Ultrasonic sensor device and ultrasonic sensor configuration for motor vehicle

Abstract

Ultrasonic sensor device and ultrasonic sensor configuration for motor vehicle The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising an ultrasonic sensor (3) having a pot-shaped membrane (4) with a membrane bottom (5) for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and a decoupling ring (1) including a hollow cylindrically shaped ring area (8) whose inner circumferential wall (9) is arranged at least partially in contact with an outer mantle surface (17) of the membrane (4), whereby the membrane (4) together with the decoupling ring (1) can be at least partially fitted into a fairing part (7) of the motor vehicle, in particular into a cutout (6) of a bumper. According to the invention, at the axial end (14) of the ring part (8) facing away from the membrane bottom (5) a pretensioning element (11) is arranged which at least partially surrounds the ring part (8), which extends from the axial end (14) in the axial direction (Z) towards the membrane bottom (5) and radially outwards (R). The present invention further relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement (16) for a fairing part (7), in particular for a motor vehicle having a bumper, as well as to such an ultrasonic sensor device (2), which is mountable in a cutout portion (6) of the fairing part (7).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pot-shaped membrane having a membrane bottom for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and a ring-shaped hollow cylinder having an inner peripheral wall arranged so as to at least partially contact the outer mantle surface of the membrane. Department The present invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor device for a motor vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor having a decoupling ring including: Exterior The present invention is further characterized in that the cutout can be at least partially fitted into a cutout of a component, in particular a bumper. Exterior The present invention also relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle having a component, in particular a bumper, and to such an ultrasonic sensor device, which comprises: Exterior It can be freely attached to the cutout portion of a part. [Background technology]

[0002] Today's motor vehicles generally have a number of ultrasonic sensor devices, which are associated with driver assistance systems, such as parking assistance systems and / or braking assistance systems, and which provide information about the surroundings of the motor vehicle, in particular about obstacles and objects in the surroundings, as well as the distance of the motor vehicle from these. Such ultrasonic sensor devices are arranged around the motor vehicle, at least in the front and rear areas of the vehicle, and are usually Exterior It is incorporated into components, particularly bumpers.

[0003] In this case, such an ultrasonic sensor device is usually Exterior In the opening or cutout of the part, a tip side or front membrane bottom of a pot-shaped membrane of an ultrasonic sensor of an ultrasonic sensor device is essentially ExteriorThe surface of the component is aligned with the membrane, but is arranged in such a way that during operation ultrasonic waves can be transmitted from and received at the bottom of the membrane. The ultrasonic sensor or the membrane of the ultrasonic sensor is then usually decoupled via a decoupling ring. In this way, in particular the structure-borne noise of the ultrasonic sensor, which can be a source of disturbance, is suppressed. Exterior This can prevent the problem from being propagated to other components.

[0004] Ultrasonic sensor devices and ultrasonic sensor arrangements of the type mentioned at the outset are known from DE 20 2014 011 304 U1 and EP 2 812 723 B1, and reference is made to the entire disclosure of both documents for the essential meaning. The decoupling ring has, at the axial end of the ring part of the decoupling ring between the ultrasonic sensor and the bumper, an edge which extends radially outwardly and perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall of the ring part and which surrounds the entire ring part. From this entire edge extend flexible ribs which surround essentially coaxially and perpendicularly to the edge, but in the circumferential direction between the ribs, respectively recesses or interruptions are arranged. The ribs act like pressure springs which pretension the decoupling ring between the ultrasonic sensor and the bumper in the axial direction.

