Top module with rotatable environmental sensors used to form the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a top module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the top module having a panel member (12) that at least partially forms a top skin (14) of the vehicle roof (100), the top skin serving as an outer sealing surface of the top module (10) and having at least one curved region (22), the top module having at least one environmental sensor (16) for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the vehicle environment, characterized in that the environmental sensor (16) is disposed in a rounded opening (20) in the curved region (22) of the panel member (12) and is capable of moving substantially without tilting between a rest position and at least one operating position by rotational movement about a rotation axis (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a top module for forming the roof of a motor vehicle as described in the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] General-purpose roof modules are commonly used in vehicle manufacturing because they can be prefabricated as independent functional modules and transported to the assembly line for vehicle assembly. On its outer surface, the roof module at least partially forms the top skin of the vehicle roof, preventing moisture or airflow from penetrating the vehicle interior. The top skin is formed by one or more panel components, which can be made of stable materials such as painted metal sheets or painted or solid plastics. The roof module can be part of a fixed vehicle roof or part of an openable roof module.

[0003] Furthermore, vehicle design development is increasingly focused on autonomous or semi-autonomous driving vehicles. To enable vehicle control systems to control vehicles autonomously or semi-autonomously, multiple environmental sensors (e.g., lidar sensors, radar sensors, multi-camera sensors, etc., including other (electrical) components) are used. These sensors are integrated, for example, into a top module to detect the environment surrounding the vehicle and, for example, determine the corresponding traffic conditions from the detected environmental data. A top module with multiple environmental sensors is also known as a Top Sensor Module (RSM). Known environmental sensors send and / or receive corresponding electromagnetic signals, such as laser beams or radar beams, and generate data models through signal evaluation, which are then used to control the vehicle.

[0004] Most commonly, environmental sensors used to monitor and detect the vehicle's environment are attached to the vehicle's roof, as the roof is typically the highest point of the vehicle, from which the environment is highly visible. Most often, the environmental sensors are formed as attachments to the corresponding vehicle roof. This results in an optical appearance that often does not meet customer requirements. Furthermore, there is a risk that even when the environmental sensor is not in use due to environmental and weather conditions, the transparent portion through which it detects the vehicle's environment can become contaminated or opaque, or even damaged (e.g., due to hail).

[0005] For this reason, environmental sensors are preferably movable to meet aesthetic requirements, and for example, to provide additional protection from environmental influences when the sensors are inactive. A problem arising from different vehicle types and design requirements is that, due to other requirements for the top module (e.g., providing a sliding or panoramic roof), only limited assembly space is available for the necessary movement mechanisms, and this limited space is most commonly confined to the outer edges of the top module. This confined assembly space often necessitates complex movement sequences from the corresponding mechanisms to retract and extend the environmental sensors, thus requiring technical complexity. This also leads to additional effort and cost in assembly. Therefore, depending on the assembly space requirements, it is best to provide suitable movement mechanisms that meet minimal space requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a top module that meets the above requirements, particularly providing mobility for environmental sensors, while minimizing the assembly volume.

[0007] According to the teachings of claim 1, this objective is achieved through the top module.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the appended claims.

[0009] A top module for forming a vehicle roof according to the invention includes a panel member that at least partially forms a top skin of the vehicle roof, the top skin serving as an external sealing surface of the top module, and having at least one curved region. The top module also includes at least one environmental sensor capable of transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the vehicle environment around the optical axis of the environmental sensor. The top module according to the invention is characterized in that the environmental sensor is disposed in a rounded opening in the curved region of the panel member and is substantially non-tiltingly movable between a rest position and at least one operating position by rotational movement (particularly pure) about a rotational axis. Particularly preferred is that the environmental sensor can be substantially non-tiltingly moved between the rest position and at least one operating position by rotational movement about a rotational axis. This rotational movement is preferably provided by a rotating mechanism, which is preferably disposed within the top module.

