Top sensor module and motor vehicle

Abstract

The application presents a roof sensor module comprising a panel member (12) forming at least a portion of a roof cladding (14) of a roof (100) of a vehicle, the roof cladding (14) serving as an outer sealing surface of the roof sensor module (10), at least one environmental sensor (18) for recording a vehicle environment and connected to at least one cable (20), and at least one channel-shaped carrier structure (36), characterized in that the at least one cable (20) is guided along the channel-shaped carrier structure within a hollow cross-section of the channel-shaped carrier structure (36) and / or a special channel-shaped guide profile (30) is formed at the channel-shaped carrier structure (36), along which the at least one cable (20) is guided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a top sensor module for forming the roof of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Universal roof modules are known in the art. A universal roof module forms the vehicle roof of the motor vehicle to which it is configured. The roof module is pre-manufactured as a separate functional module and can be supplied directly on the assembly line for assembly. The roof module forms at least a portion of the roof cladding on its outer surface, which prevents moisture and / or airflow from entering the vehicle interior. The roof cladding is formed by one or more panel members, which may be made of a stable material, such as coated metal sheet or coated or solid-color plastic support. The roof module may be part of a rigid vehicle roof or part of an assembly of openable roof components.

[0003] Furthermore, vehicle manufacturing development is increasingly focused on automated or partially automated motor vehicles. To enable vehicle control systems to perform automated or partially automated control of a motor vehicle, numerous electrical, electronic, and / or electromagnetic components need to be extensively installed throughout the vehicle. These components can be, for example, environmental sensors (e.g., lidar sensors, radar sensors, cameras, multi-camera systems, and similar devices including other (electric) components), configured to record the environment surrounding the vehicle and determine corresponding traffic conditions, for example, by determining the traffic conditions from the recorded environmental data. Top modules equipped with multiple environmental sensors are also known as top sensor modules (RSMs). For this purpose, known environmental sensors emit and / or receive electromagnetic signals, such as laser beams or radar beams, allowing the generation of a data model of the vehicle environment through appropriate signal evaluation and its use in vehicle control.

[0004] Environmental sensors and other electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic components used to monitor and / or record the vehicle's environment are typically mounted on the vehicle's roof, as the roof is usually the highest point of the vehicle, making it easy to observe the vehicle's environment from there. These components and / or environmental sensors are typically located on panel members forming the top cover of the top module; alternatively, they may also be arranged at openings in the top module and adjustable between retracted and extended positions.

[0005] Given the increasing mechanization and / or automation of the automotive industry, the demand for cables, particularly current-carrying and / or signal transmission cables, has increased. These cables interconnect various technical components mounted in top sensor modules and / or connect to control units and / or power sources. For example, it is necessary to connect multiple electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic components, particularly environmental sensors, to an evaluation and control unit configured to reconstruct a recorded vehicle environment from individual sensor signals. Thus, the evaluation and control unit forms a central intelligence that allows the vehicle to operate at least partially autonomously. Furthermore, there is a need for various technical components, such as those used to maintain infotainment coverage for the driver and / or passengers. These components, such as screens, touchscreens, microphones, and / or speakers, each require at least one cable connection to connect to the corresponding power source and / or evaluation and / or control unit. Depending on the technical complexity of the components, situations may arise where, for example, a single component requires multiple cables to ensure power supply and, in particular, multi-channel signal flow. Since components such as evaluation and / or control units and / or power sources are often not mounted on the periphery of their respective components due to space requirements, cables often need to be laid across and / or longitudinally within the vehicle.

