Suction cup for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor

Abstract

A suction cup (100) is proposed, suitable for use in a method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor (8) on a body panel (1), in which a vacuum is created in the suction cup (100), causing the suction cup (100) to adhere to the body panel (1) and press the ultrasonic sensor (8) against the body panel (2). The suction cup (100) comprises: a suction cup body (15); an intake nozzle (16) formed in the suction cup body (15); and an internal contact surface (17) configured to rest on the ultrasonic sensor (8) and exert pressure on it. The internal contact surface (17) of the suction cup (100) is coupled to the suction cup body (15) via a joint (110).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic sensor technology for motor vehicles and specifically to an improved suction cup for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor on a body component and to a method in which said suction cup is used.

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with ultrasonic sensors that measure the vehicle's surroundings using emitted and received reflected ultrasonic signals. Based on the information gathered about potential reflection locations of these ultrasonic signals in the vehicle's environment (which may represent obstacles) and the distances measured (obtained by laterally adjusting the distances), assistance functions such as semi- or fully autonomous parking, blind spot monitoring, door opening assistance, and similar features are provided. The ultrasonic sensors can be mounted either openly or concealed. In an open mounting, the ultrasonic diaphragm of the sensor is exposed within an opening in a body panel.In a concealed mounting, the ultrasonic membrane is acoustically coupled to the body panel, and a section of the body panel acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic membrane vibrates together with it. Concealed mounting is preferred for aesthetic reasons, but also for better protection of the ultrasonic sensor from environmental influences.

[0003] When using a concealed ultrasonic sensor, it is important that the ultrasonic membrane lies flush against the body component without bubbles; otherwise, malfunctions of the concealed ultrasonic sensor are to be expected.

[0004] When an ultrasonic sensor is mounted concealed on the inside of a metallic body component, such as a vehicle door or bumper, bulges and air bubbles can easily form between the ultrasonic membrane and the body component.

[0005] To achieve the necessary bubble-free adhesion, the sensor can be pressed against the metal component by hand or with a tool. However, there is a risk of denting the metal component if forces exceeding 5 kg (50 N) are applied. If higher forces are required, a suitable counterforce must be provided, which complicates the installation and carries the risk of aesthetic damage to the exterior of the body panel. Furthermore, with this type of installation, there is no guarantee that the required force was applied long enough to achieve bubble-free adhesion, inevitably leading to a certain rejection rate.

[0006] Against this background, the inventors have proposed a method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor on a body component in DE 10 2023 110 886, to which full reference is made.The proposed method comprises: arranging a damping material with an opening on an inner side of the body component; pre-assembling the ultrasonic sensor such that an ultrasonic membrane of the ultrasonic sensor comes into full contact with the inner side of the body component within the opening of the damping material; placing a suction cup onto the body component with the damping material and the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor arranged on it, such that an outer circumferential wall of the suction cup rests on the damping material and an inner support element of the suction cup rests on the ultrasonic sensor; and creating a vacuum in the suction cup, whereby the suction cup adheres to the body component and the inner support element presses the ultrasonic sensor against the body component.

[0007] However, it has been shown that in the method proposed in DE 10 2023 110 886, the suction cup sometimes becomes tilted or misaligned when applying suction to the body panel, and consequently does not exert the correct contact force on the ultrasonic sensor. If this occurs, even when using the suction cup, defective parts can still be produced in which the ultrasonic sensor is not sufficiently and / or bubble-free bonded to the body panel.

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to further improve the process of concealed mounting of ultrasonic sensors on body components.

[0009] To solve the problem, a suction cup is proposed, firstly, which is suitable for use in a method for the concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor to a body panel. In this method, a vacuum is created within the suction cup, causing it to adhere to the body panel and press the ultrasonic sensor against it. The proposed suction cup comprises: a hollow body, an intake nozzle formed within the hollow body, and an internal contact surface designed to rest on the ultrasonic sensor and exert pressure upon it. The internal contact surface of the suction cup is coupled to the hollow body via a hinge.

[0010] By providing a joint between the contact surface and the suction cup body, as proposed, even if the suction cup becomes tilted or jammed during suction and presses obliquely against the ultrasonic sensor, the force exerted on the sensor is advantageously limited to its axial direction. Furthermore, the joint advantageously ensures that the inner contact surface rests flat against the ultrasonic sensor even when the suction cup body is tilted relative to the sensor's axial direction. Thus, even if the suction cup is tilted, pressure can be applied uniformly and evenly in the axial direction to the ultrasonic sensor, thereby advantageously achieving a bubble-free bond with the body panel.The rejection rate for concealed mounting of ultrasonic sensors can thus be further reduced.

