Sensor module with environmental sensor and cooling unit

Abstract

sensor module (18) comprising a sensor viewing area (20), an environment sensor (22) configured to detect a vehicle environment through the sensor viewing area (20), and a cooling device (24) with a cooling component (26), wherein the cooling component (26) is configured to dissipate waste heat generated by the environment sensor (22) and / or ambient heat supplied to the sensor module (18) from the outside, wherein the environment sensor (22) is movably arranged on the sensor module (18) between a retracted position and an extended position, characterized in that the cooling component (26) comprises a first component part (28) and a second component part (30), wherein the first component part (28) is movable relative to the second component part (30) in such a manner thatthat the cooling component (26) provides a smaller cooling surface and / or a smaller cooling volume in the retracted position than in the extended position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor module, in particular a roof sensor module (RSM) for a passenger car, comprising a sensor viewing area, an environment sensor configured to detect the vehicle's surroundings through the sensor viewing area, and a cooling device having a cooling component. The cooling component is configured to dissipate waste heat generated by the environment sensor and / or ambient heat supplied to the sensor module from outside from the sensor module and / or environment sensor. The environment sensor is arranged on the sensor module so that it can move between a retracted position and an extended position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a roof sensor module having such a sensor module. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a sensor module and / or such a roof sensor module.

[0002] Vehicle roofs are known in practice. A vehicle roof can, for example, be designed as a roof sensor module that can be attached as a separate structural unit to a passenger car body forming a vehicle shell. As an interface to the vehicle roof, the vehicle body comprises roof beams, which can be designed as longitudinal beams and / or transverse beams and represent a support device on the vehicle shell. The vehicle roof comprises a roof skin that forms an outer visible surface and has sensor viewing areas through which environmental sensors, which are arranged beneath the roof skin and serve to detect the vehicle's surroundings, can detect the vehicle's surroundings.

[0003] Autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, for example, include a roof designed as a sensor roof module (RSM), which is equipped with numerous environmental sensors. To ensure continuous availability of the environmental sensors, they must be kept within a specific temperature range, for which a cooling system is used.

[0004] For example, DE 10 2019 122 193 B4 discloses a movable environmental sensor and a cooling device for thermal management of the environmental sensor and / or other components. Further prior art is known from DE 10 2020 202 696 A1, DE 11 2019 004 359 T5, and DE 10 2019 122 190 A1.

[0005] In the case of a movable environmental sensor, the cooling device often requires a lot of installation space, especially in a vehicle height direction, which is disadvantageous in the vehicle layout and / or design.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide an improved sensor module.

[0007] The problem is solved in the present case by a sensor module having the features of patent claim 1. The problem is solved in the present case by a roof sensor module having the features of patent claim 10. The problem is solved in the present case by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 11.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The scope of the invention includes all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures.

[0009] The present invention proposes a sensor module, in particular for a passenger car. The sensor module has a sensor viewing area, an environment sensor configured to detect the vehicle's surroundings through the sensor viewing area, and a cooling device with a cooling component. The cooling component is configured to dissipate waste heat generated by the environment sensor and / or ambient heat supplied to the sensor module from outside from the sensor module and / or environment sensor. The environment sensor is arranged on the sensor module so that it can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The cooling component has a first component part and a second component part. The first component part is movable relative to the second component part such that the cooling component provides a smaller cooling surface and / or a smaller cooling volume in the retracted position than in the extended position.

[0010] The cooling component is therefore preferably divided into two or more parts, namely the component parts. The component parts preferably partially or completely engage with one another when the environment sensor is in the retracted position. Alternatively or additionally, the component parts at least partially encompass one another. In this way, a smaller surface area and / or a smaller volume can be provided when the environment sensor and / or another component of the sensor module is lowered or retracted. In this way, a larger cooling surface and / or a larger cooling volume can also be provided when the environment sensor and / or another component of the sensor module is raised or extended.

[0011] The advantage of this design of the sensor module is that the space savings enable improved styling and / or design of the entire vehicle. The arrangement of vehicle components, particularly in the roof area, can also be improved. Overall, space utilization is optimized. This sensor module also allows more freedom in the selection and / or positioning of the sensor module in relation to a vehicle component, for example a vehicle roof and / or a vehicle body. The cooling device also enables effective cooling and / or air conditioning of the sensor module in both positions, i.e. in the retracted position and in the extended position and / or in a variety of possible intermediate positions. This sensor module is also less complex. Furthermore, weight and costs can be saved.

