Roof module with a sealing arrangement and method for attaching a sealing arrangement

Abstract

Roof module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, comprising a surface component (12) which, at least in some regions, forms a roof skin (14) of the vehicle roof, and an opening (16) in which at least one environmental sensor (18) is arranged within a housing (32), which can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals for detecting the vehicle environment and which is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the roof module comprises a sealing arrangement (24) surrounding the opening (16), which has a sealing region (42) which extends flexibly between the surface component (12) and at least one section of the housing (32) and is attached on one side to the surface component (12) and / or the housing (32), characterized in that the sealing arrangement (24) comprises a further sealing region (40) which is arranged circumferentially around the opening (16) and is designed toto seal the opening (16) in the retracted position of the at least one environmental sensor (18) by contacting the further sealing area (40) with a first counter-seal section (44) formed on the housing (32), and to seal the opening (16) in the extended position of the at least one environmental sensor (18) by contacting the further sealing area (40) with a second counter-seal section (46) formed on the housing (32).

Description

The invention relates to a roof module according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a motor vehicle having such a roof module. The invention further relates to a method for fastening a sealing arrangement to such a roof module.Roof modules of the generic type are widely used in vehicle construction. For example, roof modules are prefabricated as separate functional modules and connected to a roof frame structure (which is part of the body structure) at the assembly line. The roof module forms, at least in regions, a roof skin of the vehicle roof, which prevents moisture or air flow from entering the vehicle interior. The roof skin is formed by one or more planar components which can be manufactured from a stable material, for example painted sheet metal or painted or through-colored plastic. The roof module can be part of a rigid vehicle roof or part of an openable roof assembly.Furthermore, the development in vehicle construction is increasingly directed to autonomously or semi-autonomously driving motor vehicles. In order to enable the vehicle controller to control the motor vehicle autonomously or semi-autonomously, a plurality of environment sensors (e.g. lidar sensors, radar sensors, (multi) cameras, etc., together with further (electrical) components) are used, which are integrated into the roof module, detect the environment around the motor vehicle and determine a respective traffic situation from the detected environment data, for example. Roof modules which are equipped with a multiplicity of environment sensors are also known as Roof Sensor Modules (RSM). The known surroundings sensors transmit or receive corresponding electromagnetic signals for this purpose, for example laser beams or radar beams, wherein a data model of the vehicle surroundings can be generated by a corresponding signal evaluation and used for the vehicle control. In order to protect the environment sensors from harmful environmental influences, for example moisture and air flow, the environment sensors are usually installed in one or more housings which define a dry region of the roof module into which no moisture can enter.If it is intended to ensure that the environment sensor can be extended and retracted, for example, in order to meet aesthetic aspects and additionally to protect the environment sensor from environmental influences in a non-active state, there is the problem that the penetration of moisture into the roof module (and into the roof space of the vehicle), but primarily into the dry area of the roof module, must always be prevented in order to ensure the functionality of the environment sensor (or of a plurality of environment sensors). In this case, some sealing concepts are already known from the prior art, in which sealing arrangements are fitted around an opening, in which, for example, a surroundings sensor is arranged such that it can be moved in and out, for example are plugged onto an edge region of the opening in the form of a hose seal. The known sealing arrangements do not, however, permit complete sealing safety and often require expensive assembly. The known sealing arrangements are often fastened in a manually and reversibly detachable manner. However, leaks can hereby arise, which must be avoided. On the other hand, in the known types of mounting, a high degree of tolerance is often required, by means of which the reliability of the desired sealing effect is reduced. The known assembly possibilities also cause high production costs and make assembly more difficult.The object of the invention is therefore to propose a roof module which solves the problems described above in the prior art and in particular comprises a sealing arrangement which enables reliable sealing of an opening in the surface component even during an inward and / or outward movement of a surroundings sensor. Particularly preferably, a sealing arrangement is to be provided which can be fastened to the roof module as simply and cost-effectively as possible.Further prior art can be taken from DE 10 2018 116 702 A1, DE 102 42 045 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 2019 / 0 210 436 A1, DE 10 2019 122 186 A1 and DE 10 2019 122 193 A1.The object is achieved by a roof module according to the teaching of claim 1. Further, the method of attaching a seal assembly according to claim 17 provides a solution.