Arrangement with a bumper and an ultrasonic sensor and vehicle with such an arrangement

Abstract

Arrangement (1) comprising a bumper (2) for a vehicle and an ultrasonic sensor (3) which is arranged on the bumper (2), wherein the ultrasonic sensor (3) has a decoupling ring (4) which extends partially into a recess (5) of the bumper (2), characterized by the fact that In comparison to an outer surface (6) of the partial area (10) of the decoupling ring (4) extending into the recess (5), a spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) is formed that is located further outwards in the radial direction (R), which is arranged to maintain a distance between the decoupling ring (4) and / or the ultrasonic sensor (3) in the axial direction (Z) of the ultrasonic sensor (3) relative to the bumper (2), such that a top surface (8) of the at least one spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) is in planar contact with an inner surface (12) of the bumper (2), and that A joint (14) is formed between the hollow cylindrical section (13) of the decoupling ring (4) and the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) at least over a partial length of the total circumferential length, wherein the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) and the decoupling ring (4) are formed in one piece.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a bumper for a vehicle and an ultrasonic sensor arranged on the bumper, wherein the ultrasonic sensor has a decoupling ring that extends partially into a recess of the bumper. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such an arrangement.

[0002] It is known that ultrasonic sensors can be installed in the front and / or rear bumpers of a motor vehicle. These sensors can detect the vehicle's surroundings, and the detected environmental information can be made available to, for example, a driver assistance system. In particular, such sensors can be part of a parking assistance system.

[0003] To prevent vibrations from the bumper being transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor, a decoupling ring is typically provided on the ultrasonic sensor. This ring usually encloses the diaphragm housing of the ultrasonic sensor and thus also serves to seal the housing against potential water ingress. Since the decoupling ring is generally not permanently bonded to the rest of the ultrasonic sensor, it is necessary to securely attach the decoupling ring to the ultrasonic sensor.

[0004] Newer versions of ultrasonic sensors have a conical decoupling ring. One such decoupling ring 4 is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a diaphragm housing 15 of an ultrasonic sensor 3. To enable the emission and detection of ultrasound by the ultrasonic sensor 3, a recess 5 is typically provided in a bumper 2. The ultrasonic sensor 3 is then usually positioned relative to the bumper 2 such that at least its diaphragm housing 15 extends partially into the recess 5. It is common to position the ultrasonic sensor 3 so that the top of the diaphragm housing 15 is flush with the outer surface of the bumper.

[0005] The decoupling ring 4 serves to protect the membrane pot 15 from moisture and water ingress. This prevents malfunctions of the ultrasonic sensor 3. Furthermore, the membrane pot 15 is to be vibrationally decoupled from the bumper 2. For this purpose, the decoupling ring 4 partially fills an area located between the membrane pot 15 and the bumper 2. An outer surface 6 of a section of the decoupling ring 4 extending into the recess 5 is positioned opposite an inner surface 9 of the recess 5.

[0006] The conical shape of the decoupling ring 4 results in triangular sections in its cross-section, the mechanical interaction of which with the bumper 2 anchors the ultrasonic sensor 3 at least partially in the axial direction. The decoupling ring 4 contacts the bumper 2 along an edge K.

[0007] This arrangement 1, known from the prior art, has disadvantages. The recess 5 is usually formed by punching in the bumper 2. However, the punching cannot always be carried out in such a way as to result in a recess 5 with a constant diameter. Rather, the diameter of the recess 5 is subject to certain tolerances or variations. If the ultrasonic sensor 3 is held at a constant distance in the axial direction Z relative to the bumper 2, the decoupling ring 4 may move in the axial direction Z. This is because it is generally not rigidly connected to the ultrasonic sensor 3. As a result, a gap extending in the radial direction R can open between the decoupling ring 4 and the ultrasonic sensor 3. Water can penetrate this gap and may freeze at low temperatures. This negatively affects the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor 3.This undesirable effect can occur, for example, when washing the vehicle with a pressure washer. The resulting pressure can displace the decoupling ring 4 in the axial direction Z, causing it to protrude slightly beyond the outer edge of the bumper 2.