[0012] The sensor see-through area can be formed in a cover and / or a housing part of the sensor module. The sensor see-through area can be provided as a window in an opening of such a cover and / or such a housing part. The sensor see-through area can also be formed as a single piece or integrally with such a cover and / or such a housing part. The sensor see-through area is transparent, in particular, for a wavelength range between 300 nm and 2000 nm. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sensor see-through area is permeable to radar beams.

[0013] The vehicle roof's environmental sensor can be designed in a variety of ways, utilize electromagnetic radiation and / or acoustic waves, and include, for example, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor such as a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, an antenna device, and / or the like. If the environmental sensor is a lidar sensor, it preferably operates in a wavelength range of approximately 905 nm or approximately 1550 nm. A camera used as an environmental sensor can operate in the wavelength range of visible light and / or in the infrared range.

[0014] The cooling device with the cooling component can also be configured to control the temperature of the environment sensor and / or other components of the sensor module that are to be temperature-controlled. The cooling device can therefore be understood as a temperature control device that can be used both for cooling and / or heating the environment sensor and / or the other components of the sensor module that are to be temperature-controlled. The cooling device is preferably configured to keep the environment sensor and / or other components of the sensor module that are to be temperature-controlled at a predetermined target temperature or within a predetermined target temperature range, in particular to enable optimal operation.

[0015] The environment sensor is movably mounted on the sensor module at least between the retracted position and the extended position. The environment sensor can preferably be moved into a plurality of intermediate positions between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0016] The cooling component comprises a first component part and a second component part. It is understood that the cooling component may also comprise more than two component parts.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first component part is movable relative to the second component part such that the first component part in the retracted position at least partially engages in the second component part or at least partially encompasses the second component part in order to thus provide the smaller cooling surface and / or the smaller cooling volume than in the extended position.

[0018] The first component part is movable relative to the second component part. This means that the first part can move or change its position with respect to the second part. The design of the sensor module has two main positions: a retracted position and an extended position. These positions preferably also relate to the relative position of the two component parts to one another. In the retracted position, the first component part at least partially engages the second component part. This preferably means that a part of the first component part penetrates into, overlaps with, or is located within the area of ​​the second part. Alternatively or additionally, the first component part can at least partially encompass the second component part. This implies that the first part partially encloses or surrounds the second part.The goal of this movement or arrangement is to provide a smaller cooling surface and / or cooling volume in the retracted position than in the extended position. In this way, the size of the cooling surface and / or cooling volume can be varied depending on the position of the sensor module or the environmental sensor. The cooling device can therefore preferably change its shape or configuration to achieve different cooling capacities and / or efficiencies and / or different installation space requirements.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the first component part is complementary to the second component part.

[0020] The first component part is designed to be complementary to the second component part. This preferably means that the shape, size, and / or functionality of the first component part is / are designed to match or match the properties of the second component part. The component parts could be designed to physically fit together, for example, through interlocking shapes. The functionality of the two component parts could be coordinated such that together they form an overall system whose performance is optimized by the interaction of the two component parts. The component parts could also be coordinated in their external appearance or design to achieve a uniform or harmonious overall appearance.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first component part is arranged directly or indirectly on the environment sensor and can be moved in and out with the environment sensor, wherein the second component part is arranged on a stationary housing or on a stationary support component of the sensor module.

[0022] The first component part is attached to the environment sensor either directly (immediately) or via an intermediate element (indirectly). This means that the first component part is either physically adjacent to the environment sensor or connected to it by another part or mechanism. The first component part is designed so that it can be retracted and extended together with the environment sensor. This means a movable construction in which the first component part and the environment sensor can be retracted and extended in a substantially synchronized movement or at least a movement-coupled movement. The second component part is preferably arranged on a stationary housing or on a stationary support component of the sensor module. This means that the second component part can be fixedly mounted and does not move together with the first component part or the environment sensor.The first component part preferably performs a functional role directly or indirectly related to the movement or positioning of the environmental sensor. The second component part preferably serves as a stable base or anchor point for the cooling device, with its immobility providing a constant reference position or structural integrity.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the first component part can be extended and retracted relative to the second component part. By extending and retracting the environment sensor, the first component part can also be extended and retracted relative to the second component part. In this way, the cooling surface and / or the cooling volume can be reduced or increased depending on the direction of movement. In the retracted position, the cooling component preferably has a minimal cooling surface and / or a minimal cooling volume. In the extended position, the cooling component preferably has a maximum cooling surface and / or a maximum cooling volume.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling component comprises a heat exchanger.

