Sensor unit for capturing the environment of a vehicle

Abstract

Title: Sensor Unit for Capturing the Environment of a Vehicle. Sensor unit (5) comprising a signal exchange unit (51), a power supply unit (52), a sensor housing (53), a transmitter unit (54), and a receiver unit (55). The transmitter unit (54) and the receiver unit (55) are housed in the sensor housing (53); the transmitter unit (52) emits a measurement beam (56) into the environment (2), and the receiver unit (55) receives the reflected radiation (57). The power supply unit (52) powers units (54) and (55). The signal exchange unit (51) is connected to units (55) and (54) to exchange signals with a complementary unit (51). The housing (53) is mechanically separable without tools in a non-destructive manner. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Sensor unit for capturing the environment of a vehicle. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit for capturing the environment of a vehicle. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles use sensors to detect their environment. In most cases, the sensors are installed either behind the windshield or along the vehicle's exterior in a distributed manner. Information from the sensors is then used by driver assistance systems. The driver assistance system relies on the processing of these signals to make its decisions. Generally, the sensors are components purchased from suppliers and installed by the manufacturer during vehicle assembly using tools, securely in place, for example, within the vehicle's exterior. The individual sensors can be replaced directly by the vehicle owner. Replacing a sensor requires detaching parts of the vehicle's exterior and / or removing the sensor with special tools. For this, the customer must have the sensors replaced at a workshop.

[0003] In the field of heavy vehicles, sensors are installed not only on the tractor but also on the trailer. This improves the overall vehicle's perception of its environment. Unlike a tractor, trailers have a long service life during which they are not towed. Therefore, sensors are not needed during periods of inactivity.

[0004] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a sensor unit for capturing an environment comprising: a signal exchange unit, a power supply unit, a sensor housing, a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit being housed in the sensor housing, the transmitting unit emitting a measurement beam into the environment, the receiving unit receiving the reflected radiation from the environment, the power supply unit supplying current to the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, the signal exchange unit is connected to the receiving unit and to the transmitting unit for the exchange of signals, the signal exchange unit exchanges the signals with a complementary signal exchange unit and the sensor housing is connected to the receiving unit in a way that is mechanically separable without tools in a non-destructive manner.

[0006] The sensor unit according to the invention, for capturing an environment, allows its installation and removal by the driver on the vehicle for use of the sensor data by vehicle systems. The sensors can, for example, be removed from stationary trailers and reinstalled on trailers that will be used.

[0007] The sensor unit comprises a signal exchange unit, a power supply unit, a sensor housing, a transmitter unit, and a receiver unit. The transmitter and receiver units are housed within the sensor housing. The transmitter unit emits a measurement beam into the environment. The receiver unit receives the radiation reflected from the environment. The power supply unit provides current to the transmitter and receiver units. The signal exchange unit is connected to the transmitter unit via the receiver unit to exchange signals. The signal exchange unit allows for the exchange of signals with a complementary signal exchange unit. Signal exchange can be unidirectional, so that only the signals from one unit are transferred to the other unit; it can also be bidirectional, i.e., bidirectional signal transfer between the units.The sensor housing is connected to the receiving unit by a mechanical linkage that can be opened without damage or tools.

[0008] The sensor unit is thus able to scan the environment with the transmitting and receiving units. The environmental data obtained by this scanning process is then transmitted to the signal exchange unit and the complementary signal exchange unit. The complementary signal exchange unit can also be connected to the systems of a vehicle or trailer. This is how the environmental data from the sensor unit reaches the vehicle's driver assistance system. To use the sensor unit in a vehicle or trailer, the sensor unit is connected to a receiving unit that can be installed on the vehicle or its trailer.

[0009] Since the sensor unit is mechanically connected to the receiver unit and can be detached without tools, the sensor unit can be replaced directly by the vehicle owner. The vehicle owner will not need to go to a workshop to change the sensor unit. Similarly, trailer sensor units that are not temporarily in use can be removed and installed on a trailer that is actually in use. This can be applied analogously to a fleet of vehicles if, in that fleet, each vehicle is not in continuous use. This method reduces the number of sensor units required to the actual number of sensor units needed for the vehicles actually in use and / or trailers. This reduces the investment and maintenance costs for a fleet of vehicles or trailers. Consequently, the unit The sensor allows for comparable environmental capture compared to conventional sensor units and is also more economical for the vehicle owner and / or fleet manager.