[0011] The body component can be, for example, a door for a motor vehicle, a side sill for a motor vehicle, a fender for a motor vehicle, or any other body component. Preferably, the body component is made of sheet metal.

[0012] The suction cup hollow body can, for example, essentially have a hemispherical shape, a hollow cylindrical shape open on one side, or any other geometric hollow shape with an opening and an outer circumferential rim that can be flush-mounted from the inside onto the body panel or onto a damping material applied flat to the body panel. The suction cup hollow body does not need to be rotationally symmetrical.

[0013] The intake port can, for example, have a tubular shape that connects a cavity enclosed by the suction bell body to the outside and can be connected to a vacuum pump via a hose. The intake port is thus specifically designed to be connected to a vacuum pump in order to create a vacuum inside the suction bell body.

[0014] The inner bearing surface can, for example, be a surface of the joint part. However, the inner bearing surface can also be a surface of a separate bearing element connected to the joint part (i.e., formed integrally with it or attached to it).

[0015] The inner contact surface is designed in such a way that it rests on the ultrasonic sensor and exerts pressure on it when the suction bell is placed flush with the body component with the damping material attached to it from the inside above the ultrasonic sensor with the outer circumferential rim of the opening of the suction bell hollow body and a vacuum has been created in the suction bell, i.e. in particular in the cavity of the suction bell hollow body, via the intake nozzle.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the joint part is designed to transmit only a force parallel to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor from the suction bell to the ultrasonic sensor.

[0017] The joint part can be arranged in such a way that, of a force exerted obliquely by the suction bell hollow body towards the motor vehicle and ultrasonic sensor, only one component in the axial direction is transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor, while other force components are directed outwards via the suction bell hollow body, for example to the body component.

[0018] This means that the force parallel to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor can be a component of a force exerted by the suction cup on the joint part that is parallel to the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0019] "Only a force parallel to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor" can also be understood as "essentially only a force parallel to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor." This means that a force transverse to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor (a transverse or radial force component of the force exerted by the suction cup on the joint component) cannot be transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor, or at least not substantially.

[0020] In particular, “only a force parallel to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor” can be understood to mean that a force component transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor that is orthogonal to the axial direction is at least reduced compared to a case in which the suction bell hollow body or a component connected to it presses directly on the ultrasonic sensor without the mediation of a joint part.

[0021] An axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor can, for example, be understood as the symmetry axis direction of a membrane pot of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0022] Provided the suction cup is placed without tilting on an inner surface of the body panel or on a flat damping material attached to it, the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor can coincide, in particular, with an axis of symmetry (axial direction) of the suction cup's hollow body and / or with a surface normal of the body component. In the following, the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor will also simply be referred to as the axial direction.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a surface of the joint part pointing towards an opening of the suction bell hollow body forms the inner contact surface of the suction bell.

[0024] Accordingly, a particularly space-saving design of the proposed suction bell and a reduction in the number of components of the suction bell are possible.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the joint part comprises a spherical disc inserted into a conical socket.

[0026] The joint component may in particular be a ball-disc-conical socket combination according to or based on DIN 6319.

[0027] The ball joint can tilt within the conical socket by a maximum of approximately 3°, 4°, 5°, or 10°. This can be sufficient to compensate for any tilting of the suction cup that might occur when it is drawn against the body panel. At the same time, this limits further tilting of the joint, thus allowing for a simple and error-free placement of the suction cup, with its contact surface coupled to the hollow body of the suction cup via the joint component, onto the body panel with the pre-mounted ultrasonic sensor. Furthermore, a joint component designed as a ball joint with a conical socket requires minimal space in the axial direction. Such a joint component can therefore be advantageously integrated into existing suction cups without modifying their design and / or enables a space-saving design of the proposed suction cup.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the conical socket and the spherical disc are attached to each other.

[0029] The term "attached to each other" here does not refer to a fixation that prevents the joint from tilting. "Attached to each other" simply means that, under normal circumstances, the conical socket and the ball joint cannot separate.

[0030] Accordingly, a single-piece, easily handled component consisting of a suction cup hollow body, joint part and contact surface can be advantageously provided, which can simply be placed on the body component and the ultrasonic sensor without the need to manually position the conical socket on the ultrasonic sensor.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the joint part comprises a ball joint or a universal joint.

[0032] This means that instead of a joint part with a conical socket and a ball disc, other designs of the joint part are conceivable that achieve the same or similar advantages.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the coefficient of static friction between the contact surface and an end face of the ultrasonic sensor, on which the contact surface rests during the execution of the method, is 0.3 or less, preferably 0.2 or less, most preferably 0.1 or less.