[0005] However, this configuration has the disadvantage that the pretension of the decoupling between the axial ultrasonic sensor and the bumper varies greatly, even if the thickness of the bumper material varies from 2 to 4 mm. For a total height of 5 mm of the decoupling ring, the thickness of the bumper material varies from 2 to 4 mm, so that in the extreme case it must be compressed to a total height of 1 mm, and the thickness of the edge and rib-like material can only be about 0.7 mm. Firstly, as the bumper thickness increases, the ribs generate a pretension force that is significantly higher. On the other hand, as the bumper thickness increases, there is also the risk of the ribs folding, i.e., the ribs inverting, which results in a significantly lower pretension force. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] DE 20 2014 011 304 U1 [Patent Document 2] EP 2 812 723 B1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The problem to be solved by the invention is therefore to provide an improved configuration of an ultrasonic sensor device and an ultrasonic sensor arrangement corresponding thereto. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by the general teaching of claims 1 and 15. Expedient embodiments and developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] According to the document, the ultrasonic sensor device for a motor vehicle includes a pot-shaped membrane having a membrane bottom for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and a ring having an inner peripheral wall formed in a hollow cylinder and arranged so as to at least partially contact an outer mantle surface of the membrane. Department The ultrasonic sensor includes a decoupling ring that includes a membrane that is coupled to the decoupling ring of the motor vehicle. Exterior It is at least partially insertable into a cut-out portion of a component, in particular a bumper.

[0010] According to the invention, at the axial end of the ring part opposite the membrane bottom, a pretensioning element is arranged which at least partially surrounds the ring part and which points axially from the axial end towards the membrane bottom and which extends radially outwards.

[0011] Due to this connection of the pretensioning element to the ring and the configuration of the pretensioning element, firstly in the radial direction in the region of the axial end of the ring facing away from the membrane bottom, a space is created in which the pretensioning element can be at least partially pressed in by its deformation when the ultrasonic sensor device is attached, so that the pretensioning force can be set constant over the minimum and maximum range of bumper thicknesses and does not increase significantly, in particular in the case of thicker bumpers, and in addition the material thickness of the pretensioning element can be sufficiently thick.

[0012] Thus, the configuration according to the present invention has an advantage in that it is possible to provide an improved configuration of an ultrasonic sensor device overall.

[0013] This pretension element is bending It acts like a spring, and when the membrane and decoupling ring are attached, Exterior Within the cutout of the part, an ultrasonic sensor and Exterior The decoupling ring between the parts is pulled axially.

[0014] Advantageously, the decoupling ring is preferably made entirely of a flexible material, preferably a polymer, preferably silicone.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pretensioning element extends axially directly from the axial end towards the membrane bottom and radially outwards, i.e. the pretensioning element is directly connected to the axial end of the ring section, so that the decoupling ring does not have an edge, particularly at the axial end of the ring section opposite the membrane bottom, which is perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall of the ring section and radially outwards and surrounds the entire ring section.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the pretensioning element is designed to be curved radially inwards in the circumferential direction, i.e. it has a curvature pointing towards the radially inner ring section, preferably in that case along its entire length.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the pretensioning element has an essentially constant material thickness throughout the entire cross-sectional shape.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a force introduction element is arranged on the surface of the pretensioning element facing the ring section, for introducing an axial pretensioning force into the pretensioning element, i.e. the pretensioning element is arranged on the surface facing the ring section, through which the membrane and the decoupling ring are connected. Exterior In the mounted state in the recess of the component, the force introduction element introduces the axial pretensioning force into the pretensioning element, which preferably extends in the axial direction beyond the surface of the pretensioning element, in particular extends in the circumferential direction over only a partial region of the pretensioning element, which is preferably arranged in the circumferential direction in the center of the surface of the pretensioning element facing the ring, and advantageously has a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0019] Advantageously, the decoupling ring has pretensioning elements distributed over the circumference of at least two ring parts, preferably uniformly distributed over the circumference of the ring parts, and preferably spaced apart in the circumferential direction, whereby the two pretensioning elements advantageously have the same extent in the circumferential direction, and more particularly preferably both pretensioning elements are identical to each other, and preferably each pretensioning element additionally has a force introducing element, preferably identical to each other.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring comprises pretensioning elements distributed over the circumference of at least three ring parts, preferably uniformly distributed over the circumference of the ring parts and preferably spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, advantageously all of these pretensioning elements having the same extent in the circumferential direction, and more particularly preferably all of these pretensioning elements being identical to one another, preferably all of these pretensioning elements each having one force introducing element, preferably the force introducing elements being identical to one another.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring is a membrane and a decoupling ring extending perpendicularly to the outer peripheral wall of at least one ring portion and radially outward at an axial end of the ring portion opposite to the membrane bottom. Exterior When attached to the cutout of the part, Exterior Formed in the part Stopper Works with faces Stopper It has a peripheral portion forming an element.

