Detection device having two electrical component units which are oriented in a housing part by means of housing positioning means and which are electrically connected by means of an electrical plug-in connection device

Abstract

The invention describes a detection device (10) for detecting objects, comprising a housing (12) which has a housing part (14), comprising two electrical component units (16, 18) which are arranged in the housing (12), and comprising an electrical plug-in connection device (30), by way of which the two electrical component units (16, 18) are electrically connected to each other. The electrical plug-in connection device (30) has two electrical connection parts (28, 50) which are plug-connected to form the electrical connection. A first electrical connection part (28) is mechanically and electrically connected to a first electrical component unit (16) and a second electrical connection part (50) is mechanically and electrically connected to a second electrical component unit (18). The housing part (14) has at least one first support element, against which the first electrical component unit (16) bears, and at least one second support element, against which the second electrical component unit (18) bears. The housing part (14) has at least one first housing positioning means (90) which acts on the first electrical component unit (16) and at least one second housing positioning means (94) which acts on the second electrical component unit (18). The at least one first housing positioning means (90) is designed to orient the first electrical component unit (16) and the at least one second housing positioning means (94) is designed to orient the second electrical component unit (18) during assembly with the housing part (14).

Description

[0001] 1 / 35 2023PF01870

[0002] Description

[0003] Detection device with two electrical component units that are aligned in a housing part by means of housing positioning means and that are electrically connected by means of an electrical plug connection device.

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to a detection device, in particular a LiDAR system, in particular a detection device for a vehicle, for detecting objects, with a housing which has at least one housing part,

[0006] with at least two electrical component units arranged in the housing, with at least one electrical connector device with which the at least two electrical component units are electrically connected to each other, wherein the at least one electrical connector device has at least two electrical connection parts which are plugged together to form the electrical connection, wherein at least one first electrical connection part of the at least two electrical connection parts is mechanically and electrically connected to a first electrical component unit of the at least two electrical component units and at least one second electrical connection part of the at least two electrical connection parts is mechanically and electrically connected to a second electrical component unit of the at least two electrical component units.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a housing part for a detection device, in particular a LiDAR system, in particular for a detection device according to the invention, in particular for a detection device for a vehicle, for detecting objects, wherein the housing part is designed for arranging at least two electrical component units of the detection device.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical component unit for a detection device, in particular for a detection device according to the invention, in particular for a LiDAR system, in particular for a detection device for a vehicle, for detecting objects, which has at least one electrical connecting part which is designed for electrical and mechanical connection with at least one other electrical connecting part of another electrical component unit for the detection device.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a detection device, in particular a LiDAR system, in particular a detection device for a vehicle, in particular a detection device according to the invention, for detecting objects, in which at least two electrical component units are arranged in a housing of the detection device with at least one housing part, wherein the at least two electrical component units are electrically connected to each other by at least one electrical connector, wherein at least one first electrical connector on the side of a first electrical component unit of the at least two electrical component units and at least one second electrical connector on the side of a second electrical component unit of the at least two electrical component units are plugged together to form the at least one electrical connector.

[0010] State of the art

[0011] From US 10847910 B1, a LIDAR sensor unit is known, comprising: a mainboard with an edge; a board-to-board connector assembly located on the mainboard, comprising: a housing connected to the mainboard, the housing comprising a means that aligns the housing angularly relative to the mainboard by engaging the means of the housing with the edge of the mainboard, and connecting pins connected to the mainboard and located within the housing; and a sensor component board connected to the mainboard by engaging the connecting pins of the board-to-board connector assembly with an upper printed circuit board surface and a lower printed circuit board surface of the sensor component board to allow the sensor component board to pivot relative to the mainboard over a limited angular range.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of designing a detection device, a housing component, an electrical component unit, and a method of the type mentioned above, in which the effort required to manufacture the detection device, in particular the assembly effort and / or the component effort, can be reduced. Furthermore, the object of the invention may be to reduce the number of moving parts within the housing of the detection device.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] According to the invention, the problem is solved in the detection device by the fact that the at least one housing part has at least one first support element on which the first electrical component unit rests and at least one second support element on which the second electrical component unit rests.

[0015] that at least one housing part has at least one first housing positioning means which engages the first electrical component unit, and at least one second housing positioning means which engages the second electrical component unit,

[0016] wherein at least one first housing positioning means is designed to align the first electrical component unit during assembly with the at least one housing part, and at least one second housing positioning means is designed to align the second electrical component unit during assembly with the at least one housing part.

[0017] The detection device comprises at least two electrical component units, which are electrically connected to each other by at least one electrical connector. At least one first electrical connection part of the at least one electrical connector is arranged on the side of one of the at least two electrical component units. At least one second electrical connection part of the at least one electrical connector is arranged on the side of a second electrical component unit. The electrical connection between the first electrical component unit and the second component unit is established by plugging together the at least one first electrical connection part and the at least one second electrical connection part.

[0018] According to the invention, the at least one first housing part comprises at least one first support element, at least one second support element, at least one first housing positioning means, and at least one second housing positioning means. A first of the at least two electrical component units is positioned on the at least one first support element. The at least one first housing positioning means aligns the first electrical component unit with the at least one housing part during assembly.

[0019] Advantageously, the at least one first housing positioning means for aligning the first electrical component unit in its intended final position can be configured on the at least one housing part. In this way, the first electrical component unit can be brought more precisely into its final position during assembly with the at least one housing part. In its intended final position, the first electrical component unit rests against the at least one first support element of the at least one housing part.

[0020] A second of the at least two electrical component units is positioned on at least one second support element. The second electrical component unit is aligned with the at least one housing positioning means during assembly with the at least one housing part.

[0021] Advantageously, at least one second housing positioning means can be configured to align the second electrical component unit in its intended final position on the at least one housing part. In this way, the second electrical component unit can be brought more precisely into its final position during assembly with the at least one housing part. In its intended final position, the second electrical component unit rests against the at least one second support element of the at least one housing part.

