Vehicle roof comprising environmental sensors and cooling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle roof, in particular for a passenger vehicle, comprising a one-part or multi-part roof skin (18), at least one environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle environment, which is arranged underneath the roof skin (18) and can detect the vehicle environment through a sensor see-through region (44) of the roof skin (18), and a cooling device (46) for cooling the environmental sensor, at least a portion of which is arranged in a wet region, as is the environmental sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle roof, particularly a vehicle roof for passenger cars, the vehicle roof including an environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle environment and a cooling device for cooling the environmental sensor, the environmental sensor being disposed under the roof skin. Background Technology

[0002] Such a vehicle roof is known in practice and can be a roof module, placed as an independent structural unit on the body of the vehicle, which constitutes the vehicle shell of a passenger car. The body includes a top beam that intersects with the vehicle roof; the top beam is a longitudinal and / or transverse beam and serves as support for the body. The vehicle roof includes a top skin that forms a visible outer surface and has a viewing area for sensors. Through this viewing area, environmental sensors, arranged beneath the top skin, can detect the vehicle's environment.

[0003] For example, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles include a rooftop sensor module (RSM) equipped with multiple environmental sensors. These environmental sensors are integrated into the dry area of ​​the vehicle roof, specifically within the RSM module, and are lidar sensors and / or radar sensors and / or cameras. They detect the environment around the vehicle and provide measurement signals to the vehicle's electronic controls, allowing the determination of current traffic conditions and the adaptation of the vehicle's driving behavior to those conditions. To ensure uninterrupted operation, the environmental sensors must be maintained within a specific temperature range; for this purpose, a thermal device configured as a cooling system is employed. For example, the cooling system includes heat pipes connected to the environmental sensors located in the dry area. Dividing the vehicle roof into dry and wet areas presents a significant challenge to the integrated sealing system. Therefore, the structure of cooling devices for cooling the environmental sensors on the vehicle roof has been complex to date. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle roof in which at least one environmental sensor and a cooling device for the environmental sensor are optimized.

[0005] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a vehicle roof having the features of this application.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a vehicle roof, particularly a vehicle roof for passenger cars, comprising a single-piece or multi-piece roof skin; at least one environmental sensor for detecting the vehicle environment, the environmental sensor being disposed under the roof skin and capable of detecting the vehicle environment through a sensor viewing area of ​​the roof skin; and a cooling device for cooling the environmental sensor. At least a portion of the cooling device is disposed in a humid area, and the environmental sensor is also disposed in a humid area.

[0007] Therefore, the environmental sensor on the vehicle roof according to the invention is located in a humid area where water can enter from the outside. Since the environmental sensor is located under the top skin, which is a cover or cap, heat will accumulate in the area of ​​the environmental sensor due to sensor operation and / or external heat. Therefore, at least a portion of a cooling device is also located in the humid area, configured to draw in air, particularly through an air inlet on the top skin; the air can be used to cool the environmental sensor and then discharged again through an air outlet, particularly located on the top skin. In this way, the operating temperature of the environmental sensor can be maintained below a critical limit temperature, for example, below 85°C, or the temperature of the environmental sensor can be rapidly reduced below this limit temperature by simple construction means. Heat accumulated due to ambient temperature, sunlight, or waste heat from the environmental sensor can be effectively dissipated. This is an improved method that ensures uninterrupted availability of the sensor.

[0008] The environmental sensor on the vehicle roof according to the invention can be configured in various ways, can use electromagnetic radiation and / or sound waves, and can include, for example, lidar sensors, radar sensors, optical sensors, such as cameras, antenna devices and / or similar devices.

[0009] If the environmental sensor is a lidar sensor, it preferably operates in a wavelength range of approximately 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm. Cameras used as environmental sensors can operate in the visible light wavelength range and / or the infrared range.

[0010] The roof skin of the vehicle according to the invention comprises one or more components and at least partially covers an environmental sensor, which may be part of a sensor module. Furthermore, the roof skin includes a sensor viewing area, which is specifically like a window and permeable to the wavelength range used by the environmental sensor. The sensor viewing area may be closed and integrally formed as part of the roof skin or as an insert forming such an integral part. The sensor viewing area may also be a cutout where the environmental sensor engages with a housing or the like. In this case, the environmental sensor itself forms part of the roof skin visible from the outside and is located within the cutout of the roof skin.

[0011] The sensor's transparent area is particularly permeable in the wavelength range of 300 nanometers to 2000 nanometers. Furthermore, the sensor's transparent area is also advantageous in terms of its permeability to radar radiation.

