Optical detection unit with specific anchoring of a holding part in an adhesive
The optical detection unit uses retaining elements with adhesive penetration recesses to enhance adhesive contact area and alignment, addressing positional tolerances and beam misalignments, thereby improving the precision and stability of optical unit positioning.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024124997
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Positional tolerances during adhesive bonding of optical units in optical detection units lead to misalignments of light beams, causing inaccuracies in optical signal transmission and reception.
The optical detection unit incorporates retaining elements with adhesive penetration recesses that enhance precise positioning and anchoring of optical units by increasing the adhesive contact area, reducing misalignments through a geometrically designed cavity that allows adhesive penetration from lateral directions.
This design improves the alignment and stability of optical units on substrates, significantly reducing beam path misalignments and ensuring accurate positional fixation during adhesive curing.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to an optical detection unit. The optical detection unit is, in particular, an optical vehicle detection unit. The optical detection unit comprises a carrier. It also comprises at least one optical unit. This optical unit can also be referred to as an optical module. The optical unit is attached to the carrier by at least one adhesive bond. The carrier has an adhesive receptacle in which adhesive is arranged. Furthermore, the optical detection unit also comprises at least one retaining element, which is part of the optical unit. This retaining element is arranged in the adhesive within the adhesive receptacle or is positioned projecting into it and held therein.
[0002] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an optical detection unit 1, as known. This optical detection unit 1 is, in particular, a LIDAR sensor. The optical detection unit 1 has a carrier 2 in the components shown here, which do not show all components of the entire optical detection unit, for example, an outer housing. Furthermore, this optical detection unit 1 has at least one optical unit. In this regard, a first optical unit is provided, which is a receiver module 3. The receiver module can receive the optical signals emitted by a laser module 4, which is another example of an optical unit. Thus, the optical signals emitted into the environment by this laser module 4 and reflected in the environment, for example by an object, are received by the receiver module 3.
[0003] As in Fig. 1 is already recognizable and in the top view in Fig. As can be seen more precisely in Figure 2, in the system shown, both the receiver module 3 and the laser module 4 are connected to the carrier 2 at several points. For this purpose, the carrier has adhesive receptacles 5, 6, and 7. These are at least partially filled with adhesive. In the embodiment shown, the receiver module 3 is attached to these three adhesive receptacles 5 to 7. Adhesive 8 is applied to each of these adhesive receptacles 5 to 7 for this purpose. As shown in Figure 2, the receiver module 3 is attached to the carrier 2 at several points. Fig. Figure 3, in which a component 9 of an optical unit, here the receiver module 3, can be seen in a perspective view, has at least one retaining element, in particular several retaining elements 10, 11 and 12. In this context, the retaining elements 10 and 11 are positioned projecting into the adhesive receptacles 5 and 6, and the retaining element 12 is positioned projecting into the adhesive receptacle 7. This can be seen, for example, in the sectional views according to Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the assembled final state. Thus, in Fig. 4 the retaining part 10 in the adhesive receptacle 5 shown. In Fig. Figure 5 shows the retaining part 11 in the adhesive receptacle 6. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 the retaining part 12 in the adhesive receptacle 7 is shown.
[0004] Furthermore, the additional optical unit, in the form of the laser module 4, is also attached to the carrier 2 by means of adhesive bonds. Specifically, adhesive receptacles 13, 14, and 15 are provided for this purpose. A component 16 of the laser module 4 can also have corresponding retaining elements 17, 18, and 19, which are attached to these adhesive receptacles 13 to 15 by means of adhesive bonds.
[0005] In optical detection units where at least one optical unit is attached to a substrate by one or more adhesive bonds, positional tolerances can occur, leading to undesirable alignment of the light beams. This can result in the optical signal axis being misaligned, causing inaccuracies during transmission and / or reception. Such misalignments, particularly of the laser's optical axis and thus the beam path, occur primarily at the interface between the optical unit and the substrate when an adhesive bond is used.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an optical detection unit in which the positioning of an optical unit on a carrier is improved when the interface is designed with an adhesive connection, so that misalignments of the optical beam guidance can at least be significantly reduced.
[0007] This problem is solved by an optical detection unit which has the features according to claim 1.
