JP2022000626A - Lidar sensor housing for lidar sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a lidar sensor housing for lidar sensors.SOLUTION: A lidar sensor housing (34) for a lidar sensor (12) comprises: a first receptacle (36) for a transmit/receive unit (24) of the lidar sensor; a second receptacle (38) for a scanner unit (26) of the lidar sensor; and a third receptacle (40) for a mirror (30) arranged between the transmit/receive unit and the scanner unit so as to transfer optical signals. The third receptacle is constituted such that the mirror is adhered on the reverse side of the mirror. The lidar sensor housing includes an access (72) in the third receptacle. In order that the adhesive of an adhesive connecting part is cured, the reverse side of the mirror is at least partly reachable by ultraviolet rays through the access from the outside of the lidar sensor housing. The present invention pertains to a lidar sensor and a method for adhering the mirror (30) to the lidar sensor housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to a rider sensor housing for a rider sensor. The present invention further relates to a method of attaching a mirror to the rider sensor as well as to the rider sensor housing.

Modern vehicles (cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) are equipped with many sensors. These sensors provide information to the driver and partially or fully automate the individual functions of the vehicle. The environment of the vehicle and other road users is captured via sensors. Based on the captured data, a model of the vehicle environment can be generated and react to changes in this vehicle environment.

In this case, an important sensor principle for capturing the environment is lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. The rider sensor is based on the emission of an optical signal and the detection of reflected light. The distance to the reflection location can be calculated using the measurement of propagation time. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine the relative velocity. Both unmodulated pulses and frequency-modulated signals (chirps) can be used here. The target can be detected by evaluating the received reflection. With respect to the technical implementation of the rider sensor, a distinction is made between scanning and non-scanning systems. Scanning systems are primarily based on scanning the environment with micromirrors and light spots. If the transmitted optical pulse and the received optical pulse are deflected through the same micromirror, it is a coaxial system. In non-scanning systems, multiple transmit and receive elements are statically placed adjacent to each other (particularly the so-called focal plane array arrangement).

In this regard, rider systems and methods for detecting and classifying objects are disclosed in International Patent Application Publication No. 2018/1277889A1.

The challenge in the field of rider sensor technology is a robust yet cost-effective and feasible structure. Especially in an automobile environment, it is necessary to guarantee reliable functions even over a long period of use. Furthermore, efficient manufacturability due to mass production is important. Especially when moving parts are used in scanning systems, there is a need for mechanically elastic structures and protection of the parts from environmental influences.

International Patent Application Publication No. 2018/1277889A1

Based on this, an object of the present invention is to provide a rider sensor that is robust and can be manufactured cost-effectively. In particular, a rider sensor suitable for use in the automotive field and capable of meeting the requirements in this field should be created.

To solve this problem, the present invention relates to a rider sensor housing for a rider sensor in a first aspect. The rider sensor housing is
The first receptacle for the transmitter / receiver unit of the rider sensor,
A second receptacle for the scanner unit of the rider sensor,
It comprises a third receptacle for a mirror disposed between the transmit / receive unit and the scanner unit to transfer an optical signal.
The third receptacle is configured to bond the mirror behind it.
The rider sensor housing includes access to the third receptacle. The backside of the mirror is at least partially reachable by UV light through access from the outside of the rider sensor housing to cure the adhesive in the adhesive connection.

The present invention relates to a rider sensor that detects an object in a further aspect. The rider sensor
A combination of a transmitter that emits an optical signal, a receiver that receives the optical signal after being reflected by an object, and a combination that transfers the optical signal from the transmitter to the scanner unit and also transfers the optical signal from the scanner unit to the receiver. A unit, a transmit / receive unit, and
A scanner unit that scans the field of view of the rider sensor by deflecting the optical signal of the transmission / reception unit, and
A mirror placed between the transmitter / receiver unit and the scanner unit to transfer optical signals,
The rider sensor housing described above is provided.