[0012] To achieve effective air circulation, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the invention is configured such that the cooling device includes at least one air duct in which a fan is disposed. The fan draws in fresh cooling air and exhausts it again, particularly through an air inlet formed in the roof skin and an air outlet formed in the roof skin. The air duct is associated with the wet areas of the vehicle roof. Therefore, the fan disposed in the air duct is also associated with the wet areas.

[0013] In one specific embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the invention, a cooling element is arranged in an air duct, exposed to airflow within the air duct, and connected to the base of an environmental sensor via at least one thermally conductive element, which may be an element referred to as a heat pipe. The thermally conductive element may be located in a dry area of ​​the vehicle roof, which is sealed relative to a wet area. The base of the environmental sensor is adjacent to said dry area.

[0014] For example, the base of the environmental sensor is inserted into a cutout in a bracket, which is covered by a top skin and preferably formed by a top frame. This cutout allows for efficient connection of the thermally conductive element to the environmental sensor located in a humid area. The environmental sensor is mounted directly or indirectly on top of the bracket via a retainer, preferably in such a manner that a sealing ring is provided in the base of the environmental sensor, interacting with the bracket and circumferentially surrounding the cutout.

[0015] The base of the environmental sensor can be formed by a retainer, which forms a closed tray or a support plate, specifically attached to a bracket from above. Therefore, the environmental sensor can be mounted externally, i.e., entirely in a humid area. A thermally conductive element can be disposed between the retainer and the environmental sensor.

[0016] If the environmental sensor is mounted on top of the bracket and no retainer is provided, a flat rubber pad or similar material can be placed between the environmental sensor and the bracket for sealing. This rubber pad must have a recess for at least one thermally conductive element.

[0017] In another specific embodiment of the vehicle roof according to the invention, air guide ribs can be formed on the inner side of the roof skin to form air ducts. These air guide ribs can be integrally produced with the roof skin, which is in particular made of plastic. This is a cost-effective and robust embodiment, and it is also easy to install and replace. Few parts are required, while cooling efficiency is high.

[0018] The environmental sensor can be housed in an air duct formed by air guide ribs, eliminating the need for additional structural components for guiding the air. In this way, the air flowing through the air duct flows directly to and cools the environment sensor.

[0019] To maximize accessibility for the environmental sensor during installation and maintenance, the top skin may include at least one movable dome beneath which the environmental sensor is positioned, specifically including a sensor transparent area. The dome, particularly a separable dome, may be snap-locked and / or glued and / or screwed to an adjacent area of ​​the top skin. A cooling fan may also be positioned beneath the dome, thus placing it within a humid area along with the environmental sensor. This humid-area-limiting cooling solution eliminates the need for sealing interfaces facing the vehicle interior. Furthermore, an air duct may be integrated, particularly on the inner side of the dome, via air guide ribs formed on the inner side of the dome, meaning the dome on the air guide ribs is a single component. Additionally, the dome may include air inlets and / or outlets.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the top according to the invention is a top module. Such a top module forms a structural unit in an integrated manner, housing components required for the autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle. Thus, multiple functional elements can be integrated accordingly into the top module, which is a compact structural unit connected by the vehicle manufacturer to the vehicle body or frame, the body including top beams, such as top side beams and / or longitudinal top beams. Therefore, the vehicle top configured as a top module is a top sensor module (RSM) that enables the vehicle to drive autonomously or semi-autonomously.

[0021] In autonomous driving mode, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle roof according to the invention and configured as an autonomous vehicle drives itself at least without substantial driver intervention. In semi-autonomous driving mode, the vehicle roof according to the invention, for example, constitutes part of a driving assistance system.

[0022] The vehicle roof according to the invention may be provided with a transparent fixed top portion and / or a top opening system for a top opening.

[0023] In particular, the vehicle roof according to the invention is the roof of a passenger car. However, it can also be the roof of a multi-purpose vehicle, such as a delivery truck, a public vehicle, a small, autonomous public vehicle, a device such as a pedestrian transport system, or a towing unit of a truck.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle that includes a vehicle roof of the above-described type, wherein the frame may be provided with a top module configured as a top sensor module.