[0034] In the present case, the coefficient of static friction can, for example, be defined as the quotient between a static friction force that opposes a displacement of the contact surface transversely to the ultrasonic sensor and a normal force, that is, the force exerted on the ultrasonic sensor in the axial direction (direction of a surface normal of an end face of the ultrasonic sensor).

[0035] Accordingly, the contact surface can easily slide on the ultrasonic sensor in a radial direction transverse to the axial direction. In other words, the transmission of a force component orthogonal to the axial direction to the ultrasonic sensor can be particularly effectively counteracted.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the suction bell has a sealing bellows or a sealing rubber at a circumferential edge of its opening.

[0037] The sealing bellows or rubber seal can advantageously compensate for unevenness in the body panel, any damping material applied to it, or in the outer circumferential edge of the suction bell's opening, ensuring a tight seal and facilitating the creation and maintenance of a vacuum inside the suction bell. On the other hand, the presence of such an elastic sealing bellows or rubber seal promotes a more or less pronounced tilting of the suction bell when it is placed on the body panel above the ultrasonic sensor from the inside and a vacuum is created. Accordingly, a suction bell with a sealing bellows or rubber seal benefits particularly from the advantages of the jointed section of the proposed suction bell.

[0038] According to a second aspect, a method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor on a body component is proposed.The proposed method comprises: arranging a damping material with an opening on an inner side of the body panel; pre-assembling the ultrasonic sensor such that an ultrasonic membrane of the sensor, provided with an adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad, comes into full contact with the inner side of the body panel within the opening of the damping material; placing the suction cup onto the body panel with the damping material and the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor such that an open circumferential edge of the suction cup rests on the damping material and the inner contact surface of the suction cup rests on the ultrasonic sensor; and creating a vacuum in the suction cup, whereby the suction cup adheres to the body panel and the inner contact surface, via the joint, presses the ultrasonic sensor against the body panel.The suction bell here is the suction bell according to the first aspect or one of its embodiments.

[0039] The embodiments, features and advantages described for the proposed suction bell therefore apply accordingly to the proposed method.

[0040] This means, in particular, that the joint part provided in the suction bell can cause only or essentially only a force parallel to an axial direction of the pre-mounted ultrasonic sensor to be transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor.

[0041] This is especially true if the suction cup presses at an angle against the body panel and the joint component. In this case, a force component orthogonal to the axial direction can be transferred outwards through the hollow body of the suction cup to the body component.

[0042] It is understood in particular that the ultrasonic hood can be returned to normal pressure and removed after the ultrasonic sensor has been pressed against the body component. Accordingly, an assembly manufactured according to the proposed method can, in particular, comprise the body component, the damping material attached to it, and the ultrasonic sensor, which is ultimately assembled, especially by the effect of a vacuum, but not the suction cup, which is a tool for final assembly.

[0043] The arrangement of the damping material can include attaching it to the inside of the body panel by bonding or similar means. It can also include pre-shaping the damping material on the inside of the body panel, for example, by applying a paste and subsequent curing or similar methods. The damping material can, by way of example, be butyl. The damping material has the particularly advantageous function of damping vibrations of the undamped section of the body panel coupled to the ultrasonic membrane relative to other sections of the body panel during operation of the ultrasonic sensor, so that the assembly consisting of the undamped section of the body panel and the coupled ultrasonic membrane can exhibit clearly defined vibration modes and natural frequencies. The opening can be located centrally in the damping material.

[0044] Pre-assembly of the ultrasonic sensor can involve holding it in the position required for subsequent pressing using a holding tool. Alternatively, a holding element can be used, for example, attached to the body panel or damping material, in which the ultrasonic sensor is placed and thus pre-assembled.

[0045] The adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad can advantageously ensure a permanent, bubble-free acoustic coupling of the ultrasonic membrane with the inside of the body component.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the second aspect, when a vacuum is produced, a force of 150 N or more, preferably 200 N or more, and most preferably 250 N or more, is exerted on the ultrasonic sensor.

[0047] Accordingly, a stable, bubble-free coupling between the ultrasonic membrane and the inner surface of the body component can be established with particularly high certainty, and the rejection rate can be further reduced.

[0048] In particular, the proposed method advantageously allows forces to be exerted in the aforementioned area without risking damage to the body component or the ultrasonic sensor.

[0049] In particular, the force of 150 N, 200 N, 250 N or more can be exerted on the ultrasonic sensor only in its axial direction. That is to say, a force exerted on the ultrasonic sensor in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction can be 15 N or less, preferably 10 N or less, particularly preferably 5 N or less, and most preferably essentially 0 N.

