Environmental sensor device for a motor vehicle impact protection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an environmental sensor device for an impact protection device of a motor vehicle, comprising at least the following components: - an environmental sensor with a detection element; and - a suspension device for movable mounting of the environmental sensor, wherein an outer skin with a detector penetration for the detection element is provided at the installation site for the environmental sensor device, wherein an ingress zone is formed by the outer skin and a robust protective zone is enclosed, and The detection element of the environmental sensor is guided and movable between a functional position in the penetration zone of the outer skin and an inactive position in the robust protective zone by means of the suspension device. The environmental sensor device is characterized in particular by the fact that the detection element is mounted without resistance against movement from the functional position to the inactive position by means of the suspension device. The unrestricted movement of the detection element ensures good protection against serious injury to a person in the event of an impact resulting from a collision with the detection element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an environmental sensor device for an impact protection device of a motor vehicle, an impact protection device with such an environmental sensor device for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle with such an impact protection device.

[0002] In motor vehicles, environmental sensors (such as optical cameras, radar, ultrasound, and / or LiDAR [Light Detection and Ranging]) are increasingly used to adequately support navigation (e.g., in a parking space and / or when reversing) and / or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS or ADAS) during autonomous driving. At the same time, impact protection must be provided (especially for pedestrian safety) that is soft enough to prevent serious injuries in the event of a collision. Often, environmental sensors are inherently (too) hard components and should or must therefore be positioned outside of an impact protection device to prevent minor damage (e.g., according to the so-called pendulum laws in the USA, US Part 581, and the worldwide regulation UN ECE R42 for the protection of sensitive components in a motor vehicle).On the other hand, this area, for example above a license plate mounting point, often offers a convenient position for placing an environmental sensor.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2019 125 674 A1 discloses an environmental monitoring device in which a protective device is provided to safeguard the environmental monitoring device. It is disclosed therein that, in one embodiment, the environmental monitoring device can be pivoted from its functional position into a protective position by means of a holding device. The purpose here is to ensure that the environmental monitoring device remains functionally intact after a minor collision (e.g., a touch).

[0004] Based on this, the present invention aims to overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages known from the prior art. The features of the invention are defined in the independent claims, for which advantageous embodiments are shown in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically meaningful way, whereby the explanations in the following description and features from the figures, which comprise supplementary embodiments of the invention, can also be used.

[0005] The invention relates to an environmental sensor device for an impact protection device of a motor vehicle, comprising at least the following components: - an environmental sensor with a detection element; and - a suspension device for movable mounting of the environmental sensor, wherein an outer skin with a detector penetration for the detection element is provided at the installation site for the environmental sensor device, wherein an ingress zone is formed by the outer skin and a robust protective zone is enclosed, and wherein the detection element of the environmental sensor is guided and movable by means of the suspension device between a functional position in the penetration zone of the outer skin and an inactive position in the robust protection zone.

[0006] The environmental sensor device is characterized primarily by the fact that the detection element is mounted without hindrance by means of the suspension device against movement from the functional position to the inactive position.

[0007] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions serve solely for unambiguous differentiation and do not indicate any order or ranking of the components referred to. An ordinal number greater than one does not necessarily imply the presence of another such component.

[0008] The environmental sensor is, for example, a conventional sensor or a conventional sensor arrangement for detecting or monitoring the environment of the motor vehicle, for example to support reversing with the motor vehicle in question.

[0009] The impact protection device, in which the environmental sensor device can be arranged, is also of a conventional design, preferably configured for a collision with a pedestrian and / or cyclist (hereinafter referred to as "person"), and is therefore quite soft in order to cope with the comparatively low crash forces with a deformation characteristic designed for adequate energy absorption. The impact protection device is, for example, a component of a bumper and / or a crash structure optimized for energy dissipation. On a motor vehicle, an outer skin is provided that is enclosed by or surrounding the impact protection device. This outer skin serves an aesthetic design purpose, protects internal components from environmental influences and external access, and / or provides impact protection. The outer skin forms or surrounds a penetration zone that deforms under a design crash load.The outer skin continues to enclose a robust protective zone which will not be deformed by a crash load from at least one person.