[0010] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the environmental sensor can be moved between a resting position and at least an operating position by pure rotational motion. In the resting position, the environmental sensor is inactive, and in the operating position, the environmental sensor is active, detecting the vehicle environment around the optical axis. Therefore, complex mechanisms for retracting and extending the environmental sensor, such as from the panel member, are not required. Instead, according to the invention, rotational motion about the axis of rotation can be provided by a simple drive device, such as a drive device in the form of an electric actuator. Generally, the axis of rotation can have any orientation toward the surface of the panel member. Preferably, the environmental sensor is rotatably disposed in the opening so that it can rotate at least 180° relative to the axis of rotation. Generally, the environmental sensor can also rotate more than 180° about the axis of rotation (e.g., 190°, 200°, 210°, 220°, 230°, 240°, 250°, 260°, 270°, 280°, 290°, 300°, 310°, 320°, 330°, 340°, 350°, 360°). The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous because the rotating mechanism of the environmental sensor requires very little assembly space in the top module. Furthermore, due to the simplicity of the mechanical (rotational) motion, standardized components are often sufficient, thus allowing for a particularly cost-effective provision of such a rotating mechanism. According to the invention, it is also possible to implement multiple functions in the rotating mechanism in a simple manner. Another advantage, particularly compared to other displacement mechanisms (using lifting and / or tilting motion), is that, viewed in the vertical z-direction of the vehicle, the environmental sensor requires very little assembly space because, to move the environmental sensor, only rotational motion about its own axis of rotation is required. Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is that at least one environmental sensor and (if applicable) other components can be easily connected to the cable harness, as the cable harness only needs to accommodate the rotational motion of the environmental sensor about its axis of rotation. Preferably, such a cable harness can be placed in the area around the axis of rotation.

[0011] For example, the environmental sensor can be mounted on a support pin or similar element on the frame of the top module via a housing or similar element (or non-rotatably connected to the support pin). This support pin can be directly or indirectly connected to a drive mechanism. Rotating the support pin via the drive mechanism allows the environmental sensor to rotate about its axis of rotation. The axis of rotation of the support pin corresponds to the axis of rotation of the environmental sensor.

[0012] "At least one" means that the top module may include one or more corresponding components, and the individual components are generally placed in any position on the top module. Generally, environmental sensors can move not only between resting and operating positions, but also take multiple additional operating positions.

[0013] In this case, "rounded opening" refers to any type of opening, including those with a nearly circular shape or a nearly circular cross-section. This terminology is specifically used to distinguish it from rectangular openings.

[0014] "No tilt" means that the environmental sensor can move between a rest position and at least an operating position by preferred pure rotational motion, without requiring tilting and / or pivoting motion of the environmental sensor. "Largely no tilt" means that the environmental sensor does not tilt when moving between the rest position and at least the operating position, except for tilt about the axis of rotation, for example, caused by gaps, which is due to the gapped placement of the environmental sensor.

[0015] A “curved region” refers to at least one area of ​​a panel member that has a three-dimensional extension and typically has a substantially convex external appearance. The panel member is preferably formed as a convex shell member in the curved or arcuate region and preferably has a three-dimensional geometry that follows a three-dimensional, stable surface profile. Preferably, the curved region has a dominant curvature, on which, mathematically speaking, the surface profile has a high point. In other words, the curved region preferably refers to a protrusion or curvature of the panel member or top skin that forms a preferred aerodynamic vehicle profile. The curved region is preferably located at the front of the top module (viewed in the driving direction) and defines a (particularly smooth) transition between the windshield and the top module of the motor vehicle by a preferably stable curve. Generally, the curved region can also be arranged in the rear region of the top module and, for example, form a rear spoiler or the like and / or a (particularly smooth) transition between the top module and the rear window of the motor vehicle. Generally, depending on the top module and the type of motor vehicle (e.g., SUV), the curved region can also be located in the central region and / or lateral region of the top module (viewed in the driving direction).

[0016] The top module according to the invention can be formed into a modular unit, in which an automated or semi-automatic driving device supported by a driver assistance system is integrated, and can be mounted as a unit on a vehicle body structure by an automaker. Furthermore, the top module according to the invention can be formed as a fully fixed top element or as a top with a top opening system. Moreover, this top module can be used in passenger cars or commercial vehicles. Preferably, the top module can be provided in the form of a top sensor module (RSM), in which environmental sensors are disposed, for use as a supplyable modular unit in the top frame of the vehicle body.

