Trim elements containing detection devices

Abstract

The present invention comprises: (i) an aperture (2) with a detection device (3) facing the aperture (2); (ii) a detection device (3) operating at wavelengths within a determined wavelength range and including a sensing device; (iii) a protective housing surrounding the detection device; and (iv) a 5 m -1 ~15m -1 and a cover lens (4) made from at least one glass sheet having an absorption coefficient of 0.01 to 0.01 mm and fixed to a protective housing. According to the invention, the cover lens facing the opening is surrounded by the trim element, and the cover lens is fixed to the trim element by means of a soft material having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 90.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element that includes a detection device operating at wavelengths within a determined wavelength range that includes a sensing device, a cover, and a protective housing that encloses the sensing device.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) as a sensing device.

[0003] Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for fastening a detection device to a trim element of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0004] Currently, the trend is to use autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle, also called a driverless vehicle, a self-driving vehicle, or a robotic vehicle, is a vehicle that can independently analyze its environment in order to navigate without human input. Autonomous vehicles include cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, buses, trams, trains, airplanes, helicopters, etc.

[0005] An autonomous vehicle detects its surroundings using various sensing devices (e.g., radar, lidar, cameras, sonar) and then processes the information received via the sensing devices to determine a navigation path for the vehicle such that the vehicle can navigate without colliding with both fixed and moving objects in the vehicle's environment.

[0006] Additionally, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) require sensing technologies to assist the driver based on the vehicle's surroundings.

[0007] Among all the detection devices, LIDAR is a very useful technology that provides three-dimensional images with high resolution. LIDAR is a technology that measures the distance to an object by illuminating the object with a laser light and measuring the reflected light with a sensor. The difference in the laser return time and wavelength can then be used to create a digital three-dimensional representation of the object. LIDAR is also called 3D laser scanning. There are several types of LIDAR: scanning, rotating, flashlight or solid-state LIDAR. Scanning and rotating LIDAR use a continuous laser, while flashlight and solid-state LIDAR use laser pulses.

[0008] The sensing device can be integrated into the vehicle as a stand-alone device. The sensing device is then surrounded by a protective housing, including a cover. The sensing device and protective housing can also be integrated into the rear of an existing cover (e.g., windshield, backlight, sidelight, bumper, applique, front and rear end modules, front and rear fenders, roof, etc.). The sensing device and protective housing can also be integrated into the rear of a trim element, in particular the rear of an exterior trim element. A trim element for an automobile means an item that can be added to the interior or exterior of a vehicle to increase its appeal or hide some non-aesthetic parts of the vehicle.

[0009] Depending on the type of integration, the cover can be made of glass, plastic and / or other materials, as long as the cover is transparent to the operating wavelength range of the sensing device. The cover can have many shapes. The cover can be flat or curved.

[0010] The detection device (particularly the lidar sensing device) may be placed in different locations in and / or on the automobile (or more generally, any transportation vehicle such as a car, an airplane, etc.). Indeed, lidar systems are known to be placed behind the windshield as described in published patent application WO2018015312, but also on the bumper, fenders, and as exterior trim elements such as in WO2018015313. Furthermore, it is well known to place lidar on the roof of an automobile.

[0011] The location of the detection device is important to operate best. The detection device needs to be installed in a place where it can have the largest and most effective overview of the object to be measured. For that reason, preferably the lidar detection device is placed on the roof, or on an applique or even on the bumper or fender. Most preferably, the detection device (especially the lidar as the detection device) is fixed to the roof in order to have a wider field of view. However, when fixing the detection device (especially the lidar) to the roof, the outer surface of the detection device is not aesthetic and the detection device is not fixed properly in order to combine good aesthetics and good and safe fixing of the detection device to the trim element.

[0012] Currently, the glass cover (particularly the sensing device) may be conventionally fixed to the trim element of the sensing device by encapsulation. Then, the assembly should be fixed to aesthetic plastic to support the sensing device (particularly the lidar). Furthermore, the assembly should be placed on the roof near the top edge of the windshield.

