Sensor module with environment sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor module (204) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a surroundings sensor (5), which can detect a vehicle surroundings via the perspective region (4), a transparent region (4), a sensor module frame (13), a cover (6), a surface cuff (12) and a cover (11), the invention relates to a sensor module (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor module frame (13), a surroundings sensor (5), which is arranged on the sensor module frame (13) in such a way that the surroundings sensor (5) can be retracted and extended between a retracted position and an extended position, a cover, which is arranged on the surroundings sensor (5), a surface cuff, which is arranged on the sensor module frame (13), and a cover, which is arranged at least in some regions on the surface cuff (12), the cover covers and / or bridges the surface cuff (12) and the cover portion (6), and the cover is made of a flexible or elastic or flexible material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor module for a motor vehicle, the sensor module having an environmental sensor. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a motor vehicle that includes at least one such sensor module. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle roof is known in practice. For example, the vehicle roof can be constructed as a roof sensor module, which can be placed as a separate structural unit on the vehicle body of a passenger car, forming the vehicle body-in-white. The vehicle body includes a roof beam as an interface with the vehicle roof, which can be constructed as a longitudinal beam and / or a transverse beam and constitute a carrier device on the side of the vehicle body-in-white. The vehicle roof includes a roof skin, which forms the outer appearance surface and has a sensor viewing area for detecting the vehicle environment. Environmental sensors arranged under the roof skin can detect the vehicle environment through this sensor viewing area.

[0003] Autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles include, for example, roofs configured as sensor roof modules (German: Sensordachmodul, or English: Roof Sensor Module, RSM) equipped with multiple environmental sensors. These environmental sensors are integrated into the vehicle roof, particularly in a roof sensor module configuration, in dry areas, and are configured, for example, as lidar sensors and / or radar sensors and / or cameras. These environmental sensors detect the environment surrounding the vehicle and provide corresponding measurement signals to the vehicle's control electronics, enabling the determination of relevant traffic conditions and adapting the vehicle's driving behavior to those conditions. Here, the environmental sensors can be arranged, for example, in a retractable and extendable manner or rigidly on the roof skin. Furthermore, it is known to integrate various functions for sensor availability (e.g., cleaning and / or cooling of the environmental sensors) into such roof sensor modules. Additionally, retractable and extendable variations of the roof sensor module are also known.

[0004] The challenges that persist in such sensor modules and / or roof-mounted sensor modules include inadequate visual design, unattractive designs, complex layouts, and high complexity in order to fully utilize structural space for sensor integration. Here, structural and functional limitations, particularly in sensor positioning for providing high field-of-view coverage, lead to increasingly complex solutions. Another challenge in retractable and extendable sensor modules and / or roof-mounted sensor modules is the issue of water ingress and water management. Addressing this requires complex structural solutions with high installation space requirements, which are accompanied by significant weight and, similarly, high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved sensor module and / or an improved roof sensor module and / or an improved motor vehicle having such a sensor module and / or such a roof sensor module.

[0006] This task is accomplished by a sensor module having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this task is accomplished by a roof-mounted sensor module having the features of claim 10. This task is also accomplished by a vehicle having the features of claim 11.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. All combinations consisting of at least two features disclosed in the specification, claims, and / or drawings are within the scope of the invention. It should be understood in particular here that conventional language transformations and / or analogous substitutions of corresponding terms within the framework of conventional language practice, especially the use of synonyms supported by recognized language literature, are included in this disclosure without needing to be explicitly mentioned in the corresponding statements.

[0008] In a first aspect, a sensor module for a motor vehicle is proposed. The sensor module includes an environmental sensor, a viewing area, a sensor module frame, a cover, a surface hoop, and a shroud. The environmental sensor is capable of detecting the environment surrounding the vehicle through the viewing area. The environmental sensor is arranged on the sensor module frame in a manner that allows it to retract and extend between a retracted and extended position. The cover is arranged on the environmental sensor, the surface hoop is arranged on the sensor module frame, and the shroud is at least partially arranged on the surface hoop. The shroud covers and / or bridging the surface hoop and the cover (the shroud is stretched taut over the surface hoop and the cover), and the shroud is constructed of a flexible, elastic, or bendable material.

