DE102022100291A1 - Sensor holder for a vehicle, sensor device, vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor holder (100) for a vehicle (1000), comprising:
- A mount (120), designed to accommodate at least one optical sensor (200) with a predetermined field of view (FS) in a stationary manner, and
- A turntable (140) which is at least partially transparent and can be rotated by means of a drive (130) with a rotational movement (BR) about an axis of rotation (AR) of the turntable (140).
According to the invention, the sensor holder (100) provides that
- the turntable (140) is attached to the bracket (120) in such a way that the turntable (140) is in the field of view (FS) of the optical sensor (200) and the axis of rotation (AR) is outside the field of view (FS).

Description

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a sensor holder according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates in a second aspect to a sensor device and in a third aspect to a vehicle.

Sensor mounts for vehicles are well known. Such sensor mounts are used to hold sensors which are used in particular to detect the surroundings of the vehicle. Such sensors can provide signals in order to enable driver assistance functions or partially autonomous or autonomous driving functions of the vehicle. A sensor generally has at least one field of view, which extends from the sensor along a visual axis and in which the surroundings of the vehicle are recorded. The field of view corresponds in particular to a measurement area of the sensor, ie the spatial area that is measured by the sensor. In particular, the field of view extends, for example approximately conically, along a viewing axis from the sensor in the direction of the surroundings.

There are approaches in which sensor mounts fulfill other functions in addition to fastening the sensors. These functions include, in particular, protecting the sensor from contamination and/or cleaning it. Cleaning includes in particular the removal of dirt in the area of a field of view of the sensor, which can occur during operation of a vehicle due to external influences, in particular the weather. Contamination includes in particular liquid and/or solid residues.

A correct functioning of the sensor can be ensured in an improved manner by a field of view of a sensor being free of dirt.

In the DE102018105618 A1 previously disclosed a system including a sensor base and a sensor cover having a window rotatably attached to the base. The system described there includes a contact cleaning device and a non-contact cleaning device. The sensor cover of the in DE102018105618 A1 The system described can be rotated around a vertical axis for cleaning.

A sensor arrangement is known from the manufacturer Valeo under the name “everView Centricam”, which has a rotary disc arranged in front of the sensor. The under
The approach described at https://valeo.smarpshare.com/app.microbloq/#/5d03a311695dab00017fde53 and shown at https://www.voutube.com/watch?v=stv-G-eOIzA basically already uses the rotary movement of a turntable.

However, this fundamentally advantageous approach is in need of further improvement, in particular with regard to the effectiveness of the cleaning and the protection against contamination as well as the possibility of guaranteeing the function of the sensor even with stubbornly adhering residues.

It is therefore desirable to improve at least one of the problems mentioned.

This is where the invention comes in, the object of which is to specify an improved sensor holder. In particular, the effectiveness of the cleaning and the protection of a sensor from contamination should be improved. In the presence of stubbornly adhering residues, in particular those that cannot be removed or cannot be removed immediately by cleaning, a function of the sensor should also be made possible.

The object is solved in a first aspect by a sensor holder of claim 1. The invention is based on a sensor holder for a vehicle having a holder, designed to accommodate at least one optical sensor with a predetermined field of view, and a turntable, which is at least partially transparent and can be rotated by means of a drive with a rotational movement about an axis of rotation of the turntable .

According to the invention, it is provided that the turntable is attached to the holder in such a way that the turntable is located in the field of view of the optical sensor and the axis of rotation is outside of the field of view.

The invention is based on the finding that a sensor arranged in the sensor holder can be effectively protected against external influences, in particular dirt or similar solid or liquid residues, by means of an at least partially transparent rotary disc. Because the turntable can perform a rotational movement, residues that accumulate on the turntable during operation of the vehicle can be removed from the turntable by means of centrifugal force.

The turntable located in the field of view of the sensor acts as a protective shield against dirt, particles, residues and rain, but due to its at least partially transparent design it allows an opti cal permeability for the optical sensor arranged behind it in the sensor holder.

Because the axis of rotation is outside the field of view, the centrifugal force can advantageously act in the entire field of view of the sensor. In particular, areas in the field of view of the sensor are avoided in which no centrifugal force acts or only a weak centrifugal force acts. This is particularly the case in the region of the axis of rotation of the turntable where a distance between the axis of rotation and any debris is zero or relatively small. The arrangement according to the invention of the axis of rotation outside the field of view of the optical sensor thus always ensures a minimum value of a centrifugal force.

