Method for installing an ultrasonic sensor in a covered state on a main body component.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for covering and installing an ultrasonic sensor (8) on a main body component (1), the method comprising: step (S1) placing a damping material (2) having an opening (7) on the inner surface of the main body component (1); step (S2) pre-installing the ultrasonic sensor (8) such that the ultrasonic diaphragm (12) of the ultrasonic sensor (8) is in flat contact with the inner surface of the main body component (1) within the opening (7) of the damping material (2); and the outer peripheral wall (15) of the suction bell (14) rests on the damping material (2), and the inner support element of the suction bell (14) The steps include (S3) placing the suction bell (14) on the main body component (1) on which the damping material (2) is arranged and on the pre-installed ultrasonic sensor (8) such that (17) rests on the ultrasonic sensor (8), and (S4) generating negative pressure inside the suction bell (14) such that the suction bell (14) is fixed to the main body component (1) by suction and the inner support element (17) presses the ultrasonic sensor (8) against the main body component (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic sensors for motor vehicles, and more particularly to a method for mounting an ultrasonic sensor so as to conceal it within a body component.

Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with ultrasonic sensors that are used to survey the surroundings of the motor vehicle by means of reflected ultrasonic signals that are transmitted and received, and use measurement information regarding possible reflection positions of ultrasonic signals in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, which represent possible obstacles, to provide assistance functions such as partial or fully autonomous parking, blind spot assistance functions, door opening assistance functions, and the like. The ultrasonic sensor can be mounted openly or concealed. In the case of open mounting, the ultrasonic diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor is exposed at an opening of the body component. In the case of concealed mounting, the ultrasonic diaphragm is coupled to the body component, and a part of the body component coupled to the ultrasonic diaphragm vibrates together with the ultrasonic diaphragm. Concealed mounting is preferred not only for aesthetic reasons but also for improving the protection of the ultrasonic sensor against environmental influences.

[0003] When mounting the ultrasonic sensor in a concealed manner, it is important that the ultrasonic diaphragm is placed in close contact with the body component without air bubbles. Otherwise, malfunction of the concealed-mounted ultrasonic sensor can be expected.

[0004] When ultrasonic sensors are concealed and mounted inside metal body components such as vehicle doors or fenders, bulges and bubbles may easily form between the ultrasonic diaphragm and the body component. To achieve the required bubble-free state, the sensor can be pressed against the metal component by hand or with a tool. However, in this case, there is a risk of dents forming in the metal component if a force exceeding 5 kg (50 N) is applied. If a stronger force is applied, an appropriate counterforce must be provided, which complicates the mounting and poses a risk of aesthetic damage to the outside of the body component. Furthermore, with this type of mounting, it is uncertain whether the required force was applied for a sufficient length to achieve bubble-free operation, inevitably leading to defective products. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Against this backdrop, the present invention aims to improve the process of concealing and mounting ultrasonic sensors within the main components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, a method is proposed for concealing and mounting an ultrasonic sensor within a main body component, comprising: arranging a damping material having an opening inside the main body component; pre-assembling the ultrasonic sensor such that the end face of the diaphragm well of the ultrasonic sensor is in flat contact with the inside of the main body component within the opening of the damping material; placing a suction cup on the main body component with the damping material and the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor such that the outer wall of the suction cup rests on the damping material and the internal support element of the suction cup rests on the ultrasonic sensor; and generating negative pressure within the suction cup, which as a result generates negative pressure within the suction cup such that the suction cup is firmly attracted to the main body component and the internal support element presses the ultrasonic sensor against the main body component.

[0007] As a result of the negative pressure spreading and the ultrasonic sensor being pressed against the main body component, it is advantageously ensured that the ultrasonic diaphragm sits inside the main body component without any air bubbles.

[0008] The generation of negative pressure can also be called the generation of a vacuum, and the vacuum does not need to be an absolute vacuum; instead, a relative vacuum is sufficient as long as the negative pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure outside the suction cup is distributed throughout the suction cup.

[0009] In particular, vacuum can advantageously remove air bubbles between the diaphragm surface and the main body components. Furthermore, negative pressure allows for the application of contact forces considerably higher than 50N in a controlled and uniform manner without the risk of damage. As a result, a flush and bubble-free bond between the surface of the ultrasonic diaphragm and the inner surface of the main body components can be advantageously achieved.