[0009] The hood can also be understood as a verdeck or baldachin. Specifically, the hood can move between a retracted and extended position, in the form of a convertible roof, and in each position defines the outer contour of the sensor module. Preferably, in the extended position, the hood transitions continuously or smoothly into the surface members surrounding the vehicle roof, so that no sharp contours or edges are visible.

[0010] It should be understood that the sensor module may have at least one environmental sensor. It should also be understood that the sensor module may have additional functional components, particularly air conditioning and / or lighting devices for regulating the air supply to the environmental sensor and / or cleaning devices with at least one cleaning nozzle. These types of functional components may be arranged on the sensor module frame. The environmental sensor may have a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or an infrared sensor and / or a camera sensor. The environmental sensor may be fixed relative to the surface members or roof skin of the motor vehicle, or constructed in a retractable and extendable manner, or in an adjustable manner. In the present context, the term motor vehicle and the term vehicle are used synonymously.

[0011] The sensor module described here improves the styling and design of motor vehicles. Furthermore, this sensor module allows for improved layout and efficient use of structural space within the vehicle. It also enables improved sensor positioning and consequently, improved field of view and visibility for environmental sensors. This also enhances sensor usability. Similarly, due to its current construction, the sensor module offers improved waterproofing and water management. In summary, the sensor module features reduced complexity, which lowers the required cost. Likewise, the current construction results in weight savings.

[0012] In another aspect, it is proposed that the cover is fixed to the upper side of the environmental sensor and is capable of retracting and extending together with the environmental sensor between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the surface hoop is fixed to the sensor module frame, and wherein the cover is fixed to the surface hoop at least sectionally on the edge side.

[0013] Preferably, both the cover and the surface clamp are constructed from immovable, fixed, or rigid profiles or profile sections, such as those made of plastic or metal (e.g., sheet metal). The cover and surface clamp here constrain the shape of the sensor module. The transition is then smoothed by a cover to create an aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.

[0014] In another aspect, it is proposed that the environmental sensor can retract and extend relative to the sensor module frame between a retracted position and an extended position via a mechanism and by means of an adjusting element, the mechanism being particularly arranged on the sensor module frame.

[0015] The mechanism can be any suitable adjustment motion mechanism for adjusting an environmental sensor between a retracted and extended position. The adjustment element can be a rotary actuator or a linear actuator.

[0016] In another aspect, it is proposed that the cover has at least a partially transparent area, and / or wherein the transparent area is arranged on or integrated into the cover.

[0017] Multiple perspective zones can be provided on or within the cover. These perspective zones can be constructed integrally with the cover, or they can be placed as windows within the opening of the cover. The perspective zones can have or constitute lenses or objectives.

[0018] In another aspect, it is proposed that in the retracted position, the cover is flush with the roof surface of the motor vehicle, and in the extended position, the cover defines an arched portion relative to the roof of the vehicle.

[0019] The surface hoop has a shape that preferably corresponds at least partially to a predetermined shape of the outer surface of the sensor module. A cover is arranged or (securely) mounted on at least one environmental sensor. The cover preferably has a shape that corresponds at least partially to a predetermined shape of the outer surface of the sensor module. Preferably, the cover and the surface hoop together form almost the entire predetermined shape of the outer surface of the sensor module. A cover is fitted or tensioned above the surface hoop and the cover. The cover defines the entire predetermined outer surface of the sensor module.

[0020] In another aspect, it is proposed that the sensor module further has a conical member arranged in the area surrounding the viewing area, and the conical member is preferably at least sectionally fastened to the cover and / or sensor module frame and / or surface hoop and / or environmental sensor, wherein the conical member is housed under the cover in the retracted position of the environmental sensor and releases the field of view of the environmental sensor through the viewing area in the extended position of the environmental sensor, and wherein the conical member is preferably constructed of a flexible, elastic or bendable material.

[0021] The conical element can be constructed from fabric or foil. For example, the conical element is formed in the form of a truncated hollow cone. Then, on one side, the conical element is preferably fastened to the environmental sensor around the viewing area. On the other side, the conical element is fastened, for example, to the cover (on the edge area of ​​the cover) and to the sensor module frame and / or surface clamp.