[0025] Other advantages and advantageous configurations of the subject matter of this invention are clearly understood from the specification and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The figures schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments of a motor vehicle having a vehicle roof according to the invention, which will be discussed in more detail in the following description.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a perspective top view of a motor vehicle having a top module according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a second perspective top view of the vehicle with the top module;

[0029] Figure 3 Is with Figure 2 The corresponding view, but the top skin has been removed;

[0030] Figure 4 It is the perspective bottom view of the top module;

[0031] Figure 5 It is the top module along Figure 3 Perspective section view of the VV line;

[0032] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 Second perspective view of the VV line;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Perspective bottom view of the top module in area VII;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the top module in the environmental sensor area;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a top view of the top module in the environmental sensor area;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a perspective bottom view of the environmental sensor, with the support structure shown separately;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the bracket;

[0038] Figure 12 It is a perspective top view of a motor vehicle having another alternative embodiment of the top module according to the invention;

[0039] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A standalone perspective top view of the top module;

[0040] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A perspective view of the top skin of the top module;

[0041] Figure 15 It corresponds to Figure 14 A dome diagram, but a semi-transparent one;

[0042] Figure 16 It is a perspective bottom view of the dome together with the sensor modules and fans; and

[0043] Figure 17 It is a perspective bottom view of the dome alone. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 10 is shown, which is a passenger car, and is provided with a vehicle roof 12. The vehicle roof 12 includes top side beams 14 located on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane of the vehicle, each top side beam 14 being part of the body, i.e., the frame. The vehicle roof 12 includes top modules 16 located between the top side beams 14, the top modules 16 forming structural units and attached to the top side beams 14, the top side beams 14 forming a frame support structure.

[0045] Top module 16 in Figures 2 to 10 The details are shown in the image, which includes a multi-part top skin 18 connected to a circumferential top frame 20, which serves as a support for the top module 16 and forms the junction between the top module 16 and the vehicle body.

[0046] Top module 16 is a top sensor module (RSM) equipped with devices that enable autonomous driving of vehicle 10. For this purpose, top module 16 has a sensor system including two lateral environmental sensors 22 and 24 located at the front of the vehicle's longitudinal center plane and a centrally located environmental sensor 26. Environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 can detect the vehicle's environment, enabling vehicle 10 to drive autonomously. By evaluating the measurement signals from environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 by the vehicle 10's controller, the current traffic conditions can be determined, allowing vehicle 10 to autonomously or automatically adapt to the current traffic conditions and take appropriate actions.

[0047] Environmental sensors 22, 24 and 26 can be configured in various ways, for example, they may include lidar sensors, radar sensors, camera sensors and / or other suitable sensor types.

[0048] As shown in the figure, environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 are all mounted on a plate-shaped retainer 28. This retainer has a circumferential sealing ring 30 on its bottom side, arranged in a groove. Each retainer 28 rests against the top frame 20 via the sealing ring 30. The sealing ring 30 surrounds a corresponding cutout 32 on the top frame 20.

[0049] Environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 are connected from below to their respective plate-shaped retainers 28 via threaded connections 34. Retainers 28 are connected from above to the top frame 20 via threaded connections 36, and retainers 28 may optionally be provided with threaded joints for additional sealing towards the top frame 20. In an alternative embodiment, if the retainer can be screwed onto the top frame from below in a non-illustrated manner, then the retainer's screw tabs may be arranged within a circumferential seal of the retainer towards the top frame. In this case, the threaded seal can be omitted.

[0050] The top skin 18 includes domes 38, 40, and 42, under which environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 are arranged. Domes 38, 40, and 42 can be removed from the surrounding skin for maintenance and installation. Each dome includes a window-like sensor viewing area 44 through which the corresponding environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 can detect the area of ​​the vehicle's environment.

[0051] To cool the environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 and maintain them at a predetermined operating temperature, a cooling device 46 is provided. This cooling device includes an air duct that extends in the form of a pipe 50 below the top frame 20 between an air inlet 52 under the dome 40 and an air outlet 54 under the dome 38. The dome 40 is provided with an air inlet slot 56 for air intake. The dome 38 is provided with an air outlet slot 58 for air exhaust. A fan 60 is arranged in the pipe 50 to deliver air through it. Furthermore, a cooling element 62 is arranged in the pipe 50 forming the air duct. The cooling element 62 is cooled by the intake air and is connected to a cooling plate 66 via a heat-conducting element 64, also known as a heat pipe. The cooling plate 66 forms the heat pipe connection and is located on the underside of the holder 28 of the environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26.