[0010] As a result of improved bubble-free bonding between the ultrasonic diaphragm and the main body components, the operating characteristics of the measurement system formed by the ultrasonic sensor and the parts of the main body components bonded to it are advantageously improved, allowing the measurement system to supply more accurate and less error-prone measurement data.

[0011] Furthermore, the rejection rate during manufacturing of subassemblies having a main body component with an ultrasonic sensor concealed and mounted internally can be advantageously reduced.

[0012] In particular, it goes without saying that after pressing the ultrasonic sensor against the main body component, the ultrasonic cup can be returned to standard pressure and removed. Thus, a subassembly manufactured according to the proposed method may comprise, in particular, the main body component, the damping material attached thereto, and the ultrasonic sensor which is ultimately mounted as a result of the action of vacuum, but not the suction cup which is the tool for final mounting.

[0013] The main components may be, for example, a door for an automatic vehicle, a side sill for an automatic vehicle, a fender for an automatic vehicle, or any other main components.

[0014] The placement of a damping material may include attaching the damping material to the inside of the main component by adhesive bonding or the like. The placement of a damping material may also include the primary formation of the damping material inside the main component by, for example, applying a paste and then curing it. The damping material may include butyl as an example. The damping material has the advantageous function of damping the vibration of the undamped portion of the main component coupled to the ultrasonic diaphragm relative to the other parts of the main component during the operation of the ultrasonic sensor, so that the subassembly comprising the undamped portion of the main component and the ultrasonic diaphragm coupled thereto can exhibit clearly defined vibration modes and natural frequencies. The opening may be located in the center of the damping material.

[0015] Pre-assembly of an ultrasonic sensor may include holding the ultrasonic sensor in the position required for pressing, which is performed in the following steps, using a holding tool. For example, a holding element may be used that is attached to the main body component or damping material, resulting in the ultrasonic sensor being fitted and pre-assembled.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad is placed on the ultrasonic diaphragm of an ultrasonic sensor and makes flat contact with the inside of the main body components in a pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor.

[0017] The adhesive and sound-conducting contact pads can advantageously ensure permanent, bubble-free acoustic coupling of the ultrasonic diaphragm to the inside of the main components.

[0018] In a further embodiment, when generating a vacuum, a pressure of 150 N or more, preferably 200 N or more, and particularly preferably 250 N or more is applied to the ultrasonic sensor.

[0019] Therefore, a stable, bubble-free bond between the ultrasonic diaphragm and the inner surface of the main body component can be created with particularly high accuracy, further reducing the rejection rate.

[0020] In particular, the proposed method allows for the advantageous application of forces within the aforementioned range without risk of damaging the main components or ultrasonic sensors.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the suction cup has an axially movable cylinder such that when the suction cup is placed in position, the cylinder is aligned coaxially with the ultrasonic diaphragm of the ultrasonic sensor, the end face of the cylinder facing the ultrasonic sensor forms an internal support element of the suction cup, and the internal support element rests on the end face of the ultrasonic sensor that is axially opposite to the ultrasonic diaphragm.

[0022] Therefore, under a given negative pressure, the force applied to the ultrasonic sensor while it is being pressed can be clearly defined, and in particular, the desired force can be appropriately selected by monitoring and adjusting the diameter of the movable cylinder.

[0023] In particular, the suction cup may have an axially hollow cylindrical opening into which a movable cylinder is inserted, and the movable cylinder is airtightly closed to the opening.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the outer wall of the suction cup has a door, and when the door is opened, the suction cup slides from the side onto a damping material and a pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor, after which the door is closed.

[0025] This means that the suction cup, along with the damping material and pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor placed on it, can be placed on the main body component by the suction cup being pressed from the side onto the damping material and ultrasonic sensor.

[0026] Therefore, the space required to place the suction cup on the assembly comprising the body component, the damping material, and the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor is reduced, and the ultrasonic sensor can be mounted even if, for example, the space is restricted, particularly if the body component is already installed in a vehicle.

[0027] The door can be, for example, a sliding door.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the pre-assembly of the ultrasonic sensor comprises attaching a holding element for the ultrasonic sensor to the damping material and inserting the ultrasonic sensor into the holding element such that the ultrasonic diaphragm lies flat against the inside of the body component within the opening of the damping material.