The present invention relates to, in a further aspect, a method of adhering a mirror to the rider sensor housing described above. The method comprises the following steps:
The steps to introduce the adhesive into the third receptacle,
Steps to introduce the mirror to the 3rd receptacle,
Steps to align the mirror with a manipulator,
Includes a step of irradiating the adhesive through access.

Suitable embodiments of the rider sensor housing, rider sensor and method are described in the dependent claims. The above-mentioned features and the features described below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the rider sensor housing, rider sensor and method can be configured according to the embodiments described for the rider sensor housing and rider sensor in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, access is configured in the region of the receptacle for the mirror (folding mirror) within the rider sensor housing. The back side of the mirror is reachable by ultraviolet light (UV light) from the outside through this access. This allows the adhesive or adhesive connection between the mirror and the rider sensor housing or the third receptacle to be cured. In this case, the access can be configured, for example, as a hole. Light can be emitted directly through this hole. Similarly, access can be configured as a possibility of access for the corresponding luminaire.

In the structure of the rider sensor, or in the assembly of various components inside the rider sensor housing, high accuracy in the mutual alignment of the components is important. Therefore, the folding mirror must be positioned with high accuracy in the optical path. Adhesive connections are often used to achieve such high accuracy. High precision alignment, which can be performed, for example, using a manipulator, must be performed during or before gluing. If an adhesive that requires UV light for curing is used, this light must be supplied. The light supply is often difficult to achieve inside the housing, or attention must be paid to the light supply in the design of the rider sensor housing. To ensure an efficient supply of light, access can be provided to enable the supply of light.

In this regard, access can uniformly introduce light into the relevant area. Therefore, access allows the adhesive to be accurately aligned and evenly and well cured. This simplifies manufacturing. In addition, high accuracy is guaranteed in the mutual alignment of the components.

In a preferred embodiment, the access is configured as a hole. Preferably, the hole extends perpendicular to the back side of the mirror. By using the holes, efficient manufacturability can be ensured. The holes aligned perpendicular to the back side of the mirror allow uniform irradiation of the back side or bonding position of the mirror when the mirror is glued on the back side. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the hole is between one-third and one-half of the diameter of the mirror. By using a hole smaller than the mirror, the mirror can be glued to the remaining area behind it. By using holes that are relatively large relative to the diameter of the mirror, irradiation of the adhesive can be achieved in all areas of the adhesive connection. The result is accurate alignment and good curing. This leads to a robust design.

In a preferred embodiment, the third receptacle is configured to be circular in order to receive a round mirror. Access opens to the inner region of the circular third receptacle. The mirror abuts on the outer region of the circular third receptacle. Circular mirrors that can be manufactured efficiently and can be precisely positioned are often used. A round mirror can be glued to the outer region by using the corresponding circular receptacle. The mirror can also be illuminated behind the mirror through access to the inner region of the circular receptacle. As a result, precise and reliable exposure is possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the rider sensor housing comprises a lower portion of the housing that receives the transmit / receive unit and mirror in the inner region of the lower portion of the housing, and a carrier portion that receives the scanner unit. Access is located in the lower part of the housing. In particular, the rider sensor housing can be configured in a two-part structure. The two-part structure allows for efficient manufacturability or efficient assembly. First, the transmission / reception unit and the mirror are fixed to the lower part of the housing. Then, the scanner unit is fixed to the carrier portion. Next, the carrier portion is inserted into the lower portion of the housing. The rider sensor housing can then be closed with the corresponding cover. By assembling in two steps, it is possible to realize a housing that does not have a complicated geometric shape. This provides cost advantages in assembly and manufacturing.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier portion is configured such that the scanner unit is fixed to the carrier portion and the transmission / reception unit is fixed to the fixed lower portion of the housing. In particular, it is advantageous to be able to join the two housing portions with the unit attached to each. This provides an assembly advantage. It enables more cost-effective realization.

In a preferred embodiment, the rider sensor housing comprises a further first receptacle for additional transmit and receive units, a further second receptacle for additional scanner units, and additional transmit and receive units and additional scanner units. Includes an additional third receptacle for additional mirrors placed in between. The rider sensor housing includes additional access to an additional third receptacle. Further access is preferably configured in the corresponding manner.

