Adjusting device for adjusting the position of a sensor module, vehicle component and method for adjusting the position of a sensor module

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment device (16) for adjusting the position of a sensor module (14) in a receptacle (18) constructed in a vehicle component (10), comprising a coupling element (30), which can be connected to the sensor module (14) inserted into the receptacle (18), a guide element (26), which guides the coupling element (30) during adjustment of the position of the sensor module (14), and a screw element (28), which is screwed into the guide element (26), wherein the coupling element (30) has a first latching device (34), into which a section of the screw element (28) is latched when it is screwed into the guide element (26), and in the latched state the position of the sensor module (14) can be adjusted by screwing in or out the screw element (28). The invention also relates to a vehicle component (10) having a vehicle component (10), an adjustment device (16) and a sensor module (14), and to a method for adjusting the position of a sensor module (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a sensor module within a housing constructed in a vehicle component. Furthermore, this invention relates to a vehicle component having such an adjustment device and a method for adjusting the position of the sensor module. Background Technology

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, sensors are increasingly being installed in vehicle components, such as body panels, for example, ultrasonic sensors for measuring distances to objects or radar sensors for autonomous driving.

[0003] A component with a sensor module is known from DE19719519A1 for mounting in a motor vehicle bumper. The component has a retaining member for securing the module to the bumper, wherein the retaining member is mounted on the inside of the bumper, and the retaining member is configured to accommodate the sensor module such that the head of the module is substantially flush with the adjacent outer surface of the bumper after installation.

[0004] A similar device is known from DE112010001962B4, in which an ultrasonic sensor module with a flange is secured by means of a fixing member, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of a through hole provided in a vehicle bumper. The fixing member is secured to the rear side of the bumper at a position where it contacts the outer edge section of the flange of the ultrasonic sensor module. For securing, a retaining member is used to hold the flange of the sensor module by pressing it against the back of the bumper, and an inserting member is used to connect the fixing member and the retaining member to each other.

[0005] Furthermore, DE10325078A1 discloses an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a radar system having a radar radome and a housing positioned behind a radiator grille and fixed to the upper central part of a front bumper. The radar system is supported by a cage mounted on a support plate. To secure the radar system to the cage, the cage includes a left cage body and a right cage body, as well as upper and lower connecting elements. The connecting elements provide connection between the upper and lower ends of the cage body, which is formed by bending a metal plate to have an L-shaped cross-section. The four corners of the cage are fixed to the support plate by bolts. Synthetic resin nut elements are supported on support rods protruding between the radar radome and the housing. Bolt support elements are fixed to the left and right cage bodies at positions behind the respective support rods. The guide of the bolt element passes through the bolt support element and its base end, located on the rear side of the upper right support rod, is axially fixed by a sliding nut. An externally threaded section is screwed into the nut element. The guide bolt element passes through the bolt support element and is axially fixed at its base end, located on the lower right and upper left sides of the support rod, by means of a sliding nut. Additionally, a radar radome assembly is provided, housed within the internal space between the radar radome and the housing. Adjusting the position of the radar system requires rotating the radar radome assembly and the inaccessible bolt element. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an adjustment device, a vehicle component, and a method for adjusting the position of a sensor module, which has improved adjustability of the position of the sensor module disposed within a housing of the vehicle component.

[0007] To address this task, an adjustment device according to the invention, a vehicle component according to the invention, and a method according to the invention are proposed.

[0008] The present invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a sensor module within a housing constructed in a vehicle component. The adjustment device has a coupling element, a guide element, and a threaded element. The coupling element is connectable to the sensor module inserted into the housing. The guide element guides the coupling element during the adjustment of the sensor module's position and is also connectable to the vehicle component. The threaded element is screwed into the guide element. The coupling element has a first locking device. A section of the threaded element engages with the first locking device when screwed into the guide element, and the position of the sensor module can be adjusted by screwing the threaded element in or out while in the engaged state.

