Sensor arrangement for a vehicle and vehicle

The sensor arrangement with protective structures and absorber ribs addresses the issue of sensor damage in low-impact collisions by absorbing energy and controlled fracture, providing effective protection and cost savings.

DE102018216784B4Active Publication Date: 2025-08-07AUMOVIO AUTONOMOUS MOBILITY GERMANY GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102018216784
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2018-09-28
Publication Date
2025-08-07
Estimated Expiration
2038-09-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional radar sensor mounts in vehicles are prone to damage or destruction during low-impact collisions, leading to costly replacements.

Method used

A sensor arrangement with a holding device featuring protective structures and absorber ribs that absorb energy and provide predetermined fracture points to protect the sensor, using a thermoplastic material like polyamide for cost-effective production and controlled breakdown.

Benefits of technology

Efficient protection of radar sensors from low-impact collisions by absorbing energy and controlled fracture, reducing damage and replacement costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Sensor arrangement (1) for a vehicle (100), comprising: a holding device (2) comprising a base plate (10), at least one protective structure (11; 12; 13; 14) projecting from a mounting surface (10a) of the base plate (10), a first frame (20) which circumferentially surrounds the base plate (10), a plurality of first absorber ribs (25) which connect the base plate (10) and the first frame (20) to one another, wherein the holding device (2) further comprises a second frame (40) which circumferentially surrounds the first frame (20) and a plurality of second absorber ribs (45) which connect the first frame (20) and the second frame (40) to one another, and a mounting interface (30) for attaching the holding device (2) to a receiving structure (110) of the vehicle (100); and a sensor device (3) arranged on the mounting surface (10a) of the base plate (10), wherein a front surface (3a) of the sensor device (3) facing away from the mounting surface (10a) is spaced from the mounting surface (10a) by a first distance (d1); wherein the at least one protective structure (11; 12; 13; 14) comprises a protective surface (11a; 12a; 13a; 14a) facing away from the mounting surface (10a), and wherein the protective surface (11a; 12a; 13a; 14a) is spaced from the mounting surface (10a) by a second distance (d2) which is greater than the first distance (d1).
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a vehicle and a vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a motor vehicle.

[0002] Modern vehicles, or cars, increasingly utilize sensor components to enhance driver comfort and safety. For example, radar sensors are used to indicate the presence of obstacles within the vehicle's path. Such radar sensors are typically located in the front or rear areas of the vehicle, such as below a front bumper or below a rear bumper.

[0003] Typically, brackets or retaining devices are used to reliably attach the radar sensor to an underlying structure of the vehicle. For example, US 2008 / 0315050 A1 describes a bracket that defines a pocket for accommodating a radar sensor. The bracket itself is attached to the underlying structure of the vehicle using screws. A cover plate is attached to the bracket using projections that engage grooves provided on the bracket.

[0004] From US 2014 / 0 052 341 A1 a low-energy impact sensor arrangement for mounting on the front end of a motor vehicle for detecting a low-energy impact, which comprises an acceleration sensor in a housing with a fastening device for fastening the housing to the motor vehicle in a predetermined position, and which is arranged on a mounting plane of a base plate, wherein the outwardly facing surface of the sensor is spaced from the mounting plane of the base plate by a first distance, and wherein the protective housing edge has a surface and wherein this surface is spaced from the mounting plane of the base plate by a second distance, wherein this second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0005] Furthermore, US 8 646 823 B2 describes a cover assembly for a vehicle-mounted device. The cover assembly includes a rod portion, a securing assembly coupled to the rod portion for securing the cover assembly to the device, and a cover portion coupled to the rod portion and configured to cover an alignment feature on the surface of the device.

[0006] Typically, conventional mounts are designed to correctly position the sensor and protect it from environmental influences such as water, dust, road debris, etc. However, in the event of a collision between a car and obstacles, even if the collisions cause only low impact energy, both the mount and the sensor are often damaged or destroyed. Consequently, both components must be replaced, which is undesirable, as replacing the sensor, in particular, is costly.

[0007] Thus, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved concept for attaching a radar sensor to a passenger car.

[0008] This object is achieved by a sensor arrangement according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a sensor arrangement for a vehicle is provided. The sensor arrangement comprises a holding device and a sensor device coupled to the holding device.