[0022] In the intended end positions of the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit, at least one first connecting part of the first electrical component unit and at least one second electrical connecting part of the second electrical component unit are plugged together and electrically and mechanically connected to each other.

[0023] Overall, the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit (5 / 35 2023PF01870) can be precisely positioned relative to each other on the at least one housing part using the housing positioning means. This makes it easier to connect the at least one first electrical connection part of the first electrical component unit and the second electrical connection part of the second electrical component unit. The at least one first electrical connection part and the at least one second electrical connection part can also be automatically connected using the housing positioning means during the assembly of the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit with the at least one housing part.

[0024] “Connecting” within the meaning of the invention means that the at least two electrical connecting parts are inserted into each other or onto each other in a connecting direction.

[0025] Advantageously, the insertion direction of the at least two electrical connectors can be straight. In this way, the connectors can be plugged together in a straight line.

[0026] An electrical connector has the advantage over a flexible electrical connection, such as a ribbon cable, that it can be implemented more easily and automatically when attaching the electrical component units to at least one housing part. The electrical connectors are permanently attached to the respective electrical component units. Therefore, unlike with flexible electrical connections, it is not necessary to lay flexible cables. This saves assembly time.

[0027] Unlike flexible electrical connections, an electrical plug connection device cannot be misplaced.

[0028] Furthermore, the detection device can be built more compactly overall with an electrical connector, since the electrical connector can be implemented in a more space-saving manner.

[0029] Furthermore, with an electrical connector device, the risk that components of the electrical component units, in particular electrical or electronic components or other components such as mirrors of a Li-DAR system, will be damaged or their function impaired during assembly is lower than when using flexible cables.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of at least one plug connector reduces the number of moving parts, such as flexible cables. Unlike a flexible electrical connection, the electrical plug connector can be permanently installed within the housing in its final assembly state. A flexible electrical connection, especially a connecting cable, can strike other components during operation of the detection device, which can cause vibrations within the device and lead to noise. This can be avoided by using the electrical plug connector.

[0031] Overall, the detection device according to the invention can be assembled more easily and quickly compared to detection devices that use flexible cables. The risk of damaging components of the detection device during assembly can also be reduced.

[0032] Advantageously, the detection device according to the invention can be a LiDAR system. With a LiDAR system, distances, directions, and / or velocities of detected objects relative to the LiDAR system can be determined. Advantageously, the detection device can be a scanning LiDAR system. With a scanning LiDAR system, a monitoring area can be scanned.

[0033] Advantageously, the detection device may include at least one light deflection device, in particular a deflecting mirror such as a rotating mirror or the like. With a light deflection device, light that may be transmitted by the detection device and / or light that is received by the detection device can be deflected within the detection device.

[0034] Advantageously, the detection device can have at least one transmitter. Signals, in particular light signals, can be sent into a monitored area using this transmitter.

[0035] Advantageously, the detection device can have at least one receiving unit. This receiving unit can receive signals, in particular light signals, from a monitored area. The received signals can be signals that were previously transmitted into the monitored area by at least one transmitting unit of the detection device and reflected there.

[0036] Advantageously, the housing of the detection device can have at least two housing parts. This allows the housing parts to be initially separated, so that the electrical component units can be installed inside the housing. The at least two housing parts can then be joined together to close the housing.

[0037] The invention can be used in vehicles. A key functional characteristic of a vehicle is its ability to move. Vehicles can be motor vehicles. Advantageously, the invention can be used in land vehicles, in particular cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, drones, mobile robots, mobile machinery, in particular construction or transport machinery such as cranes, excavators, or the like, aircraft, in particular drones, and / or (under)water vehicles, in particular (under)water drones. The invention can also be used in vehicles that can be operated autonomously or semi-autonomously. However, the invention is not limited to vehicles. It can also be used in stationary operation.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least two electrical component units can each have at least one support element on which at least one electrical component is arranged. In this way, the electrical components can be attached to the at least one housing part by means of the at least one support element. The at least one electrical component can be pre-assembled on the corresponding support element. The fully assembled electrical component unit can then be connected to the at least one housing part in a single operation.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one of the support elements can be flat. In this way, at least one support element can be arranged in the housing in a space-saving manner.

[0040] Advantageously, at least one substrate can be a printed circuit board (PCB). This allows the electrical components on the PCB to be both mechanically held and electrically connected. A PCB can have conductive traces through which electrical connections, particularly to electrical components, can be established.

[0041] Advantageously, the at least two electrical component units can each have at least one electrical component. Electrical functions can be performed using electrical components. These electrical components can be electrically and / or electronically acting components.

[0042] Advantageously, at least one of the electronic component units can include at least one electrical component in the form of a processor, an electronic storage unit, and / or an electro-optical component, such as a light source or a sensor. In this way, control functions and / or storage functions can be implemented. Electro-optical components can convert light into electrical signals and vice versa.

[0043] Advantageously, at least one of the electrical component units can have at least one electrical component in the form of an electrical connector. In this way, the electrical component unit can be electrically connected to another component, in particular another electrical component unit.

[0044] Advantageously, at least one of the electrical component units can have at least one electrical component in the form of a drive component, such as a motor. A drive component can be used to drive other components, in particular deflection devices such as mirrors, rotating mirrors, or the like. In this way, the detection device can be implemented as a scanning system, in particular a scanning LiDAR system.

[0045] Advantageously, at least one of the support elements can be designed to carry at least one signal deflection device, such as a mirror, a rotating mirror, or the like. In this way, the at least one signal deflection device can be held precisely in the housing.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment,

[0047] the at least one support element of the first electrical component unit and the at least one support element of the second electrical component unit extend in different planes

[0048] and / or

[0049] the at least one support element of the first electrical component unit and the at least one support element of the second electrical component unit extend offset from each other.

[0050] Advantageously, the support elements of the two electrical component units can extend in different planes. This allows the detection device to be designed more compactly overall. Furthermore, air can circulate between the support element types, thus improving the dissipation of heat generated by the electrical components on the support elements.