[0022] In this case, in a further preferred embodiment, the peripheral portion is directly connected to the pretensioning element in the circumferential direction. Connected to They are arranged in a way that

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring has pretensioning elements distributed around the circumference of at least three ring sections, preferably uniformly distributed around the circumference of the ring sections, and at the axial end of the ring section opposite the membrane bottom, the membrane and decoupling ring are arranged perpendicular to the outer circumferential wall of at least three ring sections and extend radially outward. Exterior When attached to the cutout of the part, Exterior Formed in the part Stopper Each of the surfaces that work together Stopper The pretensioning elements have peripheral regions which form the pretensioning elements, with each peripheral region being arranged in the circumferential direction between two adjacent pretensioning elements, each peripheral region being directly connected to both pretensioning elements adjacent to it. Connected to They are arranged in a way that

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring has a pretensioning element surrounding only one ring part, in which case it is particularly preferred that the decoupling ring does not have a peripheral portion.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring has at least one curvature on the outer peripheral wall of the ring section, which surrounds the periphery of the ring section and extends from the ring section, particularly preferably perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall, towards the radially free end. Preferably, the curvature surrounds the entire circumference of the ring section. Advantageously, the cross section of the curvature tapers from the ring section towards the free end. This curvature provides an additional radially flexible damping effect for the decoupling ring.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the membrane and the decoupling ring Exterior When attached to the cutout of the part, the free end of the curve is Exterior This allows the decoupling ring to be additionally flexibly damped in the radial direction as well.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring has two curvatures on the outer peripheral wall of the ring portion, the two curvatures being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Preferably, the curvatures each encircle the entire circumference of the ring portion. Advantageously, the cross section of each curvature tapers from the ring portion towards the free end. Both curvatures may extend the same distance in the radial direction or may have different radial extensions. The decoupling ring may have more than two such curvatures. However, it is also possible that the membrane and the decoupling ring are Exterior When attached to the cutout of the part, the free end of each curve is Exterior It is advantageous to be in contact with the part.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the decoupling ring is integrally formed.

[0029] The ultrasonic sensor device is Exterior It is advantageous to have a sensor holder for fastening to the component, in which case the ultrasonic sensor and / or the decoupling ring are arranged at least in sections at the mounting site of the sensor holder.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention provides Exterior The present invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle having a component, in particular a bumper, as well as an ultrasonic sensor device according to the invention, which in particular comprises a membrane, together with a decoupling ring, Exterior It can be attached to the cutout of the part.

[0031] It should be noted that the advantages and preferred embodiments described for the ultrasonic sensor device according to the invention are equally valid for the ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to the invention.

[0032] The ultrasonic sensor device is Exterior The bottom of the membrane and the membrane are inserted into the cutout of the part. Exterior Advantageously, the outer sides of the parts are fitted together flush.

[0033] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a top view of the decoupling ring. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the decoupling ring according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view as well as the location of the cross sections of FIGS. 3a and 3b. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a shows a cross section of a pretensioning element of the decoupling ring according to FIG. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b shows a cross section of a peripheral region of the decoupling ring according to FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a shows an ultrasonic sensor arrangement consisting of an ultrasonic sensor device with a decoupling ring according to FIGS. 1 to 3b in a mounted state with a bumper, as a cross-section through a pretensioning element; [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b shows the ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to FIG. 4a as a cross-section through the periphery of the decoupling ring; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a decoupling ring as a cross-section through a pretensioning element. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a decoupling ring in perspective view. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross section through the decoupling ring according to FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows a cross section of an ultrasonic sensor arrangement consisting of an ultrasonic sensor device with a decoupling ring according to FIGS. 6 to 7 in a mounted state with a bumper; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a decoupling ring from a top view. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the decoupling ring according to FIG. 9 in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Corresponding parts are always labeled with the same reference numbers in all figures.

