CN112119325A - Rotatable cover plate for a vehicle sensor module - Google Patents

Rotatable cover plate for a vehicle sensor module Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN112119325A
CN112119325A CN202080000827.6A CN202080000827A CN112119325A CN 112119325 A CN112119325 A CN 112119325A CN 202080000827 A CN202080000827 A CN 202080000827A CN 112119325 A CN112119325 A CN 112119325A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
cover plate
sensor module
vehicle sensor
vehicle
module
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN202080000827.6A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
S.施密特
L-H.布朗什
L.弗里奥古
U.魏森贝格尔
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Saint Gobain Glass France SAS
Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA
Original Assignee
Saint Gobain Glass France SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Saint Gobain Glass France SAS filed Critical Saint Gobain Glass France SAS
Publication of CN112119325A publication Critical patent/CN112119325A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/481—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
    • G01S7/4811—Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements common to transmitter and receiver
    • G01S7/4813—Housing arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S17/93—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S17/931—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4004—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system
    • G01S7/4039—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system of sensor or antenna obstruction, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating
    • G01S7/4043—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system of sensor or antenna obstruction, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating including means to prevent or remove the obstruction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
    • B60S1/0411—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers the windscreens, windows or optical devices being movable with respect to fixed wipers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S15/93—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S15/931—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/497—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S2007/4975—Means for monitoring or calibrating of sensor obstruction by, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating, e.g. by reflection measurement on front-screen
    • G01S2007/4977—Means for monitoring or calibrating of sensor obstruction by, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating, e.g. by reflection measurement on front-screen including means to prevent or remove the obstruction
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
    • G01S2013/93271—Sensor installation details in the front of the vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
    • G01S2013/93272—Sensor installation details in the back of the vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
    • G01S2013/93273—Sensor installation details on the top of the vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
    • G01S2013/93274—Sensor installation details on the side of the vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
    • G01S2013/93275—Sensor installation details in the bumper area
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
    • G01S2013/93276—Sensor installation details in the windshield area
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/027—Constructional details of housings, e.g. form, type, material or ruggedness
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/521—Constructional features

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover plate (1) for a vehicle sensor module (2) for protection against environmental influences, wherein the vehicle sensor module (2) comprises at least the cover plate (1), an optical or electromagnetic sensor (3) and a module housing (5), wherein the cover plate (1) is made of a polymer material and has a region (4) through which a radiation path of the sensor (3) passes, wherein the cover plate (1) has a rotationally symmetrical shape and is designed such that it can be mounted in the vehicle sensor module (2) so as to be rotatably supported relative to the sensor (3) and/or the module housing (5).

