Sensor module with cover, environmental sensor and cleaning nozzle

Abstract

Sensor module (18) for a motor vehicle (1000) comprising: a sensor module frame (23), a cover (20) with a viewing area (24), an environment sensor (22) arranged on the sensor module frame (23), and a cleaning device (28) with a cleaning nozzle (38) for cleaning the viewing area (24), characterized in that the cover (20) is adjustable at least sectionally between an extended position, in which the environment sensor (22) can detect a vehicle environment through the viewing area (24), and a lowered cleaning position, in which the viewing area (24) can be cleaned by the at least one cleaning nozzle (38), relative to the sensor module frame (23).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor module comprising a cover, an environmental sensor, and a cleaning nozzle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one such sensor module. State of the art

[0002] Vehicle roofs are a familiar concept in practice. A vehicle roof can, for example, be designed as a roof sensor module, which can be mounted as a separate unit onto the body shell of a passenger car. The vehicle body includes roof rails, which can be longitudinal and / or transverse, serving as the interface to the roof. These rails form a support structure within the vehicle body shell. The vehicle roof comprises a roof skin that provides an outer viewing surface and features sensor access areas through which ambient sensors, located beneath the roof skin, can detect the vehicle's surroundings.

[0003] Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles incorporate, for example, a roof designed as a sensor roof module (RSM), which is equipped with a variety of environmental sensors. These sensors, integrated into the vehicle roof (specifically the roof sensor module) in a dry area, and which may be lidar sensors, radar sensors, and / or cameras, detect the surroundings of the vehicle and provide corresponding measurement signals to the vehicle's control electronics. This allows the vehicle to determine the current traffic situation and adapt its driving behavior accordingly. The environmental sensors can be, for example, retractable or fixed to the roof surface.

[0004] To enable the most interference-free detection of the vehicle's surroundings, it is known to keep the viewing area, through which the environmental sensor looks to detect the vehicle's surroundings, free of optical interference such as water droplets and / or dirt particles. The viewing area can either be located directly on the environmental sensor and, for example, be designed as a lens. Alternatively or additionally, the viewing area can also be provided in a cover of the environmental sensor, which may be part of a sensor housing or another body component.

[0005] Various cleaning devices are known for cleaning the viewing area; see, for example, US 2020 / 0023814 A1, DE 102021115335 A1, US 2021 / 0009086 A1, US 2017 / 0210304 A1, DE 102016220011 A1, CN116061830A, and DE 102021115340 A1. Cleaning can be carried out, for example, using compressed air or another cleaning fluid. Furthermore, mechanical cleaning devices, such as wipers or similar devices, are known, but these are often technically very complex.

[0006] One objective of the invention is to provide an improved sensor module.

[0007] The problem is solved by a sensor module having the features of main claim 1, by a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle according to subsidiary claim 7 comprising such a sensor module, and by a motor vehicle according to subsidiary claim 8 comprising such a sensor module.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The scope of the invention encompasses all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures. It is understood in particular that linguistic transformations and / or the meaningful substitution of respective terms within the framework of usual linguistic practice, especially the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are included in the present disclosure without being explicitly mentioned in their respective formulations.

[0009] In a first aspect, a sensor module for a motor vehicle is proposed. The sensor module comprises a sensor module frame, a cover with a viewing area, an environmental sensor arranged on the sensor module frame, and a cleaning device with a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the viewing area. The cover is adjustable, at least in sections, between an extended position in which the environmental sensor can detect the vehicle's surroundings through the viewing area, and a lowered cleaning position in which the viewing area can be cleaned by the at least one cleaning nozzle.

[0010] It is understood that the sensor module may include at least one environmental sensor. It is understood that the sensor module may include at least one cleaning nozzle. It is understood that the sensor module may include further functional components, in particular a climate control unit for conditioning the environmental sensor and / or a lighting unit and / or other cleaning components. Such functional components may be arranged on the sensor module frame. The environmental sensor may include a lidar sensor and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or an infrared sensor and / or a camera sensor.