[0051] Advantageously, the support elements of the two electrical component units can extend offset from each other. This makes the surfaces of the support elements more easily accessible. Furthermore, a tall component, such as a motor with a rotating mirror, can be arranged on one of the support elements, particularly on the support element of the first electrical component unit, and can extend in an area adjacent to the support element of the other electrical component unit.

[0052] Advantageously, one of the support elements, in particular the support element of the second electrical component unit, can have at least one recess into which a tall component, which is arranged on the adjacent support element, in particular the support element of the second electrical component unit, can extend. In this way, the electrical component units can be arranged closer together. Thus, the detection device as a whole can be designed more compactly.

[0053] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0054] that at least one first electrical connection part is arranged on a surface side of at least one support element of the first electrical component unit and / or

[0055] The at least one second electrical connection element is arranged on a surface of the at least one support element of the second electrical component unit. In this way, the electrical component units can be arranged one above the other in a space-saving manner.

[0056] A surface is the flat, extended side of the respective support element. A support element designed as a printed circuit board has two opposing surface surfaces, which are connected by a surrounding edge. In contrast to the edge, the surface surfaces have a greater extent. The surface surfaces can be flat and parallel to each other. In this way, the support element can be designed to be particularly flat.

[0057] Advantageously, the at least one first connecting element is arranged on a surface of the at least one support element that faces the surface of the at least one support element of the second electrical component unit, on which the at least one second electrical connecting element is arranged. In this way, the support elements can be arranged one above the other in a space-saving manner.

[0058] Advantageously, the support elements can be flat and arranged parallel to each other. In this way, the detection device can be implemented in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0059] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0060] the first electrical component unit shall have at least one first component positioning means which cooperates with the at least one first housing positioning means for aligning the first electrical component unit relative to the at least one housing part,

[0061] and / or

[0062] The second electrical component unit shall have at least one second component positioning means which interacts with the at least one second housing positioning means to align the second electrical component unit relative to the at least one housing part. In this way, the electrical component units can be aligned more precisely with each other.

[0063] Advantageously, each housing positioning device and each component positioning device can be adapted to one another. This allows the positioning devices to interact more precisely.

[0064] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0065] the at least one first housing positioning means and / or the at least one second housing positioning means extend at least sectionally parallel to a mating direction of the electrical connection parts of the at least one electrical connector device

[0066] and / or

[0067] At least one first component positioning means of the first electrical component unit and / or at least one second component positioning means of the second electrical component unit extend at least sectionally parallel to a mating direction of the electrical connection parts of the at least one electrical connector unit. In this way, when the electrical component units are joined, both the positioning means and the connection parts of the connector unit can be mated together. Thus, the electrical connection parts of the at least one electrical connector unit can be mated automatically. This simplifies assembly.

[0068] Advantageously, the insertion direction of the positioning means of the positioning means pairs can run parallel to an insertion direction of the at least one electrical connector. In this way, the electrical connection parts of the at least one electrical connector can be brought together more precisely using the positioning means. This further simplifies assembly.

[0069] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0070] at least one initial housing positioning means must be a raised section, in particular a positioning pin.

[0071] and / or

[0072] at least one second housing positioning means, a raised section, in particular a positioning pin, must be

[0073] and / or

[0074] at least one first component positioning means of the first electrical component unit shall be a recess, in particular a hole.

[0075] and / or

[0076] at least one second component positioning means of the second electrical component unit must be a recess, in particular a hole.

[0077] Advantageously, at least one first housing positioning means and / or at least one second housing positioning means can be a raised section. This raised section can extend from the at least one housing part towards the electrical component unit to which it engages. The raised section can interact with a corresponding recess on the electrical component unit. In this way, no raised section is required on the electrical component unit itself. A recess can be more easily implemented in the electrical component unit, particularly in a support element of the electrical component unit, than a raised section.

[0078] Advantageously, at least one first housing positioning means and / or at least one second housing positioning means can be a positioning pin. Due to its elongated shape, a positioning pin can also serve to guide the electrical component unit during assembly with the at least one housing part.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the first component positioning means and / or the second component positioning means can be a recess, in particular a hole. A corresponding raised section on the side of the at least one housing part can engage in a recess. A housing positioning means in the form of a positioning pin can be guided in a hole during assembly of the electrical component unit with the at least one housing part. A hole can be created on the corresponding electrical component unit, in particular in the support element of the electrical component unit, using simple means.

[0080] Advantageously, at least one first component positioning device and / or at least one second component positioning device can be an elongated hole. This allows for a greater installation tolerance.

[0081] Advantageously, the housing positioning devices and the respective component positioning devices can be adapted to each other in pairs. This allows the positioning devices to be better assigned to one another.

[0082] Advantageously, one positioning means of a pair of positioning means, in particular a housing positioning means, can be a protrusion, in particular a positioning pin, and the corresponding other positioning means of the pair of positioning means, in particular the component positioning means, can be a matching recess, in particular a hole. In this way, the positioning means can be inserted into one another.

[0083] In a further advantageous embodiment, the extension of at least one of the housing positioning means, in particular the at least one second housing positioning means, over the at least one corresponding support element, in particular the at least one second support element, can be greater than the insertion depth of the at least one first electrical connection part with the at least one second electrical connection part. In this way, when the corresponding electrical component unit, in particular the second electrical component unit, is attached to the at least one housing part, the at least one corresponding housing positioning means, in particular the at least one second housing positioning means, can first interact with the electrical component unit, in particular the second electrical component unit.In particular, the at least one corresponding housing positioning means can interact with a corresponding component positioning means of the electrical component unit. With the aid of the corresponding housing positioning means, in particular the at least one second housing positioning means, the electrical component unit, in particular the second electrical component unit, can be guided and aligned with the at least one housing part during assembly in such a way that the at least one first electrical connection part and the at least one second electrical connection part are automatically brought together. Overall, this further simplifies the assembly of the detection device.

[0084] Advantageously, the at least one housing positioning means, and in particular the at least one second housing positioning means, can be an elongated positioning pin which engages in a corresponding component positioning means in the form of a hole on the side of the corresponding electrical component unit, in particular the second electrical component unit. The positioning pin can be guided in the hole so that the electrical connection parts are moved towards each other and aligned with each other.