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Moreover, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention. In this case, it is understood in particular that standard language transformations and / or a corresponding replacement of respective terminology within the scope of standard language practice, in particular the use of synonyms supported by the generally accepted language literature, are encompassed by the present disclosure content without being explicitly mentioned in their respective wording. In particular, features which have been mentioned with respect to the roof module relate in the same or correspondingly modified form to the motor vehicle having at least one such roof module and / or to the method for fastening a sealing arrangement to such a roof module.The roof module according to the invention for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle comprises a planar component which forms a roof skin of the vehicle roof at least in regions, and an opening in which at least one environment sensor is arranged within a housing, which environment sensor can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals for detecting the vehicle environment. The at least one environment sensor is adjustable, in particular together with the housing in which it is accommodated, between a retracted position and an extended position. The roof module is characterized in that it comprises a sealing arrangement which extends around the opening and has a sealing region which extends flexibly movably between the planar component and at least one section of the housing and is attached on one side to the planar component and / or the housing. Particularly preferably, the sealing region is injection-molded on one side of the surface component. The sealing arrangement comprises a further sealing region which is arranged circumferentially around the opening and is designed to seal the opening in the retracted position of the at least one environment sensor by the further sealing region resting against a first counter-sealing section which is formed on the housing, and to seal the opening in the extended position of the at least one environment sensor by the further sealing region resting against a second counter-sealing section which is formed on the housing. Alternatively or additionally (i.e. and / or), the sealing region is preferably injection-molded onto the housing.In particular in the case when the at least one environment sensor is extended or retracted, it may occur that, for example. Rainwater or other moisture (liquid) enters the opening of the roof module. In this case, the water can, for example, pass into an interior space within the opening during the movement of the at least one environment sensor, in particular on account of high water pressure on a main seal, which is prevented by the provision of the sealing region according to the invention. The entering liquid can namely always be safely discharged by the sealing arrangement according to the invention, so that liquid can enter the roof module (for example, a dry area in which the environment sensor is arranged) or the roof space of the vehicle. By "at least one environment sensor" is meant that the roof module can comprise one or more environment sensors.An advantage of the roof module according to the invention is that the sealing region is attached, in particular injection-molded, to the planar component and / or the housing. As a result, compared to the prior art, a particularly simple, reliable and cost-effective type of fastening is provided, which is advantageous compared to the previously manual, reversible fastening of sealing regions. In particular, water entering according to the invention is effectively discharged. Until now, sealing and / or fastening of such a sealing region with respect to a planar component and / or a housing has been difficult and made the production or provision of a watertight sealing region, in particular in the region of its connection to the roof module, complicated. In addition, the fastening of a sealing region by means of a (carrier) profile limits a possible shaping in three dimensions, since most (carrier) profiles allow only two-dimensional bending or two-dimensional bending to form a fastening flange. This disadvantage is now eliminated by the injection molding according to the invention, since the sealing region can now be injection molded very flexibly onto the surface component and / or the housing. For this purpose, any plastic suitable for injection molding can preferably be used.Overall, according to the invention, handling of the surface component for the attachment of the sealing region is simplified. In addition, it is possible to automate the fastening of the sealing region, in particular by mechanical use. This allows a constant quality of the sealing effect to be realized, so that a sealing capability of the sealing region is improved compared to the prior art. According to the invention, a reduction in the working steps can likewise be achieved, as a result of which costs are effectively saved. Likewise, due to the inventive fastening of the sealing region by injection molding, it is possible to design the shape of the surface component more complex compared to the prior art, in particular also in the region of the opening, since no structural limitation is necessary any longer due to previously required connecting means, e.g. a fastening flange. It is likewise possible to provide additional functions and / or shapes, for example. (Sealing) lips and / or hooks, etc., to be integrated into the injection-molded connection between the sealing region and the surface component and / or the housing section. For example, further threaded bushes and / or (mounting) plates, which are optionally required for further functional components in the roof module, can also be injected during the fastening of the sealing arrangement.The roof module according to the invention can form a structural unit in which devices for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving supported by driving assistance systems are integrated and which can be placed on a vehicle body shell as a unit on the part of a vehicle manufacturer. Furthermore, the roof module according to the invention can be designed as a pure fixed roof or also as a roof together with a roof opening system. In addition, the roof module can be designed for use in a passenger car or in a commercial vehicle. The roof module can preferably be provided as a structural unit in the form of a roof sensor module (Roof Sensor Module (RSM)), in which the environment sensors are provided in order to be inserted as a transportable structural unit into a roof frame of a vehicle body.In principle, the environment sensor of the sensor module of the roof module according to the invention can be designed in a variety of ways and in particular comprise a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, such as a camera, and / or the like. Lidar sensors operate, for example, in a wavelength range of 905 nm or also of approximately 1550 nm. The material of the roof skin in the see-through region should be transparent to the wavelength range used by the environment sensor and should therefore be selected on the material side as a function of the wavelength(s) used by the environment sensor.