[0010] In one embodiment, the robust protective zone is designed to be sufficiently deformable for adequate energy dissipation in the event of large crash loads (for example, a collision with another vehicle or bollard at a vehicle relative speed of, say, 50 km / h [fifty kilometers per hour] or higher). In such cases, the vehicle components located within the robust protective zone may not be protected from damage or destruction. The robust protective zone can then also be referred to as a (vehicle) crash zone, in contrast to the penetration zone, which can be termed a (pedestrian) impact zone.

[0011] To ensure the least possible interference with the sensor field of the environmental sensor, a detector opening is provided in the outer skin of the impact protection device for its detection element (for example, the camera lens, radar antenna, or ultrasonic antenna) at a suitable location in a motor vehicle. At least the detection element, or its sensor field, is arranged to pass through this opening. In one embodiment, the detector opening is located in a position that is not visible or difficult to see during normal, everyday observation. Alternatively or additionally, the detector opening is a closable opening that is only opened when the environmental sensor is needed.

[0012] The detection element of the environmental sensor is mounted by means of a suspension device in such a way that it can be moved back and forth between the intrusion zone and the robust protection zone, thus protecting the person from damage in the robust protection zone against forces emanating from a person in a design-compliant crash situation, but also protecting the person from a potentially injuring crash contact with the detection element.

[0013] As explained earlier, to prevent damage to the environmental sensor's detection element, it is advantageous for it to be movably mounted using a suspension device. From an aesthetically pleasing design perspective, it may also be beneficial to mount the detection element movably between a visible and a concealed position. For stable positioning, at least in the functional position (i.e., when the detection element is actively used to monitor the environment), conventional design principles employ a locking mechanism, such as a hinge, to securely hold the detection element in the functional position without requiring external power.Due to the design of such a detection element (for example, an optical camera), crash loads that can overcome such a barrier do not lead to damage to the detection element or the conventional suspension device.

[0014] A stop is a mechanical device or arrangement that hinders or specifically limits the movement of a component or device. It is designed to exert a significant (stopping) force against a direction of movement, thereby restricting or immediately stopping the movement completely. In one embodiment, the stop is used in technical systems to control movements as needed, for example, to prevent a mechanism from slipping or moving further. This enables precise control and positioning of components. A stop thus provides a significant force opposing a direction of movement, as in a self-locking gear or brake, but also in a locking mechanism.

[0015] It is proposed here that the detection element be suspended by means of the suspension device in a way that prevents movement from the functional to the inactive position. A free-floating mounting also means that tilting or other effects opposing the direction of movement are excluded by design. A free-floating mounting is not necessarily frictionless, but preferably so low in friction that the (total) resistance to a design-related moving force (here, for example, a minimal assumed crash load from a pedestrian, such as a child) is sufficiently low, and preferably the contribution of a frictional force is negligible.The detection element is thus guided (without hindrance) by the suspension device in such a way that the detection element can be passively transferred (without damage and reversibly) from the functional position to the inactive position by means of a minimal frontal penetration force that deforms the penetration zone of the outer skin but does not impair the robust protective zone.

[0016] It should be noted that in one embodiment, an actuator is provided to move the detection element from the functional position to the inactive position. This actuator is designed such that, in the event of an actuator failure, no resistance is generated against the intended crash loads imposed by a person. It should also be noted that in one embodiment, a barrier is provided to prevent movement from the inactive position to the functional position, for example, by means of a detent element, i.e., a locking mechanism that can only be actively released or overcome.