[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to an optical detection unit. The optical detection unit can also be referred to as a laser-based detection unit. It is particularly sensitive in the infrared range. The optical detection unit is, in particular, an optical vehicle detection unit. The optical detection unit has a carrier. It also has at least one optical unit. This optical unit can also be referred to as an optical module. The optical unit is attached to the carrier by at least one adhesive bond. The carrier has an adhesive receptacle in which adhesive is arranged. Furthermore, the optical detection unit also has at least one retaining element, which is part of the optical unit. This retaining element is arranged in the adhesive within the adhesive receptacle or is positioned projecting into it and held therein.
[0009] The retaining element is designed to have at least one adhesive penetration recess. This recess is specifically designed and configured for the penetration of the adhesive. Viewed perpendicularly to an inlet opening of the adhesive receptacle, the adhesive penetration recess is bounded, in particular directly bounded, by a wall of a mounting element of the retaining element towards the bottom of the adhesive receptacle. The adhesive penetration recess is also laterally open in a direction parallel to the plane of the inlet opening for the application of the adhesive. The adhesive penetration recess extends, at least partially, into the area of the adhesive receptacle filled with adhesive. This specific geometric design, at least in the area specifically designed for immersion in the adhesive within the adhesive receptacle, enables more precise positioning of the optical unit relative to the substrate.This also reduces misalignment of the optical beam path in the optical detection unit. Therefore, in situations where an optical unit is to be attached to a separate carrier with at least one adhesive bond, undesirable positional tolerances can be better compensated for. The specific design of the retaining element, with its unique adhesive penetration recess, also enables improved anchoring of the retaining element in the adhesive. This specific design of the retaining element, with its geometrically and positionally customized adhesive penetration recess, also increases the surface area of the retaining element that comes into contact with, or is in contact with, the adhesive.This improvement in the contact areas between the adhesive and the outer surface of the mounting component also enables a more precise and stable positioning of the optical unit on the substrate. In particular, this allows the position between the optical unit and the substrate to be maintained more accurately, even until the adhesive has cured.
[0010] The specific design of the adhesive penetration recess creates a geometrically defined cavity that is open in certain directions and closed or bounded by walls in other directions, particularly on the side facing away from the entrance opening. This adhesive penetration recess, bounded by walls both above and below, thus creates a cavity bounded at the bottom of the adhesive receptacle and at the entrance opening. This cave-like structure allows the adhesive to penetrate from the side, i.e., horizontally, so that this adhesive penetration recess, which is open only laterally and therefore only horizontally, can be at least partially filled with adhesive.This effectively allows a hook-like area or a hole-like area of the retaining element, bounded at the top and bottom, to be completely embedded in the adhesive, thus creating an improved anchoring structure. In particular, the aforementioned increased surface area created by this geometry of the adhesive penetration recess improves the alignment and positional fixation of the optical unit on the substrate, thereby significantly reducing the aforementioned misalignments of the beam path.
[0011] It is therefore a wall of the retaining part, in particular of the mounting element of the retaining part, which limits the adhesive penetration niche downwards, in which the adhesive is received or embedded.
[0012] In particular, the optical unit is only attached to the substrate by adhesive bonds.
[0013] In particular, the adhesive penetration recess is thus also designed as an undercut, especially a horizontal one, in the retaining part. This improves both the anchoring in a direction perpendicular to the entry opening and the tilting of the optical unit relative to the support with respect to such a perpendicular axis, which is oriented perpendicular to the entry opening of the adhesive receptacle.
[0014] In one embodiment, the adhesive penetration recess is integrated into the retaining part. It is therefore formed integrally with this retaining part.
[0015] The inlet opening of the adhesive receptacle is essentially the filling opening of a trough-like, basin-like, or groove-like adhesive receptacle. The adhesive receptacle can therefore be designed as a basin or a channel. In one embodiment, the wall of the mounting element forms the bottom of the adhesive penetration recess. This mounting element is an integral part of the retaining element. Thus, viewed in a direction parallel to the inlet opening or the plane of the inlet opening, the cavity of the adhesive penetration recess and this wall of the mounting element overlap. In particular, this wall also determines the horizontal depth of the cavity of the adhesive penetration recess.
[0016] In one embodiment, an adhesive penetration recess is a laterally open blind hole. The lateral direction is oriented parallel to the plane of the entrance opening. The depth of the blind hole is thus measured in this horizontal direction. The opening, or entrance, of this blind hole is opposite the bottom of the blind hole and therefore in the same direction as the depth.
[0017] In general, the depth of an adhesive penetration recess can be measured in a horizontal direction, i.e., in particular in a direction parallel to the plane of the entry opening.