[0006] In this context, multiple cables in existing technologies are often bundled together to form at least one cable harness, which is then laid as a unit within the vehicle frame. This cable structure or harness requires a considerable amount of installation space, a finite resource in automotive manufacturing. In other words, cable harnesses require a significant amount of installation space. Furthermore, their bending radii are often limited due to their thickness (diameter) and / or their susceptibility to buckling loads. These limitations restrict design freedom when laying cable harnesses within a motor vehicle, ultimately leading to an even greater need for installation space. Additionally, protective devices, such as radius brackets and / or protective tubes and / or washers, are required during harness laying to prevent potential damage to the cable harness during use. These issues become even more pronounced if the cable harness includes cables for environmental sensors, which are routed from the respective sensors to a central evaluation and control unit, such as an ADAS control system located in the trunk, as these cables are particularly susceptible to external damage and / or bending and / or crimping, which can negatively impact the functionality of the corresponding environmental sensors. Furthermore, the limited installation space in the roof area of ​​a motor vehicle, particularly for roof sensor modules, means that guiding the cable bundles often has to be very complex, for example, by accepting sharp bending radii (angular guidance). The aforementioned issues regarding installation space are compounded by the need for protective devices, in addition to laying the cables, to be installed between the vehicle interior or passenger compartment and the corresponding cable bundles. These protective devices can be, for example, additional molded components, foam components, and / or passenger compartment linings, preferably components designed to protect passengers from the electromagnetic fields surrounding the cables and / or cable bundles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a top sensor module and / or a motor vehicle having a top sensor module, which avoids the disadvantages of the aforementioned known technologies and, in particular, minimizes the aforementioned problems concerning installation space when laying cables and / or cable bundles.

[0008] This objective is achieved through a top sensor module according to the teachings of this application. Furthermore, according to the invention, this objective is achieved by a motor vehicle having at least one such top sensor module. Similarly, according to the teachings of this application, this objective is achieved by a motor vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the specification and / or drawings are within the scope of this invention. Of course, the interpretation relating to the top sensor module applies to motor vehicles according to the invention, without explicit mention. In particular, linguistically common paraphrasing and / or similar substitutions of corresponding terms within the scope of common literary practice, especially the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are of course included in the content of this invention, without explicit mention of every variation.

[0010] The top sensor module according to the invention includes a panel member that at least forms part of a top cover on the top of a vehicle, the top cover serving as an outer sealing surface of the top sensor module. Furthermore, the top sensor module includes at least one environmental sensor for recording the vehicle environment, the environmental sensor being connected to at least one cable. Additionally, the top sensor module includes at least one channel-shaped support structure, which preferably has a hollow cross-section. The top sensor module according to the invention is characterized in that at least one cable is guided along the channel-shaped support structure within its hollow cross-section, and / or a particular channel-shaped guide profile is formed at the channel-shaped support structure, the at least one cable being guided along the channel-shaped guide profile.

[0011] The motor vehicle according to the invention includes a vehicle frame having at least one top frame beam and a top sensor module. The top sensor module has a panel member that forms at least a portion of the vehicle's top cover, which serves as the outer sealing surface of the top sensor module. Furthermore, the top sensor module includes at least one environmental sensor for recording the vehicle's environment, which is connected to at least one cable. The top sensor module is arranged at the vehicle frame to form the vehicle roof. The motor vehicle according to the invention is characterized in that at least one cable is guided along, in particular, a channel-shaped top frame beam within its hollow cross-section, and / or a channel-shaped guide profile is formed at the channel-shaped top frame beam, with at least one cable guided along the channel-shaped guide profile, and / or at least one cable guide channel is formed between the top sensor module and at least one top frame beam, with at least one cable located within and guided along the cable guide channel. Particularly preferred is that the top frame beam forms at least a portion of the vehicle frame on the roof side. Particularly preferred is that at least one top frame beam is connected to at least one A-pillar and / or B-pillar and / or C-pillar and / or D-pillar, thereby forming part of the vehicle frame.

[0012] Preferably, at least one cable is designed to provide power to at least one environmental sensor and / or electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic components, and / or to transmit signals, particularly electrical signals, received from the environmental sensor and / or electrical and / or electromagnetic components to, for example, an evaluation and / or control unit, and / or to transmit signals, particularly electrical signals, to the environmental sensor and / or electrical and / or electromagnetic components. At least one cable preferably allows bidirectional signal flow. Currently, at least one cable can be synonymous with a cable bundle. Such a cable bundle preferably comprises multiple cables that, as needed, are aggregated on the cable bundle from different source directions at least along corresponding longitudinal segments of the individual cables.

[0013] At least one supporting structure is preferably designed to reinforce the top sensor module in at least one spatial dimension. The supporting structure is preferably a reinforcing structure, meaning that the top sensor module is reinforced by the supporting structure in at least one spatial dimension. Through the supporting structure, the top sensor module preferably has a predetermined degree of bending and / or torsional strength, and is preferably sufficient to meet the predetermined reinforcement requirements.