The arrangement of the axis of rotation outside the field of view also has the advantage that a region of the turntable located in the field of view of the optical sensor can be moved completely out of it by the rotational movement. This is particularly advantageous in the case of stubborn residues on the turntable that cannot be removed or cannot be removed immediately and impair the functioning of the sensor. In this case, the correspondingly soiled area can be moved completely out of the field of view of the optical sensor by the rotational movement and the functionality of the sensor can be ensured in an improved manner.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims and specify advantageous possibilities in detail for realizing the concept explained above within the scope of the task and with regard to further advantages.

The turntable is preferably completely transparent. In comparison, an at least partially transparent turntable can have, in addition to transparent areas, other areas that are opaque, ie not transparent.

In particular, the optical sensor is a camera. The axis of rotation is preferably arranged at a field of view distance from the field of view of the at least one sensor. Preferably, the field of view distance is greater than or equal to a quarter of a radius of the turntable, more preferably a third of the radius, most preferably half the radius. The greater the field of view distance, the greater the centrifugal force acting on the turntable in the field of view area.

In a preferred development of the invention, it is provided that the holder has a drive receptacle for the drive, with the drive being designed to generate a rotational movement of the turntable. In such a development, the drive is advantageously integrated or can be integrated into the sensor holder. In particular, the holder is designed to accommodate the at least one optical sensor and the drive and is designed as an integral component. In this way, a module with an integrated drive function is advantageously provided, in which the drive and at least one sensor are in a defined spatial relationship to one another.

As part of a further preferred development, it is provided that the mount has a sensor mount which is designed to align the optical sensor in an alignment along a mount axis of the mount, with the mount axis of the mount essentially corresponding to a visual axis of the field of view and/or parallel to it aligned with the line of sight.

In preferred developments, the sensor mount is designed in such a way that the viewing axis is aligned essentially parallel to the axis of rotation. With such a parallel alignment of the viewing axis and the axis of rotation, the turntable is advantageously transilluminated over the shortest path and refraction of the light passing through the turntable is advantageously kept as low as possible. The viewing axis is in particular an axis that defines the center or a main direction of the field of view, along which the field of view extends, starting from the optical sensor.

The invention is further developed by a module housing, which at least partially encloses the turntable and which has a housing cutout releasing the field of view of the at least one optical sensor. The module housing is preferably formed as an approximately flat-cylindrical body with an interior space in which the turntable is rotatably accommodated. The housing cutout is preferably designed as a cutout in the shape of a segment of a circle with an opening angle. The housing cutout is preferably arranged and dimensioned in such a way that it completely opens up the field of view of the optical sensor, ie it does not cover it.

In a preferred development, it is provided that the module housing has a drain opening which is designed to drain liquid and/or dirt. The outflow opening is preferably arranged at the bottom or in a lower area of the module housing in relation to a vertical direction and/or the force of gravity. Residues on the turntable, in particular dirt or liquid, can advantageously be drained off via a drain opening and thus out of the Module housing are transported. Liquid, in particular cleaning liquid or rainwater, serves particularly advantageously as a transport medium for removing solid residues, in that these solid residues, in particular dirt, are softened by the liquid and discharged through the drain opening. The drain opening can be fluid-carrying connected to a drain system of the vehicle, or simply lead into the environment, so that any residues and/or liquids are directed via the drain opening essentially in the direction of gravity into the environment and/or onto the road.

The invention is further developed in that the holder is designed to accommodate a number of at least two optical sensors in a stationary manner, which are arranged in such a way that the turntable is arranged in a field of view of each optical sensor. A multiple arrangement, ie an arrangement of two, three, four or more optical sensors, can advantageously achieve the protective and/or cleaning effect of the turntable for several sensors at the same time and thus the expenditure on equipment can be advantageously reduced. The number of several optical sensors is preferably distributed approximately over the circumference of the turntable or a circular path lying on the turntable, in particular concentrically to the axis of rotation.

The invention is further developed by a washing device that is designed to provide a cleaning liquid, in particular wherein the washing device has: a liquid supply and/or a cleaning nozzle and/or a nozzle holder. In such a development, the turntable can be acted upon in a controllable manner with a liquid for the purposeful softening of dirt and/or for cleaning. A cleaning fluid for cleaning the turntable can be conveyed onto the turntable in a particularly advantageous manner by means of a washing device. The washing device is preferably designed to provide the cleaning liquid as a function of the rotational movement, particularly preferably during or after the rotational movement. In particular, an electronic control unit is designed to provide a pump control signal for controlling the washing device. An improved, liquid-supported cleaning of the turntable can advantageously be achieved in a controllable form by means of a washing device.