[0036] 1 to 3b show various angles of an embodiment of a decoupling ring 1 of an ultrasonic sensor device 2. In addition to the decoupling ring 1, the ultrasonic sensor device 2 also includes an ultrasonic sensor 3 having a pot-shaped membrane 4 with a membrane bottom 5 for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and is configured to be at least partially disposed within a cutout 6 in a bumper 7 of a motor vehicle. The decoupling ring 1 is integrally formed from a flexible material.

[0037] In Fig. 1, the decoupling ring 1 is illustrated as a top view. The decoupling ring 1 is a ring formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder having an inner peripheral wall 9 and an outer peripheral wall 10. Department The decoupling ring 1 further comprises six pretensioning elements 11 which are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the ring part 8 and each partly surround the ring part 8. Each of the pretensioning elements 11 is designed to bend radially inwards along its entire circumferential extent, in the direction of the ring part 8. The pretensioning elements 11 each have the same circumferential extent and are formed identically to one another. When the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is mounted, each of these pretensioning elements 11 is arranged in the axial direction Z such that bendingIt has a spring-like action and applies axial pretension to the decoupling ring 1 between the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the bumper 7.

[0038] In addition, the decoupling ring 1 is directly connected between each two adjacent pretensioning elements 11 in the circumferential direction. Connected to Thus, two adjacent pretensioning elements 11 have one corresponding peripheral region 12, i.e., peripheral regions 12 uniformly distributed around the six ring portions 8. Each peripheral region 12 extends perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring portion 8 and outward in the radial direction R, and each partially surrounds the ring portion 8. The peripheral regions 12 each have the same extent in the circumferential direction and are formed identically to one another. When the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is attached, the peripheral regions 12 are aligned with corresponding regions formed on the bumper 7. Stopper Interacts with face 13 Stopper Forms an element.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the decoupling ring 1 according to FIG. 1 as well as the location of the cross sections of FIGS. 3a and 3b, where FIG. 3a shows a cross section through a pretensioning element 11 of the decoupling ring 1 and FIG. 3b shows a cross section through a peripheral region 12 of the decoupling ring 1.

[0040] 2 and 3a, the pretensioning elements 11 are arranged directly at the axial end 14 of the ring part 8, i.e. extend directly from the axial end 14. In the mounted state of the ultrasonic sensor device 2, this axial end 14 is the axial end 14 of the ring part 8 facing away from the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 of the ultrasonic sensor 3. The pretensioning elements 11 then respectively extend from the axial end 14 in the axial direction Z towards the other axial end 15 facing away from the ring part 8, i.e. towards the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 of the ultrasonic sensor 3 and in the radial direction R. In addition, the pretensioning elements 11 each have a constant material thickness over their entire cross-sectional profile. This configuration firstly provides a space in the region of the axial end 14 facing away from the membrane bottom 5 of the ring part 8 in the radial direction R, into which the pretensioning elements 11 can be at least partially pressed in by their deformation in the mounted state of the ultrasonic sensor device 2. This allows these pretensioning forces to be set constant over the range of bumper thickness from minimum to maximum, and does not increase significantly, especially when the bumper thickness increases; in addition, the material thickness of the pretensioning element 11 and the peripheral portion 12 can be made sufficiently thick.

[0041] In addition, from Figures 2 and 3b, the peripheral portion 12 is also arranged directly at the axial end 14 of the ring portion 8, respectively, and extends from this axial end 14 perpendicularly to the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring portion 8 and outwardly in the radial direction R.

[0042] Figure 4a shows an ultrasonic sensor arrangement 16 for motor vehicles consisting of an ultrasonic sensor device 2 with a decoupling ring 1 according to figures 1 to 3b in a mounted state with a bumper 7 as a cross-section through a pretensioning element 11. The ultrasonic sensor device 2 comprises an ultrasonic sensor 3 having a pot-shaped membrane 4 with a membrane bottom 5 for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals and a decoupling ring 1.