[0029] The holding element is, in particular, an element that remains within the sub-assembly comprising the body component, the damping material, the holding element, and the ultrasonic sensor, manufactured in this way after the ultrasonic sensor has been mounted.

[0030] The holding element advantageously enables easy pre-assembly of the ultrasonic sensor and also enables easy subsequent replacement of the ultrasonic sensor, for example if there is a defect. For this purpose, a defective ultrasonic sensor can be removed from the holding element and a new ultrasonic sensor can be inserted into the holding element, and in this way the new ultrasonic sensor can be re-coupled to the body component using the suction cup without air bubbles.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the suction cup has an additional internal support element that is placed on the holding element when the suction cup is in position and presses against the holding element when a vacuum is generated.

[0032] Therefore, in embodiments using a holding element, another operation for pressing the holding element onto the damping material, such as rolling, is advantageously omitted, and the holding element can be pressed against the damping material and the body element together with the ultrasonic sensor in a single operation.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the additional internal support element is formed from a plurality of pillars resting on the retaining element at multiple points, or the additional internal support element is formed by a plunger resting on the entire area of ​​the retaining element.

[0034] "To cover the entire area" should be understood to mean that the plunger covers the surface of the retaining element, including the flange portion of the retaining element, which extends parallel to the main component, not just at a single point, but over a certain area, particularly more than 50%, and preferably more than 75%. However, it is not necessary for the surface of the retaining element extending parallel to the main component to be completely covered.

[0035] Using a plunger that spans the entire area allows for more uniform pressure to be applied to the retaining element than using multiple pillars that are placed at a single point. In contrast, multiple pillars offer the advantage of leaving more space within the suction cup and simplifying the placement of the suction cup on a subassembly containing the main components, damping material, retaining element, and ultrasonic sensor.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor has a cylindrical housing component and a cylindrical diaphragm well inserted into an opening at the end face of the cylindrical housing component, the end face of the diaphragm well forming an ultrasonic diaphragm. The retaining element has a first hollow cylindrical portion whose inner contour corresponds to the outer contour of the cylindrical housing component, a second hollow cylindrical portion whose inner contour corresponds to the outer contour of the cylindrical diaphragm well and whose outer contour corresponds to the inner contour of the opening, and further has a flange portion. The retaining element is attached to the damping material such that the flange portion rests on the damping material and the second hollow cylindrical portion is inserted into the opening of the damping material. The ultrasonic sensor is inserted into the retaining element such that the diaphragm well is placed in close contact with the second hollow cylindrical portion of the retaining element and the cylindrical housing portion is placed in close contact with the first hollow cylindrical portion of the retaining element.

[0037] Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor is advantageously fitted securely to the retaining element without any gaps, and the retaining element is preferably fitted securely to the opening of the sealing material without any gaps.

[0038] The first hollow cylindrical portion, the second hollow cylindrical portion, and the flange portion can be formed integrally in a single component.

[0039] According to one developmental model, in the context of pre-assembly, after inserting the ultrasonic sensor into the retaining element, a retaining clip can be placed on the subassembly comprising the retaining element and the ultrasonic sensor, and the retaining clip holds the ultrasonic sensor within the retaining element.

[0040] The retaining clip has an opening through which, in a subsequent mounting step, the internal support element of the suction cup can press against the ultrasonic sensor under the action of negative pressure. Alternatively, in the mounting step, the internal support element of the suction cup can press against the retaining clip, and the ultrasonic sensor can be pressed through the retaining clip.

[0041] In a further embodiment, an automated vehicle is proposed having a main body component on which an ultrasonic sensor is concealed and mounted according to the proposed method.

[0042] The embodiments and features described in the proposed method are applied accordingly to the proposed automated vehicle.

[0043] Further possible embodiments of the present invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described or described above or below with respect to exemplary embodiments that are not expressly mentioned. Those skilled in the art will also add individual embodiments as improvements or additions to each basic form of the present invention.

[0044] Further advantageous configurations and aspects of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims and exemplary embodiments of the present invention described below. The present invention is described in more detail below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] The steps of the proposed manufacturing method are shown by exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2] An exemplary embodiment shows a subassembly comprising a main body component, damping material, retaining element, and a pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a suction cup according to a first exemplary embodiment, placed on the subassembly. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a suction cup according to a second exemplary embodiment, placed on the subassembly. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a suction cup according to an advanced form of a second exemplary embodiment, placed on the subassembly. [Figure 6] A suction cup is shown as a further development of the second exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This shows an automated vehicle with an ultrasonic sensor concealed and installed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Elements that are identical or functionally identical are indicated by the same reference numeral in the drawings unless otherwise specified.