[0017] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the inactive position and the functional position each represent the end positions of a maximum path for the detection element. In one embodiment, the inactive position is defined as the first position on a maximum path of the detection element in which the penetration zone is completely left by the detection element. In another embodiment, the functional position is defined as the first position on a maximum path of the detection element in which the detection element already protrudes into the penetration zone, and is therefore relevant in a crash scenario. The previously described freedom from interference then applies to the entire path from the functional end position (i.e., located behind the functional position when viewed from the inactive position) to the inactive position.Preferably, this freedom from interference also applies to the entire path from the inactive-side end position (i.e., located behind the inactive position from the perspective of the functional position) to the inactive position. The area between the inactive-side end position and the first position (inner position) along the maximum path of the detection element, in which the penetration zone is completely left by the detection element, can also be referred to as the inner area. The area between the functional-side end position and the first position (outer position) along the maximum path of the detection element, in which the detection element protrudes into the penetration zone, can also be referred to as the outer area.

[0018] In one embodiment, the minimum penetration force is that of a child as a pedestrian with a body weight of 15 kg (fifteen kilograms) and a relative speed of at least 10 km / h (ten kilometers per hour). It should be noted that a maximum penetration force at which the robust protective zone remains largely intact is merely a design requirement to prevent damage to the detection element. However, any resulting inhibiting effects on the suspension device, such as its deformation due to a high impulse, must be considered during the design process. The suspension device is therefore designed such that, between the minimum and maximum penetration forces specified by the design, i.e., without any relevant energy dissipation via the robust protective zone, the detection element is mounted without any inhibition.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the environmental sensor device, it is further proposed that a holding force of the suspension device for holding the detection element in the functional position is equal to or less than a resistance force of the outer skin against such a minimal frontal penetration force by which the outer skin can be deformed.

[0020] To ensure both the reliable retention of the functional position (or functional end position) for good detection quality and the desired automatic evasion of a design-conforming crash load (e.g., a person), it is proposed here that a holding force be exerted on the detection element when it is in the functional position (or functional end position). This holding force is provided, for example, by a damper, a spring, friction, and / or (actively, e.g., with an external electrical or pneumatic energy supply) an actuator. It should be noted that this holding force is designed to closely match the resistance force established for crash safety (for a person), and is therefore preferably slightly lower.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the environmental sensor device, it is proposed that a guide element of the suspension device is arranged in the Earth's gravitational field below the environmental sensor at the installation site.

[0022] The guide element is, for example, a rail or a roof suspension, preferably with a low-friction bearing, particularly preferably with a self-lubricating or lubricant-impregnated bearing surface of a surface pairing.

[0023] By positioning the guide element below the environmental sensor in the Earth's gravitational field, space is provided above the sensor for evasive movement. This allows for a large radius of movement, resulting in a long path and thus low resistance to a design crash load. In an advantageous embodiment, the guide element is located entirely outside the intrusion zone; preferably, only a connecting element between the detection element and the guide element (for example, a lever beam) is located in the intrusion zone when the detection element is in its functional position (or functional end position).

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the environmental sensor device, it is proposed that the detection element can be pivoted about a pivot axis by means of the guide element of the suspension device. where the pivot axis is positioned lower in the Earth's gravitational field than the detection element in its functional position, where the detection element in the functional position is located deeper in the Earth's gravitational field than in a position on the way to the inactive position.

[0025] A pivoting motion around a defined pivoting axis enables particularly cost-effective, unimpeded movement, for example with low friction via a sliding bearing bushing (e.g. with PA [polyamide] or an impregnated sintered bushing) or a rolling bearing.

[0026] By positioning the guide element lower than the detection element in the Earth's gravitational field, a functional position (or the functional end position) is sufficiently secured by gravity, thus generating the desired holding force through the lever ratio. Therefore, a locking mechanism (which might interfere with the unhindered passive evasive movement) is unnecessary for such an embodiment to maintain a sufficient holding force (or holding torque). Preferably, the detection element can be secured in the functional position (or the functional end position) without a locking mechanism to ensure sufficient detection quality.At the same time, the resistance force (or resistance moment) of the detection element opposing a crash load is very low, namely solely a force dependent on the lever ratio and the mass of the detection element (and, if applicable, the movable part of the suspension device, as well as friction).