[0010] Preferably, the power supply unit comprises a power source and / or an electrical contact element. The power source is located in the sensor housing. An electrical contact element is thus installed on or in the sensor housing so that the electrical contact element can be electrically connected to a complementary electrical contact element in the receiving unit. If the power supply unit is implemented as a power source, this power source is located at a point within the sensor unit and is, for example, implemented as a battery, particularly a rechargeable battery. This ensures that the sensor unit is powered independently of an external power supply. Furthermore, the need for an external power supply, except for the receiving unit, is eliminated. This simplifies the subsequent installation of the sensor unit on a vehicle and / or trailer.Implementing the power supply unit as an electrical contact element reduces the manufacturing cost and size of the sensor element compared to other power supply implementations.

[0011] Preferably, the signal exchange unit is designed to transmit signals via a wireless signal link to a complementary signal exchange unit. Alternatively, or in addition, the signal exchange unit has a signal contact element. The signal contact element is installed on or in a housing so that it can be electrically connected to a complementary signal exchange unit in the receiving unit. In an embodiment of the signal exchange unit as a wireless signal link, direct contact between the signal exchange elements is avoided. Thus, it is not necessary to precisely position the signal exchange unit within the receiving unit to establish electrical contact. Furthermore, wear and tear from such physical contact is avoided.A wireless embodiment of the signal exchange unit also allows for the retrofitting of a sensor unit on vehicles and / or trailers. In the case of an embodiment with a signal exchange unit that includes a signal contact element, the manufacturing cost and the resulting cost reductions minimize these costs compared to alternative embodiments.

[0012] Advantageously, the sensor housing is connected to the receiving unit by a force and / or shape connection. This allows a user, such as the vehicle owner, to connect or remove it from the receiving unit in a particularly simple manner.

[0013] Advantageously, the sensor unit has a cleaning unit that cleans its surface. The cleaning unit is installed on the sensor housing. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a separate cleaning unit on the vehicle or trailer. This simplifies the retrofitting of a sensor unit on a vehicle or trailer. Furthermore, the cleaning unit ensures the cleanliness of the sensor unit and thus its very high reliability, as the measuring beam is not reduced by dirt.

[0014] Preferably, the sensor unit has a cleaning fluid supply unit. This supply unit provides the cleaning unit with cleaning fluid. The cleaning supply unit has a cleaning fluid reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition, the cleaning supply unit has a cleaning fluid connection. The cleaning fluid connection is installed, for example, on or in the housing and is made in contact for fluid communication with the additional cleaning fluid connection of the receiving unit. A cleaning fluid reservoir makes the cleaning supply unit independent of an external connection for the cleaning fluid. This simplifies retrofitting a sensor unit to a vehicle or trailer without the inconvenience of installing a line in the vehicle connected to the receiving unit.Using cleaning fluid as the primary component in the cleaning fluid supply unit reduces the size and cost of the sensor unit. It also eliminates the need for separate filling of the various sensor units with cleaning fluid.

[0015] The invention also relates to a receiver unit for receiving a sensor unit such as the one described above. The receiver unit comprises a housing and an additional electrical contact element. The receiver housing is attached to the sensor housing of the sensor unit by a mechanical linkage that opens non-destructively, without tools. The additional electrical contact element is installed in the receiver housing and enables contact with the electrical contact element of the sensor unit. The mechanical linkage is released non-destructively, without tools, from the sensor housing of the receiver unit, allowing the user to connect the sensor unit to the receiver unit. This corresponds to the advantages described above for the sensor unit. Furthermore, the simplicity of the receiver unit's design allows for cost-effective retrofitting in the receiving area of ​​the vehicle.

[0016] Preferably, the receiving unit has a complementary signal exchange unit. This complementary signal exchange unit allows for the exchange of signals with a signal exchange unit of the sensor unit. This enables the sensor unit to have a signal exchange unit and results in the corresponding advantages.

