DE102012024848A1 - Ultrasonic sensor arrangement for motor vehicle, comprises horn arranged adjacent to ultrasonic sensor, where horn is asymmetrically formed and is extended from outer skin portion, on which ultrasonic sensor is mounted by sensor holder - Google Patents

Abstract

The ultrasonic sensor arrangement (3) comprises an ultrasonic sensor (5) and an outer skin portion (7), in which the ultrasonic sensor is mounted. A horn is arranged adjacent to the ultrasonic sensor. The outer skin portion has an area for mounting a license plate of the motor vehicle (1). The horn is arranged between the ultrasonic sensor and the mounting area. The horn is asymmetrically formed and is extended from the outer skin portion. The ultrasonic sensor is mounted on the outer skin portion by a sensor holder.

Description

The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement of a motor vehicle, comprising an ultrasonic sensor and an outer skin part, in which the ultrasonic sensor is mounted, and a motor vehicle having the ultrasonic sensor arrangement.

Ultrasonic sensor arrangements of motor vehicles are known. They can be used for measuring a closer environment of the motor vehicle, in particular for measuring a distance between the motor vehicle and an object. The object may be another motor vehicle, in particular in stationary traffic, wherein the motor vehicle would like to park in a parking space limited by the further motor vehicle. The ultrasonic sensor arrangement can thus be part of a parking aid of the motor vehicle. It is known to incorporate such ultrasonic sensor arrangements in outer skin parts, wherein in particular a multiplicity of individual ultrasonic sensors can be used to measure the closer environment. On the one hand to detect as many obstacles in the detection area, on the other hand to ignore bumps, it is known to form a detection characteristic of the sensors asymmetric. A detection angle in a horizontal is in particular about +/- 60 ° and in a vertical +/- 30 °. The asymmetry may be achieved, in particular, with a selective, elongate, thin membrane region designed for receiving and transmitting sound waves. Such a sensor is known for example from the specialist publication "Sensors in the motor vehicle", Konrad Reif (publisher), 1st edition 2010. In addition, it is known to design ultrasonic sensor arrangements in such a way that they have a separate transmitting element whose emitted and optionally reflected sound waves from the object are received by a receiving part arranged separately therefrom. Furthermore, it is known to combine such a transmitting element with two of the receiving parts. From the DE 10 2006 061 182 B4 An ultrasonic sensor is known, which is attached to a particular device, wherein the ultrasonic sensor has a transmitting element, a receiving portion and a mounting portion. The attachment portion has a shielding part which is in the form of a trench. The trench has air as a medium, so that the shielding on ultrasonic waves causes a large attenuation. The shielding part is arranged between two areas which are assigned to separate partial receivers of the receiving section.

The object of the invention is to enable as simple as possible a directional characteristic of an ultrasonic sensor assembly.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

The object is achieved in an ultrasonic sensor assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 by the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageously, a directional characteristic for emitted and / or received sound of the ultrasonic sensor can be achieved by means of the sound funnel. The ultrasonic sensor is in particular designed so that it has a radiation and reception area, can be emitted and received by the ultrasound. In particular, the emitting and receiving areas can be identical, so that the ultrasound is emitted and received in each case at an identical location. In particular, the horn is arranged adjacent to this location and thus advantageously effects the directional characteristic. An ultrasound can be understood to mean such sound waves which are above a human hearing threshold, in particular sound waves having a frequency of approximately 43.5 kHz can be understood by them.

A preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 2. It is known that also mounted on motor vehicles license plate reflect ultrasound and therefore possibly trigger erroneous measurements. In particular, this may occur if the license plate without license plate holder are attached to the motor vehicle and thereby may be infiltrated by the ultrasound, if necessary. Advantageously, thanks to the sonic funnel such submerging of the license plate can be safely avoided by the ultrasound. Advantageously, thereby a reliability of a measurement of the ultrasonic sensor can be improved. In addition, the horn is advantageously not part of the actual ultrasonic sensor, so that it can be used as a common part for a variety of applications. Rather, advantageously, by means of the additional sound funnel, a directional characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor combined therewith can be adapted, in particular to the conditions in the vicinity of the region for mounting the license plate.

A preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 3. Advantageously, an asymmetrical directional and receiving characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor can be achieved by the asymmetrical design of the ultrasonic sensor. Advantageously, the horn can be designed asymmetrically such that in the direction of the area for mounting the license plate blasted and / or coming from this ultrasound is hidden. This advantageously eliminates any interference emanating from the license plate. In other directions, the entire measuring range of the ultrasonic sensor is advantageously available.

A preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 4. Advantageously, the bell may be formed in the form of a small elevation and / or bulge, which extends away from the outer skin part. Advantageously, this extension and / or elevation between a Schallabstrahlfläche the ultrasonic sensor and the possibly mounted in the area for mounting the license plate number may be arranged. Advantageously, a direct sound path to the possibly disturbing characteristic can thereby be interrupted so that the characteristic itself is no longer in a measuring range of the actual ultrasound sensor of the ultrasound sensor arrangement.

A further preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 5. Advantageously, the horn can be integrated directly in the outer skin part. Advantageously, components of the ultrasonic sensor do not have to be adapted thereby. Advantageously, this can be installed as a common part for a variety of applications in the correspondingly modified outer skin part. Advantageously, the outer skin part thereby changes the characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor in the advantageous manner described above.

A further preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 6. Advantageously, the ultrasonic sensor can be modified by means of the sensor holder in its directional characteristic. The ultrasonic sensor itself does not have to be changed. Advantageously, if appropriate, different sensor holders for different models and / or designs of the outer skin part can be provided, wherein the sensor itself can always be provided as a common part.

A further preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 7. Under molded can be understood that the bell is made by means of an injection molding of the sensor holder or the outer skin part. It is possible that the horn is formed integrally with the sensor holder and / or the outer skin part and / or is formed as an insert and / or in a separate injection molding step. Advantageously, the horn can be attached to the sensor holder and / or the outer skin part in a simple manner, in particular without additional process steps.

A further preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 8. Usually, license plates of motor vehicles are attached to bumpers thereof. Due to metrological conditions, it is often the case that the ultrasonic sensor of the ultrasonic sensor assembly can be attached approximately at the same height as the license plate. Advantageously, thanks to the trumpet, any disturbance of a measuring behavior of the ultrasound sensor arrangement possibly resulting therefrom can be avoided.

Another preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement is designed according to claim 9. Under a Schallleitfläche can be understood a surface by means of which ultrasound can be emitted and / or received. Advantageously, the bell is arranged with the angle around the Schallleitfläche circumferentially. Advantageously, this advantageously influences a directional characteristic of the sound emitted or received by the sound-conducting surface.

The object is also achieved by a motor vehicle according to claim 10. The motor vehicle has a previously described ultrasonic sensor arrangement. This results in the advantages described above.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features may form the subject of the invention itself or in any meaningful combination, optionally also independent of the claims, and in particular may also be the subject of one or more separate application / s. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Show it:

1 a schematic side view of a motor vehicle, which changes from a moving traffic in a state of stationary traffic;

2 a detailed view of an ultrasonic sensor and a license plate having a bumper of 1 shown motor vehicle; and

3 a sectional view of the in 2 shown bumper along the line III-III.

1 shows a schematic side view of a motor vehicle 1 during a parking process, So when changing from a moving traffic to a stationary traffic.

The car 1 park behind an object 23 , in particular another motor vehicle, drives for example into a parking space.

As a parking aid, the motor vehicle 1 an ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 on. This sends sound waves 25 off, on the object 23 be reflected. For this purpose, the ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 an ultrasonic sensor 5 on. This is designed to the sound waves 25 to generate on the echo of the sound waves 25 to wait and receive this again. According to a duration of the reflected sound waves 25 can be at a distance of the motor vehicle 1 to the object 23 getting closed. The ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 is in an outer skin part 7 more precisely in a bumper 17 of the motor vehicle 1 , installed.

2 shows a detail of the bumper 17 of the motor vehicle 1 in a schematic front view.

The outer skin part 7 So the bumper 17 of the motor vehicle 1 , indicates an area 11 on. In that area 11 is a mark 13 of the motor vehicle 1 appropriate. By means of a dashed line and a dot-dash line are two other possible characteristics 13 of the motor vehicle 1 indicated. These are, for example, characteristics that meet different national standards. Advantageous are the different characteristics 13 without special license plate holder on the outer skin part 7 So the bumper 17 of the motor vehicle 1 mountable. Advantageously, variants for the unnecessary license plate adapter can be saved.

Nevertheless, a subversion of the plate 13 with the in 1 illustrated sound waves 25 To avoid, the ultrasonic sensor points 5 the ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 a bell 9 on. The bell 9 extends from the outer skin part 7 , in the orientation of 2 seen from an image plane towards the viewer, so from the outer skin part 7 path. The bell 9 This is advantageous between a Schallleitfläche 21 of the ultrasonic sensor 5 and the license plate 13 arranged. Advantageously, thereby the sound waves 25 be directed so that they are not directly from the Schallleitfläche 21 in the direction of the license plate 13 be radiated. Advantageously, this can mean that the license plate is submerged 13 and thus a possible erroneous measurement can be prevented.

The ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 also has one in the bumper 17 incorporated sensor holder 15 on. The sensor holder 15 has the advantageous horn 9 and serves to record or hold the ultrasonic sensor 5 , The sensor holder 15 itself is with the bumper 17 mounted or mounted, in particular in this latched.

