Method for configuring a vehicle arrangement with an ultrasonic sensor, vehicle arrangement and vehicle

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for configuring a vehicle arrangement (2), in which method, depending on an opening (7) in a vehicle component (3) being covered by a design element (8), a deviation of the transmitting and receiving characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor (4) from a reference transmitting and receiving characteristic is determined and, depending on that, the vehicle arrangement (2) is configured by at least one operating parameter of the ultrasonic sensor (4) being adapted by the evaluation unit (6). Further aspects relate to a vehicle arrangement (2) and a vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] Method for configuring a vehicle arrangement with an ultrasonic sensor, vehicle arrangement and vehicle

[0002] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for configuring a vehicle assembly. Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle assembly. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle.

[0003] Vehicle assemblies comprising a vehicle component, such as an exterior trim part, and at least one ultrasonic sensor arranged thereon are known. Such a device is known, for example, from WO 01 / 61375 A1. Such ultrasonic sensors can be installed, for example, on the bumpers of a vehicle. They can be part of an environment detection system, such as a parking assistance system of the vehicle.

[0004] Regarding the installation of such ultrasonic sensors, it is known that a hole is formed in the material of the bumper so that the ultrasonic sensor can transmit and receive signals through this hole. The area in front of the ultrasonic sensor in the transmission direction is therefore not covered by the bumper material. Furthermore, designs are also known in which such an ultrasonic sensor is arranged in a concealed design behind such a bumper and is thus completely covered by the bumper material in the transmission direction of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0005] In this context, it is known to visually match the front of the ultrasonic sensor, in particular the front of the membrane, to the vehicle component. For this purpose, WO 01 / 61375 A1 discloses applying a film to the exposed front side of the ultrasonic sensor's membrane, which can then be color-matched to the exterior of the bumper.

[0006] However, a disadvantage of such arrangements is that such a covering of the ultrasonic sensor impairs its functionality.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a vehicle assembly, and a vehicle with which functionality is improved. This object is achieved by a method, a vehicle assembly, and a vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for configuring a vehicle arrangement for a vehicle, preferably comprising the following steps:

[0009] - In particular, providing the vehicle arrangement with a vehicle component and at least one ultrasonic sensor arranged thereon, wherein the ultrasonic sensor can transmit and receive ultrasonic signals through an opening in the vehicle component, in particular wherein the opening is covered by a design element separate from the vehicle component;

[0010] - In particular, providing a reference transmission and reception characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor to an evaluation unit, wherein the reference transmission and reception characteristic characterizes the transmission behavior and the reception behavior of the ultrasonic sensor when the opening is not covered, in particular is not covered by the design element;

[0011] - In particular, carrying out a test process with which the current transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor are checked, in particular with a design element present at the opening, wherein the execution is started automatically depending on an activation criterion;

[0012] - In particular, comparing the current transmission and reception characteristics with the reference transmission and reception characteristics with the evaluation unit;

[0013] - In particular, configuring the vehicle arrangement by adapting at least one operating parameter of the ultrasonic sensor with the evaluation unit depending on a deviation caused by the design element and determined during the comparison between the current transmission and reception characteristics and the reference transmission and reception characteristics.