[0018] In one embodiment, an adhesive penetration recess is a laterally open through-hole that is closed at the bottom of the adhesive receptacle. The through-hole is completely sealed in its cross-sectional contour. It can therefore also be described as a bore. The advantages mentioned above are also achieved with such an adhesive penetration recess.
[0019] In one embodiment, an adhesive penetration recess towards the inlet opening of the adhesive receptacle is bounded by a further wall of the retaining part. This wall is also oriented horizontally or laterally. It therefore essentially acts as a roof wall to delimit the adhesive penetration recess.
[0020] In one embodiment, an adhesive penetration recess is a laterally open groove in a side wall of the retaining part. The groove can also be referred to as a channel. It is possible for several such adhesive penetration recesses to be formed on the retaining part. If at least two adhesive penetration recesses are formed, they can be individually shaped in terms of location and / or geometry.
[0021] In one embodiment, an adhesive penetration recess is an anchoring structure for reinforcing the anchoring of the retaining part, in particular the mounting element, in the adhesive. This reinforcing anchoring occurs in a direction perpendicular to the inlet opening of the adhesive receptacle. In particular, such reinforcing anchoring is also advantageous in comparison to the prior art described above. Fig. 3 to 6, also with regard to a tilting of the optical unit relative to the support in relation to an axis that runs perpendicular to the plane of the inlet opening of the adhesive receptacle.
[0022] In one embodiment, the optical unit comprises a housing. The retaining element is part of this housing. The retaining element can, in particular, be formed integrally with the rest of the housing. This is especially advantageous if the housing and retaining element are made of plastic. It can then, for example, be an injection-molded component.
[0023] In one embodiment, the optical unit is a laser module. The optical unit can also be a receiver module of the optical detection unit. In particular, the optical detection unit is a LiDAR sensor. The optical detection unit is, in particular, an optical vehicle detection unit. This means that it is intended for installation on a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. Such optical vehicle detection units are designed to detect the vehicle's surroundings. This allows objects in the environment to be detected. The information detected in this way can, for example, be made available to a vehicle assistance system.
[0024] The laser module emits electromagnetic beams in a wavelength range between 800 nm and 1600 nm, in particular from 850 nm or 905 nm or 1550 nm.
[0025] Another aspect of the invention therefore also relates to an electronic assistance system for a vehicle with at least one such optical detection unit according to the above-mentioned aspect or an embodiment thereof.
[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one optical detection unit according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof.
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective representation of an optical detection unit as known from the prior art, as well as an embodiment of the invention with additions; Fig. 2 a top view of an embodiment of a carrier of an optical detection unit, as is known from the prior art and may also be part of an embodiment of an optical detection unit of the invention; Fig. 3 a perspective representation of a component of an optical detection unit of the prior art, which is part of an optical unit of the optical detection unit and which has several known retaining parts with which an adhesive connection with the carrier is created; Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 schematic sectional views showing the assembled final position of the retaining parts of the component according to Fig. 3 shown in adhesive images of the carrier 2 according to the prior art; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a component of an optical unit of an embodiment of an optical detection unit according to the invention; Fig. 8 a schematic sectional view of an assembled final state of a holding part of the component according to Fig. 7 in an adhesive receptacle of a carrier of an embodiment of an optical detection unit according to the invention; Fig. 9 a representation according to Fig. 8, in which a further retaining part is arranged in the assembled final state in a further adhesive receptacle of the carrier of the embodiment of the optical detection unit according to the invention; Fig. 10 a further representation accordingly Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in which a further retaining part of the component according to Fig. 7 is arranged in an assembled final state in an adhesive receptacle of a carrier of an embodiment of an optical detection unit according to the invention; and Fig. 11 to 13 schematic sectional views through further embodiments of retaining parts with adhesive penetration recesses, wherein the retaining parts are arranged in adhesive receptacles of the carrier of an embodiment of an optical detection unit in the end position.
[0028] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.
[0029] In one embodiment of an optical detection unit according to the invention, it is configured with the components as is the case for optical detection unit 1 according to Fig. 1 was explained. In particular, however, it is different to design the optical units 3 and / or 4 differently than is necessary. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. Section 6 was explained. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is also possible that the support 2 according to Fig. 2 is also part of an embodiment of an optical detection unit 1 according to the invention.