The invention is further developed by an electronic control unit and/or a signal-carrying interface to an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being designed to provide a drive control signal for the drive and/or to receive a sensor signal from the optical sensor. The electronic control unit can be formed as a hardware module or as a software module. The electronic control unit can be formed as an independent control unit or as part of a higher-level control unit, for example a vehicle control unit.

In a preferred development of the invention, it is provided that the control unit and/or the signal-carrying interface is designed to provide the drive control signal as a function of the sensor signal, in particular with the sensor signal being designed to signal dirt or liquid or similar residues on the turntable . In other developments, the drive control signal can alternatively or additionally be provided manually, preferably via a switch.

The invention is further developed in that the drive is designed, in particular as a function of a drive control signal, to carry out the rotational movement as a continuous rotational movement, preferably at a predetermined speed. Alternatively or additionally, the drive can be designed, in particular by means of the drive control signal, to carry out the rotational movement as a discrete rotational movement, preferably with a predetermined angle of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the drive can be designed, in particular by means of the drive control signal, to carry out the rotational movement as a pulsating rotational movement in which the speed increases and decreases repeatedly or continuously.

In general, it is possible to execute the above-mentioned operating modes at specific times or at the request of a user, in particular to clean the turntable by means of centrifugal force and/or to further move the area of the turntable currently in the field of view. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to carry out the above-mentioned operating modes permanently, in order to constantly and/or regularly generate a centrifugal force in order to advantageously avoid the adhesion of new dirt or residues.

The angle of rotation is preferably equal to, or slightly larger than, an opening angle of the housing section of the module housing. Preferably, the angle of rotation is equal to, or slightly greater than, the field of view of the sensor. This means that with a rotary movement by the angle of rotation, the area arranged in the field of view of the rotary disc is moved at least far enough so that it is completely removed from the field of view.

The invention for solving the problem in a second aspect relates to a sensor device having a sensor holder according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the holder of the sensor holder accommodates an optical sensor in a stationary manner with a predetermined field of view. The sensor is thus advantageously part of the sensor device. The optical sensor is preferably a camera or a LIDAR sensor or includes one. The camera is preferably a rear-view mirror replacement camera, a parking camera, a front camera or a dashcam.

The invention for solving the problem in a third aspect on a vehicle, preferably commercial vehicle or car, having at least one sensor holder according to the first aspect of the invention or a sensor module according to the second aspect of the invention, and at least one electronic control unit.

It is to be understood that the sensor holder according to the first aspect of the invention, the sensor device according to the second aspect of the invention and the vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention have the same and similar sub-aspects as particularly laid down in the dependent claims. In this respect, for the development of one aspect of the invention, reference is also made to the developments of the other aspects of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention are now described below with reference to the drawing in comparison to the prior art, some of which is also shown. This is not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale, rather the drawing is in schematic and/or slightly distorted form where it is useful for explanation. With regard to additions to the teachings that can be seen directly from the drawing, reference is made to the relevant state of the art. In this context, it must be taken into account that a wide variety of modifications and changes relating to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without deviating from the general idea of the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, in the drawing and in the claims can be essential both individually and in any combination for the further development of the invention. In addition, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawing and/or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below, or limited to any subject matter which would be limited compared to the subject matter claimed in the claims. In the case of specified design ranges, values within the specified limits should also be disclosed as limit values and be usable and stressable as desired.

• 1A eine schematische Frontansicht einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Sensorhalters gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung,
• 1 B eine schematische Seitenansicht der in 1 A gezeigten Ausführungsform,
• 2A eine schematische Frontansicht einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Sensorhalters gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung,
• 2B eine schematische Seitenansicht der in 2A gezeigten Ausführungsform,
• 3 ein Fahrzeug mit einer Anzahl von 4 Sensorhalterungen gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung,
• 4 ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Sensoreinrichtung mit einem Sensorhalter gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung,
• 5 eine schematische Frontansicht einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Sensorhalters gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung,
• 6A, 6B, 6C unterschiedliche beispielhafte Betriebsmodi eines Sensorhalters gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing, which shows in:

• 1A a schematic front view of a first preferred embodiment of a sensor holder according to the concept of the invention,
• 1 B a schematic side view of in 1A shown embodiment,
• 2A a schematic front view of a second preferred embodiment of a sensor holder according to the concept of the invention,
• 2 B a schematic side view of in 2A shown embodiment,
• 3 a vehicle with a number of 4 sensor mounts according to the concept of the invention,
• 4 a method for operating a sensor device with a sensor holder according to the concept of the invention,
• 5 a schematic front view of a third preferred embodiment of a sensor holder according to the concept of the invention,
• 6A , 6B , 6C different exemplary operating modes of a sensor holder according to the concept of the invention.

1A and 1 B 12 show a first preferred embodiment of a sensor holder 100 according to the concept of the invention. The sensor holder 100 includes a holder 120 with a sensor receptacle 122, which is designed to accommodate an optical sensor 200 in a stationary manner, in particular in such a way that the optical sensor 200 is aligned along a receptacle axis AA. In the present case, optical sensor 200 accommodated in mount 120 is embodied as a camera 202 with a field of view FS, which extends along a visual axis AS of optical sensor 200 in an approximately conically enlarging manner from the latter into surroundings U of vehicle 1000. The sensor holder 100 and the optical sensor 200 together form a sensor device 102. The sensor holder 100 is designed for use in a vehicle 1000, not shown here, wherein the optical sensor 200 can capture the environment U of vehicle 1000 within its field of view FS and can provide an electrical or electronic sensor signal S2 as a function, in particular to enable driver assistance functions, or autonomous or semi-autonomous driving functions of vehicle 1000.

The turntable 140 is made of a transparent material, namely plastic in the present case. In other embodiments, another suitable transparent material, such as glass, or another suitable material containing plastic and/or glass, can be selected. In the present case, the turntable 140 is accommodated in the holder 120 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation AR by means of a rotary shaft 144 . For this purpose, the holder 120 can include one or more bearings, for example sliding or roller bearings, for rotatably holding the rotary shaft 144 and/or the turntable 140 . The rotary shaft 144 and thus the axis of rotation AR is, as in 1A visible, arranged next to the camera 202, so that the axis of rotation AR is not in the field of view FS of the camera 202.

The rotary shaft 144 is connected to a drive 130 in a torque-transmitting manner. The drive 130 is accommodated in a drive mount 124 of the holder 120 . In the present case, the drive 130 has an electric motor 132 for generating a rotational movement BR, which is transmitted to the turntable 140 via the rotary shaft 144 . The drive 130 is connected in a signal-carrying manner to an electronic control unit 700 for receiving an electrical drive control signal S1. The electronic control unit 700 is designed to provide the drive control signal S1 as a function of the sensor signal S2, in particular when the sensor signal S2 indicates that the turntable 140 is soiled V. Alternatively or additionally, in optional specific embodiments, electronic control unit 700 can be connected to a manual actuating element 710 that can be operated by an operator and/or driver of vehicle 1000 in order to receive an electronic actuating signal S4.

Such soiling V can be determined in particular based on changes in the sensor signal S2 compared to a reference signal and/or by decreasing brightness or intensity values in the sensor signal S2. In such specific embodiments, the electronic control unit 700 is additionally designed to provide the drive control signal S1 and/or a pump control signal S3 as a function of the electronic actuation signal S4 in order to initiate cleaning.

In the present case, the electronic control unit 700 is connected in a signal-carrying manner to the drive 130 via a signal-carrying interface 706 in the form of a detachable first plug connection 708 . In the present case, the electronic control unit 700 is connected in a signal-carrying manner to the optical sensor 200 via a signal-carrying interface 706 in the form of a detachable second plug connection 709 .

Due to the rotational movement BR, a centrifugal force, i. H. Centrifugal force FF is generated, which acts on the turntable 140, and thus also on residues adhering to the turntable 140, such as dirt V, liquid F, and/or similar particles. The centrifugal force FF acts outward in a radial direction RR and is dependent on the speed of the rotational movement BR, in particular a speed N, and the radial position, ie a radial distance RE from the axis of rotation AR. The greater the radial distance RE, the greater the centrifugal force FF acting on any dirt V or liquids F located at this radial distance. In contrast, there is no centrifugal force FF in a center Z of the turntable 140, ie where the axis of rotation AR passes through the turntable 140, independently of a rotary movement BR.