[0008] The tolerances in the punched diameter of the recess 5 can therefore prevent the decoupling ring 4 from being properly fixed. In this case, it no longer rests against an edge K on the bumper 2. Conversely, if contact against edge K is always desired, the variations in the diameter of the recess 5 can cause the ultrasonic sensor 3 to not always be optimally positioned relative to the bumper 2 in the axial direction Z. For example, the undesirable effect can then occur that the diaphragm cup 15 protrudes beyond the outer surface of the bumper 2.

[0009] A conical decoupling ring is known, for example, from the generic DE 100 39 060 A1.

[0010] WO 2009 / 144545 A1 discloses a device for connecting ultrasonic transducers to vehicle bumpers.

[0011] EP 1 710 785 A2 discloses an ultrasonic sensor arranged in a cutout in a bumper and surrounded by an elastic decoupling agent. The decoupling agent is injected between the bumper and the diaphragm and housing of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0012] From DE 103 37 760 A1, a mounting bracket for attaching an ultrasonic sensor to a vehicle part is known. The bracket is characterized by the fact that a base section of the bracket, attached to the vehicle part, has a stop for sensor-side mounting sections. To decouple vibrations, the membrane of the ultrasonic sensor is coated on the outside with a rubber-elastic material.

[0013] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement that improves the decoupling of an ultrasonic sensor from a bumper and allows for precise adjustment of the axial distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the bumper. It is also an object to provide a vehicle equipped with such an arrangement.

[0014] This problem is solved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 10.

[0015] An arrangement according to the invention comprises a bumper and an ultrasonic sensor arranged on the bumper. The ultrasonic sensor is arranged on the bumper in such a way that it extends, at least partially, into a recess in the bumper. It can be positioned, in particular, in the area of ​​the recess in the bumper for detection by the recess. The recess can be designed, in particular, as a through-opening or as a blind hole. It can, for example, be designed as a through-opening which is closed, in particular, on the outside of the bumper by a suitable cover element. Such a cover element can, for example, be a thin wall section of the bumper itself or a flexible film. The ultrasonic sensor arranged on the bumper can, in particular, be part of a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle. The bumper is then, in particular, an exterior trim element of the vehicle.motor vehicle.

[0016] In the arrangement according to the invention, the ultrasonic sensor comprises a decoupling ring which extends at least partially into a recess of the bumper. The decoupling ring serves in particular to mechanically and vibrationally decouple the ultrasonic sensor from the bumper. Furthermore, according to the invention, a spacer element is provided which is located further outwards in the radial direction than an outer surface of the portion of the decoupling ring extending into the recess. This portion of the decoupling ring can, in particular, be a region that surrounds a diaphragm housing of the ultrasonic sensor and mechanically decouples it from the bumper. According to the invention, the spacer element is designed to maintain a distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the bumper in the axial direction.The upper surface of the spacer element serves as a flat support plate for the bumper. Its axial direction can be perpendicular to an inner and / or outer surface of the bumper, located directly adjacent to the recess. The spacer element is formed in one piece. The support plate comprises one or more sides of the spacer element that are in flat contact with the bumper, particularly with an inner surface. Specifically, the spacer element supports the decoupling ring and / or the ultrasonic sensor from the bumper.

[0017] The spacer element allows the decoupling ring and / or the ultrasonic sensor to be held at a substantially constant distance from the bumper. The spacer element itself can also function as a mechanical decoupling device. This allows the sensor to be easily and reliably held at a constant relative distance to the bumper. Unwanted axial movement of the ultrasonic sensor is reliably and effectively prevented. By designing the assembly with a decoupling ring and a spacer element, the vibration isolation of the ultrasonic sensor from the bumper is improved. The ultrasonic sensor's seal against liquids, such as water, is always guaranteed, as the formation of a gap between the ultrasonic sensor and the decoupling ring is ideally prevented. The accuracy of the recess size in the bumper no longer affects the ultrasonic sensor's seal.The arrangement allows for greater tolerances in the technical design of the recess through drilling or punching, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the arrangement while maintaining high quality.

[0018] According to the invention, the spacer element and the decoupling ring are formed in one piece. The spacer element then forms a section of the decoupling ring. Two different functionalities can thus be combined simply and easily in a single component. Undesirable changes in the relative position of the decoupling ring to the spacer element can be reliably avoided. The high degree of structural integration guarantees low manufacturing costs.