This is especially advantageous when a rider sensor with two separate optical signals is used. In this case, the housing of the transmission / reception unit configured symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry can be installed at two positions inside the rider sensor without further adjustment. Thereby, in such a system, the transmission / reception unit having a separate configuration or a different configuration can be omitted. Since the same part can be used on two sides, it has the advantage of being efficient in assembly. Further, since only one part is always manufactured by the same method, there is an advantage that it is efficient in manufacturing. In addition, the transmit and receive units can be optimized for the required installation space due to their symmetry. Therefore, the rider sensor can be realized with a smaller rider sensor housing. In other words, since it is not necessary to consider an asymmetric transmission / reception unit, a relatively small installation space can be provided. In this regard, the rider sensor housing can also be configured symmetrically. Access configured symmetrically in the corresponding manner can be provided on two different sides of the rider sensor housing. The two mirrors can be illuminated on the back side in a corresponding manner to allow for efficient adhesion.

In a preferred embodiment of the rider sensor, the housings of the two transmit / receive units are located in a mirror image position within the rider sensor housing. This mirror image structure allows efficient assembly to be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, each scanner unit is configured symmetrically with respect to the assigned scanner unit symmetric plane and is also located in a mirror image position within the lidar sensor housing. Easy manufacturing is possible.

The scanner unit can be configured as a 2D scanner unit in particular. Advantageously, the scanner unit is configured as a Micro Electronic Mechanical System (MEMS) and includes a two-dimensionally controllable micromirror that deflects an optical signal. The MEMS system reacts quickly and deflects the optical signal reliably and precisely. The display area of the rider sensor corresponds to the area that can be seen by the rider sensor. In particular, the display area is defined by specifying vertical and horizontal angles with respect to the rider sensor or to the vehicle to which the rider sensor is mounted. The environment of the vehicle specifically includes the area around the vehicle that is visible to the vehicle. The two parts of the housing can be configured separately and fixed to each other. Similarly, the two housing parts can be combined or made integrally. The receptacle is understood in particular as the corresponding part of the rider sensor housing. In this case, the receptacle can be, in particular, a recess, a protrusion, or a surface or a flat surface. Receiving a unit is understood, in particular, as bonding, screwing or fixing in another form. Ultraviolet light can be generated by a suitable light source.

The invention will be described and described in more detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings with reference to a plurality of selected embodiments.

It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a rider sensor in a vehicle. It is a schematic diagram of the functionality of a rider sensor. It is a schematic perspective view of the spatial arrangement of the component of a rider sensor. It is a further figure of the arrangement of the component of the rider sensor. It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the component inside a rider sensor housing. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a housing for a transmitter / receiver unit of a rider sensor. It is a further schematic diagram of the arrangement of the components inside the rider sensor housing. It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rider sensor housing. It is a schematic diagram of the lower part of a housing. It is a schematic perspective view of a carrier part. It is a further schematic perspective view of a carrier part. It is a further schematic perspective view of a carrier part. It is a schematic diagram of access to the back side of a mirror.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 10 including a rider sensor 12 that detects an object 14 in the environment of the vehicle 10. This figure corresponds to a side sectional view. In the illustrated embodiment, the rider sensor 12 is attached to the vehicle 10. For example, the rider sensor 12 can be installed in the area of the bumper of the vehicle 10 and configured to detect an object in front of the vehicle 10 inside the field of view 16. In the figure, the vertical expansion of the field of view 16 is shown. The object 14 in the environment of the vehicle 10 can be, for example, a license plate, an automobile tire, a traffic sign, a lane boundary, a static infrastructure object, or another vehicle.