[0030] Starting from such an embodiment, in which the optical detection unit 1 according to an embodiment of the invention comprises the carrier 2 and a first optical module or a first optical unit 3 and a second optical module or a second optical unit 4, in particular as a receiver module and as a laser module, these can also be installed and attached to the carrier 2 accordingly. For this purpose, the carrier 2 has adhesive receptacles. These can be designed in a trough-like or tray-like manner. For example, the number and position of adhesive receptacles can correspond to how it is possible to Fig. 2 was explained. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, the carrier 2 also has adhesive receptacles 5, 6 and 7 in which adhesive 8 is applied. In this embodiment of the invention, the receiver module 3 is attached to these adhesive receptacles 5 to 7 by means of corresponding adhesive bonds.
[0031] It is intended that this receiver module 3 will have a housing 20 ( Fig. 1) exhibits. This housing 20 has a housing part 21. Another housing part of this housing 20 is formed by a component 22. This component 22, as it is described in Fig. 1, which is also shown in its assembled final state, can be made of plastic, for example. It is specifically designed as a single piece. It is also possible that this component 22 is made of metal. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, this component 22 has several retaining elements 23, 24, and 25. The retaining elements 23, 24, and 25 can be retaining feet. These cantilevered retaining elements 23 to 25 are designed to project into the adhesive receptacles 5, 6, and 7 and thus also to immerse themselves in the adhesive 8 contained therein. As shown in Figure 7, the retaining elements 23 to 25 are designed to project into the adhesive receptacles 5, 6, and 7 and thus also into the adhesive 8 contained therein. Fig. As can already be seen in Figure 7, the retaining part 23 has a first adhesive penetration recess 26. In particular, the exemplary embodiment provides that the retaining part 23 has several, here two, adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27. These adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are intended for the penetration of the adhesive 8 when the retaining part 23 is immersed in the adhesive.
[0032] Furthermore, as can also be seen, this retaining part 23 has an arc-shaped recess 28. This recess is open downwards and thus towards the free end of the retaining part 23.
[0033] As in Fig. Figure 8, which shows a schematic enlarged sectional view of the assembled final state of component 22 on the carrier 2, shows that the retaining part 23 is absorbed into the adhesive 8 to such an extent that the adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are completely filled. Fig. Figure 8 also shows that the adhesive receptacle 5 has an inlet opening 29 through which the adhesive 8 is introduced. On the side opposite the inlet opening 29, the adhesive receptacle 5 is bounded by a base 30. The other adhesive receptacles 6, 7, 13, 14, and 15 are designed accordingly.
[0034] In a direction P oriented perpendicular to the plane of the inlet opening 29, the adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are bounded both downwards and upwards. Specifically, they are bounded here by a lower wall 31a and an upper wall 31b of a mounting element 32 of the retaining part 23. Similarly, the further adhesive penetration recess 27 is also bounded by a lower wall 33a and an upper wall 33b of a mounting element 34 of the retaining part 23. In particular, the cavities of these adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are directly bounded by these walls 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b. Furthermore, it can be seen that the adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are laterally open in a direction parallel to the plane of the inlet opening 29 to allow the adhesive 8 to penetrate. As shown in the illustration in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the adhesive penetration niches 26, 27 are completely closed around their cross-sectional contour shown in the cross-section. They are therefore designed in a hole-like or bore-like manner.
[0035] Furthermore, in Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 8, the retaining element 23 is arranged with a penetration depth in the adhesive receptacle 5 such that the area 28, which is separate from the adhesive penetration recesses 26, 27 and completely open downwards, is also filled with adhesive 8, in particular completely filled. As can be seen, this area 28 is preferably located between the mounting elements 32 and 34 and thus between the adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 formed in the mounting elements 32 and 34, respectively.
[0036] In Fig. 9 is shown in a corresponding sectional view, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the assembled final state of the retaining part 24 in the adhesive receptacle 6. Regarding the geometric design of the retaining part 24, it is essentially an analogous or similar configuration to that of the retaining part 23. Fig. 7 and Fig. As explained in section 8, it is designed. Therefore, it will be... Fig. 9 no further explanation is given, but rather reference is made to the explanations regarding Fig. 8 referred.
[0037] In Fig. Figure 10 shows a corresponding enlarged sectional view, as is typical. Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the assembled final state of the retaining part 25 in the adhesive receptacle 13. As can be seen here, an adhesive penetration recess 35 is formed on the retaining part 25. This recess is bounded both downwards and upwards by a lower wall 36a and an upper wall 36b. The adhesive penetration recess 35 is open laterally, and thus essentially parallel to the plane of an inlet opening 29. A mounting element 37 of the retaining part 25 is also provided here. This element forms at least one of the walls 36a and / or 36b. Again, this mounting element 37 is formed integrally with the retaining part 25. It is thus integrated into this retaining part 25.