[0022] In another aspect, it is proposed that the sensor module further includes a flipper (Klappe) and a cleaning module having at least one cleaning nozzle, wherein the flipper is preferably adjustable by an adjustment element to release and / or activate the cleaning module.

[0023] Preferably, the adjusting element can also be manipulated by the fluid pressure of the cleaning medium, and may, for example, have a return spring.

[0024] In another aspect, it is proposed that an additional cover is arranged on the cover in a hinged manner, wherein the additional cover is preferably supported in a hinged manner on the sensor module frame and / or surface hoop.

[0025] Additional covers may be front covers, rear covers, and side covers. These additional covers are preferably shields in both positions, providing additional support, and are mechanically operated, for example, by the mechanism of the environmental sensor. The additional covers may also be slidably supported on surface clamps and / or the sensor module frame.

[0026] In another aspect, it is proposed that the cover has a flexible or elastic or bendable foil and / or a flexible or elastic or bendable fabric, and / or wherein the cover is at least partially transparent or dyed.

[0027] A wide variety of implementation schemes for the cover can be considered and manufactured. Some of these schemes will be explained in more detail below.

[0028] In the present case, protection is also required for the roof of a motor vehicle, which includes at least one sensor module according to any embodiment.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof is constructed as a roof sensor module. Such a roof sensor module is integrated into a structural unit that houses components required for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle. Therefore, the roof sensor module constitutes a compact structural unit in which multiple functional elements can be integrated. This structural unit is connected to the vehicle body or body-in-white by the vehicle manufacturer, including roof beams, such as roof side beams and / or roof longitudinal beams. The vehicle roof constructed as a roof sensor module thus constitutes a sensor roof module (German: Sensordachmodul, or English: Roof Sensor Module, RSM) capable of enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle.

[0030] Motor vehicles equipped with such a vehicle roof and configured for autonomous driving can drive independently in autonomous driving mode, requiring at least minimal driver intervention. In semi-autonomous driving mode, the vehicle roof according to the invention, for example, forms part of a driver assistance system.

[0031] The vehicle roof may have a transparent fixed roof section and / or a roof opening system for roof openings.

[0032] In particular, the vehicle roof at least partially forms the roof of a passenger car. But it can also be the roof of a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck, bus, self-driving minibus (e.g., a so-called "people mover"), or a heavy-duty truck tractor.

[0033] In the current context, protection is also required for a motor vehicle that includes sensor modules of the aforementioned type and / or a vehicle roof. Preferably, the vehicle roof is configured as a roof sensor module (German: Dachsensormodul, or English: Roof Sensor Module, RSM), which can be arranged as a pre-assembled structural unit on the vehicle body. That is, in other words, particularly the vehicle body-in-white of the motor vehicle may be equipped with a prefabricated or pre-assembled roof sensor module configured as a sensor roof module (German: Sensordachmodul, or English: Roof Sensor Module).

[0034] It should be understood that the features mentioned above and to be described below can be constructed not only individually but also in any combination thereof without departing from the framework of the invention. Similarly, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples mentioned above and to be described below relate to all implementations of the invention in an equivalent or at least similar manner, without the need for separate mention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings and are exemplarily described below.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic view of a motor vehicle with a roof is shown, on which sensor modules are arranged.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic view of a motor vehicle with a roof is shown, on which sensor modules are arranged.

[0038] Figure 3 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0039] Figure 4 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0041] Figure 6 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0042] Figure 7 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0044] Figure 9 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0045] Figure 10An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0046] Figure 11 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0047] Figure 12 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0048] Figure 13 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0049] Figure 14 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0050] Figure 15 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0051] Figure 16 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0052] Figure 17 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0053] Figure 18 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0054] Figure 19 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0055] Figure 20 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0056] Figure 21 An example of a cover is shown.

[0057] Figure 22 An embodiment of the sensor module is shown.

[0058] Figure 23 An example of a cover is shown.

[0059] Figure 24 An example of a cover is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is schematically shown, having a vehicle body 1002. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 has a roof sensor module 2, which is arranged as a pre-assembled structural unit on the vehicle body 1002 and at least partially forms the vehicle roof 100 of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 also has a windshield 1004.

[0061] Motor vehicle 1 is defined by its longitudinal direction x, which extends orthogonally to the vehicle's width direction y and height direction z.

