can be configured for use in passenger cars or utility vehicles. The roof module can preferably be configured as a structural unit in the form of a roof sensor module (RSM), which is equipped with environmental sensors and can be inserted into the roof frame of the vehicle body as a supplyable structural unit.

[0020] 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 approximately 905 nm to 1550 nm. The roof skin material in the transmissive region should be transmissive to the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor, and therefore should be selected based on the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, at least one environmental sensor is arranged in a preferably central front region of the roof skin relative to the direction of travel. The line of sight of the environmental sensor is preferably substantially (±10%) oriented in the direction of travel. In this embodiment, the at least one cleaning nozzle is arranged forwardly, relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor, before the transmissive region, and the at least one air guide element is arranged forwardly, relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor, before the at least one cleaning nozzle. This embodiment serves in particular to clarify the respective relative positions of the environmental sensor with respect to the cleaning nozzle and the cleaning nozzle with respect to the air guide element. In the present case, the environmental sensor is preferably arranged in the front region of the roof module (relative to the direction of travel), for example, behind the front header (of the roof module), which defines the front head. The cleaning nozzle is arranged forwardly, before the transmissive region of the environmental sensor, and is preferably positioned to the right and / or left of the transmissive region (relative to the line of sight). Therefore, the distance between the cleaning nozzle and the front header is preferably smaller than the distance between the transmissive region of the environmental sensor and the front header. The air guide element is arranged forwardly of the cleaning nozzle. Preferably, the distance between the air guide element and the front header is smaller than the distance between the cleaning nozzle and the front header. In this case, the air guide element preferably forms a front spoiler for the roof. By arranging the guide element in this manner, the headwind can be gathered so that the headwind can hit the transmission area from the front, and the main direction of the guided flow of the headwind is preferably substantially parallel (i.e., 0°±15%) to the main exit direction (main cone axis) of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning nozzle.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one environmental sensor is positioned in a preferably central rear region of the roof skin relative to the direction of travel. In this case, the field of view of the environmental sensor is preferably oriented substantially opposite to the direction of travel (±10%). At least one cleaning nozzle is positioned rearward, relative to the field of view of the environmental sensor, in front of the transmissive region. At least one air guide element is positioned behind the at least one environmental sensor, relative to the field of view of the environmental sensor. This embodiment may be present alternatively or additionally depending on the roof module. For example, one environmental sensor may be positioned at the front of the roof module, while another may be positioned at the rear. This embodiment serves in particular to clarify the respective relative positions of the environmental sensors relative to the cleaning nozzles and the transmissive elements. The environmental sensor is preferably arranged in the rear region of the roof module (relative to the direction of travel), for example, behind a rear roof beam defining the rear head. The cleaning nozzle is positioned rearward, relative to the field of view of the environmental sensor, in front of the transmissive region of the environmental sensor, and preferably to the right and / or left (relative to its field of view). Therefore, the distance between the cleaning nozzle and the rear roof beam is preferably less than the distance between the transmissive region of the environmental sensor and the rear roof beam. The air guide element is positioned rearward, relative to the direction of travel, in front of the environmental sensor. In this case, the deflector element preferably forms a roof rear spoiler. Preferably, the deflector element is positioned farther from the rear roof beam (of the roof module) than the environmental sensor is from the rear roof beam. Consequently, the deflector element is positioned closer to the center of the roof module or panel member. Positioning the deflector element in this manner allows headwind to be diverted, at least partially, toward the transmissive area of ​​the environmental sensor and collected thereon.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one environmental sensor is positioned in the rear corner region of the roof skin relative to the direction of travel. In this case, the environmental sensor's line of sight is opposite to the direction of travel and at an angle. At least one cleaning nozzle is positioned in the rear corner region, relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor, and in front of the transmissive region. At least one air guide element is positioned in front of the at least one environmental sensor relative to the direction of travel, in a lateral region of the roof skin, preferably in the region of a side sill of the roof module. In this case, the term "at an angle" refers to an angle other than 0°, i.e., not parallel to the direction of travel. For example, the environmental sensor can be oriented at an angle of ±90°, preferably ±45°, relative to the direction of travel. This embodiment can be present alternatively or additionally, depending on the roof module. The cleaning nozzle is positioned in front of the transmissive region of the environmental sensor relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor, preferably to the right and / or left of the environmental sensor (relative to its line of sight), and preferably directed laterally toward the transmissive region. Therefore, the distance between the cleaning nozzle and the corresponding side sill and / or rear sill is preferably smaller than the distance between the transmissive region of the environmental sensor and the corresponding side sill and / or rear sill. The air guide element is positioned in front of the environmental sensor in the region of the corresponding side sill relative to the direction of travel. In this case, the deflector element preferably forms a roof side spoiler and preferably projects laterally beyond the roof module in the vehicle width direction y. The deflector element is preferably closer to the front roof beam (of the roof module) than the environmental sensors. Consequently, the deflector element is closer to the front roof beam of the roof module or panel component. This aspect of the deflector element allows for the sideward deflection of headwind, at least partially diverted to the transmission area of ​​the environmental sensors and collected there.