[0025] A heat exchanger is preferably a device that transfers heat from one medium (such as a liquid, air, or vapor) to another without the media coming into direct contact with each other. The components of a heat exchanger can vary depending on the type of heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can comprise tubes and / or plates through which the heat transfer medium flows. The heat exchanger can comprise a housing that encloses the tubes or plates and is adapted to allow the secondary medium, from or to which heat is transferred, to come into contact with the outer surfaces of the tubes or plates. The heat exchanger can comprise fins or ribs to increase the cooling surface and thus increase heat transfer efficiency. The heat exchanger can comprise a circulating pump and / or a fan to move the media through the heat exchanger.The previously mentioned components of the heat exchanger can represent the first and / or second component part in any configuration.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling component comprises a heat sink. The first component part and the second component part each comprise a plurality of cooling fins. The cooling fins of the first component part engage with the cooling fins of the second component part in the retracted position, particularly in a comb-like manner, such that the cooling volume of the heat sink is reduced relative to the extended position.

[0027] The cooling component has a heat sink. Heat sinks are usually made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum or copper and serve to absorb the heat from a device or component and dissipate it to the environment. Both the first component part and the second component part each have a plurality of cooling fins. Cooling fins are preferably thin, plate- or fin-like extensions that increase the surface area of ​​the heat sink in order to improve heat dissipation to the ambient air. The arrangement of the cooling fins on both component parts improves heat dissipation through an enlarged surface area. In the retracted position, the cooling fins of the first component part engage at least partially and in particular in a comb-like manner with the cooling fins of the second component part.This means that the fins are designed to interlock, similar to the teeth of two interlocking combs. This design allows for a compact arrangement of the component parts when retracted and may provide improved heat dissipation due to the closer contact between the fins. In the retracted position, the cooling volume of the heatsink is reduced compared to the extended position. This means that the heatsink takes on a more compact shape in the retracted position.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling fins are shaped such that they touch each other in the extended position. This improves heat dissipation through contact. For this purpose, the cooling fins preferably have a trapezoidal design or shape. Alternatively, the cooling fins can have a bulbous design or shape. It is particularly preferred that the cross-section of the cooling fins be designed to rise from a free head end of the respective cooling fin to a foot end.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling component has a cooling channel. The first component part has a cooling channel base, and the second component part has a cooling channel cover.

[0030] The cooling component comprises a cooling channel, which is preferably an integral part of the cooling device. A cooling channel preferably serves to conduct a cooling medium (such as air or a liquid) through the component in order to transport or dissipate heat away from the environmental sensor or a heat source. The first component part preferably has a cooling channel base. This is preferably the part of the cooling channel that forms the main path or bed for the cooling medium. The base is preferably designed to efficiently conduct the cooling medium through the channel and enable optimal heat absorption from the surrounding components. The second component part preferably comprises a cooling channel cover. This cover closes off the cooling channel, preferably to keep the cooling medium within the intended path and prevent leakage or spillage of the medium.The cover may preferably contribute to controlling the flow and / or volumetric flow of the cooling medium within the channel and / or to improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0031] The present invention also claims a roof sensor module for forming a vehicle roof. The roof sensor module can be arranged as a pre-assembled unit on a vehicle body. The roof module has a surface component that functions at least partially as a roof skin, and such a roof module. The sensor module is arranged on the surface component. The roof sensor module preferably forms an integrated unit that accommodates components configured for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle in question. The roof sensor module, in which a plurality of functional elements can preferably be integrated, represents a compact unit that can be pre-assembled so that it only needs to be connected to a vehicle body or a vehicle shell by a vehicle manufacturer. The roof sensor module is preferably connected to roof members, such as roof side members and / or longitudinal roof members.The roof sensor module represents a Roof Sensor Module (RSM), which enables autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle in question. A motor vehicle equipped with such a roof sensor module and designed as an autonomously driving vehicle preferably drives independently in an autonomous driving mode, i.e. at least without significant intervention from a driver. In a semi-autonomous driving mode, the roof sensor module according to the invention forms, for example, part of a driver assistance system. The roof sensor module can be designed with a transparent fixed roof section and / or a roof opening system and a roof opening. In particular, the roof sensor module at least partially forms the roof of a passenger car. However, it can also be the roof of a commercial vehicle, which can be designed, for example, as a delivery van, a bus, an autonomously driving minibus, such as a so-called people mover, or even a truck tractor.