Description

Rotatable cover plate for a vehicle sensor module
Technical Field
The invention relates to a cover plate for a vehicle sensor module for protection against the environment.
Background
Modern and especially future high-grade and medium-grade vehicles are equipped with a large number of driver assistance systems. Examples of such devices are optical cameras, medium-and long-range radar systems, ultrasonic sensors and optical detection and distance measuring devices (LiDaR). These systems can also be summarized in the concept of ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). Many of these systems are also already installed in some vehicles, and the number will increase if this is assumed. These vehicle sensor modules are mostly arranged as separate components at exposed locations of the vehicle body. These vehicle sensor modules usually have their own module housing which comprises at least one cover plate which covers the sensor and the electronics attached thereto to the outside.
Sensor-based optical driver assistance systems (ADAS) are generally based on optical or electromagnetic sensors which detect the surroundings of the vehicle by emitting and/or receiving photons or electromagnetic waves and thus transmit corresponding information to the vehicle electronics. Here, most sensors operate within a defined field of view (FOV). The field of view is mostly conical and oriented in a direction relative to the vehicle. ADAS systems must be protected from environmental influences and a large number of mechanical and climatic loads during driving operation. It is therefore indispensable that the respective sensor is provided with a protective cover, since otherwise the system would not be able to operate in accordance with regulations. In this case, special requirements are placed on the cover plate with regard to the permeability of electromagnetic waves. In this way, the cover for a black/white or RGB camera must have as high a transmission as possible in the visible spectrum of 380-780nm, in contrast to the LiDaR cover which should have as high a transmission as possible in the near infrared range (905 nm in the case of most LiDaR).
Since the cone-shaped field of view is also relatively small in the vicinity of the sensor, these cover plates can also be implemented correspondingly smaller, for example as small cylindrical recesses (Ausschnitt). This is desirable for design reasons, since the sensor module should be integrated into the vehicle as unobtrusively as possible. The cover plate is in most cases fixedly glued or otherwise fixedly mounted. The cover plate together with the vehicle sensor module is therefore permanently subjected to environmental loads for the lifetime of the vehicle, which over time leads to a deterioration of the optical properties of the sensor and possibly to a reduced functionality.
Some aspects of the temporary or permanent deterioration of the optical properties of the sensor and the reduced functionality associated therewith include, for example, icing, condensation, snow cover, raindrops, scratches, broken stones or dirt particles.
In the recently published U.S. patent application document US 2018/0284268 a1, in view of the protection of the optical properties of the sensor module, it is proposed to provide an ultrasonic source in the form of a physical action on the cover plate, which should loosen dirt or ice particles from the cover plate by means of ultrasonic loading. However, only a small proportion of the injuries that usually occur can be addressed with such ultrasonic devices. The sensor device of US 2018/0370500 a1 proposes a very similar approach. Here, a wiper device is described which is mounted at the exterior of the module, in addition to a vibration apparatus with which the sensor module can be set into vibration, the module housing being drivable past the wiper device by rotation. However, these solutions are technically complex and damage to the sensitive electronics of the sensor module with respect to the total lifetime should be feared due to the ultrasound or vibration loading at least in view of the durability of the solder joints and other mechanically sensitive parts, which in turn generally reduces the expectation with respect to the total lifetime of the vehicle sensor module at other locations. Solutions with complex external accessories, such as wiper devices, are also noisy in view of the aerodynamics of the vehicle with the mounted sensor module.
Disclosure of Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement which provides reliable protection of the sensor and the accompanying electronics and at the same time improves or eliminates not only temporary but also permanent damage to the field of view of the sensor. The device should be as simple as possible in the technical design in order to have good durability, and it should provide as great a freedom of design as possible with regard to its outer shape in order to obtain the freedom of design of the vehicle manufacturer for different installation situations. Furthermore, the device should not have a large requirement for installation space.
According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a cover plate for a vehicle sensor module for protection against environmental influences, wherein the vehicle sensor module comprises at least a cover plate, an optical or electromagnetic sensor and a module housing. The cover plate is made of a polymer material and has an area through which the radiation path of the sensor passes. The cover plate has a rotationally symmetrical shape and is designed according to the invention such that it can be mounted in a vehicle sensor module so as to be rotatably supported relative to the sensor and/or the module housing.
The vehicle sensor module within the meaning of the invention comprises in particular a sensor which is used in a vehicle as ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). Examples of such sensors include optical cameras, medium and long range radar systems, ultrasonic sensors and light detection and ranging (LiDaR) sensors.
The cover plate according to the invention is manufactured from a polymer material. Suitable polymeric materials are generally known to the skilled person. In particular, transparent and also infrared-transparent polycarbonates are used for the purposes of the present invention. Polycarbonate types are preferably used which are also used in light conductor, LED and floodlight applications. They should have good durability and long-lasting transparency even in the case of very long environmental exposures and the accompanying UV exposures and also exhibit good impact toughness with respect to mechanical damage.
Within the scope of the invention, the concept of a rotationally symmetrical shape includes, in particular, conical, cylindrical and elliptical shapes and combinations thereof.