[0017] Generally, the environmental sensor according to the invention can have various designs, particularly including lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors such as cameras and / or the like. The operating wavelength range of a lidar sensor is, for example, 905 nanometers or even approximately 1.550 nanometers. For the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor, the material of the top skin or another component through which the environmental sensor detects the vehicle environment should be permeable; therefore, the material should be selected according to the wavelength used by the environmental sensor. The field of view for detecting the vehicle environment by the environmental sensor preferably extends symmetrically around the optical axis of the environmental sensor, is conical in shape, and has a sensor-specific cone opening angle. Obviously, the environmental sensor can also be part of a sensor module contained in a top module, which may include the environmental sensor and additional electrical and / or mechanical components (e.g., housing, housing portions, and / or drive mechanisms and other components).

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the environmental sensor is configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals in an operating position to detect the vehicle environment around its optical axis. In the operating position, the environmental sensor is preferably in an active mode, in which the vehicle environment can be detected. Positioning the environmental sensor in at least one operating position is preferably achieved by a corresponding rotation of the environmental sensor about a rotation axis (e.g., a rotation angle of 180° relative to a resting position). In the resting position, a cover of the sensor module including the environmental sensor is preferably placed in the opening so that it closes the opening in a substantially flush manner. In the resting position, the environmental sensor is particularly preferably unable to detect electromagnetic signals and is therefore preferably in an inactive mode. Positioning the environmental sensor in the resting position is preferably achieved by a corresponding rotation of the environmental sensor about a rotation axis (e.g., a rotation angle of 0° relative to a resting position).

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the viewing portion of the environmental sensor protrudes beyond at least one edge of the rounded opening in at least one operating position. Due to the curved area of ​​the panel member, the shape of the edge of the rounded opening is not perfectly parallel to the horizontal line, but rather at an angle to it. In other words, the rounded opening is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, i.e., conforming to the imagined shape of the curved area of ​​the panel member (i.e., the imaginary shape of the curved area if there were no opening). In at least one operating position, viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the viewing portion of the environmental sensor preferably faces at least one edge portion of the opening edge, which is positioned at its deepest point relative to the remainder of the opening edge. Therefore, the environmental sensor can detect the vehicle environment through the viewing portion with minimal interference from the surrounding panel member. Thus, at least the viewing portion protrudes beyond the edge and beyond the panel member in at least one operating position. However, other components of at least one environmental sensor (such as electronic systems and / or processing units) can still be arranged under the top skin.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the rounded opening has at least a basic oval shape. Preferably, it is elliptical. The term "oval" (from the Latin word *ovum* "egg") refers to a closed curve in a plane that resembles the outline of an egg. It includes circles and ellipses as special cases, whereas, unlike these special cases, any arbitrary ellipse does not require an axis of symmetry. Particularly preferred is that the rounded opening is substantially elliptical. An ellipse describes a geometry characterized by the sum of the distances from any elliptical point on the ellipse to two predetermined points, i.e., the foci, which are the same for all elliptical points. "Substantially elliptical" means that the shape of the opening is primarily elliptical; however, depending on the type and design of the top module, it may also include edge contours that deviate from an elliptical shape. Through appropriate geometry of the preferred cover of the environmental sensor, the basic elliptical shape of the opening interacts with the curved areas of the panel member, allowing the opening to close at a resting position, preferably flush with the surface. This is primarily due to the imaginary projection of the elliptical opening onto a plane that corresponds to a circular surface orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the environmental sensor. This can also be explained by the fact that the elliptical opening faces such a plane at a certain angle, so when projected onto such a plane, the two foci of the ellipse coincide, thus creating a common center located on the rotation axis of the environmental sensor. This geometric principle allows for the provision of complex surface portions as covers for the environmental sensor, which allow the opening to be closed in a flush manner relative to the curved areas of the panel components simply through the mechanical rotational movement of the environmental sensor.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the cover has at least a basic oval, preferably elliptical, shape by which the opening can be closed to achieve a substantially perfect fit in the closed position. Thus, the cover is formed in the form of a complex surface portion through which the opening can be closed to be substantially flush with the top skin. "Substantially flush" means that when the environmental sensor is in the resting position, the opening can be closed by the cover to substantially precisely fit or conform to functional tolerances that also exist in the preferred sealing case between the cover and the panel member. Preferably, the cover has a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the surrounding curved area. Particularly preferred is that the cover includes the shape of a surface portion of the panel member that must be truncated at least from the opening to provide it. Particularly preferred is that the cover has a curved shape and extends substantially flush with the curved area of ​​the panel member (therefore, mathematically stable).