[0050] Other possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0051] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows steps of a proposed method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor on a body component according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an assembly consisting of a body component, damping material, retaining element and pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the assembly made of Fig. 2 attached suction bell according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a ball joint of the suction bell according to the first embodiment with the suction bell just attached; Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the ball joint of the suction bell according to the first embodiment with the suction bell mounted at an angle; Fig. Figure 6 shows a joint part of a suction bell according to a second embodiment; and Fig. Figure 7 shows a joint part of a suction bell according to a third embodiment.

[0052] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows steps of a proposed method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor 8 ( Fig. 2) on a body component 1 ( Fig. 2) according to examples of implementation. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an assembly consisting of a body component, damping material, a retaining element, and a pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor according to exemplary embodiments. It is first pointed out that Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Referenced.

[0054] The body component 1 is a sheet metal body component, such as a door panel or a fender panel of a motor vehicle, like an automobile. In step S1 of the proposed method, a damping material 2 is arranged in a substantially circular area of ​​the body component 1. The damping material 2 can be, for example, butyl, which adheres to the body component by adhesion. The damping material 2 has a substantially circular, central opening 7 ( Fig. 3) on.

[0055] Then, in step S2, a retaining element 3 is formed with a first hollow cylindrical section 4, a flanged section 5 and a second hollow cylindrical section 6 ( Fig. 3) attached to the damping material 2. In particular, the retaining element 3 can be bonded to the damping material, and a firm connection between the retaining element 3 and the damping material 2 can be established by rolling the flange section 5. It should be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, the retaining element 3 is arranged such that an inner circumference of the second hollow cylindrical section 6 is flush with an inner circumference of the central opening 7 of the damping material 2.

[0056] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the assembly made of Fig. 2 attached suction cups 100. The suction cup 100 will be described in detail later. For now, we will continue with... Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the in Fig. 3. Also visible is a sectional view of the assembly made of Fig. 2 Reference is made to, and aspects of the proposed method and the proposed suction bell 100 are described that are common to several of the embodiments described in more detail below.

[0057] This means that in step S2, an ultrasonic sensor 8 is inserted into the holding element 3. The ultrasonic sensor 8 has a cylindrical housing component 9 and a diaphragm pot 10 inserted into an opening on the end face of the cylindrical housing component 9. An inner contour of the first hollow cylindrical section 4 of the holding element 3 corresponds to an outer contour of the cylindrical housing component 9 of the ultrasonic sensor 8, so that they are essentially flush against each other and the ultrasonic sensor 8 can be firmly seated in the holding element 3.

[0058] An adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad 13 is attached, for example glued, to an end face 12 of the membrane pot 10 of the ultrasonic sensor 8, which forms an ultrasonic membrane 12 of the ultrasonic sensor 8.

[0059] The insertion of the ultrasonic sensor 8, configured in this way, into the retaining element 3 completes the pre-assembly process of the ultrasonic sensor 8. The ultrasonic diaphragm 12 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 is in planar contact with the inside of the body component 1 within the central opening 7 of the damping material, and the cylindrical housing section 9 of the ultrasonic sensor 9 is held in the first hollow cylindrical section 4 of the retaining element 3.

[0060] In this pre-assembled state, the ultrasonic membrane 12, the contact pad 13, and a section of the body component 1 contacted with the contact pad but not covered by the damping material 2 form a vibrating membrane. This membrane can be set into vibration, for example, by a piezoelectric element (not shown) which may be attached to an inner surface of the ultrasonic membrane 12, in order to emit ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, it can receive incoming ultrasonic waves and be set into vibration by them, allowing the piezoelectric element to register the incoming ultrasonic waves. The damping material 2 ensures that vibrations of the section of the body component 1 contacted with the contact pad 13 do not propagate to other sections of the body component 1, or only in a damped form, thus providing defined natural frequencies and vibration modes for the vibrating membrane.

[0061] However, in the pre-assembled state, air bubbles may still be present between the ultrasonic membrane 12 and the contact pad 13 and / or between the contact pad 13 and the inside of the body component 1, which may impair the operating characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor 8 and the vibrating membrane.

[0062] Accordingly, in step S3 the suction cup 100 is placed on the in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The assembly shown, consisting of body component 1 with the damping material 2 attached to it and the pre-mounted ultrasonic sensor 8, is positioned such that an outer circumferential edge 14 of a suction bell hollow body 15 of the suction bell 100 is directly or, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of this, indirectly, i.e., via a sealing rubber 19, on which damping material 2 rests and an inner contact surface 17 of the suction bell 100 rests on the ultrasonic sensor 8. In particular, the contact surface 17 rests on an end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 that is axially opposite the ultrasonic membrane 12. The contact surface 17 is in Fig. The example shown in Figure 3 is the underside (surface facing the ultrasonic sensor 8) of a joint part 110, which will be described in detail later. However, it is also conceivable that a support body 316 could be located between the joint part 110 and the ultrasonic sensor 8 ( Fig. 7) is located and the support surface 17 is a bottom side of the support body 316.