[0043] The decoupling ring 1 is arranged so that the inner peripheral wall 9 of the ring portion 8 contacts the outer mantle surface 17 of the membrane 4. The ultrasonic sensor device 2 to the membrane 4 are inserted into the cutout portion 6 of the bumper 7 together with the decoupling ring 1, and the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 and the outer side 18 of the bumper 7 form a single level surface. The ultrasonic sensor device 2 has a sensor holder 19 for fixing the ultrasonic sensor device 2 to the bumper 7, and the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the decoupling ring 1 are arranged at the attachment portion of the sensor holder 19 at least in sections.

[0044] In the depiction of FIG. 4a, the ends or tips of the pretensioning elements 11 are incorrectly drawn as if they are protruding into the bumper 7 (because otherwise the drawing program would not be able to depict the bending of the ends or tips of the pretensioning elements 11). In reality, the pretensioning elements 11 are of course bent to size. That is, these pretensioning elements 11 are bent in the axial direction Z. bending It acts like a spring and provides axial pretension to the decoupling ring 1 between the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the bumper 7.

[0045] Fig. 4b shows the ultrasonic sensor arrangement 16 according to Fig. 4a as a cross section through the peripheral area 12 of the decoupling ring 1. Also from Fig. 4b, it is seen that the ultrasonic sensor arrangement 16 is formed in the bumper 7, respectively. Stopper Interacts with face 13 Stopper The periphery 12 which forms the element can be seen.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a decoupling ring 1 in a cross section through the pretensioning element 11. The decoupling ring 1 is essentially similar to the decoupling ring 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4b, but this decoupling ring 1 has two curves 20 on the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring part 8, each extending perpendicularly from the ring part 8 towards the outer peripheral wall 10 towards its free end in the radial direction R. The two curves 20 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction Z and each surrounds the entire circumference of the ring part 8. In addition, both curves 20 have the same extent in the radial direction R. In the mounted state of the ultrasonic sensor device 2, the respective free end of each curve 20 is in contact with the bumper 7, so that the decoupling ring 1 additionally has a flexibly damping effect in the radial direction R.

[0047] In figures 6 to 7 the decoupling ring 1 of a further alternative embodiment of an ultrasonic sensor device 2 is depicted from different angles. In figure 6 the decoupling ring 1 is shown in a perspective view. In figure 7 the decoupling ring 1 is depicted in a cross-sectional view.

[0048] This decoupling ring 1 is essentially similar to the decoupling ring 1 shown in figures 1 to 4b, but here the decoupling ring 1 has only one pretensioning element 11 surrounding the entire ring part 8. As a result, the decoupling ring 1 does not have a peripheral portion 12.

[0049] Furthermore, the pretensioning element 11 is arranged directly at the axial end 14 of the ring part 8, i.e. extends directly from the axial end 14. In the state where the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is mounted, this axial end 14 is the axial end 14 of the ring part 8 on the opposite side to the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 of the ultrasonic sensor 3. In this case, the pretensioning element 11 also extends from the axial end 14 in the axial direction Z towards the other axial end 15 opposite the ring part 8, i.e. towards the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 of the ultrasonic sensor 3 and in the radial direction R. With this configuration as well, firstly, in the region of the axial end 14 on the opposite side to the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 of the ultrasonic sensor 3 in the radial direction R of the ring part 8, a space is obtained in which the pretensioning element 11 can be at least partially pressed in by its deformation in the radial direction R in the state where the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is mounted. This allows the pretensioning force to be set constant over the range from the minimum to the maximum of the bumper thickness, and does not increase significantly, especially when the bumper thickness increases; in addition, the material thickness of the pretensioning element 11 can be made sufficiently thick.

[0050] In addition, the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring portion 8 is formed with a single curvature 20 which extends perpendicularly from the ring portion 8 to the outer peripheral wall 10 in the radial direction R, to its free end, and surrounds the entire circumference of the ring portion 8. When the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is mounted, the free end of the curvature 20 is in contact with the bumper 7, so that the decoupling ring 1 additionally has a flexibly damping effect in the radial direction R.