[0013] However, encapsulation in this case causes several problems: -High pressure is applied to the glass for the encapsulation process which causes degradation of the glass. When applying to glass covers there is a risk of damage to the application.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a trim element having a cover lens to protect a sensing device, particularly a lidar sensing device, that provides superior aesthetics and safety with a cover that is well secured to the trim element. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to a trim element (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a. an opening with a detection device positioned facing the opening; b. a detection device operating at wavelengths within the determined wavelength range and including a sensing device; c. A protective housing enclosing the detection device; and d. A 5m -1 ~15m -1 a cover lens made from at least one glass plate having an absorption coefficient of We propose trim elements including:

[0016] Therefore, according to the present invention, the glass plate has a wavelength range of 750 nm to 1650 nm and a transmission rate of 5 m. -1 ~15m -1 In this specification, the absorption coefficient is used in the wavelength range from 750 nm to 1650 nm to quantify the low absorption of glass sheets in the infrared range. The absorption coefficient is defined by the ratio between the absorbance and the optical path length traversed by electromagnetic radiation in a given environment. The absorption coefficient is m -1 The absorption coefficient is therefore independent of the thickness of the material, but is a function of the wavelength of the absorbed radiation and the chemical nature of the material.

[0017] For glass, the absorption coefficient (μ) at a selected wavelength λ can be calculated from the measured transmittance (T) and the refractive index n of the material (thickness), where the values ​​of n, ρ and T are functions of the selected wavelength λ. TIFF2024542596000002.tif28170

[0018] The glass panes according to the invention preferably have an absorption coefficient in the wavelength range of 750 nm to 1650 nm, which is commonly used in the optical technology to which the invention relates, that is very low compared to conventional glasses. In particular, the glass panes according to the invention have an absorption coefficient of 5 mm in the wavelength range of 750 nm to 1650 nm. -1 ~15m -1 has an absorption coefficient of

[0019] Preferably, the glass plate is 5 mm thick for the wavelength range of 750 nm to 1650 nm. -1 ~10m -1 has an absorption coefficient of

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glass plate has a wavelength range of 750 nm to 1000 nm and a wavelength of 5 mm. -1 ~15m -1 has an absorption coefficient of

[0021] Low absorption presents the added advantage that the final infrared transmittance is less affected by the optical path of the material, which means that for a wide field of view (FOV) sensor with a high aperture angle, the intensity sensed at different angles (in different regions of the image) is more uniform, especially when the sensor is optically coupled to the glazing.

[0022] According to the present invention, the cover lens facing the opening is surrounded by a trim element, and the cover lens is fixed to the trim element using a soft material having a Shore A hardness of 50-90.

[0023] The proposed invention reduces the problems related to the difference in expansion between the glass cover lens and the trim element to which it is fixed, and further reduces or even avoids the problems mentioned above.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover lens is secured to the trim element using a soft material selected from among thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or thermosetting materials, such as polyurethane (PUR), epoxy (EP), and PVC, having a Shore A hardness of about 50-90.

[0025] The cover lens is then fixed to the trim element via the peripheral edge of the cover lens. This kind of soft material has soft elastic properties, which exhibits perfect fit to the parts of the car body, vibration and noise damping, and sealing effect.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover lens is bonded to the trim element using a flow soft material having a Shore A hardness of about 50-90.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the soft material is a material selected from among thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or thermosetting materials, such as polyurethane (PUR), epoxy (EP), PVC, having a Shore A hardness of about 50 to 90, which is sprayed (poured, poured) between the peripheral contour of the cover lens and the edge of the trim element in the mold. The cover lens can thus be flush with the peripheral edge of the opening provided in the trim element, without any gap between the cover lens and the trim element. Thus, in addition to the aesthetic aspect, the sensing device (especially the lidar) is better protected against air, dust and water. One of the advantages of this technique is the good and rapid fixing of the cover lens to the trim element.

[0028] Furthermore, by introducing a soft material, the expansion difference between the glass cover lens and the trim elements that secure the cover lens reduces the risk of breakage of the glass cover lens due to the presence of this soft material. Furthermore, lower pressures can be applied to the glass cover lens.

[0029] It is therefore proposed to fix the cover to the aesthetic part by pouring or casting (or spraying) a soft material according to the invention. The technology is based on rapid adhesion by injecting two components that reticulate when in contact. The method used makes it possible to reduce the costs of production. Furthermore, it simplifies the method of fixing the cover lens to the trim element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1]1 shows a trim element of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 illustrates a method for manufacturing the trim component of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a trim element (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a. an opening (2) with a detection device (3) facing the opening (2); b. a detection device (3) operating at a wavelength within the determined wavelength range and including a sensing device; c. a protective housing (7) surrounding the detection device; d. 5m in the wavelength range from 750nm to 1650nm -1 ~15m -1 a cover lens (4) made of at least one glass plate having an absorption coefficient of 1 shows a trim element (1) including:

[0032] According to the present invention, the cover lens (4) facing the opening (2) is surrounded by the trim element (1), and the cover lens (4) is fixed to the trim element (1) using a soft material (5) having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 90.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, during the assembly process of the trim element (1) with the cover lens (4), the trim element (1) is placed in the nest (6) with the cover lens (4). In order to guarantee the flushness between the trim element (1) and the cover lens (4) and the sealing between the cover lens (4) and the trim (1) and the nest (6) during the filling process, a soft sealing material (5) in the range of Shore A 30-90 is used in the nest (6). In order to reduce the pressure on the elements and therefore to significantly reduce the risk of damage to the trim element and the cover lens, the parts are fixed in the nest (6) by using a clamp made of at least a soft sealing component (5) in the range of Shore A 30-90. Afterwards, the cover lens to be used may be given some functions as a coating or a laminated cover lens may be used.

[0034] The use of a soft material according to the invention simplifies the method of fastening the cover lens to the trim element, and furthermore the cover lens is designed to be flush with the periphery of the opening provided in the trim element.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cover lens is bonded to the trim element using a flow-through polyurethane soft material having a Shore A hardness of about 50-90. The flow-through polyurethane soft material is, for example, a mixture including a polyol, an isocyanate, and a catalyst. The mixture can then be flowed between the cover lens and the trim element, fixing the cover lens to the trim element in the mold without additional pressure. The advantage of this fixing technique is the fast reticulation time. Thus, the cover can be fixed to the trim quickly, avoiding any undesired movement of the cover lens.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trim element is made of an assembly of a support part to be fixed to the vehicle body and an aesthetic part provided on the support part, which is advantageous, for example, when the trim element is a roof trim element supporting a sensing device (e.g. a lidar).

[0037] The aesthetic part, also called the skin, may be a painted part to match the aesthetics of the vehicle or to meet the color requirements of the vehicle buyer. The aesthetic part may be assembled with a <<technical>> support part on which the various fasteners are placed. Contrary to traditional encapsulation, the trim provided with at least a glass cover lens must be placed in a mold that is to be closed on this assembly, with the risk of scratching the aesthetic part (skin) or even damaging it.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the aesthetic portion is made from a plastic material.

[0039] According to the invention, the trim element is a trim element of a vehicle, which is to be understood as a transport vehicle (e.g. a car, a train, a truck, an airplane, etc.).

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the trim element is fastened to the vehicle or body via the support part. If the trim element comprises an aesthetic part and a support part, preferably the support part is fastened to the vehicle or body.

[0041] According to the invention, the cover lens may be permanently fixed to the protective housing, for example by gluing, or may be fixed in such a way that in case of breakage, the cover lens but not all of the detection device can be easily removed and replaced, thus reducing repair / replacement costs.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trim element is a vehicle roof trim element. The trim element may be arranged on the roof of a vehicle, in particular an automobile. In particular, the trim element is arranged near the top of the windshield in the vicinity of the roof of the vehicle, in particular an automobile. The detection device arranged on the roof therefore has a better field of view. For safety and aesthetic reasons, advantageously, the trim element comprises an aesthetic part and a support part, the support part being preferably fastened to the vehicle or to the body. An opening is then provided in the aesthetic part in which the detection device is arranged. The support part is then fastened to the roof, allowing a good and safe fixation of the assembly comprising the trim element and the detection device.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the present invention, trim elements having detection devices are positioned on the vehicle, such as on bumpers, appliques, front and rear end modules, front and rear fenders, roofs, windshields, etc. For added safety, the vehicle can be equipped with several detection devices all around the vehicle.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, the detection device is a scanning, rotating, flashing or solid-state lidar device that allows three-dimensional mapping and emits a laser beam with wavelengths ranging from 750 nm to 1650 nm.

[0045] The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a trim element according to the invention, as shown in FIG. a. placing a trim element (1) having an opening (2) and accommodating a cover lens (4) of a detection device (3) in a nest (6); b. placing a cover lens (4) in the center of the opening (2) of the trim element (1); c. closing a ring frame onto the trim element and the cover lens (4) to form an encapsulant gasket cavity; d. filling the gap surrounding the periphery of the cover lens (4) and the opening (2) of the trim element (1) by pouring or injecting a material made of a soft material (5) having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 90; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of:

[0046] Next, the cover lens (4) is fixed to the trim element (1) by a soft material (5) having a Shore A hardness of 50-90.

[0047] The soft material (5) according to the present invention quickly reticulates and strongly bonds the cover lens to the opening provided in the trim element (1). The soft material may be flowed or injected into the cavity of the mold. With the present invention, the cover lens (4) may be flush with the trim element (1), providing excellent aesthetics to the trim element (1).