[0063] The suction bell 100 also has a suction port 16 which can be connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) via a hose (not shown) and is connected to the vacuum pump when step S4 is carried out.

[0064] In step S4, a negative pressure (for example, a vacuum) is created in the suction bell 100, i.e., in the cavity defined by the suction bell 15, by pumping the air out of the interior of the suction bell hollow body 15 through the suction nozzle 16 and the hose using the (not shown) vacuum pump.

[0065] This causes the suction cup 100 to adhere firmly to the body component 1, the vacuum sucks away any air bubbles between the ultrasonic sensor 8 and the body component 1, and the inner contact surface 17 of the suction cup presses the ultrasonic sensor 8 against the body component 1.

[0066] This advantageously creates a firm, bubble-free coupling between the ultrasonic membrane 12, the contact pad 13 and the body component 1.

[0067] The pressure force to be applied can be controlled by regulating the vacuum pressure or the pumping power of the vacuum pump, and the pressure force to be applied is exerted evenly and over a wide area on the entire ultrasonic sensor 8.

[0068] Advantageously, by creating a suitable negative pressure or vacuum in the suction bell 14, a pressure force of 150 N, 200 N, 250 N can be applied in an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor 8 (direction of F, in Fig. 4) or more can be achieved without deformation of the body component 1.

[0069] It should be noted that preferably the first hollow cylindrical section 4 and the second hollow cylindrical section 6 of the retaining element 3 are not formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the cylindrical housing component 9 or the diaphragm pot 10, but rather in at least one Fig. 3. In the section plane not shown, at least one vertically extending slot must be present, such that the slot allows air to pass between the interior of the suction bell 100 and the diaphragm pot 10, the contact pad 13, and the body component 1 within the hollow cylindrical sections 4 and / or 6. In this way, the vacuum created inside the suction bell 100 can advantageously draw out air bubbles between the diaphragm pot 10, the contact pad 13, and the body component 1.

[0070] The proposed method is particularly advantageous because the contact surface 17 is coupled to the suction bell hollow body 15 via the joint part 110.

[0071] Advantageous specific embodiments of the joint part 110 and its advantageous mechanism of action will now be described using three specific exemplary embodiments.

[0072] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the assembly made of Fig. 2 attached suction cup 100 with a ball joint 110 according to a first embodiment. That is, the joint part 110 is a ball joint 110 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows enlarged views of the ball joint 110 with the suction cup 100 attached in a straight or tilted position. It is referred to as... Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5. Referenced.

[0073] The ball joint 110 of the first embodiment has an upper bearing shell 111 and a lower bearing shell 112, which are arranged coaxially to each other, and a ball 113 arranged in the bearing shells 111, 112. Preferably, the bearing shells 111 and 112 are provided internally with a coating that provides a very low coefficient of static friction of 0.3 or less, preferably 0.2 or less, particularly preferably 0.1 or less between the bearing shells 111, 112 and the ball 113.

[0074] The ball 113, mounted in the bearing shells 111, 112, is fixed to an inner side of the suction bell hollow body 15 via a ball support base 114. The ball 113 and the ball support base 114 can be integrally formed as a single piece or joined together. Likewise, the ball support base 114 and the suction bell hollow body 15 can be integrally formed as a single piece or subsequently joined together.

[0075] According to the first embodiment, the underside (the surface facing the ultrasonic sensor 8) of the lower bearing shell 112 of the ball joint 110 forms the inner contact surface 17 of the suction cup 100. Preferably, the underside of the lower bearing shell 112 can also be provided with a special coating that ensures a low coefficient of static friction between the inner contact surface 17 and the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8. The coefficient of static friction between the inner contact surface 17 and the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 is preferably 0.3 or less, more preferably 0.2 or less, and most preferably 0.1 or less. Accordingly, the lower bearing shell 112 can easily slide back and forth in a radial direction on the ultrasonic sensor 8, and the formation of a high counterforce to a force exerted in the radial direction due to static friction can be avoided.

[0076] If the suction cup 100 is placed on the damping material 2 and the body component 1 without tilting, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the suction cup 100 is drawn onto the body component 1, the hollow body of the suction cup 15 exerts a force F1, acting in the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor 8, on the lower bearing shell 112 of the ball bearing 110 via the ball carrier base 114 and the ball 113. Accordingly, the lower bearing shell 112 presses on the ultrasonic sensor 8 with the force F1. The pressure is distributed uniformly over the entire surface of the underside of the lower bearing shell 112 (contact surface 17).