In 2 it can be seen that the bell 9 around the sound conducting surface 21 circulates. Advantageous is the bell 9 designed asymmetrically encircling, so extends over an angle 19 , Advantageously, it can be ensured that the radiated sound waves 25 only in the direction of the license plate 13 be shielded. Advantageously, this allows an asymmetrical directional characteristic of the ultrasonic sensor 5 the ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 be achieved. The angle 19 is between 10 ° and 180 °, in particular between 20 ° and 150 °, in particular between 30 ° and 120 °, in particular between 60 ° and 100 °, in particular about 90 °.

3 shows a sectional view of the in 2 shown ultrasonic sensor assembly 3 along the line III-III.

To recognize the exemplarily possible three different characteristics 13 , Each of the possible marks 13 is mounted without additional license plate holder, so that between these and the outer skin part 7 So the bumper 17 , a free space 27 remains. In this free space 27 could basically be at the Schallleitfläche 21 radiated sound waves 25 run in and possibly cause an echo, the at the Schallleitfläche 21 could be detected again. In the sectional view of 3 it can be seen that the bell 9 forms a projection between the Schallleitfläche 21 and the respective license plate 13 especially behind the license plate 13 remaining free space 27 is arranged. By means of an arrow 29 is a radiation direction of the sound waves 25 indicated, due to the bell 9 is still possible. Flatter beam angles are advantageous by means of the bell 9 heavily dampened and / or prevented. Advantageously, this can be ensured that the sound waves 25 not in the open space 27 run in, so that in principle possible interference and / or incorrect measurements can be prevented in principle.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the projection of the bell 9 not part of the sensor holder 15 but the bumper 17 is. If necessary, the bell 9 to the bumper 17 be molded and / or molded on this.

Advantageously, the sound propagation of the sound waves 25 in a defined direction, the by means of the arrow 29 is suggested to be prevented. Advantageously generated by the bell 9 a sonic shadow, so that advantageous the license plate 13 , especially the space left behind 27 , lies in this sonic shadow. This can advantageously result in incorrect measurements of the ultrasonic sensor arrangement 3 be prevented.

The sensor holder 15 , which is designed in particular as a raised plastic ring, allows the desired acoustic shadow area to the Schallleitfläche 21 , Under the sound conduction surface 21 can also be a sensor membrane of the ultrasonic sensor 5 be understood.

The survey or the projection of the bell 9 can be advantageous to the outer skin part 7 , which is present in particular in the form of a trim part, molded or alternatively part of an additional component, in particular of the sensor holder 15 , be. The sensor holder 15 is through a recess in the outer skin part 7 plugged in and connected to it.

The ultrasonic sensor 5 is next to the license plate 13 positioned. Advantageously, the sound waves 25 not between the outer skin part 7 and the license plate 13 So in the open space 27 run in, so that no reflections that could trigger any erroneous measurements can take place at this position.

Alternatively or additionally, the bell 9 at other positions of the motor vehicle 1 be provided, wherein also the desired directional characteristic or the desired acoustic shadow can be generated.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplified embodiments are really only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of individual elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protected area, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

motor vehicle

3

Ultrasonic sensor array

5

ultrasonic sensor

7

Skin part

9

bell

11

Area

13

Mark

15

sensor holder

17

bumper

19

angle

21

Schallleitfläche

23

object

25

sound waves

27

free space

29

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QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006061182 B4 [0002]

Claims (10)

Ultrasonic sensor arrangement ( 3 ) of a motor vehicle ( 1 ), comprising: - an ultrasonic sensor ( 5 ), - an outer skin part ( 7 ) into which the ultrasonic sensor ( 5 ), characterized by: - one adjacent to the ultrasonic sensor ( 5 ) arranged horns ( 9 ). Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the outer skin part ( 7 ) an area ( 11 ) for mounting a license plate ( 13 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), and that the bell ( 9 ) between the ultrasonic sensor ( 5 ) and the area ( 11 ) is arranged. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bell ( 9 ) is asymmetrical. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bell ( 9 ) from the outer skin part ( 7 ) extends away. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer skin part ( 7 ) the bell ( 9 ) having. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the ultrasonic sensor ( 5 ) by means of a sensor holder ( 15 ) on the outer skin part ( 7 ) is mounted, wherein the sensor holder ( 15 ) the bell ( 9 ) having. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bell ( 9 ) is injected. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer skin part ( 7 ) as a bumper ( 17 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) is trained. Ultrasonic sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bell ( 9 ) with an angle ( 19 ) of 10 ° -180 °, in particular 20 ° -150 °, in particular 30 ° -120 °, in particular 60 ° -100 °, in particular about 90 ° revolving around a Schallleitfläche ( 21 ) of the ultrasonic sensor ( 5 ) is arranged. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with an ultrasonic sensor arrangement ( 3 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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