[0062] In an alternative implementation, the vehicle roof 100 may also be a vehicle roof not configured as the roof sensor module 2. Therefore, all implementations also involve such a vehicle roof 100.

[0063] The roof sensor module 2 includes a surface member 202 that at least partially forms the roof skin 102 of the vehicle roof 100. According to... Figure 1 The roof sensor module 2 includes a sliding roof and / or a panoramic roof 3. The sliding roof and / or panoramic roof 3 may have a roof opening system (not shown), which includes, for example, a cover element movable for selectively opening or closing the roof opening. In other or supplementary embodiments, the roof sensor module 2 may have a fixed roof element.

[0064] The motor vehicle 1 and / or the vehicle roof 100 and / or the roof sensor module 2 have a sensor module 204. In the present case, the sensor module 204 is part of the roof sensor module 2. The sensor module 204 can also be constructed separately from the roof sensor module 2. The sensor module 204 is shown in detail in other figures with at least partially different embodiments. In the present case, the roof sensor module 2 or the sensor module 204 is constructed as a fully functional and installation-ready pre-assembled module, which is mounted on the vehicle body 1002 (e.g., by adhesive or threaded connection). The roof sensor module 2 includes a sliding roof and / or a panoramic roof 3, which is mounted on the vehicle 1, for example, together with the roof sensor module 2. Alternatively, the sliding roof and / or panoramic roof 3 (if present) can be mounted separately on the vehicle 1.

[0065] In the current configuration, sensor module 204 has a viewing area 4 and at least one environmental sensor 5, which is capable of detecting the vehicle environment through the viewing area 4 (see [reference]). Figure 2 In the current situation, environmental sensor 5 is able to be in a retracted position (see...). Figure 1 ) and extended position (see Figure 2 The sensor module 204 or the roof sensor module 2 includes a cover 6, a mechanism 7, a cleaning module 9, an adjustment element 10, a cover 11, a surface hoop 12, and a sensor module frame 13.

[0066] At least one environmental sensor 5 is capable of moving between a closed or retracted position and an open or extended position via a mechanism 7, for example, that can be manipulated by an adjustment element 10. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 3 ) and extended position ( Figure 4 The sensor module 204 or the roof sensor module 2 in the vehicle. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 5 ) and extended position ( Figure 6 The roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is shown here. The cover 11 is transparently shown here.

[0067] Mechanism 7 includes or is capable of implementing, for example, a holding and / or locking function for at least one environmental sensor 5. Preferably, through such a holding and / or locking function, at least one environmental sensor 5 can be at least temporarily fixed in a retracted position and / or an extended position. In one example, mechanism 7 is a multi-link hinge motion mechanism with a spindle-driven electric motor. The spindle-driven electric motor is used herein as adjusting element 10. In other alternatives, mechanism 7 may also have a single hinge and / or a sliding element and / or a four-bar hinge structure. In other alternatives, adjusting element 10 may also have at least one (rotary) electric motor and / or a pneumatic actuator and / or an electromagnetic actuator, etc.

[0068] The sensor module frame 13 carries other modules and components, such as the heating / cooling module 8 and / or the cleaning module 9. The cleaning module 9 may have at least one cleaning nozzle and / or nozzle slats. A surface hoop 12 is arranged on the sensor module frame 13. The surface hoop 12 has a shape that preferably corresponds at least partially to a predetermined shape of the outer surface of the sensor module 204. A cover 6 is arranged or (securely) mounted on at least one environmental sensor 5. The cover 6 preferably has a shape that corresponds at least partially to a predetermined shape of the outer surface of the sensor module 204. Preferably, the cover 6 and the surface hoop 12 together form almost the entire shape of the predetermined outer surface of the sensor module 204. A cover 11 is fitted or tensioned over the surface hoop 12 and the cover 6. The cover 11 defines the entire predetermined outer surface of the sensor module 204. The outer surface thus also forms the outer skin of the vehicle roof 100 of the motor vehicle 1. Various possibilities for implementing the cover 11 will be described in more detail below.

[0069] When the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is retracted, its outer surface preferably fits perfectly to the surface member 202 forming the roof skin 102 of the vehicle 1. In this position, the outer surface of the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is preferably flush with the surrounding surface member 202, making the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 undetectable. When the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is extended, the cover 11 preferably takes on a new shape, allowing at least one environmental sensor 5 to extend.