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region is injection-molded on one side on the surface component and / or the housing by a two- or multi-component injection molding method. By means of the two-component or multi-component injection molding method, it is possible, for example, to encapsulate the multi-component plastic around an edge region of the sealing region in such a way that a fastening formed integrally with the planar component and / or the housing is produced. The edge region of the sealing region itself can also be a component of the fastening and can be connected in particular integrally to the surface component and / or the housing. Particularly preferably, the multi-component injection-molded plastic comprises a plastic component of the sealing region and a plastic component of the surface component and / or of the housing. This allows integral attachment of the sealing region on the edge side to the surface component and / or the housing. By means of the two-component or multi-component injection molding method, it is possible to connect the sealing region integrally to the surface component and / or the housing. Multicomponent injection molding is used for the production of injection molding regions which consist of two or more, in particular different, plastics. Particularly preferably, the injection molding method according to the invention comprises at least one plastic component which is the same or corresponds to a plastic of the surface component and / or of the housing. It is understood that the sealing region can also be attached to the surface component and / or the housing by a one-component injection molding method if, for example, the sealing region and the surface component and / or the housing comprise the same base plastic.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region is injection-molded on one side on the surface component and / or the housing by a glass injection molding method, in particular in one piece. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, the surface component is made of glass and the sealing region is to be attached to the glass, in particular in one piece.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region comprises at least one outlet and is designed to merge liquid entering through the opening in the direction of the at least one outlet. Particularly preferably, the at least one outlet is injection-molded onto the sealing region. An advantage in this case is that functionally reliable and simple water management is provided for a case in which the opening in the roof module is filled, for example. This is made possible by the possibility of water or other liquid entering. The liquid can then be discharged through the at least one outlet. By means of the encircling sealing arrangement, i.e. arranged without interruptions or continuously around the entire opening, it is possible to always bring incoming liquid, independently of its entry location, together in the direction of the at least one outlet and to discharge it from there from the roof module. For this purpose, the sealing arrangement has a geometry or shape which makes it possible for water to be always conducted to the at least one outlet, regardless of its entry location, viewed around the opening. Where the discharge of the liquid is guided in the vehicle (for example along the vehicle body) is in principle arbitrary, but is particularly related to where the environment sensor is arranged in the roof module (as viewed in the longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle). For example, the water leaving the sealing arrangement through the outlet can be discharged laterally along a so-called A-pillar of the vehicle. Generally speaking, the discharge of the water can be discharged in principle both along the longitudinal direction, width direction and / or height direction of the vehicle. The outlet (outlet) is preferably a rigid, tubular connecting piece which can be connected to one or more water outlet provided on the body of the vehicle.In a preferred specific embodiment, the sealing arrangement includes two sequences which, viewed in a viewing direction of an optical axis of the surroundings sensor, are situated on the right and left sides of the surroundings sensor, preferably mirror-symmetrically to one another. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the purpose of combining the liquid entering all the way through the opening, as viewed in the viewing direction of the optical axis of the environment sensor, the sealing arrangement comprises, on the right and left side of the environment sensor, in each case a funnel-shaped section which opens into one of the two outlets in each case. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the vehicle has a (temporary) oblique position, for example in the vehicle longitudinal direction and / or in the vehicle width direction. In the exemplary case that the environment sensor is oriented with its optical axis in the vehicle longitudinal direction (e.g. is arranged at the front roof end region of the roof module), depending on how the vehicle is inclined with respect to a horizontal, water entering through the opening can be discharged either on the right or on the left side (in the vehicle width direction).In other words, in particular because of the arrangement of the environment sensor in the roof, it is preferred if two sequences or outflows are available (for example, on the right and left sides of the environment sensor, as viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction). In this way, water can be discharged via both discharges, which has the advantage, in particular for the case where the vehicle is in an inclined position (i.e. has an angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal), that liquid collected by the sealing arrangement can be discharged without interruption. The angle of inclination of a vehicle can be used during operation, for example. 15°-17°, so that even in such an inclined position it must be ensured that water entering through the opening, e.g. when the environment sensor is extended into the extended position, can flow off in this inclined state.