Lidar sensor unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a lidar sensor unit (10), comprising: a lidar sensor (12) having a viewing area (14); a wiper arm (16) which is designed to clean the viewing area (14) by means of movement; the invention relates to a lidar sensor unit (10) for a wiper arm (16), comprising a drive system (18), which is designed to provide a movement of the wiper arm (16) by means of a force-conducting element (20), the lidar sensor unit (10) comprising a pretensioning unit (22), which is designed to adjust the pretensioning of the force-conducting element (20) by means of a shape change.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lidar sensor unit and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there are various different solutions for cleaning the sensor surface in the automotive field. Due to the increasing number of sensor surfaces to be cleaned in vehicles and the continuously increasing requirements for cleaning quality, the demand for innovative and robust cleaning methods continues to grow.

[0003] In the automotive field, the continuous reduction of weight to reduce fuel consumption and the intensifying competition have brought cost pressure. Therefore, there is a greater demand for cheaper and more efficient automotive components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Compared with known lidar sensor units, the lidar sensor unit according to the present invention having the features of claim 1 has the following advantages: It is possible to provide pre-tension for the force transmission element, but at the same time, it is possible to significantly reduce the structural space required in the lidar sensor unit. Further preferably, the pre-tensioning unit is configured such that it can compensate for, for example, thermal expansion or extend these adverse effects during the service life, but at the same time has extremely low structural space requirements and can also provide the required pre-tension for the force transmission element.

[0005] According to the present invention, this is achieved in the following way: The lidar sensor unit has a lidar sensor and a wiper arm. The lidar sensor has a viewing area. The wiper arm is provided for cleaning the viewing area of the lidar sensor by moving. In addition, the lidar sensor unit has a drive system, which is provided for providing the movement of the wiper arm through a force transmission element, wherein the lidar sensor unit has a pre-tensioning unit, which is provided for adjusting the pre-tension of the force transmission element by changing its shape.

[0006] In other words, the pre-tensioning unit provides a space-saving device for putting a force transmission element, such as a belt drive or the like, in a tensioned state. Here, the pre-tensioning unit can be deformed or provide a shape change such that the pre-tension of the force transmission element can be adjusted, especially increased. Here, the shape change of the pre-tensioning unit can be provided, for example, by the shape change of the components of the pre-tensioning unit and / or by the change in the spacing of the elements of the pre-tensioning unit, such that the shape change can be a contour change.

[0007] The dependent claims show preferred modification schemes of the present invention.

[0008] The pre-tensioning unit preferably has an intermediate part and two end parts, and these two end parts are respectively arranged on the intermediate part through tabs, wherein the end parts are arranged relative to the intermediate part relative to each other so as to generate pre-tension.

[0009] The advantage of this embodiment is that the middle part and the end part are integrally constructed, thus providing a particularly cost-effective and easy manufacturing method for the preloading unit. Here, the end part and the middle part can respectively form the deflection points of the force transmission element, so that the preloading can be defined by the arrangement of the tab relative to the middle part.

[0010] Further preferably, the end parts respectively have channels for guiding the force transmission element.

[0011] The advantage of this embodiment is that the preloading unit cannot slip and is therefore continuously arranged on the force transmission element in order to be able to generate preloading.

[0012] Further preferably, the middle part has an angle relative to the end part accordingly, wherein the middle part and the end part are configured to increase the preloading by adjusting the angle during the service life of the lidar sensor unit.

[0013] The advantage of this embodiment is that the change in the angle between the two end parts relative to the middle part can provide a shape change of the preloading unit, so that the preloading can be adjusted by the angle change. For example, the angle can be increased or decreased to increase the preloading.

[0014] Further preferably, the preloading unit has a first element and a second element, wherein the first element and the second element are connected by a tensioning unit, and the tensioning unit is configured to adjust the preloading by changing the distance between the first element and the second element.

[0015] The advantage of this embodiment is that the distance between the first element and the second element can be specifically adjusted by the tensioning unit, and thus the shape change of the tensioning unit can be caused, so that the preloading of the force transmission element can be adjusted. For example, the preloading unit can have a first element or a second element, which change the preloading of the force transmission element by changing the distance between them. Here, the distance between the first element and the second element can be specifically adjusted by the tensioning unit.