[0085] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0086] the first electrical component unit is fixed to the at least one housing part, in particular to the at least one first support element, by means of at least one fixing means.

[0087] and / or

[0088] the second electrical component unit is fixed to the at least one housing part by means of at least one fixing means.

[0089] In this way, each electrical component unit can be firmly connected to at least one housing part. This prevents the electrical component units from moving within the housing. Noise generated during operation, such as that caused by components striking each other, can thus be avoided.

[0090] Advantageously, at least one fixing means can be a screw connection. Screw connections can be easily tightened and loosened. In this way, the fixing can be loosened, particularly for maintenance purposes, and the corresponding electrical component unit can be separated from the at least one housing part. Advantageously, at least one fixing means can have or consist of at least one fixing element in the form of a screw. A screw can be easily screwed into a section, in particular into a bore in a section, of the at least one housing part.

[0091] Advantageously, at least one electrical component unit can be fixed to at least one support element by means of at least one fixing element. In this way, the at least one support element can serve both to support and to fix the electrical component unit. An additional separate fixing element on the side of the at least one housing part can be omitted.

[0092] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0093] at least one electrical connecting part of the at least one electrical plug connection device must be designed as a plug and at least one other electrical connecting part must be designed as a socket.

[0094] and / or

[0095] that at least one first electrical connecting part is immovably connected to the first electrical component unit, in particular to a support element of the first electrical component unit.

[0096] and / or

[0097] that at least one second electrical connection part is immovably connected to the second electrical component unit, in particular to a support element of the second electrical component unit.

[0098] and / or

[0099] at least one connector must be a board-to-board connector.

[0100] Advantageously, at least one electrical connector can be designed as a plug and another as a socket. This allows the two connectors to be plugged into each other, creating a space-saving and robust electrical connection.

[0101] Advantageously, at least one first electrical connection part can be rigidly connected to the first electrical component unit. Alternatively or additionally, at least one second electrical connection part can advantageously be rigidly connected to the second electrical component unit. In this way, noise generation, particularly due to vibrations during operation of the detection device, can be avoided.

[0102] Advantageously, at least one of the connectors can be a board-to-board connector. This allows the electrical connector to be positioned between two printed circuit boards (PCBs) of the electrical component units. A board-to-board connector allows PCBs to be electrically connected to each other. One connecting part of the board-to-board connector is attached to one PCB, and the other connecting part is attached to the other PCB.

[0103] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0104] at least one of the at least two electrical component units, in particular the first electrical component unit, be a motor unit

[0105] and / or

[0106] at least one of the at least two electrical component units, in particular the second electrical component unit, must be a control unit.

[0107] Advantageously, at least one electrical component unit can be a motor unit. The motor unit can include an electrical component in the form of a motor. The motor can drive a moving component of the detection device, in particular a light deflection device such as a deflecting mirror. The detection device with a driven light deflection device can be configured as a scanning LiDAR system.

[0108] Advantageously, at least one of the electrical component units can be a control unit. The control unit can then be used to control the functions of the detection device.

[0109] Advantageously, the detection device can have more than two electrical component units arranged in the housing. The other electrical component units can be directly or indirectly connected electrically and / or mechanically to the first electrical component unit and / or the second electrical component unit. Like the first and second electrical component units, the other electrical component units can have at least one support element, in particular a printed circuit board, and at least one electrical component, in particular an electrical connector. The support elements of the additional electrical component units can be arranged in different planes, in particular parallel to the printed circuit boards of the first and second electrical component units. Overall, the detection device can thus be implemented in a very compact form.

[0110] Furthermore, the problem with the housing part is solved according to the invention in that the housing part has at least one first support element for a first electrical component unit and at least one second support element for a second electrical component unit, and the housing part has at least one first housing positioning means for the first electrical component unit and at least one second housing positioning means for the second electrical component unit.

[0111] According to the invention, the housing part has at least one first support element and at least one second support element. A first electrical component unit can be placed on the first support element. A second electrical component unit can be placed on the second support element.

[0112] Furthermore, the housing part comprises at least one first housing positioning means and at least one second housing positioning means. The first electrical component unit can be positioned in its intended position on the housing part using the at least one first housing positioning means. The second housing positioning means can be used to position the second electrical component unit in its intended final position on the housing part.

[0113] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved in the electrical component unit by the fact that the electrical component unit has at least one component positioning means which can interact with a corresponding housing positioning means on the side of a housing part of the detection device to align the electrical component unit relative to the housing part.18 / 35 2023PF01870 Advantageously, the electrical component unit can have at least one support element, in particular at least one printed circuit board, on which at least one electrical component can be arranged. Electrical components can be held and electrically contacted on a printed circuit board.

[0114] Advantageously, the electrical component unit can be integrated into a motor unit. In this way, a motor, in particular a drive motor for a signal deflection device, can be arranged within the housing.

[0115] Alternatively, the electrical component unit can be a control unit. In this way, electrical components for control can be arranged in the housing.

[0116] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved in the method by placing the first electrical component unit on at least one first support element of the at least one housing part, wherein the first electrical component unit interacts with at least one first housing positioning means on the side of the at least one housing part and thus aligns the first electrical component unit in its intended end position on the at least one housing part, and the second electrical component unit is placed on at least one second support element of the at least one housing part, wherein the second electrical component unit interacts with at least one second housing positioning means on the side of the at least one housing part and thus aligns the second electrical component unit in its intended end position on the at least one housing part.