In addition to the circumferentially closed design, a rotationally symmetrical shape also includes designs in which the cover plate, in a sectional view from above, does not form a complete circle but only a circle segment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate can be shaped like a cup. The actual bottom of the cup can be used as the upper cover of the cover plate, preferably as the mounting surface, for the rotatable fastening to the module housing.
According to the invention, the cover is fixed in the module housing of the vehicle sensor module in such a way that the cover has an area through which the radiation path of the sensor passes. In other words, the cover plate covers a corresponding recess (aussaproung) or window in the module housing to ensure an unimpeded radiation path for the electromagnetic radiation of the sensor. The module housing can then be designed opaquely and for example contain suitable fillers, in particular in order to protect sensitive electronic components of the vehicle sensor module from UV radiation and also to provide very good mechanical protection. For example, the module housing may be made of a polymeric material that contains pigments (e.g., carbon black) and reinforcing fillers (e.g., minerals, glass fibers, aramid fibers, cellulose fibers, and the like) in addition to UV protection additives.
According to the invention, the cover is furthermore designed such that it can be mounted in a vehicle sensor module so as to be rotatably supported relative to the sensor and/or the module housing.
Within the scope of the present invention, the concept with respect to the sensor and/or module housing is understood in particular to mean that the sensor and/or module housing is fixedly secured in or on the vehicle sensor module and is therefore not rotatable by itself. The cover can now be fixed in or at the module housing indirectly or directly in such a way that it can be rotated in the housing. In other words, the cover plate can be rotated in particular such that a further partial region of the cover plate, which is different from the partial region that was the radiation passage region before the rotation, is positioned in the window recess of the module housing by the rotation.
In the sense of the present invention, the rotation can be carried out not only by hand but also by means of a correspondingly arranged drive.
With the cover plate according to the invention, premature damage to the surface of the cover plate which is placed in the field of view of the sensor can be suppressed, in which case the cover plate is rotated a little in the case of possible local damage or temporary damage (for example frost, raindrops or scratches), in order to thus transfer the undamaged or frost-free/water-drop-free/scratch-free region into the field of view of the sensor.
The cover plate according to the invention provides a reliable protection of the sensor and the accessory electronics and at the same time improves or eliminates not only temporary but also permanent damage to the field of view of the sensor. The cover plate is advantageously simple in technical design in order to have good durability. It offers greater design freedom with respect to its outer shape in order to obtain design freedom for the vehicle manufacturer for different installation situations. Furthermore, the cover plate according to the invention does not have a large requirement for additional installation space, so that it can also be easily integrated into existing designs of sensor modules.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover plate is mounted so as to be rotatably supported relative to the stationary module housing.
In other words, the core idea of the invention in this embodiment is to configure the cover plate such that it has a device which provides for the rotatable mounting of the cover plate in the vehicle sensor module such that the module housing of the vehicle sensor module is configured fixedly, i.e. non-rotatably, while the cover plate is movable in or relative to the module housing.
For example, the module housing as an outer cover of the sensor device can be connected fixedly, i.e. non-rotatably, to the vehicle and spans the space for accommodating the sensor device in a dome-like manner. One or more recesses or notches through which the radiation path of the sensor extends can be provided in the fixed module housing. The recess or recess can be arranged in particular in a lateral region of the module housing, in particular in the driving direction of the vehicle and/or laterally thereto. In order to cover and seal the recess or recess of the module housing, the cover plate, which is in particular disk-shaped, is provided according to the invention in such a way that it covers the recess or recess at least completely and is rotatable relative to the recess or recess.
For this purpose, the cover plate can be configured, for example, as a circular disk or as a disk in the form of a circular segment.
In one embodiment of the invention, the cover plate has a conical or cylindrical shape.
These shapes can be easily manufactured in large quantities by means of injection molding. Furthermore, it provides less wind resistance and is less sensitive to environmental influences than a straight face.
In one embodiment of the invention, the cover plate covers at least the recess for the region of the module housing completely.
Preferably, the cover plate is dimensioned in other words in its lateral extension to be larger than the recess of the region of the module housing in which the radiation path for the sensor is provided. In this way, the contaminated or otherwise damaged partial section of the cover plate is driven out of the region of the radiation path of the sensor by rotation and a new uncontaminated or otherwise undamaged partial region of the cover plate can replace the previous partial region in the region of the radiation path of the sensor. The cover plate can be rotatably mounted on the module housing both externally and internally. Preferably, the cover is designed such that it can be mounted rotatably inside the module housing.
In this way, a mechanically very cost-effective solution of the aforementioned object is described, which is not provided with vibrations of the module housing nor with ultrasonic loading and thus does not negatively influence the lifetime of the sensitive sensor device.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover plate additionally has a coating for increasing the scratch resistance, one or more band-pass filter coatings, antireflection coatings, coloring coatings and/or a heating device.
