Roof module for forming a vehicle roof

Abstract

Roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) for forming a vehicle roof (02) on a motor vehicle (01), wherein a sensor module (04, 14) is attached to the outside of the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and the sensor module (04, 14) comprises a sensor housing (07, 15) in which at least one environmental sensor (08, 16, 17, 18) is arranged, and wherein a transmission device is provided between the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and the sensor module (04, 14) with which electrical energy and / or communication data can be transmitted, wherein the transmission device is designed in the form of a wireless transmitter-receiver interface with which energy and / or communication data are wirelessly transmitted between an interface element (10) on the inside of the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and an interface element (09, 19) can be replaced on the inside of the sensor housing (07, 15), characterized by this,that the roof module comprises at least a support element (06) for mechanically attaching the roof module (03) to the motor vehicle (01) and a roof skin (05) forming the vehicle roof (02), wherein the roof skin (05) is attachable to the support element (06), wherein the roof skin (05) is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, wherein the interface element (10) provided on the inside of the roof module (03) is arranged on the inside of the roof skin (05) permeable to electromagnetic signals, or wherein the support element is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, wherein the interface element provided on the inside of the roof module is arranged on the inside of the support element permeable to electromagnetic signals.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roof module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The roof module can either be part of a rigid vehicle roof or part of an openable roof assembly.

[0002] In automotive engineering, autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly common. To enable autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, a multitude of environmental sensors are required to detect the vehicle's surroundings and determine the current traffic situation. At least some of these environmental sensors are mounted on the vehicle roof using sensor modules, as the roof is typically the highest point of the vehicle and thus provides excellent visibility of its surroundings.

[0003] To supply the electrical components within the sensor module with power, known solutions typically involve routing suitable electrical cables between the roof module, which forms the vehicle roof, and the sensor module mounted on its upper surface. In addition to the environmental sensors, the sensor module may also contain other functional components that require a power supply.

[0004] For data communication between the functional elements integrated into the sensor module and the vehicle control unit, corresponding data lines are also installed between the module and the roof module. A disadvantage of connecting the sensor module to the roof module via cables is the complexity of routing these lines. Furthermore, the cable entry points, through which the cables are fed into the sensor module housing, can lead to system failures. If moisture penetrates the interior of the sensor housing, the electrical and electronic functional elements within it can be damaged. If cable entry points in the roof module are necessary for routing the lines, there is also a risk of moisture entering the vehicle interior through these entry points.

[0005] Based on this prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a roof module with a sensor module attached thereto for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages with regard to durability, sealing and functionality of the prior art.

[0006] This problem is solved by a roof module according to the teaching of claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The roof module according to the invention comprises a transmitter-receiver interface that enables the wireless transmission of electrical energy and / or communication data between the roof module on the one hand and the sensor module on the other. This transmitter-receiver interface comprises at least two interface elements, one of which is located on the inside of the roof module and the other on the inside of the sensor housing. The energy and / or data transmission between the two interface elements then takes place wirelessly through the walls of the roof module and the wall of the sensor housing, respectively, thus eliminating the need for cables. For the manufacture of the roof module, it is therefore sufficient to mechanically attach the pre-assembled sensor module to the outside of the roof module at the designated location.The complex routing of cables between the roof module and the sensor module is eliminated. Within the sensor module, wireless power and / or data transmission can supply electrical energy to the environmental sensors and potentially other functional components, and / or enable data exchange with the vehicle control system.

[0009] To realize the invention, it is generally sufficient if at least some of the wiring between the roof module and the sensor module is replaced by wireless communication in the transmitter-receiver interface. However, the invention offers the greatest advantage when the sensor housing is permanently encapsulated in a waterproof manner without any wiring connections, and all power transmission and data communication between the roof module and the sensor module is carried out via the wireless transmitter-receiver interface. In this case, all wiring between the roof module and the sensor module can be eliminated, resulting in the greatest cost savings.

[0010] To maintain the functionality of the electrical components in the sensor module, only a relatively small amount of energy transfer is typically required. According to a preferred embodiment, it is therefore advantageous if the wireless transmitter-receiver interface can transmit up to 100 watts of electrical power.

[0011] The transmission technology used to transfer data or energy between the two interface elements of the wireless transmitter-receiver interface is, in principle, arbitrary. According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission of energy or communication data between the two interface elements occurs inductively, inductively resonantly, and / or capacitively. These three transmission technologies ensure reliable energy or data transmission between the interface elements.

[0012] If the sensor module's housing contains only an environmental sensor as its electrical functional element, it is particularly advantageous if the interface element of the transmitter-receiver interface is integrated into the environmental sensor. This eliminates the need for additional wiring between the interface element and the environmental sensor within the sensor housing.

[0013] If several electrical functional elements are provided in the sensor housing, it is particularly advantageous if an interface element is provided in the sensor housing that distributes the wirelessly received energy or the wirelessly received data via distribution lines in the sensor housing to the various functional elements and the environmental sensor.

[0014] To enable wireless transmission of energy or data between the interface elements, the wirelessly transmitted signals should be attenuated as little as possible. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if the sensor housing is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, such as plastic.