[0117] According to the invention, the first electrical component unit and the second electrical component unit are arranged sequentially on the at least one housing part. The first electrical connection part on the side of the first electrical component unit is automatically brought together with the second electrical connection part on the side of the second electrical component unit. The housing positioning means ensure precise alignment of the two electrical component units relative to each other, so that the respective electrical connection parts can be brought together precisely. Furthermore, the features and advantages described in connection with the detection device, the housing part, the electrical component unit, and the method according to the invention, and their respective advantageous embodiments, apply accordingly and vice versa.The individual features and advantages can of course be combined with each other, resulting in further beneficial effects that go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0118] Brief description of the drawings

[0119] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawing, the description, and the claims individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The figures schematically show

[0120] Figure 1 shows a top view of a detection device in an assembly phase, in which a first electrical component unit is connected to a housing part of the housing;

[0121] Figure 2 shows the top view of the detection device from Figure 1 in an assembly phase, in which a second electrical component unit is connected to the housing part;

[0122] Figure 3 shows a front view of the detection device during the assembly phase from Figure 2;

[0123] Figure 4 shows a section in the front view of the detection device from Figure 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the detection device from Figures 2 to 4 viewed from an oblique top view;

[0124] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the detection device from Figures 2 to 5, viewed from a front oblique angle;

[0125] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the detection device from Figures 2 to 6, viewed from a rear oblique angle.

[0126] In the figures, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. 20 / 35 2023PF01870 Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0127] Figures 1 to 7 show a detection device 10 from different perspectives and views. The detection device 10 is designed for detecting objects. For example, the detection device 10 is a LiDAR system. A LiDAR system can determine the distances, directions, and / or velocities of detected objects. The detection device 10 can be used in a vehicle.

[0128] The detection device 10 comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 has a base housing part 14 and a cover housing part. The cover housing part is not shown in the figures for clarity.

[0129] The housing 12 contains several electrical component units. For clarity, only a first electrical component unit 16 and a second electrical component unit 18 are shown in the figures.

[0130] The terms "first" and "second," used in connection with the electrical component units 16 and 18, their components, and the basic housing part 14, serve for easier identification. Components designated "first" are related to the first electrical component unit 16. Components designated "second" are related to the second electrical component unit 18.

[0131] The first electrical component unit 16 is a motor unit. The second electrical component unit 18 is a control unit.

[0132] The first electrical component unit 16 comprises a first support unit 20. The first support unit 20 comprises two first support elements, namely a motor support element 22 and a first conductor support element 24. The motor support element 22 and the first conductor support element 24 are firmly connected to each other, for example by means of screws.

[0133] Furthermore, the first electrical component unit 16 comprises two electrical components, namely a motor 26 and a first electrical connecting part 28. The first electrical connecting part 28 is part of an electrical plug connection device 30 between the first electrical component unit 16 and the second electrical component unit 18.

[0134] The electrical connector 30 is a so-called board-to-board connector, which can be used to electrically connect printed circuit boards.

[0135] The motor 26 drives a rotating mirror. A stator of the motor 26 is rigidly connected to the motor support element 22. A mirror mount 32 is located on the shaft of the motor 26. The rotating mirror is attached to the mirror mount 32.

[0136] The rotating mirror can direct optical scanning beams generated by a transmitter of the detection device 10 into the monitoring area of ​​the detection device 10. Furthermore, the rotating mirror can direct reflected scanning beams from the monitoring area to a receiver of the detection device 10. The monitoring area can be scanned by rotating the mirror. For clarity, the rotating mirror, the transmitter, and the receiver of the detection device 10 are not shown in the figures.

[0137] The first conductor carrier element 24 is designed as a flat printed circuit board. The first conductor carrier element 24 comprises conductor tracks. The first electrical connection element 28 is connected to the motor 26 via these conductor tracks. Control signals originating from the second electrical component unit 18 can be transmitted to the motor 26 via the first electrical connection element 28 and the conductor tracks. Furthermore, operating data from the motor 26, such as rotational speed, rotational position, or the like, can be transmitted to the second electrical component unit 18 via the conductor tracks and the first electrical connection element 28.

[0138] The first ladder support element 24 extends laterally away from the motor support element 22. The first ladder support element 24 is in the same plane as a mounting edge 36 of the motor support element 22. The first ladder support element 24 extends outwards from the center of the motor support element 22 through a recess in the mounting edge 36.22 / 35 2023PF01870

[0139] The first electrical connection part 28 is designed as a socket. The first connection part 28 is arranged on a surface 34 of the first conductor support element 24. A mating direction 46 of the electrical connector 30 runs perpendicular to the surface 34 of the first conductor support element 24. The first electrical connection part 28 is located on the same side of the first support unit 20 on which the motor 26 is also located. The first connection part 28 is fixedly attached to the first conductor support element 24 relative to it.

[0140] The motor support element 22 has a recess within the mounting edge 36. The motor 26 is arranged in the recess. Furthermore, a mounting section of the first ladder support element 24 is attached in the recess.

[0141] The mounting edge 36 comprises four mounting flanges 38. The mounting flanges 38 are located on the radially outer sides of the mounting edge 36 with respect to the drive axis of the motor 26. The mounting flanges 38 are arranged at the corners of an imaginary trapezoid.

[0142] Three of the mounting flanges 38 each have a through-hole 40 for a screw. Screws 42 protrude through these screw holes 40. The first support unit 20, and thus the first electrical component unit 16, is fixed to the base housing part 14 by means of these screws 42. The axes of the screws 42 and the axes of the screw holes 40 run parallel to each other and parallel to the insertion direction 46 of the electrical connector 30.

[0143] Furthermore, the motor support element 22 of the first support unit 20 has two continuous first positioning holes 44. The first positioning holes 44 are each designed as elongated holes.

[0144] One of the first positioning holes 44 is located in one of the mounting flanges 38 with one of the screw holes 44. This first positioning hole 44 is located on the side of the drive shaft of the motor 26 approximately opposite the first electrical connection part 28. 23 / 35 2023PF01870 The other first positioning hole 44 is located in the fourth of the three mounting flanges 38. This second first positioning hole 44 is located on the side opposite the first first positioning hole 44 with respect to the drive shaft of the motor 26. The second first positioning hole 44 is located approximately between one of the screw holes 40 and the first electrical connection unit 28.

