Vehicle roof module for sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle roof module (3) for a sensor, configured to be mounted on a roof (2) of a vehicle. The roof module (3) comprises a roof skin (21) having an opening (8) and defining an outer side (22) and an inner side (23) of the roof module. Further included is a sensor mounting location (25) arranged at the inner side (23), the sensor mounting location having a visor (26) providing a field of view through the opening (8); a cover panel (7) which can be moved along a sliding path (27); and a kinematic mechanism (10) for moving the cover panel (7) along the sliding path (27) between: a closed position in which the cover panel (7) covers the opening (8) and blocks the field of view of the visor (26); and a retracted position in which the cover panel (7) does not cover the opening (8) and makes the field of view of the visor (26) clear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle roof module, in particular to a vehicle roof module for a sensor to be mounted on the top of a vehicle roof. Background Art

[0002] In order to support the further goal of driving assistance of the vehicle and supporting the autonomous driving of the vehicle, sensors for image recognition, such as sensors of road and traffic signs, are installed on such vehicles. In addition, the sensor can be placed in a housing on the top of the roof of the vehicle to provide a wide field of view. The housing can be part of a roof module of the vehicle, which can also be called an external sensor module. The housing or roof module will have a front screen or visor to provide an unobstructed field of view for light-sensitive sensors (such as lidar sensors). Like any other external component of the vehicle, the module will be exposed to weather and environmental conditions. And it may also be susceptible to damage. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to ensure long-term normal operation, it is necessary to provide a roof module that can withstand the above conditions. An object of the present invention is to mitigate the effects of the above risks.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by providing a vehicle roof module for a sensor, which is configured to be mounted on a roof of a vehicle.

[0005] According to one aspect, a roof module is provided, the roof module comprising a roof skin having an opening and defining an outer side and an inner side of the roof module. The roof module further comprises a sensor mounting location arranged at the inner side, the sensor mounting location having a sun visor providing a view through the opening; and a cover panel movable along a sliding path. A kinematic mechanism is used to move the cover panel along the sliding path between a closed position and a retracted position, in which the cover panel covers the opening and blocks the view of the sun visor, and in which the cover panel does not cover the opening and clears the view of the sun visor.

[0006] According to another aspect, the cover panel of the roof module is movable into at least one intermediate position along the sliding path between the retracted position and the closed position, and wherein the at least one intermediate position at least partially preserves the field of view of the sun visor.

[0007] According to a further aspect, the roof module is provided with a kinematic mechanism having a sliding assembly.

[0008] According to another aspect, the roof module is provided with a kinematic mechanism having a lifting assembly.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, the roof module is provided with an NVH detection unit / device for detecting noise, vibration and / or harshness.

[0010] Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0011] Further objects, aspects, effects and details of specific embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detailed description of multiple exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] By way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a vehicle roof and a roof module;

[0014] Figure 2A and 2B shows examples of vehicle roof modules according to the invention in different states;

[0015] Figure 3 shows a cross section of an example of a roof module according to the invention;

[0016] Figure 4 Show composition Figure 3 An exploded view of the components of the roof module;

[0017] Figure 5A and 5B Shown in closed and retracted positions Figure 3 Example of the kinematic mechanism of the roof module;

[0018] Figures 6A-6C Show Figure 3 Kinematic movement of the roof module;

[0019] Fig. 7A and 7B shows another example of embodiment of a vehicle roof module according to the invention in different states;

[0020] Figure 8 Show composition Figure 7B An exploded view of the components of the roof module;