[0077] However, it is conceivable that, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the suction cup 100 (the suction cup hollow body 15) tilts when placed on the damping material 2 and the body component 1. It should be noted that the tilting in Fig. 5 is greatly exaggerated. The tilting may be due to anisotropies of the sealing rubber 19 at the lower circumferential edge 14 of the suction bell hollow body 15, and the like. In this case, the ball 113 rotates in the bearing shells 111, 112, while the bearing shells 111, 112 remain essentially stationary. Thus, the force F1, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the force F1 is exerted on the lower bearing shell 112 at an angle relative to the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor. However, the coefficient of static friction between the contact surface 17 (underside of the lower bearing shell 112) and the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 is low. Accordingly, a radial force component F3 of the exerted force F1 cannot be substantially transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor 8, since, due to the lack of high static friction, no corresponding counterforce develops. Instead, it is dissipated outwards via the ball support base 114 to the suction cup hollow body 15 and from there to the sealing rubber 19. Essentially, only the axial force component F2 of the exerted force F1 is exerted on the ultrasonic sensor 8. The pressure exerted by the axial force component F2 is also distributed uniformly over the entire surface of the underside of the lower bearing shell 112 (contact surface 17).

[0078] According to the first embodiment, the contact surface 17 is thus coupled to the suction cup hollow body 15 via the ball joint 110. As described, the ball joint 110 has two decisive advantages when the suction cup 100 is tilted in the state placed on the body component 1, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that, firstly, the ball joint 110 ensures that the transmission of the radial force component F3, which is not parallel to the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor 8, of the force F1 exerted by the suction cup 100 onto the ultrasonic sensor 8 is counteracted or prevented. Secondly, the ball joint 110 ensures that, in this case as well, the force F2 exerted on the ultrasonic sensor 8 can be distributed over the entire contact surface 17 and is not concentrated only at one edge of the contact surface 17.

[0079] This prevents a force from being exerted on the ultrasonic sensor 8 in an oblique direction if the suction cup 15 is tilted or canted, which could cause it to also tilt and / or destroy the holder 4. It also prevents the force exerted on the suction cup 15 from concentrating at an edge of the contact surface 17 and being transferred to the ultrasonic sensor 8 if it is tilted or canted, which, even if the ultrasonic sensor 8 continues to be held by the holder 4, could at least result in a lack of air bubbles between the ultrasonic sensor 8, the contact pad 13 and the damping material 1.

[0080] Accordingly, the coupling of the inner contact surface 17 to the suction cup hollow body 15 via the ball joint 110 can advantageously ensure bubble-free, correct mounting of the ultrasonic sensor 8 even if the suction cup 100 tilts when placed on the body component 1. This can advantageously reduce the reject rate.

[0081] Fig. Figure 6 shows a joint part 210 of a suction bell 200 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment is based on the first embodiment and differs from it only in the design of the joint part 210. It is referred to Fig. 6 and, where necessary to describe components other than the joint part 210, also on Fig. 3. Referenced.

[0082] According to the second embodiment, the joint part 210 comprises a spherical disk 211 which is inserted into a conical socket 212. The spherical disk 211 is joined to a cylindrical projection 151 of the suction bell hollow body 15. The underside of the conical socket 212 forms the annular inner bearing surface 17 of the suction bell 200. Also according to the second embodiment, the bearing surface 17 is preferably provided with a suitable coating such that the coefficient of static friction between the bearing surface 17 and the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor is preferably 0.3 or less, particularly preferably 0.2 or less, and most preferably 0.1 or less.

[0083] The basic principle of the spherical disc 211 and the conical socket 212 corresponds to DIN 6319. However, in deviation from DIN 6319, in the present embodiment a circumferential projection 213 of the conical socket 212 preferably engages in a circumferential groove 214 of the spherical disc 211, whereby the conical socket 212 is attached to the spherical disc 211 and does not detach from it when the suction cup 200 is removed from the body component 1 with the ultrasonic sensor 8 pre-mounted or fully mounted on it.