[0016] Further preferably, the tensioning unit has a pin element, wherein the pin element is arranged on the first element by a threaded connection, and the tensioning unit is configured to provide a change in distance by the threaded connection.

[0017] The advantage of this embodiment is that a threaded connection can be manufactured cost - effectively and, at the same time, the spacing between the first element and the second element can be adjusted in a targeted manner. For example, the first element has a threaded portion or a similar structure. This threaded portion engages, in particular, with a pin element which can at least partly have an external threaded portion. Thus, by rotating the pin element relative to the first element, the spacing between the first element and the second element can be adjusted in a targeted manner.

[0018] Preferably, a spring element is arranged on the pin element, wherein the spring element is fastened to the second element in order to provide a pre - tension.

[0019] The advantage of this embodiment is that a certain pre - tension force can be adjusted by means of the spring element, so that the pre - tension of the force - conducting element can thereby be adjusted.

[0020] Further preferably, the first element and the second element each have two deflection points, wherein these deflection points have a profile which minimizes the friction at the force - conducting element.

[0021] The advantage of this embodiment is that the friction between the force - conducting element and the deflection points of the first element and the second element is minimized by this profile, thereby reducing the load on the force - conducting element.

[0022] Further preferably, the first element and the second element each have two guide portions which are provided for restricting the movement direction of the force - conducting element relative to the pre - tensioning unit to an axis.

[0023] The advantage of this embodiment is that the force - conducting element of the pre - tensioning unit does not slip due to vibrations of the lidar sensor or similar loads.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle which has a lidar sensor unit as described above and below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figures 1 to 8b is a lidar sensor unit according to an embodiment,

[0027] Figure 9 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] All identical components, elements and / or units in all the drawings are preferably provided with the same reference numerals.

[0029] Figure 1Shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. Here, the lidar sensor unit 10 includes a lidar sensor 12 having a viewing area 14, a wiper arm 16, and a drive system 18. Here, the wiper arm 16 can be moved to clean the viewing area 14 of the lidar sensor 12. Here, the drive system 18 is configured to provide the movement. Further preferably, the lidar sensor unit 10 has a pre-tensioning unit 22 that applies a pre-tensioning force to a force transmission element 20 for moving the wiper arm 16. Further preferably, the pre-tensioning unit can adapt the pre-tension of the force transmission element 20 by changing its shape.

[0030] Figure 2 Shows a lidar sensor unit according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a force transmission element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. The pre-tensioning unit 22 preferably has a first element 34, a second element 36, and a tensioning unit 38. Here, the first element 34 can be offset towards the second element 36 by means of the tensioning unit 38 in order to thereby provide a shape change of the pre-tensioning unit 22. Further preferably, the tensioning unit 38 has a pin element 40 that is arranged at the first element 34 by means of a threaded connection. Here, the pin element 38 can in particular adjust the spacing between the first element 34 and the second element 36. The second element 36 preferably includes a spring element 42 in order to be able to generate a pre-tension on the force transmission element 20. Further preferably, a shape change of the pre-tensioning unit 22 can be provided by rotating the pin element 40.

[0031] Figure 3 Shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a pre-tensioning unit 22 and a force transmission element 20. The pre-tensioning unit 22 preferably includes a first element 34 and a second element 36. Preferably, the first element 34 is spaced apart from the second element 36 by a pin element 40 of the tensioning unit 38 in order to thereby be able to generate a pre-tension on the force transmission element 20.

[0032] Figure 4 Shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a pre-tensioning unit 22 and a force transmission element 20. In addition, the pre-tensioning unit preferably includes a first element 34. The first element 34 preferably includes a threaded portion 41 into which the pin element 40 engages in order to form the tensioning unit 38. Thus, the spacing between the first element 34 and the second element 36 can be adjusted by rotating the pin element 40.

[0033] Figure 5Shows a lidar sensor unit according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a force conduction element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. Preferably, the first element 34 and the second element 36 of the pre-tensioning unit 22 have guiding portions 48 for the force conduction element 20, such that the sliding of the force conduction element 20 towards the pre-tensioning device 22 is restricted to one axis.