[0021] Figures 9A-9C Show Figure 8 kinematic movement of the roof module; and

[0022] Fig.10A further example of embodiment of a vehicle roof module according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following description, spatial references such as front, side and rear, or bottom, below and above, or forward and rearward directions are relative to the overall orientation of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, and in particular to a driver behind the steering wheel of such a vehicle.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 , schematically showing a perspective view of an example of a vehicle. The vehicle is oriented to have a forward direction of travel as shown by arrow D. The vehicle 1 includes a roof 2, which in this example is composed of several roof panels 2a, 2b, 2c. One or more of the roof panels 2a-c can be part of an open roof assembly. A vehicle roof module 3 for sensors is mounted on one of the roof panels and, in this embodiment, is integrated with a first or front panel 2a of the vehicle roof. The vehicle roof module 3 is shown as being integrated into the roof panel 2a, which in some embodiments can be considered to be part of the roof module. A vehicle front window 4, side windows 5 and side-view mirrors 6 are further shown. The vehicle roof module 3 on the top of the roof can also be referred to as an external sensor module.

[0025] refer to Figure 2A and 2B , a vehicle roof module 3 is shown as a separate component 3. The roof module 3 includes a roof skin 21 having an opening 8. The roof skin defines an outer side 22 and an inner side 23 of the roof module 3. The roof module 3 further includes a sensor mounting location 25 arranged at the inner side 23, which includes a sun visor 26. The sun visor 26 provides a field of view 30 through the opening 8. The roof module 3 further includes a covering panel 7, which has a size corresponding to the opening 8 in the roof skin 21 of the roof panel 2a. More specifically, the opening 8 has an inner periphery, and the covering panel 7 has an outer periphery corresponding to the inner periphery of the opening 8. The covering panel 7 can be Figure 2A The closed position in Figure 2B to move between the retracted position in the Figure 2A In the closed position shown in FIG. 1 , the cover panel 7 covers, ie closes, the opening 8 in the roof panel 2 a and blocks the view 30 . Figure 2BIn the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 , the cover panel 7 does not cover the opening 8 and clears the field of view 30 of the sun visor 26. In this embodiment, the cover panel 7 in the retracted position may be located below the roof skin and / or the front panel 2a. In the retracted position, the cover panel 7 does not cover the opening 8 and exposes the inner recess 9 of the roof module 3. Thus, the field of view 30 of a sensor that may be installed at the sensor installation position 25 is cleared, or at least a clear field of view 30 is provided through the sun visor 26 to the outside 22. The sensor may be a lidar sensor or any other optical sensor.

[0026] refer to Figure 3 , a vehicle roof module 3 shown in cross section shows more details of the module. It further shows a roof skin 21 defining an outer side 22 and an inner side 23 relative to an opening 8. The roof module 3 further comprises an inner groove 9 adjacent to the opening 8 on the inner side 23 of the roof skin 21. A sensor mounting location 25 arranged at the inner side 23 of the roof module 3 is separated from the inner groove 9 by a sun visor 26. The sensor mounting location 25 can be arranged as a frame and equipped with bolt holes or other means for fixing the sensor. As mentioned, the cover panel 7 is movable between a retracted position, in which, in this embodiment, the cover panel 7 is located in the inner groove 9, and a closed position, in which the cover panel 7 covers the opening 8. In the closed position, the cover panel 7 can be substantially flush with the roof skin 21. When moving between the retracted position and the closed position, the cover panel 7 travels along a virtual sliding path 27 indicated by a dotted line.

[0027] The cover panel 7 is further provided with a buffer seal 32 extending along its outer periphery. The cover panel 7 further comprises a support flange 33 on which the sliding pins 18, 19 are arranged.