[0084] If the suction cup 200 is tilted onto the body panel 1 ( Fig. 3) the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor 8 is placed on it, and as soon as a vacuum is created and a downward force is applied, the conical socket 212 is inserted into the Fig. The ball disc 211 is pressed into the position shown in Figure 6, in which it rests flush and flat against an end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 with the support surface 17. The ball disc 211 slides on a conical, rounded inner surface 215 of the conical socket 212 and can thus tilt relative to it. A maximum achievable tilt angle can be in the range of up to 3° or preferably up to 4°, 5° or 10°. This can be sufficient to compensate for any expected tilting of the suction cup 200. On the other hand, such a limitation of the maximum achievable tilt angle can advantageously suppress or limit any "back-and-forth swinging" of the conical socket 212 when the suction cup 200 has not yet been attached or during the attachment of the suction cup 200.

[0085] Thanks to the tiltability of the ball disc 211 in the conical socket 212, the joint part 210 of the second embodiment also achieves the same advantages as the ball joint 110 of the first embodiment: On the one hand, the joint part 210 consisting of ball disc 211 and conical socket 212 ensures that the transmission of the radial force component F3, which is not parallel to the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor 8, is Fig. 5) the force F1 exerted by the suction bell 200 on the ultrasonic sensor 8 is counteracted or prevented.

[0086] Secondly, the joint part 210 ensures that in this case too the force F2 exerted on the ultrasonic sensor 8 in the radial direction ( Fig. 5) can be distributed over the entire contact surface 17.

[0087] Furthermore, the joint part 210 of the second embodiment is advantageously very space-saving in the axial direction, can therefore also be retrofitted into existing suction bells 200, and also enables a space-saving design in newly manufactured suction bells 200.

[0088] Fig. Figure 7 shows a joint part 310 of a suction bell 300 according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment is based on the first embodiment and differs from it only in the design of the joint part 310, which, according to the third embodiment, is designed as a universal joint 310. It is shown on Fig. 7 and, where necessary to describe components other than the universal joint 310, also on Fig. 3. Referenced.

[0089] The universal joint 310 has an upper fork part 311 and a lower fork part 312. The upper fork part is joined to a projection 152 of the suction bell body 15. An underside of the lower fork part 312 is joined to a fully cylindrical support body 316 (not part of the universal joint 310). An underside of the support body 316 forms the inner bearing surface 17 of the suction bell 300 and can be provided with a friction-reducing coating, similar to the bearing surfaces 17 of the first and second embodiments.

[0090] Pairs of axle stubs 315 are mounted in respective bores 314 in the axial ends of the fork sections 311 and 312. The axle stub pairs 315 of the upper fork section 311 and the axle stub pairs 315 of the lower fork section 312 are crossed at right angles inside the universal joint 310. Accordingly, the upper fork section 311 can be tilted relative to the lower fork section 312.

[0091] Accordingly, the universal joint 310 of the third embodiment achieves the same advantages as the ball joint 110 of the first embodiment: Firstly, the universal joint 310 ensures that the transmission of the radial force component F3, which is not parallel to the axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor 8, is Fig. 5) the force F1 exerted by the suction cup 300 on the ultrasonic sensor 8 is counteracted or prevented. Furthermore, the universal joint 310 ensures that, in this case as well, the force F2 exerted on the ultrasonic sensor 8 in the radial direction ( Fig. 5) can be distributed over the entire contact surface 17.

[0092] The use of the separate support body 316 is particularly advantageous in that the contact surface 17 can be increased compared to a case in which the underside of the lower fork part 312 is used directly as a contact surface, and the exerted force F2 ( Fig. 5) can be distributed over an even larger area of ​​the front surface 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0094] Where the description of the exemplary embodiments refers to joined connections, a one-piece pre-formed connection can also be chosen instead, and vice versa, provided there is nothing to the contrary.

[0095] In the first and second embodiments, the underside of the respective joint part 110, 120 forms the inner bearing surface 17 of the suction cup 100, 200. However, it is also conceivable that the underside of the joint parts 110, 120 is attached to a support body 316 in a similar manner to the third embodiment, as shown in the third embodiment, and this produces the same advantageous effects in the first and second embodiments. Likewise, in the third embodiment, the support body 316 can also be omitted, and an underside of the joint fork 315 can form the bearing surface 17.

[0096] The suction bell hollow body 15 is shown as a hemisphere in all embodiments, however this does not represent a limitation and the suction bell hollow body 15 can have any practical hollow shape which has an opening with an outer circumferential rim 14 which can be placed flush on the damping material 2 and / or the body sheet 1 directly or by means of a sealing rubber 19 or a sealing bellows (not shown), and in particular does not need to be axially symmetric or rotationally symmetric.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiments, it is shown that the suction cup hollow body 15, with the sealing rubber 19 attached to its outer circumferential edge 14, is placed on the damping material 2. However, the suction cup 100, 200, 300 can also be placed such that the outer circumferential edge 14 with the sealing rubber 19 rests directly on the body panel 1 outside the damping material 2. The sealing rubber 19 can also be omitted or replaced by a sealing bellows.