[0009] The adjusting device allows adjusting the position of the sensor module arranged in the receiving portion of the vehicle component by rotating the threaded element locked with the guide element. Thereby, the position of the sensor module in the receiving portion can be adjusted in an improved, simple and accurate manner compared with the prior art. In particular, the adjusting device can enable adjusting the sensor module about the vertical axis of the vehicle, so as to position the sensor in the receiving portion of the vehicle component. The angle about the vertical axis of the vehicle is also referred to as an azimuth angle. To adjust the azimuth angle, the sensor pivots about the vertical axis of the vehicle (Z-axis). By rotating the threaded element in a clockwise direction, the sensor module can be adjusted outward about the vertical axis of the vehicle, that is, away from the vehicle. By rotating the threaded element in a counterclockwise direction, the sensor module can be adjusted inward about the vertical axis of the vehicle, that is, toward the vehicle. Therefore, the adjusting device can simply adjust the position, in particular the azimuth angle, of the sensor module arranged in the receiving portion of the vehicle component. In addition, the adjusting device enables adjusting the position of the sensor when the vehicle component is in an installed state. During the adjustment of the position of the sensor module, the sensor module pivots about a rotation axis corresponding to the vertical axis of the vehicle. Advantageously, the rotation axis is arranged at an end of the receiving portion opposite to the adjusting device. "Clipped into" herein is also understood as locked or clamped in.

[0010] The vehicle component may be a bumper mounted on the vehicle. The bumper has a receiving portion for receiving the sensor module, in particular for receiving the sensor module in a form-fitting manner. The receiving portion is preferably arranged below the headlight. Advantageously, the sensor module is clipped or clamped into the receiving portion. The vehicle component may be made of plastic.

[0011] The sensor module may be a radar sensor for autonomous driving.

[0012] The guide element and the coupling element may be made of plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic. The coupling element may also be referred to as an adjusting element herein. The guide element may be detachably or non-detachably connected to the vehicle component. The coupling element may be detachably or non-detachably connected to the sensor module.

[0013] The guide element may be provided with a base plate provided with a central through hole for the threaded element to guide through. The diameter of the through hole may be smaller than the outer diameter of the head section of the threaded element.

[0014] The threaded element can also be called an adjusting screw. The threaded element connects the coupling element to the guide element. Since the sensor module can pivot within the housing about the vehicle's vertical axis, the sensor module pivots about the vehicle's vertical axis and thus adjusts the azimuth angle by rotating the threaded element, which is screwed into the guide element, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The threaded element may have a head section and a threaded section, wherein the threaded section is screwed into the guide element. Advantageously, the threaded section has external threads. The head section may have a star-shaped internal thread and a flange section surrounding the head section. In an advantageous embodiment, the threaded element has a threadless neck section connected to the head section and a threadless raised section disposed between the neck section and the threaded section. The raised section has a larger diameter than the neck section and the threaded section.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the first locking device has at least two hooks protruding from the coupling element, which, in the engaged state, surround the head section of the threaded element. This enables reliable fixation of the threaded element to the coupling element. Each hook may have a resilient locking arm and a locking lug disposed at the free end of the locking arm, wherein the locking lug surrounds the flange section of the head section in the engaged state. Advantageously, the first locking device has three hooks protruding from the coupling element, which surround the flange section of the head section in the engaged state. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the hooks are arranged circularly and equally spaced from each other. The hooks may be arranged circularly and equally spaced from each other around the through-hole of the coupling element. Advantageously, the hooks protrude from the substrate.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element has at least two abutting protrusions on which the head section abuts in a locked state. The coupling element may have three abutting protrusions on which the head section abuts in a snap-fit ​​state. Preferably, the abutting protrusions are arranged between each hook. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the abutting protrusions are arranged circularly and equally spaced from each other. The abutting protrusions may be arranged circularly and equally spaced from each other around the through-hole of the coupling element, wherein a hook may be provided between two abutting protrusions. The abutting protrusions may also be referred to as support protrusions. Advantageously, the abutting protrusions have a head section abutting surface for abutting the head section and a threaded section abutting surface for abutting the raised section.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, a first hook and an abutment protrusion protrude from a first side of the substrate. This first side is the side facing away from the guide element in the mounted state of the coupling element.

[0018] In one advantageous embodiment, the coupling element has a through-hole through which a threaded section of the threaded element is guided to be screwed into the guide element. To screw the threaded section into the guide element, the threaded section is inserted through the through-hole of the coupling element and then screwed into the guide element until the head section engages with the first locking device and abuts against the support protrusion, particularly the abutment surface of the head section. In the screwed-in state, a portion of the protruding section abuts against the abutment surface of the threaded section.