[0028] Further references Figure 4 , which shows an exploded view of the roof module 3, wherein the cover panel 7 is partially transparent for illustrative purposes, and the cover panel 7 is shown as comprising at least one sliding pin at each of two corresponding opposite edges 7a. In this embodiment, a front sliding pin 18 and a rear sliding pin 19 are included on each of the two opposite edges 7a. The roof module 3 further comprises a kinematic mechanism 10. The kinematic mechanism 10 consists of two sliding assemblies 11, 12 arranged in parallel at opposite sides of an inner groove 9, which is adjacent to the opening 8. The cover panel 7 is located between the sliding assemblies 11, 12, so that the sliding assemblies 11, 12 are spaced apart to accommodate the movement of the cover panel 7 therebetween. See also Figure 5A-B, the cover panel 7 faces each sliding assembly 11, 12 with a corresponding side edge 7a. Each sliding assembly 11, 12 includes a guide 13, which has at least one locator bend, in this embodiment, a first, front locator bend 14 and a second, rear locator bend 15. Each guide 13 further includes a slider channel 29. In this embodiment, each guide 13 is shown as being composed of a guide rail portion 13a and a wall portion 13b. Each sliding assembly 11, 12 further includes a driven slider 16, which has at least one sliding track, in this embodiment, a front sliding track 17a and a rear sliding track 17b. The slider channel 29 is used to guide each driven slider 16 parallel to the opposite side of the groove 9. The cover panel 7 is provided with a first, front sliding pin 18 and a second, rear sliding pin 19 on each side edge 7a facing the corresponding sliding assembly 11, 12. The two pins at the corresponding opposite edges 7a of the cover panel 7 can be formed by the outer part ends of a single rod. In this example, the two front pins 18 are formed by a rod 28. Likewise, the two rear pins 19 may be formed by the outer portion ends of a single rod 28'.

[0029] refer to Figure 5A and 5B , showing in more detail the sliding assembly 11 Figure 4 The roof module. Figure 5A , the kinematic mechanism 10 is shown with the cover panel 7 in the closed position, while Figure 5B The kinematic mechanism 10 is shown with the cover panel 7 in the retracted position. At least one detent bend of the guide 13 (in this embodiment, the front detent bend 14 and the rear detent bend 15), and at least one sliding track 17b are arranged for guiding the respective at least one sliding pin 18, 19 so that the cover panel 7 moves along the sliding path 27. When the cover panel 7 moves from the closed position to the retracted position, the sun visor 26 and the sensor 20 located behind it will have a clear view to the outside of the roof module.

[0030] Will further refer to Figures 6A-6C Describe the collaboration of these components. Fig. 6A In, as in Figure 5A As in the figure, the cover panel 7 is in the closed position. The driven slide 16 is in the closed position, to the left of the slide channel 29 in this figure. The rear slide pin 19 is at the top of the rear retainer bend 15 of the guide 13 and at the top of the slide track 17b. The front slide pin 18 is at the top of the front retainer bend 14 of the guide 13.

[0031] The operation of the driven slide 16 to move backward, to the right in these figures, means that the rear slide rail 17a forces the rear slide pin 19 to move in the rear retainer bend 15, downward and to the left in these figures, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B The movement of the follower slide via the slide tracks 17a, 17b thus forces and / or pushes the front and rear slide pins 18, 19 to travel through the respective front and rear locator bends 14, 15.

[0032] exist Figure 6C , the cover panel 7 is in the retracted position. The driven slide 16 is in the retracted position, to the right of the slide channel 29 in this figure. The rear slide pin 19 is close to the lower end of the rear retainer bend 15 of the guide 13, and close to the lower end of the rear slide track 17b. The front slide pin 18 is close to the lower end of the front retainer bend 14 of the guide 13, and close to the lower end of the front slide track 17a.

[0033] from Figures 6A-6C It can be clearly seen that the front and rear detent bends 14, 15 are arranged for guiding the front and rear sliding pins 18, 19 respectively when the sliding pins are pushed via at least one sliding track 17a, 17b.

[0034] As will be appreciated, the movement of the components of the roof module described above may be performed in the reverse order to return the cover panel to the closed position.

[0035] In the embodiment discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-6 , the cover panel 7 is intended to be moved forward and under the cover panel when placed in the retracted position. Thus, the cover panel will be located at the inner side of the roof module. However, in other embodiments, the cover panel can be brought to the outer side when in the retracted position. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 7-9 in the following embodiments.