[0014] According to the intent of the invention, alternatively or additionally (i.e., and / or) the cable is guided within the support structure provided at the top sensor module, preferably within at least one guide profile. Portions of the guide profile are preferably formed at the support structure. The guide profile preferably forms longitudinal notches and / or grooves in which at least one cable can be guided. The guide profile is preferably guided on the outside of the support structure, however, this outside is preferably towards the interior of the top sensor module. This arrangement of the guide profile simplifies the accessibility of cable guidance, as the cable does not necessarily have to be guided through the interior of the support structure. It is also possible to start from at least one environmental sensor and / or other electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic components, guiding portions and / or areas of at least one cable within the top sensor module through the interior of the support structure and within at least one guide profile. Thus, for example, it is possible to guide at least one cable in a corner area through the interior of the support structure and otherwise within the guide profile. This effectively prevents sharp bend radii when guiding the cable. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously use the support structure or its internal channel-shaped hollow structure along with at least one guide profile to guide the cable.

[0015] According to the invention, installation space unused under the prior art can be actively utilized, and at least one cable can be guided according to its design in at least one load-bearing structure and / or at least one guide profile and / or at least one frame beam. This can save installation space in the motor vehicle that would otherwise need to be used for cable guidance in this manner. This is particularly advantageous in the top area. By saving installation space, design freedom can be increased, meaning that, for example, larger interior dimensions and / or larger surfaces for sun and / or panoramic roofs are possible. In addition to the advantages brought by the installation space, the cable guidance can be improved by the preferred channel-shaped hollow structure in at least one load-bearing structure and / or at least one frame beam. For example, since the channel-shaped hollow structure provides sufficient separation and protection for cable guidance, components required for cable guidance, such as guide rails and / or corner rails, can be omitted. This makes it possible to optimize the overall weight and production cost of the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to combine at least one cable bundle (particularly preferably comprising multiple of the at least one cable) of at least one environmental sensor with at least one other cable bundle (e.g., for lighting and / or infotainment equipment) in the top area in such a way as to save installation space. Furthermore, the laying of at least one cable as envisioned in this invention brings advantages to vehicle assembly because some operational steps become unnecessary compared to typical cable laying or cable guidance.

[0016] The top module can form a structural unit integrating features of automated or semi-automated driving assistance systems, and can be placed on the vehicle body shell by the automaker as a structural unit. The top sensor module according to the invention, simply put, can be a top module that at least forms part of the top of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the top module according to the invention can be a purely fixed top or a top including a top opening system. Additionally, the top sensor module can be configured for use with passenger cars or multi-purpose vehicles. The top module can preferably be provided in the form of a top sensor module (RSM) with at least one environmental sensor provided for insertion into the top frame of the vehicle body as a supportable structural unit.