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one environmental sensor is arranged in a lateral region of the roof skin relative to the direction of travel. The line of sight of the environmental sensor is perpendicular to the direction of travel. The at least one cleaning nozzle is located in front of a transmissive region of the lateral region (of the corresponding side member of the roof module) that is located laterally relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor. At least one air guide element is located in front of the at least one environmental sensor in the lateral region of the roof skin relative to the direction of travel. In this case, the term "perpendicular" means that the environmental sensor is oriented such that the optical axis is preferably substantially (±20%) perpendicular to the direction of travel. This embodiment may be present alternatively or additionally depending on the roof module. The environmental sensor is preferably arranged in a lateral region of the roof module relative to the direction of travel, for example, in the center of the roof module, offset in the direction of the side members. The cleaning nozzle is located in front of the transmissive region of the environmental sensor relative to its line of sight, preferably to the right and / or left of the transmissive region (relative to its line of sight) and preferably directed laterally. Therefore, the distance between the cleaning nozzle and the corresponding side member is preferably smaller than the distance between the transmissive region of the environmental sensor and the corresponding side member. The air guide element is located in front of the environmental sensor in the region of the corresponding side member relative to the direction of travel. In this case, the deflector element preferably forms a roof side spoiler and preferably projects laterally beyond the roof module in the vehicle width direction y. The deflector element is preferably closer to the front roof beam (of the roof module) than the environmental sensors. Thus, the deflector element is closer to the front roof beam of the roof module or panel component. This aspect of the deflector element allows headwind to be laterally directed so that it is at least partially directed toward the transmission area of ​​the environmental sensors and collected thereon.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least one deflector element is arranged on the top skin in a fixed manner relative to the top skin (i.e. stationary and motionless) or is formed by the top skin itself. Thus, the deflector element can preferably be glued, soldered or welded to the top skin in a fixed position or connected to the top skin in any other way (e.g. screwed, riveted or bolted). This has the particular advantage that the deflector element can also be placed on the top skin later. This has major advantages for retrofitting, since existing cleaning devices can be retrofitted with the deflector element according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, the deflector element can also be formed by the top skin or the panel component itself, in which case the shape and / or contour of the deflector element must be defined (e.g. as a negative in the original mold) during the production (e.g. deep drawing) of the panel component. The advantage of this one-piece design of the deflector element is that no additional components need to be installed; instead, the deflector element can be formed directly during the production process.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, at least one air deflector element is adjustable between a retracted position and at least one extended position via an adjustment drive. The ability to retract and deploy the at least one air deflector element has the advantage that the air deflector element does not constantly protrude from the panel component; rather, it is deployed only when cleaning is performed using the at least one cleaning nozzle. For example, the at least one air deflector element may not be deployed until a certain vehicle speed is reached at which the headwind begins to be focused into the transmission area, positively impacting the cleaning effect. This retraction and deployment capability improves the visual appearance or styling of the roof module and the vehicle, as the visually unpleasant contour caused by the at least one air deflector element does not affect the appearance of the vehicle outside of the cleaning process. The air deflector element can also be adjusted to different deployed positions (between a retracted position and a maximum deployed position) depending on the speed and / or a predetermined cleaning program, thereby enabling speed-optimized deflection against the headwind. For example, the adjustment drive may comprise an electric motor, a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, and / or a mechanical drive. The adjustment drive may also comprise a Bowden cable, a flexible shaft, one or more lever elements, a single- or multi-stage transmission, a return spring, and / or the like.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle can be configured to activate an adjustment drive. For example, in this embodiment, the cleaning nozzle can send a signal to the adjustment drive at the beginning of the cleaning process, so that the adjustment drive unfolds at least one guide element. Alternatively or additionally, at least one cleaning nozzle can be retractable and deployable. When the cleaning nozzle is deployed to start the cleaning process, a signal can be generated and transmitted to the adjustment drive, so that the adjustment drive unfolds at least one guide element. In principle, it is also conceivable that at least one cleaning nozzle and at least one guide element share a common adjustment drive, so that they can be retracted and deployed simultaneously or at different times (for example, with the aid of a standard transmission device). In other words, at least one cleaning nozzle can preferably be configured to directly or indirectly control the retraction and deployment of the guide element.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle is integrated into at least one deflector element. For example, the at least one cleaning nozzle can be inserted into the deflector element, which forms the housing of the at least one cleaning nozzle. If the deflector element is integrally formed with the top cover, the cleaning nozzle can be easily slid into this deflector element. A separate component configuration is also preferred. In this case, at least a portion of the housing of the at least one cleaning nozzle preferably serves as the at least one deflector element. The cleaning nozzle of this design can be configured to retract and deploy together with the deflector element. In other words, the at least one cleaning nozzle can be configured to adjust between a retracted position and at least one deployed position together with the deflector element. This embodiment is particularly space-saving (installation) because the deflector element does not need to be separately arranged and spaced apart from the at least one cleaning nozzle. Therefore, at least a portion of the housing can preferably be configured as a headwind spoiler that, when the at least one cleaning nozzle is deployed, directs headwind directly onto the transmission area. In other words, the at least one housing of the at least one cleaning nozzle is swiveled out, i.e., deployed, during cleaning, and at least partially forms a spoiler (deflector element) that directs headwind onto at least a portion of the transmission area. To this end, the housing, for example, its cover and / or sidewalls, can be aerodynamically shaped and include, for example, one or more curvatures, channels, air gaps, and / or other shaped elements. The aerodynamic shape of the housing can be provided by one or more components that can be mounted on the housing. Alternatively, the aerodynamic shape can also be provided by the overall design of the housing.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, at least one cleaning nozzle is arranged outside the field of view of the environmental sensor. The at least one cleaning nozzle is preferably oriented relative to the optical axis so that the fluid cone generated during cleaning strikes the transmission area obliquely with its main emission direction (its cone axis). The transmission area itself can have a curved shape. This embodiment has the advantage that the at least one cleaning nozzle does not negatively impact the environmental sensor when detecting the vehicle's surroundings. Essentially any type of environmental sensor can be installed in the roof module. The use of a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor is particularly advantageous.