[0019] Preferably, within the arrangement, the bumper and decoupling ring are positioned relative to each other such that the outer surface of the decoupling ring, for the portion extending into the recess, is spaced apart from the inner surface of the recess. The portion of the decoupling ring located within the recess of the ultrasonic sensor thus maintains a specific distance from the inner wall of the recess. Therefore, the decoupling ring does not touch the inner surface of the recess. For example, the recess can be circular with a defined diameter. The decoupling ring can also have a circular cross-section, e.g., as a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the cylindrical shape can then be smaller than the diameter of the recess. Within the recess, the decoupling ring and the bumper are therefore not in direct mechanical contact with each other.This results in a particularly effective decoupling of both elements, and very little vibration energy is transmitted. Even with significant variations or tolerances in the diameter of the recess in the bumper, the ultrasonic sensor can still be securely and easily attached to the bumper. The axial target position of the ultrasonic sensor can be maintained regardless of the recess diameter. The exact size of the recess then has no influence on the precise positioning of the ultrasonic sensor. Sensitive parts of the ultrasonic sensor can be safely enclosed by the decoupling ring, thus preventing unwanted water ingress. Even if ice forms between the decoupling ring and the bumper, or if dirt accumulates in this area, very good decoupling is still guaranteed.

[0020] Preferably, at least in the portion of the decoupling ring extending into the recess, the outer surface of the decoupling ring is vertically oriented. If, for example, the inner surface of the recess is also vertically oriented, then the outer surface of the decoupling ring and the inner surface of the recess run parallel to each other. The vertical orientation refers to the respective side being parallel to a straight line running in the axial direction. The vertical orientation of the outer surface of the decoupling ring reliably prevents the decoupling ring from becoming wedged in the bumper. The decoupling ring then sits particularly securely on the ultrasonic sensor. Unwanted detachment of the decoupling ring from the ultrasonic sensor due to wedging or a force-fit between the decoupling ring and the bumper can be reliably prevented. This ensures the permanent watertightness of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0021] Preferably, the axial distance between the top surface of the spacer element and the top surface of the decoupling ring is equal to the axial length of the portion of the decoupling ring extending into the recess. This embodiment allows the decoupling ring to be held at a distance from the bumper by means of the spacer element, such that the outer surface of the bumper is flush with the top surface of the decoupling ring in the immediate vicinity of the recess. Preferably, the ultrasonic sensor is also arranged such that one of its sides (e.g., a detection side of a diaphragm pot) is flush with the top surface of the decoupling ring or with the outer surface of the bumper surrounding the recess. The decoupling ring and, if applicable, the ultrasonic sensor are then ideally positioned relative to the bumper.This results in high detection accuracy while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and smooth appearance on the outside of the arrangement.

[0022] Preferably, the upper surface of the spacer element is horizontal. In this case, the support plateau is also horizontal. "Horizontal" here essentially means parallel to a plane perpendicular to a straight line running in the axial direction. Specifically, the upper surface of the spacer element can be parallel to the upper surface of the decoupling ring and / or parallel to the upper surface of the ultrasonic sensor and / or parallel to an inner surface of the bumper that directly surrounds the recess and / or parallel to an outer surface of the bumper that directly surrounds the recess. This results in a support plateau with a particularly large contact area, thus ensuring particularly good support of the decoupling ring on the bumper.

[0023] Preferably, the upper surface of the spacer element rests directly against an inner surface of the bumper. This inner surface of the bumper can, in particular, be an area that directly surrounds the recess in the inner wall of the bumper. This allows a defined distance to be maintained very consistently.

[0024] Preferably, the decoupling ring has a hollow cylindrical section, with the spacer element arranged around this section in the form of a plurality of webs and / or lamellae and / or studs. The webs can, for example, be rigidly connected to the hollow cylindrical section and extend radially away from the axis of rotation of the section. Similarly, the lamellae can, for example, be designed as rectangular ribs whose longitudinal side runs radially in the direction of the hollow cylinder. A circumferential ring of studs or columns with a circular cross-section can also be formed. Webs, lamellae, and studs can be designed to be particularly flexible or elastic, so that the spacer element can serve as an elastic spring element between the bumper and the decoupling ring. At the same time, material consumption and weight can be kept low.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the spacer element can comprise an annular subbody that completely encircles a hollow cylindrical section of the decoupling ring in the direction of rotation. This annular subbody can itself be shaped like a hollow cylinder. It allows for a particularly simple way to maintain a constant distance to the bumper.