[0036] refer to Fig. 7A and 7B , schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a vehicle top side 71. The vehicle is oriented to have a forward direction of travel as shown by arrow D. The vehicle top side 71 includes a roof 72. Another embodiment of a vehicle roof module 73 for a sensor is mounted on the roof 72. A vehicle front window 74 and a side window 75 are further shown. Figure 1 Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the front edge 731 of the roof module 73 is closer to and adjacent to the top edge of the front window 74. Figure 4Like the roof module 3 of the embodiment of the present invention, the roof module 73 includes a roof skin 721 having an opening 78. The roof skin 721 also defines the outer side 22 and the inner side 23 of the roof module 73. The roof module 73 also includes a sensor mounting location 725 arranged at the inner side 23, and the sensor mounting location 725 includes a sun visor 726. The sun visor 726 provides a field of view 730 through the opening 78, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B The roof module 73 further includes a cover panel 77 having a size corresponding to the opening 78 in the roof skin 721 of the roof panel 72. Also in this embodiment, the opening 78 has an inner perimeter, and the cover panel 77 has an outer perimeter corresponding to the inner perimeter of the opening 78. The cover panel 77 can be Fig. 7A The closed position in Figure 7B to move between the retracted position in the Fig. 7A In the closed position shown in FIG. 7 , the cover panel 77 covers, ie closes, the opening 78 in the roof panel 2 and blocks the view 730 . Figure 7B In the retracted position shown in FIG. 7 , the cover panel 77 does not cover the opening 78 and clears the field of view 730 of the sun visor 726. In this embodiment, the cover panel 77 in the retracted position is located above the roof skin 721 and may extend slightly forward above the front window 74. In the retracted position, the cover panel 77 does not cover the opening 78 and exposes the inner recess 79 of the roof module 73. Thus, the field of view 730 is cleared for the sensor that may be mounted at the sensor mounting position 725, or at least a clear field of view is provided through the sun visor 726 to the outside 22. Likewise, the sensor may be a lidar sensor or any other optical sensor.

[0037] about Figure 3 The description of the relationship between the various components of the roof module 3 also applies to Fig. 7A and 7B , except that the cover panel 77 in the retracted position is located above the roof skin 721 of the roof panel 72. Therefore, in the closed position, the cover panel 77 can be substantially flush with the roof skin 721. When moving between the retracted position and the closed position, the cover panel 77 travels along the virtual sliding path 727, as will be described below with reference to Figures 9A-9C Explained.

[0038] refer to Figure 8, which shows an exploded view of the roof module 73, wherein the cover panel 77 is partially transparent for the purpose of illustration, and the cover panel 77 is shown as including at least one sliding pin at each of the two corresponding opposite edges 77a. In this embodiment, a rear sliding pin 719 is included on each of the two opposite edges 77a. The roof module 73 also includes a kinematic mechanism 710. The kinematic mechanism 710 consists of two sliding assemblies 711, 712 arranged in parallel at opposite sides of the inner groove 79, and the inner groove is adjacent to the opening 78. The cover panel 77 is located between the sliding assemblies 711, 712, so that the sliding assemblies 711, 712 are spaced apart to accommodate the movement of the cover panel 77 therebetween. The cover panel 77 faces each sliding assembly 711, 712 with a corresponding side edge 77a. Each sliding assembly 711, 712 includes a guide 713, and the guide 713 has at least one locator bend, and in this embodiment, the at least one locator bend includes two rear locator bends 93, 94. Each guide 713 further comprises a slider channel 729. Each sliding assembly 711, 712 also comprises a driven slider 716 having at least one sliding track 717. The slider channel 729 is used to guide each of the driven sliders 716 parallel to the opposite side of the groove 79. The cover panel 77 is provided with a rear sliding pin 719 on each side edge 77a facing a corresponding sliding assembly 711, 712. The two pins at the corresponding opposite edges 77a of the cover panel 77 can be formed by the outer part ends of a single rod. In this example, this is not the case.

