WO2010142484A2

WO2010142484A2 - Sensor device comprising an optical unit

Info

Publication number: WO2010142484A2
Application number: PCT/EP2010/055147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Pack; Axel Schwarz; Bruno Hodapp; Wolfgang Feiler; Markus Wolff; Norbert Hog
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-06-10
Filing date: 2010-04-20
Publication date: 2010-12-16
Also published as: DE102009026872A1; WO2010142484A3

Abstract

A sensor device comprises an optical unit for a motor vehicle, designed to be fixed on a vehicle window. Said device is characterized in that the optical unit has at least one lens system, wherein the lens system has a lens carrier comprising at least one lens, and the lens carrier and the lens consist of the same material and are constructed as a single part.

Description

description

title

Sensor device with optical unit

The invention relates to a sensor device with an optical unit for a vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor device with optical unit to a disc in the vehicle interior can be fastened. In particular, the invention relates to a sensor device with an optical unit with at least one rain sensor for detecting rain or raindrops on the window of the vehicle or motor vehicle.

From DE 198 392 73 A1 an optical sensor for motor vehicles is known. The optical sensor in this case has a housing in which a circuit board is arranged, on which u.a. Sensors are positioned. Furthermore, the optical sensor has a light guide. The light guide is designed so that all optical structures, both for the rain sensor and for the brightness sensors are contained therein. If e.g. used for the rain sensor infrared light, so the areas for the rain sensor function can be made of black plastic. The necessary for the brightness sensors areas of the light guide, however, are made of transparent plastic. For this purpose, the light guide can be produced by the two-component injection molding process or can be joined together from a plurality of monochrome plastic segments. Furthermore, the light guide simultaneously forms the base side of the housing. To attach the housing to a vehicle window, the housing is adhesively bonded to the pane via its light guide by means of a transparent adhesive film.

Furthermore, DE 100 345 55 A1 discloses a sensor unit which is mounted on a windshield of a motor vehicle. The sensor unit has a sensor housing with a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor has a sensor element and a light guide. All light-guiding elements are integrally connected to a light guide body, wherein the light guide is made for example in a multi-component injection molding, but also an education of several items is possible, in which case the one light guide is inserted into a corresponding recess of the other light guide. Furthermore, the light guide is pressed over a silicone pad on the vehicle window. Furthermore, the sensors are arranged in a sensor housing on a circuit board above the optical waveguide.

From WO 01/05636 A1 a rain sensor with such an optical unit ebefalls known, the rain sensor is clipped but via a spring mechanism in a holding plate. The retaining plate has only a mechanical and no optical function and can thus be glued to the disc with a non-transparent adhesive. Due to the action of the spring mechanism, a silicone coupling pad of the optical unit of the rain sensor is pressed against the windshield without any air bubbles and thus optically coupled to it.

In DE 10 2005 018 379 A1 and the corrsponding US 7 297 932 B2, an optoelectronic sensor device is disclosed. The sensor device in this case has a first circuit carrier, with a radiation transmitter and a

Radiation receiver and further comprises a second circuit carrier with heating elements and radiation receivers. Immediately associated with the first circuit carrier is a lens carrier in which lens-shaped beam shaping means are accommodated. The second circuit carrier is arranged between the lens carrier and a construction element and electrically connected via a plug connection with the first circuit carrier. The construction element has support or support elements and adjusts the position of the lens wearer. The construction element is supported with this support or support elements on the one hand on a coupling means and on the other hand on the Lisien carrier. The coupling means fixes the sensor device with a transparent adhesive on a vehicle window.