In this case, the rider sensor 12 is particularly configured as a rider system for automobiles. This automotive rider system has a coaxial structure and deflection based on microelectromechanical mirrors. The approaches described herein can be used in both pulsar slider technology and FMCW (Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave) lidar technology. In particular, the goal is to provide a rider sensor that can be manufactured efficiently and that can be realized with a compact design. In this case, separate components should be placed to meet the requirements of use in the automotive environment with respect to reliability and longevity.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the functional principle of the rider sensor. The rider sensor 12 includes a transmitter 18 that emits an optical signal (laser beam) and a receiver 20 that receives an optical signal after being reflected by an object. The transmitter 18 is particularly configured as a laser source. On the one hand, it is possible to use a pulsed signal. On the other hand, a frequency-modulated signal (chirp signal) can also be used. The receiver 20 specifically corresponds to a photodetector configured to receive an optical signal after being reflected by an object, thereby making the object detectable.

Further, the rider sensor 12 includes a combination unit 22. The combination unit 22 functions to guide the optical signal from the transmitter to the scanner unit and to guide the optical signal back from the scanner unit to the receiver 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the coaxial arrangement is shown in that the optical path after the combination unit 22 is the same for the emitted optical signal and the reflected optical signal. The rider sensor is also referred to as a coaxial rider sensor or a coaxial design rider sensor.

The combination unit 22 can be configured as a circulator. The circulator can be preferably realized by silicon photonics technology. Similarly, the combination unit 22 can also correspond to a beam conductor (beam splitter). The use of beam splitters has the disadvantage of losing signal components. However, there are advantages in terms of reaction rate and manufacturing cost.

In the present specification, the combination of the transmitter 18, the receiver 20, and the combination unit 22 is referred to as a transmission / reception unit 24, and is arranged together in the housing.

The rider sensor 12 further includes a scanner unit 26 that scans the field of view of the rider sensor 12. The scanner unit 26 can be configured as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) in particular. It is also possible to use one (or more) galvanometer or voice coil motor. Micromirrors are controlled to radiate optical signals to different locations within the field of view and receive corresponding detections at different locations. The mirror can be tilted to two orthogonal axes via an electrically controllable actuator and has a diameter of, for example, 3-8 mm. In particular, the field of view of the rider sensor 12 is scanned row by row or column by column. In this connection, there are horizontal and vertical axes. Each of these axes can be controlled by the associated actuator. In this regard, the scanner unit 26 corresponds to a 2D scanner unit and can also be referred to as a deflection unit.

The lens 28, in particular the collimation lens, is preferably located between the transmit / receive unit 24 and the scanner unit 26 in order to generate a suitable, particularly Gaussian, cross-sectional profile of the optical signal. In addition, the size and shape of the spot can be adjusted. The lens 28 can be configured in different forms. If necessary, the lens 28 may be arranged inside the transmission / reception unit 24 as a part of the transmission / reception unit 24.

Further, the mirror 30 can be arranged between the transmission / reception unit 24 and the scanner unit 26. The mirror 30 makes it possible to realize a more compact design of the rider sensor. The mirror 30 is also referred to as a folding mirror.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the arrangement of the various components of the rider sensor and their mutual alignment. In particular, the component can be received and secured within the corresponding receptacle within the rider sensor housing. The transmission / reception unit 24 transmits / receives an optical signal (indicated by a broken line). The mirror 30 that transfers the optical signal to the scanner unit 26 is arranged in the path 32 of the optical signal. As mentioned above, the micromirror 31 functions to deflect the optical signal in order to scan the field of view of the rider sensor 12.

In FIG. 4, another perspective view of the arrangement of the components is schematically shown. In particular, a top view is shown as compared to FIG. The transmit / receive unit 24, the mirror 30 and the scanner unit 26 work together to scan the field of view of the rider sensor 12.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a rider sensor that produces two optical signals. This figure should be understood as a top view of the rider sensor housing 34. The cover is not shown and the components are visible.

In addition to the transmit / receive unit 24, the scanner unit 26, and the mirror 30, a further transmit / receive unit 24', a further scanner unit 26', and a further mirror 30'are configured inside the rider sensor housing 34. By generating and evaluating two optical signals, a larger field of view can be scanned. Alternatively or additionally, improved reliability can be achieved by scanning the same field of view, or at least overlapping parts of the field of view, with two optical signals. For example, redundancy can be achieved in the central region scanned by two optical signals.