[0017] Generally, environmental sensors can be designed in many different forms, particularly lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors such as cameras, and / or the like. LiDAR sensors operate in the wavelength range of 905 nm or even around 1550 nm. The raw material of the top coating of the observation area should be permeable to the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor; therefore, the choice of material should depend on the wavelength used by the environmental sensor.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least one channel-shaped load-bearing structure forms at least a portion of the top module frame, particularly transverse module beams and / or longitudinal module beams. This top module frame is preferably designed as an interface between the vehicle frame and panel components. The top module frame preferably reinforces the top sensor module, meaning it meets the reinforcement requirements for assembly and its intended use, i.e., its use as a top covering in the vehicle configuration. This top module frame preferably includes at least one transverse beam connected to at least two longitudinal beams to form a frame. Particularly preferred is that the top module frame forms a separate frame structure. According to this embodiment, at least one portion of the top module frame is used to guide at least one cable. In this way, it is possible to utilize the previously unused channel-shaped hollow structure within the load-bearing structure forming the top module frame to guide the cable. At least one load-bearing structure of the top module frame preferably includes a hollow cross-section (viewed orthogonally to the corresponding length of the load-bearing structure). Particularly preferred is that the top module frame includes a continuous, channel-shaped hollow structure forming a mounting structure for at least one cable. This makes it possible, for example, to lay at least one cable along the entire top module frame. This allows for considerable freedom in design and manufacturing, particularly regarding cable outlets, to connect at least one cable to, for example, an evaluation and / or control unit and / or a power source. At least one load-bearing structure can be arranged as a similar load-bearing and / or beam-like member at at least one panel member. The top sensor module can preferably be mounted on the vehicle frame via the load-bearing structure and / or the top module frame.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the channel-shaped support structure is integrally formed, particularly on the panel member. Alternatively or additionally, at least one support structure may be configured as an additional member at at least one panel member, and it may also be formed there. For example, the support structure may be formed on at least one panel member, particularly by deep drawing and / or injection molding. The support structure may be integrally formed, particularly on the panel member, to enhance its strength. The advantage of doing so is that no additional support structure needs to be attached to the panel member. In this embodiment, the top sensor frame is therefore preferably integrally formed on the panel member, meaning that the top sensor module preferably comprises an integral top module frame through which it can be arranged on the vehicle frame, particularly adhered to the vehicle frame.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the top sensor module includes a top module frame connected to the panel member such that a channel-shaped support structure is formed between the top module frame and the panel member. According to this embodiment, the mounting space provided for cable guidance is therefore not formed by the hollowness of the support structure itself; rather, the channel-shaped hollow structure is formed by at least a region of the panel member spaced apart from the top module frame, for example, at least a region of the panel member is fixed at its upper part. In this embodiment, the top module frame can be integrally formed at the panel member, because this design allows such a hollow structure for guiding the cable to be formed between the panel member and at least one support structure disposed thereon, even in this embodiment. This embodiment is advantageous because the interior of such a hollow structure can be easily accessed for laying and / or attaching at least one cable.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the channel-shaped guide profile is integrally formed on the panel member. In another preferred embodiment, the top sensor module includes a top module frame connected to the panel member and integrally formed, particularly at the channel-shaped guide profile. Particularly preferred is that the channel-shaped guide profile is formed on a support structure, which is disposed, particularly integrally formed, on the panel member. The channel-shaped guide profile can generally be formed in different ways on the panel member, thus enabling cable guidance within the channel-shaped guide profile. At least a portion of the channel-shaped guide profile is preferably located in the edge region of the panel member, meaning that cable guidance can be performed in the edge region. This is advantageous if the cable is guided from the top region to other areas of the vehicle, because, for example, A-pillars and / or B-pillars and / or C-pillars and / or D-pillars can be used to continue guiding at least one cable from the top edge region.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one cable is held within the channel-shaped support structure and / or within the channel-shaped guide profile by at least one attaching element. This attaching element can generally be designed in any manner. For example, the attaching element can be configured to secure and / or attach at least a portion of at least one cable to the guide profile, thereby laying the cable within the guide profile without the risk of loss. This securing method is suitable for corner areas to secure at least one cable in that corner area so that it does not fall out. At least one attaching element is preferably a fixing element. For example, at least one attaching element can be designed as a screw plate and / or a fixing element and / or a clip element.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the top sensor module may further include at least one electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic component, alternatively or additionally including at least one environmental sensor, which can be an antenna and / or a measurement sensor and / or a communication device and / or a lighting device. Of course, the component may also include more than one of each of the above components. Preferably, according to the invention, at least one component is arranged in the top sensor module and / or the vehicle, and this component must be connected to another component via a cable, meaning that the cable needs to be routed in the top area of ​​the top sensor module and / or the vehicle, which can be achieved by the method of the invention. The antenna may be an electronic or magnetic antenna. The measurement sensor may be a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a GPS sensor, an acceleration sensor, and / or similar measurement sensors, for example. The communication device may be a WLAN interface, an LTE interface, or other short-range, medium-range, or long-range communication interface. The communication device allows the vehicle to communicate with the vehicle environment, particularly to transmit and / or receive data. The lighting device may include one or more lights. These lights are specifically configured to indicate the automatic or partial automatic driving mode of the vehicle and / or different driving mode conditions. The environmental sensor according to the invention can be configured in various ways and may include lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors, such as cameras or multi-camera systems, ultrasonic sensors, and / or the like. For example, the lidar sensor operates in a wavelength range of 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm. The material of the environmental sensor's observation area is preferably permeable to the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor and is selected according to the wavelength used by the environmental sensor. Of course, only the signal detection unit, such as the optical sensor and / or photosensitive chip, can be placed on the vehicle body. The evaluation electronics, particularly referred to as the camera control unit (CCU), are configured to evaluate the signal detected by the optical sensor, which may be placed separately, for example, in another area of ​​the vehicle.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the top sensor module is arranged as a component on the vehicle frame of a motor vehicle. The top sensor module can be arranged on the vehicle frame via adhesive bonding, screwing, and / or welding, preferably through means arranged on at least one longitudinal beam and / or longitudinal load-bearing of the vehicle roof frame on one side of the vehicle frame. The top sensor module can preferably form a structural unit in which devices for automatic or partial autonomous driving supported by a driver assistance system are integrated, and can be mounted and / or arranged on the vehicle body by the manufacturer as a unit. Furthermore, the top sensor module according to the invention can be a purely rigid roof, or even an embodiment of a top panel element including a top opening system. Furthermore, the top sensor module according to the invention can be configured for passenger cars or multi-purpose vehicles.