[0070] In the current embodiment, the front edge of the cover 6 and therefore the surface band 12 extends to the front side of the roof sensor module 2 and thus to the interface or boundary line between the roof sensor module 2 and the surrounding vehicle body 1002, which is defined in particular by the upper edge of the windshield panel 1004. In the current embodiment, when the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is extended, the viewing area 4 and, exemplarily, at least some components of the heating module and / or cooling module 8 and / or cleaning module are also activated, particularly in a visible and functional manner. When the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is retracted, these components or modules are invisible and housed under the roof cladding.

[0071] Furthermore, the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module preferably has a tapered member 14. When the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is extended, the tapered member 14, preferably made of a flexible material, preferably fills the (intermediate) space between the cover 6, the surface band 12, the sensor module frame 13, and the environmental sensor 5. During the extension movement, a portion of, for example, the heating / cooling module 8 is also exposed and / or integrated. In the retracted position of the sensor module 204, the tapered member 14 is preferably arranged in a manner invisible from the outside, either below or covered by the cover 6 and the shroud 11.

[0072] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 7 ) and extended position ( Figure 8 The roof-mounted sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is shown in the image. Here, the cover 11 and the sensor module frame 13 are shown at least partially transparently. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 9 ) and extended position ( Figure 10 The roof-mounted sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is shown here. The corresponding cross-section in the xz plane with y=0 is shown here. In this example, the heating and / or cooling module 8 is implemented by means of an external air supply, which is drawn in next to the sensor, for example through a grille that may be arranged in the conical member 14, and guided through at least partially flexible and at least partially rigid air passages, through a heat exchanger and an electric fan, and through another at least partially rigid and partially flexible air passage to another grille, which guides the air outwards. Other cooling solutions are also possible, such as using interior space air by means of at least one grille inside the vehicle.

[0073] In the example shown, cleaning module 9 is achieved using high-pressure liquid and / or air, which can be applied to the viewing area 4, for example, through a cleaning nozzle or nozzle slat not shown in detail. Here, a valve can certainly be provided for controlling and directing the liquid and / or air, typically the cleaning medium, from a reservoir in the vehicle, for example, through a hose, to the cleaning nozzle.

[0074] exist Figures 11 to 20 An alternative implementation of the sensor module 204 is shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 11 ) and extended position ( Figure 12 The sensor module 204 or the roof sensor module 2 in the vehicle. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The same is shown in the indented position ( Figure 13 ) and extended position ( Figure 14 The roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is shown in the vehicle, but the cover 11 is transparently shown in the vehicle.

[0075] Here, additional movable covers 6a, 6b, 6c (at the front, rear, and sides) are arranged between the (main) cover 6 and the surface band 12. These additional covers 6a, 6b, 6c provide additional support for the front top of the sensor module 204 in both positions and are manipulated, for example, mechanically via the mechanism 7 of the environmental sensor 5. For example, the additional covers 6a, 6b, 6c can be hinged to or hingedly mounted to the cover 6 and thus can move relative to the surface band 12. In summary, these covers 6a, 6b, 6c and the surface band 12 form a nearly complete shape of a predetermined outer surface in both positions. Here, a cover 11 is also mounted or tensioned above the surface band 12 and the covers 6a, 6b, 6c, which completely forms the desired outer surface of the roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 and thus also completely forms the desired outer surface of the vehicle 1. The possibilities for implementing the cover 11 will be described below.

[0076] Furthermore, the tilting element 15 is arranged along the front edge of the roof sensor module 2 in front of the environmental sensor 5. The tilting element 15 is adjustable between a closed position and a lowered position. Here, the tilting element 15 is hinged to the sensor module frame 13 and operates, for example, via an adjusting element 16, such as an electric linear actuator. Other solutions are also possible. The cover 11 is fastened to the tilting element 15 and forms the desired outer surface of the roof sensor module 2 when the tilting element 15 is closed. When the tilting element 15 is lowered, the cover 11 is at least partially lowered, releasing the cleaning module 9. Figure 18 and Figure 19In this configuration, for example, the nozzle slats mounted on the sensor module frame 13 are exposed. The front edge of the flip-up member 15 and therefore the surface hoop 12 extends exemplarily to the front side of the roof sensor module 2 and thus to the interface (boundary) between the roof sensor module 2 and the vehicle 1 (implemented here as the upper edge of the windshield panel 1004). When the roof sensor module 2 is extended, the ambient sensor 5 is activated, and the heating and / or cooling modules 8 (components) are also activated, i.e., they become visible and functional. Preferably, when the flip-up member 15 is lowered, the cleaning module 9 is activated. When the roof sensor module 2 is retracted and the flip-up member 15 is closed, the roof sensor module and the flip-up member are invisible.