[0039] In order to move the cover panel 77 over the roof panel 72, the kinematic mechanism 710 further comprises a lifting assembly 40. The lifting assembly 40 comprises a transverse guide 41 having a second slider channel 42. The lifting assembly 40 further comprises a lifting slider 43 having a lifting bend 44 and arranged for sliding along the slider channel 42. The lifting assembly 40 further comprises a lifting rod 45 having a sliding shoe 46 at the end for movably sliding a guide rail 47 connected to the cover panel 77.

[0040] Here, lifting rod 45 is arranged to be lifted upward and / or lowered downward by lifting curved portion 44 when lifting slide 43 moves along slide passage 42 of transverse guide 41. When moving in the direction shown by the arrow, lifting rod 45 will be lifted upward by lifting curved portion 44. When moving in the opposite direction of arrow T, lifting rod 45 will be lowered downward. In this way, rod 45 can be lifted between closed, static position and opened, raised position. In addition, guide rail 47 is arranged to move through sliding shoe 46 when rod 45 is lifted upward and / or lowered downward. Therefore, the single lateral movement of sliding member can realize rising / falling movement. The movement of sliding member can be controlled by a single drive cable, and the drive cable can be used to control the driven sliding member of sliding assembly. Therefore, only a single motor may be needed to operate the drive cable, while enabling the covering panel to move intricately and delicately.

[0041] While such an additional lifting assembly as disclosed may be sufficient, in itself, to provide the desired sliding path for placing the cover panel in a retracted position external to the roof module, the sliding assemblies described thus far may be further extended.

[0042] In addition, each sliding assembly 711, 712 of the kinematic mechanism 710 further includes a pull rod 91. The pull rod 91 includes at least one pull pin 92 at one end and is connected to at least one sliding pin 719 of the cover panel 77 at the other end. In this embodiment, the at least one locator bend 93, 94 and the at least one sliding track 717 are further arranged to guide the corresponding at least one sliding pin 719 and the pull pin 92 so that the cover panel 77 moves along the sliding path 727. More specifically, in this embodiment, the front portion of the cover panel travels along the first portion of the sliding path 727, and the rear portion of the cover panel travels along the second portion of the sliding path 727. When the cover panel 77 moves from the closed position to the retracted position, the first portion of the sliding path extends upward and forward, while the second portion extends generally downward, and then the entire cover panel moves backward.

[0043] Will further refer to Figures 9A-9C The cooperation of the components constituting the kinematic mechanism of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8 is described. Fig. 9A , the cover panel 77 is in the closed position.

[0044] exist Fig. 9A, the lift assembly 40 is in the closed position, where it rests at one end of the lift bend 44. The follower slide 716 is in the closed position, to the left of the slide channel 729 in this figure. The rear slide pin 719 is at the top of the rear locator bend 93 of the guide 713. The pull pin 92 is at the top of the pull locator bend 94 and at the top of the slide track 717. The top of the pull locator bend 94 is lower than the top of the rear locator bend 93. This allows the pull pin to guide the rear slide pin via the pull rod.

[0045] By moving the lifting slide 43 in the direction T, as Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , as the sliding shoe 46 travels along the guide rail 47, the lifting rod 45 is lifted and the front edge or portion of the cover panel 77 is lifted, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B . Subsequently or simultaneously, depending on the selected configuration, the driven slide 716 can be operated to move rearwardly, to the right in these figures, so that the slide track 717 can force the pull pin 92 to move in the pull locator bend 94. In turn, the pull pin 92 pulls the slide pin 719 connected thereto downwardly through the rear locator bend 93 via the pull rod 91, respectively. Therefore, the movement of the driven slide 716 via the slide track 717 forces and / or pushes the pull pin 92 and the slide pin 719 to travel through the respective pull locator bend 94 and the rear locator bend 93.