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the environmental sensor includes a generally cylindrical housing portion, particularly a housing portion shaped as part of a cylinder, rotatably disposed within a preferably generally elliptical opening. In other words, at least one portion of the environmental sensor is formed as a cylindrical housing with cylindrical side surfaces, the housing being rotatable within the opening. Particularly preferred is that the cylindrical side surfaces serve as opposing sealing surfaces to the edges of the opening, thus providing a waterproof seal between the opening and the environmental sensor. On this surface, the cylindrical housing portion is preferably aligned with a cover. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cylindrical walls of the housing portion may be formed as hollow cylinders. Particularly preferred is that a transparent portion is at least partially disposed on the wall of the housing portion.

[0023] The shell portion preferably has the shape of a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is a circular cylinder cut at a certain angle. Alternatively, the shell portion can also have the shape of a cylindrical wedge (which is created by a cut through the base (region) of a cylinder). Mathematically, this means that when a cylinder is cut at a certain angle, a volume with an elliptical top surface is produced. This volume (in this example, the shell portion) is then determined by heights h1 and h2 and the base radius r. In a two-dimensional demonstration, the skewed ellipse as the top surface has two semi-axes 2r and a root (4r). 2 +(h2-h1) 2If the top surface is curved, it has a more complex geometry. According to the invention, the top surface is preferably formed by a preferably curved cover of the housing portion, through which the opening can be closed so as to be substantially flush. The imaginary projection of the elliptical opening onto a plane (in this example, it corresponds to the base circular surface of the housing portion, which is imaginarily a part of a cylinder) produces a circular surface with a base circle radius r. The rotation axis of the environmental sensor corresponds to the main cylindrical axis and passes through the center of the base circular surface of the housing portion. In other words, the rotation axis is concentrically aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical housing portion.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the rotational movement is performed essentially without leverage. In this context, "essentially without leverage" means that, in the proper sense, the rotational movement of the environmental sensor does not require leverage, so the environmental sensor is not rotatably mounted on the top frame of the top module, for example, via a lever arm. Instead, the rotational movement of the environmental sensor is achieved directly about the axis of rotation, preferably on which the center of gravity of the environmental sensor is located. However, the preferred drive mechanism for the rotational movement of the environmental sensor can, of course, generate leverage in one or more drive members. This embodiment particularly helps to distinguish it from adjustment mechanisms, where the environmental sensor is connected to the top frame of the top module via a rotating lever, and the center of gravity of the environmental sensor is far from the actual axis of rotation.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the environmental sensor is performed without any lifting force. Therefore, the movement of the environmental sensor between the rest position and at least one operating position is preferably performed without lifting the environmental sensor (and thus without any lifting force).

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the environmental sensor is preferably connected to at least one drive mechanism, preferably via gears, configured to move the environmental sensor about a rotation axis between a rest position and at least one operating position. In this case, the environmental sensor can be directly connected to the drive mechanism, i.e., via a direct connection. The environmental sensor can also be indirectly connected to the drive mechanism, i.e., via a single or multi-stage gear, via a Bowden cable, via a flexible shaft, or via any other lever connection. The drive mechanism is preferably an electric actuator. Other types of drive mechanisms, such as hydraulic or pneumatic drives, can generally also be used. If, for example, a Bowden cable is used, it is preferable that the environmental sensor is preloaded by a spring, such as a leg spring, in the rest position or at least one operating position. Thus, the Bowden cable can be used to rotate the environmental sensor to corresponding different positions under spring force via the drive mechanism, and rotation back to the starting position is achieved by releasing the Bowden cable, thereby using spring force. Generally, multiple environmental sensors can also be moved using a shared drive mechanism. For example, two flexible shafts can be arranged in opposite directions on the drive unit, so that two environmental sensors (e.g., viewed from the direction of movement, on the right and left sides of the corner area of ​​the top module) can be moved by the rotation of the drive unit.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a waterproof liner is arranged circumferentially (i.e., preferably without interruption) around the opening, providing a seal between the environmental sensor and the top skin regardless of the sensor's position. Particularly preferred is that the waterproof liner is arranged at the edge of the opening and abuts against the cylindrical housing portion, preferably on the cylindrical side surface, via at least one sealing lip. According to the invention, the pure rotational movement of the environmental sensor allows for a simple sealing of the environmental sensor relative to the panel members. For example, the side surface of the housing portion can therefore be continuously connected to the waterproof liner or at least one sealing lip, regardless of the environmental sensor's position, thus providing a seal at any location of the environmental sensor. The waterproof liner is preferably a tubular seal, widely used in the automotive industry. Standard components can also be used in this case, making the solution according to the invention particularly easy and economical to design. In particular, compared to other movement mechanisms, such as those involving the lifting movement of the environmental sensor, the seal according to the invention is very simple because it eliminates the need for primary and secondary waterproof liners, requiring only a single primary waterproof liner. Alternatively, the waterproof liner may interact with the shape of the housing portion only in certain areas, such as only in the resting position, to provide a liquid seal, and, for example, in at least one operating position, may provide an additional seal between the opening and the interior of the top module, which is not in contact with the housing portion but only to prevent water from penetrating into the interior of the top module.