[0026] According to the invention, a gap is formed between the hollow cylindrical section of the decoupling ring and the spacer element, at least over a portion of the total circumferential length. If the spacer element comprises, for example, lamellae, a gap or crevice can be provided between the lamellae and the hollow cylindrical section, so that the lamellae are not in direct material contact with the hollow cylindrical section. In this way, elastic retaining elements can be formed particularly easily, since they are not additionally supported by the hollow cylindrical section due to the gap.

[0027] Preferably, the decoupling ring and / or the spacer element are made of a flexible or elastic material, preferably a polymer. A silicone, e.g., LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber), is particularly preferred. The flexible material allows for the creation of counter-pressure between the bumper and the ultrasonic sensor. The decoupling ring can be permanently pressed against the ultrasonic sensor, thus reliably preventing the formation of unwanted gaps into which, for example, water could penetrate.

[0028] The recess in the bumper can be designed as a continuous opening or as a blind hole and thus be closed from the front.

[0029] Further features are evident from the claims, the figures, and the figure description. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of an arrangement with a bumper, an ultrasonic sensor and a decoupling ring according to the prior art; Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of an arrangement comprising a bumper, an ultrasonic sensor, a decoupling ring and a spacer element according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 a top view of the decoupling ring and the spacer element of the Fig. 2 in the direction of B; Fig. 4A to 4D four further embodiments of decoupling rings or spacers, wherein the designs are according to the Fig. 4A to 4C are outside the scope of the invention.

[0031] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0032] The bumper 2 of the Fig. In the area shown, the line 2 runs around the recess 5 parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Z. The axial direction Z coincides with the axis of rotation of an essentially rotationally symmetric ultrasonic sensor 3. The ultrasonic sensor 3 comprises, in particular, a transducer housing to the end of which the diaphragm cup 15 is attached. The diaphragm cup 15 is also cylindrical around the axial direction Z. It extends into the recess 5 in such a way that its upper surface is flush with the outer surface of the bumper 2.

[0033] The membrane pot 15 must be sealed against moisture ingress and decoupled from the bumper 2 with regard to potential vibration transmission. For this purpose, it is surrounded by the decoupling ring 4, which is also rotationally symmetrical about the direction Z. The decoupling ring 4 has a section 10 that lies entirely within the recess 5. The outer surface 6 of the decoupling ring 4 in section 10 is located opposite the inner surface 9 of the recess 5. Both the inner surface 9 of the recess 5 and the outer surface 6 of section 10 of the decoupling ring 4 are parallel to each other and parallel to the axial direction Z; they are therefore vertical. The axial length of section 10, which extends within the recess 5, is denoted by I.A top surface 11 of the decoupling ring 4 is simultaneously the top surface of the sub-area 10 and is flush with the top surface of the membrane pot 15 as well as flush with the outside of the bumper 2 in the immediate vicinity of the recess 5.

[0034] The decoupling ring 4 is not precisely fitted to the recess 5, particularly in the area of ​​the recess 5. Instead, it has an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the recess 5. Therefore, a gap of thickness d is formed between the section 10 and the bumper 2.

[0035] The decoupling ring 4 is formed in one piece with a spacer element 7, made of silicone. The spacer element 7 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is separated from a hollow cylindrical section 13 of the decoupling ring 4 by a joint 14. The spacer element 7 has a top surface 8 which, in the exemplary embodiment, runs parallel to the top surface 11 of the decoupling ring 4 and also parallel to an inner surface 12 of the bumper 2. The top surface 8 of the spacer element 7 contacts the inner surface 12 of the bumper 2 in a flat bearing plate.

[0036] The axial dimensions of the spacer element 7 and the hollow cylindrical section 13 differ from each other. The axial distance a between the upper surface 8 of the spacer element 7 and the upper surface 11 of the decoupling ring 4 is chosen such that it is equal to the axial length l of the section 10 of the decoupling ring 4 extending into the recess 5. The decoupling ring 4 thus fits very precisely and flush into the recess 5 and is held at a substantially constant distance to the bumper 2 by the spacer element 7.