Inside the rider sensor housing 34, the transmit / receive unit 24 or additional transmit / receive unit 24'is located in the corresponding first receptacle 36 or the corresponding additional first receptacle 36'. The scanner unit 26 or the additional scanner unit 26'is located in the second receptacle 38 or the additional second receptacle 38'. The mirror 30 or the additional mirror 30'is located in the third receptacle 40 or the additional third receptacle 40'. In this case, each component is set or secured within the receptacle.

In FIG. 6, the transmission / reception unit 24 is shown schematically in a perspective view. The housing 42 of the transmission / reception unit 24 includes a first housing portion 44 and a second housing portion 46. The transmitter, receiver and combination unit are received within the first housing portion 44. Optionally, the laser source is also received within the first housing portion 44. Further, the first housing portion 44 includes a rider sensor housing or a contact surface 48 that is in thermal contact with a carrier element of the rider sensor housing. The first housing portion 44 and the second housing portion 46 are preferably interconnected and can also be configured as an intersection or an individual portion.

Advantageously, the first housing portion 44 and the second housing portion 46 are configured symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 50. The plane of symmetry 50 includes the path 32 of the optical signal after exiting the opening 52 of the second housing portion 46.

The second housing portion 46 is substantially formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the cylinder corresponds to the path 32 of the optical signal through the second housing portion 46. The first housing portion 44 is configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is preferably aligned parallel to the path 32 of the optical signal. At least one outer surface of the rectangular parallelepiped extends parallel to the path 32 of the optical signal.

The first housing portion 44 preferably comprises a stopper 54. The stopper 54 allows the first housing portion 44 to be placed on the corresponding counterpart or receptacle in the rider sensor housing. The stopper can also be placed on the counterpart. This simplifies alignment and provides precise manufacturing capacity. The second housing portion 46 preferably comprises a second contact surface 56. The second contact surface 56 is also used for the housing 42 to make thermal contact with the rider sensor housing.

The second housing portion 46 can also be referred to as a lens tube because the lens can be arranged inside the second housing portion 46.

In addition, an interface 58 that functions to bring the transmit / receive unit, or transmitter and receiver, into electronic contact is also shown. It is preferred to use torsion-resistant plug sockets so that the corresponding plugs can be installed on both sides, i.e. in both possible orientations. A connection to the corresponding control unit can be established through the interface 58 to control or read the transmit / receive unit, or transmitter and receiver.

Since the transmission / reception unit 24 has a high heat generation amount, it must be thermally connected and dissipate heat (first and second contact surfaces). In addition, the individual units of the transmit and receive units 24 must be capable of electrical contact (interface). Due to the symmetrical structure of the housing 42 of the proposed transmit / receive unit 24, thermal and electrical connections can be easily achieved. The second housing portion 46 is arranged on the plane of symmetry 50. Further, the interface 58 is also located on the plane of symmetry. Therefore, the entire transmission / reception unit 24 can be rotated about its central axis. This allows for neutral positioning and contact with respect to alignment and contact. The counter surface of the rider sensor housing does not need to be manufactured as a complex geometry in the internal region of the rider sensor housing. Therefore, the surface of the housing 42, which is thermally connected, can be manufactured more easily. Since the optical signal is radiated on the plane of symmetry, the functionality is not impaired by rotating the transmission / reception unit 24. Further, the basic structure of the rider sensor is not changed by rotating the transmission / reception unit 24. In this regard, there is a particular advantage if the rider sensor should be implemented with two transmit and receive units. It is understood that this symmetric structure can be applied to further components to achieve a simpler structure of the rider sensor.

Further, the rigidity of the housing 42 is designed so that the lens does not need to be additionally fixed to the second housing portion 46. The second housing portion 46 has only one mechanical contact surface used for heat dissipation and fixation. This improvement in the connection of the individual components further simplifies the structure of the rider sensor housing. The fixation and calibration of the emerging optical signal can only be performed in the previous work step with respect to the reference plane using an alignment aid. By pre-assembling in this way, the process time is shortened. Further, the lens is preferably fixed to the second housing portion 46 by gluing the active alignment. At that time, the radiation direction can be corrected.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a top view of the rider sensor housing 34 (without cover). An optical signal surface including an optical signal path between the transmission / reception unit 24 and the mirror 30 and an optical signal path between the mirror 30 and the scanner unit 26 is 90 with respect to the outer surface A of the rider sensor housing 34. It is advantageous that the transmit / receive unit 24, the scanner unit 26 and the mirror 30 are arranged so as to extend at an angle different from °.