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing arrangement comprises a further sealing region which is arranged circumferentially around the opening and is designed to seal the opening in the retracted position of the environment sensor by means of the further sealing region resting against a first counter-sealing section of the environment sensor and to seal the opening in the extended position of the environment sensor by means of the further sealing region resting against a second counter-sealing section of the environment sensor. It is particularly preferred if the further sealing region comprises a tubular seal which is arranged in an edge region of the opening and is preferably formed in one piece. The further sealing region thus preferably forms a so-called primary seal which is provided in order to fundamentally prevent the penetration of moisture into the opening. Seals of this type are also used, for example, in sliding roofs or the like. The further sealing region is, for example, plugged or glued or injection-molded onto an edge region around the opening or connected thereto in a liquid-tight manner in some other way. The one-piece embodiment of the further sealing region is advantageous since a circumferential tightness along the entire outer circumference of the opening can thus be ensured. The hose seal is preferably of annular or rectangular configuration (depending on the cross section of the opening). The further sealing region is preferably designed to completely seal a gap between the environment sensor and the installation space opening, which gap is required due to the design, at least in the retracted and in the extended state of the environment sensor, so that no moisture can enter the opening.The first counter-sealing section is formed, for example, by a cover part of a housing of the environment sensor, which encloses the latter. More precisely, the first counter-sealing region is preferably formed by the outer edge region of the plate-shaped cover part of the environment sensor, which preferably bears against a sealing lip of the further sealing region in a moisture-tight manner circumferentially around the opening in the retracted state of the environment sensor. In the retracted state of the environment sensor, the cover part preferably terminates flush with the roof skin of the roof module, i.e. forms a planar surface with the latter. The second counter-sealing section can also be formed by means of a plurality of individual profiles which are each arranged at least in sections (that is to say not necessarily encircling the entire housing) on the housing. The second counter-sealing section is designed such that it preferably rests against a sealing lip of the further sealing region in a moisture-tight manner circumferentially around the opening in the extended state of the environment sensor, so that no moisture can enter the opening. The first sealing region and the first and second counter-sealing sections together form the first (primary) sealing barrier (main seal).The sealing region preferably forms a secondary sealing barrier which prevents moisture from entering the opening even when moisture has passed through the first sealing barrier. This embodiment has the advantage that, on the one hand, redundant sealing of the opening is made possible, which in particular increases the safety during sealing. On the other hand, the flexible movability of the sealing region allows a movement of the environment sensor from the retracted state into the extended state, and permits uninterrupted sealing of the opening. In the event that the further sealing region loses sealing contact with the first or second counter-sealing portion at times at least in sections (viewed around the opening) when the environment sensor is moved in or out and thus water would in principle be possible to penetrate into the opening, the sealing can be ensured by the sealing region. Due to the one-sided arrangement on the housing of the environment sensor, this can move flexibly with the environment sensor, so that no loss of sealing contact occurs.Preferably, the sealing region is substantially sack-shaped and runs around the opening without interruptions along its entire outer circumference. The sealing region thus forms a type of wet region which completely surrounds the opening. The sealing region thus forms a water-draining collar around the opening in the roof module. The sealing region preferably has the form of an annularly collar-shaped bag or a channel. The phrase "substantially bag-shaped" is to be understood to mean that the sealing region is preferably opened upwards (viewed in the roof direction) so that water which enters the opening can flow into the bag-shaped sealing region.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region is formed or produced from a flexible, mat-shaped material, preferably from rubber or a moisture-proof textile. The sealing region can also be a type of folding bellows, so that the flexible mobility can be ensured. A sleeve made of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) is also conceivable. On the material side, the moisture tightness and the flexible mobility of the material are particularly advantageous.Particularly preferably, the sealing region according to the invention is designed in the form of a water bag and thereby forms a secondary seal between the surface component and the housing. The sealing region preferably forms a secondary separating plane between the surface component and the housing, so that no moisture can enter the opening. In particular, a barrier against wind and other environmental influences is formed during the movement (the retraction and extension of the environment sensor). According to the invention, it is preferred that the water pocket formed by the sealing region is injection-molded directly onto the surface component by means of an injection mold. Particularly preferably, the at least one outlet or the water outlet hose is also injection-molded onto the water pocket. According to the invention, manual mounting of the water pocket is not necessary. Rather, the water pocket or the water bag can be easily injected on, which can also be automated mechanically. This prevents manual assembly errors, so that a quality improvement can be achieved.