[0025] According to the invention, a particularly preferred type of motor vehicle includes a top frame and a top sensor module according to an embodiment of the invention, which is mounted on the top frame. Furthermore, this motor vehicle preferably includes an evaluation and / or control unit and / or power source, particularly a battery, disposed in a mounting space within the vehicle frame and connected to at least one environmental sensor via at least one cable. The location of the evaluation and / or control unit and / or power source within the vehicle frame is generally arbitrary. Generally, at least one environmental sensor and / or at least one component can be connected via at least one cable to other and / or multiple technical components, which can be arranged, for example, in different areas of the vehicle. For example, at least one environmental sensor can be connected via at least one cable to a power source located in the underside of the vehicle and via at least one other cable to an evaluation and / or control unit located in the rear or front area of ​​the vehicle. Due to the spaced arrangement of different technical components, such as the evaluation and / or control unit and / or power source, and because the mounting space available locally in the motor vehicle is limited, the routing of the cables according to the invention is necessary, as at least one cable must be routed from the corresponding electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic component, particularly at least one environmental sensor, to other parts of the motor vehicle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, at least one frame beam defines at least one transverse beam and / or at least one longitudinal beam, through which at least one transverse beam and / or at least one longitudinal beam forms at least a portion of the top frame of the vehicle. Generally, the entire top frame can be used in the manner of the invention, meaning that all beams forming the top frame can be used for cable guidance. Particularly preferred is that if at least one environmental sensor and / or at least one component is, for example, arranged within the area of ​​such a beam, it means that at least one cable can be guided directly from it via the transverse and / or longitudinal beam. Particularly preferred is that at least one transverse beam and / or at least one longitudinal beam forms a separate top frame. Particularly preferred is that at least one longitudinal beam connects at least one A-pillar and / or one B-pillar and / or one C-pillar and / or one D-pillar to each other. Particularly preferred is that at least one transverse beam connects two A-pillars and / or B-pillars and / or C-pillars and / or D-pillars (located on the left and right sides of the vehicle frame), i.e., the direction of the transverse beam is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the top sensor module includes a top module frame, and at least one cable guide channel is formed between the top module frame and at least one frame top beam. According to this embodiment, the top sensor module can be arranged on the frame top frame via the top module frame, such that a channel-shaped hollow structure is formed between the two frames, which can be used to guide at least one cable. This channel-shaped hollow structure is preferably formed to surround the entire top area.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the vehicle includes an evaluation and / or control unit and / or power source, particularly a battery, housed in a mounting space within the vehicle frame and connected to at least one environmental sensor via at least one cable. The location of the evaluation and / or control unit and / or power source within the motor vehicle is generally not critical. Starting from the environmental sensor and / or at least one component, at least one cable, particularly as a cable bundle and / or cable strand, is preferably guided through a channel-shaped hollow structure and preferably exits in the area where the corresponding component is arranged in the vehicle, where the at least one cable will be connected. For example, the cable may, as intended by the invention, start from the top area and be guided through other load-bearing components with hollow structures, such as the A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, and / or D-pillar, to the vehicle interior and / or front and / or rear spaces (or other parts of the vehicle).

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, at least one cable is secured within the channel-shaped frame top beam and / or channel-shaped guide profile by at least one attaching element. The attaching element can generally be formed in any manner. For example, the attaching element can be configured to secure and / or attach at least a portion of at least one cable within the channel-shaped frame top beam and / or channel-shaped guide profile, meaning the cable can be laid within the channel-shaped frame top beam and / or channel-shaped guide profile without being lost. This securing method can be applied to corner areas, for example, securing at least one cable in the corner area so that it cannot fall out. At least one attaching element is preferably a fixing element. For example, at least one attaching element can be designed as a screw plate and / or a fixing element and / or a clip element.