[0032] The present invention also claims a motor vehicle having at least one such sensor module and / or at least one such roof sensor module. The roof sensor module can be arranged as a pre-assembled unit on a vehicle body of the motor vehicle. In other words, in particular, a vehicle body of the motor vehicle can be connected to a prefabricated or pre-assembled roof sensor module, which is designed as a sensor roof module or roof sensor module.

[0033] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the description, the drawings and the patent claims.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of a motor vehicle with a vehicle roof according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a motor vehicle with a vehicle roof and an embodiment of a sensor module; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a sensor module according to a first embodiment in an extended position; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a sensor module according to the first embodiment in a retracted position; Fig. 4 a schematic view of a sensor module according to a second embodiment in an extended position; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a sensor module according to the second embodiment in a retracted position; Fig. 6 a schematic view of a sensor module according to a third embodiment in an extended position; Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a sensor module according to the third embodiment in an extended position; Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a sensor module according to a fourth embodiment in an extended position; and Fig. 9 a schematic view of a sensor module according to the fourth embodiment in an extended position.

[0035] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 1000 having a vehicle body 1002. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1000 has a roof sensor module 10, which is arranged as a pre-assembled unit on the vehicle body 1002 and, at least in some regions, forms a vehicle roof 100 of the motor vehicle 1000. The roof sensor module 10 extends along a vehicle longitudinal direction x and a vehicle width direction y.

[0036] In alternative embodiments, the vehicle roof 100 may also be a vehicle roof that is not configured as a roof sensor module. Thus, all embodiments also refer to such a vehicle roof 100.

[0037] The roof sensor module 10 comprises a surface component 12, which at least partially forms a roof skin 14 of the vehicle roof 100. The roof sensor module 10 comprises Fig. 1 shows a fixed roof element 16 that forms an at least partially transparent viewing area of ​​the vehicle roof 100. In other or additional embodiments, the roof sensor module 10 may have a roof opening system that includes a cover element that can be moved to selectively open or close a roof opening.

[0038] The roof sensor module 10 (see Fig. 1) or the vehicle roof 100 has a sensor module 18. The sensor module 18 has a sensor viewing area 20. Furthermore, the sensor module 18 has at least one environment sensor 22, which is configured to detect the vehicle's surroundings through the sensor viewing area 20.

[0039] Referring to the Fig. 2 to 9, the sensor module 18 further comprises a cooling device 24 with at least one cooling component 26. The cooling component 26 is configured to dissipate waste heat generated by the environmental sensor 22 and / or ambient heat supplied to the sensor module 18 from the outside from the sensor module 18 and / or the environmental sensor 22.

[0040] The environment sensor 22 is adjustable between a retracted position (see Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 9) and an extended position (see Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 8) is movably arranged on the sensor module 18.

[0041] The cooling component 26 has a first component part 28 and a second component part 30. The first component part 28 is movable relative to the second component part 30 such that the cooling component 26 provides a smaller cooling surface and / or a smaller cooling volume in the retracted position than in the extended position. The first component part 28 is movable relative to the second component part 30 such that the first component part 28 at least partially engages the second component part 30 in the retracted position (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) or at least partially encompasses the second component part 30 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 9) in order to provide a smaller cooling surface and / or smaller cooling volume than in the extended position. The first component part 28 is thus designed to complement the second component part 30.

[0042] As can be seen from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 2 to 9, the first component part 28 is arranged directly on the environment sensor 22 and can thus be extended and retracted with the environment sensor 22. The second component part 30, however, is arranged on a stationary housing or on a stationary support component 32 of the sensor module 18. The first component part 28 can thus be extended and retracted relative to the second component part 30.

[0043] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the cooling component 24 has a heat exchanger. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 also shows a possible air flow direction 34 through the heat exchanger by means of an arrow.

