Radar assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a radar assembly for a motor vehicle (2), said radar assembly (1) having a radar sensor (8) for a radar-based detection of objects, a receiving element (9) for receiving the radar sensor (8) and for arranging on a motor vehicle component (13) of the motor vehicle (2), and a cover (11) for at least partly covering the radar sensor (8) on the motor vehicle component (13). According to the invention, the receiving element (9) has at least one support element (12) which secures the position of the radar sensor (8) relative to the cover (11) in at least one spatial direction.

Description

[0001] Radar arrangement for a motor vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a radar arrangement for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for providing a radar arrangement of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0003] The radar arrays in question are used in motor vehicle sensor technology. This can involve sensors for the exterior of the vehicle, for example, for driver assistance systems in semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles, which use radar devices for cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and collision detection. Further applications include environmental monitoring during vehicle access, for example, in gesture recognition to trigger an access function such as the motorized opening of vehicle doors or in obstacle detection during the motorized adjustment of vehicle doors. Furthermore, the radar arrays in question can be used to monitor the vehicle interior, including for the detection of objects and persons, as well as for anti-pinch and collision protection during the motorized adjustment of interior components and vehicle doors.

[0004] The known prior art (US 2022 / 0196831 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a radar assembly with a radar sensor that is mounted on a structural component of the motor vehicle via a retaining clip. The radar sensor is arranged on the front of the motor vehicle, for example, on the radiator grille or bumper, with a cover provided for the radar sensor. A spring-loaded mount for the radar sensor is intended to achieve a comparatively short distance between the radar sensor and the cover.

[0005] One challenge is that structural components and cladding parts such as panels are inherently subject to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, so in many cases a compromise is made between the simplest possible installation of the radar sensor and the accuracy of its positioning. In particular, the radar sensor cannot easily be positioned as close to the panel as desired, which tends to reduce the radar sensor's performance. A distanced arrangement from the panel can lead to unwanted reflections within the radar array and complicate the resolution of environmental influences on the panel, such as snow or rainwater. Furthermore, the radar sensor's detection range is not optimally utilized with such an arrangement.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing a generic radar arrangement in such a way that an optimization and simplification of the assembly is achieved.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] The fundamental idea is to use the radar sensor's placement in a mounting element, such as a retaining clip or the like, to ensure high positioning accuracy relative to the aperture. This measure can be easily implemented by appropriately designing the mounting element, without requiring additional assembly steps.

[0009] In detail, it is proposed that the receiving element has at least one support element which determines the position of the radar sensor relative to the aperture in at least one spatial direction.

[0010] The support element can also serve to shield against environmental influences such as water or dirt, so that the space between the sensor and the aperture is not contaminated, which can impair radar performance.

[0011] Preferably, a pre-assembly structure according to claim 2 is provided, whereby the radar sensor can be held on the structural component via the receiving element. Accordingly, the radar sensor can already be installed in a door module or the like, and in particular, wired, before the cover is arranged during final assembly. Further preferably, the pre-assembly structure according to claim 3 allows a change in the position of the receiving element with the arrangement of the cover, thus easily compensating for assembly tolerances.

[0012] The proposed solution advantageously enables small distances between the radar sensor and the aperture, as specified in claim 4. With a mechanical preload according to the embodiment according to claim 5, a particularly precise positioning and, in particular, a process-reliable adjustment of the distance between the radar sensor and the aperture is achieved with simple assembly.

[0013] In addition or alternatively to ensuring the distance between the radar sensor and the aperture, the at least one support element according to claim 6 can at least partially determine the positioning along an extension surface of the aperture. The support element can thus preferably ensure the positioning of the radar sensor relative to the aperture in three spatial directions.

[0014] Further preferred embodiments of the receiving element are the subject of claims 7 and 8.

[0015] According to a further teaching according to claim 10, which has independent significance, a method for providing a radar arrangement for a motor vehicle is claimed. It is essential that the position of the radar sensor relative to the aperture is fixed in at least one spatial direction by means of at least one support element on the receiving element.

[0016] The method utilizes, in particular, the proposed radar arrangement. Regarding the proposed method, reference is made to all statements on the proposed radar arrangement.

[0017] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0018] Fig. 1 a) a side view of a motor vehicle with proposed radar arrangements, b) a sectional view of the motor vehicle door with a proposed radar arrangement and

[0019] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the radar arrangement from Fig. 1 b) as well as a), b) variants of the support element and the aperture.