[0014] Such a method now makes it possible to individually configure a vehicle assembly and to ensure the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor as best as possible, even if an existing opening in the vehicle component is covered by a separate design element. In particular, the method thus makes it possible to attach a separate design element, which can be materially and / or geometrically different from the vehicle component, even in a customized design. This also enables a highly customized configuration of the vehicle assembly. Such a separate design element can be attached even after the vehicle has been delivered. This makes it possible to meet the most diverse and individual customer requirements.This is because the customer can then install the design element themselves, either at the right time or in terms of design. This not only takes into account the user's individual visual and / or functional wishes, but also the time at which the design element is installed. However, situations like these can result in a variety of impairments and / or changes to the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor. This is especially true when the vehicle is delivered, even if no separate design element has been installed yet, or it is unknown whether such an installation will take place and, if so, how, but the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor can still be maintained after delivery.This can then be done in particular in a way that is adapted to the attached separate design element. Nevertheless, it is then also possible for the ultrasonic sensor to be completely concealed from the outside by this separate design element. This concept therefore also allows a very individual type of concealed installation of the ultrasonic sensor on the vehicle component. A particularly advantageous feature of the method is that the provided reference transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor always indicate how its basic functionality is formed. Since this reference transmission and reception characteristic represents the state in which the ultrasonic sensor operates without such an additional component on the front, i.e. transmits and receives ultrasonic signals, this reference transmission and reception characteristic provides central basic information.This can then always be used as a basis for comparison, according to the advantageous procedure of the method. This allows for any impairment of the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor, which can also be the case with a very individual, separate design element, to always react to it and adapt the operating mode of the ultrasonic sensor accordingly. Especially if such a separate design element is subsequently added at any time after delivery, which in particular completely covers this opening, the operating mode and thus the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor can always be adapted accordingly and, in particular, adjusted so that the reference transmission and reception characteristics are achieved or are very similar to them.This ensures that even in such situations, the ultrasonic sensor's functionality is not impaired if such a separate design element is attached to the vehicle component, for example, as a retrofit component. Even then, the ultrasonic sensor preferably functions as if this separate design element were not present, if it is adapted and configured accordingly.

[0015] A further advantage is the possibility of combining sensors with a design element, for example, in a bumper, and without a design element, for example, in a radiator grille or front panel, as is the case with electric vehicles as a grille imitation. If the effect of the design element were not compensated for in such a system, the interaction would be significantly impaired, i.e., the signal paths from one sensor to another and vice versa, which play an important role alongside the direct signal paths of a sensor.

[0016] A particularly advantageous feature of the method is that this testing process is initiated automatically by the system. This allows for the presence of such a separate design element to be checked and detected early and sufficiently, depending on the individual and needs. Furthermore, as the service life progresses, particularly if the design element is subsequently applied, changes to the design element, which can also influence the functionality of the ultrasonic sensor, can also be taken into account. This also makes it possible for any changes in the applied design element's influence on the operation of the ultrasonic sensor due to environmental influences and / or aging effects to be detected, and the operation of the ultrasonic sensor to be adjusted accordingly.This means that even under such influences, the best possible and consistent or essentially consistent operating functionality of the ultrasonic sensor can always be provided.

[0017] In one embodiment, a value of an environmental parameter of the environment of the vehicle component and / or an operating state of the vehicle having the vehicle arrangement is taken into account as the activation criterion. In addition to or instead of this, it is also possible to take into account a change in a value of an environmental parameter of the environment of the vehicle component and / or a change in an operating state of the vehicle having the vehicle arrangement. Thus, in one embodiment, an environmental parameter can also be detected, in particular using sensors of the vehicle. By appropriately evaluating this information, it can then be assessed whether the value of the environmental parameter and / or a change in the value of the environmental parameter has an influence on the design element in such a way that the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor is or is being negatively affected.In particular, the activation criterion and its evaluation can be used to determine whether a situation exists that warrants automatically starting and executing the test process. Such a scenario also advantageously allows the test process to be performed less continuously and / or more frequently in unnecessary situations. This also saves computational effort. In particular, this ensures a high level of efficiency for this process.

[0018] In one embodiment, it is possible for temperature and / or air pressure to be taken into account as environmental parameters. These parameters are not to be understood as exhaustive, and further environmental parameters can also be taken into account. In particular, the environmental parameters, particularly also through their change, can characterize a situation that leads to a change in the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor occurring or can occur due to the attached design element. For example, if the design element is a relatively thin, flat cover element, a very high temperature in summer or a very low temperature in winter can cause a change that has or can have an influence on the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor.For example, the material of the design element, which is often plastic, can be subject to deformation and / or other mechanical and / or electromagnetic influences due to environmental parameters, which in turn can negatively impact the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor. By conducting the testing process under such conditions, such influences can be taken into account and, as needed, it can be determined whether the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor needs to be adjusted, and if so, to what extent.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, as an operating state, starting the vehicle and / or activating a vehicle assistance system comprising the ultrasonic sensor is taken into account as an activation criterion. This is because, especially when the vehicle is currently being used and is also being moved, it is of particular importance that the ultrasonic sensors and thus also any assistance system are fully functional and, in this respect, also working correctly. Therefore, this check is particularly advantageous when the vehicle is in use, especially in comparison to a parked vehicle. In one embodiment, the check process is repeated and, in particular, always started when the activation criterion occurs.This advantageously takes into account that such a test process is also started and executed whenever the activation criterion changes and / or an activation criterion occurs or occurs repeatedly. This allows such a test and any necessary modification of the operating functionality of the ultrasonic sensor to be carried out quickly and as needed, adapted to the situation, by adjusting at least one operating parameter of the ultrasonic sensor as needed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electrical transmit current and / or the electrical receive current and / or the electrical receive voltage are adjusted as operating parameters of the ultrasonic sensor. In principle, both voltage and charge (current) control are possible, as is a combination of both, i.e., a power control. In particular, an amplification factor of the voltage measurement is adjusted.