[0077] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 15 ) and extended position ( Figure 16 The roof-mounted sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 is shown in the image. Here, the cover 11 and the sensor module frame 13 are shown at least partially transparently. Figure 17 and Figure 18 This shows the indentation position ( Figure 17 ) and extended position ( Figure 18 The roof sensor module 2 or sensor module 204 in the vehicle is shown here. The corresponding cross section in the xz plane is shown here when y=0.

[0078] In principle, the tilting element 15 can also be operated in another manner. Here, for example, the pressure of the cleaning module 9 can be used to first operate the cylinder / piston, which lowers the tilting element 15, and then supplies the cleaning medium to the cleaning nozzle (or nozzle slats) at a certain pressure / volume flow rate.

[0079] The functions of the roof sensor module 2 and / or sensor module 204, particularly mechanism 7, heating module and / or cooling module 8 and / or cleaning module 9 and / or tilting element 15, are controlled, for example, by electronic control unit 18, which is also responsible for communication with vehicle 1.

[0080] Cover 11 can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as Figure 21 As exemplified, in variant A1, the cover 11 can be constructed of a flexible and / or stretchable foil. The foil can be transparent and, for example, can be arranged on a black carrier foil. Here, the carrier foil is then at least partially removed in the region of the see-through area 4 of the environmental sensor 5 (especially the LiDAR L), and a separate, transparent, and if necessary, dyed (e.g., black) sensor foil is used. In the see-through area 4 of another environmental sensor 5 (e.g., a camera K), the carrier foil can also be at least partially removed.

[0081] In variant A2, the cover 11 can be constructed as a flexible and stretchable, dyed (e.g., black) foil. The foil can be transparent to the sensor (e.g., for LiDAR L), but is dyed (e.g., black).

[0082] In variant A3, the cover 11 can be constructed from a flexible and, if necessary, stretchable, stained (e.g., black) foil. This foil can be transparent to the sensor (e.g., for LiDAR L), but is stained (e.g., black). In the transparent area 4 for, for example, a camera K, the stained foil can be at least partially removed and a separate transparent foil used.

[0083] In variant A4, the cover 11 can be constructed from a flexible, optionally stretchable, and dyed (e.g., black) fabric, if necessary. In a sensor window used for, for example, a lidar L, the fabric can be partially removed and replaced with a separate, transparent, and dyed (e.g., black) foil, if necessary. In a see-through area 4 used for, for example, a camera K, the fabric can be at least partially removed and replaced with a separate transparent foil.

[0084] In variant A5, the cover 11 can be constructed from a flexible, optionally stretchable, dyed (e.g., black) fabric. In the see-through area 4, for example, a lidar L, the fabric can be at least partially removed, and a separate frame and a transparent, if necessary, dyed (e.g., black) sensor objective lens can be used, particularly in a rigid assembly. In the see-through area 4, for example, a camera K, the fabric can be at least partially removed, and a frame and a transparent objective lens can be used, particularly in a rigid assembly.

[0085] In variant A6, the cover 11 can be constructed of a flexible, optionally stretchable, dyed (e.g., black) fabric, in which the fabric can be at least partially removed in the see-through area 4 for, for example, LiDAR L and / or camera K, and a separate flexible conical element (e.g., made of fabric) is used between the opening in the fabric of the cover 11 and the environmental sensor 5, thereby preferably exposing the sensor lens.

[0086] Figure 22 An embodiment with a transparent area 17 fixed in the cover 11 is shown. The transparent area 17 is arranged on or movably mounted on the front edge of the cover 6.