[0044] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, a cooling channel 36 is also shown, through which cooling air and / or a cooling medium can be conducted. In other embodiments, the cooling component 24 can have a cooling channel or a channel section, wherein the first component part 28 can form a cooling channel base and the second component part 30 can form a cooling channel cover. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows an example of an air inlet or air outlet (depending on the flow direction of the cooling medium) with the reference number 38.

[0045] According to the Fig.4 to 7, the cooling component 24 can have a heat sink 40. The first component part 28 has a plurality of cooling fins 42. The second component part 30 each has a plurality of cooling fins 44. The cooling fins 42 of the first component part 28 engage with the cooling fins 44 of the second component part 30 in the retracted position such that the cooling volume of the heat sink 40 is reduced relative to the extended position. The cooling fins 42 are shaped in this case such that they touch one another in the extended position. This improves heat dissipation through contact. For this purpose, the cooling fins 42 have a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the cooling fins 42 can have a bulbous design. It can be seen that the cross-section of the cooling fins 42 is designed to rise from a free head end of the respective cooling fin 42 to a foot end of the respective cooling fin 42. List of reference symbols 10 roof sensor module 12 Surface component 14 Roof skin 16 fixed roof element 18 Sensor module 20 Sensor viewing area 22 Environment sensor 24 Cooling device 26 Cooling component 28 Component part 30 component part 32 Housing or support component 34 Airflow direction 36 cooling channel 38 Air inlet or air outlet 40 heat sinks 42 cooling fins 44 cooling fins 100 vehicle roof 1000 motor vehicles 1002 Vehicle body x Vehicle longitudinal direction y vehicle width direction

Claims

[1] Sensor module (18) comprising a sensor viewing area (20), an environment sensor (22) which is designed to detect a vehicle environment through the sensor viewing area (20), and a cooling device (24) with a cooling component (26), wherein the cooling component (26) is designed to dissipate waste heat generated by the environment sensor (22) and / or ambient heat supplied to the sensor module (18) from the outside from the sensor module (18) and / or environment sensor (22), wherein the environment sensor (22) is arranged on the sensor module (18) so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position, characterized byin that the cooling component (26) has a first component part (28) and a second component part (30), wherein the first component part (28) is movable relative to the second component part (30) such that the cooling component (26) provides a smaller cooling surface and / or a smaller cooling volume in the retracted position than in the extended position. [2] Sensor module according to claim 1, characterized by that the first component part (28) is movable relative to the second component part (30) such that the first component part (28) in the retracted position at least partially engages in the second component part (30) or at least partially encompasses the second component part (30) in order to thus provide the smaller cooling surface and / or the smaller cooling volume than in the extended position. [3] Sensor module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the first component part (28) is complementary to the second component part (30). [4] Sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first component part (28) is arranged directly or indirectly on the environment sensor (22) and can be moved in and out with the environment sensor (22), wherein the second component part (30) is arranged on an immovable housing or on an immovable support component (32) of the sensor module (18). [5] Sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first component part (28) can be moved in and out relative to the second component part (30). [6] Sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cooling component (26) has a heat exchanger. [7] Sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the cooling component (26) has a heat sink (40), wherein the first component part (28) and the second component part (30) each have a plurality of cooling fins (42, 44), wherein the cooling fins (42) of the first component part (28) engage with the cooling fins (44) of the second component part (30) in the retracted position such that the cooling volume of the heat sink (40) is reduced relative to the extended position. [8] Sensor module according to claim 7, characterized by that the cooling fins (44) are shaped such that they touch each other in the extended position, wherein the cooling fins (44) are preferably each trapezoidal or bulbous, and preferably a respective cross section of the cooling fins (44) is designed to rise from a respective free head end to a respective free foot end. [9] Sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cooling component (26) has a cooling channel, wherein the first component part (28) has a cooling channel base and the second component part (30) has a cooling channel cover. [10] Roof module (10) for forming a vehicle roof (100) which can be arranged as a pre-assembled unit on a vehicle body (1002), the roof module (10) comprising a surface component (12) which functions at least in regions as a roof skin (14), and a sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module (18) is arranged on the surface component (12). [11] Motor vehicle (1000) comprising a vehicle body (1002) and a sensor module (18) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a roof module (10) according to claim 10, wherein the sensor module (18) and / or the roof module (10) is arranged on the vehicle body (1002).

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