The cover plate, which has been injected and if necessary milled, is then preferably supplied to a painting process in order to increase the mechanical and weather resistance or to give the cover plate optical functionality. As coating material, a UV or thermal curing coating system, in particular a UV curing acrylate system or a thermal curing silicone system (so-called hard coat) is preferably used. It may consist of one or more layers and be coated on the inside or outside or on both sides.
In order to increase the light transmission, an antireflection coating (AR) may be applied to the inner or outer side or to both sides. Here, the AR layer must accordingly form the outermost surface facing the air. The application of such an AR layer can also be effected on the hard coat layer after it has been applied.
Furthermore, it is conceivable to coat the band-pass filter in at least an infrared-transparent region which blocks or reduces interference wavelengths above and below the wavelength of 905nm, which is important for LiDaR.
The application of the aforementioned colored and/or colored coating of the layers is also a preferred variant of the cover plate according to the invention.
The cover plate according to the invention can additionally also be equipped with a heating function (defrost) in order to ablate possible dew, ice or snow layers and thus ensure a trouble-free functioning of the sensor. For this purpose, fine heating wires may be embedded in the polycarbonate or a conductive layer may be coated on one or both surfaces of the cover plate.
The antireflection layer, the band-pass filter, the colored coating and the heating filament can in principle be applied first to the PC film, which is then connected to the cover plate by means of film post-injection.
According to the invention in a second aspect, the object is achieved by a vehicle sensor module with a rotatable cover plate according to the aforementioned first aspect of the invention.
In other words, the vehicle sensor module according to the invention comprises an optical or electromagnetic sensor, a module housing and a cover plate. The cover plate is made of a polymer material and has an area through which the radiation path of the sensor passes. The cover plate has a rotationally symmetrical shape and is designed according to the invention such that it can be mounted in a vehicle sensor module so as to be rotatably supported relative to the sensor and/or the module housing.
The aforementioned components of the vehicle sensor module are fully referred to in the description, in particular with regard to the different designs with regard to the shape, function and material of the sensor, the module housing and the cover plate.
Such a vehicle sensor module comprises within the scope of the invention, in particular, a sensor which is used in a vehicle as ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). Examples of such sensors include optical cameras, medium and long range radar systems, ultrasonic sensors and light detection and ranging (LiDaR) sensors.
The cover plate according to the invention is manufactured from a polymer material. Suitable polymeric materials are generally known to the skilled person. In particular, transparent and also infrared-transparent polycarbonates are used for the purposes of the present invention. Such polycarbonate types are preferably used, which are also used for light conductor applications, LED applications or floodlight applications. Which has good durability and long-lasting transparency even in the case of very long environmental exposures and concomitant UV exposures and exhibits good impact toughness in the face of mechanical damage.
Within the scope of the invention, the concept of a rotationally symmetrical shape includes, in particular, conical, cylindrical and elliptical shapes and combinations thereof.
In addition to the circumferentially closed design, a rotationally symmetrical shape also includes designs in which the cover plate, in a sectional view from above, does not form a complete circle but only a circle segment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate can be shaped like a cup. The actual bottom of the cup can be used as the upper cover of the cover plate, preferably as the mounting surface, for the rotatable fastening to the module housing.
According to the invention, the cover is fixed in the module housing of the vehicle sensor module in such a way that the cover has an area through which the radiation path of the sensor passes. In other words, the cover plate covers a corresponding recess or window in the module housing to the outside in order to ensure an unimpeded radiation path for the electromagnetic radiation of the sensor. The module housing can then be designed opaquely and contain, for example, suitable fillers in order to protect, in particular, the sensitive electronic components of the vehicle sensor module from UV radiation and also to provide very good mechanical protection. For example, the module housing may be made of a polymeric material that also contains pigments (e.g., carbon black) and reinforcing fillers (e.g., minerals, glass fibers, aramid fibers, cellulose fibers, and the like) in addition to UV protection additives.
According to the invention, the cover is furthermore designed such that it can be mounted in the vehicle sensor module so as to be rotatably supported relative to the sensor and/or the module housing.
Within the scope of the present invention, the concept with respect to the sensor and/or module housing is understood in particular to mean that the sensor and/or module housing is fixedly secured in or on the vehicle sensor module and is therefore not rotatable by itself. The cover can now be fixed in or at the module housing indirectly or directly in such a way that it can be rotated in the housing. In other words, the cover plate can be rotated in particular such that a further partial region of the cover plate, which is different from the partial region that was the radiation passage region before the rotation, is positioned in the window recess of the module housing by the rotation.
Within the scope of the invention, this rotation can be carried out not only by hand but also by means of a correspondingly arranged drive.
Advantageously, with the vehicle sensor module according to the invention, an improved sensor component can be provided which has the good functional and optical and mechanical properties of the sensor modules known hitherto and at the same time offers the possibility, owing to the relative rotatability of the cover plate with respect to the module housing, which is preferably fixed fixedly to the vehicle, of suppressing premature damage to the surface of the cover plate which is placed in the field of view of the sensor, in which case the cover plate is rotated a little in the case of possible local damage or temporary damage (e.g. frost, raindrops) in order to thus shift undamaged or frost-free and raindrop-free regions into the field of view of the sensor.