In the illustrated example, the rider sensor housing 34 is configured to have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the figure, the course of the optical signal plane is visualized by two dashed lines. The optical signal plane contains two dashed lines. The two dashed lines include the path of the optical signal between the transmit / receive unit 24 and the mirror 30 and between the mirror 30 and the scanner unit 26. In the illustrated example, the optical signal plane thus defined is tilted with respect to the outer surface A of all six rectangular parallelepipeds of the rider sensor housing 34 and is arranged at an angle different from 90 °. Illustratively, an angle α representing an inclination with respect to the outer surface A on the left side is shown. The optical signal surface is also particularly inclined with respect to the base surface G (which constitutes the outer surface) of the rider sensor housing 34. The angle of the optical signal plane with respect to the base plane G is preferably 85 °, particularly between 83 ° and 87 °. It is understood that the illustrated alignment is also applied to the additional transmit / receive unit 24', the additional mirror 30'and the additional scanner unit 26'in the corresponding (plane) symmetric way.

Installation space can be reduced by the distributed structure shown, or by offsetting the angles of the individual components with each other. The mirror 30 and the scanner unit 26 or the micromirror 31 of the scanner unit 26 are attached at offset angles with respect to the center surface of the transmission / reception unit 24, respectively. By mounting the components at offset from each other in this way, the components can be arranged more compactly inside the rider sensor housing 34. The component is moved, so to speak, toward the corner of the rider sensor housing 34. The alignment angle can be adapted according to the required size of the rider sensor housing 34. Therefore, further miniaturized packaging becomes possible.

In FIG. 8, the rider sensor housing 34 is shown schematically again with various components and units mounted therein.

The rider sensor housing 34 advantageously includes a housing lower portion 60 in which the transmit / receive unit 24 is received and a carrier portion 62 in which the scanner unit 26 is located. In this case, the carrier portion 62 is configured so that the scanner unit 26 is fixed to the carrier portion 62 and the transmission / reception unit 24 is fixed to the housing lower portion 60 to which the transmission / reception unit 24 is fixed. In other words, a two-step assembly is performed. First, the scanner unit 26 is fixed to the carrier portion 62, and the transmission / reception unit 24 is fixed to the lower portion 60 of the housing. Next, the carrier portion 62 is inserted into and fixed to the lower portion 60 of the housing.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of the lower portion 60 of the housing in which the transmit / receive unit 24 (and further transmit / receive unit 24') is installed therein. The housing lower portion 60 is closed by a cover portion (not shown) after the carrier portion 62 has been inserted.

In FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, different views of the exemplary embodiment of the carrier portion 62 are shown in perspective view. In particular, the carrier portion 62 may be provided with a corresponding threaded hole for being screwed into the lower portion of the housing.

The carrier portion 62 includes an opening 64 and a frame 66 surrounding the opening 64. When the carrier portion 62 is inserted into the lower portion of the housing (see FIG. 8), the opening 64 is aligned with the mirror of the rider sensor. The frame 66 or opening 64 serves to provide a support surface and mounting position for the scanner unit. To secure the scanner unit, the carrier portion 62 may specifically include a corresponding screw hole 68 (see FIG. 11).

Further, the carrier portion 62 preferably comprises an alignment element 70. The alignment element 70 cooperates with the corresponding alignment element in the scanner unit to align the scanner unit with respect to the carrier portion 62. The alignment element 70 is configured as a centering pin or as a cylindrical protrusion in the carrier portion 62 in the illustrated embodiment. This centering pin cooperates with the corresponding receptacle in the scanner unit 26.