[0030] Of course, the above-mentioned embodiments and illustrative configurations can be realized not only individually but also in any combination with one another without departing from the scope of the invention.In addition, any and all embodiments and illustrative configurations of the roof module relate to a motor vehicle having such a roof module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in the drawings and will be discussed below as an example.

[0032] Figure 1is a perspective view of a vehicle roof having a roof module according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 A first exemplary embodiment of a roof module according to the invention is shown, which has a cleaning nozzle integrated in the air guide element in the front region of the roof module;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a roof module according to the invention, which has a retractable and deployable flow guide element and a cleaning nozzle in the front area of ​​the roof module;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a roof module according to the invention, which has a retractable and deployable cleaning nozzle integrated in the flow guide element in the front region of the roof module and includes an adjustment mechanism;

[0036] Figure 5 A fourth exemplary embodiment of a top module according to the invention is shown, which has two cleaning nozzles arranged laterally with respect to the transmission area in the front area of ​​the top module; and

[0037] Figure 6 A comparison between cleaning with and without flow guide elements is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 A vehicle roof 100 of a vehicle (not shown in its entirety) is shown, comprising a roof module 10. The roof module 10 is preferably inserted as a structural unit into a roof frame 104 of the vehicle, i.e., is placed on top of at least two transverse beams 102 and at least two longitudinal beams 106 forming the roof frame 104. The roof module 10 in the exemplary configuration shown has a panoramic roof 108.