[0019] In one advantageous embodiment, the coupling element has a second locking device that can lock onto a section of the sensor module. This enables a simple and low-cost connection between the coupling element and the sensor module. Furthermore, in the event of damage to the sensor module or the coupling element, they can be separated and the damaged component replaced.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the second locking device has at least two second hooks, each hook having a receiving groove for securely accommodating a segment of the sensor module. This enables reliable securing of the coupling element to the sensor module. Each second hook may have a locking arm and a locking lug provided at the free end of the locking arm. Advantageously, the receiving groove is formed by the locking lug and a wall spaced apart from the locking lug and projecting from the locking arm. Advantageously, the second hooks project from a second side of the substrate. This second side is the side facing the guide element in the mounted state of the coupling element. Advantageously, the second hooks are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element has two guide pins that engage with corresponding guide openings in the guiding element. This allows for precise guidance of the coupling element during adjustment of the sensor module's position. The two guide pins protrude from a second side of the substrate. These two guide pins can be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide element has a third locking device that can lock with a vehicle component. This enables a simple and low-cost connection between the guide element and the vehicle component. The third locking device may have at least two third hooks. Each third hook may have a locking arm and a locking lug provided at the free end of the locking arm.

[0023] In one advantageous embodiment, the guide element has at least two spring-loaded support surfaces for supporting the sensor module. These two support surfaces can extend into the receiving portion when the guide element is clamped in. The support surfaces can be configured as elastically spring-loaded tongues.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide element has a threaded seat into which the threaded element is screwed. Preferably, the threaded section is screwed into the threaded seat. Advantageously, the threaded seat has internal threads for the threaded section to be screwed into.

[0025] According to another aspect, a vehicle component having an adjustment device and a sensor module is proposed. The vehicle component has at least one receiving portion with a locking part, in which the sensor module is form-locked. Specifically, the sensor module is locked into the receiving portion. When the sensor module is locked into the receiving portion, the sensor module can pivot about a rotation axis corresponding to the vertical axis of the vehicle. Advantageously, the rotation axis is located at the end of the receiving portion opposite to the adjustment device. Advantageously, the sensor module has protrusions that engage with recesses in the receiving portion, which allow guided rotation about the rotation axis for adjusting the position of the sensor module. The locking part can also be referred to as a rear locking part.

[0026] In one advantageous embodiment, the locking portion has spring-loaded locking tongues that are separated from each other by gaps. This ensures that the sensor module is reliably secured within the receiving portion. Furthermore, the gaps allow the sensor module to pivot while in the locked position.

[0027] According to another aspect, a method is proposed for adjusting the position of a sensor module disposed in a receiving portion of a vehicle component using an adjusting device. In this method, a guide element is first clamped to the vehicle component. Then, the sensor module is inserted into the receiving portion of the vehicle component, wherein the sensor module engages with the rear locking portion of the receiving portion. Next, a coupling element is clamped to the sensor module. Then, a threaded element is inserted into the through-hole of the coupling element and screwed into the threaded seat of the guide element, wherein the head section of the threaded element engages with the coupling element. Finally, the position of the sensor is adjusted by rotating the threaded element. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The adjustment device, vehicle component, method for adjusting the position of sensor module, and other features and advantages are described in detail below with reference to embodiments schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0029] Figure 1 A partial view of the front view of a vehicle component with a sensor module and adjustment device is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 An enlarged perspective front view of the coupling element is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 An enlarged perspective rear view of the coupling element is shown;

[0032] Figure 4A partial view of the front view of a vehicle component with clamped guide elements is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A partial front view of a vehicle component having a sensor module inserted into a housing;

[0034] Figure 6 A partial view of the front view of a vehicle component with inserted coupling elements is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 The edge of the clamped coupling element is shown. Figure 6 A partial view of the cross-section of line VII-VII in the diagram; and

[0036] Figure 8 The threaded element inserted into the coupling element is shown along the edge. Figure 1 A partial view of the cross section of line VIII-VIII in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0037] exist Figure 1 The vehicle component 10, not shown, includes a sensor module 14 (currently a radar sensor) and an adjustment device 16.

[0038] Vehicle component 10 is currently a bumper and according to Figure 2 The device has a receiving portion 18 into which the sensor module 14 is inserted in a form-locking manner. For this purpose, the receiving portion 18 has a locking portion 20, which includes spring-loaded locking tongues 22 that are separated from each other by gaps 24. When the sensor module 14 is inserted into the receiving portion 18, the sensor module 14 engages with the locking tongues 22, or in other words, the locking tongues 22 lock the sensor module 14 from behind.

[0039] The position of the sensor module 14 within the housing 18 can be adjusted via the adjustment device 16, particularly the angle around the vehicle's vertical axis (z-axis). This angle is also referred to as the azimuth angle. To adjust the azimuth angle, the sensor module pivots about a rotation axis R, which corresponds to the vehicle's vertical axis and is located at the end of the housing 18 opposite to the adjustment device 16. For this purpose, the sensor module 14 has protrusions 15 that engage with recesses 19 in the housing 18, which allow for guided rotation about the rotation axis R to adjust the position of the sensor module 14, such as by engaging... Figure 4 and 5 As can be seen.