[0051] Figure 8 shows in a cross-sectional view an ultrasonic sensor arrangement 16 for a motor vehicle consisting of an ultrasonic sensor device 2 with a decoupling ring 1 according to Figures 6 to 7 in a bumper 7 mounted thereon, but in this case the curvature 20 in the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring portion 8 is not depicted.

[0052] The ultrasonic sensor device 2 includes an ultrasonic sensor 3 having a pot-shaped membrane 4 with a membrane bottom 5 for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and a decoupling ring 1. The decoupling ring 1 is arranged so that the inner circumferential wall 9 of the ring portion 8 contacts the mantle surface 17 of the membrane 4. The ultrasonic sensor device 2 to the membrane 4 are inserted into the cutout portion 6 of the bumper 7 together with the decoupling ring 1, and the membrane bottom 5 of the membrane 4 and the outer side 18 of the bumper 7 form a level surface. The ultrasonic sensor device 2 has a sensor holder 19 for fixing the ultrasonic sensor device 2 to the bumper 7, and the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the decoupling ring 1 are arranged at the mounting portion of the sensor holder 19 at least in sections.

[0053] In the depiction of FIG. 8, the end or tip of the pretensioning element 11 is mistakenly drawn as if it were protruding into the bumper 7 (because otherwise the drawing program would not be able to draw the bending of the end or tip of the pretensioning element 11). In reality, the pretensioning element 11 is of course bent to fit the dimensions. That is, the pretensioning element 11 is bent in the axial direction Z. bending It acts like a spring and provides axial pretension to the decoupling ring 1 between the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the bumper 7.

[0054] In Figures 9 to 10 the decoupling ring 1 of a further alternative embodiment of an ultrasonic sensor device 2 is depicted from various angles. In Figure 9 the decoupling ring 1 is shown as a top view. In Figure 10 the decoupling ring 1 is depicted in perspective.

[0055] This decoupling ring 1 is essentially similar to the decoupling ring 1 shown in figures 1 to 4b, but here it has seven evenly distributed pretensioning elements 11 each partially surrounding the ring part 8. Here too, the pretensioning elements 11 are each designed to curve radially inwards along the circumferential direction of their entire extent, in the direction of the ring part 8. The pretensioning elements 11 each have the same extent in the circumferential direction and are formed identical to one another. In the state in which the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is mounted, each of these pretensioning elements 11 is arranged in the axial direction Z such that bending It has a spring-like action and applies axial pretension to the decoupling ring 1 between the ultrasonic sensor 3 and the bumper 7.

[0056] Here, the pretensioning elements 11 each have a force introduction element 11a on the surface facing the ring section 8 in order to introduce a pretensioning force in the axial direction Z into the pretensioning element 11. Each force introduction element 11a extends beyond the surface of the pretensioning element 11 which corresponds to it in the axial direction Z. In the circumferential direction, each force introduction element 11a extends only through a partial area of ​​the corresponding pretensioning element 11, but each force introduction element 11a is arranged in the central part of the surface of the corresponding pretensioning element 11 which faces the ring section 8 in the circumferential direction. The force introduction element 11a itself has a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape. The force introduction elements 11a arranged on such pretensioning elements 11 contribute to a very advantageous introduction of the pretensioning force into the respective pretensioning element 11.

[0057] This decoupling ring 1 also has a direct connection between each pair of adjacent pretensioning elements 11 in the circumferential direction. Connected toThus, two adjacent pretensioning elements 11 have one corresponding peripheral region 12, i.e., peripheral regions 12 uniformly distributed around the seven ring portions 8. Each peripheral region 12 extends perpendicularly to the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring portion 8 and outward in the radial direction R, and each partially surrounds the ring portion 8. The peripheral regions 12 each have the same extent in the circumferential direction and are formed identically to one another. When the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is attached, the peripheral regions 12 are aligned with corresponding regions formed on the bumper 7. Stopper Interacts with face 13 Stopper Forms an element.