[0145] The second electrical component unit 18 comprises a second support element 48 in the form of a flat printed circuit board. Furthermore, the second electrical component unit 18 includes several electrical components, namely a processor (not shown for clarity), the second electrical connection part 50 of the electrical connector 30, and additional connector parts 52. The additional connector parts 52 are intended for connection with further electrical component units. The processor and the additional electrical component units are not shown in the figures for clarity. The electrical components are electrically contacted via conductor tracks of the second support element 48.

[0146] The second electrical connection part 50 is located on a surface 54 of the support element 48. The other plug connection parts 52 are located on the surface opposite surface 54 of the support element 48.

[0147] The insertion direction 46 of the electrical plug connection device 30 runs perpendicular to the surface side 54 of the second support element 48.

[0148] The second electrical connector 50 is designed as a plug. The second electrical connector 50 fits the first electrical connector 28. The second electrical connector 50 is inserted into the first electrical connector 28 in the mating direction 46 for contact.

[0149] The second support element 48 is approximately rectangular. On one long side, the second support element 48 has an approximately circular segment-shaped recess 56. When the detection device 10 is assembled, the recess 56 is located, as shown in Figure 3, approximately at the level of the motor 26. When the second electrical component unit 18 is installed, the recess 56 provides space for the rotating mirror. This allows the second electrical component unit 18 to be installed straight into the base housing part 14 in the assembly direction 46.

[0150] Furthermore, the second carrier element has 48 conductor tracks via which the electrical components, respectively the processor, the second electrical connection part 50 and the plug connection parts 52 are electrically contacted.

[0151] Furthermore, the second support element 48 has a total of four through-holes 58. The screw holes 58 are distributed along the edge of the second support element 48. Screws 60 pass through each of the screw holes 58. The second support element 48, and thus the second electrical component unit 18, is fixed to the base housing part 14 by means of the screws 60. The axes of the screws 60 and the axes of the screw holes 58 run parallel to each other and parallel to the insertion direction 46 of the electrical connector 30.

[0152] Furthermore, the second support element 48 has a continuous second positioning hole 62. The second positioning hole 62 is designed as an elongated hole. The second positioning hole 62 is located in an edge region of the second support element 48. The second positioning hole 62 is arranged between two of the screw holes 58.

[0153] The base housing part 14 is rectangular in plan view, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In side view, for example in Figure 6 viewed from a right front oblique angle, the base housing part 14 is triangular. Overall, the base housing part 14 is approximately wedge-shaped. The base housing part 14 is made from a single piece. The base housing part 14 is made of aluminum as an example. Alternatively, the base housing part can be made of another material, for example, plastic.

[0154] The basic housing part 14 comprises a base 64, a rear wall 66, a front wall 68, and two side walls 70. The side walls 70, the rear wall 66, and the front wall 68 are approximately perpendicular to the base 64. The rear wall 66 is significantly higher than the front wall 68, resulting in the wedge shape of the basic housing part 14. One of the side walls 70, shown on the right in Figures 1 and 2, has a passage 25 / 35 2023PF01870 for a connector 72.

[0155] On the side opposite the housing base 64, the base housing part 14 has an installation opening 74. The first electrical component unit 16, the second electrical component unit 18, and all further electrical component units can be inserted through the installation opening 74.

[0156] The installation opening 64 is surrounded by a mounting flange 76. The mounting flange 76 extends along the edges of the front wall 68, the side walls 70, and the rear wall 66.

[0157] Furthermore, the base housing part 14 has four first support elements 78 for placing the first electrical component unit 16, six second support elements 80 for placing the second electrical component unit 18, and several further support elements 82 for placing the subsequent electrical component units. For clarity, not all of the further support elements 82 are labeled. The support elements 78, 80, and 82 are each integrally connected to the housing base 64. The support elements 78, 80, and 82 extend from the housing base 64 toward the mounting opening 74. Some of the support elements 82 protrude through the mounting opening 74.

[0158] Each of the support elements 78, 80, and 82 has a flat contact surface on its end face facing away from the housing base 64. The contact surfaces of the first support elements 78 lie in a first plane 84. The contact surfaces of the second support elements 80 lie in a second plane 86. The first plane 84 and the second plane 86 are parallel to each other. The contact surfaces of the further support elements 82 are parallel to the first plane 84 and the second plane 86. The first plane 84 and the second plane 86 are perpendicular to the insertion direction 46 of the plug-in connector 30.

[0159] The first level 84 of the bearing surfaces of the first bearing elements 78 is located between the second level 86 of the bearing elements of the second bearing elements 80 and the housing base 64. The bearing surfaces of the further bearing elements 82 are located on the side of the second level 86 of the bearing surfaces of the second bearing elements 80 facing away from the housing base 64.

[0160] In the assembled state, the first support unit 20 of the first electrical component unit 16, with the motor support element 22 and the first conductor support element 24, rests on the support surfaces of the first support elements 78. The second support element 48 rests on the support surfaces of the second support elements 80.

[0161] Three of the four first support elements 78 are assigned to the screw holes 40 of the first electrical component unit 16. One of these four first support elements 78 is also assigned to one of the positioning holes 44 of the first electrical component unit 16. The other first support element 78 is assigned to the other first positioning hole 44 of the first electrical component unit 16.

[0162] The first three support elements 78, which correspond to the screw holes 40 of the first electrical component unit 16, each have a first threaded hole 88 in their contact surface. The first two support elements 78, which correspond to the first positioning holes 44 of the first electrical component unit 16, each have a first housing positioning element 90 in the form of a positioning pin. The positioning pins are shown inserted into holes located in the contact surfaces of the support elements 78. Alternatively, the positioning pins can also be integrally connected to the corresponding support elements 78. The axes of the first threaded holes 88 and the axes of the housing positioning elements 90 run parallel to the assembly direction 46 of the electrical connector 30 and perpendicular to the first plane 84.

[0163] The geometric arrangement of the axes of the first threaded holes 88 and the first housing positioning elements 90 of the first support elements 78 in the first plane 84 corresponds to the geometric arrangement of the screw holes 40 and the first positioning holes 44 of the first support unit 20 of the first electrical component unit 16 with the motor support element 22 and the first conductor support element 24.