[0021] In addition to or instead of this, the operating frequency of the ultrasonic sensor can be adjusted as an operating parameter. In addition to or instead of this, a correlation in the signal processing of the ultrasonic sensor can be adjusted as an operating parameter.

[0022] In particular, it is possible to shift the operating point of the ultrasonic sensor depending on the comparison between the current transmit and receive characteristics and the reference transmit and receive characteristics. This can be done, in particular, with regard to the frequency of the ultrasonic sensor. It is also possible for amplification or attenuation to occur in other contexts. Thus, the aforementioned parameters can be increased or decreased as needed.

[0023] In one embodiment, the transfer function is used as the basis for the transmission and reception characteristics. A transfer function describes, in particular, the temporal dynamic behavior of a system. It thus characterizes the relationship between an input signal and an output signal.

[0024] In particular, the resonance characteristic or the transfer function is measured by the ultrasonic sensor depending on the system requirements. This can be done, in particular, depending on the at least one activation criterion, as already explained above. Based on this characterization or the transfer function, the presence of a design element can be detected. In particular, it is also possible that not only the presence of this design element is enabled, but also that the type and / or condition of the design element can be detected, at least indirectly. This also emerges from the measurement and evaluation of the transfer function.

[0025] The negative impact of this existing design element on the operational function is then at least partially compensated for by readjusting or adjusting the operating parameters or control parameters of the ultrasonic sensor. The comparison of the current transmit and receive characteristics, i.e., an actual transmit and receive characteristic with at least one reference transmit and receive characteristic, explained above, enables the very precise detection of such a design element and the resulting necessary adjustment of at least one operating parameter. It is also possible to perform the test process at continuous intervals. This can be done in addition to, or instead of, the test process being performed or started when an activation criterion occurs.

[0026] In particular, by analyzing the transfer function it is also possible to determine changes in the amplitude of the received signal, which is the echo signal.

[0027] The method is particularly advantageous when the design element is a relatively thin element which is inherently flexible and deformable. This can be a film, for example. The method is also particularly advantageous when the design element is made of plastic. Furthermore, the method is also particularly advantageous if the design element, in addition to a base material which is, for example, plastic, has an adhesive by means of which the design element is attached to the vehicle component. It is precisely this type of constellation and detailing of the design element that can, considered on its own and in particular due to different environmental influences, result in a wide variety of impairments to the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor. In particular, undesirable changes in the amplitude of the received echo signal can occur in this context.It is precisely this detection, analysis, and recognition that enables the adjustment of an operating parameter of the ultrasonic sensor in a particularly advantageous manner. A film or foil covering the aforementioned opening can have a wide variety of influences on the transfer function of the sensor. As an example, it should be mentioned here that the effective mass, the effective stiffness, and the effective damping effect are increased. Furthermore, such a film or foil reduces the resonance frequency and the time constant. The consequence for the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor is lower sensitivity and a change in the reverberation time. These effects are not the only factors that change the amplitude of the echo signal.

[0028] It is precisely through such a specific design element, such as a film, that a vehicle user or owner can customize the exterior of the vehicle component at any time. This can be done not only in terms of appearance, but also in terms of structural design. Such a film application thus allows a user to customize the entire exterior of the vehicle component, completely and seamlessly.