[0028] Generally, it is advantageous for the top module according to the invention if the transparent portion can be cleaned by a cleaning device having at least one cleaning nozzle. This cleaning device is preferably included within the top module. Preferably, the cleaning device can be disposed inside the top module, thereby cleaning the transparent portion, for example, at a resting position inside the top module. This can be advantageous because, in this case, cleaning is not affected by external factors and can be performed more efficiently. Cleaning is only required in the humid area of ​​the top module, which is separated from the dry area in a liquid-sealed manner, where the environmental sensor and other electronic components (if applicable) are placed. Such a humid area can also be disposed inside the top module, for example, in which case the liquid can preferably be discharged through at least one outlet of the top module. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device can also be disposed on the surface of the top skin and configured to clean the transparent portion of the environmental sensor, preferably in at least one operating position.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the generally cylindrical housing portion is configured to move relative to the waterproof liner during rotation within the opening, through which the generally cylindrical housing portion undergoes mechanical cleaning. In other words, the cylindrical housing portion of the environmental sensor undergoes additional or incidental mechanical cleaning via one or more rotations through the movement of the generally cylindrical housing portion relative to the waterproof liner. Thus, the cleaning function is preferably supplemented by relative or lifting motion of the transparent portion relative to the waterproof liner (which may preferably be formed as the cylindrical, particularly transparent, side surface of the sensor housing), for example by rotation (preferably back and forth) of the environmental sensor (or sensor unit) from a rest position to at least one operating position, the waterproof liner at least partially surrounding the opening (e.g., a collar seal). During rotation, the transparent portion preferably sweeps across the waterproof liner. Preferably, this can wipe away dirt particles or the like. Preferably, the waterproof liner may be positioned at the edge of the opening, thus preferably functioning similarly to a windshield wiper. Therefore, the cleaning function can also preferably be supported by multiple rotations of the environmental sensor about its axis of rotation. Similarly, windshield profiles optimized for this function, such as including at least one wiper lip, support the cleaning of the transparent portion.

[0030] Generally, any type of environmental sensor can be installed in the top module. Particularly preferred is that the top module according to the invention uses a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle including a top module according to the invention and embodiments thereof. Environmental sensors may be arranged along the top frame of the top module and / or the top frame of the vehicle body.

[0032] Clearly, the embodiments described above and the illustrative embodiments 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 top module relate to motor vehicles including such a top module. Attached Figure Description

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in the figures and described hereinafter by way of example.

[0034] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the top of a vehicle having a top module according to the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a first embodiment of the top module according to the invention, which has at least one movable environmental sensor;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a second embodiment of the top module according to the invention, which has at least one movable environmental sensor;

[0037] Figure 4 This is one embodiment of an environmental sensor with a cover;

[0038] Figure 5 This is an embodiment of an environmental sensor without a cover;

[0039] Figure 6 This is one embodiment of an environmental sensor in the first operating position;

[0040] Figure 7 This is one embodiment of an environmental sensor in a second operating position; and

[0041] Figure 8 This is an example of an environmental sensor in a resting state. Detailed Implementation

[0042] exist Figure 1The diagram illustrates a vehicle roof 100 including a top module 10 according to the invention. The top module 10 includes a panel member 12 (not fully shown) for forming a top skin 14 of the vehicle roof 100. An environmental sensor 16 (in this case, a lidar sensor) is arranged in the front central top region of the vehicle roof 100, viewed from the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. This sensor can detect the vehicle environment around the optical axis in the form of electromagnetic signals. Other types of sensors, such as (multi-directional) cameras, may also be used. In this example, the environmental sensor 16 is arranged directly behind the front crossbeam 102, which defines the front top of the vehicle. Preferably, as a module unit, the top module 10 is housed in the vehicle's top frame 104, or mounted on at least two crossbeams 102 and at least two longitudinal beams 106 constituting the top frame 104.