[0017] In a particularly preferred manner, the receiver unit is connected to the sensor unit by a force- or form-related connection, in a detachable manner, without damage. This allows the user, such as the vehicle owner, to connect or disconnect the sensor unit from the receiver unit in a particularly simple manner.

[0018] The receiving unit has the advantage of having an additional cleaning fluid connection. This additional connection is housed in the receiving unit and connects fluidically to the cleaning fluid connection of the sensor unit. This allows the sensor unit to be fitted with a cleaning fluid connection and thus offers advantages.

[0019] Preferably, the receiving unit is connected to the sensor housing by a snap-fit ​​connection. This ensures a connection between the receiving housing and the sensor unit. Furthermore, a snap-fit ​​connection allows for precise orientation of the sensor unit relative to the receiving housing.

[0020] In a particularly preferred manner, the receiving housing has an engagement ramp. This facilitates the engagement of the sensor unit in the receiving unit. In particular, the sensor housing preferably has an engagement ramp, which facilitates the engagement of the sensor unit in the receiving unit.

[0021] The receiver housing is advantageously rotationally symmetrical, which simplifies the manufacture of the housing. The sensor unit is rotationally symmetrical, which simplifies the manufacture of the sensor housing. The receiver housing and the sensor housing are advantageously rotationally symmetrical, which both simplifies the manufacture of the receiver housing and the sensor housing and also ensures a very close fit between the receiver housing and the sensor housing.

[0022] Advantageously, the sensor unit is designed so that the sensor housing, when connected to the receiving unit, is flush with the engagement hole of the receiving unit. This reduces the risk of damaging the sensor unit because it is surrounded by the receiving unit and does not protrude from it.

[0023] Preferably, the sensor housing is connected to the receiving unit by means of a fitting or a form-fit connection. The fitting is chosen so that, during regular use of the vehicle or trailer, the sensor unit is not at risk of being subjected to mechanical stresses, as no other components are required to achieve the force connection. This reduces the complexity of the sensor unit components and lowers the cost.

[0024] The receiver housing has at least one spring-loaded elastic mount for the force connection to the sensor unit. Thus, a force connection is established between the receiver unit and the sensor unit even for different sensor units with different dimensions.

[0025] In a particularly preferred configuration, the entry port of the receiver housing has a diaphragm for introducing the sensor unit into the receiver housing. This diaphragm, in a first state, covers the entry port. The screen or diaphragm has a second state in which it uncovers the entry port to allow the sensor unit to be inserted into the receiver housing. This screen or diaphragm reduces fouling of the inside of the receiver housing.

[0026] The invention also relates to a supporting structure comprising several retaining zones, each designed to receive a receiver unit. The supporting structure is attached to a vehicle or trailer. This allows for the installation of a large number of receiver units as aftermarket equipment on a vehicle or trailer. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments of sensor units according to the invention, shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] Schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with a sensor unit and of a receiving unit according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0029] [Fig.2] diagram of the receiving unit of the exemplary embodiment of the invention, and

[0030] [Fig.3] Schematic of the sensor unit of the example embodiment of the invention.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle equipped with a sensor unit 5 and a receiver unit 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. The receiver unit 4 is engaged in the outer casing 3 and terminates flush with it. The sensor unit 5 is connected to the receiver unit 4 and is engaged within it.

[0033] The [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the receiving unit 4 according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0034] The receiver unit 4 comprises a receiver housing 41 and an additional electrical contact element 42. The receiver housing 41 is mechanically connected in a non-destructive, tool-free manner to the sensor housing 53 of the sensor unit 5. The additional electrical contact element 42 is located in the receiver housing 41 and can come into contact with the contact element 59 in the sensor unit 5. The non-destructive, tool-free mechanical connection of the sensor housing 53 of the sensor unit 5 to the receiver unit 4 allows the user to connect the sensor unit 5 to the receiver unit 4 themselves. This solution offers the advantages described above for the sensor unit 5. In addition, the simplicity of the receiver unit 4 allows for cost-effective retrofitting of the receiver unit 4 to vehicles 1.