[0039] The roof module 10 comprises a panel member 12 for forming a roof skin 14 of a vehicle roof 100. An environmental sensor 16 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis in the front region of the vehicle roof 100 or the roof module 10 (along the vehicle longitudinal direction x, corresponding to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle). The environmental sensor 16 is arranged directly behind a front cross member 102, which defines the head of the vehicle adjacent to a windshield (not shown) at the top of the vehicle. The environmental sensor 16 can be retracted or deployed or fixed to the panel member 12. In the present case, the environmental sensor 16 is arranged within the roof module 12 and is covered by the panel member 12. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged in a sensor housing 18, which forms a dry area in which the environmental sensor 16 is arranged and is sealed against moisture. In the present case, the environmental sensor 16 is a lidar sensor. However, other types of sensors, such as (multi-directional) cameras for (semi-)autonomous driving, may also be used.

[0040] The top module 10 comprises a transmissive area 20 which can be made of, for example, preferably shatterproof plastic, glass or other (partially) transmissive material. The environmental sensor 16 is oriented along an optical axis 22. Figure 1 In this case, the optical axis is parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction x. The field of view 23 of the environment sensor 16 extends conically around the optical axis, within which the environment sensor 16 can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals to detect the vehicle environment. In this example, the transmissive region 20 is disposed in the panel member 12 and embedded therein in the manner of a window, for example. In this example, the transmissive region 20 is curved and follows the shape of the surrounding panel member, resulting in a flush profile.

[0041] The top module 10 further comprises at least one cleaning nozzle 24, by means of which the transmission area 20 can be cleaned. Figure 1 、 5 In Figures 1 and 6, the top module 10 is shown as having two cleaning nozzles 24, each of which is supplied with a cleaning fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) via a supply channel (not shown). The two cleaning nozzles 24 are arranged before the transmission area 20, on the right and left sides of the environmental sensor 16 relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor 16 and outside the cone of vision 23, and are preferably oriented at a certain angle relative to each other so that the transmission area 20 can be cleaned from two different directions. For example, the cleaning fluid can be soapy water. Alternatively, pressurized air or other pressurized gases can also be used for cleaning. When the cleaning fluid leaves the cleaning nozzles 24, corresponding fluid cones 26 are generated, which impact the transmission area 20 and clean it (see Figure 1). Figure 5 The fluid cones 26 may preferably at least partially overlap in the overlapping region of the transmissive region 20 (see Figure 5 ).

[0042] According to the invention, the top module 10 has at least one flow guide element 27 which is fixed to the panel member 12 (see Figure 2 ), retractable and expandable (see Figure 3 and 4 ), or formed integrally with the panel member 12. The guide element 27 allows the headwind W to be concentrated onto at least a portion of the transmission area 20, so that the fluid cone 26 of each cleaning nozzle 24 is captured by the headwind W and accelerated or brought toward the transmission area 20. As a result, the deflected flow 25 of the headwind W directly acts on the transmission area, which is mainly affected by the fluid profile of the guide element 27. The guide element 27 can basically have any geometric design. For example, the guide element 27 can have a rectangular wedge shape (see Figures 1 to 5The guide element 27 may have a curved wedge shape or may be formed as a curved outer contour of the lateral area of ​​the top module 10. In order to at least partially guide the headwind, the guide element 27 may further include a channel portion 29, such as Figure 2 As shown, it at least partially penetrates the flow-guiding element 27 (for example in the form of a passage hole). The passage portion 29 can taper conically in order to accelerate the headwind in the manner of a nozzle towards the transmission area.

[0043] The cleaning nozzle 24 can be integrated in the flow guide element 27, in which case the flow guide element 27 forms the housing 28 of the cleaning nozzle 24 (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The housing 28, i.e. the guide element 27, can be fixed to the panel member 12 together with the integrated, for example inserted, cleaning nozzle 24, such as Figure 2 The cleaning nozzle 24 can also be substantially spaced apart from the guide element 27 and mounted in its own housing 28 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 Alternatively or additionally, one of the guide elements 27 can also be mounted on the frame structure 110 and mounted thereon in an adjustably or movably manner, so that the guide element 27 can be moved together with the at least one cleaning nozzle 24 between a retracted position and at least one deployed position (see Figure 4 ). Figure 3 As shown, the guide element 27 can also be retracted and extended without an integrated cleaning nozzle 24. Figure 4 The air guide element 27 can be rotated together with the cleaning nozzle 24 about the rotation axis 30 between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0044] The movability between the retracted position and the deployed position is provided by an adjustment actuator 34. An exemplary adjustment actuator 34 is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 4 The adjustment drive 34 enables the guide element 27 to be adjusted so that when at least one cleaning nozzle 24 is in the retracted position (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 2 (in the corresponding position in FIG1 ), the cover portion 36 of the air guide element 27 or the cover portion 36 of the housing 28 (if the cleaning nozzle 24 is integrated into the air guide element 27) is flush with the outer surface of the roof skin 14 of the vehicle roof. On the other hand, when at least one air guide element 27 is in the deployed position, the air guide element 27 at least partially protrudes from the outer surface of the roof skin 14 of the vehicle roof 100. Therefore, the air guide element in the deployed state acts as a (head) spoiler, which directs the headwind W directly onto the transmission area 20. By directing the headwind W, the transmission area 20 can be cleaned more effectively. The air guide element 27 directs the deflected flow 25 onto the transmission area so that it is preferably oriented at least partially parallel to the impact direction of the cleaning fluid.