[0046] With the lift bar 45 in the raised position, the front edge of the cover panel 77 may protrude and extend above the roof panel 2. To the extent that this may cause drag or wind noise, the front edge protrudes, the cover panel may be pulled in the rearward direction by moving the pull pin further through the pull locator bend 94. Fig. 9C , the cover panel 77 is in the retracted position. The follower slide 716 is in the retracted position, to the right of the slide channel 729 in this figure. The rear slide pin 719 is close to the lower part of the rear locator bend 715 of the guide 713. The pull pin 92 is in the lower end part of the pull locator bend 94, while being close to the lower part of the slide track 717. The lower end part of the pull locator bend 94 is lower than the lower part of the rear locator bend 93. This movement allows the pull pin to pull the cover panel backwards via the pull rod.

[0047] from Figures 9A-9C It can be clearly seen that the rear locator bend 93 and the pull locator bend 94 are arranged to guide the rear sliding pin 719 and the pull pin 92 respectively when the pull pin is pushed via the at least one sliding track 717. The arrangement of these bends is such that when the front part of the cover panel is lifted, the cover panel is lowered and pulled rearwardly.

[0048] As will be appreciated, the movement of the components of the roof module described above may be performed in the reverse order to return the cover panel to the closed position.

[0049] As can be appreciated, the pull rod, pull pin, and pull locator bend can be omitted to obtain a construction with fewer parts. Fig.10 Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. Figures 9A-9C The corresponding elements have the same reference numerals. The roof module 101 is mounted on the roof 2 and includes a cover panel 77. The sensor 20 is arranged in the roof module 101. The roof module further includes a lifting assembly 40, similar to Figure 8 The roof module contains different Figure 8 The sliding assembly 1011 is omitted because the pull rod and associated components are omitted. Therefore, the movement of the front part of the cover panel is similar to that of the reference Figures 9A-9C The movement of the rear part of the cover panel is similar to that described in reference Figures 6A-6C The movement explained. Figures 9A-9C The rearward pulling movement of the entire cover panel is absent, or at least not as noticeable.

[0050] To provide a means for cooling, the internal recess may include openings adjacent to the sun visor that allow air to enter the interior of the module toward the sensor. These cooling openings further separate the sensor mounting frame from the internal recess. When the cover panel is in the closed position, it may cover the cooling openings. This is to maintain aesthetics when the sensor is not in operation. The cooling openings may be provided in the form of slits, circles, ellipses, or other suitable shapes. For example, in Figure 4 In the embodiment of the roof module, the roof module is further provided with cooling openings or vents 34, which further separate the sensor mounting frame from the inner recess 9. The cooling openings 34 are arranged so that the cover panel 7 in the covering position covers the cooling openings 34 from the outside. When the cover panel is in the retracted position and the sensors installed in the roof module are in operation, these vents or openings provide an additional means for heat convection that may come from the operation of the sensors and their control units.

[0051] In another embodiment, the cover panel may provide a wiping function. Thus, the cover panel 7 may comprise a wiper blade 95 adjacent to one edge 7b of the cover panel 7 facing the sun visor 26. This may allow the kinematic mechanism to be arranged so that the wiper blade is able to wipe the sun visor as the cover panel moves along the sliding path. In another embodiment, the cover panel 7 may be provided with means for bringing the wiper blade into a position engaged with the wiper and a position disengaged from the sun visor. This allows the wiping action to be controlled and the wiping function to be activated only in cases and / or when required. Again referring to Figures 9A-9C , the cover panel 77 further includes a wiper blade 95 adjacent one edge 7b facing the sun visor 26. The detent bend is arranged so that when the cover panel moves along a portion of the slide path 727, the wiper blade 95 can engage the sun visor 26 and perform a cleaning action. Fig.10 In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , the cover panel 77 is provided with a wiper blade 95 .

[0052] In addition to the wiper blades, or as an alternative, the cover panel 7 may be provided with one or more cleaning nozzles. Said cleaning nozzles, when activated, allow the sun visor to be sprayed with a fluid, such as air or water, to be able to clean the sun visor. Alternatively, one or more cleaning nozzles may be provided in the recess and operated when the cover panel is in the retracted position. For example, in Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the nozzles 35 are positioned on the roof module. Regardless of the type and placement of the nozzles, whether above or below the cover panel, it is preferred that such nozzles are primarily operated when the cover panel is in the retracted position, as this may allow headwinds (e.g. during vehicle movement) to help disperse the fluid from the visor.