The cover plate according to the invention provides reliable protection of the sensor in the vehicle sensor module and the electronics attached thereto and at the same time improves or eliminates not only temporary but also permanent damage to the field of view of the sensor. The vehicle sensor module is advantageously simple in terms of technical design, in particular without external accessories (for example external wipers), and therefore has good durability. It offers greater design freedom with respect to its outer shape in order to obtain design freedom for the vehicle manufacturer for different installation situations. Furthermore, the cover plate according to the invention does not have a large requirement for additional installation space in the vehicle sensor module, so that it can be easily integrated into existing designs of the sensor module. Even the electric drive of the rotatable cover plate and the control unit possibly for targeted activation and deactivation of the drive require only little space.
In one embodiment of the invention, the cover is rotatably supported in the vehicle sensor module in a drivable manner.
In particular, an electric drive can be provided, which is connected, for example, to vehicle electronics.
In this way, the rotation of the cover plate can be activated and carried out automatically, for example when required or on a periodic basis (possibly in the case of a restart of the vehicle). Such a drive by means of an electric motor does not take up much space and is a common component of a mobile vehicle.
In a further embodiment of the sensor module according to the invention, the vehicle sensor module has a device for detecting surface defects in the region traversed by the radiation path of the sensor.
Such means for identifying surface defects may be, for example, rain sensors or optical recognition systems (e.g. cameras) or defects are detected via the sensors themselves, for example when in the case of a specific position of the rotatable cover plate no longer an evaluable signal can be received.
Surface defects which may be not only temporary but also permanent and which have been described before further away can thus be automatically identified. For example, provision may be made for the driver to be informed of such surface defects.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle sensor module can have a drive for rotating the cover plate that can be activated by the control unit.
In particular in the case of automatic identification of surface defects, the rotation of the cover plate relative to the module housing and/or the sensor can be carried out, for example, under software control, such that a partial region of the cover plate which is free from defects is arranged in the field of view of the sensor, so that the problem-free function of the sensor is restored.
In the context of a further embodiment of the vehicle sensor module according to the invention, the surface defect of the region of the sensor through which the radiation path passes can be a mechanical or optical damage.
As described previously, the concept of surface defects generalizes defects not only temporarily but also permanently. Such defects may be due to mechanical damage, such as scratches, chippings or cracks. However, it may also be only purely optical damage, such as raindrops, dust particles, leaves, insects or ice.
The same applies to all surface defects, which can be removed from the field of view of the sensor by a corresponding rotation of the cover in or on the module housing and in this way can extend the service life of the vehicle module by a multiple.
In a further embodiment of the vehicle sensor module according to the invention, the vehicle sensor module has a cleaning device for cleaning the region through which the radiation path of the sensor passes, if required.
As a cleaning device, a wiper blade, a driven wiper system and/or a nozzle may be installed at the vehicle sensor module of the present invention.
The field of view of the cover plate is cleaned by activating the cleaning device when needed, that is to say in the case of a temporary impairment of the field of view of the sensor or periodically (for example in the case of each restart of the vehicle). Thus, the functional reliability of the sensor is maintained even in case of bad weather and in case of pollution.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device has no movable, in particular no driven, part. Preferably, the cleaning device is mounted within the module housing and is not fixed at the outside of the module housing.
In this way, a high durability and a long-lasting functionality of the cleaning device are obtained. Damage to the aerodynamic properties of such a sensor unit and thus also of the vehicle is also avoided by the internally located mounting of the cleaning unit.
Water droplets which are located in the field of view of the sensor on the surface of the cover plate in the case of rain or also fog and contamination can strongly impair the functionality of the sensor module. In order to solve this problem, one, two or more static wiper blades may preferably be provided as the cleaning device. The wiper blade is expediently arranged outside the field of view of the sensor, for example in the transition region or edge region between the cover plate and the module housing. The stationary wiper blade can be arranged obliquely with respect to the axis of rotation of the cover plate, so that possible water or dirt is quickly drained off upwards or downwards.
A movable wiper system may also be provided. Such movable wiper blade systems are, however, expensive, technically complex, prone to failure and difficult to implement due to the relatively strong bending of the cover plate, compared to static wiper blades. In contrast thereto, the cover plate according to the invention can preferably be wiped more easily by simple rotation of the relatively static wiper blade.
In a further embodiment of the vehicle sensor module according to the invention, the vehicle sensor module has a device for heating the cover.
The heating device can be provided as a device with a thin heating wire integrated into the coating of the cover plate inside the vehicle sensor module or as a statically mounted heating element. Preferably a static heating element, such as a heating coil, is provided.