[0047] Figure 1 shows the steps of the proposed manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 shows a subassembly comprising the main body components, damping material, retaining element, and pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the suction cup according to the first exemplary embodiment, placed on the subassembly of Figure 2. Refer to Figures 1 to 3.

[0048] The main body component 1 is, for example, a sheet-like main body component such as a metal door sheet or fender of an automobile or other automatic vehicle. In step S1 of the proposed method, the damping material 2 is placed in a substantially circular area of ​​the main body component 1. The damping material 2 can be, for example, butyl which is bonded to the main body component by adhesive. The damping material 2 has a substantially circular central opening 7 (Figure 3).

[0049] Next, in step S2, a retaining element 3 having a first hollow cylindrical portion 4, a flange portion 5, and a second hollow cylindrical portion 6 (Figure 3) is attached to the damping material 2. In particular, the retaining element 3 can be adhesively bonded to the damping material, and a firm connection of the retaining element 3 to the damping material 2 can be created by rolling the flange portion 5. Note that, according to the first exemplary embodiment, the retaining element 3 is positioned such that the inner circumference of the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 is in close contact with and aligned with the inner circumference of the central opening 7 of the damping material 2.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S2, the ultrasonic sensor 8 is inserted into the retaining element 3. The ultrasonic sensor 8 has a cylindrical housing component 9 and a membrane well 10 inserted into the opening at the end face of the cylindrical housing component 9. The inner contour of the first hollow cylindrical portion 4 of the retaining element 3 corresponds to the outer contour of the cylindrical housing component 9 of the ultrasonic sensor 8, thereby causing them to be in close contact with each other.

[0051] The adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad 13 is attached, for example, by adhesive bonding to the end face 12 of the diaphragm well 10 of the ultrasonic sensor 8, which forms the ultrasonic diaphragm 12 of the ultrasonic sensor 8.

[0052] The process of pre-assembling the ultrasonic sensor 8 is completed by inserting the ultrasonic sensor 8 configured in this way into the holding element 3. The ultrasonic diaphragm 12 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 is held in flat contact with the inside of the main body component 1 within the central opening 7 of the damping material, and the cylindrical housing portion 9 of the ultrasonic sensor 9 is held within the first hollow cylindrical portion 4 of the holding element 3.

[0053] In this pre-assembled state, the ultrasonic diaphragm 12, the contact pad 13, and a portion of the main body component 1 that is in contact with the contact pad and not covered by the damping material 2 form a vibrating diaphragm, which can be vibrated by, for example, a piezoelectric element (not shown) that can be attached inside the ultrasonic diaphragm 12 to transmit ultrasound, or it can receive incoming ultrasound and vibrate by this ultrasound, thereby allowing the incoming ultrasound to be indicated by the piezoelectric element. The damping material 2 ensures that vibrations of the portion of the main body component 1 in contact with the contact pad 13 do not propagate to further portions of the main body component 1, and thus ensure the defined natural frequency and vibration mode of the vibrating diaphragm.

[0054] However, in the pre-assembled state, air bubbles may still be present between the ultrasonic diaphragm 12 and the contact pad 13 and / or between the contact pad 13 and the inside of the main body component 1, which may impair the operating characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor 8 and the vibrating diaphragm.

[0055] Therefore, in step S3, the suction cup 14 is placed on a subassembly, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, which comprises a main body component 1 on which the damping material 2 is placed, and a pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor 8, such that the outer circumferential wall 15 of the suction cup 14 rests on the damping material 2 and the multiple internal support elements 17 of the suction cup 14 rest on the ultrasonic sensor 8. In particular, the support elements 17 are installed on the end faces 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 that are axially opposite to the ultrasonic diaphragm 12.

[0056] The suction cup 14 also has a suction nozzle 16, which is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) via a hose (not shown).

[0057] In step S4, a vacuum pump is used to draw air out of the suction cup 14 through the suction nozzle 16 and hose, thereby creating negative pressure (e.g., a vacuum) inside the suction cup 14.