The sensor holder 100 and/or the holder 120 can optionally include a washing device 300, as indicated here by dotted lines. The washing device 300 is preferably designed to accommodate a cleaning nozzle 320, or particularly preferably comprises such a cleaning nozzle 320 as shown here. The cleaning nozzle 320 is arranged and designed to direct cleaning liquid FR onto the turntable 140, in particular in the area of the field of view FS. For this purpose, the cleaning nozzle 320 is connected in a fluid-carrying manner to a liquid source, preferably a liquid pump 330 as shown here. The liquid pump 330 is signal-connected to the electronic control unit 700 for receiving a pump control signal S3.

In a first step 410, a sensor signal S2 is used to check whether the field of view FS of the optical sensor 200 is impaired by dirt or the like. In an optional second step 420, the liquid pump 330 is actuated in order to apply cleaning liquid FR to the turntable 140. In a preferably subsequent, third step 430, particularly preferably after a specific waiting period for the cleaning liquid FR to take effect, the rotary movement BR is generated to remove softened dirt V by means of a centrifugal force FF acting on the dirt V.

Electronic control unit 700 is preferably designed to carry out third step 430 independently of second step 420. This is particularly advantageous when it rains or liquid F, in particular water, gets into the area of optical sensor 200 and thus onto turntable 140 in some other way during operation of vehicle 1000 . Due to the rotational movement PR, this liquid F is pushed radially outwards by the centrifugal force FF, as a result of which the turntable 140 is freed from the liquid F in the area of the field of view FS of the sensor 200 .

2A and 2 B show a second preferred embodiment of a sensor holder 100, which forms a sensor device 102 together with a sensor 200, also designed as a camera 202. In contrast to the first, in 1A and 1 B In the embodiments shown, the sensor holder 100 shown here has a module housing 160 which encloses the turntable 140, with the exception of a housing cutout 164. The housing cutout 164 is arranged in the area of the field of view FS of the sensor 200 designed as a camera 202. The module housing 160 is designed to be approximately circular or flat-cylindrical, analogously to the turntable 140 , with an interior space 163 for accommodating the turntable 140 . The interior 163 is enclosed by a module wall 162 . In the present case, the housing cutout 164 is formed as a circular segment of the module housing 160 with an opening angle 165 which is open, ie into which the module wall 162 of the module housing 160 does not extend. The size of the housing cutout 164 and its shape can vary and be adapted to the specific application. In the present case, the housing cutout 164 has an opening angle 165 of approximately 80°. A larger housing cutout 164, in particular a larger opening angle 165, can advantageously enable a larger field of view FS of the sensor 200, or multiple fields of view FS of a number of sensors 200. A smaller housing cutout 164, in particular a smaller opening angle 165, can in turn advantageously better protection against contamination V are made possible.

As shown here, a holder housing 166 can be attached to the module housing 160, which encloses the other components of the sensor holder 100 and/or the sensor device 102 and thus protects against dirt V, liquid F and similar external influences in an analogous manner.

The module housing 160 advantageously enables better protection of the turntable 140 against any contamination V. Due to the fact that only the area required for the release of the field of view FS is cut out, i. H. the housing cutout 164 extends in this area, a substantial part of the turntable 140 is protected from dirt V when the vehicle 1000 is in operation.

In particular in this embodiment shown, the drive 130 and/or the electronic control unit 700 can be designed in such a way that the rotational movement BR is a discrete rotational movement BRD. This means that, in particular as a function of the drive control signal S1, the drive 130 completes the rotational movement BR in such a way that the turntable 140 continues to rotate by a predetermined angle of rotation W. The angle of rotation W is advantageously equal to or slightly larger than the opening angle 165. In this way, when the drive control signal S1 is provided, the area of the turntable 140 that is currently in the opening cutout 164 and is possibly dirty is advantageously completely replaced by a previously in the module housing 160 located and thus protected area of the turntable 140 replaced. In other developments, the angle of rotation W can additionally or alternatively be determined in such a way that at least one area of the turntable 140 covering the field of view FS of the sensor 200 is moved completely out of this field of view FS.