[0027] Similar to the effect of a kneeling motion, this means that (at least initially) work must be done against gravity to move the detection element from the functional position to the inactive position, maintaining a holding force (or holding torque) for sufficient detection quality (at least in the functional end position). At the same time, this opposing force of gravity does not have an inhibiting effect. In one embodiment, the inactive position (preferably the inactive end position) along the pivot path between these two positions is the highest position in the Earth's gravitational field, but preferably not at a point of unstable equilibrium.Then, in the case of an unstable equilibrium due to, for example, a vibration, the detection element automatically assumes the functional position (preferably the functional end position), provided that no opposing force is applied, for example, by a spring, an (actuating) actuator, or a restraint acting in this direction (for example, via a worm gear).

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the environmental sensor device, it is further proposed that the detection element can be moved from the inactive position to the functional position by means of an actuator, and preferably from the functional position to the inactive position by means of the actuator.

[0029] Preferably, the actuator is an electric drive motor. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator is pneumatically or hydraulically operated. In one embodiment, the actuator is pyrotechnically designed and causes an explosive movement from the operating position to the inactive position.

[0030] For example, holding and / or moving the detection element into the inactive position is passively supported by a damper and / or a spring. An actuator is then preferably provided to move the detection element into the functional position (preferably the functional end position). In one embodiment, the actuator is positioned to act on the detection element or the suspension device in such a way that, during an evasive movement in a crash, it does not protrude into the penetration zone and preferably does not collide with such an evasive movement. This is achieved, for example, by means of a freewheel or a tab. The tab is only accessible to the actuator for force transmission when the detection element is outside the functional position.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is also configured to move the detection element from the functional position to the inactive position. For example, the actuator is configured to support such an evasive movement so that, in the event of a crash, a collision between a person and the detection element can be prevented as long as the actuator functions correctly. As mentioned previously, the actuator must not impede any movement in the event of a malfunction. In one embodiment, damage to the detection element is reliably prevented only if the detection element is moved to the inactive position by the actuator (i.e., by motor or motor-assisted action) before a protective collision in the event of a crash.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment of the environmental sensor device, it is proposed that the detection element can be moved from the inactive position to the functional position by means of a biasing device, and / or The detection element can be moved from the functional position to the inactive position by means of a pre-tensioning device.

[0033] The preload device is, for example, a spring (e.g., a helical compression spring, helical extension spring, spiral spring or leaf spring), a damper and / or a rubber-elastic element.

[0034] In one embodiment, a holding force is exerted on the detection element by means of the preload device, thus enabling good detection quality. Preferably, the holding force is considerably lower than the resistance of the outer skin. Alternatively or additionally, a connection (for example, via a tab with a predetermined breaking point) is designed to be so soft or brittle that the effect of the preload on the detection element as a holding force becomes ineffective due to a (minimal) penetration force. Preferably, any resulting damage to the environmental sensor device is negligible or compensable for sufficiently reliable operation of the detection element and can also be repaired cost-effectively, for example, by replacing the aforementioned connection.

[0035] In one embodiment, a preload device assists the detection element in yielding, for example, to reliably overcome an opposing frictional force. In another embodiment, the detection element is then held in its functional position by a motor and / or a detent is provided. The detent is then sufficiently easy to overcome (i.e., with minimal penetration force), preferably non-destructively, so that the detection element can be returned to the detent position when the functional position is to be resumed.

[0036] If a preloading device acts on the detection element (or the suspension device) in both the direction of the evasive movement and in the direction of the transition to the functional position, this is achieved, for example, by means of a switching device (e.g., a rotary switch) and / or via a detachable connection (e.g., via a tab with a predetermined breaking point). Preferably, the direction of action of the preloading device is reversible by a motor, whereby it is passively ensured that the preload is present in the direction of the evasive movement in the functional position.