[0058] In addition, a curve 20 is formed on the outer peripheral wall 10 of the ring portion 8, which extends perpendicularly from the ring portion 8 to the outer peripheral wall 10 and a free end thereof in the radial direction R and surrounds the entire circumference of the ring portion 8. When the ultrasonic sensor device 2 is attached, the free end of the curve 20 is in contact with the bumper 7, so that the decoupling ring 1 additionally has the effect of flexibly damping in the radial direction R. This application relates to the invention described in the claims, but also includes the following as other aspects. 1. The present invention relates to a pot-shaped membrane (4) having a membrane bottom (5) for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and a ring shaped hollow cylinder whose inner peripheral wall (9) is arranged to at least partially contact the outer mantle surface (17) of the membrane (4). Department The ultrasonic sensor (3) has a decoupling ring (1) containing a membrane (4) and the membrane (4) is connected to the decoupling ring (1) of the motor vehicle. Exterior1. An ultrasonic sensor device (2) for a motor vehicle, which can be at least partially fitted into a component (7), in particular into a cut-out (6) of a bumper, characterized in that at an axial end (14) of the ring part (8) facing away from the membrane bottom (5) a pretensioning element (11) is arranged which at least partially surrounds the ring part (8) and which extends from the axial end (14) in the axial direction (Z) towards the membrane bottom (5) and outwards in the radial direction (R). 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) described in claim 1, characterized in that the pretensioning element (11) extends directly from the axial end (14) along the axial direction (Z) towards the membrane bottom (5) and expands outward in the radial direction (R). 3. 3. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pretension element (11) is designed to be curved radially inward in the circumferential direction. 4. 4. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pretensioned element (11) has an essentially constant material thickness throughout its entire cross-sectional shape. 5. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) described in any one of 1 to 4 above, characterized in that a force introduction element (11a) for introducing a pretension force in the axial direction (Z) into the pretension element (11) is arranged on the surface of the pretension element (11) facing the ring portion (8). 6. An ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to any one of 1 to 5 above, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has pretensioning elements (11) distributed around the outer periphery of at least three ring portions (8), and the pretensioning elements (11) are preferably uniformly distributed around the outer periphery of the ring portions (8). 7. The decoupling ring (1) extends perpendicularly to the outer peripheral wall (10) of at least one ring portion (8) at an axial end (14) opposite the membrane bottom (5) of the ring portion (8) and radially outward in the R direction. The membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) Exterior When attached to the cutout portion (6) of the part (7), Exterior Formed in part (7) Stopper Works together with face (13) Stopper 7. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to any one of 1 to 6 above, characterized in having a peripheral portion (12) forming an element. 8. The peripheral portion (12) is directly connected to the pretensioning element (11) in the circumferential direction. Connected to 8. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the ultrasonic sensor device (2) is arranged in such a manner that the ultrasonic sensors (1, 2) are arranged in a row and a column. 9. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claims 6 and 8, characterized in that the peripheral portion (12) is disposed between each two adjacent pretension elements (11) in the circumferential direction. 10. An ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to any one of 1 to 5 above, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has a single pretension element (11) surrounding the entire ring portion (8). 11. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) described in any one of 1 to 10 above, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has at least one curve (20) on the outer peripheral wall (10) of the ring portion (8), surrounding the peripheral side of the ring portion (8) and extending from the ring portion (8) to the free end side in the radial direction (R). 12. The membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) Exterior When the part (7) is attached to the notch (6), the free end of the curve (20) is Exterior 12. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that it is in contact with a component (7). 13. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) described in 11 or 12 above is characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has two curvatures (20) on the outer peripheral wall (10) of the ring portion (8), the two curvatures (20) being arranged at a distance from each other in the axial direction (Z). 14. 14. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to any one of 1 to 13 above, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) is integrally formed. 15. Exterior 15. An ultrasonic sensor arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a part (7), in particular a bumper, and an ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 above, the ultrasonic sensor device (2) being Exterior An ultrasonic sensor arrangement (16) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it is mounted in a cutout portion (6) of a part (7). [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Decoupling Ring 2. Ultrasonic sensor device 3. Ultrasonic Sensor 4. Membrane 5 Membrane bottom 6 Cutout 7. Bumper 8 Ring section 9 Inner wall 10 Peripheral wall 11 Pretension element 11a Force Induction Element 12 Peripheral area 13 Stopper surface 14 Axial end 15 Other axial end 16 Ultrasonic sensor configuration 17 Mantle surface 18 outside 19 Sensor holder 20 Curved R radial direction Z axis direction