[0030] It is understood that at least one load-bearing structure and / or at least one guide profile and / or at least one frame top beam may include at least one hole and / or opening for guiding at least one cable, which can be guided from at least one environmental sensor and / or at least one component through the hole and / or opening into the interior of the corresponding guide structure. Particularly preferred is the presence of multiple openings to allow for the most efficient guidance and / or insertion of at least one cable near the environmental sensor and / or component. This allows for particularly efficient use of available installation space.

[0031] Of course, the embodiments and illustrative examples mentioned above and discussed below can be implemented individually and in combination with each other without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any and all embodiments and illustrative examples of the sensor module also relate to panel members, particularly top modules, including such sensor modules, and to motor vehicles having such panel members, particularly such top modules. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are schematically illustrated in the figures and are described in detail below by way of example.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the roof-side region of a motor vehicle having a top sensor module according to the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle is shown, with a view showing cables being guided in the top area;

[0035] Figure 3 A first exemplary embodiment of guiding a cable according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 A second exemplary embodiment of guiding a cable according to the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 A third exemplary embodiment of guiding a cable according to the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 A fourth exemplary embodiment of guiding a cable according to the present invention is shown; and

[0039] Figure 7 A fifth exemplary embodiment of guiding a cable according to the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 8 A sixth exemplary embodiment of cable guiding according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a motor vehicle 1000 (not shown in its entirety) having a vehicle roof 100. The vehicle roof 100 is shown as a roof module 10, particularly as a roof sensor module, as contemplated in this invention. The roof sensor module 10 is arranged as a structural unit on the top frame 104 of the motor vehicle 1000's frame, exemplarily mounted on two transverse beams 102 and two longitudinal beams 106, via which the top frame 104 is formed. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the roof sensor module 10 has a panoramic roof 108.

[0042] The top module 10 includes a panel member 12 that forms at least a portion of the top cladding 14 of the vehicle top 100. In this example, the panel member 12, together with the panoramic roof 108, constitutes the entire top cladding 14 of the vehicle 1000. Electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic components are arranged in the front region of the vehicle 100 and / or the top module 10 (viewed from the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle). In this example, at least one component 16 is an environmental sensor 18 disposed in a component housing 19. In this example, the environmental sensor 18 is a lidar sensor. Other types of sensors, such as multi-directional cameras for (partial) autonomous driving, may also be used. The component housing 19 forms a dry area in which the environmental sensor 18 is placed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0043] Environmental sensor 18 is positioned directly behind the front transverse beam 102, which defines the vehicle's roofline. According to... Figure 1 The environmental sensor 18 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and / or arranged at the frame structure of the top module 10 so as to retract and extend (or be mounted thereon) in an opening (not shown) in the top cover 14 of the top module 10. In another alternative embodiment, the environmental sensor 18 and / or at least one component 16 are rigidly included at or within the top module 10.

[0044] according to Figure 2At least a portion of the panel component 12 and the panoramic roof 108 are shown as mixed or transparent, meaning that the internal area of ​​the top sensor module 10 is exposed and can therefore be viewed. At least one component 16 and / or at least one environmental sensor 18 are connected to an evaluation and / or control unit 22 via at least one cable 20, in this example, multiple cables forming a cable bundle, which is schematically simplified and arranged in the rear space or trunk space of the vehicle 1000. At least one cable 20 is laid in a mounting space in the edge region of the frame top frame 104, which, when viewed in the direction of movement x, is on the left and right sides starting from the environmental sensor 18. For example, this mounting space is formed between the top sensor module 10 and the frame top frame 104 and has not been used to date. In each example, at least one cable 20 extends along the left and right sides towards the beam 106 to the area of ​​the rear transverse beam 102 at the center of the vehicle. Starting from the central region of the rear transverse beam 102, at least one cable 20 is guided through the hollow, channel-shaped interior of the left C-pillar (viewed from above) to the evaluation and / or control unit 22. By using a channel-shaped mounting space to guide at least one cable 20, the cable guidance design can be made more efficient. The evaluation and / or control unit 22 is configured to evaluate electromagnetic signals recorded by the environmental sensor 18 and transmitted to the evaluation and / or control unit 22 via at least one cable 20 to reconstruct the vehicle environment. Particularly preferred is that the environmental sensor 18 is designed to be multi-channel so that multiple different signals can be recorded. For each recording channel, the environmental sensor 18 is preferably connected to the evaluation and / or control unit 22 via at least one cable 20 or a BUS system, such as a CANBUS or LINBUS system, to preferably transmit and evaluate signals on selected channels.