[0010] The holding device comprises a base plate, at least one protective structure protruding from a mounting surface of the base plate, a first frame circumferentially surrounding the base plate, a plurality of first absorber ribs interconnecting the base plate and the first frame, and a mounting interface for attaching the holding device to a receiving structure of the vehicle.

[0011] The sensor device, which comprises a sensor, is arranged on the mounting surface of the base plate, wherein a front surface of the sensor device, which faces away from the mounting surface, is spaced from the mounting surface by a first distance. The at least one protective structure comprises a protective surface facing away from the mounting surface, wherein the protective surface is spaced from the mounting surface by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

[0012] One of the concepts of the invention is to provide at least one protective structure and absorber ribs as protective features on the holding device. The protective structure protrudes beyond the front surface of the sensor device. Thus, in the event of a collision that causes a structure to be pushed towards the front surface of the sensor device, the structure first comes into contact with the protective surface of the protective structure and is thereby held away from the sensor. This effectively protects the sensor device, especially in minor collisions. A further protective feature is provided by the absorber ribs, which on the one hand elastically absorb energy in minor collisions and on the other hand provide a predetermined fracture point or line in more severe collisions. This means that the base plate is pushed backward by a collision force acting on the protective structure, causing the first absorber ribs to fracture.This allows the base plate supporting the sensor device to move rearward, protecting the sensor device from being crushed or broken. Since the collision force acts on the at least one protective structure, the collision force is concentrated in the area of the protective structure, effectively causing the absorber ribs to collapse to protect the sensor device.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the sensor assembly, the base plate, the first absorber ribs, and the first frame are formed integrally. For example, the base plate, the first absorber ribs, and the first frame can be formed by injection molding. This allows for cost-effective production of the holding device and improves the reliability of the protective features, since collapse forces of the first absorber ribs can be easily controlled, for example, by adjusting the thickness of the ribs.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the first absorber ribs have a thickness within a range of 20% to 30% of the wall thickness of the first frame. This structurally ensures that the ribs reliably collapse when a force or load acting on them exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0015] According to the invention, the holding device further comprises a second frame that circumferentially surrounds the first frame, and a plurality of second absorber ribs that connect the first frame and the second frame to one another. This means that the second absorber ribs provide a further predetermined breaking point or line. This allows the sensor arrangement to be protected even more effectively. For example, it can be provided that the second absorber ribs collapse under lower forces than the first absorber ribs. Consequently, when the first frame comes into contact with an underlying structure, the first absorber ribs can still absorb energy and thereby protect the sensor arrangement.

[0016] Optionally, the first frame, the second absorber ribs and the second frame are formed in one piece.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the sensor arrangement, the second absorber ribs comprise a thickness within a range of 20% to 30% of a wall thickness of the first frame.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the holding device comprises four protective structures arranged to define a rectangular-shaped receiving area on the mounting surface of the base plate, with the sensor device arranged within the receiving area. According to this embodiment, the structures form corners of a rectangle, and the sensor device is arranged within this rectangle. This allows sensor devices with a planar extension to be protected more efficiently.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the holding device further comprises a fastening structure that locks the sensor device to the holding device. In particular, the fastening structure can be designed to releasably attach the sensor device to the holding device. For example, the fastening structure can be formed by a clamp arrangement or similar positive locking structures. This facilitates the replacement and removal of the sensor device, for example, if the holding device is damaged due to a collision.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the sensor arrangement, the sensor device comprises a radar sensor.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the holding device is made of plastic, in particular a thermoplastic material such as polyamide. Plastics have the advantage that the holding device can be manufactured cost-effectively, for example, by injection molding. Furthermore, thermoplastic materials, such as polyamide, in particular, provide mechanical stability that provides sufficient stability and elasticity to reliably hold the sensor device and elastically absorb small impact forces. On the other hand, they reliably collapse when a mechanical load reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle, such as a passenger car or a motor vehicle, is provided, comprising a receiving structure, a sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mounting interface of the holding device is attached to the receiving structure, and a cover covering the sensor arrangement.