[0053] Using the various examples of kinematic mechanisms as described above, it is also possible to bring the cover panel into various positions along the virtual sliding path.

[0054] therefore, Figure 3 Covering Panel 7 and Fig.10 The cover panel 77 can be moved to at least one intermediate position between the retracted position and the closed position along the corresponding sliding path 27, 727. When in the at least one intermediate position, the position of the cover panel preferably at least partially maintains the field of view of the sun visor 26. Therefore, the intermediate position of the cover panel is such that the sensor placed in the sensor mounting location 25 will maintain observation of the external environment.

[0055] Depending on the speed of the vehicle, the inclination of the front window and other circumstances, the position of the covering panel can be manipulated to reduce, for example, wind noise, or the position of the covering panel can be manipulated to improve the drying of the sun visor by air flow, for example after a cleaning action or in the event of rain. In order to detect such an operating environment, the roof module can be further equipped with a control unit and an NVH detection unit or a similar device for detecting noise, vibration and / or acoustic harshness. The NVH detection device can generate a signal indicative of an NVH parameter. The control unit is configured to move the covering panel to one of at least one intermediate position in response to an NVH parameter exceeding a predetermined threshold value to reduce the NVH parameter. The NVH detection unit / device may include an acoustic sensor; and / or a vibration sensor; and / or an air flow sensor, such as a mass air flow sensor. Such a control unit may be part of a sensor to be installed in the roof module.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific forms set forth herein. On the contrary, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, and within the scope of these appended claims, other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described above are also possible.

[0057] In addition, although exemplary embodiments have been described above in some exemplary combinations of components and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may be provided by different combinations of components and / or functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is specifically contemplated that specific features described separately or as part of an embodiment may be combined with other separately described features or parts of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A vehicle roof module (3) for a sensor, the vehicle roof module (3) being configured to be mounted on a roof (2) of a vehicle, the vehicle roof module (3) comprising: A roof skin (21) having an opening (8) and defining an outer side (22) and an inner side (23) of the vehicle roof module; a sensor mounting location (25) arranged at the inner side (23), the sensor mounting location (25) comprising a sun visor (26) providing a field of view through the opening (8); a cover panel (7) movable along a sliding path (27); A kinematic mechanism (10) for moving the cover panel (7) along the sliding path (27) between the following positions: a closed position, wherein the cover panel (7) covers the opening (8) and blocks the view of the visor (26); and A retracted position in which the cover panel (7) does not cover the opening (8) and the field of view of the visor (26) is clear.

2. The vehicle roof module according to claim 1, wherein: The opening (8) has an inner periphery, and the cover panel (7) has an outer periphery corresponding to the inner periphery of the opening (8); and The cover panel (7) is substantially flush with the roof skin (21) in the closed position.

3. The vehicle roof module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover panel (7) comprises at least one respective sliding pin (18, 19) at each of two opposite edges; The kinematic mechanism (10) comprises two sliding assemblies (11, 12) arranged in parallel at opposite sides of an inner groove (9) adjacent to the opening (8) on the inner side (23), each sliding assembly (11, 12) comprising: A driven sliding member (16) having at least one sliding track (17a, 17b); a guide (13) having at least one locator bend (14, 15) and a slider channel (29) for guiding the driven slider (16) parallel to the opposite side of the inner groove (9); and Wherein, the at least one locator bend (14, 15) and the at least one sliding track (17a, 17b) are arranged to guide the at least one corresponding sliding pin (18, 19) so that the cover panel (7) moves along the sliding path (27).