[0015] The structural design of the roof module is essentially arbitrary. However, to facilitate simple mechanical attachment of the roof module to the vehicle body, it is advantageous for the module's design to include at least one support element for mechanical attachment to the vehicle and a roof skin that forms the vehicle's roof. The roof skin itself then spans the vehicle's roof and ensures the necessary watertightness of the vehicle interior. The roof skin is attached to the support elements and can thus be connected to the vehicle body via these elements.

[0016] With regard to the trouble-free wireless transmission of energy or data through the roof module's membrane, it is particularly advantageous if the membrane is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, such as plastic. The interface element provided on the inside of the roof module is then positioned on the inside of the membrane, thus enabling seamless wireless data or energy transmission through the membrane.

[0017] If the interface element intended for the inside of the roof module is to be arranged on the inside of the support element, for example to facilitate easier attachment of the interface element, then, according to a first embodiment, it is particularly advantageous if the support element is also made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, such as plastic. This allows data transmission to pass through the support element without difficulty due to the material properties of the support element. The same applies to energy transmission. If the interface element is to be arranged on the inside of the support element, but the support element itself is made of a material that shields against electromagnetic signals, such as metal, then a cutout can be provided in the support element to facilitate data transmission.The interface element is then attached below the cutout, allowing wireless data transmission to pass through the cutout.

[0018] The type of environmental sensor used in the sensor module's sensor housing is, in principle, arbitrary. According to preferred embodiments, the environmental sensor can be a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, a camera sensor, or a multi-camera sensor.

[0019] In principle, the roof module according to the invention can be used in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, such as vans or truck tractors. It can be designed as a fixed roof or equipped with a roof opening system, thus forming a closable roof opening.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention, the roof module preferably forms a unit that includes integrated facilities for autonomous driving or semi-autonomous driving supported by vehicle assistance systems and that can be mounted on a vehicle body shell by a vehicle manufacturer.

[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a roof module of the type described above.

[0022] Various embodiments of the invention are schematically depicted in the drawings and are explained below by way of example. It shows: Fig. 1 a motor vehicle with roof module in a schematic view from above; Fig. 2 a first embodiment of a roof module according to the invention in a schematic cross-section; Fig. 3 a second embodiment of a roof module according to the invention in a schematic cross-section; Fig. 4 a third embodiment of a roof module according to the invention in a schematic cross-section; and Fig. 5 a fourth embodiment of a roof module according to the invention in a schematic cross-section.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 01 In a schematic top view. For the formation of the vehicle roof. 02 A roof module is attached to the vehicle body. 03 Attached to the upward-facing outer side of the roof module. 03 are four sensor modules 04 attached, each containing at least one environmental sensor, for example a lidar sensor. Through the sensor modules 04 Built-in environmental sensors enable the detection of the vehicle's surroundings. 01 surrounding traffic situation implemented to enable autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of the motor vehicle 01 to enable.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows the roof module 03in the area of ​​a sensor module 04 in a schematic cross-section. The roof module 03 is used to cover the vehicle roof with a roof skin 05 , which consists, for example, of plastic, and a support element 06 , which, for example, consists of metal. The supporting element 06 has a rectangular cross-section (see Fig. 1) and serves to attach the roof module 03 on the body of the motor vehicle 01 .

[0025] The sensor module 04 includes a sensor housing 07 , which is made of a plastic that is permeable to electromagnetic signals. The sensor housing 07 It is encapsulated in a waterproof casing and has no cable outlets. Inside the sensor housing 07 is an environmental sensor 08 For example, a lidar sensor is integrated. By appropriately scanning the environment, the environmental sensor can 08to detect the traffic situation in a part of the surroundings and send the data to the vehicle control system for autonomous or semi-autonomous control of the motor vehicle. 01 forward. Mechanically, the sensor housing 07 by suitable screwing or gluing to the top of the roof membrane 05 attached. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor housing can be used. 07 also by means of a force-fit fixing, for example magnetically, and / or a form-fit fixing, for example by clipping / snapping, to the roof skin 05 to be attached.