[0020] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures and thus preferred relates to a radar arrangement 1 for a motor vehicle 2. In principle, the radar arrangement 1 can be used for various applications in the motor vehicle 2, with reference being made to the introductory explanations for additional details. In Fig. 1a), corresponding radar arrangements 1 are provided for the exterior of the motor vehicle 2 on a bumper 3, on motor vehicle doors 4, specifically on the door trim 5 and the door handle 6, and on a tailgate 7 of the motor vehicle 2. In the following, the radar arrangement 1 with an arrangement in the area of ​​the door trim 5 of the motor vehicle door 4 is explained merely by way of example with reference to Fig. 1b), with the explanations applying accordingly to other arrangements, including in the motor vehicle interior.

[0021] The radar arrangement 1 has a radar sensor 8 for radar-based object detection. The radar sensor 8 is configured here to determine the distance to objects and, in particular, to determine a relative speed of objects. The radar sensor 8 has at least one radar antenna (not shown in detail), which is formed by electrically conductive elements configured to transmit and receive radar beams.

[0022] The radar sensor 8 can have control electronics configured to operate the radar antenna to transmit radar beams, for example, a signal generator or the like. The radar sensor 8 can also have evaluation electronics for evaluating radar signals. It is also conceivable that at least part of the control electronics and / or evaluation electronics is provided outside the radar sensor 8 and is arranged, for example, on the motor vehicle side, here in the motor vehicle door 4. The radar arrangement 1 can be configured for operation with UWB technology and in particular for positioning and / or communication in the frequency range from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz. Furthermore, FMCW radar operation can be provided, for example in the frequency band around 24 GHz and / or 77 GHz.

[0023] A receiving element 9 is provided for receiving the radar sensor 8 and for arranging it on a structural component of the motor vehicle 2. A receiving element is understood here to mean a mechanical securing of the radar sensor 8, which is effected by the receiving element 9. As shown in Fig. 2, the receiving element 9 can be a receiving clamp or the like. The arrangement of the receiving element 9 on the structural component can be carried out directly or indirectly, as will be explained below. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving element 9 is held directly mechanically on the structural component. The radar sensor 8 can be held indirectly via the receiving element 9 on the structural component. The structural component is generally understood to mean a structural component of the motor vehicle 2, in particular body components, parts of the vehicle outer skin and / or the vehicle inner skin, bumpers 3 or the like. In the embodiment shown in Fig.In the example shown in Figure 2, the structural component is a door panel 10 of the motor vehicle door 4. The structural component can also be designed as a component of a door module, for example as an assembly carrier of the motor vehicle door 4.

[0024] Furthermore, a cover 11 is provided on the structural component for at least partially covering the radar sensor 8. The cover 11 can in turn be arranged on the structural component and, for example, fastened directly or indirectly to the structural component, as indicated in Fig. 2. Preferably, the cover 11 forms part of a housing for the radar sensor 8. The cover 11 is provided so that the radar-based detection of objects is carried out through the cover 11. Accordingly, the cover 11 can be designed to be at least partially transparent to the radar beams, for example in the form of a plastic component. The cover 11 is preferably designed as an exterior trim part of the motor vehicle 2, for example as a trim strip, bumper cover, or door handle housing, or as an interior trim part of the motor vehicle 2.

[0025] It is now essential that the receiving element 9 has at least one support element 12, which determines the position of the radar sensor 8 relative to the aperture 11 in at least one spatial direction.

[0026] The support element 12 is a structure protruding from the receiving element 9 in the direction of the aperture 11, which, due to the arrangement of the aperture 11, preferably comes into direct mechanical contact with the aperture 11. The position of the radar sensor 8 relative to the aperture 11 in at least one spatial direction is determined via the mechanical contact. By determining the position, manufacturing tolerances and / or installation tolerances of the motor vehicle component 13 and the aperture 11 are at least partially compensated. The aperture 11 preferably has a surface structure intended for positioning in interaction with the support element 12.