[0037] It should be noted that a preload opposing the evasive movement from the functional position to the inactive position is permissible if (as explained above) the resulting holding force is less than or equal to the resistance force of the outer skin.

[0038] According to another aspect, an impact protection device for a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising at least the following components: - an outer skin that forms a penetration zone and encloses a robust protective zone; and - an environmental sensor device according to an embodiment as described above, wherein the detection element of the environmental sensor is guided from the functional position in the penetration zone of the outer skin to the inactive position in the robust protection zone by means of the suspension device and can be moved without hindrance.

[0039] An impact protection device is a device in a motor vehicle which serves to protect persons outside the motor vehicle, such as pedestrians or cyclists, (and preferably also the occupants of the motor vehicle) from serious injury in the event of an impact.

[0040] The impact protection device features an outer skin (for aesthetic purposes and / or to protect internal components from environmental influences and external access), which forms a penetration zone and encloses a robust protective zone. Under a corresponding crash load, the outer skin deforms within the penetration zone to effect a gentle deceleration and dissipate a large portion of the impact energy.

[0041] The impact protection device incorporates at least one environmental sensor device, configured according to one embodiment of the preceding description. This environmental sensor device includes an environmental sensor with a detection element, for example, a camera or radar, which is guided by a suspension device to move freely between its functional position in the intrusion zone and an inactive position in the robust protection zone (at least during the evasive maneuver). The inactive position provides additional protection for the detection element by placing it in a reinforced area of ​​the vehicle, namely the robust protection zone, when not in use or during an impact.

[0042] The robust protective zone of the impact protection device is designed to effectively protect the detection element of the environmental sensor from damage, thus preserving the device's functionality in the event of a personal injury collision. In one embodiment, the detection element is positioned in its functional position within the impact protection device in such a way that it is visible from the outside without compromising the integrity or appearance of the vehicle.

[0043] The unrestricted movement of the detection element ensures good protection against serious injury to a person in the event of an impact resulting from a collision with the detection element.

[0044] It is further described in an advantageous embodiment of the The impact protection device proposed includes a closure by which the detector opening in the outer skin is closed in its closed position. preferably designed as a flap that can be pivoted inwards from the closed position towards the protection zone during use in the vehicle.

[0045] To protect the detection element against deliberate damage, environmental influences, and / or for an aesthetically pleasing design of the impact protection device (or when used on a motor vehicle), it is proposed that a closure be provided. This ensures that the detection element is well protected, at least when not in its functional end position, and preferably not visible from the outside.

[0046] A flap is a particularly simple and therefore cost-effective embodiment of a closure. Preferably, the flap is pivoted inwards to open the detector opening, most preferably from the closed position towards the inactive position of the detection element. This ensures that, in any position of the flap, there is no negative impact on the resistance or the presence of a sharp edge facing the person in the event of a collision. Alternatively, the closure is a sliding element, which is also preferably moved from the closed position towards the inactive position to open the detector opening.

[0047] It is further described in an advantageous embodiment of the The impact protection device is proposed to include a cleaning unit, whereby the detection element can only be cleaned by means of the cleaning unit in the inactive position. wherein preferably during the detector passage is closed, the escape of a cleaning agent dispensed by means of the cleaning unit is prevented.

[0048] It is proposed here that a cleaning unit be provided to remove dirt from the detector (e.g., a camera lens) or a protective outer casing (e.g., a radar antenna) of the detection element. Preferably, the cleaning unit uses a liquid cleaning agent, for example, a soapy and / or aqueous solution.