[0087] Alternatively, alternative implementation schemes can also be devised.

[0088] Figure 23 and Figure 24Examples of canopy 11 are shown, which has two non-stretchable fabrics F and G, a stretchable fabric H between them, and an optional additional stretchable fabric I with tension line J, so that the shape of the canopy can be changed even with non-stretchable materials.

[0089] List of reference numerals 1 Motor vehicles 2. Roof sensor module 3. Sliding roof and / or panoramic roof 4. Perspective Area 5. Environmental Sensors 6. Covering section Covering sections 6a, 6b, and 6c 7 institutions 8. Heating module and / or cooling module 9 Cleaning Module 10 Adjustment elements 11 masks 12 Surface hoop 13 Sensor Module Framework 14 Conical parts 15 Flip-over parts 16 Adjustment elements for the flipping component 17 Perspective Area 18 Electronic Control Unit 100 vehicle roofs 102 Roofing 202 surface components 204 Sensor Module 1002 Vehicle body 1004 Windshield Panel x Vehicle longitudinal direction y Vehicle width direction z: Vehicle height direction.

Claims

1. A sensor module (204) for a motor vehicle (1), the sensor module having an environmental sensor (5), a viewing area (4), a sensor module frame (13), a cover (6), a surface hoop (12), and a cover (11), the environmental sensor (5) being capable of detecting the vehicle environment through the viewing area, the environmental sensor (5) being arranged on the sensor module frame in a manner that allows it to retract and extend between a retracted and extended position, the cover being arranged on the environmental sensor (5), the surface hoop being arranged on the sensor module frame (13), the cover being arranged at least partially on the surface hoop (12), the cover covering and / or bridging the surface hoop (12) and the cover (6), and the cover being constructed of a flexible, elastic, or bendable material.

2. The sensor module (204) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover (6) is fixed on the upper side of the environmental sensor (5) and can retract and extend together with the environmental sensor (5) between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the surface hoop (12) is fixed on the sensor module frame (13), and wherein the cover (11) is fixed on the surface hoop (12) at least sectionally on the edge side.

3. The sensor module (204) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The environmental sensor (5) can be retracted and extended relative to the sensor module frame (13) between the retracted position and the extended position by means of a mechanism (7) and an adjustment element (10), the mechanism being arranged in particular on the sensor module frame (13).

4. The sensor module (204) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (11) has at least partially the transparent area (4), and / or wherein the transparent area (4) is arranged on the cover (11) or integrated into the cover (11).

5. The sensor module (204) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the retracted position, the cover (11) is flush with the vehicle roof (100) of the motor vehicle (1), and in the extended position, the cover (11) defines an arched portion relative to the vehicle roof (100).

6. The sensor module (204) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor module (204) further has a conical member (14) arranged in the area surrounding the viewing area (4), and the conical member is preferably at least sectionally fastened to the cover (6) and / or the sensor module frame (13) and / or the surface hoop (12) and / or the environmental sensor (5), wherein the conical member (14) is housed under the cover (11) in the retracted position of the environmental sensor (5), and releases the field of view of the environmental sensor (5) through the viewing area in the extended position of the environmental sensor (5), and wherein the conical member (14) is preferably constructed of a flexible or elastic or bendable material.

7. The sensor module (204) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor module (204) further includes a flipper (15) and a cleaning module (9), the cleaning module having at least one cleaning nozzle, wherein the flipper (15) is preferably adjustable by an adjustment element (16) to release and / or activate the cleaning module (9).

8. The sensor module (204) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Additional covers (6a, 6b, 6c) are arranged in a hinged manner on the cover (6), wherein the additional covers (6a, 6b, 6c) are preferably hinged to the sensor module frame (13) and / or the surface hoop (12), respectively.

9. The sensor module (204) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (11) has a flexible or elastic or bendable foil and / or a flexible or elastic or bendable fabric, and / or wherein the cover (11) is at least partially transparent or dyed.

10. A vehicle roof (100) of a motor vehicle (1), the vehicle roof comprising at least one sensor module (204) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A motor vehicle (1), said motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor module (204) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a vehicle roof (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The vehicle roof (100) forms a roof sensor module (2), which can be arranged as a pre-assembled structural unit on the vehicle body (1002) of the motor vehicle (1).

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