The need for heating devices integrated into the cover plate, which are formed by heating wires or electrically conductive structures or layers in or on the cover plate, which heating devices can deteriorate the optical performance and are often very costly, is thus eliminated. Instead, regions of icing or fogging may be diverted from the field of view. Thus eliminating the time requirement for defrosting. Alternatively, a simple heating element can be inserted into the interior of the sensor module, which heats the atomized region turned into the interior, for example convectively. For this purpose, simple heating elements or infrared radiators are sufficient. Such static heating elements can be technically more robust and require only a small installation space.
In a third aspect, the invention comprises a vehicle having a vehicle sensor module as described above in various embodiments according to the invention, wherein the vehicle sensor module forms part of an accessory of the vehicle or a complete accessory of the vehicle.
The vehicle sensor module according to the invention can have completely different shapes and designs and can even be shaped such that it is integrated into existing accessories or replaces these accessories. Such accessories of a vehicle include, for example, front partitions, spoilers, radiator grilles, radiator partitions, A-, B-, C-pillar partitions, exterior mirror covers, roof partitions, rear partitions, glass (in particular windshields) and bumpers.
Within the scope of the invention, all embodiments mentioned for the individual features can also be freely combined with one another, provided that they are not contradictory.
Drawings
The invention is explained in detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. In a simplified illustration not to scale:
figure 1 shows a schematic structure of a vehicle sensor module according to the invention in a greatly simplified side sectional view,
figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a vehicle sensor module according to the invention in a side sectional view,
figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a vehicle sensor module according to the invention in a side sectional view,
FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a vehicle sensor module according to the invention in a side sectional view, an
Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle sensor module according to the invention with a cover plate according to the invention in a perspective view.
Detailed Description
In fig. 1 a vehicle sensor module 2 according to the invention is shown. The vehicle sensor module comprises a sensor 3 arranged fixedly behind a cover plate 1 and a module housing 5. The sensor 3 may be an optical sensor (e.g. a camera). Preferably, it is a radar sensor, in particular a LiDaR sensor. Two or more sensors 3 may also be arranged in the vehicle sensor module 2, wherein the sensors 3 may comprise a transmitter, a receiver, a light source, a scanner, a movable laser control device (in particular a mirror system or a micro mirror). The module housing 5 is preferably designed in a fixed manner and forms a ring-shaped protection for the sensor 3 which is closed around the interior and has a recess or recess which is at least as large as the radiation path of the sensor. In the module housing 5, at least completely covering the window recess of the module housing 5, a cylindrically shaped cover plate 1 arrangement is arranged, which in the sectional view depicts a complete circle. In the viewing window of the module housing 5, therefore, a partial region 4 of the cover plate is always arranged, through which the radiation path of the sensor 3 passes. The cover 1 can be rotated in both directions relative to the module housing 5, which is indicated by the corresponding arrows in the figure. Sealing means can be provided in the transition region between the module housing 5 and the cover plate 1 in order to prevent moisture or dirt from entering the interior of the sensor housing 5.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic structure of a LiDaR sensor module 2 with a cylindrical cover plate 1 according to the invention. As in fig. 1, after sensor 3 is fixedly arranged in module housing 5 on cover plate 1, the radiation path of the photons emitted by sensor 3 can pass through cover plate 1 within field of view 4 of sensor 3. According to the invention, the cover plate 1 is not fixedly connected to the housing 5, but is rotatably supported along the axis of rotation.
The cylindrical shape of the cover plate 1 can be difficult to release from the injection tool soon after the injection molding process. A draft angle of at least 1 ° can thus be provided, which results in a conical shape at the finished injection-molded part of the cover plate 1. The particular embodiment of the cover 1 can also have a significantly higher angle or inclination, for example, if the sensor module 2 with the cover 1 is mounted at a vehicle in an inclined or downwardly inclined manner, the radiation path of the photons or electromagnetic waves associated with the sensor 3 should nevertheless extend in the direction of travel and perpendicularly to the cover 1. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, an additional heating element 6 is also inserted into the interior of the housing 5. The inner partial region of the cover 1 can thus be heated, which is then pivoted into the viewing window region 4. In this way, icing in the window area 4 can be avoided or cancelled.
Fig. 3 schematically shows a similar structure of a vehicle sensor module 2 according to the invention as in fig. 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown here, a wiper blade 7 is also arranged in the transition region or edge region between the fixedly mounted module housing 5 and the rotatably supported cover plate 1, which wiper blade is fixed in the interior of the module housing. By rotating the cover plate 1, it is guided past the wiper blade 7 and is cleaned thereby.
In fig. 4 another variant of the schematic structure of fig. 1 and 2 is shown. In the variant shown here, the cover plate 1 is not formed as a complete cylinder, but only as a partial cylinder. This variant is particularly suitable for applications in which only a very limited structural space is available for use. The essential features of the invention are also retained here, but the face of the cover plate which is available as a "reserve" is smaller in this variant.
Fig. 5 shows an example of the use of a sensor module 2 according to the invention with a cover plate 1 according to the invention for installation in a windscreen 8. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor module 2 can also be installed in a device, in particular in a military device, for example a helicopter for geodetic measurements.
List of reference numerals:
(1) cover plate
(2) Vehicle sensor module
(3) Sensor with a sensor element
(4) Activation zone
(5) Module housing
(6) Heating device
(7) Cleaning device
(8) An accessory.