[0023] For example, the receiving structure can be provided on the chassis of the vehicle or on an exterior trim part attached to the chassis. The front surface of the sensor device can in particular face the cover. The sensor arrangement can be arranged in a front region of the vehicle, for example under a front hood of the vehicle, below a front grille, or below a front bumper. The front hood, the grille, or the bumper can each form or include the cover. The sensor arrangement can also be arranged in a rear region of the vehicle, for example below a rear bumper, which can form or include the cover.

[0024] With regard to directions and axes, in particular with regard to directions and axes which relate to the extension or extent of physical structures, within the scope of the present invention, an extension of an axis, a direction or a structure "along" another axis, direction or structure includes in particular that the axes, directions or structures, in particular tangents which arise at a specific point of the respective structures, enclose an angle which is less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees, and in particular preferably extend parallel to one another.

[0025] With regard to directions and axes, in particular with regard to directions and axes which relate to the extension or extent of physical structures, an extension of an axis, a direction or a structure "crossing", "across", "crossing" or "across" (to) another axis, direction or structure includes, within the scope of the present invention, in particular that the axes, directions or structures, in particular tangents which arise at a certain point of the respective structures, enclose an angle which is greater than or equal to 45 degrees, preferably greater than or equal to 60 degrees, and in particular extend at right angles to one another.

[0026] Within the scope of the invention, the term "integrally formed" or "single-piece" with respect to one or more components can be understood in particular to mean that these components are realized as a single part in the form of a material or substantial unit, in particular that one of the components cannot be separated from the one or more other components without disrupting the material unity. In particular, the one or more integrally formed or single-piece components can be manufactured together, for example, in an injection molding process, an additive manufacturing process, or a similar process.

[0027] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an exploded view of the front area of the vehicle incorporating a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a front side of a holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a rear side of the holding device of Fig. 4 shows.

[0028] Unless otherwise indicated, like reference numbers or symbols in the figures indicate like elements.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a front area of a vehicle 100 in the form of a passenger car. The front area comprises a front hood 101, a front bumper 102 and a cover 120 in the form of an optional cover plate 103. The optional cover plate 103 is detachably attached to the front bumper 102 and covers a sensor arrangement 1, which in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown in more detail.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a simplified exploded view of the front area of the vehicle 100. As in Fig. 2 in a simplified manner, the vehicle 100 further comprises a support or support structure 110, which may be formed, for example, by a part of a chassis of the vehicle 100. As Fig. 2, the sensor arrangement 1 is arranged on the receiving structure 110 and is covered by the cover 120, which is formed by the optional cover plate 103. Instead of a cover plate 103 that is separate from the front bumper 102, the cover 120 can also be formed by the front bumper 102 itself. As shown by way of example in Fig. 2, the sensor arrangement 1 comprises a holding device 2 and a sensor device 3.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of the sensor arrangement 1. As in Fig. 3, the holding device 2 comprises at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14, a first frame 20, first absorber ribs 25, a mounting interface 30, an optional second frame 40 and optional second absorber ribs 45. The in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. The holding device shown in Fig. 5 further comprises an optional fastening structure 50 for locking the sensor device 3 to the holding device 2.

[0032] As in Fig. 3, the base plate 10 comprises a mounting surface 10a that defines a front side S1 of the sensor assembly 1. The mounting surface 10a may be a smooth surface, as exemplified in Fig. 3. The base plate 10 further comprises a rear surface 10b, which is opposite the front surface 10a and defines a rear side S2 of the sensor arrangement 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the base plate 10 may include recesses or openings 16 extending between the mounting surface 10a and the rear surface 10b. The optional openings 16 may be used to receive optional springs 51 that form part of the optional fastening device 50, which is described in more detail below. As particularly Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5, a perimeter 17 of the base plate 10 can comprise a profile that defines a recess 17A or an indentation. Of course, the perimeter 17 of the base plate 10 can also be rectangular, polygonal, circular, or the like. The optional recess 17A can also be formed as an opening extending between the front and rear surfaces 10a, 10b of the base plate 10.