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region for bringing together the entering liquid forms in regions the at least one funnel-shaped sealing region which opens into the outlet. The sealing region is therefore designed in a funnel-shaped or V-shaped or U-shaped manner at least on one of the side regions of the opening in a plan view of this side. The funnel-shaped or V-shaped or U-shaped region of the sealing region has, at its lower end (in the direction of the base), the outlet from which the water entering the second sealing region can run off. The sealing region thus preferably has a funnel-shaped or V-shaped or U-shaped depression in the water bag otherwise configured as a sleeve. The water bag preferably has funnel-shaped or V-shaped or U-shaped depressions on both sides, as viewed in the direction of view along the optical axis of the environment sensor. At this point, reference is made to the above explanations concerning the sealing arrangement. The sealing region thus forms a type of channel which runs around the opening. The channel preferably has, on at least one of the side regions of the environment sensor which are oriented parallel to the optical axis of the environment sensor, a funnel-shaped or V-shaped or U-shaped depression, in which a depth of the channel, viewed in side view, changes preferably conically in the middle toward a deepest point. The outlet is arranged at the lowest point.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region is connected to an edge section of the surface component in a moisture-tight manner along a first edge region. The first edge region of the sealing region is preferably an end-side edge region, on which the sealing region can be fastened to the surface component, in particular to an inner-side edge region surrounding the opening.This specific embodiment has the advantage on the assembly side that the surroundings sensor can be installed subsequently in the roof module or in the opening and then the sealing region can be fastened to the surface component, in particular on the inside. This embodiment allows assembly from the outside as well as inside the vehicle.In a preferred specific embodiment, the sealing region is connected to the housing of the surroundings sensor in a moisture-proof manner along a second edge region of the sealing region. Particularly preferably, the sealing region is injection-molded onto the housing along the second edge region in a moisture-tight manner. The first edge region of the sealing region runs substantially along or corresponding to an outer periphery of the opening. For forming the three-dimensionally configured cuff or the water bag enclosing the opening, the sealing region is now arranged with its second edge region on the housing of the environment sensor. At least one profile section is preferably arranged or formed on the housing or on components of the housing for fastening the second edge region.The housing can also comprise a plurality of housing sections, for example, that is to say it is not only embodied as purely box-shaped or box-shaped, but also comprise a cover section and / or a connecting section, for example, by means of which the housing is held on a frame structure of the roof module such that it can rotate about the axis of rotation of the environment sensor.In a preferred embodiment, the sealing region defines a wet region of the roof module surrounding the opening and forms a separation barrier to a dry region of the roof module in which the environment sensor is arranged. This embodiment in particular reveals that by providing the sealing region, a preferably watertight shielding of the dry region from the wet region can be ensured. This subdivision into wet region and dry region makes it possible, for example, to arrange the mechanics required for adjusting the environment sensor as well as other electrical connections (e.g. plugs) as well as, overall, the environment sensor together with its housing in the dry region in which no contact with moisture prevails. This makes it possible to dispense with otherwise required "perforations" through a sealing plane (for example for connecting a drive device of the environment sensor), since all cables and other moisture-sensitive components can be arranged completely in the drying region. This prevents problem sites and minimizes the susceptibility to errors. It is likewise possible to dispense with expensive and more complicated sealing classes (IP classes) which would otherwise be required in a moist medium.In a preferred specific embodiment, the second counter-sealing section includes at least one profile section, which is situated on the surroundings sensor or on the housing of the surroundings sensor. The profile section is preferably arranged circumferentially around the housing of the environment sensor and protrudes from the latter at least in regions. The profile section preferably serves to connect the second edge region of the second sealing region to the housing of the environment sensor in a fixed and moisture-proof manner.In a preferred embodiment, the at least one profile section is at least regionally shaped in such a way that during an adjustment of the environment sensor from the retracted position into the extended position, there is a preferably continuous sealing contact between the first sealing region and the second counter-sealing section. This at least partially configuration of the profile section ensures that, at least around a partial region of the opening, the sealing contact with the primary seal (first sealing region with respect to housing of the environment sensor) is not lost even when the environment sensor moves about its axis of rotation. The profile section is preferably designed in such a way in an edge region of the opening running parallel to the axis of rotation of the environment sensor. The configuration can be achieved, for example, by a concave curved shape of the profile section pointing away from the housing, the curvature of which can be derived from the normal distance from the axis of rotation of the environment sensor. In other words, it is preferred if the sealing contact with the primary seal is not lost laterally and in the region around the opening running parallel to the axis of rotation of the environment sensor during the movement of the environment sensor in or out. This is possible in particular since the environment sensor rotates only about