As an alternative or in addition to a cleaning nozzle 320, the sensor holder 100 can advantageously and as shown here comprise a washing device 300 with a liquid feed 302. This is connected to the module housing 160 as a line or channel opening into the interior space 163 and is designed to conduct cleaning fluid FR onto the rotary disk 140 . The liquid feed 302 is preferably supplied with cleaning liquid FR by a pump 330 (not shown here). By absorbing the cleaning liquid FR at least temporarily in the interior 163, in particular in the lower region of the module housing 160, a type of sump with cleaning liquid FR can be created through which the turntable 140 can be rotated in order to soften dirt V. As a result, the turntable 140 can be cleaned, in particular in connection with the rotational movement BR.

The module housing 160 also has a drain opening 172, which is advantageously designed to drain liquid F, in particular cleaning liquid FR, from the interior 163. The drain opening 172 is preferably arranged at the bottom, particularly in the installed state with respect to the direction of gravity G.

3 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1000 in the form of a passenger car 1004 with a first to fourth sensor device 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4, each with a sensor holder 100.1, 100.2, 100.3, 100.4 and a camera 202.1, 202.2, 202.3, 202.4. The sensor mounts 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.4 are each connected to an electronic control unit 700 to carry signals. Electronic control unit 700 is designed to receive sensor signals S2 and/or actuation signals S4 and to provide drive control signals S1 and/or pump control signals S3.

In other embodiments, the vehicle 1000 can be designed differently, for example as a commercial vehicle 1002.

4 FIG. 4 shows an example of a method 400 for operating a sensor holder 100. In a first step 410, a sensor signal S2 and/or an actuation signal S4 is used to check whether cleaning or a rotational movement BR should be carried out. In an optional second step 420, liquid F, in particular cleaning liquid FR, is directed onto the turntable 140. For this purpose, the liquid pump 330 is activated, which preferably includes the provision of a pump control signal S3, as shown here. In a third step 430, a rotary movement BR of the turntable 140 is carried out, preferably as shown here by providing a drive control signal S1. A drive 130 of the sensor holder 100 and/or an electronic control unit 700 can be designed such that in a first operating mode BM1 the rotational movement BR is designed as a continuous rotational movement BRK, in particular with a speed N. Alternatively or additionally, the drive 130 and/or the electronic control unit 700 can be designed such that in a second operating mode BM2 the rotational movement BR is designed as a discrete rotational movement BRD, in particular with a defined angle of rotation W. Alternatively or additionally, the drive 130 and/or the electronic control unit 700 can be designed in a third operating mode BM3 such that the rotational movement BR is pulsating, in particular with an oscillating increasing and decreasing speed.

In 5 a third preferred embodiment of a sensor holder 100 is shown in a schematic front view, which is designed to accommodate four sensors, namely a first to fourth sensor 200.1, 200.2, 200.3, 200.4, each designed as a camera 202.1, 202.2, 202.3, 202.4 . The sensor holder 100 is designed in such a way that the sensors 200.1, 200.2, 200.3, 200.4 are arranged with their respective fields of view FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4 in different areas of the same turntable 140. Advantageously, with a multiple arrangement of sensors, ie two, three, as here four, or even more sensors, the corresponding number of sensors 200 arranged together in a sensor holder 100 can be protected from contamination V by means of only one turntable 140 in relation to its field of view FS become.

6A , 6B and 6C show exemplary and schematic speed profiles of a first to third operating mode BM1, BM2, BM3 of a sensor holder 100 according to the concept of the invention. If required, these can be combined by successively changing and/or simultaneously superimposing different operating modes BM1, BM2, BM3. In particular, an electronic control unit 700 of sensor holder 100 and/or sensor device 102 is designed to execute different operating modes BM1, BM2, BM3 by providing a drive control signal S1 and/or a pump control signal S3. As in 6A shown, in the first operating mode BM1, after a rise ramp shown schematically, a continuous rotational movement BRK of the turntable 140 takes place at a constant speed N.In 6B a second operating mode BM2 is shown, in which a discrete rotational movement BRD of the turntable 140 takes place. The extent of the speed profile is correspondingly smaller both with regard to the speed N and the time T.In 6C a third operating mode BM3 is shown, in which the turntable 140 is driven with a pulsating rotational movement BRO. In particular, a pulsation, as here, occurs as a result of an oscillating increase and decrease in the rotational speed N, preferably for a defined number of pulsation cycles or continuously for an actuation period.

