DE102021111202A1 - Equipment carrier for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A device carrier for a vehicle includes a sensor for scanning an environment; a mechanical interface for attaching the equipment carrier to the vehicle; an electrical interface for connection to an on-board network of the vehicle; and a data interface for connection to a processing device on board the vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to an implement carrier for a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a device carrier with an optical sensor for operation on a vehicle.

A vehicle includes a large number of sensors, each of which is set up to scan the surroundings of the vehicle and to provide scanning results to an internal processing system. The processing system can be set up to control the vehicle or a vehicle function depending on the data provided. For example, the sensor may sense ambient brightness and the processing system may be set to control a vehicle's high beam or headlight range. Some vehicles carry an exterior mounted camera to replace a vehicle's rear view mirror in combination with an interior mounted screen. The camera can cover a similar optical angle as a standard exterior mirror and be mounted in a location on the vehicle where the exterior mirror would otherwise be mounted, for example in the area of an A-pillar.

For certain applications, in particular when the vehicle is towing a trailer or caravan, the position of the camera cannot provide a driver of the vehicle with an adequate overview of the surroundings. It was therefore proposed to attach the camera to the vehicle so that it can move, so that it can take on different perspectives. However, a corresponding movement mechanism can be expensive or have an unfavorable effect on the aerodynamics or the design of the vehicle.

One of the objects on which the present invention is based is to specify an improved implement carrier for a vehicle.

The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims reflect preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an implement carrier for a vehicle comprises a sensor for scanning an environment; a mechanical interface for attaching the equipment carrier to the vehicle; an electrical interface for connection to an on-board network of the vehicle; and a data interface for connection to a processing device on board the vehicle.

According to the invention, a multifunctional equipment carrier can be implemented that can be used flexibly on a vehicle. The tool carrier can be easily removed from or attached to the vehicle so that it can be removed from the vehicle when not in use. The implement carrier is particularly suitable for tasks that the vehicle performs irregularly or seldom. In addition, the device carrier can be easily retrofitted to a vehicle.

The electrical interface and/or the data interface are preferably set up to be connected or disconnected together with the mechanical interface. For this purpose, a receptacle is preferably provided on the vehicle, which has corresponding mechanical, electrical or data interfaces. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all interfaces between the vehicle and the device carrier can be connected or disconnected in one operation, more preferably in a single movement or with just one movement. The equipment carrier can in particular be rod-shaped, with one end of the rod being able to be inserted into a corresponding recess in the mount on the vehicle.

A part of the rod-shaped end can be provided with electrical contacts in the manner of a plug, with the receptacle on the vehicle being able to be equipped with corresponding contacts in the manner of a socket. The electrical contacts can transmit electrical energy and/or data. The implement carrier can be easily attached to or removed from the vehicle. Converting the vehicle to operate with or without an implement carrier can be done in less time. A vehicle operator's inhibition threshold for retrofitting can be low.

It is further preferred that the sensor comprises a camera. The equipment carrier can also include a number of sensors, at least one of which preferably includes a camera. Additional sensors may include another camera, temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or other sensor. The device carrier can also include one or more actuators, in particular a lighting device, for example in the form of a direction indicator (turn signal). Furthermore, for example, a cleaning device or a defrosting device for the equipment carrier can be provided, in particular in the area of an optical sensor.

In a further embodiment, the device carrier comprises a fluid-operated cleaning device and a fluid interface. The fluid can in particular comprise a liquid for example on the basis of water, and the cleaning device can in particular comprise a spray nozzle through which cleaning fluid can be sprayed at a predetermined point on the equipment carrier, in particular in the area of a sensor. A pump or a heating device for the cleaning fluid can optionally be provided, in each case alternatively on the part of the vehicle or on the part of the equipment carrier.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a mount, the mount having a mechanical interface, an electrical interface and a data interface, each of which is set up for temporary connection to a device carrier. The receptacle is preferably set up to temporarily accommodate an element and to connect it to the vehicle mechanically, electrically and in terms of data technology. The connections can preferably be connected to one another or separated from one another without tools and can more preferably be connected or separated together in one operation, one movement or one manipulation.

The receptacle can, in particular, temporarily accommodate a device carrier described herein. In this case, the receptacle can be attached at different points of the vehicle in order to enable the use of the sensors of the equipment carrier depending on the use of the vehicle. It is also possible for the vehicle to have several mounts, so that the equipment carrier can be used flexibly for different purposes.

It is particularly preferable that a screen is provided in an interior of the vehicle; wherein the equipment carrier comprises a camera; and the screen is configured to display an image provided by the device wearer's camera. For example, the screen can be mounted in the field of vision of a driver or passenger of the vehicle. It is also possible for several screens to be fitted on board the vehicle, it being possible to select on which of the screens an image provided by the camera of the device carrier is displayed. Exemplary additional screens can be mounted in a center console or on the back of a headrest. A screen may also be embodied as a head-up display (HUD).