[0043] According to the invention, the environmental sensor 16 is arranged in a substantially elliptical opening 20 in the curved region 22 of the panel member 12 (see...). Figure 2 and 3 According to the invention, the environmental sensor 16 is configured to be able to reach a resting position (see) by rotational movement about a rotation axis 24. Figure 2 ) and at least one operating position (see Figure 3 They move without tilting between them.

[0044] In the operating position, the ambient sensor 16 is configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals to detect the vehicle environment around its optical axis 18. In contrast, in the resting position, the ambient sensor 16 is configured in the opening 20 such that it closes the opening 20 in a substantially flush manner (see...). Figure 2 and 8 To close the opening, the environmental sensor 16 has a cover 26, the shape of which substantially corresponds to the shape of the opening 20, so as to close the opening 20 as precisely as possible. For this purpose, the cover 26 has a generally elliptical and curved shape, the curved portion of which extends substantially flush with the curved region 22 of the panel member 12 (see...). Figure 4 and 8 In at least one operating position, the viewing portion 28 of the environmental sensor 16 protrudes from at least one edge 30 of the rounded opening 20 (see...). Figure 3 Therefore, the environmental sensor 16 can detect the vehicle environment at this location. Edge 30 surrounds opening 20. The transparent portion 28 is made of a material transparent to the environmental sensor 16, such as glass or a synthetic material (e.g., polycarbonate).

[0045] In this example, the cover 26 is placed on a substantially cylindrical housing portion 32, which, in the illustrated embodiment, has a substantially cylindrical wedge shape (see...). Figure 4This shape of the shell portion 32 can be obtained by cutting an imaginary cylinder almost directly into its circular base region 34 at an angle to the base region. Therefore, the shell portion 32 has a cylindrical portion with a predetermined radius that is substantially the same as the radius of the imaginary circular projection of the generally elliptical opening 20 (which substantially corresponds to the base region 34). The central axis 36 of the shell portion 32, which substantially has the shape of a cylindrical portion, is the same as the axis of rotation 24 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0046] from Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen from Figure 5, in this configuration, the environmental sensor 16, comprising a housing portion 32 that is substantially cylindrical in shape, can rotate within the opening 20. For this purpose, the top module 10 has a rotating device 38, for example, in the form of a rotating plate, which can be rotatably mounted on a support pin (not shown). The environmental sensor 16, and, if applicable, other electrical components, can be arranged on the rotating device 38 and, for example, non-rotatably connected to the rotating device 38 via a mesh retainer 40. Rotational movement about the rotation axis 24 is introduced by a drive device 42, which can be, for example, an electric motor. The drive device 42 can be directly mounted on the rotating device 38 or indirectly connected to the rotating device 38, for example, via a gear (not shown).

[0047] According to the present invention, the arrangement of the cable harness 44 based on the pure rotational motion of the environmental sensor 16 is particularly simple, because the cable harness 44 can be arranged, for example, through the rotation center of the rotation axis 24, or through the groove of the rotation device 38, from... Figure 3 As can be seen.

[0048] Furthermore, a waterproof liner 46, in this example a tubular seal, is arranged circumferentially around the opening 20 to provide a seal between the environmental sensor 16 and the top skin 14, preferably providing a seal independent of the position of the environmental sensor 16. At least in the resting position, the waterproof liner 46 ensures a complete seal, while in at least one operating position, an auxiliary waterproof liner 48 is provided to separate the wet area within the opening 20 from the dry area within the top module 10 (see...). Figure 3 and 7 ).