[0027] Preferably, a plurality of support elements 12 are provided, more preferably on both sides of the radar sensor 8. The support element 12 protrudes here and preferably beyond a surface of the radar sensor 8, which corresponds to a detection direction of the radar sensor 8, in the direction of the aperture 11, which in the illustration in Fig. 2 corresponds to the direction of the distance d indicated there. The support element 12 can be designed as one piece with the receiving element 9. Likewise, the receiving element 9 can be designed in multiple parts, with a separate support element 12 being attached to the receiving element 9.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the receiving element 9 has a pre-assembly structure 14 for mounting on the motor vehicle component 13. The pre-assembly structure 14 is provided for at least provisionally mounting the receiving element 9 and thus the radar sensor 8 on the motor vehicle component 13 before the cover 11 is arranged. In particular, the pre-assembly structure 14 allows handling of the motor vehicle component 13, for example, during the final assembly of the motor vehicle 2, wherein the receiving element 9 with the radar sensor 8 remains on the motor vehicle component 13.

[0029] Preferably, the receiving element 9 is held captive when arranged on the motor vehicle component 13. "Captive" means that the motor vehicle component 13, with the pre-assembled receiving element 9, can be brought into any desired orientation without the receiving element 9 becoming detached. In the preferred illustration in Fig. 2, the pre-assembly structure 14 has form-locking elements 15, here designed as hook elements, which can secure the receiving element 9.

[0030] It is further preferably provided that the pre-assembly structure 14, when arranged on the motor vehicle component 13, allows a change in the position of the receiving element 9 relative to the motor vehicle component 13 in at least one spatial direction.

[0031] This allows positioning via the support elements 12 and cover 11 without restriction by the pre-assembly structure 14. Here, and preferably, the form-locking elements 15 allow a relative displacement between the receiving element 9 and the motor vehicle component 13 along an insertion direction of the form-locking elements 15. The insertion direction here again corresponds to the direction of the distance d noted in Fig. 2. Likewise, the form-locking elements 15 can be guided in receptacles in the motor vehicle component 13 in such a way that a displacement in at least one spatial direction perpendicular to the insertion direction is possible, for example by appropriate dimensioning of the receptacles and / or deformability of the pre-assembly structure 14.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the at least one support element 12 defines the distance d between the radar sensor 8 and the aperture 11. With the arrangement of the aperture 11, as shown in Fig. 2, the at least one support element 12 is brought into contact with an inner side of the aperture 11 facing the radar sensor 8, whereby the distance d can be defined. The spatial direction in which the position of the radar sensor 8 relative to the aperture 11 is defined is, in particular, a detection direction of the radar sensor 8, such as a main extension direction of a radar beam.

[0033] The determination of the distance d can thus be advantageously used to optimize the performance of the radar sensor 8. In particular, the proposed solution allows for particularly small distances d between the radar sensor 8 and the aperture 11. In preferred embodiments, the minimum distance between the radar sensor 8 and the aperture 11 is less than 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the receiving element 9 has a prestressing element 16 which is designed to mechanically prestress the receiving element 9 against the motor vehicle component 13 in the direction of the panel 11.

[0035] The mechanical prestressing ensures, in particular, the aforementioned engagement of the at least one support element 12 with the panel 11. The prestressing element 16 is, for example, a spring element, which may otherwise be formed integrally with the receiving element 9 and / or be part of the pre-assembly structure 14.

[0036] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one support element 12 determines the position of the radar sensor 8 relative to the aperture 11 in at least one spatial direction along an extension surface of the aperture 11, preferably that the support element 12 can be positioned on the aperture 11 via at least one centering aid and / or insertion bevel 17. The extension surface is in particular the contact surface between the support element 12 and the aperture 11. Fig. 2a) shows an embodiment with insertion bevels 17 on the aperture 11, which determine the position of an insertion structure 18 of the support element 12 along the extension surface, preferably in two spatial directions. A reverse arrangement can also be made, wherein the support element 12 is equipped with an insertion bevel 17. Fig.2b) shows a further embodiment, which, for example, allows the support element 12 to be displaced to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, and wherein the cover 11 has boundary surfaces 19 for the insertion structure 18. Here, too, the arrangement can be reversed.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, it is further provided that the radar sensor 8 is positively received in the receiving element 9. Likewise, a materially bonded receptacle can be implemented additionally or alternatively.