[0052] Together with ambient sensors 22 and 24, the air inlet 52 and outlet 54 of the air duct, which is part of the cooling device 46, are located in the humid area, into which moisture from the vehicle environment can enter. Meanwhile, the heat-conducting element 64, which extends between the cooling element 62 of the retainer 28 of ambient sensors 22, 24 and 26 and the cooling plate 66, is located in the dry area of ​​the vehicle roof 12, which is sealed relative to the humid area.

[0053] Figures 12 to 17 A top module 16' is shown, an alternative embodiment of which is also part of the vehicle top 12 of the motor vehicle 10. Figures 1 to 11Similar to the previous embodiment, the top module 16' includes a multi-part top skin 18' with two lateral domes 38' and 40' at the front relative to the vehicle's vertical longitudinal center plane, and a centrally located dome 42'. These domes are all positioned above the other continuous top skins 18. The domes 38', 40', and 42' also include sensor viewing areas 44 for environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26, which are positioned below the respective domes 38', 40', and 42'.

[0054] To form the cooling device 46', domes 38', 40', and 42' include air inlets formed by slots 56 and air outlets formed by slots 58. Air guide ribs 70, made of plastic, are integrally formed on the bottom or inner side of domes 38', 40', and 42', forming air ducts 48' in which corresponding environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26 are arranged. Therefore, air drawn in through the air inlet slots 56 can surround and cool the corresponding environmental sensors 22, 24, and 26, and then flow out again through the air outlet slots 58. Fans 60 for drawing in and expelling air are disposed beneath each dome 38', 40', and 42'.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 10 Motor vehicles

[0057] 12 Vehicle roof

[0058] 14 Top Side Beams

[0059] 16' Top Module

[0060] 18' Top Skin

[0061] 20 Top Frame

[0062] 22 Environmental Sensors

[0063] 24 Environmental Sensors

[0064] 26 Environmental Sensors

[0065] 28 Retainer

[0066] 30 Sealing ring

[0067] 32 Incisions

[0068] 34 Threaded connection

[0069] 36 Threaded connection

[0070] 38' dome

[0071] 40' dome

[0072] 42' dome

[0073] 44 Sensor Transparent Area

[0074] 46, 46' Cooling device

[0075] 48' air duct

[0076] 50 pipes

[0077] 52 Air Inlet

[0078] 54 Air outlet

[0079] 56 Air intake slots

[0080] 58. Air outlet slot

[0081] 60 fans

[0082] 62 Cooling elements

[0083] 64 Thermal conductive elements

[0084] 66 Cooling plate

[0085] 70 Air guide ribs

Claims

1. A vehicle roof, the vehicle roof comprising: Single-component or multi-component top skin (18, 18'): at least one environmental sensor (22, 24, 26) for detecting the vehicle environment, the environmental sensor (22, 24, 26) being disposed under the top skin (18, 18') and capable of detecting the vehicle environment through the sensor viewing area (44) of the top skin (18, 18'); and a cooling device (46, 46') for cooling the environmental sensor (22, 24, 26), at least a portion of the cooling device (46, 46') being arranged in a humid area, the environmental sensor (22, 24, 26) also being arranged in a humid area. An air guide rib (70) is formed on the inner side of the top skin, and the air guide rib forms an air duct (48') for the cooling device.

2. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling device (46, 46') includes at least one air duct, in which a fan (60) is provided.

3. The vehicle roof according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A cooling element (62) is provided in the air duct, and the cooling element (62) is connected to the base of the environmental sensor (22, 24, 26) via at least one thermally conductive element (64).

4. The vehicle roof according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base of the environmental sensor (22, 24, 26) is inserted into a cut (32) of a bracket, which is covered by the top skin.

5. The vehicle roof according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support is formed by a top frame (20).

6. The vehicle roof according to claim 4, characterized in that, A circumferential sealing ring (30) is provided on the base of the environmental sensor (22, 24, 26), the sealing ring (30) interacts with the bracket and surrounds the cut (32).

7. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The base of the environmental sensors (22, 24, 26) is a retainer (28), which is connected to the bracket from above.

8. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, characterized in that, The top skin (18, 18') includes at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, which allow air to flow through the cooling device (46, 46').

9. The vehicle roof according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental sensors (22, 24, 26) are located in the air duct (48') formed by the air guide rib (70).

10. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, and 9, characterized in that, The top skin (18, 18') includes at least one movable dome (38, 38', 40, 40', 42, 42'), and the environmental sensors (22, 24, 26) are arranged under the at least one movable dome.

11. The vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-6, and 9, characterized in that, The top of the vehicle is a top module (16, 16').

12. A motor vehicle comprising a vehicle roof according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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