[0164] Four of the five second support elements 80 are assigned to the screw holes 58 of the second electrical component unit 18. The fifth of the second support elements 80 is assigned to the second positioning hole 62 of the second electrical component unit 18.

[0165] The four second support elements 80, which are assigned to the screw holes 58 of the second electrical component unit 18, each have a second threaded hole 92 in their contact surface. The second support element 80, which is assigned to the second positioning hole 62 of the second electrical component unit 18, has a second housing positioning element 94 in the form of a positioning pin. The positioning pin is shown inserted into a hole located in the contact surface of the support element 80. Alternatively, the positioning pin can also be integrally connected to the corresponding support element 80. The axis of the second housing positioning element 94 and the axes of the second threaded holes 92 run parallel to the assembly direction 46 of the electrical connector 30 and perpendicular to the second plane 86.

[0166] The geometric arrangement of the axes of the second threaded holes 92 and the second housing positioning element 94 of the second support elements 80 in the second plane 86 corresponds to the geometric arrangement of the screw holes 58 and the second positioning hole 62 in the second support element 48.

[0167] The extension 96 of the second housing positioning element 94 above the support surface of the second support element 80 is greater than the insertion depth 98 of the first electrical connection part 28 and the second electrical connection part 50 of the plug connection device 30, as shown in Figure 4. This allows the second housing positioning element 94 to engage in the second positioning hole 92 before the second electrical connection part 50 engages in the first electrical connection part 28 when the second electrical component unit 18 is installed.

[0168] In a method for assembling the detection device 10, the pre-assembled first electrical component unit 16 is first connected to the base housing part 14. For this purpose, the first electrical component unit 16 is moved through the installation opening 74 to the first support elements 78, with the surface facing away from the surface 34 containing the motor 26 leading the way. The first electrical component unit 16 is then aligned so that the first housing positioning elements 90 engage in the corresponding first positioning holes 44 of the first electrical component unit 16. The design of the first positioning holes 44 as elongated slots simplifies the insertion of the first housing positioning elements 90.

[0169] The first electrical component unit 16 is guided by the interaction of the first housing positioning elements 90 with the respective first positioning holes 44 until the motor support element 22 and the first conductor support element 24 each rest against the corresponding support surfaces of the first support elements 78.

[0170] The screws 42 are then inserted through the screw holes 44 and screwed into the corresponding first threaded holes 88. The first electrical component unit 16 is now immovably fixed to the base housing part 14 in its final position.

[0171] The pre-assembled second electrical component unit 18 is then connected to the base housing part 14 and electrically contacted with the first electrical component unit 16. For this purpose, the second electrical component unit 18, with the surface 54 of the second support element 48, which carries the second electrical connection part 50, leading through the installation opening 74 parallel to the insertion direction 46 of the plug-in connection device 30, is moved towards the second support elements 80 of the base housing part 14. During this movement, the recess 56 of the second support element 48 is guided along the rotating mirror of the first electrical component unit 16.

[0172] Before the second electrical connection part 50 of the second electrical component unit 18 engages with the first electrical connection part 28 of the first electrical component unit 16, the second housing positioning element 94 is inserted into the second positioning hole 62 of the second electrical component unit 18. For this, it may first be necessary to roughly align the second electrical component unit 18 with respect to the base housing part 14. Since the second positioning hole 62 is designed as an elongated hole, the insertion of the second housing positioning element 94 will be simplified.

[0173] The second electrical component unit 18 is guided during further movement in the direction of assembly 46 by the interaction of the second housing positioning element 94 with the second positioning hole 62 and aligned relative to the already assembled first electrical component unit 16. In this process, the second electrical connecting part 50 is automatically guided to the first electrical connecting part 28.

[0174] As soon as the second electrical connector 50 comes into contact with the first electrical connector 28, increased contact pressure may be required to insert the second electrical connector 50 into the first electrical connector 28. The electrical connector 30 is automatically connected when the second electrical component unit 18 is installed.

[0175] In the intended end position shown in Figures 2 to 4, the second support element 48 rests against the second support elements 80 of the base housing part 14. The electrical connector 30 is correctly connected. The second support element 48, on the one hand, and the first support unit 20, namely the first conductor support element 24 and the motor support element 22, on the other hand, extend offset from each other in different planes.

[0176] The screws 60 are then inserted through the screw holes 58 of the second support element 48 and screwed into the second threaded holes 92 of the second support elements 80. The second electrical component unit 18 is now immovably fixed to the base housing part 14. Overall, the first electrical component unit 16 and the second electrical component unit 18 are immovably fixed relative to each other. Furthermore, the first connecting part 28 of the first electrical component unit 16 and the second connecting part 50 of the second electrical component unit 18 are immovably fixed relative to each other.

[0177] Subsequently, the other electrical component units are arranged on the basic housing part 14 and connected to the corresponding plug connector parts 52 of the second electrical component unit 18.

[0178] Finally, the cover housing part is placed on the mounting flange 76 of the base housing part 14 and fixed to it, for example, with screws.

Claims

30 / 35 2023PF01870 Claims 1. Detection device (10), in particular LiDAR system, in particular detection device (10) for a vehicle, for detecting objects, with a housing (12) which has at least one housing part (14), with at least two electrical component units (16, 18) which are arranged in the housing (12), with at least one electrical connector (30) by which the at least two electrical component units (16, 18) are electrically connected to each other, wherein the at least one electrical connector (30) has at least two electrical connection parts (28, 50) which are plugged together to form the electrical connection, wherein at least one first electrical connecting part (28) of the at least two electrical connecting parts (28, 50) is mechanically and electrically connected to a first electrical component unit (16) of the at least two electrical component units (16, 18) and at least one second electrical connecting part (50) of the at least two electrical connecting parts (28, 50) is mechanically and electrically connected to a second electrical component unit (18) of the at least two electrical component units (16, 18), characterized by the fact that comprising at least one housing part (14) comprising at least one first support element (78) on which the first electrical component unit (16) rests, and at least one second support element (80) on which the second electrical component unit (18) rests, comprising at least one housing part (14) comprising at least one first housing positioning means (90) which engages the first electrical component unit (16), and at least one second housing positioning means (94) which engages the second electrical component unit (18), wherein the at least one first housing positioning means (90) is configured for aligning the first electrical component unit (16) during assembly with the at least one housing part (14), and the at least one second housing positioning means (94) is configured for aligning the second electrical component unit (18) during assembly with the at least one housing part (14). 31 / 35 2023PF01870 2. Detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two electrical component units (16, 18) each have at least one support element (22, 24, 48) on which at least one electrical component (28, 26, 50, 52) is arranged.

3. Detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one support element (22, 24) of the first electrical component unit (16) and the at least one support element (48) of the second electrical component unit (18) extend in different planes (84, 86). and / or the at least one support element (22, 24) of the first electrical component unit (16) and the at least one support element (48) of the second electrical component unit (18) extend offset from each other.

4. Detection device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one first electrical connection part (28) is arranged on a surface side (34) of at least one carrier element (24) of the first electrical component unit (16). and / or that at least one second electrical connection part (50) is arranged on a surface side (54) of the at least one support element (48) of the second electrical component unit (18).

5. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrical component unit (16) has at least one first component positioning means (44, 62) which cooperates with the at least one first housing positioning means (90) for aligning the first electrical component unit (16) relative to the at least one housing part (14), and / or The second electrical component unit (18) has at least one second component positioning means (44, 62) which interacts with the at least one second housing positioning means (94) for aligning the second electrical component unit (18) relative to the at least one housing part (14). 32 / 35 2023PF01870 6. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first housing positioning means (90) and / or the at least one second housing positioning means (94) extends at least sectionally parallel to a mating direction (46) of the electrical connecting parts (28, 50) of the at least one electrical plugging device (30). and / or at least one first component positioning means (44, 62) of the first electrical component unit (16) and / or at least one second component positioning means (44, 62) of the second electrical component unit (18) extends at least sectionally parallel to a plugging direction (46) of the electrical connecting parts (28, 50) of the at least one electrical plugging device (30).

7. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first housing positioning means (90) is a protrusion, in particular a positioning pin, is and / or at least a second housing positioning means (94) a protrusion, in particular a positioning pin, is and / or at least one first component positioning means (44) of the first electrical component unit (16) is a recess, in particular a hole. and / or at least one second component positioning means (62) of the second electrical component unit (18) is a recess, in particular a hole.

8. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an extension (96) of at least one of the housing positioning means (94), in particular of the at least one second housing positioning means (94), over the at least one corresponding support element (80), in particular the at least one second support element (80), is greater than a mating depth (98)33 / 35 2023PF01870 of the at least one first electrical connection part (28) with the at least one second electrical connection part (50).

9. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrical component unit (16) is fixed to the at least one housing part (14), in particular to the at least one first support element (78), by means of at least one fixing means (42). and / or the second electrical component unit (18) is fixed to the at least one housing part (14) by means of at least one fixing means (60).

10. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one electrical connecting part (50) which is designed as a plug for at least one electrical connecting device (30) and at least one other electrical connecting part (28) which is designed as a socket and / or that at least one first electrical connecting part (28) is immovably connected to the first electrical component unit (16), in particular to a support element (24) of the first electrical component unit (16). and / or that at least one second electrical connecting part (50) is immovably connected to the second electrical component unit (18), in particular to a support element (48) of the second electrical component unit (18). and / or at least one connector (30) is a board-to-board connector.

11. Detection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the at least two electrical component units (16, 18), in particular the first electrical component unit (16), is a motor unit and / or 34 / 35 2023PF01870 at least one of the at least two electrical component units (16, 18), in particular the second electrical component unit (18), is a control unit.

12. Housing part (14) for a detection device (10), in particular a LiDAR system, in particular for a detection device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in particular for a detection device (10) for a vehicle, for detecting objects, wherein the housing part (14) is configured for arranging at least two electrical component units (16, 18) of the detection device (10), characterized in that the housing part (14) has at least one first support element (78) for a first electrical component unit (16) and at least one second support element (80) for a second electrical component unit (18) and the housing part (14) has at least one first housing positioning means (90) for the first electrical component unit (16) and at least one second housing positioning means (94) for the second electrical component unit (18).

13. Electrical component unit (16, 18) for a detection device (10), in particular for a detection device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in particular for a LiDAR system, in particular for a detection device (10) for a vehicle, for detecting objects, which has at least one electrical connecting part (28, 50) configured for electrical and mechanical connection with at least one other electrical connecting part (28, 50) of another electrical component unit (16, 18) for the detection device (10), characterized in that the electrical component unit (16, 18) has at least one component positioning means (44, 62) which is connected to a corresponding housing positioning means (90, 94) on the side of a housing part (14) of the detection device (10) for aligning the electrical component unit (16, 18) with respect to the housing part. (14) can work together.

14. Method for assembling a detection device (10), in particular a LiDAR system, in particular a detection device (10) for a vehicle, in particular a detection device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, for detecting objects, in which at least two electrical component units (16, 18) are arranged in a housing (12) of the detection device (10) with at least one housing part (14), wherein the at least two electrical component units (16, 18) are electrically connected to each other by at least one electrical connector (30), wherein at least one first electrical connector (28) is located on the side of a first electrical component unit (16) of the at least two electrical component units (16, 18) and at least one second electrical connector (50) is located on the side of a second electrical component unit (18) of the at least two electrical component units (16, 18).18) to form the at least one electrical connector (30), characterized in that the first electrical component unit (16) is placed against at least one first support element (78) of the at least one housing part (14), wherein the first electrical component unit (16) interacts with at least one first housing positioning means (90) on the side of the at least one housing part (14) and thus the first electrical component unit (16) is aligned in its intended end position on the at least one housing part (14), the second electrical component unit (18) is placed against at least one second support element (80) of the at least one housing part (14),wherein the second electrical component unit (18) cooperates with at least one second housing positioning means (94) on the side of the at least one housing part (14) and thus aligns the second electrical component unit (18) in its intended end position on the at least one housing part (14).

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