an axis of rotation.In a preferred specific embodiment, the at least one surroundings sensor includes a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor.According to the invention, a motor vehicle is also claimed which comprises at least one roof module according to any desired embodiment of the invention. The roof module is preferably arranged as a structural unit in the roof region of a vehicle body.The invention further relates to a method for fastening a sealing arrangement to a roof module, wherein the method comprises at least the steps of: injection molding the first edge region onto the edge portion of the surface component, which is provided around the opening, by means of an in particular manually actuated or partially automatic or automatic injection mold; and / or injection molding the second edge region onto the at least one portion of the housing of the environment sensor by means of an in particular manually actuated or partially automatic or automatic injection mold. Particularly preferably, the first edge region is injected onto the edge section of the surface component and / or the second edge region is injected onto the at least one section of the housing of the environment sensor by a two-component injection molding method and / or a glass injection molding method, whereby the edge region is connected integrally to the edge section of the surface component and / or the second edge region is connected integrally to the at least one section of the housing.It goes without saying that, according to the invention, a plurality of different injection molding methods can be used. Thus, the injection molding method for connecting the sealing region to the planar component can differ from the injection molding method for connecting the sealing region to the housing at least with respect to one of the plastic components used, if, for example, the planar component and the housing are produced from plastics different from one another. Furthermore, the injection molding method for in particular integrally fastening the outlet to the sealing region can differ from the aforementioned injection molding methods at least with respect to one of the plastic components used.It is understood that the roof module can also comprise a plurality of openings, a plurality of surroundings sensors and a plurality of sealing arrangements (in each case at least one per opening and surroundings sensor), without departing from the scope of the present invention.It is understood that the aforementioned embodiments and the exemplary embodiments still to be explained below can be used not only individually but also in any combination with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention.Embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the drawings and are explained below by way of example. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a roof module according to the invention in a state mounted on a vehicle roof; FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a surroundings sensor having a sealing arrangement in an extended state; FIG. 3 shows a side view of the environment sensor shown in FIG. 3 in an extended state; and FIG. 4 shows a detail view of a sealing arrangement.FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle roof 100 which comprises a roof module 10. The roof module 10 comprises a planar component 12 for forming the roof skin 14 of the vehicle roof 100 of a vehicle (not shown completely). In a front, central roof region of the vehicle roof 100 or of the roof module 10, viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction x, there is an opening 16 in which a surroundings sensor 18 is arranged. The opening 16 or the environment sensor 18 are arranged centrally (in the vehicle width direction y) directly behind a front cross member 102 which defines a roof-side cowl of the vehicle.The roof module 10 is arranged as a structural unit on a roof frame 104 of a vehicle body 200 and in this case itself has a frame structure with which the mounting of the roof module 10 on the roof frame 104 is ensured. The roof frame 104 is formed by at least two of the transverse spars 102 (on the front and rear sides) and by at least two longitudinal spars 106 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction x. In other exemplary embodiments, the roof module 10 can also be designed, for example, as a panoramic roof with a see-through opening for the passenger area.Environment sensor 18 (e.g., a lidar sensor) is adjustable or rotatable about an axis of rotation 20 of the environment sensor between a retracted position and an extended position. FIG. 1 shows environment sensor 18 in the extended position. The adjustability of the environment sensor 18 from the retracted position into the extended position and vice versa is preferably provided by means of an electric drive (not shown).Environment sensor 18 is designed to detect a vehicle environment around the vehicle by means of electromagnetic signals, for example by means of an evaluation and control unit. For this purpose, environment sensor 18 is oriented to transmit and / or receive in a field of view of environment sensor 18, which extends conically about an optical axis 22 of environment sensor 18.In order to prevent (rain) water from entering the opening 16, which could cause damage to the environment sensor 18 and / or other electrical components and in the interior of the vehicle, the roof module 10 has a sealing arrangement 24 according to the invention. When driving the environment sensor 18 in and / or out, water may enter between the environment sensor 18 and the opening 16 (i.e., in an edge region) due to the rotational movement about the axis of rotation 20 of the environment sensor 18. For the purpose of discharging this entering water, the sealing arrangement 24 is designed to combine the water entering through the opening 16 in such a way that it can be discharged or discharged from the vehicle preferably on the right and left side (as viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction x) via outflow ducts 202 provided in spars 204 a, 204 bof the vehicle body 200. This water discharge is indicated in FIG. 1 by means of two dashed arrows which run along the spars 204 a, 204 b, wherein one of the outflow ducts 202 is covered by the spar 204 b. The spars 204 a, 204 bmay be, for example, an A-pillar of the vehicle, but in other embodiments may also