The alignment element 70 works with the corresponding alignment element in the scanner unit to allow the carrier portion 62 to be positioned very accurately with respect to the scanner unit. It eliminates the complicated gluing and alignment process for accurate positioning of the scanner unit. As a result, there is the potential for savings. In this case, the centering pins or alignment elements allow for very precise positioning with respect to each other and provide small tolerances. Further, the attachment of the scanner unit to the carrier portion can already be done in the pre-assembly process.

The two-part design of the rider sensor housing provides manufacturing advantages. With access to manufacturing and assembly space, rider sensor housings that are not significantly complex geometric shapes can be realized. The carrier portion 62 can be pre-arranged and installed before assembling with the lower portion of the housing. Then, by individually inserting the entire carrier portion with the scanner unit attached, the manufacture of the rider sensor is significantly simplified. The assembly concept is optimized in terms of handling technology and time (two-step assembly process). In this regard, an efficient manufacturing process is obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, it is particularly advantageous if a common carrier portion is provided for the two scanner units, thereby realizing a rider sensor with two optical signals.

In FIG. 13, a detailed view of the rider sensor or rider sensor housing 34 in the region of the third receptacle 40 for the mirror 30 is shown schematically in perspective view. The mirror 30 is preferably adhered to the region of the third receptacle 40 on the back side thereof. In this case, the front side of the mirror 30 is the reflection side. The reflection side reflects an optical signal between the transmit / receive unit and the scanner unit.

In this case, high accuracy is required for assembling the mirror 30. The presence of multiple components within the rider sensor that must be positioned relative to each other provides a large position tolerance of the components in manufacturing or assembly. To compensate for tolerances, it is particularly advantageous to align the optical signal by adjusting the mirror 30 to the center of the scanner unit or to the center of the micromirror of the scanner unit. Active alignment bonding technology is mainly used for this alignment. In such a bonding technique, the bonding position is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In this case, on the other hand, uniform irradiation is important. On the other hand, a sufficiently strong irradiation must be ensured over the entire bonding position.

The third receptacle is provided with an access 72 so that the irradiation process can be carried out easily and efficiently. The back side of the mirror 30 is at least partially reachable by UV light through the access 72 from the outside of the rider sensor housing to cure the adhesive in the adhesive connection. In this case, the back side of the mirror 30 is particularly provided with a diffuse reflection surface. UV light is transferred to the bonding position through this diffuse reflection surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the access 72 is configured as a hole. The hole extends perpendicular to the back side of the mirror 30. In the illustrated example, the exit of the hole from the rider sensor housing 34 is aligned at an angle not equal to 90 ° with respect to the rider sensor housing 34. In the illustrated example, the hole diameter d is between one-third and one-half the diameter of the mirror 30. Preferably, the mirror 30 is similarly configured in a circular shape. In this regard, the access 72 opens into a corresponding recess arranged in a circle on the third receptacle.

In the corresponding manufacturing method of a rider sensor with such an access 72, an adhesive is first introduced into the third receptacle 40. The bond usually has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm. Next, the mirror is introduced into the third receptacle. Align the mirror with a manipulator. During alignment, UV light is applied to the adhesive through the access 72, thereby curing.

The present invention has been comprehensively described and described based on the drawings and description. It should be understood that the description and description are merely exemplary and not limiting. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments or variations are possible when using the present invention, as well as based on the drawings, disclosure and rigorous analysis of the claims below.

In the claims, terms such as "umfassen" and "mit" do not preclude the existence of further elements or steps. Indefinite definite articles such as "ein" or "eine" in the original text do not exclude multiple existences. The individual elements or individual units may perform the functions of the plurality of units described in the claims. Elements, units, interfaces, devices and systems can be partially or completely implemented in hardware and / or software. Mere references to several actions in different dependent claims should not be understood to mean that a combination of these actions cannot be used in an equally advantageous manner. The reference symbols in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