[0011] This sensor module simplifies the installation of the environmental sensor, which can be mounted rigidly on or attached to the sensor module frame. Because the cover can move relative to the sensor module frame and thus to the environmental sensor, the mechanism for moving the cover is simple. This eliminates the need for complex movement mechanisms to move the environmental sensor itself and / or associated components such as heating, cooling, and / or cleaning systems. The simplified movement mechanism also saves installation space along the vehicle's length. Furthermore, this sensor module design allows for an optimized field of view, improving the environmental sensor's detection range.Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle is preferably concealed by the cover when the cover is in the extended position. The cleaning nozzle is therefore preferably located below the field of view of the environmental sensor. The cleaning nozzle is thus preferably located within the sensor module, preferably on the sensor module frame or a body component of a motor vehicle. The design of the sensor module is therefore not negatively affected by cleaning nozzles, allowing for a clean and aesthetically pleasing design. Moreover, the sensor module optimizes cleaning effectiveness because cleaning takes place when the cover is in the extended position and is therefore not negatively affected by the main airflow from the vehicle resulting from headwinds. The sensor module also provides increased stability, as only the cover is movable.Furthermore, the sensor module requires reduced tolerances for sensor calibration, as the environmental sensor must preferably be aligned relative to the sensor module frame. The sensor module reduces the complexity of the overall design, thereby also reducing costs. Additionally, the simplified movement mechanics allow for a reduction in the sensor module's weight.

[0012] Instead of the ambient sensor, possibly including its cover and sensor module frame, only the cover is movable. Instead of an extension and retraction movement, the cover is "dipped" into a surface component surrounding the sensor module and then retracted. The retraction movement of the cover can also be combined with a return movement, so that the cover is retracted and at least partially retracted. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzles are preferably mounted under the outer surface of the vehicle. The ambient sensor and the sensor module frame are preferably installed in a fixed and immovable position.

[0013] The cover is preferably movably arranged on a sensor housing of the ambient sensor or on the sensor module frame, so that the cover can move relative to the sensor housing and the sensor module frame or to the motor vehicle. Furthermore, lights and / or components of a heating and / or cooling device and / or cleaning device and / or other electrical and / or electronic and / or mechanical components can be mounted on or in such a sensor housing.

[0014] The cover may preferably accommodate additional components, such as further environmental sensors and / or other sensors and / or lights and / or similar items. These additional components may preferably move with the cover.

[0015] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the cover in the extended position is at least partially flush with a surface component adjacent to the sensor module, and that the cover in the cleaning position is at least partially lowered relative to the surface component.

[0016] In its normal or extended position, the cover is preferably in line with or on the same plane as at least one of the vehicle's exterior surfaces. Such an exterior surface could be, for example, the vehicle roof and / or at least a section of the windshield. In the cleaning or lowered position, the cover is preferably located below the vehicle's exterior surfaces.

[0017] Another aspect is proposed: that the cover, in the extended position, should have a greater distance to the environmental sensor, at least in some sections, than in the cleaning position.

[0018] The present sensor module allows for a shorter installation space in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, particularly between a leading edge of the sensor module, for example, the top edge of the windshield, and the at least one environmental sensor. When the cleaning function is activated, the cover preferably lowers, exposing the cleaning nozzle in an optimal position relative to the cover's viewing area for optimal cleaning. Furthermore, lowering the cover reduces any negative aerodynamic influence during cleaning. Because the cover is lowered, the cleaning fluid is preferably collected by the sensor module frame and, if necessary, other components, such as a separate container, beneath the outer surfaces of the sensor module and, most preferably, discharged via the vehicle body. This keeps the vehicle's exterior surfaces, such as the windshield, free of fluid.

[0019] In another aspect, it is proposed that the sensor module frame can be connected to or integrally designed with a vehicle body component.

[0020] The sensor module frame can be designed as part of a vehicle body component, for example, a roof frame or roof frame structure. Alternatively, the sensor module frame can be designed as part of a roof module that can be attached to a vehicle body component as a pre-assembled unit.

[0021] In another aspect, it is proposed that the sensor module frame forms at least a section of a fluid collection container, through which a cleaning fluid usable via the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the viewing area can be collected and preferably discharged from the sensor module via a drain opening.

[0022] The fluid collection container allows the cleaning fluid and the dirt it contains to be drained from the sensor module. The drain opening can, for example, interact with a body frame or other drainage channel, thus enabling the removal or drainage of the cleaning fluid from the vehicle. The sensor module frame is preferably rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The sensor module frame is preferably immovable relative to the vehicle body. The sensor module frame, preferably together with the vehicle body or a separate container, forms a particularly watertight or liquid-impermeable surface or barrier between the exterior and interior of the vehicle.The vehicle body, the separate container, or even the sensor module frame itself preferably has a drain opening or a separate drain to allow the collected cleaning fluid to drain from the vehicle. The sensor module frame can, in particular, form a trough-shaped area, at least partially, through which the cleaning fluid can be collected.