[0045] exist Figures 3 to 8 The image shows different schemes for guiding at least one cable 20 in accordance with the intent of the present invention.

[0046] exist Figure 3 The image shows an exemplary embodiment of a cable guide, wherein at least one cable 20 is guided through a channel-shaped hollow structure or installation space of at least one frame beam 102, 106. The at least one frame beam 102, 106 can be a longitudinal beam 106 or a transverse beam 102, for example (in... Figure 3 In this case, a transverse beam 102 is shown as an example. Generally, it can also be achieved through at least one of the columns A, B, C, and / or D (e.g., see reference numeral 110; see...). Figure 2 (To guide the cable.) Figure 3As shown, at least one frame beam 102, 106 includes a channel and / or opening and / or hole 112, through which at least one cable 20, originating from an environmental sensor 18 or its connection 24, is guided within the frame beam 102, 106, in a channel-shaped hollow structure. The channel and / or opening and / or hole preferably includes a sealing ring 114 to prevent moisture from entering between the at least one cable 20 and the wall of the frame beam 102, 106. Inside the frame beam, preferably, multiple cables 20 are guided together as a cable bundle.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that at least one cable 20 or cable bundle 26 is guided in the top region within the hollow structure between the vehicle frame 103 and / or the top frame 104 and the panel member 12 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4 In this configuration, the top sensor module 10 is directly connected, particularly glued, to the vehicle frame 103 via a corresponding embodiment of the panel member 12. For example, the panel member 12 and the vehicle frame 103 and / or at least one frame top beam 102, 106 are complementary in that they are joined by at least two abutting surfaces, but form a channel-shaped hollow structure in the complementary arrangement. Preferably, at least one cable 20 is provided in this hollow structure, including connection points 24 if necessary. Generally, the environmental sensor 18 itself can also be arranged within this hollow structure.

[0048] In other exemplary embodiments, the top sensor module 10 may also include a top module frame 28. Through the top module frame 28, the top sensor module 10 can be arranged, particularly adhered to, the vehicle frame 103, particularly arranged on or connected to the frame top frame 104. The top module frame 28 can be arranged on the frame top frame 104 in such a way that a channel-shaped hollow structure is formed between the frame top frame 104 and / or at least one frame top beam 102, 106 and the top module frame 28, the hollow structure being used to lay at least one cable 20 (see...). Figure 5 ).exist Figure 5 In the middle, channel 112 is again shown in an exemplary manner together with sealing ring 114, but now it is shown together with top module frame 28.

[0049] In another alternative embodiment, a guide profile 30 may be provided at at least one frame beam 102, 106 and / or at least one load-bearing structure 24 formed by the top module frame 28, in which at least one cable 20 or cable bundle 26 is guided. Figure 6 and Figure 7In this case, a guide profile 30 is provided on the sidewall of the frame beams 102, 106, which serves as a mold or groove with a channel-shaped profile section, in which at least one cable 20 is guided. In another alternative embodiment, a fixing element 32 can also be used to secure at least one cable 20 or cable bundle 26 to the frame beams 102, 106 or the guide structure. Particularly preferred is that the fixing element 32 may include a channel 112 for inserting or supplying the cable and / or a seal 114. In this example, the fixing element 32 is secured to at least one frame beam 102, 106 by a plurality of screws 34. Other types of fixing are also possible.

[0050] In another alternative embodiment, the top module 10 may include a top module frame 28 connected to the panel member 12 such that a channel-shaped support structure 36 is formed between the top module frame 28 and the panel member 12. The channel-shaped support structure 36 may also be integrally formed at the panel member 12.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] 10. Top module, top sensor module