Claims (15)

1. Cover plate (1) for a vehicle sensor module (2) for protection against environmental influences, wherein the vehicle sensor module (2) comprises at least the cover plate (1), an optical or electromagnetic sensor (3) and a module housing (5), wherein the cover plate (1) is manufactured from a polymer material and has a region (4) through which a radiation path of the sensor (3) passes, wherein the cover plate (1) has a rotationally symmetrical shape and is designed such that it can be mounted in the vehicle sensor module (2) so as to be rotatably supported relative to the sensor (3) and/or the module housing (5).
2. The cover plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover plate (1) is rotatably mounted with respect to a stationary module housing (5).
3. The cover plate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover plate (1) is dimensioned such that it at least completely covers the recess for the area (4) of the module housing (5).
4. Cover plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover plate (1) additionally has a coating for improving scratch resistance, one or more band-pass filter coatings, antireflection coatings, coloring coatings and/or heating devices.
5. Vehicle sensor module (2) with a cover plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
6. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover plate (1) is rotatably supported in the vehicle sensor module (2) so as to be drivable.
7. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the vehicle sensor module (2) has means for identifying surface defects of the region (4) of the cover plate (1).
8. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the vehicle sensor module (2) has a drive which can be activated by a control unit for rotating the cover plate (1).
9. Vehicle module (2) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the rotation of the cover plate (1) is carried out automatically when surface defects are identified.
10. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the surface defects of the region (4) are mechanical damage, material adsorption or optical damage.
11. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the vehicle sensor module (2) has a cleaning device (7) for cleaning the area (4) when required.
12. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the cleaning device (7) has no movable, in particular no driven, part.
13. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the vehicle sensor module (2) has a device (6) for heating the cover plate.
14. The vehicle sensor module (2) according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that a camera, a radar sensor or a LiDaR sensor or a combination of these is provided as sensor (3).
15. Vehicle having a vehicle sensor module (2) according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the vehicle sensor module (2) forms part of an accessory (8) of the vehicle or a complete accessory (8) of the vehicle.
CN202080000827.6A 2019-04-20 2020-03-24 Rotatable cover plate for a vehicle sensor module Pending CN112119325A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102019003860.6 2019-04-20
DE102019003860 2019-04-20
PCT/EP2020/058056 WO2020216547A1 (en) 2019-04-20 2020-03-24 Rotatable cover for vehicle sensor modules