[0038] In the exemplary embodiment in Fig. In Figure 10, the cross-sectional contour of the adhesive penetration recess 35 is not completely closed. Here, it is C-shaped in cross-section. Towards the bottom, towards the base 30 of the adhesive receptacle 13, the adhesive penetration recess 35 is completely closed, as is the case with the other adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 already described. In this embodiment, the adhesive penetration recess 35 is designed as a groove or channel.
[0039] Viewed along a longitudinal axis A of the adhesive penetration recess 35, the adhesive penetration recess 35 is open on both sides. It can also be closed at at least one axial end. It can also be closed at both opposite axial ends. In this case, it is specifically designed as a laterally open blind hole. The longitudinal axis A runs horizontally. Therefore, the longitudinal axis A runs parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the inlet opening 29. The depth of the adhesive penetration recess 35 is measured horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.
[0040] Accordingly, the adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 also have longitudinal axes B and C. These also run in the corresponding direction, i.e., horizontally. In particular, the axes A, B, and C can be oriented parallel to each other. The adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are also open on both sides when viewed in their respective axial directions along the longitudinal axes B and C. However, they can also be closed at one axial end.
[0041] In Fig. 11 is shown in a corresponding sectional view, as is the case with Fig. As explained in section 8, a further embodiment is shown of how the retaining part 23 can be designed. Here, adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are formed on a side wall, in particular on a vertical side wall of the retaining part 23, especially of a mounting element 32 and / or 34. The adhesive penetration recesses 26 and 27 are again bounded above and below by a lower wall 31a and 31b, respectively. For clarity, only one of the walls is shown with the corresponding reference numeral.
[0042] Here, the adhesive penetration niches 26 and 27 are designed as laterally open channels or grooves.
[0043] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment this can also be the case for the retaining part 24 and / or the retaining part 25, as shown in the enlarged sectional views according to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 is shown.
[0044] The embodiment described for optical unit 3, in particular with regard to the retaining parts 23, 24, 25, can additionally or instead also be designed for optical unit 4, in particular for the retaining parts 17, 18, 19.
Claims
[1] Optical detection unit (1) with a carrier (2) and with at least one optical unit (3, 4) which is attached to the carrier (2) by at least one adhesive connection, wherein the carrier (2) has an adhesive receptacle (5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15) in which adhesive (8) is arranged and at least one retaining part (10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25) of the optical unit (3, 4) projects into the adhesive (8) in the adhesive receptacle (5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15) and is held therein, characterized by, that the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25) has at least one adhesive penetration recess (26, 27, 35) for the penetration of the adhesive (8), which, viewed perpendicularly to an inlet opening (29) of the adhesive receptacle (5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15) towards a base (30) of the adhesive receptacle (5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15) is bounded by a wall (31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, 36a, 36b) of a mounting element (32, 34, 37) of the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25) and the adhesive penetration recess (26, 27, 35) extends laterally in a direction parallel to the inlet opening (29) for the penetration of the adhesive (8). is open, wherein the adhesive penetration niche (26, 27, 25) extends at least partially into the area of the adhesive receptacle (5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15) filled with adhesive (8). [2] Optical detection unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wall (31a, 33a, 36a) forms the bottom of the adhesive penetration niche (26, 27, 35). [3] Optical detection unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that an adhesive penetration recess (26, 27, 35) is a laterally open, cave-like undercut in the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25), in particular a mounting element (32, 34, 37). [4] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an adhesive penetration niche (26, 27, 35) is a laterally open through-hole which is closed to the bottom (30) of the adhesive receptacle (5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15). [5] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an adhesive penetration niche (26, 27, 35) towards the entrance opening (29) is limited by a further wall (31b, 33b, 36b) of the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25), in particular a mounting element (32, 34, 37). [6] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an adhesive penetration recess (26, 27, 35) is a laterally open groove in a side wall (38) of the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25), in particular of a mounting element (32, 34, 37). [7] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an anchoring structure for reinforcing anchoring of the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25) in the adhesive (8) is provided by an adhesive penetration niche (26, 27, 35), in particular in direction (P) perpendicular to the inlet opening (29). [8] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the optical unit (3, 4) has a housing (20) and the retaining part (17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25) is a component (22) of the housing (20). [9] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the optical unit is a laser module (4) or a receiver module (3). [10] Optical detection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the optical detection unit (1) is a LIDAR sensor.
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