[0029] Therefore, the attachment of a separate design element is not only an action intended and desired by a user in this context. Such a design element should therefore also remain stationary and permanently on the vehicle component. Therefore, the attachment of the design element is intended and desired and designed so that the attachment is permanently consistent and remains in place. In particular, the design element is configured such that removal from the vehicle component does not occur independently, but deliberately by the designated tool and / or a user or service person. A design element must therefore be distinguished not only from the word terminology used in the context of the invention, but also from a functional and temporal perspective from unwanted, unforeseeable deposits on the sensor, such as may be the case with dirt, ice, or snow.Such unpredictable deposits are not design elements.

[0030] In one embodiment, the reference transmission and reception characteristics are determined under reference conditions. This means that in one embodiment, such reference conditions are deliberately set and then the reference transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor are determined. Such a reference condition can be carried out, for example, at the end of a vehicle manufacturing process, in particular before delivery, or at the end of the sensor production line. This essentially creates an initial baseline calibration that represents such a reference transmission and reception characteristic. However, it is also possible that, in addition to or instead of this, other baseline conditions are deliberately and correctly set to serve as the basis for determining the reference transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor.The method makes it possible to adjust an operating parameter depending on the comparison mentioned, without also requiring a ratio of mass to stiffness of the system, as is required and carried out, for example, in the detection or analysis of undesirable deposits such as dirt or ice or the like.

[0031] Although such a separate design element negatively impacts the operational functionality of the ultrasonic sensor, particularly by altering the transfer function and / or resonance characteristics, which contribute to the overall system through the additional mass, stiffness, and damping effect of the design element, this can be accurately detected and compensated for. It is also possible to perform such a beneficial calibration procedure under different reference conditions and / or repeatedly.

[0032] In one embodiment, the vehicle component is provided as an exterior trim part for a vehicle. The vehicle component can be, for example, a bumper. However, it is also possible for the vehicle component to be a sill, such as a side sill. It is also possible for the vehicle component to be an exterior trim part of a vehicle door. It is also possible for the vehicle component to be, for example, a trunk lid or a hood.

[0033] In one embodiment, only one membrane of the ultrasonic sensor can be provided with the design element. In a further embodiment, this design element can partially cover the opening. In one embodiment, the design element covers the entire surface of the opening. This means that the opening is also covered without interruption by this design element. The ultrasonic sensor is thus essentially installed concealed behind the design element. From the outside, and thus when viewing the vehicle component and thus also the vehicle from the outside, the ultrasonic sensor is therefore not visible. In particular, this also ensures that the opening is covered by the design element and, as such, is not visible from the outside. It can be provided that the outside of the vehicle component is completely covered with the design element.The design element is preferably attached to the outside of the vehicle component using an adhesive connection.

[0034] In one embodiment, it can be provided that information about the design element, such as the material and / or the thickness and / or the date of attachment, is provided, in particular to the evaluation unit of the vehicle arrangement. It is possible for this information to be taken into account, in particular when the vehicle arrangement is configured. This allows the influence of the design element on the operational function of the ultrasonic sensor to be assessed in even more detail, if necessary. In particular, it is also possible for aging effects of an adhesive and / or a base material, in particular plastic, of the design element to be detected and taken into account over the course of the service life of the attached design element, whereby these aging effects also result in changing influences on the operational function of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0035] For example, under the same environmental conditions, different influences of the design element on the operating function of the ultrasonic sensor may occur due to the aging effect of the design element.

[0036] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle arrangement for a vehicle, with

[0037] - at least one vehicle component which has an opening,

[0038] - at least one ultrasonic sensor arranged on the vehicle component, wherein the ultrasonic sensor can transmit and receive ultrasonic signals through the opening in the vehicle component,

[0039] - a design element with which the opening is covered;

[0040] - an evaluation unit which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, in particular when a reference transmission and reception characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor is provided, wherein the reference transmission and reception characteristic characterizes the transmission behavior and the reception behavior of the ultrasonic sensor when the opening is completely exposed, in particular is not covered by the design element.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a vehicle arrangement according to the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show:

[0042] Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with an embodiment of a vehicle arrangement according to the invention; and

[0043] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a vehicle arrangement according to the invention.