[0053] 12 Panel components

[0054] 14 Top Cover

[0055] 16 Electrical and / or electronic and / or electromagnetic components

[0056] 18 Environmental Sensors

[0057] 19. Component shell

[0058] 20 Cables

[0059] 22 Assessment and Control Unit

[0060] 24 Connection points of environmental sensors

[0061] 26 Cable bundles

[0062] 28 Top Module Framework

[0063] 30 Guided Outline

[0064] 32 Fixing elements

[0065] 34 screws

[0066] 36-channel load-bearing structure

[0067] 100 vehicle roof

[0068] 102 Transverse Beam

[0069] 103 Vehicle chassis

[0070] 104 Top Frame

[0071] 106 Longitudinal Beams

[0072] 108 Panoramic Roof

[0073] 110 rear C pillar

[0074] 112 holes, channels

[0075] 114 Seals

[0076] 1000 motor vehicles

[0077] X Vehicle longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A top sensor module, comprising: A panel member (12) forming at least a portion of a top cover (14) of a vehicle roof (100), the top cover (14) serving as an outer sealing surface of the top sensor module (10); at least one environmental sensor (18) for recording the vehicle environment and connected to at least one cable (20); and at least one channel-shaped support structure (36), characterized in that the at least one cable (20) is guided along the channel-shaped support structure within a hollow cross section of the channel-shaped support structure (36), and / or forms a channel-shaped guide profile (30) at the channel-shaped support structure (36), the at least one cable (20) being guided along the channel-shaped guide profile (30), the channel-shaped support structure (36) reinforcing the top sensor module in at least one spatial dimension and providing the top sensor module with predetermined bending and / or torsional strength.

2. The top sensor module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one channel-shaped support structure (36) forms at least a portion of the top module frame (28).

3. The top sensor module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one channel-shaped load-bearing structure (36) forms a transverse module beam and / or a longitudinal module beam.

4. The top sensor module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The channel-shaped load-bearing structure (36) is integrally formed on the panel member (12).

5. The top sensor module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The top sensor module includes a top module frame (28) which is connected to the panel member (12) such that the channel-shaped support structure (36) is formed between the top module frame (28) and the panel member (12).

6. The top sensor module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel-shaped guide profile (30) is integrally formed on the panel member (12).

7. The top sensor module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top sensor module includes a top module frame (28) which is connected to the panel member (12).

8. The top sensor module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top module frame (28) is integrally formed at the channel-shaped guide profile (30).

9. The top sensor module according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, characterized in that, The at least one cable (20) is secured within the channel-shaped support structure and / or the channel-shaped guide profile (30) by at least one fixing element (32).

10. A motor vehicle, comprising: Vehicle frame (103) with a top frame (104) ； The top sensor module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is arranged on the top frame (104) of the vehicle frame; and the evaluation and / or control unit (22) and / or power supply are arranged in the mounting space within the vehicle frame (103) and connected to at least one environmental sensor (18) via at least one cable (20).

11. The motor vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that, The power source is a battery.

12. A motor vehicle comprising a top sensor module (10) and a vehicle frame (103) having at least one frame top beam (102, 106), said top sensor module comprising: A panel component (12) forming at least a portion of a top cover (14) of a vehicle roof (100), the top cover serving as an outer sealing surface of the top sensor module (10); and at least one environmental sensor (18) for recording the vehicle environment and connected to at least one cable (20), the top sensor module (10) being arranged at the vehicle frame to form the vehicle roof, characterized in that at least one cable (20) is guided along the channel-shaped frame top beam (102, 106) within a hollow cross section of the channel-shaped frame top beam (102, 106), and / or forms a channel-shaped guide profile (30) at the channel-shaped frame top beam (102, 106), the at least one cable (20) being guided along the channel-shaped guide profile (30), and / or forms at least one cable guide channel between the top sensor module (10) and the at least one frame top beam (102, 106), the at least one cable (20) being guided within and along the cable guide channel.

13. The motor vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one frame top beam (102, 106) defines at least one transverse beam and / or at least one longitudinal beam, and at least a portion of the frame top frame (104) is formed via the at least one transverse beam and / or at least one longitudinal beam.

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, The top sensor module (10) includes a top module frame (28), and the at least one cable guide channel is guided between the top module frame (28) and the at least one frame top beam (102, 106).

15. The motor vehicle according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The motor vehicle includes an evaluation and / or control unit (22) and / or a power source, which are arranged in a mounting space within the vehicle frame (103) and connected to at least one environmental sensor (18) via at least one cable (20).

16. The motor vehicle according to claim 15, characterized in that, The power source is a battery.

17. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 12-14 and 16, characterized in that, The at least one cable (20) is secured within the top beam (102, 106) of the channel-shaped frame and / or within the channel-shaped guide profile (30) by at least one fixing element (32).

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