[0045] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated case, the adjustment actuator 34 comprises a pneumatic actuator 38, which can be, for example, a pressure-controlled valve. Furthermore, the flow guide element 27 is biased into one of its positions (i.e., into the retracted position or the deployed position) by a biasing spring 40, which necessitates the actuator 38 generating a reaction force opposing the biasing spring 40. Without the actuator 38, the flow guide element 27 would return to its biased initial position due to the restoring force of the biasing spring 40. Other types of actuators are generally conceivable, and their selection may be advantageous depending on the configuration of the top module 10.

[0046] In short, Figure 2 The deflector element 27 with the integrated cleaning nozzle 24 is shown in a fixed position on the panel component 12. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged behind the front cross member 102 below the roof skin 14 with respect to the direction of travel x. The deflector element 27 is arranged in front of the environmental sensor 16 with respect to its line of sight.

[0047] Figure 3 The deflector element 27 is shown in a retractable and deployable configuration. The cleaning nozzle 24 is spaced apart from the deflector element 27. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged behind the front cross member 102 below the roof skin 14 relative to the direction of travel x. The cleaning nozzle 24 is arranged forwardly, in front of the line of sight of the environmental sensor 16. The deflector element 27 is arranged in front of the cleaning nozzle 24, in front of the line of sight of the environmental sensor 16.

[0048] Figure 4 A deflector element 27 with an integrated cleaning nozzle 24 is shown in a retractable and deployable configuration on the panel component 12. The environmental sensor 16 is arranged behind the front cross member 102 below the roof skin 14 with respect to the direction of travel x. The deflector element 27 is arranged in front of the environmental sensor 16 together with the cleaning nozzle 24 relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor 16.

[0049] Figure 5 The top view shows the front area of ​​the top module 10. The cleaning nozzles 24 are arranged in front of the transmission area 20 on the left and right sides, respectively, relative to the line of sight of the surroundings sensor 16. The air guide element 27 is arranged in front of the cleaning nozzles 24 relative to the line of sight of the surroundings sensor 16.

[0050] Figure 6A top view shows a comparison between cleaning using a cleaning nozzle 24 with a guide element 27 and cleaning without the guide element 27. An environmental sensor 16 is located in the front area of ​​the top module 10. The ideal fluid cone 26 of the first cleaning nozzle 24 (on the left side of the figure) is represented by a solid line. The ideal fluid cone 26 of the second cleaning nozzle 24' (on the right side of the figure) is also represented by a solid line. This fluid cone 26 corresponds to the fluid cone produced when cleaning the transmission area 20 in a calm state, i.e., without the influence of a headwind W. For comparison, the densely dotted line represents the fluid cone 26' of the first cleaning nozzle 24, which is disturbed by the headwind W. It can be seen that, compared to the ideal fluid cone 26, the disturbed fluid cone 26' only impacts a portion of the transmission area, resulting in a reduced cleaning effect of the first cleaning nozzle 24. On the other hand, a guide element 27 is located on the left side. The guide element 27 concentrates the headwind onto at least a portion of the transmission area 20, rendering the transmission area 20 essentially wind-free. In this way, the flow guide element 27 guides the fluid cone 26" (shown as a dotted line and a dashed line) to the transmission area 20 so that the flow guide element 27 can make the cleaning effect closer to the ideal state of no wind than the ideal state. Figure 6 The guide element 27 can also be adjustable so that its direction can be adjusted according to the incoming direction of the headwind and / or the possible increase in the crosswind. For this purpose, the guide element 27 can be adjusted relative to the support point, for example, by means of a retaining spring 42 or the like. Such a retaining spring 42 is Figure 6 In a stylized way.