[0049] A problem with previously known designs is that liquid cleaning agents run over the outer skin and / or license plate of a motor vehicle. This is inherently unsightly, as it runs down the exterior surface of the vehicle and / or leaves streaks of dirt, and can therefore be perceived as a quality defect. Here, it is proposed that a sealed detector opening directs the cleaning agent internally, so that it is not visible or only minimally visible from the outside. Preferably, the detection element is in the inactive position or the inactive-side end position when cleaning is carried out using the cleaning unit. In one embodiment, this is also possible with an open detector opening if the detection element is in the inactive position or the inactive-side end position during cleaning.

[0050] In one embodiment, a gaseous cleaning agent is used, for example, an air jet. In this embodiment, cleaning is carried out by means of the cleaning unit, optionally (also or exclusively) when the detection element is in the functional position or functional end position.

[0051] According to a further aspect, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a transport cell, at least one drive wheel, a drive train for supplying the at least one drive wheel with torque for propelling the motor vehicle, and at least one impact protection device according to an embodiment as described above, wherein preferably at least one of the environmental sensor devices is arranged at the rear above a license plate mounting point.

[0052] A motor vehicle is designed as a mobile unit comprising a passenger compartment for transporting people and / or goods. Propulsion is provided by at least one drive wheel and a drivetrain that supplies the drive wheel with torque to move the vehicle forward. Additionally, the motor vehicle is equipped with at least one impact protection device, designed according to the preceding description. This impact protection device contributes to the vehicle's safety by absorbing a portion of the impact forces in a crash collision, thereby protecting the vehicle's structure and the occupants within the passenger compartment.

[0053] The impact protection device also includes an environmental sensor device that detects and monitors the vehicle's surroundings and assists in avoiding collisions. Alternatively or additionally, the environmental sensor device is integrated into a vehicle assistance system (FAS or ADAS, Advanced Driver Assistance System) and enables semi-autonomous and / or fully autonomous driving, for example, a parking procedure, i.e., a so-called parking aid.

[0054] Preferably, at least one environmental sensor device is positioned at the rear of the vehicle above the license plate mounting point. This arrangement optimizes the monitoring of the vehicle's rear surroundings, allowing obstacles to be detected early. This significantly contributes to accident prevention and increased overall driving safety. Furthermore, the environmental sensor device, or impact protection device, is aesthetically pleasing and particularly advantageous for the safety of road users.

[0055] It should be noted that for a vehicle assistance system [FAS, or ADAS, English: Advanced Driver Assistance System] such a detection element is now permanently arranged in the functional position during driving operation, preferably already from a basic start-up of the motor vehicle, for example with unlocking, at the latest with the activation of the ignition of the motor vehicle and / or with a control over a distance, for example by means of a (preferably mobile) radio transmission and / or by means of the Internet or comparable wireless data transmission infrastructure.

[0056] The invention described above is explained in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments. The invention is in no way limited by the purely schematic drawings, although it should be noted that the drawings are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining size relationships. It is illustrated in Fig. 1: in a cross-sectional view, a section of an impact protection device with an environmental sensor device; and Fig. 2: A schematic top view of a motor vehicle with an impact protection device.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a section of an impact protection device 2 with an environmental sensor device 1, which is preferably mountable on the rear 25 of a motor vehicle 3. In this illustration, the rear 25 is on the right and the rest of the motor vehicle 3 is on the left. The impact protection device 2 comprises an outer skin 7, which forms the outermost layer of a section of the vehicle body. The outer skin 7 surrounds, or in the illustration on the right forms, a (slightly) deformable penetration zone 9, i.e., an area specifically designed to yield upon impact (preferably with a person) and thus reduce the force of the impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury. To the left of the penetration zone 9, a robust protective zone 10 is provided, which is enclosed by the outer skin 7 and thus protected from environmental influences and external access.The robust protection zone 10 is significantly more resistant to impact forces, preferably (approximately) ideally rigid against maximum penetration forces (acting on the outer skin 7 from right to left in the illustration) in a collision with a person. Vehicle components within the robust protection zone 10 are therefore sufficiently protected from direct contact and subsequent damage caused by such a crash load.