[0040] Especially Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen, the adjusting device 16 has a guide element 26, a threaded element 28 and a coupling element 30.

[0041] exist Figure 2 and 3 The coupling element 30 is shown. The coupling element 30 is made of plastic and has a substrate 32, a through hole 33 introduced into the substrate 32, a first locking device 34, a contact protrusion 36, a second locking device 38, a guide pin 40, and a contact pin 42.

[0042] The first locking device 34 has three first hooks 44, which are arranged around the through hole 33, especially at equal intervals, and protrude from the first side surface 35 of the substrate 32. The first hooks 44 have elastic locking arms 46 and locking lugs 48 provided on the free ends of the locking arms 46.

[0043] like Figure 2 As can be seen, the abutment protrusions 36 are disposed around the through holes 33 between the first hooks 44 and have a basic T-shaped shape. The abutment protrusions 36 protrude from the first side surface 35 of the substrate 32. Each abutment protrusion 36 has a head section abutment surface 50 and a concave threaded section abutment surface 52.

[0044] The second locking device 38 is based on Figure 3 The substrate 32 has two spaced-apart second hooks 54 that protrude from a second side surface 39. Each second hook 54 has a resilient locking arm 46 and a locking lug 48 disposed at the free end of the locking arm 46, and a wall 56 spaced apart from the locking lug 48. The locking lug 48 and the wall 56 form a receiving groove 58.

[0045] The guide pins 40 are spaced apart from each other and protrude from the second side 39 of the substrate 32. The guide pins 40 are constructed with an inclined and tapered end.

[0046] The abutment pins 42 are spaced apart from each other and protrude from the second side 39 of the substrate 32, wherein the abutment pins 42 are disposed between the second hooks 54. The abutment pins 42 are constructed with an inclined and tapered end side.

[0047] exist Figure 4 The guide element 26 is shown in the figure. The guide element 26 is made of plastic and has a third locking device 60, two spring-loaded support tongues 62, a threaded seat 65 with internal threads, and two guide openings 64 corresponding to the guide pin 40.

[0048] The guide element 26 is clamped to the vehicle component 10 via the third locking device 60. In the clamped state, the support tongue 62 extends into the receiving portion 18, as... Figure 2 As shown, the sensor module 14 is in a locked state and rests against the support tongue 62.

[0049] Threaded element 28 can be made of metal or plastic and according to Figure 8It has a head section 66, a neck section 67, a raised section 68, and a threaded section 69. The head section 66 has a flange section 70 that surrounds the outer periphery and a star-shaped internal thread 72.

[0050] The following describes a possible method for adjusting the position of the sensor module 14 within the receiving portion 18. For this purpose, the guide element 26 is first locked to the vehicle component 10 via the third locking device 60. Then, the sensor module 14 is inserted into the receiving portion 18 until the sensor module 14 engages with the locking tongue, as described below. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram.

[0051] Then, the coupling element 30 is connected to the edge segment 74 of the sensor module 14. For this purpose, the coupling element 30 is fitted onto the sensor module 14 and the guide element 26, such that the guide pin 40 is aligned with the guide opening 64 and the abutment pin 42 is abutted against the sensor module 14 at its end. Subsequently, pressure is applied to the guide element 26, causing the second latch 54 to deflect elastically until the edge segment 74 of the sensor module 14 engages in the receiving groove 58, as shown. Figure 7 As shown, the guide pin 40 extends into the guide opening 64. Thus, the coupling element 30 is locked to the sensor module 14.

[0052] After the coupling element 30 is locked to the sensor module 14, the threaded section 69 of the threaded element 28 is inserted into the through hole 33, so that the raised section 68 abuts against the threaded section abutment surface 52. Next, the threaded section 69 is screwed into the threaded seat 65. During the screwing process, the first hook 44 elastically deflects until the head section 66 or the flange section 70 abuts against the head section support surface 50 and the locking lug 48 surrounds the flange section 70, as shown. Figure 8 As shown. Thus, the threaded element 28 and the coupling element 30 are locked together.

[0053] By rotating the threaded element clockwise, the sensor module 14 pivots outward about the rotation axis R, i.e., away from the vehicle component. By rotating the threaded element 28 counterclockwise, the sensor module 14 pivots inward about the rotation axis R, i.e., toward the vehicle component 10. This allows for precise adjustment of the azimuth angle of the sensor module 14 within the housing 18.