[0023] Another aspect is proposed: the cleaning nozzle should be concealed by the cover when in the extended position.

[0024] The cleaning nozzle(s) can be attached to the vehicle body or to the sensor module frame. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning nozzle can be arranged on the preferred sensor housing (i.e., as part of the sensor module). The present sensor module enables system integration in which the cleaning nozzles are not visible when the cover is extended / in its normal position. Of course, at least one cleaning nozzle can be made visible upon request.

[0025] In another aspect, it is proposed that the cover has a movable cover component and a fixed cover component, wherein the movable cover component is adjustable between the extended position and the cleaning position relative to the sensor module frame, and wherein the fixed component is fixed relative to the sensor module frame.

[0026] The cover can also be divided into two or more separate parts. Preferably, the cover can have a stationary or fixed cover component and a movable cover component.

[0027] In another aspect, it is proposed that the cover be movable between the extended position and the cleaning position by means of a hinge mechanism, a four-joint mechanism, a multi-joint mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a sliding mechanism, or a sled mechanism.

[0028] By way of example, the movement of the cover or part of the cover can be achieved by a movement mechanism, and this list is not intended to be exhaustive. In principle, any type of movement mechanism can be used to move the cover or part thereof. Such a movement mechanism could, for example, include an electric motor with or without a spindle. Such a movement mechanism could, for example, include at least one lever, which is attached at one end to a motor shaft and at the other end to the movable cover. The pivot and / or sliding point between the lever and the movable cover can be freely chosen.

[0029] The present claim also includes a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor module according to any embodiment.

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle roof is designed as a roof sensor module. Such a roof sensor module forms an integrated unit that incorporates components required for the autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle in question. The roof sensor module, which can integrate a multitude of functional elements, thus represents a compact unit that is connected by the vehicle manufacturer to a vehicle body or body shell, which includes roof pillars such as side pillars and / or longitudinal pillars. The vehicle roof designed as a roof sensor module is therefore a roof sensor module (RSM) that enables autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle in question.

[0031] A motor vehicle equipped with such a roof and designed as an autonomous vehicle drives independently in autonomous driving mode, at least without significant driver intervention. In a semi-autonomous driving mode, the vehicle roof, according to the invention, forms, for example, part of a driver assistance system.

[0032] The vehicle roof may be equipped with a transparent fixed roof section and / or a roof opening system for a roof opening.

[0033] In particular, the vehicle roof forms at least part of the roof of a passenger car. However, it can also be the roof of a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery van, a bus, an autonomous minibus (like a so-called people mover), or a truck tractor.

[0034] The present claim also includes a motor vehicle comprising a sensor module and / or a vehicle roof of the type described above. The vehicle roof preferably forms a roof sensor module (RSM) that can be arranged as a pre-assembled unit on the vehicle body. In other words, a vehicle body shell can be provided with a prefabricated or pre-assembled roof sensor module designed as a roof sensor module.

[0035] It is understood that the aforementioned and subsequently explained embodiments and exemplary embodiments can be implemented not only individually, but also in any combination with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the aforementioned and subsequently explained embodiments and exemplary embodiments relate in an equivalent or at least similar manner to all embodiments of the invention, without each being specifically named.

[0036] Embodiments of the invention are schematically depicted in the drawings and are explained below by way of example. They show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle roof with a sensor module. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 3 shows an example embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module. Fig. Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sensor module.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 1000, which has 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 forms at least part of a vehicle roof 100 of the motor vehicle 1000.

[0038] In alternative versions, the vehicle roof 100 can also refer to a vehicle roof that is not configured as a roof sensor module. Therefore, all versions also refer to such a vehicle roof 100.

[0039] 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, according to Fig. 1 a fixed roof element 16. The roof sensor module 10 may in other or supplementary versions have a roof opening system which includes a cover element which can be moved to selectively open or close a roof opening.