[0051] Reference Signs List

[0052] 10 Top module

[0053] 12 Panel components

[0054] 14 Top skin

[0055] 16 Environmental Sensors

[0056] 18 Sensor housing

[0057] 20 Transmission area

[0058] 22 optical axis

[0059] 23 Field of View

[0060] 24 Cleaning the Nozzle

[0061] 25 Deflected Flow

[0062] 26 Fluid Cone

[0063] 27 flow guide element

[0064] 28 Clean the nozzle housing

[0065] 29-channel section

[0066] 30 Rotation axis

[0067] 34 Adjustment drive

[0068] 36 Cover part

[0069] 38 Driver

[0070] 40 Bias spring

[0071] 42 retaining spring

[0072] 100 Vehicle top

[0073] 102 beam

[0074] 104 top frame

[0075] 106 longitudinal beam

[0076] 108 Panoramic Roof

[0077] 110 frame structure

[0078] W - Headwind

[0079] x Longitudinal direction of the vehicle, direction of travel

[0080] y vehicle width direction

Claims

1. A roof module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the roof module comprising: A panel member (12) at least partially forming a top skin (14) of a vehicle roof (100), the top skin (14) serving as an outer sealing surface of a top module (10); at least one environmental sensor (16) configured to be capable of sending and / or receiving electromagnetic signals through a transmission area (20) to detect a vehicle environment; at least one cleaning nozzle (24) configured to be capable of cleaning the transmission area (20) through a fluid cone (26), and the at least one cleaning nozzle being arranged on the left and / or right side of the environmental sensor relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor along its optical axis, characterized in that at least one guide element (27) is provided on the panel member (12), the guide element (27) being configured to be capable of converging headwind W onto at least a portion of the transmission area (20), so that the fluid cone (26) of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) can be captured by the headwind W and accelerated or brought toward the perspective area (20).

2. The top module according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one environmental sensor (16) is arranged in the central front area of ​​the top skin (14) relative to the driving direction (x), the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) is oriented in the driving direction, the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is arranged in front of the transmission area (20) relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16), and the at least one guide element (27) is arranged in front of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16).

3. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one environmental sensor (16) is arranged in the central rear area of ​​the top skin (14) relative to the driving direction (x), the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) is oriented opposite to the driving direction, the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is arranged in the rear relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) and in front of the transmission area (20), and the at least one guide element (27) is arranged in the rear relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) and behind the at least one environmental sensor (16).

4. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one environmental sensor (16) is arranged in a rear corner area of ​​the top skin (14) relative to the driving direction (x), the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) is oriented opposite to the driving direction and at a non-zero angle, the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is arranged in the rear relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) in the rear corner area and before the transmission area (20), and the at least one air guide element (27) is arranged in a lateral area of ​​the top skin (14) relative to the driving direction (x) before the at least one environmental sensor (16).

5. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one environmental sensor (16) is arranged in a lateral area of ​​the top skin (14) relative to the driving direction (x), the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16) is oriented perpendicular to the driving direction, the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is arranged in the lateral area before the transmission area (20) relative to the line of sight of the environmental sensor (16), and the at least one air guide element (27) is arranged in the lateral area of ​​the top skin (14) before the at least one environmental sensor (16) relative to the driving direction (x).

6. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one flow guiding element (27) is arranged on the top skin (14) in a fixed manner relative to the top skin (14) or is formed by the top skin (14).

7. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one air guide element (27) is adjustable between a retracted position and at least one extended position by means of an adjusting drive (34).

8. The top module according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is configured to activate the adjustment drive (34).

9. The top module according to claim 7, characterized in that The adjustment drive (34) comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic and / or mechanical drive.

10. The top module according to any one of claims 1-2 and 8-9, characterized in that The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is integrated into the at least one flow-guiding element (27).

11. The top module according to claim 10, characterized in that At least a portion of a housing (28) of the at least one cleaning nozzle (24) serves as the at least one flow-guiding element (27).

12. The top module according to claim 10, characterized in that The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is adjustable between a retracted position and at least one deployed position.

13. The top module according to any one of claims 1-2, 8-9 and 11-12, characterized in that The at least one cleaning nozzle (24) is arranged outside the field of view (23) of the surroundings sensor (16).

14. The top module according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 8 to 9 and 11 to 12, characterized in that The at least one environmental sensor (16) is a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

15. A motor vehicle comprising a top module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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