[0044] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a vehicle 1. This may be, for example, a passenger car or a truck.

[0046] The vehicle 1 has a vehicle assembly 2. The vehicle assembly 2 has at least one vehicle component 3. The vehicle component 3 is, in particular, an exterior trim part. It can be, for example, a bumper. Here, a front bumper is merely an example and should not be understood as exhaustive.

[0047] The vehicle assembly 2 further comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor 4. In Fig. 1, several ultrasonic sensors are arranged and installed, both in terms of position and number, with only one ultrasonic sensor being provided with the aforementioned reference numeral 4. The ultrasonic sensors 4 can, for example, be part of an electronic assistance system 5 of the vehicle 1. For example, the assistance system 5 can be a parking assistance system.

[0048] The vehicle 1 preferably has an evaluation unit 6. This can be a component of the vehicle assembly 2. In particular, the evaluation unit 6 can also be a component of the assistance system 5. The evaluation unit 6 can be a single evaluation unit. It can also have multiple units. The evaluation unit 6 can be a control unit or a component of a control unit.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a very simplified sectional view of an embodiment of a vehicle assembly 2 with subcomponents. The ultrasonic sensor 4 is shown very sketchily here. It has a membrane 4a. As can be seen, the vehicle component 3 has an opening 7. This is a through-hole. In addition, the vehicle assembly 2 has a design element 8. This design element 8 is a separate component from the ultrasonic sensor 4 and the vehicle component 3. The design element 8 is a film here. This design element 8 is attached directly to an outer side 3a of the vehicle component 3. In particular, it completely covers the opening 7 at the front. The design element 8 is made in particular of plastic. The design element 8 preferably has a base material made of plastic and also has an adhesive. The design element 8 is glued to the outer side 3a by means of this adhesive.Here, it is also arranged directly on the front side of the membrane 4a. In particular, the outer side 3a is completely covered by the design element 8. The design element 8 can, in particular, be a retrofit component. This means that it can be attached even after the vehicle 1 has been delivered to a customer or user. Thus, the vehicle user can configure the exterior of their vehicle 1 at individually desired times after receiving the vehicle 1. In particular, the application of the design element 8 can be used to wrap the exterior of the vehicle 1.

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, a reference condition can be created for determining a reference transmission and reception characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor 4. This reference condition is set deliberately and as intended in order to be able to carry out this determination of the reference transmission and reception characteristic. For example, this setting of the reference condition can take place at the end of production of the vehicle 1 and thus before delivery. Such a reference condition is characterized in particular by the fact that specific environmental conditions are created. This can be a specific air pressure and / or a specific temperature and / or a specific air humidity. In particular, under this reference condition, the ultrasonic sensor 4 is not covered at the front.In particular, a reference condition is created in which the ultrasonic sensor 4 is already installed on the vehicle component 3 and can transmit and receive ultrasonic signals through the opening 7. In such an uncovered state of the ultrasonic sensor 4, a reference transfer function can then also be determined.

[0051] In particular, after delivery of the vehicle 1, in particular if the design element 8, for example, is not yet present or if it is not known whether a design element 8 is already present or not, it is provided to start and carry out at least one test process with which the current transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor 4 are checked. In particular if the system is not otherwise aware or informed that such a design element 8 is present or has been installed, the operational function of the ultrasonic sensor 4 can be successively checked using such a process. If, during such a test process, the current transmission and reception characteristics are different from the existing and stored reference transmission and reception characteristics, the presence of such a cover, in particular of the design element 8, can also be analyzed at least indirectly.

[0052] In particular, the following steps can be carried out:

[0053] - Providing a reference transmission and reception characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor 4 to an evaluation unit 6, wherein the reference transmission and reception characteristic characterizes the transmission behavior and the reception behavior of the ultrasonic sensor 4 when the opening 7 is not yet covered by the design element 8;

[0054] - Carrying out at least one test process with which the current transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor 4 are checked with the design element 8 present at the opening 7, in particular wherein the execution is started automatically depending on an activation criterion;

[0055] - Compare the current transmission and reception characteristics with the reference transmission and reception characteristics using the evaluation unit 6.