[0058] As a result, the suction cup is firmly drawn to the main body component 1, the vacuum draws out any air bubbles between the ultrasonic sensor 8 and the main body component 1, and the internal support element 17 of the suction cup presses the ultrasonic sensor 18 against the main body component 1.

[0059] In this way, a firm and bubble-free bond can be advantageously created between the ultrasonic vibrating plate 12, the contact pad 13, and the main body component 1.

[0060] Here, the applied compressive force can be monitored by adjusting the pumping capacity of the negative pressure or vacuum pump, and the applied compressive force is applied uniformly across the ultrasonic sensor 8.

[0061] Advantageously, by generating appropriate negative pressure or vacuum within the suction cup 14, compressive forces of 150N, 200N, 250N or more can be achieved without causing deformation of the main body component 1.

[0062] Preferably, the first hollow cylindrical portion 4 and the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3 are not formed annularly around the entire circumference of the cylindrical housing component 9 or the diaphragm well 10, and have at least one vertically extending slit in at least one cross-section not shown in Figure 3, so that this slit allows air to pass between the inside of the suction cup 14 and the diaphragm well 10, and between the contact pad 19 and the main body component 1 within the hollow cylindrical portions 4 and 6. In this way, the vacuum generated inside the suction cup 14 can draw in air bubbles between the diaphragm well 10, the contact pad 19, and the main body component 1.

[0063] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the suction cup according to a second exemplary embodiment, placed on the subassembly of Figure 2. The following description will focus on the differences between the second exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment. Where necessary, elements and / or steps that are the same or functionally identical will not be described again. Refer to Figures 4 and 1.

[0064] According to the second exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the retaining element 3 and the suction cup 14 differs from that of the corresponding elements in the first exemplary embodiment. First, the suction cup 14 of the second exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0065] The suction cup 14 has an axially hollow cylindrical opening 20 into which a movable cylinder 19 is inserted. The end face 17 of the movable cylinder 19 facing the ultrasonic sensor 8 forms an internal support element 17 of the suction cup 14. When air is drawn from inside the suction cup 14 through the suction nozzle 16 by a vacuum pump (not shown), the movable cylinder 19 is pulled downward in Figure 4, pressing against the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8.

[0066] Therefore, the pressure applied to the ultrasonic sensor 8 in step S4 is advantageously distributed uniformly across the entire end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8. In addition, the force applied when pressing the ultrasonic sensor 8 can be advantageously controlled more precisely. This force depends on the diameter of the movable cylinder 19. Therefore, with a given pumping capacity of the vacuum pump, the desired compression force can be clearly determined by selecting an appropriate diameter for the movable cylinder 19.

[0067] The suction cup 14 further has additional internal support elements 21 formed as pillars 21, the pillars resting at multiple points on the lateral portion 5 of the retaining element 3. Thus, in step S4, when air is drawn out of the suction cup 14, not only is the cylinder 19 pressed against the ultrasonic sensor 8, but the suction cup 14 also presses against the retaining element 8 via the pillars 21. Thus, according to the second exemplary embodiment, in step S2, the action of pressing or rolling the retaining element 3 onto the sealing material 2 can be advantageously omitted, and the adhesive bonding of the retaining element 3 to the sealing material 2 can be generated in the same action as when the ultrasonic diaphragm 12 is bonded to the main body component 1, specifically by generating negative pressure inside the suction cup 14.