[0040] The motor vehicle 1000 has a sensor module 18, which in this case is part of the roof module 10. The sensor module 18 is also described in detail in Fig. 2 and shown in the following figures. The sensor module 18 has a cover 20. Furthermore, the sensor module 18 has at least one environment sensor 22 for detecting the vehicle's surroundings. The environment sensor 22 is arranged on a sensor module frame 23 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3) The environmental sensor 22 is designed to detect the vehicle's surroundings via a viewing area 24. The viewing area 24 is provided in the cover 20. The viewing area 24 is designed according to Fig. 2 is provided as a window in an opening of the cover 20 (not shown in detail). The viewing area 24 can be integrally provided in the cover 20 or arranged separately within it.

[0041] The environmental sensor 22 can be a lidar sensor and / or a camera and / or a radar sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor and / or a multi-camera sensor. Other sensors are also conceivable. The environmental sensor 22 is arranged in a sensor housing 26. The environmental sensor 22 is located below or covered by the cover 20. The environmental sensor 22 has an optical axis 28, which defines a primary detection direction. In this case, the optical axis 28 is aligned parallel to a longitudinal direction x of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction x of the vehicle is orthogonal to a transverse direction y of the vehicle.

[0042] The cover 20 includes several viewing areas 24 for several environmental sensors 22, in this case lidar sensors (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The cover 20 can have further viewing areas 30 for additional environmental sensors 32, for example cameras (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) Furthermore, lights 34, in particular ADAS lighting, may be attached to the cover.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the sensor module 18 without the cover 20 and with the transparent cover 20. It can be seen that the sensor module 18 has three environmental sensors 22 and two environmental sensors 32. Furthermore, the sensor module 18 has two lights 34.

[0044] The cover 20 is adjustable relative to the sensor module frame 23, at least in sections, between an extended position, in which the environment sensor 22 can detect the vehicle's surroundings through the viewing area 24, and a lowered cleaning position, in which the viewing area 24 can be cleaned by the at least one cleaning nozzle 38, by means of a movement mechanism 36, for example a hinge mechanism, as can be seen from the Fig. 4 to 6 are evident. In the Fig. The cleaning position of cover 20 is shown with a dashed line in sections 4 to 5. Fig. 6 shows Fig. 6a the extended position and Fig. 6b the cleaning position.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the sensor module 18 schematically in a sectional view AA. The cover 20 is shown in the extended position as well as in the cleaning position and in the lowered position (see dashed line). The ambient sensor 22 is arranged on the sensor module frame 23. The sensor module frame 23 is bonded to a part of the vehicle body 1002 by means of adhesives 40. The movement mechanism 36 is in Fig. Figure 4 is not shown in detail. It is merely indicated that the cover 20 can rotate about a pivot axis 42 by means of the movement mechanism 36.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the sensor module 18, in which the movement mechanism 36 is designed as a hinge mechanism. The axis of rotation 42 is defined by a hinge 44. In this example, the cover 20 is attached to the sensor module frame 23 at the rear of the sensor module 18 by the hinge 44 and is moved between the normal extended position and the cleaning position by the movement mechanism 36. The movement mechanism 36 preferably uses a slide with a guide cam (not shown) in which a pin attached to the cover 20 runs. When the slide is moved, the cover 20 is rotated. The slide is supported, for example, by a profile attached to the sensor module frame 23 and moved by an electric motor with a spindle (linear drive). Other drive options include, among others, rotary drives, hydraulic drives, magnetic drives, etc.The end positions (extended position and cleaning position) are preferably secured by the shape of a guide cam on the pin (perpendicular to the rotational movement in the end positions). Other options include off-center connections, latches, locks, etc.

[0047] As from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5, the sensor module frame 23 forms at least a section of a fluid collection container 46, through which a cleaning fluid, usable by the cleaning nozzle 38 for cleaning the viewing area 24, can be collected and preferably discharged from the sensor module 18 via a drain opening (not shown). In this case, the fluid collection container 46 is also formed by the component of the vehicle body 1002, which is bonded to the sensor module frame 23.

[0048] Fig. 6a and Fig. Figure 6b shows another embodiment of the sensor module 18. The movement mechanism 36 is shown according to the illustration in Fig. The movement mechanism 36 is formed as shown in detail view E 7. It comprises a sliding pin 48, which is mounted in a mounting section 50 of the cover 20. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 36 comprises a slide 52 or a carriage, which can slide along a sliding profile 56, which can be provided in or arranged on the sensor module frame 23, by means of a motor 54 with a spindle (not shown). This allows the cover to be moved between the extended position ( Fig. 6a) and the cleaning position ( Fig. 6b) be adjusted.