[0037] Since the spacer element 7 is made of silicone, it is partially elastic. The ultrasonic sensor 3 is attached to the bumper 2 via a holder (not shown) in such a way that it exerts slight pressure on the decoupling ring 4. The spacer element 7 thus retracts slightly elastically and, via its support on the inside 12 of the bumper 2, permanently presses the decoupling ring 4 against the ultrasonic sensor 3. This reliably prevents the formation of a gap between the decoupling ring 4 and the ultrasonic sensor 3, in particular between the decoupling ring 4 and the membrane housing 15.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the decoupling ring with the spacer element 7 of the Fig. 2 in the direction of view B. Next to the hollow cylindrical section 13, an annular base of the decoupling ring 4 can be seen, on which the spacer element 7 is arranged. The spacer element 7 consists of individual lamellae, of which lamellae 7a and 7b are designated with reference numerals as examples. The lamellae are arranged completely around the hollow cylindrical section 13, extending with their longitudinal axis in the radial direction R. Lamellae 7a and 7b differ with respect to their angular coordinates f1 and f2, respectively, and are arranged at the same radial distance from the hollow cylindrical section 13. All lamellae, including lamellae 7a and 7b, together form the (composite) spacer element 7.

[0039] The Fig. Figures 4A to 4D show further embodiments of decoupling rings 4 and spacer elements 7, respectively. The contour of the bumper 2 is indicated by the dashed lines. In the embodiment outside the scope of the invention, Fig. 4A, the spacer element 7 is integrated into a base ring of the decoupling ring 4. Fig. 4B, the spacer element 7 is formed by webs or ribs in the decoupling ring 4, which protrude in a stepped manner from a hollow cylindrical section. This embodiment is also outside the scope of the invention. Fig. Figure 4C shows an embodiment outside the scope of the invention with a decoupling ring 4, which is structurally separated from the spacer element 7. Both elements are separated from each other by a pronounced joint 14. In this embodiment, the decoupling ring 4 and the spacer element 7 can also be made of different materials. The individual walls of the decoupling ring 4 do not have to be orthogonal to the axial direction Z. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 4D has an outer surface 6 extending obliquely to the axial direction Z, which in the installed state is arranged in a manner that is in particular non-contact with the inner surface 9 of the recess 5 of the bumper 2 or is at most slightly contacted, but only in such a way that the contact does not generate a force that holds the position, as is the case in Fig. 1 according to the state of the art.

Claims

[1] Arrangement (1) with a bumper (2) for a vehicle and with an ultrasonic sensor (3) which is arranged on the bumper (2), wherein the ultrasonic sensor (3) has a decoupling ring (4) which extends partially into a recess (5) of the bumper (2), characterized by , that in comparison to an outer side (6) of the partial region (10) of the decoupling ring (4) extending into the recess (5), a spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) is formed which is located further outward in the radial direction (R), which is arranged to maintain a distance between the decoupling ring (4) and / or the ultrasonic sensor (3) in the axial direction (Z) of the ultrasonic sensor (3) relative to the bumper (2), that an upper side (8) of the at least one spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) is in planar contact with an inner side (12) of the bumper (2), and that a joint (14) is formed between the hollow cylindrical partial region (13) of the decoupling ring (4) and the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) at least over a partial length of the entire circumferential length, wherein the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) and the decoupling ring (4) are formed in one piece. [2] Arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the outer side (6) of the partial region (10) of the decoupling ring (4) extending into the recess (5) is spaced from an inner side (9) of the recess (5). [3] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer side (6) of the partial region (10) of the decoupling ring (4) extending into the recess (5) is formed vertically. [4] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the axial distance (a) between the upper side (8) of the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) and the upper side (11) of the decoupling ring (4) is equal to the axial length (I) of the partial region (10) of the decoupling ring (4) extending into the recess (5). [5] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the upper side (8) of the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) is horizontal. [6] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the upper side (8) of the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) lies directly against an inner side (12) of the bumper (2). [7] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spacer element (7) comprises a plurality of webs and / or slats (7a, 7b) and / or knobs arranged in the circumferential direction (f1, f2) around a hollow cylindrical partial region (13) of the decoupling ring (4). [8] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) comprises an annular partial body which fully encircles a hollow cylindrical partial region (13) of the decoupling ring (4) in the circumferential direction (f1, f2). [9] Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the decoupling ring (4) and / or the spacer element (7, 7a, 7b) is formed from a flexible material, preferably a polymer, particularly preferably a silicone. [10] Vehicle with an arrangement according to one of the preceding claims.

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