be a B, C and / or D-pillar.For bringing together the water which can enter around the opening 16, the sealing arrangement 24 comprises at least one funnel-shaped section 26 which opens at its conically tapering end into a drain 28. The funnel-shaped section 26 extends on both sides (on the right and left sides of the environment sensor 18) in each case parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction x in the case that the environment sensor 16 is arranged in a front region of the vehicle and is oriented in the vehicle longitudinal direction x by means of its optical axis 22. In the case of a lateral arrangement of environment sensor 18, i.e., an orientation of optical axis 22 of environment sensor 18 along vehicle width direction y, at least one funnel-shaped section 26 is preferably oriented parallel to vehicle width direction y.FIG. 2 shows a surroundings sensor having the sealing arrangement 24. See-through region 30 is designed in such a way that it is transparent to wavelength ranges used by surroundings sensor 18.Environment sensor 18 includes a housing 32 having a sensor housing 34, in which environment sensor 18 is situated, and a cover part 36. In the retracted position of the environment sensor 18, the cover part 36 closes flush with the roof skin 14. Environment sensor 18 is mounted on a support structure of roof module 10 such that it can rotate about axis of rotation 20 by means of housing 32 or by means of profiles fastened to the housing.The sealing arrangement 24 surrounding the opening 16 has a sealing region 40 (referred to as "further sealing region" in the claims and the preceding description) and a sealing region 42. The further sealing region 40 is designed as a hose seal (see schematically FIG. 3 ). The hose seal is plugged onto an edge region in the roof skin 14 surrounding the opening 18. The further sealing region 40 serves as a primary sealing barrier for sealing a gap, which is for structural reasons, between the opening 16 and the housing 32 of the environment sensor 18.The further sealing region 40 is designed to seal the opening 16 in the retracted position of the environment sensor 18 by means of contact of the first sealing region 40 (i.e. by means of contact of at least one sealing lip of the hose seal) with a first counter-sealing section 44 of the environment sensor 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and to seal the opening 16 in the extended position of the environment sensor 18 by means of contact of the sealing region 40 (i.e. by means of contact of at least one sealing lip of the hose seal) with a second counter-sealing section 46 of the environment sensor 18. The first counter-sealing section 44 is formed by an edge surrounding the cover part 36. The second counter-sealing section 46 is formed by a profile section 48 which is preferably arranged circumferentially on the sensor housing 34 of the environment sensor 18. The geometric configuration of the profile section 48 can differ along the circumference of the sensor housing 34 (see schematically FIG. 4 ). For example, the at least one profile section 48 can be shaped on a sensor housing region running parallel to the axis of rotation 20 of the environment sensor 18 in such a way that during an adjustment of the environment sensor 18 from the retracted position into the extended position there is a continuous sealing contact between the sealing region 40 and the second counter-sealing section 46, i.e. the profile section 48 in this region. For this purpose, the profile section 48 can be shaped concave in sections (as viewed in the direction away from the sensor housing 34). At the side regions of the sensor housing 34 (parallel to the optical axis 22 of the environment sensor 18), the profile section can be formed at an acute angle of attack with respect to the sensor housing 34 (with respect to a vertical), so that in these side regions the sealing contact between the first sealing region 40 and the second counter-sealing section 46 is preferably not lost during the retraction and deployment of the environment sensor 18 (see FIG. 4 ).The sealing region 42 is connected along a first edge region 50 of the sealing region 42 to an edge section 52 of the surface component 12. The edge portion 52 is preferably a surface portion of the surface member 12 that extends around the opening. The sealing region 42 is injection-molded on the edge section 52 by means of its first edge region 50 (see reference numeral 56). The sealing region 42 is injection-molded in a moisture-proof manner along a second edge region 54 of the sealing region 42 with the housing 32, more precisely on the profile section 48 which is arranged on the housing (see reference sign 56). The sealing region 42 is produced from a flexible, mat-shaped material, preferably from rubber or a moisture-proof textile, and is in the present case designed in the form of a water bag 58. The water bag 58 surrounds the opening 16 as a self-contained barrier or sleeve. The sealing region 42 forms, at least in regions, the at least one funnel-shaped section 26 for the purpose of combining the entering liquid, which section opens into the outlet 28 in each case. In the present case, the sealing region 42 forms on the right and left sides (as viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction x) in each case the funnel-shaped section 26 which opens into the outlet 28 in each case (see FIG. 2 ). The at least one outlet 28 is injection-molded onto the sealing region, in particular at its lowest point.The self-contained sleeve of the sealing region 42, which is designed as a water bag 58, defines a secondary sealing barrier which prevents the penetration of liquid into the interior region of the roof module 10, where the environment sensor 18 is arranged, even if the primary sealing barrier (the first sealing region 40) does not seal. Thus, the sealing region 42 defines a wet region 60 of the roof module 10 surrounding the opening 16 and acts as a separation barrier to a dry region 62 of the roof module 10, in which the environment sensor 18 is arranged. Electrical connections of environment sensor 18, for example, are also situated in this dry area 62. In addition, it is possible by injection molding to also include further components, such as, for example, plugs, pins, hooks, lips and / or clamps, in the injection molding 56. Such components are schematically denoted by reference numeral 64.List of reference characters10 Roof module 12 Planar component 14 Roof skin 16 Opening 18 Environment sensor 20 Axis of rotation of the environment sensor 22 Optical axis of the environment sensor 24 Sealing arrangement 26 Funnel-shaped section 28 Outlet 30 See-through region 32 Housing 34 Sensor housing 36 Cover part 40 First sealing region 42 Second sealing region 44 First counter-sealing section 46 Second counter-sealing section 48 Profile section 50 First edge region 52 Edge section 54 Second edge region 56 Injection 58 Water bag 60 Wet region 62 Dry region 64 Further components 100 Vehicle roof 102 Transverse rail 104 Roof frame 200 Vehicle body 202 Outlet ducts 204 a, 204 bRails