In particular, if the vehicle has several recordings, the device carrier can be used at different, predetermined positions of the vehicle. An image provided by the camera can make valuable information accessible, in particular for a driver of the vehicle. For example, the equipment carrier can be used as an interior camera or exterior camera. The camera can be operated in each case at a position where no permanently installed camera is usually provided. An existing indoor or outdoor camera can be supplemented or temporarily replaced by the camera of the equipment carrier.

It is preferred that the receptacle is set up to attach the equipment carrier to an outside of the vehicle. In a first variant, the device carrier can be attached in particular to the side of the vehicle in such a way that it protrudes from the vehicle in a predetermined manner. This allows the sensor to take on a perspective that a sensor permanently connected to the vehicle cannot achieve. If the equipment carrier includes a camera, this can image an enlarged area behind the vehicle, in which a trailer towed by the vehicle can be located. In this way, the implement carrier can help to replace an outside mirror mounted on a boom when driving a trailer.

In a second variant, the equipment carrier can be attached in a rear area of the vehicle. In this case, the device carrier can protrude largely into the vehicle, so that only a small section of it protrudes. If the sensor includes a camera, this can be used, for example, as a reversing camera.

In a further embodiment, which can also be regarded as a third variant, the receptacle is set up to attach the equipment carrier in an interior of the vehicle. If the sensor includes a camera, an additional monitoring perspective can be created for the interior. For example, the camera may optically scan an infant or cargo onboard the vehicle.

It should be noted that the options mentioned can also be combined with one another. One or more recordings can be used by means of one or more device carriers. If more than one mount is provided on the vehicle, it is preferable for the equipment carrier to be connected in at least two mounts in such a way that the sensor can be operated. For this purpose, the corresponding receptacle must have at least one mechanical interface, one electrical interface and one data interface. The interfaces must be compatible with the device carrier. In a further embodiment, one or more receptacles can be provided, which only include the mechanical interface in order to tidy up the equipment carrier on the vehicle.

A mechanical lock can be provided in particular on a mount for the device carrier on the outside of the vehicle in order to prevent unauthorized removal of the device carrier from the vehicle. The locking mechanism can be designed to be integrated with the receptacle and, in particular, can include a form-fitting holder. The lock can, for example, be released mechanically from an inside of the vehicle, as is known, for example, from a hood on a vehicle. Alternatively, the lock can also be released with a key or electrically controlled, for example. The electrical control can be controlled by a corresponding vehicle function. In one embodiment, the locking can be controlled in the manner of a mechanical door lock of the vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system includes an implement carrier described herein and a vehicle described herein.

The processing device can be set up to carry out a method described herein in whole or in part. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller and the method can be present in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa.

• 1 einen beispielhaften Geräteträger an einer ersten Aufnahme (an einem Fahrzeug oder eines Fahrzeugs - auch 3 und 4?) einem Fahrzeug;
• 2 einen weiteren Geräteträger aus verschiedenen Perspektiven;
• 3 einen beispielhaften Geräteträger an einer zweiten Aufnahme einem Fahrzeug;
• 4 einen beispielhaften Geräteträger an einer dritten Aufnahme einem Fahrzeug;
• 5 eine beispielhafte Ansicht eines Umfelds eines Fahrzeugs von einer ersten Position aus;
• 6 eine beispielhafte Ansicht eines Umfelds eines Fahrzeugs von einer zweiten Position aus;
• 7 eine beispielhafte Ansicht eines Umfelds eines Fahrzeugs von einer dritten Position aus;

illustriert.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 an exemplary device carrier on a first recording (on a vehicle or a vehicle - also 3 and 4 ?) a vehicle;
• 2 another device carrier from different perspectives;
• 3 an exemplary equipment carrier on a second mount of a vehicle;
• 4 an exemplary equipment carrier on a third mount of a vehicle;
• 5 an exemplary view of an environment of a vehicle from a first position;
• 6 an exemplary view of an environment of a vehicle from a second position;
• 7 an exemplary view of an area surrounding a vehicle from a third position;

illustrated.

1 10 shows an example system 100 that includes an implement carrier 105 on a vehicle 110 . The vehicle 110 preferably comprises a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, a passenger car, a truck or a bus. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 110 includes an automobile. A front of the vehicle 110 has in the representation of 1 to the right, a stern to the left. A wheel housing 115 can be seen in a lower left area. An A-pillar 120 can be seen in an upper area where a hood abuts a windshield.

In an area between the A-pillar 120 and the wheel housing 115, a receptacle 125 for the device carrier 105, an optional further device carrier 130 and an optional access flap 135 are arranged. The receptacle 125 is set up to temporarily attach the equipment carrier 105 to the outside of the vehicle 110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the device carrier 105 is rod-shaped and can be used on the receptacle 125 in such a way that it protrudes laterally from the vehicle 110 .