10 Vehicle 12 Rider sensor 14 Object 16 Field of view 18 Transmitter 20 Receiver 22 Combination unit 24 Transmission / reception unit 26 Scanner unit 28 Lens 30 Mirror 31 Micro mirror 32 Optical signal path 34 Rider sensor housing 36 1st receptacle 38 2nd receptacle 40 3rd Receptacle 42 Housing for transmission / reception unit 44 First housing part 46 Second housing part 48 Contact surface 50 Symmetrical plane 52 Opening 54 Stopper 56 Second contact surface 58 Interface 60 Housing lower part 62 Carrier part 64 Carrier part opening 66 Frame 68 Thread hole 70 Alignment element 72 Access

Claims (12)

A rider sensor housing (34) for the rider sensor (12).
The first receptacle (36) for the transmission / reception unit (24) of the rider sensor and
The second receptacle (38) for the scanner unit (26) of the rider sensor and
A third receptacle (40) for a mirror (30) disposed between the transmit / receive unit and the scanner unit to transfer an optical signal.
The third receptacle is configured to adhere the mirror to the back side of the mirror.
The rider sensor housing includes access (72) to the third receptacle, and the back side of the mirror is at least partially accessible from outside the rider sensor housing to cure the adhesive at the adhesive connection. Rider sensor housing (34) reachable by UV light through (72). The rider according to claim 1, wherein the access (72) is configured as a hole, the hole preferably extending perpendicular to the back side of the mirror (30). Sensor housing (34). The rider sensor according to claim 2, wherein the hole diameter (d) is between one-third and one-half the diameter of the mirror (30). Housing (34). The rider sensor housing (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third receptacle (40) is configured to be circular in order to receive a round mirror (30).
The access (72) opens into the inner region of the circular third receptacle.
The mirror is a rider sensor housing (34) that abuts on the outer region of the circular third receptacle. The rider sensor housing (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission / reception unit (24) and the mirror (30) are the lower portion of the housing (60). A housing lower portion (60) that receives the internal region of (60) and a carrier portion (62) that receives the scanner unit (26) are provided.
The access (72) is a rider sensor housing (34) located in the lower portion of the housing. The rider sensor housing (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the carrier portion (62) is in a state where the scanner unit (26) is fixed to the carrier portion (62). The rider sensor housing (34) is configured so that the transmission / reception unit (24) is fixed to the lower portion (60) of the housing to which the transmission / reception unit (24) is fixed. The rider sensor housing (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A further first receptacle (36') for a further transmit / receive unit (24'), a further second receptacle (38') for a further scanner unit (26'), and the further transmit / receive unit. A third receptacle (40') for a further mirror (30') disposed between and to the further scanner unit is provided.
The rider sensor housing (34) comprises a rider sensor housing (34) that includes further access to the further third receptacle. A rider sensor (12) that detects an object (14).
A transmitter (18) that emits an optical signal, a receiver (20) that receives the optical signal after being reflected by the object, and the optical signal are transferred from the transmitter to the scanner unit (26). Further, a transmission / reception unit (24) including a combination unit (22) for transferring the optical signal from the scanner unit to the receiver.
A scanner unit (26) that scans the field of view of the rider sensor by deflecting the optical signal of the transmission / reception unit, and
A mirror (30) arranged between the transmission / reception unit and the scanner unit so as to transfer an optical signal, and
A rider sensor (12) comprising the rider sensor housing (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The rider sensor (12) according to claim 8.
The rider sensor housing (34) according to claim 7,
It comprises an additional transmit / receive unit (24'), an additional scanner unit (26'), and an additional mirror (30') disposed between the additional transmit / receive unit and the additional scanner unit. Rider sensor (12). The rider sensor (12) according to claim 9, wherein the housings of the two transmission / reception units (24, 24') are arranged at a mirror image position in the rider sensor housing (34). The rider sensor (12) according to claim 10, wherein the scanner units (26, 26') are respectively configured symmetrically with respect to the assigned scanner unit symmetrical plane, and similarly in the rider sensor housing. A rider sensor (12) located at the mirror image position. A method of adhering a mirror (30) to the rider sensor housing (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The step of introducing the adhesive into the third receptacle (40) and
The step of introducing the mirror into the third receptacle,
The step of aligning the mirror with a manipulator,
A method comprising the step of irradiating the adhesive through the access (72).

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