[0049] The transparent portion 28 can preferably also be cleaned by a cleaning device 50 (which, if necessary, has a wiping function). The cleaning device 50 can be disposed within the top module 10, i.e., below the panel member 12, for example, on the frame structure 52 of the top module 10. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device 50 can also be disposed outside the top module 10, for example, rigidly disposed on the panel member 12 (see...). Figure 3 The cleaning device 50 is configured to clean the transparent portion 28 using a cleaning fluid, which is sprayed onto the transparent portion 28 in the shape of a jet cone from at least one cleaning nozzle of the cleaning device 50. Figure 3 In this configuration, a cleaning device 50 is arranged on the panel member 12. In contrast, an auxiliary waterproof strip 48, exemplarily disposed between the panel member 12 and the frame structure 52, protects the interior of the top module 10 from moisture ingress, thus creating a dry area. In this case, the environmental sensor 16 and cable harness 44 are arranged together in the damp area of ​​the top module 10 and are therefore protected from moisture ingress by means of a housing including the housing portion 32. This housing then forms an additional dry area.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 10 Top Module

[0052] 12 Panel Components

[0053] 14 Top Skin

[0054] 16 Environmental Sensors

[0055] 18 optical axes

[0056] 20 Opening

[0057] 22. Bending area of ​​panel component

[0058] 24. Rotation axis

[0059] 26 Cover pieces

[0060] 28. Perspective section

[0061] 30 Edge

[0062] 32. Shell section

[0063] 34. Basal region

[0064] 36. Central axis

[0065] 38 Rotating device

[0066] 40 Retainer

[0067] 42 Drive unit

[0068] 44 Cable harness

[0069] 46 Waterproof Lining Strip

[0070] 48 Auxiliary waterproof strip

[0071] 50 Cleaning devices

[0072] 52 Frame Structure

[0073] 100 vehicle roof

[0074] 102 Crossbeam

[0075] 104 Top Frame

[0076] 106 Longitudinal Beams

Claims

1. A top module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, the top module having a panel member (12) that at least partially forms a top skin (14) of the vehicle roof (100), the top skin serving as an outer sealing surface of the top module (10) and having at least one curved region (22), the top module having at least one environmental sensor (16) for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the vehicle environment, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (16) is disposed in a rounded opening (20) in the curved region (22) of the panel member (12) and is capable of moving substantially without tilting between a rest position and at least one operating position by rotational movement about a rotation axis (24). In at least one operating position, the transparent portion (28) of the environmental sensor (16) protrudes from at least one edge (30) of the rounded opening (20), while other components of the environmental sensor can still be arranged under the top skin.

2. The top module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the operating position, the environmental sensor (16) is configured to send and / or receive electromagnetic signals to detect the vehicle environment around its optical axis (18). In the resting position, at least one cover (26) of the sensor module containing the environmental sensor (16) is arranged in the opening (20) such that the cover closes the opening (20) in a generally flush manner.

3. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rounded opening (20) has at least a generally oval shape.

4. The top module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rounded opening (20) has an elliptical shape.

5. The top module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover (26) has at least a generally oval shape, by means of which the opening (20) can be closed in a generally precise fit at the closed position.

6. The top module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover (26) has an elliptical shape.

7. The top module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover (26) has a curved shape, the curved portion of which extends in a generally flush manner to the curved area (22) of the panel member (12).

8. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (16) includes a generally cylindrical housing portion (32) that is rotatably disposed in the opening (20).

9. The top module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rotation axis (24) is concentrically positioned with the central axis (36) of the cylindrical shell portion (32).

10. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, and 9, characterized in that, The rotational motion is performed with virtually no leverage.

11. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, and 9, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (16) is connected to at least one drive device (42) configured to move the environmental sensor (16) about the rotation axis (24) between a rest position and at least one operating position.

12. The top module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (16) is connected to at least one drive device (42) via gears.

13. The top module according to claim 8, characterized in that, A waterproof strip (46) is arranged circumferentially around the opening (20) to provide a seal between the environmental sensor (16) and the top skin (14) regardless of the position of the environmental sensor (16).

14. The top module according to claim 13, characterized in that, A waterproof liner (46) is provided at the edge of the opening (20) and abuts against the cylindrical housing portion (32) by at least one sealing lip.

15. The top module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The generally cylindrical housing portion (32) is configured to be able to move relative to the waterproof liner (46) in the opening (20) during rotation, by means of which the generally cylindrical housing portion (32) is mechanically cleaned.

16. The top module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-7, 9, 12, 14, and 15, characterized in that, The environmental sensor (16) is formed in the manner of a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor.

17. A motor vehicle comprising a top module (10) according to any one of claims 1-16.

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