[0049] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9A, Fig. Figure 9B shows another embodiment of the sensor module 18. In this embodiment, only part of the cover 20 is movable. The other part of the cover 20 is rigidly connected to the sensor module 18 and, in particular, is immovable relative to the sensor module frame 23. The cover 20 has a movable cover component 58 and a fixed cover component 60, with the movable cover component 58 being adjustable between the extended position (see Figure 9B). Fig. 9A) and the cleaning position (see Fig. 9B) is adjustable relative to the sensor module frame 23, and wherein the fixed cover component 60 is fixed relative to the sensor module frame 23. According to the embodiment shown, the movable cover component 58 can be adjusted by means of the movement mechanism 36. The movement mechanism 36 comprises the motor 54 without a spindle. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 36 comprises a lever 62, which is attached to a motor shaft and the movable cover component 58, and forms a pivot / sliding point 64 between the lever 62 and the movable cover component 58.

[0050] Fig.Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the sensor module 18, in which the movement mechanism 36 for adjusting the cover 20 is designed as a spindle drive 66 with a motor 68. A slide 72 is linearly guided on a spindle 70 of the spindle drive 66. The slide 72 has a guide groove 74 in which a sliding pin 76 is held. The sliding pin 76 is attached to the cover. When the slide 72 is moved along the spindle 70, the sliding pin 76 moves in the guide groove 74 and the cover is extended or retracted. Reference symbol list 10 Roof sensor module 12 Surface component 14 Roof membrane 16 fixed roof elements 18 Sensor module 20 Cover 22 Environmental sensor 23 sensor module frames 24 viewing area 26 sensor housings 28 optical axis 30 viewing area 32 Environmental sensor 34 lights 36 Mechanism of movement 38 Cleaning nozzle 40 gluing 42 Rotation axis 44 hinge 46 fluid collection containers 48 sliding pin 50 Assembly section 52 sliders 54 Engine 56 Sliding profile 58 Cover component 60 Cover component 62 levers 64 Pivot / sliding point 66 Spindle drive 68 engine 70 spindle 72 sleds 74 Guide groove 76 sliding pin 100 vehicle roof 1000 motor vehicles 1002 Vehicle body x Vehicle longitudinal direction y Vehicle width direction

Claims

[1] Sensor module (18) for a motor vehicle (1000) comprising: a sensor module frame (23), a cover (20) with a viewing area (24), an environment sensor (22) arranged on the sensor module frame (23), and a cleaning device with a cleaning nozzle (38) for cleaning the viewing area (24), wherein the cover (20) is adjustable at least sectionally between an extended position, in which the environment sensor (22) can detect a vehicle environment through the viewing area (24), and a lowered cleaning position, in which the viewing area (24) can be cleaned by the at least one cleaning nozzle (38), relative to the sensor module frame (23), characterized by, that the cover (20) in the extended position has at least a greater distance to the environmental sensor (22) in sections than in the cleaning position and that the cleaning nozzle (38) is concealed to the outside by the cover (20) in the extended position. [2] Sensor module (18) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (20) in the extended position is at least partially flush with a surface component (12) adjacent to the sensor module (18), and wherein the cover (20) in the cleaning position is at least partially lowered relative to the surface component (12). [3] Sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module frame (23) can be connected to or integrally formed with a vehicle body component. [4] Sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module frame (23) forms at least a section of a fluid collection container (46) through which a cleaning fluid usable by the cleaning nozzle (38) for cleaning the viewing area (24) can be collected and discharged from the sensor module (18) via a drain opening. [5] Sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (20) has a movable cover component (58) and a fixed cover component (60), wherein the movable cover component (58) is adjustable between the extended position and the cleaning position relative to the sensor module frame (23), and wherein the fixed cover component (60) is fixed relative to the sensor module frame (23). [6] Sensor module (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (20) is movable between the extended position and the cleaning position by means of a hinge mechanism or a four-joint mechanism or a multi-joint mechanism or a sliding mechanism or a sliding mechanism or a sled mechanism. [7] Vehicle roof (100) of a motor vehicle (1000), comprising at least one sensor module (18) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Motor vehicle (1000) comprising a sensor module (18) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a vehicle roof (100) according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle roof (100) forms a roof sensor module (10) which can be arranged as a pre-assembled assembly unit on a vehicle body (1002) of the motor vehicle (1000).

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