Reference List

100

sensor holder

100.1-4

first to fourth sensor holder

102

sensor device

102.1-4

first to fourth sensor device

120

bracket

122

sensor recording

124

drive mount

130

drive

132

electric motor

140

turntable

144

rotary shaft

160

module housing

162

module wall

163

inner space

164

case cutout

165

opening angle

166

holder housing

172

drain hole

200

optical sensor

200.1-4

first to fourth optical sensor

202

camera

202.1-4

first to fourth camera

300

washing device

302

fluid delivery

320

cleaning nozzle

330

liquid pump

400

Method of operating a sensor holder

410, 420, 430

first to third step

700

electronic control unit

706

signal-carrying interface

708

first connector

709

second connector

710

manual actuator

1000

vehicle

1002

commercial vehicle

1004

car

aa

recording axis

AF

field of view distance

AR

axis of rotation

AS

Line of sight of the optical sensor

BM1, BM2, BM3

first to third operating mode

BR

rotational movement

BRD

discrete rotational movement

BRK

continuous rotation

BRP

pulsating rotation

f

liquid

FF

centrifugal force

FR

cleaning liquid

FS

field of view

G

gravity

N

number of revolutions

PR

rotational movement

R

radius of the turntable

RE

radial distance

RR

radial direction

S1

drive control signal

S2

sensor signal

S3

pump control signal

S4

actuation signal

T

Time

u

Vicinity

V

dirt

W

angle of rotation

Z

center

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102018105618 A1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Sensor holder (100) for a vehicle (1000), having: - a holder (120), designed to accommodate at least one optical sensor (200) with a predetermined field of view (FS), and - a turntable (140), which is at least partially is transparent and can be rotated by means of a drive (130) with a rotational movement (BR) about an axis of rotation (AR) of the turntable (140), and characterized in that - the turntable (140) is attached to the holder (120) in this way that the turntable (140) is in the field of view (FS) of the optical sensor (200) and the axis of rotation (AR) is outside the field of view (FS). Sensor holder (100) after claim 1 , characterized in that - the holder (120) has a drive receptacle (124) for the drive (130), the drive (130) being designed to generate a rotational movement (BR) of the turntable (140). Sensor holder (100) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that - the holder (120) has a sensor mount (122) which is designed to align the optical sensor (200) in such a way that a visual axis (AS) of the visual field (FS) of the optical sensor is essentially parallel to the Axis of rotation (AR) is aligned. Sensor holder (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - a module housing (160) which at least partially encloses the turntable (140) and which has a housing cutout (164) releasing the field of view (FS) of the at least one optical sensor (200). . Sensor holder (100) after claim 4 , characterized in that - the module housing (160) has a drain opening (172), which is designed to drain liquid (F) and / or dirt (V). Sensor holder (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the holder (120) is designed for stationary accommodation of a number of at least two optical sensors (200) which are arranged such that the turntable (140) in a field of view (FS) of each optical sensor (200) is arranged. Sensor holder (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - a washing device (300) which is designed to provide a cleaning liquid (FR), in particular wherein the washing device (300) has: a liquid supply (302) and/or a cleaning nozzle ( 320) and/or a nozzle holder (310), the washing device (300) preferably being designed to provide the cleaning liquid (FR) as a function of the rotational movement (BR), particularly preferably during or after the rotational movement (BR). Sensor holder (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - an electronic control unit (700) and/or a signal-carrying interface (706) to an electronic control unit (700), designed to provide a drive control signal (S1) for the drive ( 130) and/or for receiving a sensor signal (S2) from the optical sensor (200). Sensor holder (100) after claim 8 characterized in that - the control unit (700) and/or the signal-carrying interface (706) is designed to provide the drive control signal (S1) as a function of the sensor signal (S2), in particular the sensor signal (S2) being designed to indicate contamination (V) or liquid (F) or similar residues on the turntable (140). Sensor holder (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the drive (130) is designed, in particular as a function of a drive control signal (S1), - the rotational movement (BR) is preferably carried out as a continuous rotational movement (BRK). at a predetermined speed (N), and/or - to carry out the rotational movement (BR) as a discrete rotational movement (BRD), preferably with a predetermined angle of rotation (W), and/or - to carry out the rotational movement (BR) as a pulsating rotational movement (BRP ) at which the speed (N) increases and decreases repeatedly or continuously. Sensor device (102) having a sensor holder (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (120) of the sensor holder (100) accommodates an optical sensor (200) in a stationary manner with a predetermined field of view (FS). Vehicle (1000), preferably commercial vehicle (1002) or car (1004), having at least one sensor holder (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 or a sensor device (102). claim 11 , and at least one electronic control unit (700).

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