The additional equipment carrier 130 is usually fixed to the vehicle 110 and can include one or more sensors and one or more actuators. For example, the additional equipment carrier 130 can include a front-facing camera, a side-facing camera, or a rear-facing camera. A temperature sensor or an ultrasonic sensor can also be provided. Other possible sensors include a microphone and a brightness sensor, which preferably has a detection area that extends essentially vertically upwards.

Among the actuators, in particular, a lighting device of a direction indicator or a cleaning device for one of the sensors included can be provided. It is preferred that the device carrier 105 is set up to temporarily take over or support one or more functions of the additional device carrier 130 . For this purpose, the device carrier 105 can include one or more sensors that correspond to sensors of the additional device carrier 130 .

The optional access door 135 may cover a charging port for an electrical energy storage device. The receptacle 125, the further equipment carrier 130 and the access flap 135 can also be provided in a constellation other than that shown. The illustrated position of the receptacle 125 on the vehicle 110 is purely an example. The recording 125 can also be provided at a different position or there can be several recordings took 125 at different positions of the vehicle 110 are present.

2 shows an exemplary equipment carrier 105 from different perspectives. A plan view of a device carrier 105 is shown in a left area and a view of a section of the device carrier 105 from the front in an upper right area. The device carrier 105 is essentially rod-shaped or comprises a rod-shaped section 205, at whose upper end (with reference to the illustration on the left) interfaces for connection to the vehicle 110 and at whose lower end functional components can be attached. In the illustrated embodiment, a mechanical interface 210, an electrical interface 215 and a data interface 220 are provided at the top. Optionally, a fluid interface 225 and/or engagement 230 for a locking device may be provided.

The interfaces 210 to 225 are preferably designed in such a way that they can be synchronized with one another, in particular in a single movement, connected to corresponding interfaces of a receptacle 125 of a vehicle 110 or separated from them. In the illustrated embodiment, the interfaces 210 to 225 are axially aligned so that they can be connected by pushing the rod-shaped section 205 into the socket 125 of the vehicle 110 and disconnected by pulling it out. Other embodiments are also possible. The rod-shaped section 205 pushed into the receptacle 125 can be locked there by a predetermined engagement element engaging in the engagement 230 in a form-fitting manner. The locking can preferably be triggered by a vehicle function or from an inside of the vehicle 110 .

In particular, if the device carrier 105 is set up to be used on an outside of the vehicle 110, a predetermined breaking point 235 can be provided in order to limit forces that occur when an object or a person impacts the device carrier 105 attached to the vehicle 110 can work. The predetermined breaking point 235 is preferably close to the receptacle 125 when the equipment carrier 105 is connected to the receptacle 125. It is preferred that the externally mounted equipment carrier 105 is oriented at an angle of approximately 45° to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 in order to meet pedestrian protection requirements.

At the opposite end there is preferably at least one sensor, which is embodied as a camera 240 in the present case. The camera 240 points in the opposite direction to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle 110 when the device carrier 105 is inserted into the receptacle 125 on the outside of the vehicle 110 in the 1 shown type is inserted. Another camera 240 can face forward or to the side. A fluid-based cleaning device 245 can be provided for one of the cameras 240 . In addition, one or more lighting devices 250 can be provided, which can include, for example, a direction indicator or a parking light.

3 shows an exemplary device carrier 105 on a second mount 125 on a vehicle 110. A section of the rear of the vehicle 110 is shown; a front of the vehicle 110 is shown in FIG 3 Left. A mount 125 is attached between a rear fender 305 and a taillight 310, for example. The receptacle 125 is set up to accommodate an equipment carrier 105 in such a way that only the smallest possible section of it can be seen on the outside of the vehicle 110 .

The rod-shaped equipment carrier 105 can be inserted telescopically into the receptacle 125. The introduction can be done in particular along or transverse to the usual direction of travel. It is preferred that the sensor 240 of the device carrier 105 is oriented in a predetermined manner after insertion into the receptacle 125 . In particular, the camera 240 may be directed to a predetermined area behind the vehicle 110 . Thus, the camera 240 can be used to monitor an area behind the vehicle 110, for example when reversing, when maneuvering with a trailer or as part of an environment scan (“surround view”).

4 shows an exemplary device carrier 105 on a third mount 125 of a vehicle 110. The mount 125 is preferably attached to a pillar of the vehicle 110, for example the one in 1 A pillar 120 as shown, or a B pillar 405 located further back. The B pillar 405 may comprise a supporting structure which is covered with a cover. The receptacle 125 may allow the equipment carrier 105 to be partially positioned between the fascia and the structure such that only a portion of the equipment carrier 105 with the sensor 240 is exposed.