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the trim (1) is an assembly of an aesthetic part and a supporting part, an opening is provided in the aesthetic part to accommodate the cover lens (4) of the detection device. The aesthetic part may be placed alone or together with the supporting part in the cavity of the mold. The gap between the aesthetic part and the cover lens (4) is then filled with a soft material having a Shore A hardness of 50-90.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover lens has a wavelength range of 750 nm to 1650 nm and a wavelength range of 5 mm. -1 ~15m -1 The cover lens is made from at least one glass plate having an absorption coefficient of .gtoreq..times ...

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the soft material is made of polyurethane, so that the polyurethane framework and the bonding and sealing of the cover lens can be done in one operation and in a cost-effective manner.

[0051] The polyurethane molding is cast into the product in a fully open mold. This pressure-free and stress-free casting method uses a flexible mold or "soft tool" that allows the product to have large shape tolerances for a snug seal. In technical terms, this is called flashing glazing.

[0052] The synchronized automated movement of the dispense head and the mold ensures that the polyurethane is applied in the perfect desired shape.

[0053] The method according to the invention shows high flexibility with regard to product dimensions, and an important additional advantage is the cost-friendly moulds. Furthermore, the possibility of carrying out both framing and gluing with the same polyurethane material during the same process results in a cost-effective technology. Furthermore, the reactive polyurethane system results in drying times of less than 60 seconds.

[0054] The method according to the invention allows for a pressureless polyurethane casting process with dynamic mixing under low pressure, precise dosing, and a variety of options for casting flow. Additionally, the "soft tool" technology eliminates glass breakage and can handle thin lightweight glass, full polyurethane surface / flush glazing, and organization options.

Claims

1. a. an opening (2) with a detection device (3) positioned facing the opening (2); b. A detection device (3) operating at a wavelength within the determined wavelength range and including a sensing device; c. a protective housing (7) enclosing said detection device; d. 5 m in the wavelength range of 750 nm to 1650 nm －１ ~15m －１ a cover lens (4) made from at least one glass plate having an absorption coefficient of 1000 .mu.m and fixed to said protective housing; A trim element (1) for a vehicle, comprising: The trim element (1) is characterized in that the cover lens facing the opening is surrounded by the trim element, and the cover lens is fixed to the trim element using a soft material having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 90.

2. 2. A trim element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the soft material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermosetting material, such as polyurethane (PUR), epoxy (EP), PVC.

3. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device (3) is an optical sensing device, for example a lidar.

4. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover lens (4) is bonded to the trim element by means of a flow-through soft material (5).

5. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover lens (4) is bonded to the trim element (1) by means of a flow-through polyurethane soft material (5).

6. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trim element (1) is made from an assembly of a support part fixed to the vehicle body and an aesthetic part provided on the support part.

7. A trim element (1) according to claim 6, wherein said aesthetic part is made from a plastic material.

8. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover lens (4) is flush with the periphery of an opening provided in the trim element.

9. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trim element (1) is fastened to the vehicle or body via the support portion.

10. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover lens is not permanently fixed to the protective housing.

11. 3. A trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trim element (1) is a roof trim element of a vehicle.

12. 12. A trim element (1) according to claim 11, wherein the detection device is fixed to the roof of the vehicle near the upper edge of the windshield.

13. 3. The trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trim element (1) is positioned on a vehicle, for example on a bumper, an appliqué, a front and rear end module, a front and rear fender, a windshield.

14. 3. The trim element (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lidar sensing device is a scanning, rotating, flashing or solid-state lidar device that enables three-dimensional mapping and emits a laser beam with a wavelength ranging from 750 nm to 1650 nm.

15. 10. A method for manufacturing the trim component of claim 1, comprising: a. placing the trim element having an opening to nest a cover lens of a detection device; b. centering the cover lens in the opening in the trim element; c. closing a ring frame onto the trim element and the cover lens to form an encapsulant gasket cavity; d. filling the gap surrounding the periphery of the cover lens and the opening of the trim element by spraying or injecting a material made from a soft material having a Shore A hardness of 50 to 90; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the trim is an assembly of an aesthetic portion and a support portion, the aesthetic portion having an opening therein to accommodate the cover lens of the detection device.

17. 17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein step d. of spraying or injecting the material made from polyurethane is performed on the exterior or interior of the mold.

18. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising the steps of fixing the assembly with the cover lens to a vehicle body via the support portion, and then fixing a lidar detection device and housing to the trim element.

19. A vehicle comprising a trim element (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

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