[0068] The retaining element 3 of the second exemplary embodiment differs from the retaining element 3 of the first exemplary embodiment in that the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3 of the second exemplary embodiment is not positioned in close contact with the central opening 7 of the damping material, but instead the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 is inserted into the central opening 7 of the damping material 2. The outer contour of the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 corresponds to the inner contour of the central opening 7, thereby they are in close contact with each other. The inner contour of the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 corresponds to the outer contour of the cylindrical diaphragm well 10 of the ultrasonic sensor 8, thereby they are in close contact with each other. Therefore, the diaphragm well 10 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 is also better held within the second hollow cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3, thus advantageously ensuring a more secure mounting of the ultrasonic sensor 8 within the retaining element 3.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the suction cup according to an evolved form of a second exemplary embodiment placed on the subassembly of Figure 2. Refer to Figures 5 and 1. Following the pre-assembly in step S2, or following the creation of a vacuum after step S4 is completed, the retaining clip 11 is placed from above on the hollow cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3 to hold and secure the ultrasonic sensor 8 within the hollow cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3 after the suction cup 14 has been removed again. If the retaining clip is already attached before the suction cup 14 is placed, the internal support element 17 (not shown in Figure 5) of the suction cup can be placed on the retaining clip, and in step S4, pressure can be applied to the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8 through the retaining clip. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the internal support element 17 can be placed directly on the central portion of the end face 18 of the ultrasonic sensor 8, and pressure can be applied to the ultrasonic sensor 8, for example, through the circular opening of the retaining clip 11, while the outer periphery of the end face 18 is held by the retaining clip 11.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a suction cup 14 according to a further development of the second exemplary embodiment. This further development of the suction cup 14 is equivalent to the suction cup 14 of the second exemplary embodiment or its development and similarly has a movable cylinder 19. However, the outer wall 15 of this development of the suction cup 14 further has a sliding door 22. This provides the advantage that in step S3, with the sliding door 22 open, the suction cup 14 can be slid from the side onto the subassembly having the ultrasonic sensor 8, which is pre-assembled as shown in Figure 2, and as a result can be placed on this subassembly, without having to place it on the subassembly from above. Thus, by using the proposed method, concealed mounting of the ultrasonic sensor 8 is simplified, even when space is constrained, for example, when the installation is performed with the main body component 1 already installed in an automatic vehicle.

[0071] Figure 7 shows, for example, an automobile 100 having an ultrasonic sensor 8 mounted so as to be concealed behind the fender 101 of the automobile 100 (an example of body component 1 in Figure 2). The mounting is performed according to the proposed method asserted in one of the exemplary embodiments or its modifications. In visual inspection, the configuration in Figure 6 is no different from an automobile with an ultrasonic sensor mounted in a conventional way, and it is expected that the ultrasonic sensor 8, concealed and mounted according to the proposed method, will operate with less error and provide more accurate measurements, and / or, during the manufacture of a large number of automobiles 100 or a large number of fenders 101 with the ultrasonic sensor 8 concealed and mounted, the result will be a lower rejection rate.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described based on exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in various ways.

[0073] Both exemplary embodiments show that the ultrasonic sensor 8 is pre-assembled using a retaining element 3 attached to the damping material 2. However, this configuration is not mandatory. The retaining element 3 may also be attached to the main body component 1, or the ultrasonic sensor 8 may be held in place by using a tool (not shown) that is not attached to the main body component 1 or the damping material 2. In the latter case, the suction cup 14 may have a sealed leadthrough for inserting the tool.

[0074] The sliding door 22 shown in a further development of the second exemplary embodiment may also be a hinged door or another type of door. A modified form of the suction cup 14 of the first exemplary embodiment, with a door, is also conceivable.

[0075] In a second exemplary embodiment, the additional internal support element 21 of the suction cup 14, mounted on the retaining element 3, was described as a plurality of pillars 21 that press against the flange portion 5 of the retaining element 3 at multiple points. However, instead of the plurality of pillars 21, a plunger (a round plunger with a hollow cylindrical central opening) could be formed, and the plunger could rest on almost the entire exposed portion of the flange portion 5. Thus, pressure could be applied to the retaining element 3 more uniformly.

[0076] In the second exemplary embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3 does not necessarily have to be inserted into the central opening 7 of the damping material 2, but can be formed similarly to the first exemplary embodiment and can contact only a portion of the diaphragm well 10 above the sealing material 2. Conversely, in the first exemplary embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 6 of the retaining element 3 can also be inserted into the central opening 7 of the damping material 2, as in the second exemplary embodiment, and can contact the diaphragm well 10 along its entire length protruding from the cylindrical housing component 9.