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN112119325A true CN112119325A (en) 2020-12-22

Family

ID=69954063

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN202080000827.6A Pending CN112119325A (en) 2019-04-20 2020-03-24 Rotatable cover plate for a vehicle sensor module

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN112119325A (en)
DE (1) DE202020005506U1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020216547A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020214038A1 (en) * 2020-11-09 2022-05-12 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Process for treating a light-transmitting front element of an optical sensor for a vehicle
DE102022117842A1 (en) 2022-07-18 2024-01-18 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Sensor arrangement and vehicle
DE102022128424A1 (en) 2022-10-27 2024-05-02 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Cover for a lidar sensor

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10151981A1 (en) * 2001-10-22 2003-04-30 Ibeo Automobile Sensor Gmbh Optoelectronic detection device, e.g. for detection of objects within the surroundings of a motor vehicle, has a moving transparent protective cover that is moved to allow a detection beam to pass through a clean non-impeding area
DE10151979A1 (en) * 2001-10-22 2003-04-30 Ibeo Automobile Sensor Gmbh Object detection and / or tracking method
US11002853B2 (en) 2017-03-29 2021-05-11 Luminar, Llc Ultrasonic vibrations on a window in a lidar system
DE102017111616A1 (en) * 2017-05-29 2018-11-29 Rheinmetall Defence Electronics Gmbh Housing arrangement and device
US10549726B2 (en) 2017-06-22 2020-02-04 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Assembly for cleaning sensor cover and method of using the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020216547A1 (en) 2020-10-29
DE202020005506U1 (en) 2021-06-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN112119325A (en) Rotatable cover plate for a vehicle sensor module
US10710513B2 (en) Camera device and motor vehicle therewith
JP4570698B2 (en) Optical sensor
US20180370500A1 (en) Assembly for cleaning sensor cover and method of using the same
JP2019011043A (en) Device for protecting optical sensor and associated driving assistance system
JP6668151B2 (en) In-vehicle optical device and in-vehicle optical system
US20070216768A1 (en) Device and method for outwardly looking ir camera mounted inside vehicles particularly suited for pre-crash sensing and pedestrian detection
US20190031147A1 (en) Device for protecting an optical sensor and driving assistance system comprising such a device for protection
EP3268240B1 (en) Windshield monitoring system
JP2005523200A (en) Night vision device
CN211223284U (en) Illumination and image acquisition unit and motor vehicle
US7059522B2 (en) Object detecting apparatus having hydrophilic light radiating window
CN115279631A (en) Cleaning device for observing glass
CN110998650A (en) Active look-around system with automatic cleaning mechanism
CN111301302B (en) Motor vehicle-sensor assembly module
CN117980169A (en) Flow guiding device mounted on panel member
US20210389435A1 (en) Surroundings sensor with a movable sensor unit for motor vehicles
JP7450614B2 (en) Ambient sensor with movable deflection device for automobiles
US20220221561A1 (en) Lidar device
EP3580610B1 (en) Optical device cover
CN114442406B (en) Device for protecting optical lens and manufacturing method thereof
EP4245611A1 (en) Vehicular resin member, vehicular window member, and vehicle
CN115362076A (en) Roof module for forming a vehicle roof
CZ308648B6 (en) Vehicle detection system assembly
JP2020203522A (en) Camera device for raindrop detection

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PB01 Publication
PB01 Publication
WD01 Invention patent application deemed withdrawn after publication

Application publication date: 20201222

WD01 Invention patent application deemed withdrawn after publication