[0056] It is possible that a value of an environmental parameter, such as the temperature and / or air pressure, of the environment of the vehicle component 3 and / or an operating state of the vehicle 1 is taken into account as an activation criterion. Likewise, in addition to or instead of this, a change in the value of an environmental parameter of the environment and / or a change in an operating state of the vehicle 1 can be taken into account. An operating state can, for example, be starting the vehicle and / or activating an assistance system 5 having the ultrasonic sensor 4. The test process is started automatically. In particular, it is started repeatedly when at least one of the aforementioned activation criteria occurs.

[0057] Preferably, the operating parameters of the ultrasonic sensor 4 are adjusted by adjusting its transmit current and / or its receive current, and / or adjusting the operating frequency of the ultrasonic sensor 4 and / or adjusting a correlation in the signal processing of the ultrasonic sensor 4. In particular, the operating point of the ultrasonic sensor 4 can be shifted depending on the comparison of the aforementioned characteristics. In particular, however, other parameters, such as the sound pressure, can also be changed in addition to or instead of this.

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Method for configuring a vehicle arrangement (2), comprising the following steps: Providing the vehicle arrangement (2) with a vehicle component (3) and at least one ultrasonic sensor (4) arranged thereon, wherein the ultrasonic sensor (4) can send and receive ultrasonic signals through an opening (7) in the vehicle component (3), wherein the opening (7) is covered by a design element (8) separate from the vehicle component (3); Providing a reference transmission and reception characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor (4) to an evaluation unit (6), wherein the reference transmission and reception characteristic characterizes the transmission behavior and the reception behavior of the ultrasonic sensor (4) when the opening (7) is not covered; Carrying out a test process with which the current transmission and reception characteristics of the ultrasonic sensor (4) are checked with the design element (8) present at the opening (7), wherein the execution is started automatically depending on an activation criterion; Comparing the current transmission and reception characteristics with the reference transmission and reception characteristics with the evaluation unit (6); Configuring the vehicle arrangement (2) by adapting at least one operating parameter of the ultrasonic sensor (4) with the evaluation unit (6) depending on a deviation caused by the design element (8) and determined during the comparison between the current transmission and reception characteristics and the reference transmission and reception characteristics.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a value of an environmental parameter of the environment of the vehicle component (3) and / or an operating state of the vehicle (1) which has the vehicle arrangement (2) and / or a change in a value of an environmental parameter of the environment of the vehicle component (3) and / or a change in an operating state of the vehicle (1) which has the vehicle arrangement (2) is taken into account as the activation criterion.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein temperature and / or air pressure are taken into account as environmental parameters.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein starting the vehicle (1) and / or activating an assistance system (5) of the vehicle (1) comprising the ultrasonic sensor (4) are taken into account as the operating state.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test process is repeatedly started whenever an activation criterion occurs.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmit current and / or the receive current are adapted as operating parameters of the ultrasonic sensor (4) and / or the operating frequency and / or a correlation in the signal processing of the ultrasonic sensor (4) are adapted as operating parameters.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer function is used as the transmission and reception characteristic.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a film is arranged on the opening (7) as the design element (8).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle component (3) is provided as an exterior trim part and the design element (8) is arranged to cover at least the opening (7) over its entire surface.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein information of the design element (8), in particular the material and / or the thickness and / or the date of attachment, is provided and taken into account.

11. Vehicle arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1), with at least one vehicle component (3) which has an opening (7), at least one ultrasonic sensor (4) which is arranged on the vehicle component (3), wherein the ultrasonic sensor (4) can send and receive ultrasonic signals through the opening (7) in the vehicle component (3), a design element (8) with which the opening (7) is covered; an evaluation unit (6) which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, in particular when a reference transmission and reception characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor (4) is provided, wherein the reference transmission and reception characteristic characterizes the transmission behavior and the reception behavior of the ultrasonic sensor (4) when the opening (7) is not covered by the design element (8).

12. Vehicle (1) with a vehicle arrangement (2) according to claim 11.

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