Claims

Roof module for forming a vehicle roof (100) on a motor vehicle, having a planar component (12) which forms a roof skin (14) of the vehicle roof at least in regions, and having an opening (16), in which at least one environment sensor (18) is arranged within a housing (32), which environment sensor can transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals for detecting the vehicle environment and which can be adjusted between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the roof module comprises a sealing arrangement (24) which extends encircling the opening (16) and has a sealing region (42) which extends flexibly movably between the planar component (12) and at least one section of the housing (32) and is attached on one side to the planar component (12) and / or the housing (32), characterized in that the sealing arrangement (24) comprises a further sealing region (40), which is arranged circumferentially around the opening (16) and is designed to seal the opening (16) in the retracted position of the at least one environment sensor (18) by bearing the further sealing region (40) against a first counter-sealing section (44) which is formed on the housing (32), and to seal the opening (16) in the extended position of the at least one environment sensor (18) by bearing the further sealing region (40) against a second counter-sealing section (46) which is formed on the housing (32).Roof module according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sealing region (42) is injection-moulded on one side on the planar component (12) and / or the housing (32).Roof module according to Claim 2, characterized in that the sealing region (42) is injection-moulded on one side on the planar component (12) and / or the housing (32) by a two-component or multicomponent injection-moulding method, in particular in one piece.Roof module according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing region (42) is injection-moulded on one side on the planar component (12) by a glass injection-moulding process, in particular in one piece.Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing region (42) comprises at least one outlet (28) and is designed to bring together liquid entering through the opening (16) in the direction of the at least one outlet (28).Roof module according to Claim 5, characterized in that the at least one outlet (28) is injection-moulded onto the sealing region (42).Roof module according to Claim 1, characterized in that the further sealing region (40) comprises a hose seal which is arranged in an edge region of the opening (16) and is preferably formed in one piece.Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing region (42) is substantially bag-shaped and formed circumferentially around the opening (16).Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing region (42) is formed from a flexible, mat-shaped material, preferably from rubber or a moisture-proof textile.Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing region (42) for combining the entering liquid forms, at least in regions, a funnel-shaped section (26) which opens into the outlet (28).Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing region (42) has a first edge region (50) which is injection-moulded on an edge section (52) of the planar component (12) which is provided around the opening (16) in a moisture-tight manner, in particular by means of an injection mould.Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing region (42) has a second edge region (54) which is injection-moulded onto the at least one section of the housing (32) of the environment sensor (18) in a moisture-tight manner.Roof module according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the sealing region (42) defines a wet region (60) of the roof module (10) encircling the opening (16), and forms a separation barrier to a dry region (62) of the roof module (10) in which the environment sensor (18) is arranged.Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one environment sensor (18) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (20) for adjustment between the retracted position and the extended position.Roof module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one environment sensor (18) comprises a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor.Motor vehicle comprising a roof module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.Method for fastening a sealing arrangement (24) to a roof module (10) according to Claim 11 and / or Claim 12, wherein the method comprises the steps of: injection-moulding the first edge region (50) onto the edge section (52) of the planar component (12), which is provided around the opening (16), by means of an in particular manually actuated or partially automatic or automatic injection-moulding tool; and / or injection-moulding the second edge region (54) onto the at least one section of the housing (32) of the environment sensor (18) by means of an in particular manually actuated or partially automatic or automatic injection-moulding tool.Method according to Claim 17, wherein the injection molding of the first edge region (50) onto the edge section (52) of the surface component (12) and / or the injection molding of the second edge region (54) onto the at least one section of the housing (32) of the environment sensor (18) takes place by a two-component or multicomponent injection molding process and / or a glass injection molding process, as a result of which the first edge region (50) is connected integrally to the edge section (52) of the surface component (12) and / or the second edge region (54) is connected integrally to the at least one section of the housing (32).

Images