[0077] The retaining clip 11 of the second embodiment can also be used in an evolved form of the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Main components 2 Damping material 3 Retention elements 4. First hollow cylindrical part 5. Flange section 6. Second hollow cylindrical part 7. Central opening of the damping material 8. Ultrasonic Sensor 9. Cylindrical housing section 10 diaphragm well 11 Retaining clips 12. Ultrasonic diaphragm, end face of the diaphragm well 13 Contact pads 14 Suction cups 15. Outer wall of the suction cup 16 Suction nozzle 17 Internal support elements 18 End face of ultrasonic sensor facing the ultrasonic diaphragm in the axial direction 19. Movable cylinder 20 Hollow cylindrical opening 21 Additional internal support elements 22 Sliding Doors 100 Automated Vehicles 101 Fender

Claims

1. A method for concealing and attaching an ultrasonic sensor (8) to a main component (1), (S1) A damping member (2) having an opening (7) is placed inside the main body component (1), The ultrasonic sensor (8) is pre-assembled (S2) such that the ultrasonic diaphragm (12) of the ultrasonic sensor (8) makes flat contact with the inside of the main body component (1) within the opening (7) of the damping material (2), (S3) The suction cup (14) is placed on the main body component (1) on which the damping material (2) is arranged and on the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor (8) such that the outer wall (15) of the suction cup (14) rests on the damping material (2) and the internal support element (17) of the suction cup (14) rests on the ultrasonic sensor (8). (S4) generating negative pressure within the suction cup (14), such that the suction cup (14) is firmly sucked against the main body component (1), and the internal support element (17) presses the ultrasonic sensor (8) against the main body component (1). A method that includes this.

2. The adhesive and sound-conducting contact pad (13) is placed on the ultrasonic diaphragm (12) of the ultrasonic sensor (8), and is characterized in that it makes flat contact with the inside of the main body component (1) in the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor (8). The method according to claim 1.

3. A characteristic feature is that when a negative pressure is generated, a pressure of 150 N or more, preferably 200 N or more, and particularly preferably 250 N or more is applied to the ultrasonic sensor (8). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The suction cup (14) has an axially movable cylinder (19), and when the suction cup (14) is placed in the appropriate position, the cylinder (19) is aligned coaxially with the ultrasonic vibrator (12) of the ultrasonic sensor (8), the end face of the cylinder (19) facing the ultrasonic sensor (8) forms the internal support element (17) of the suction cup (14), and the internal support element (17) rests on the end face (18) of the ultrasonic sensor (8) which is axially opposite to the ultrasonic vibrator. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The outer peripheral wall (15) of the suction cup (14) has a door (22), and when the door (22) is opened, the suction cup (14) can be slid from the side onto the damping material (2) and the pre-assembled ultrasonic sensor (8), after which the door (22) is closed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The ultrasonic sensor (8) is assembled in advance (S2), The holding element (3) for the ultrasonic sensor (8) is attached to the damping material (2), The ultrasonic sensor (8) is inserted into the holding element (3) such that the ultrasonic vibrating plate (12) makes flat contact with the inside of the main body component (1) within the opening (7) of the damping material (2), and the features include: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The suction cup (14) has an additional internal support element (21), and when the suction cup (14) is placed in position, the additional internal support element (21) rests on the retaining element (3) and presses against the retaining element (3) when negative pressure is generated. The method according to claim 6.

8. The additional internal support element (21) is formed from a plurality of pillars that rest on the holding element (3) at a plurality of points, or The additional internal support element (21) is formed by a plunger that rests on the entire area of ​​the holding element (3), The method according to claim 7.

9. The ultrasonic sensor (8) comprises a cylindrical housing component (9) and a cylindrical diaphragm well (10) inserted into an opening at the end face of the cylindrical housing component (9), the end face of which forms the ultrasonic diaphragm (12). The retaining element (3) is a hollow cylindrical retaining element having a first hollow cylindrical portion (4) whose inner contour corresponds to the outer contour of the cylindrical housing component (9), a second hollow cylindrical portion (6) whose inner contour corresponds to the outer contour of the cylindrical diaphragm well (10) and whose outer contour corresponds to the inner contour of the opening (7), and further having a flange portion (5). The retaining element (3) is attached to the damping material (2) such that the flange portion (5) rests on the damping material (2) and the second hollow cylindrical portion (6) is inserted into the opening (7) of the damping material (2). The ultrasonic sensor (8) is characterized in that it is inserted into the retaining element (3) such that the diaphragm well (10) is placed in close contact with the second hollow cylindrical portion (6) of the retaining element (3) and the cylindrical housing portion (9) is placed in close contact with the first hollow cylindrical portion (4) of the retaining element (3). The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. An automatic vehicle (100) having a main body component (101) on which an ultrasonic sensor (8) is concealed and mounted according to the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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