[0038] In a further embodiment not shown, the support element 12, in particular the receiving element 9, is designed as a single piece with a housing of the radar sensor 8. The housing of the radar sensor 8 forms a housing for the radar antenna of the radar sensor 8 and, in particular, for the control electronics and / or evaluation electronics. The housing preferably has a radome for the radar sensor 8. The at least one support element 12, in particular the receiving element 9, can, for example, be molded onto the housing.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the receiving element 9, in particular the support element 12, provides a shield for radar signals from the radar sensor 8. Accordingly, at least parts of the receiving element 9, in particular the support element 12, can comprise metallic or radar-absorbing elements. The shield can be configured to suppress radar reflections in the space between the aperture 11 and the motor vehicle component 13.

[0040] In one embodiment, the radar arrangement 1 comprises the aforementioned motor vehicle component 13 for arranging the receiving element 9. Preferably, the motor vehicle component 13 has a pre-assembly structure 14 for arranging the receiving element 9 on the motor vehicle component 13, for which reference is made to the above explanations. According to a further teaching, a method for providing a radar arrangement 1 of a motor vehicle 2 is proposed, wherein a radar sensor 8 is accommodated in a receiving element 9, wherein the receiving element 9 is arranged on a motor vehicle component 13 of the motor vehicle 2, wherein a cover 11 for at least partially covering the radar sensor 8 is arranged on the motor vehicle component 13.

[0041] Here, it is provided that the position of the radar sensor 8 relative to the aperture 11 is determined in at least one spatial direction by means of at least one support element 12 on the receiving element 9. The position is preferably determined by the arrangement of the aperture 11. Reference is made to all explanations regarding the proposed radar arrangement 1.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the receiving element 9 is held on the motor vehicle component 13 via a pre-assembly structure 14 before the arrangement of the cover 11, preferably that the receiving element 9 is held captively on the motor vehicle component 13. As explained for the radar assembly 1, this facilitates the assembly of the radar assembly 1.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Radar arrangement for a motor vehicle (2), the radar arrangement (1) comprising a radar sensor (8) for radar-based detection of objects, a receiving element (9) for receiving the radar sensor (8) and for arrangement on a motor vehicle component (13) of the motor vehicle (2), and a cover (11) for at least partially covering the radar sensor (8) on the motor vehicle component (13), characterized in that the receiving element (9) has at least one support element (12) which defines the position of the radar sensor (8) relative to the cover (11) in at least one spatial direction.

2. Radar arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving element (9) has a pre-assembly structure (14) for mounting on the motor vehicle component (13), preferably that the receiving element (9) is held captively when arranged on the motor vehicle component (13).

3. Radar arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the pre-assembly structure (14) when arranged on the motor vehicle component (13) allows a change in position of the receiving element (9) relative to the motor vehicle component (13) in at least one spatial direction.

4. Radar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (12) determines the distance between the radar sensor (8) and the aperture (11), preferably that the minimum distance between the radar sensor (8) and the aperture (11) is less than 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm or less.

5. Radar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving element (9) has a prestressing element (16) which is designed to mechanically prestress the receiving element (9) against the motor vehicle component (13) in the direction of the aperture (11).

6. Radar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one support element (12) determines the position of the radar sensor (8) relative to the aperture (11) in at least one spatial direction along an extension surface of the panel (11), preferably that the support element (12) can be positioned on the panel (11) via at least one centering aid and / or insertion bevel (17).

7. Radar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radar sensor (8) is received in the receiving element (9) in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner, or in that the support element (12), in particular the receiving element (9), is designed in one piece with a housing of the radar sensor (8).

8. Radar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving element (9), in particular the support element (12), provides a shield for radar signals of the radar sensor (8).

9. Radar arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises the motor vehicle component (13) for arranging the receiving element (9), preferably that the motor vehicle component (13) has a pre-assembly structure (14) for arranging the receiving element (9) on the motor vehicle component (13).

10. Method for providing a radar arrangement (1) of a motor vehicle (2), wherein a radar sensor (8) is received in a receiving element (9), wherein the receiving element (9) is arranged on a motor vehicle component (13) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein a cover (11) for at least partially covering the radar sensor (8) is arranged on the motor vehicle component (13), characterized in that the position of the radar sensor (8) relative to the cover (11) in at least one spatial direction is fixed by means of at least one support element (12) on the receiving element (9).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the receiving element (9) is held on the motor vehicle component (13) via a pre-assembly structure (14) before the arrangement of the cover (11), preferably that the receiving element (9) is held captively on the motor vehicle component (13).

Images