4. The vehicle roof module according to claim 3, in, The at least one sliding pin (18, 19) comprises a front sliding pin (18) and a rear sliding pin (19); Wherein, the at least one locator bend comprises a front locator bend (14) and a rear locator bend (15); and Wherein, the front locator curved portion (14) and the rear locator curved portion (15) are arranged to guide the front sliding pin (18) and the rear sliding pin (19) respectively.

5. The vehicle roof module according to claim 3 or 4, in, The at least one sliding track comprises a front sliding track (17a) and a rear sliding track (17b); and in, The front sliding rail (17a) and the rear sliding rail (17b) are arranged to guide the front sliding pin (18) and the rear sliding pin (19), respectively.

6. The vehicle roof module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The two sliding pins (18, 19) at respective opposite edges of the cover panel (7) are formed by the ends of the outer parts of a single rod (28).

7. A vehicle roof module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The cover panel (7, 77) in the retracted position is located at the inner side (23) or the outer side (22).

8. The vehicle roof module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The kinematic mechanism (10, 710) further comprises a lifting assembly (40), wherein the lifting assembly (40) comprises: a transverse guide (41) comprising a second slider channel (42); a slider (43) having a lifting bend (44), the slider (43) being arranged to slide along the second slider channel (42); a lifting bar (45) comprising a sliding shoe (46) for movably sliding a guide rail (47) connected to the cover panel (7); wherein the lifting rod (45) is arranged to be lifted upwards and / or lowered downwards by the lifting curved portion (44) when the slider (43) moves along the second slider channel (42) of the transverse guide (41); and Therein, the guide rail (47) is arranged to move through the sliding shoe (46) when the lifting rod (45) is lifted upwards and / or lowered downwards.

9. The vehicle roof module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each sliding assembly (11, 12, 711, 712) further comprises a pulling rod (91) and a pulling positioner curved portion (94); wherein the pull rod (91) comprises at least one pull pin (92) at one end and is connected at the other end to at least one sliding pin (19, 719) of the cover panel (7, 77); and Wherein, the at least one locator bend (14, 15, 93), the pulling locator bend (94) and the at least one sliding track (17a, 17b, 717) are further arranged to guide the at least one corresponding sliding pin (19, 719) and the pulling pin (92) so that the cover panel (7, 77) moves along the sliding path (27, 727).

10. The vehicle roof module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The cover panel (7, 77) further comprises a wiper blade (95) adjacent to one edge (7b) facing the sun visor (26).

11. The vehicle roof module according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling opening (34) further separating the sensor mounting frame from the inner recess; and in, The cover panel (7) covers the cooling opening (34) in the covering position.

12. A vehicle roof module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The cover panel (7) is movable to at least one intermediate position along the sliding path (27) between the retracted position and the closed position; and The at least one intermediate position at least partially maintains the field of view of the sun visor (26).

13. The vehicle roof module of claim 12, further comprising: at least one nozzle, the at least one nozzle being mounted on the covering panel (7) such that in one of the at least one intermediate position the nozzle is aimed / directed towards the sun visor (26); as well as The covering panel (7) is moved along the sliding path (27) into and out of one of the at least one intermediate position so that the nozzle is aimed / directed towards different areas of the sun visor (26).

14. The vehicle roof module according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: Control unit; wherein the control unit is arranged to receive a contamination signal indicating the presence of contamination on the sun visor (26); and The control unit is further arranged to move the cover panel (7) to one of the at least one intermediate position in response to receiving the contamination signal, so as to reduce contamination on the sun visor.

15. The vehicle roof module according to any one of the preceding claims 12-14, further comprising: an NVH detection unit / device for detecting noise, vibration and / or harshness, the NVH detection device generating a signal indicative of an NVH parameter; as well as Control unit; wherein the control unit is configured to move the cover panel (7, 77) to one of the at least one intermediate positions in response to the NVH parameter exceeding a predetermined threshold value so as to reduce the NVH parameter; and Wherein, the NVH detection unit / device comprises: Acoustic sensors; and / or Vibration sensor; and / or Air flow sensors, such as mass air flow sensors.

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