Claims

1. The ultrasonic sensor device for a motor vehicle includes an ultrasonic sensor (3) having a pot-shaped membrane (4) having a membrane bottom (5) for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals, and a decoupling ring (1) including a hollow cylindrical ring portion (8) whose inner peripheral wall (9) is arranged so as to at least partially contact an outer mantle surface (17) of the membrane (4), the membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) being at least partially insertable into a cutout portion (6) of an exterior part (7) of the motor vehicle together with the decoupling ring (1), and the axial end (14) of the ring portion (8) opposite the membrane bottom (5) is provided with a a pretensioning element (11) is arranged at least partially surrounding the ring portion (8) and extending from an axial end (14) in the axial direction (Z) toward the membrane bottom (5) and outward in the radial direction (R), the pretensioning element (11) acting in the axial direction (Z) like a bending spring to pretension the decoupling ring (1) in the axial direction between the ultrasonic sensor (3) and the exterior part (7) when the membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) are mounted in the cutout portion (6) of the exterior part (7).

2. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pretensioning element (11) extends directly from the axial end (14) in the axial direction (Z) towards the membrane bottom (5) and outward in the radial direction (R).

3. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pretensioning element (11) is designed so that it is curved radially inwards in the circumferential direction when viewed in a top view.

4. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pretensioning element (11) has a constant material thickness over its entirety.

5. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a force introducing element (11a) is arranged on the surface of the pretensioning element (11) facing the ring portion (8), which contacts the outer casing (7) when the membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) are attached to the cutout portion (6) of the outer casing (7) and introduces a pretensioning force in the axial direction (Z) into the pretensioning element (11).

6. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has pretensioning elements (11) distributed around the circumference of at least three ring sections (8), the pretensioning elements (11) being uniformly distributed around the circumference of the ring sections (8).

7. 7. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has at least one peripheral region (12) at the axial end (14) of the ring part (8) opposite the membrane bottom (5), the peripheral region (12) extending perpendicularly to the outer peripheral wall (10) of the ring part (8) and outward in the radial direction (R), the peripheral region (12) forming a stop element when the membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) are mounted in the cutout (6) of the housing part (7), the stop element interacting with a stop surface (13) formed on the housing part (7).

8. 8. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the peripheral portion (12) is arranged directly against the pretensioning element (11) in the circumferential direction.

9. 9. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that in the circumferential direction, a peripheral area (12) is arranged between each two adjacent pretensioning elements (11).

10. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has a single pretensioning element (11) surrounding the entire ring part (8).

11. 2. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has at least one curvature (20) formed by the outer peripheral wall (10) itself, surrounding the peripheral side of the ring portion (8) and extending from the ring portion (8) toward the free end side in the radial direction (R).

12. 12. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that when the membrane (4) and the decoupling ring (1) are mounted in the cutout (6) of the housing part (7), the free end of the bend (20) is in contact with the housing part (7).

13. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the decoupling ring (1) has two curvatures (20) in the outer peripheral wall (10) of the ring portion (8) formed by the outer peripheral wall (10) itself, the two curvatures (20) being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction (Z).

14. 8. The ultrasonic sensor device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the ring part (8), the pretensioning element (11) and the peripheral part (12) of the decoupling ring (1) are formed in one piece.

15. An ultrasonic sensor configuration (16) for a powered vehicle comprising an exterior part (7) of the powered vehicle and an ultrasonic sensor device (2) described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the ultrasonic sensor device (2) is attached to a cutout portion (6) of the exterior part (7).

Images