[0026] To use the environmental sensor 08 to supply with electrical energy or to enable data communication of the environmental sensor 08 To enable communication with the vehicle control system, a wireless transmission device is required between the sensor module. 04 and the roof module 03 This wireless transmission device consists of two interface elements.09 and 10 The first interface element 09 is in the environmental sensor 08 integrated and can therefore be used by mounting the environmental sensor 08 in the sensor housing 07 can be placed without additional effort. The interface element 09 It is arranged in such a way that it is on the inside of the sensor housing. 07 is arranged. The interface element 09 The second interface element is located opposite it. 10 on the inside of the roof module 03 fixed. The support element indicates this. 06 in the area of ​​the interface element 10 an excerpt 11 on, into which the interface element 10 It is inserted from below. Through the cutout 11 This will prevent unwanted shielding of energy or data transmission by the metal carrier element. 06 avoided. The roof membrane 05It is made of a plastic that is permeable to electromagnetic signals. Therefore, data and energy can pass through the walls of the sensor housing. 07 or the roof membrane 05 , which are each made of plastic, can be transmitted wirelessly without any problems.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a roof module. 12 . The roof module as well 12 uses the sensor module 04 and differs from the roof module 03 because the second interface element 10 not in the cropped section 11 of the support element 06 is arranged, but directly on the inside of the roof skin 05 Since the roof membrane 05 Because it is made of plastic, wireless data transmission is easily possible.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a roof module. 13 , in which a sensor module14 corresponding to the roof module 13 so on the roof membrane 05 is positioned so that it is on the inside of the roof skin 05 arranged interface element 10 directly opposite. The sensor module 14 This is characterized by the fact that inside the sensor housing 15 in addition to the environmental sensor 16 several other electrical functional elements, in particular environmental sensors 17 and 18 are built-in. For supplying power to the environmental sensors. 16 , 17 and 18 with electrical energy or for data communication of the environmental sensors 16 , 17 and 18 The vehicle control unit is located in the sensor housing 15 a wireless interface element 19 built-in. This interface element 19 works with the interface element 10together and wirelessly transmits energy or data. The interface element 19 is via distribution lines 20 with all environmental sensors 16 , 17 and 18 in the sensor housing 15 connected and thus ensures the distribution of energy or data.

[0029] Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment 21 of a roof module. Also the roof module 21 used like the roof module 03 the sensor module 04 and differs from the roof module 03 because above the sensor module 04 Additionally, a cover, such as a plastic hood, is attached to provide extra protection for the sensor module. Reference symbol list 01 Motor vehicle 02 Vehicle roof 03 Roof module 04 Sensor module 05 Roof membrane 06 Support element 07 Sensor housing 08 Environmental sensor 09 Interface element 10 Interface element 11 Excerpt 12 roof module 13 Roof module 14 Sensor module 15 sensor housings 16 Environmental sensor 17 Environmental sensor 18 Environmental sensor 19 Interface element 20 distribution lines 21 Roof module 22 Cover

Claims

[1] Roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) for forming a vehicle roof (02) on a motor vehicle (01), wherein a sensor module (04, 14) is attached to the outside of the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and the sensor module (04, 14) comprises a sensor housing (07, 15) in which at least one environment sensor (08, 16, 17, 18) is arranged, and wherein a transmission device is provided between the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and the sensor module (04, 14) with which electrical energy and / or communication data can be transmitted, characterized by , that the transmission device is designed in the form of a wireless transmitter-receiver interface, with which energy and / or communication data can be wirelessly exchanged between an interface element (10) on the inside of the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and an interface element (09, 19) on the inside of the sensor housing (07, 15). [2] Roof module according to claim 1, characterized by, that the sensor housing (07, 15) is encapsulated in a waterproof manner without cable outputs and that all energy transmission and all data communication between the roof module (03, 12, 13, 21) and the sensor module (04, 14) is transmitted via the wireless transmitter-receiver interface. [3] Roof module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the wireless transmitter-receiver interface can transmit an electrical power of up to 100 watts. [4] Roof module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the energy and / or the communication data between the two interface elements (09, 10, 19) of the wireless transmitter-receiver interface is / are transmissible inductively and / or inductively resonantly and / or capacitively. [5] Roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the interface element (09) of the transmitter-receiver interface arranged in the sensor housing (07, 15) is integrated into an environment sensor (08) which is arranged in the sensor housing (07). [6] Roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the interface element (19) of the transmitter-receiver interface arranged in the sensor housing (15) is connected via distribution lines (20) to several environmental sensors (16, 17, 18) arranged in the sensor housing (15). [7] Roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the sensor housing (07, 15) is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals. [8] Roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the roof module comprises at least a support element (06) for mechanically attaching the roof module (03) to the motor vehicle (01) and a roof skin (05) forming the vehicle roof (02), wherein the roof skin (05) can be attached to the support element (06). [9] Roof module according to claim 8, characterized by , that the roof skin (05) is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, wherein the interface element (10) provided on the inside of the roof module (03) is arranged on the inside of the roof skin (05) permeable to electromagnetic signals. [10] Roof module according to claim 8, characterized by , that the support element is made of a material permeable to electromagnetic signals, wherein the interface element provided on the inside of the roof module is arranged on the inside of the support element permeable to electromagnetic signals. [11] Roof module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that the sensor housing (07, 15) and / or the roof skin (05) and / or the support element (06) is / are made of a plastic that is permeable to electromagnetic signals. [12] Roof module according to claim 8, characterized by , that the support element (06) is made of a material that shields electromagnetic signals, and wherein the interface element (10) provided on the inside of the roof module (03) is arranged on the inside of the support element (06) which is impermeable to electromagnetic signals, and wherein the support element (06) has a cutout (11) in the area of ​​the interface element (10) through which electromagnetic signals can be transmitted. [13] Roof module according to claim 12, characterized by , that the support element (06) is made of a metallic material. [14] Roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that a cover (22) is provided on the roof module (21) with which the sensor module (04) is covered. [15] Roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the environment sensor (08, 16, 17, 18) is designed in the type of a lidar sensor and / or in the type of a radar sensor and / or in the type of a camera sensor and / or in the type of a multi-camera sensor. [16] Motor vehicle comprising a roof module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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