[0058] The impact protection device 2 has an environmental sensor device 1, which includes an environmental sensor 4 with a detection element 5. The detection element 5 has the task of detecting the vehicle's surroundings and is positioned in such a way that a useful sensor field is provided (for example, for optical detection of an area behind the vehicle 3 that is not visible from the driver's seat) and at the same time (for example, legal) regulations regarding the visibility of the license plate and accident safety (especially for road users) are met.

[0059] The detection element 5 is movably mounted by means of a suspension device 6, a pivot axis 15 of which is defined for the path 16 of the detection element 5 between the functional position 11 (shown here as a dashed line, the functional end position) and the inactive position 12 (shown here as a solid line, the inactive end position). Here (purely optionally), the guide element 13 and the pivot axis 15 are arranged in the Earth's gravitational field 14 below the detection element 5. In one embodiment, the Earth's gravitational field 14 is used to exert and / or support a holding force to secure the detection element 5 in the functional position 11.

[0060] A detector opening 8 in the outer skin 7 allows the detection element 5 to detect and thus monitor its surroundings from its functional position 11. When not in use or in the event of an impact, the detection element 5 can move freely into the inactive position 12. This represents a resting position in which the detection element 5 is inactive and unusable, but protected within the robust protective zone 10. Here, the corresponding inactive position 12 is the highest position of the detection element 5 along its path 16 between the end positions, such that the detection element 5 tends to return to its functional position 11 under the influence of gravity. The detection element 5 thus remains in the functional position 11 under a load that is less than a minimum penetration force by gravity alone or with the assistance of gravity.

[0061] In this embodiment, this functional position 11 is (purely optionally) further supported by a preload device 18 (shown here, purely optionally, as a tensioning coil spring), which pulls the detection element 5 into the functional position 11 shown. It should be noted that the spring force is designed to be so low that it does not act as a barrier for a minimal penetration force.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, an actuator 17 is used, by means of which the detection element 5 can be moved from and / or into the functional position 11 as required by the situation. The actuator 17 does not impede movement from the functional position 11 to the inactive position 12, even if the actuator 17 should fail.

[0063] Furthermore, a (purely optional) closure 19 in the form of a flap 20 is provided, by means of which the detector passage 8 can be closed (shown here with a coarse dashed line) if the detection element 5 is not in its functional end position. Two variants or positioning options for the flap 20 are shown here: one outwards and downwards, i.e., outwards from the vehicle (with a fine dashed line), and one inwards and upwards, i.e., inwards from the vehicle (with a solid line).

[0064] For cleaning the detection element 5, a cleaning unit 21 is installed here (purely optionally), which is arranged within the robust protection zone 10. When the detection element 5 is in the inactive position 12 shown, it can be cleaned with a (liquid) cleaning agent in such a way that the cleaning agent does not run over the license plate mounting point 26 (or the license plate itself).

[0065] In Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a motor vehicle 3 with an impact protection device 2, which includes a drive train 24 (here represented by a drive unit 27 and a differential 28) for propelling the motor vehicle 3. A left and a right drive wheel 23 are driven by the drive unit 27 and are connected to each other (purely optionally) via a differential 28. One or more occupants can be transported in a transport cell 22 in the motor vehicle 3.

[0066] At the rear 25, an impact protection device 2 is shown (pars-pro-toto), which includes an environmental sensor device 1. The impact protection device 2 is surrounded by an outer skin 7, on the outside of which (here obscured and therefore shown with dashed lines) a license plate mounting point 26 is arranged. Above, but also obscured by the outer skin 7, the environmental sensor device 1 is indicated with dashed lines.