[0054] The adjustment device 16 allows for simple and precise adjustment of the position of the sensor module 14 disposed within the receiving portion 18 by rotating the threaded element 28 that engages with the guide element 26.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 10 vehicle parts

[0057] 14 sensor modules

[0058] 15 protrusions

[0059] 16 Adjustment devices

[0060] 18 Accommodation Department

[0061] 19 recesses

[0062] 20 rear locking section

[0063] 22-card locking tongue plate

[0064] 24 gaps

[0065] 26 guide elements

[0066] 28 threaded components

[0067] 30 coupling elements

[0068] 32 substrate

[0069] 33 through hole

[0070] 34 First locking device

[0071] The first side of the 35 substrate

[0072] 36 protrusions

[0073] 38 Second locking device

[0074] 39 substrate second side

[0075] 40 guide pins

[0076] 42 patches for easy purchase

[0077] 44 First hook

[0078] 46-lock arm

[0079] 48-card lock protruding nose

[0080] 50 head section against the surface

[0081] 52 threaded section contact surface

[0082] 54 Second Hook

[0083] 56 walls

[0084] 58 Reception Grooves

[0085] 60 Third locking device

[0086] 62 Support Tongue

[0087] 64 guide openings

[0088] 65 threaded seat

[0089] 66 head section

[0090] 67 Neck Section

[0091] 68 Uplift Section

[0092] 69 thread section

[0093] 70 flange section

[0094] 72-meter internal thread

[0095] 74 edge section

[0096] R rotation axis

Claims

1. An adjusting device (16) for adjusting the position of a sensor module (14) within a housing (18) constructed in a vehicle component (10), the adjusting device comprising a coupling element (30), a guide element (26), and a threaded element (28), the coupling element being connectable to the sensor module (14) inserted into the housing (18), the guide element guiding the coupling element (30) during adjusting the position of the sensor module (14), and the guide element being connectable to the vehicle component (10), the threaded element being screwed into the guide element (26), wherein, The coupling element (30) has a first locking device (34) into which a section of the threaded element (28) is locked when screwed into the guide element (26), and in the locked state, the position of the sensor module (14) can be adjusted by screwing in or out of the threaded element (28). The coupling element (30) also has a second locking device (38) into which a section of the sensor module (14) can be locked.

2. The adjusting device (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first locking device (34) has at least two hooks (44) protruding from the coupling element (30), which surround the head section (66) of the threaded element (28) in the engaged state.

3. The adjusting device (16) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coupling element (30) has at least two abutment protrusions (36), and the head section (66) abuts against the abutment protrusions in the snap-in state.

4. The adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The coupling element (30) has a through hole (33), through which a threaded section (69) of the threaded element (28) is guided to be screwed into the guide element (26).

5. The adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second locking device (38) has at least two second hooks (54), each hook having a receiving groove (58) for locking the segment of the sensor module (14) in a locking manner.

6. The adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The coupling element (30) has two guide pins (40) that engage with corresponding guide openings (64) of the guide element (26).

7. The adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide element (26) has a third locking device (60) that can lock with the vehicle component (10).

8. The adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide element (26) has at least two support tongues (62) that are elastically constructed to support the sensor module (14).

9. The adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide element (26) has a threaded seat (65), and the threaded element (28) is screwed into the threaded seat.

10. A vehicle component (10) having an adjustment device (16) and a sensor module (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The vehicle component (10) has at least one receiving portion (18) with a rear locking portion (20), into which the sensor module (14) is form-locked.

11. The vehicle component (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensor module (14) is inserted into the receiving part.

12. The vehicle component (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The rear locking part (20) has a plurality of locking tongues (22) that are elastically constructed, and each locking tongue is separated from the other by a gap (24).

13. A method for adjusting the position of a sensor module (14) by means of an adjusting device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the sensor module being disposed in a receiving portion (18) of a vehicle component (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, the method comprising the steps of: a. Clamp the guide element (26) to the vehicle component (10); b. Insert the sensor module (14) into the receiving part (18) of the vehicle component (10), wherein the sensor module (14) is locked to the rear locking part of the receiving part (18); c. Clamp the coupling element (30) to the sensor module (14); d. Insert the threaded element (28) into the through hole (33) of the coupling element (30), and screw the threaded element (28) into the threaded seat (65) of the guide element (26), wherein the head section (66) of the threaded element (28) locks with the coupling element (30); and e. Adjust the position of the sensor module (14) by rotating the threaded element (28).

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