[0035] The receiving unit 4 has a complementary signal exchange unit 43. This complementary signal exchange unit 43 is designed to exchange signals with a signal exchange unit 51 of the sensor unit 5. This allows a sensor unit 5 to receive with the signal exchange unit 51 and thus presents the related advantages.

[0036] The receiver housing 41 is connected to the sensor housing 53 by a force connection that can be detached without damage. This allows the user, such as the vehicle owner, to connect or disconnect the sensor unit 5 from the receiver unit 4 in a particularly simple manner.

[0037] The receiving unit 4 has an additional cleaning fluid connection 44. This additional cleaning fluid connection 44 is located in the receiving housing 41 and can be connected to a cleaning fluid connection 62 of the sensor unit 5. This allows the sensor unit 5 to be received with the cleaning fluid connection 62 and has the advantages developed above.

[0038] The [Fig.3] is a diagram of the sensor unit 5 according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The sensor unit 5 includes a signal exchange unit 51, a power supply unit 52, the sensor housing 53, a transmitter unit 54 and a receiver unit 55.

[0040] The transmitting unit 54 and the receiving unit 55 are housed in the sensor housing 53. The transmitting unit 54 emits a measurement radiation 56 into the environment 2. The receiving unit 55 receives the reflected radiation 57 from the environment 2. The power supply unit 52 is designed to supply current to the transmitting unit 54 and the receiving unit 55. The signal exchange unit 51 is connected to the receiving unit 55 and the transmitting unit 54 to exchange signals. The signal exchange unit 51 is designed to exchange signals with the complementary signal exchange unit 43. The sensor housing 53 is mechanically connected, in a non-destructive, tool-free, removable manner, to the receiving unit 4.

[0041] The sensor unit 5 is thus able to scan the environment 2 with the transmitting unit 54 and the receiving unit 55. The environmental data provided by this scanning process is then exchanged by the signal exchange unit 51 with the complementary signal exchange unit 43. The complementary signal exchange unit 43 is itself connected to the vehicle's systems. This is how the environmental data provided by the sensor unit 5 reaches the vehicle's driver assistance systems 1.

[0042] Since the sensor unit is mechanically connected to the receiver unit 4 in a detachable, non-destructive manner without tools, the sensor unit 5 can be replaced directly by the vehicle user. The vehicle user will not have to to return to a workshop to replace the sensor unit 5. Furthermore, sensor units 5 can be removed from vehicles 1, for example, from vehicles in a fleet when they are not in use for a certain period. The removed sensor units 5 can then be fitted to other vehicles 1 that are in use. This procedure reduces the number of sensor units 5 required to the actual number of sensor units 5 installed on the vehicles 1 in use. This reduces the investment and maintenance costs of a fleet of vehicles 1. Consequently, the sensor unit 5 enables the capture of the environment 2 which, compared to conventional sensor units 5, is more economical for the vehicle user and / or the fleet manager.

[0043] The power supply unit 52 has a contact element 59. This contact element 59 is installed on the sensor housing 53 so that the electrical contact element 59 can be made to make electrical contact with the complementary electrical contact element 42 of the receiving unit 4. This embodiment of the power supply unit 52 as an electrical contact element 59 reduces, compared to other embodiments of the power supply, the weight, manufacturing cost and dimensions of the sensor unit 5.

[0044] The signal exchange unit 51 has a signal contact element 58. The signal contact element 58 is installed in the housing so that the signal contact element 58 can be made to make electrical contact with the complementary signal exchange unit 43 in the receiving unit 4. This embodiment minimizes manufacturing complexity and manufacturing costs compared to other embodiments.

[0045] The sensor housing 53 is connected by a form link to the receiver unit 4. This allows the user, such as the vehicle user, to connect or disconnect the sensor unit 5 from the receiver unit 4.

[0046] The sensor unit 5 has a cleaning unit 60 installed to clean the surface 63 of the sensor unit 5. The cleaning unit 60 is housed in the sensor housing 53, thus eliminating the need for a separate cleaning unit 60 on the vehicle 1. This simplifies the retrofitting of the sensor unit 5 on the vehicle 1. Furthermore, a cleaning unit 60 ensures the cleanliness of the sensor unit 5 and its high reliability, as the measurement radiation will not be degraded by dirt.