[0034] Figure 6a Shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a force conduction element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. The pre-tensioning unit 22 has an intermediate portion 24. On the intermediate portion 24, two end portions 26 are preferably arranged in the intermediate portion 24 through tabs 28. Further preferably, the end portions 26 each have a channel 30 for guiding the force conduction element 20. The intermediate portion 24 preferably has an angle 32 with respect to each end portion 26. Here, the intermediate portion 24 and the end portions 26 are preferably configured to increase the pre-tension by adjusting the angle 32 during the service life of the lidar sensor unit 10. In other words, a shape change of the pre-tensioning unit 22 can be provided by changing the angle 32. Preferably, Figure 6a Shows the pre-tensioning unit 22 at a first angle 33.

[0035] Figure 6b Shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. In Figure 6b , the lidar sensor unit 10 preferably has a structure similar to that shown in Figure 6a . Here preferably, the pre-tensioning unit has a second angle 35 between the intermediate portion 24 and the end portion 26. Thus, the pre-tension of the force conduction element 20 can be adjusted.

[0036] Figure 7a Shows an embodiment of the lidar sensor unit 10. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a force conduction element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. The pre-tensioning unit 22 includes an intermediate portion 24 and two end portions 26. The end portions 26 are preferably fastened to the intermediate portion 24 through tabs 28.

[0037] Figure 7b Shows an embodiment of the lidar sensor unit 10. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably has a force conduction element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. Figure 7b The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably has a structure similar to that of the pre-tensioning unit 22 in Figure 7a . Here, the pre-tensioning unit 22 preferably has an angle 32 different from that of the pre-tensioning unit 22 in Figure 7a .

[0038] Figure 8 shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a force conduction element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. The pre-tensioning unit 22 preferably has an intermediate portion 24, and two end portions 26 are arranged at the intermediate portion through tabs 28. Preferably, the pre-tensioning unit 22 can be inserted onto the force conduction element 20 from one side, so that easy assembly can be achieved thereby.

[0039] Figure 8b Figure 8 shows a lidar sensor unit 10 according to an embodiment. The lidar sensor unit 10 preferably includes a force conduction element 20 and a pre-tensioning unit 22. Preferably, the end portions 26 of the pre-tensioning unit 22 at least partially surround the force conduction element 22, so as to reduce slippage by increasing the friction between the end portions 26 and the intermediate portion 24 relative to the force conduction element 20.

[0040] Figure 9 Figure 8 shows a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment. The vehicle 100 preferably has the lidar sensor unit 10 as described above and below.

Claims

1. A laser radar sensor unit (10), comprising: - a lidar sensor (12) having a field of view (14), a wiper arm (16) which is designed to clean the viewing area (14) by moving, a drive system (18) which is designed to provide a movement of the wiper arm (16) via a force-conducting element (20), -in, The lidar sensor unit (10) has a prestressing unit (22) which is designed to adjust the prestressing of the force conducting element (20) by a change in shape.

2. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The pretensioning unit (22) comprises a middle part (24) and two end parts (26), which are each arranged on the middle part (24) via a web (28), wherein the end parts (26) and the middle part (24) are arranged relative to each other in order to generate a pretensioning.

3. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein: The end parts (26) each have a channel (30) for guiding the force conducting element (20).

4. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein: The middle part (24) has an angle (32) relative to the end part (26), wherein the middle part (24) and the end part (26) are designed to increase the preload by adjusting the angle (32) during the service life of the lidar sensor unit (10).

5. A lidar sensor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pretensioning unit (22) has a first element (34) and a second element (36), wherein the first element (34) and the second element (36) are connected via a tensioning unit (38), wherein the tensioning unit (38) is configured to adjust the pretensioning by changing the spacing between the first element (34) and the second element (36).

6. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The tensioning unit (38) has a pin element (40), wherein the pin element (40) is arranged on the first element (34) via a screw connection, wherein the tensioning unit (38) is designed to provide a change in spacing via the screw connection.

7. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein: A spring element (42) is arranged on the pin element (40), wherein the spring element (42) is fastened to the second element (36) in order to provide a preload.

8. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The first element (34) and the second element (36) each have two deflection points (44), wherein the deflection points (44) have a contour (46) for minimizing friction at the force conducting element (20).

9. The lidar sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The first element (34) and the second element (36) each have two guides (48) which are designed to limit the displacement direction of the force transmission element (20) relative to the pretensioning unit (22) to one axis.

10. A vehicle (110) having a lidar sensor unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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