[0067] The unrestricted movement of the detection element ensures good protection against serious injury to a person in the event of an impact resulting from a collision with the detection element. Reference symbol list 1 Environmental sensor device 2 Impact protection device 3 Motor vehicle 4. Environmental sensor 5 Detection element 6 Suspension device 7 Outer skin 8 Detector pass 9 Penetration zone 10 robust protection zones 11 Functional position 12 Inactive positions 13 Guide element 14 Earth's gravitational field 15 Swivel axis 16 Way 17 Actuator 18 Pre-tensioning device 19 Closure 20 flap 21 cleaning units 22 Transport cell 23 Drive wheel 24 Powertrain 25 Rear 26 License plate mounting point 27 Drive unit 28 Differential 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 2019 125 674 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Environmental sensor device (1) for an impact protection device (2) of a motor vehicle (3), comprising at least the following components: - an environmental sensor (4) with a detection element (5); and - a suspension device (6) for movable mounting of the environmental sensor (4), wherein an outer skin (7) with a detector passage (8) for the detection element (5) is provided at the installation site for the environmental sensor device (1), wherein an ingress zone (9) is formed by the outer skin (7) and a robust protective zone (10) is enclosed, and wherein the detection element (5) of the environmental sensor (4) is guided and movable by means of the suspension device (6) between a functional position (11) in the penetration zone (9) of the outer skin (7) and an inactive position (12) in the robust protection zone (10), characterized by , that The detection element (5) is mounted without hindrance by means of the suspension device (6) against movement from the functional position (11) to the inactive position (12). [2] Environmental sensor device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a holding force of the suspension device (6) for holding the detection element (5) in the functional position (11) is equal to or less than a resistance force of the outer skin (7) against such a minimal frontal penetration force by means of which the outer skin (7) is deformable. [3] Environmental sensor device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a guide element (13) of the suspension device (6) is arranged in the place of use in the Earth's gravitational field (14) below the environmental sensor (4). [4] Environmental sensor device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the detection element (5) can be pivoted about a pivot axis (15) by means of the guide element (13) of the suspension device (6), wherein the pivot axis (15) is arranged lower in the Earth's gravitational field (14) than the detection element (5) in the functional position (11), wherein the detection element (5) in the functional position (11) is located lower in the Earth's gravitational field (14) than in a position on the way (16) to the inactive position (12). [5] Environmental sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection element (5) can be moved from the inactive position (12) to the functional position (11) by means of an actuator (17), and preferably can be moved from the functional position (11) to the inactive position (12) by means of the actuator (17). [6] Environmental sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection element (5) can be moved from the inactive position (12) to the functional position (11) by means of a pre-tensioning device (18), and / or the detection element (5) can be moved from the functional position (11) to the inactive position (12) by means of a pre-tensioning device (18). [7] Impact protection device (2) for a motor vehicle (3), comprising at least the following components: - an outer skin (7) which forms an ingress zone (9) and encloses a robust protective zone (10); and - an environmental sensor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection element (5) of the environmental sensor (4) is guided from the functional position (11) in the penetration zone (9) of the outer skin (7) to the inactive position (12) in the robust protective zone (10) by means of the suspension device (6) and is movable without hindrance. [8] Impact protection device (2) according to claim 7, wherein furthermore a closure (19) is provided by means of which the detector passage (8) in the outer skin (7) is closed in its closed position, preferably designed as a flap (20) that can be pivoted from the closed position towards the protection zone (10) in the vehicle-inwards direction. [9] Impact protection device (2) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein a cleaning unit (21) is further provided, wherein the detection element (5) can be cleaned exclusively in the inactive position (12) by means of the cleaning unit (21), wherein preferably while the detector passage (8) is closed, the escape of a cleaning agent dispensed by means of the cleaning unit (21) is prevented. [10] motor vehicle (3), comprising a transport cell (22), at least one drive wheel (23), a drive train (24) for supplying the at least one drive wheel (23) with a torque for propelling the motor vehicle (3), and at least one impact protection device (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein preferably at least one of the environmental sensor devices (1) is arranged at the rear (25) above a license plate mounting point (26).

Images