[0033] The holding device 2, which is shown as an example in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 comprises four protective structures 11, 12, 13, 14. In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3, two protective structures 11, 14 are shown. In general, at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 is provided. The at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 is designed as an elongated element. The at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 can be a solid element or a hollow element, as exemplified in Fig. 4. Furthermore, the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 may comprise a profiled cross-section, for example with straight and curved sections, as shown by way of example in Fig. 4. Of course, the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 may also comprise a rectangular, polygonal, circular or similar cross-section. As shown in Fig. 3, the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 comprises a protective surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, which defines a front end of the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14. As exemplified in Fig. 4, the protective surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a can be formed by end faces of walls 11W, 12W, 13W, 14W, which define the cross section of the respective protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0034] As in Fig. 3, the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 protrudes from the mounting surface 10a of the base plate 10. The protective surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a faces away from the mounting surface 10a and is spaced from the mounting surface by a second distance d2. As shown by way of example in Fig. 4, four protective structures 11, 12, 13, 14 can be arranged to define a rectangular shaped receiving area 15 on the mounting surface 10a of the base plate 10.

[0035] The at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 and the base plate 10 can be formed in one piece, for example from a thermoplastic material such as polyamide.

[0036] As further stated in Fig. 3, the first frame 20 surrounds the base plate 10 circumferentially, preferably completely. In particular, an inner circumferential surface 20a of the first frame 20 completely surrounds the periphery 17 of the base plate 10 and can be spaced therefrom. Furthermore, the first frame 20 can optionally be arranged opposite the protective structures 11, 12, 13, 14 and spaced from the rear surface 10b of the base plate 10, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the recess 17A formed by the periphery 17 of the base plate 10 may form an opening together with the inner peripheral surface 20a of the first frame 20.

[0037] As further stated in Fig. 3, a plurality of first absorber ribs 25 are provided, which interconnect the base plate 10 and the first frame 20. The first absorber ribs 25 can extend between the periphery 17 of the base plate 10 and the first frame 20, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3. In particular, the first absorber ribs 25 bridge a gap 21 formed between the base plate 10 and the first frame 20. The first absorber ribs 25 are distributed around the perimeter 17 of the base plate 10 so as to be spaced apart from one another.

[0038] As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the first ribs 25 can be implemented as thin, plate-shaped elements. In particular, the first absorber ribs 25 can have a thickness t25 within a range of 20% to 30% of a wall thickness t20 of the first frame 20. Generally, each of the first ribs 25 forms a predetermined breaking point. Consequently, if a force F acting on the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 exceeds a predetermined threshold, one or more of the first absorber ribs 25 will be caused to break or collapse.

[0039] Optionally, the base plate 10, the first absorber ribs 25, and the first frame 20 can be formed integrally. For example, the absorber ribs 25 and the first frame 20 can also be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyamide.

[0040] For example, in Fig. 5, the optional second frame 40 circumferentially surrounds the first frame 20, preferably completely. In particular, an inner peripheral surface 40a of the second frame 40 completely surrounds an outer peripheral surface 20b of the first frame 20 and can be spaced therefrom. Furthermore, the second frame 40 can optionally be arranged opposite the base plate 10 and spaced from the first frame 20, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0041] How best in Fig. 3, a plurality of second absorber ribs 45 are provided, which interconnect the first frame 20 and the second frame 40. The second absorber ribs 45 may extend between the outer peripheral surface 20b of the first frame and the second frame 40, as exemplified in Fig. 3. In particular, the second absorber ribs 45 bridge a gap 41 formed between the first frame 20 and the second frame 40. The second absorber ribs 45 are distributed along the outer peripheral surface 20b of the first frame 20 to be spaced apart from each other, as schematically shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 shown.

[0042] As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the second ribs 45 can be implemented as thin, plate-shaped elements. In particular, the second absorber ribs 45 can have a thickness t45 within a range of 20% to 30% of a wall thickness t20 of the first frame 20. Generally, each of the second ribs 45 forms a predetermined breaking point. Consequently, a force F acting on the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 is conducted through the first ribs 25 to the first frame 20 and into the second absorber ribs 45. If the force F exceeds a predetermined threshold, one or more of the second absorber ribs 45 are caused to break or collapse.