Device carrier 105 can preferably be attached to receptacle 125 in such a way that sensor 240 can scan an object 410 at least in sections, which is located in the area of a passenger seat of vehicle 110 . The object 410 can in particular include a piece of luggage or a person. It is also preferred that the device carrier 105 on the receptacle 125 such is oriented so that the sensor 240 can sense at least an upper portion of an infant located in a seat of the vehicle 110 that is behind a seat for a driver, with or without a child seat or infant carrier. In this way, a child or small child transported on board the vehicle 110 can be optically monitored in an improved manner while driving.

5 until 7 12 show different exemplary representations that can be output on a screen 505 in the interior of the vehicle 110 and are each based on images that are provided by the camera 240 in the equipment carrier 105 . In this case, the device carrier 105 for the presentation of 5 in a position corresponding to that of 1 deployed; for the representation of 6 at a position as shown by 3 and for the representation of 7 corresponding to a position after the representation of 4 .

The screen 505 can be attached to different locations in the interior of the vehicle 110 . The representations of 5 until 7 are based on views of a right-hand side of the vehicle looking backwards. The screen 505 can be attached in the interior in the area of a right-hand end of a windscreen.

5 12 shows an enhanced rearward view along the right side of the vehicle 110. FIG. A first portion 510 of the representation may be determined based on a camera permanently installed on the vehicle 110 . In particular, this camera can be provided in the further equipment carrier 130 . A second section 515 can be contributed by the camera 240 on the equipment carrier 105 . Due to the perspective of the camera 240 offset to the outside, an object 410 lying laterally offset behind the vehicle 110 can be recognized better. A detection angle of the combined display of the sections 510, 515 can be increased. Such a representation can be helpful, for example, if the vehicle 110 is to be used with a trailer or a mobile home.

6 FIG. 12 shows a view where the camera 240 in the implement carrier 105 contributes to a third section 520 that lies behind the vehicle 110. FIG. In combination with the first portion 510, a part of the subject vehicle 110 can be displayed as if it were transparent. A perspective or focal length of the camera 240 can be adjusted for the display in order to realize a transition of a displayed object 410 between the sections 510 and 520 which is as seamless as possible.

7 shows an illustration in which the equipment carrier 105 is arranged in the area of the B-pillar 405 of the vehicle 110 . The camera 240 contributes a fourth portion 525 showing an infant 410 seated in a second row seat of the vehicle 110 . This seat is in particular behind a front right seat of vehicle 110. The combined display of sections 510 and 525 enables a driver of vehicle 110, for example, to keep an improved eye on relevant surroundings of vehicle 110 and small child 410 at the same time.

reference list

100

system

105

equipment carrier

110

vehicle

115

wheel housing

120

A pillar

125

recording

130

other equipment carriers

135

access flap

205

bar-shaped section

210

mechanical interface

215

electrical interface

220

data interface

225

fluid interface

230

intervention

235

predetermined breaking point

240

camera (sensor)

245

Cleaning device, fluid based

250

lighting device

305

fender

310

Taillight

405

B pillar

410

object, passenger, infant

505

Screen

510

first section

515

second part

520

third section

525

fourth section

Claims (11)

Equipment carrier (105) for a vehicle (110), the equipment carrier (105) comprising the following: - A sensor (240) for scanning an environment; - A mechanical interface (210) for fastening the equipment carrier (105) on the vehicle (110); - An electrical interface (215) for connection to an on-board network of the vehicle (110); and - a data interface (220) for connection to a processing device on board the vehicle (110). Device carrier (105) after claim 1 , The electrical interface (215) and/or the data interface (220) being set up to be connected or disconnected together with the mechanical interface (210). Device carrier (105) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the interfaces (210-225) are set up to be connected or disconnected without tools. Equipment carrier (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (240) comprises a camera. An implement carrier (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fluid powered cleaning device (245); and a fluid interface (225). Vehicle (110), comprising a receptacle (125), wherein the receptacle (225) has a mechanical interface (210), an electrical interface (215) and a data interface (220), each for temporary connection to a device carrier (105) are set up. vehicle (110) to claim 6 , further comprising a screen (505) in an interior of the vehicle (110); wherein the equipment carrier (105) comprises a camera (240); and the screen (505) is set up to display an image provided by the camera (240) of the device carrier (105). vehicle (110) to claim 6 , The receptacle (125) being set up to attach the equipment carrier (105) on an outside of the vehicle (110). vehicle (110) to claim 6 , The receptacle (125) being set up to attach the equipment carrier (105) in an interior of the vehicle (110). Vehicle (110) according to one of Claims 6 until 9 , further comprising a mechanical lock (230) to prevent unauthorized removal of the device carrier (105) from the vehicle (110). System (100), comprising an equipment carrier (105) according to any one of Claims 1 until 5 and a vehicle (110) according to any one of Claims 6 until 10 .

Images