[0047] The sensor unit 5 includes a cleaning fluid supply unit 61. This supply unit 61 is designed to supply cleaning fluid to the cleaning unit 60. The cleaning fluid supply unit 61 includes a cleaning fluid connection 62. The cleaning fluid connection 62 is installed on the housing so that the cleaning fluid connection 62 connects to an additional cleaning fluid connection 62 of the receiving unit 4. This design reduces the size and manufacturing costs of the sensor unit 5.

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[0065] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN COMPONENTS 1 Vehicle 2 Environment 4 Receiver Unit 41 Receiver Housing 42 Electrical Contact Supplementary Element 43 Signal Exchange Supplementary Unit 5 Sensor Unit 51 Signal Exchange Unit 52 Power Supply Unit 53 Sensor Housing 54 Transmitter Unit 55 Receiver Unit 58 Signal Contact Element 59 Electrical Contact Element 60 Cleaning Unit 61 Cleaning Supply Unit 62 Cleaning Fluid Connection

Claims

Demands

1. A sensor unit (5) for sensing an environment (2) comprising: - a signal exchange unit (51), a power supply unit (52), a sensor housing (53), a transmitting unit (54), and a receiving unit (55), - the transmitting unit (54) and the receiving unit (55) being housed in the sensor housing (53), - the transmitting unit (52) emitting a measurement beam (56) into the environment (2), - the receiving unit (55) receiving the reflected radiation (57) from the environment (2), - the power supply unit (52) supplying current to the transmitting unit (54) and the receiving unit (55), - the signal exchange unit (51) being connected to the receiving unit (55) and the transmitting unit (54) for the exchange of signals, - the signal exchange unit signals (51) exchanges signals with a complementary signal exchange unit (51), and - the sensor housing (53) is connected to the receiving unit (4) in a mechanically separable manner without tools,in a non-destructive manner, characterized in that it comprises - a receiver housing (41) and a complementary electrical contact element (42), - the receiver housing (41) being mechanically detachable without destruction to the sensor housing (53) of the sensor unit (5), and - the complementary electrical contact element (42) is housed in the receiver housing (41) and made contact with an electrical contact unit (59) in the sensor unit (5).

2. Sensor unit (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply unit (52) comprises: - an electrical source housed in the sensor housing (53), and / or - an electrical contact element (53) installed on or in the sensor housing (53) so that the electrical contact element (59) can be made to contact with a complementary contact element (42) of the receiving unit (4).

3. Sensor unit (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal exchange unit (51) - exchanges signals with the complementary signal exchange unit (43) by a wireless signal transmission link, and / or - includes a signal contact element (58) on or in the sensor housing (53) so that this signal contact element (58) can be electrically contacted in the receiving unit (4) for a complementary signal exchange unit (43).

4. Sensor unit (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor housing (53) is connected by a force and / or form link to the receiving unit (4).

5. Sensor unit (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cleaning unit (60), - this cleaning unit (60) being intended to clean the surface (63) of the sensor unit (5), and - the cleaning unit (60) is installed in the sensor housing (53).

6. Sensor unit (5) according to claim 1, characterized by a cleaning supply unit (61) for supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning unit (60), - the cleaning supply unit (61) comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir, and / or - a cleaning fluid fitting (62) installed on and / or in the sensor housing (53) so that the cleaning fluid fitting (62) can be connected by a fluid link to a complementary cleaning fluid fitting (62) of the receiving unit (4).

7. Receiver unit (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a complementary signal exchange unit (43), exchanging signals with the signal exchange unit (51) of the sensor unit (5).

8. Receiver unit (4) according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiver housing (41) is connected to the sensor housing (53) by a force or shape connection, in a detachable manner without destruction. 12

9. Receiver unit (4) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized by an additional cleaning fluid connection (44) in the receiver housing (41) and which can be connected by a fluid link to the cleaning fluid connection (62) of the sensor unit (5).

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