[0043] Optionally, the first frame 20, the second absorber ribs 45, and the second frame 40 can be formed as a single piece. For example, the second absorber ribs 45 and the second frame 40 can also be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyamide. In general, the components of the holding device 2 can be formed as a single piece, for example, by injection molding.

[0044] In Fig. 3, the mounting interface 30 is shown schematically. The mounting interface 30 is provided for attaching the holding device 2 to the receiving structure 110 of the vehicle 100. As shown schematically in Fig. 3 and more detailed in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the mounting interface 30 may include flanges 31, 32, 33, 34 for attaching the holding device to the receiving structure 110 of the vehicle 100. For example, the receiving structure 110 may include correspondingly arranged pins or holes 111, 112, 113, 114. Thus, the flanges 31, 32, 33, 34 may be coupled to the receiving structure 110, for example, using screws. In general, the mounting interface 30 is configured to releasably attach the holding device 2 to the receiving structure 110 of the vehicle 100.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the mounting device 30 is arranged on the optional second frame 40. If no second frame 40 is provided, the mounting device 30 may be arranged on the first frame 20. In general, the mounting device 30 may be arranged on an outer periphery 2A of the holding device 2.

[0046] The sensor device 3 is shown schematically in Fig. 3 and more detailed in Fig. 2. The sensor device comprises a sensor 4, which can be arranged in a sensor housing 5. The sensor 4 can be, for example, a radar sensor. The sensor housing 5 preferably completely encloses the sensor 4 in order to seal the sensor 4 against environmental disturbances. As shown in Fig. 2, the sensor housing 5 may comprise a rectangular-shaped base part 5A, which optionally provides a rear surface 3b of the sensor device 3, and a box part 5B, which together with the base part 5A encloses the sensor 4. The box part 5B may provide a front surface 3a of the sensor device 3, which is opposite the rear surface 3b of the sensor device 3. As shown schematically in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the sensor housing 5 may include an adapter portion 5C in the form of a channel or tube extending transversely to the rear surface 3b. The adapter portion 5C may include or provide electrical and / or mechanical interfaces (not shown) for connecting the radar sensor to a port (not shown) of the vehicle 100.

[0047] As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the sensor device 3 is arranged on the mounting surface 10a of the base plate 10. In particular, the rear surface 3b of the sensor device 3 faces the mounting surface 10a of the base plate 10. The front surface 3a of the sensor device 3 faces away from the mounting surface 10a. The optional interface section 5C of the sensor housing 5 can extend through the opening defined by the optional recess 17A of the perimeter 17 and the first frame 20. Furthermore, the sensor device 3 can be arranged on the optional receiving area 15 defined by the protective structures 11-14, as exemplified in Fig. 4 shown.

[0048] In order to attach the sensor device 3 to the holding device 2, in particular for detachably attaching the sensor device 3 to the holding device 2, an optional fastening structure 50 can be provided. Fig. 4 shows a possible embodiment of the optional fastening structure 50. The optional fastening structure 50 may include a first web 51 that is arranged stationary relative to the base plate 10 and spaced from the mounting surface 10a. For example, the first web 51 may be formed on a first wall 52 that protrudes from a first lateral portion of the mounting surface 10a of the base plate 10, as shown in Fig. 4. The optional mounting structure 50 may further comprise second terminal bars 53, 54 that are arranged stationary relative to the base plate 10 and spaced from the mounting surface 10a. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second terminal webs 53, 54 may be formed on a second wall 55 projecting from a second lateral portion of the mounting surface 10a of the base plate 10, the second lateral portion being arranged opposite the first lateral portion. Optionally, leaf springs 56 may be arranged on the mounting surface 10a, in particular in the recesses 16, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. To attach the sensor device 3 to the holding device 3, the sensor device 3 is clamped between the mounting surface 10a and the first web 51 and the second clamping webs 53, 54. The optional leaf springs 56 act on the rear surface 3b of the sensor device 3 and press the sensor device with its front surface 3a toward the webs 51, 53, 54.