[0098] The ball joint 110, the joint component 210 formed from the ball disc 211 and the conical socket 212, and the universal joint 310 are merely examples of joints. Any joint that can achieve the aforementioned advantageous properties of transmitting only one axial force component F2 can be used, for example, a half-shell joint.

[0099] Instead of the in Fig.In the form of a joint part 210 formed from a spherical disc 211 and a conical socket 212 shown in Figure 6, which is modified compared to DIN 6319, a joint part according to DIN 6319 can also be used in which the conical socket 212 and the spherical disc 211 are not attached to each other (do not have the groove 214 and not the projection 213), but are attached together to the suction bell hollow body 15 by a further retaining element (not shown). REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 body component 2 Damping material 3 retaining element 4 first hollow cylindrical section 5 Flange section 6 second hollow cylindrical section 7. Central opening in the damping material 8 Ultrasonic sensor 9 cylindrical housing section 10 Membrane pot 11 retaining clip 12 Ultrasonic membrane, front side of the membrane pot 13 Contact pad 14 Outer perimeter edge 15 suction cup hollow bodies 16 intake manifolds 17 internal support surfaces 18 Front surface of the ultrasonic sensor, which is axially opposite the ultrasonic membrane 19 Sealing rubber 100 suction cups 110 Joint part, ball joint 111 upper bearing shell 112 lower bearing shell 113 balls 114 Ball support base 151 hollow cylindrical projection 152 fully cylindrical projection 200 suction cup 210 Joint part 211 Ball disc 212 Conical pan 213 circumferential lead 214 circumferential groove 215 conical rounded inner surface 300 suction cup 310 Universal joint 311 upper joint fork 312 lower joint fork 314 boreholes 315 axle stubs 316 support bodies QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2023 110 886 [0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] Suction cup (100) suitable for use in a method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor (8) on a body component (1) in which a vacuum is created in the suction cup (100), causing the suction cup (100) to adhere to the body component (1) and press the ultrasonic sensor (8) against the body component (2), wherein the suction cup (100) comprises: a suction cup hollow body (15), an intake nozzle (16) formed in the suction bell hollow body (15) and an internal support surface (17) designed to rest on the ultrasonic sensor (8) and exert pressure on the ultrasonic sensor (8), characterized by , that the inner contact surface (17) of the suction bell (100) is coupled to the suction bell hollow body (15) via a joint part (110). [2] Suction cup according to claim 1, characterized by, that the joint part (110) is designed to transmit only a force parallel to an axial direction of the ultrasonic sensor (8) from the suction bell (100) to the ultrasonic sensor (8). [3] Suction cup according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a surface of the joint part (110) pointing towards an opening of the suction bell hollow body (15) forms the inner support surface (17) of the suction bell (100). [4] Suction cup according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the joint part (210) comprises a spherical disc (211) inserted into a conical socket (212). [5] Suction cup according to claim 4, characterized by , that the conical socket (212) and the spherical disk (211) are attached to each other. [6] Suction cup according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the joint part (110, 310) comprises a ball joint (110) or a universal joint (310). [7] Suction cup according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coefficient of static friction between the contact surface (17) and an end face (18) of the ultrasonic sensor (8), on which the contact surface (17) rests when carrying out the method, is 0.3 or less, preferably 0.2 or less, most preferably 0.1 or less. [8] Suction cup according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the suction bell (100) has a sealing bellows or a sealing rubber (19) at a circumferential edge (14) of its opening. [9] Method for concealed mounting of an ultrasonic sensor (8) on a body component (1), comprising: Arranging (S1) a damping material (2) with an opening (7) on an inside of the body component (1); Pre-assembly (S2) of the ultrasonic sensor (8) such that an ultrasonic membrane (10) of the ultrasonic sensor (8) provided with an adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad (13) comes into planar contact with the inside of the body component (1) within the opening (7) of the damping material (2); The suction cup (100) is placed (S3) according to one of the preceding claims onto the body component (1) with the damping material (2) arranged thereon and the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor (8) such that an open circumferential edge (14) of the suction cup (100) rests on the damping material (2) and the inner contact surface (17) of the suction cup (100) rests on the ultrasonic sensor (8), and Creating (S4) a vacuum in the suction bell (100), causing the suction bell (100) to adhere to the body component (1) and the inner contact surface (17) via the joint part (110) presses the ultrasonic sensor (8) against the body component (1). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized in that when a vacuum is produced, a force of 150 N or more, preferably 200 N or more, most preferably 250 N or more is exerted on the ultrasonic sensor (8).

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