[0049] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 3, the front surface 3a of the sensor device is spaced from the mounting surface 10a by a first distance d1. The protective surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a of the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14 is spaced from the mounting surface 10a by a second distance d2 that is greater than the first distance d1. For example, the second distance d2 may be greater by a factor in a range from 1.1 times to 2 times the first distance d1. A collision of the vehicle 100 with an obstacle causes the cover 120 to be pushed toward the sensor assembly 1. Since the protective structures 11, 12, 13, 14 protrude beyond the front surface 3a of the sensor device 3, the cover 120 is prevented from coming into direct contact with the sensor device 3, thus protecting the sensor device 3. Furthermore, a force F is introduced from the cover 120 into the at least one protective structure 11, 12, 13, 14.This force F is directed to the first absorber ribs 25, which absorb energy through deformation until they break. This transfers energy from the collision away from the sensor device 3, which is thereby efficiently protected. This effect can be further enhanced by providing the optional second frame 40, which is connected to the first frame 20 by the second absorber ribs 45. By spacing the first frame 20 from the rear surface 10b of the base plate 10 and the optional second frame 40 from the first frame 20, the holding device 2 can be compressed in a similar telescopic manner, further improving the protection of the sensor device 3. REFERENCE SYMBOL 1 Sensor arrangement 2 holding device 2A outer circumference 3 Sensor device 3a Front surface 4 radar sensor 5 Sensor housing 5A base part 5B box part 5C Interface section 10 Base plate 10a Mounting surface 10b Back surface 11-14 Protective structures 11W-14W walls 15 Recording area 16 openings 17 Circumference of the base plate 17A recess 20 first frame 20a inner peripheral surface of the first frame 20b outer peripheral surface of the first frame 21 gap 25 first absorber ribs 30 mounting interface 31-34 flanges 40 second frame 40a inner peripheral surface of the second frame 41 gap 45 second absorber ribs 50 Mounting structure 51 first bridge 52 first wall 53, 54 second terminal bars 55 second wall 56 leaf springs 100 vehicles 101 Front hood 102 front bumper 103 Cover plate 110 Recording structure 111-114 holes 120 Cover d1 first distance d2 second distance S1 front S2 back t20 wall thickness of the first frame t25 Thickness of the first absorber ribs t45 Thickness of the second absorber ribs

Claims

[1] Sensor arrangement (1) for a vehicle (100), comprising: a holding device (2) comprising a base plate (10), at least one protective structure (11; 12; 13; 14) projecting from a mounting surface (10a) of the base plate (10), a first frame (20) which circumferentially surrounds the base plate (10), a plurality of first absorber ribs (25) which connect the base plate (10) and the first frame (20) to one another, wherein the holding device (2) further comprises a second frame (40) which circumferentially surrounds the first frame (20) and a plurality of second absorber ribs (45) which connect the first frame (20) and the second frame (40) to one another, and a mounting interface (30) for attaching the holding device (2) to a receiving structure (110) of the vehicle (100); and a sensor device (3) arranged on the mounting surface (10a) of the base plate (10), wherein a front surface (3a) of the sensor device (3) facing away from the mounting surface (10a) is spaced from the mounting surface (10a) by a first distance (d1); wherein the at least one protective structure (11; 12; 13; 14) comprises a protective surface (11a; 12a; 13a; 14a) facing away from the mounting surface (10a), and wherein the protective surface (11a; 12a; 13a; 14a) is spaced from the mounting surface (10a) by a second distance (d2) which is greater than the first distance (d1). [2] Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (10), the first absorber ribs (25) and the first frame (20) are formed in one piece. [3] Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first frame (20), the second absorber ribs (45) and the second frame (40) are formed in one piece. [4] Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorber ribs (25; 45) comprise a thickness (t25; t45) within a range of 20% to 30% of a wall thickness (t20) of the first frame (20). [5] Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (2) comprises four protective structures (11; 12; 13; 14) arranged to define a rectangular shaped receiving area (15) on the mounting surface (10a) of the base plate (10), wherein the sensor device (3) is arranged within the receiving area (15). [6] Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (2) further comprises a fastening structure (50) which locks the sensor device (3) to the holding device (2). [7] Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (3) comprises a radar sensor (4). [8] Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (2) is made of plastic, in particular a thermoplastic material. [9] Vehicle (100), comprising: a receiving structure (110); a sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the mounting interface (30) of the holding device (2) is attached to the receiving structure (110); and a cover (120) which covers the sensor arrangement (1).

Citation Information

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