However, the sensor device in DE 10 2005 018 379 A1 and the corrsponding US 7 297 932 B2 has the disadvantage that a part of the optic is glued to the disc by means of optically transparent adhesive. Thus, the entire system of electronics and optics can not be tested together before the application be because the lens to be glued to the optical part is often glued to the disc manufacturer and there is no 1: 1 mapping between this part of the optics and the rest of optics with electronics in the rain sensor control unit. Furthermore, the solution shown in DE 10 2005 018 379 A1 and US Pat. No. 7,297,932 B2 has the disadvantage that the lenses either have to be inserted or glued into the carrier parts carrying them or have to be injected into them. The former has the disadvantage that many items have to be handled. The latter has the disadvantage that a complex multi-component injection molding process must be used to manufacture the lenses, including the carrier part. Another disadvantage of the solution in DE 10 2005 018 379

A1 and US Pat. No. 7,297,932 B2 that two circuit carriers are necessary, which must be contacted via a plug connection with each other. This is complicated and can lead to disadvantages in terms of reliability.

According to the invention, a sensor device with an optical unit for a

Motor vehicle provided, which consists of a few producible with simple manufacturing steps items that are easy to assemble and apply and has an optical unit that can be easily adapted to different application conditions.

The sensor device according to the invention in this case has an optical unit which has at least one lens system, wherein the lens system has a lens carrier with at least one lens and wherein the lens carrier and the lens are formed as a part of the same material or a common material. This has the advantage that it is possible to dispense with an expensive multi-component injection molding process in which the lens carrier is manufactured from a different material than the lens system. Furthermore, the lens does not have to be fixed by gluing or injecting in the lens carrier, but is manufactured as a part with the lens carrier, for example in a 1K molding process.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

In one embodiment of the invention, the optical unit has a lens holder with a coupling pad, the coupling pad being attached to the lens holder. is designed fastened example. This has the advantage that the coupling pad can be handled better.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the lens holder with the coupling pad can be fastened to the optics carrier, the lens holder being designed to be fastened to the optics carrier with it, for example, latchable or clipped. In this way, the respective lens system can be reliably held by the lens holder on the optical carrier.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has at least one printed circuit board, wherein on the circuit board, for example, at least one or more optical and / or electrical components are provided to these components include sensors, diodes, detectors, evaluation, control devices and other semiconductor devices, etc .. ., to name just a few examples. The invention is not limited to these examples. In this case, for example, all optical components are arranged on the circuit board, so that it is possible to dispense with an additional circuit carrier.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the sensor device with the optical unit and its lens system or lens systems, its lens holder and the coupling pad, the printed circuit board, the cover and the plug device forms an electrical and optical overall system. Such an overall system has the advantage that it can be tested prior to attachment to the base part or the vehicle window.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the schematic figures of the drawing. Show it:

1 shows a schematic sectional view through a rain sensor device with an optical unit;

FIGS. 2a, b, c show an optics carrier and two lens systems of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 3 shows a lens holder with a coupling pad of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

4 shows a lens holder with a coupling pad according to a further embodiment of the invention;

5 shows an optical carrier, two lens systems and the lens holder according to FIG.

3 in an assembly position;

6 shows an optical carrier, two lens systems and the lens holder according to FIG.

4 in an assembly position;

7a, b show a lid and a printed circuit board element with a plug device according to an embodiment of the invention;

8a, b show a lid and a printed circuit board element with a plug device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

9a, b, c a receiving element and a spring element for assembly with a fully assembled optical unit with lens systems according to an embodiment of the invention;

10a, b a sensor device with optical unit according to the invention in an assembled position and fully assembled;

Fig. 1 1 a, b, the sensor device with optical unit of Figure 10 in a plan view, and the corresponding base part.

1 1 c, d the sensor device with optical unit according to FIG. 10 in a side view, as well as the corresponding base part; and

Fig. 1 1 e, the sensor device with optical unit of FIG. 10 ready mounted on the corresponding base part which can be fastened to a vehicle window. In all figures, identical or functionally identical elements and devices have been provided with the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

In Fig. 1, a schematic sectional view is first shown by a rain sensor device with an optical unit. The rain sensor device with the optical unit is mounted on the inside of a vehicle window of a vehicle.

Such rain sensor devices, such as the rain sensor device 10 shown in FIG. 1, generally operate according to the following basic principle. A light emitter 12, for example an infrared emitter LED (LED), emits light 14 at a certain angle from the inner side of the disc, i.a. from the passenger compartment, against an interface formed by the disc 16 and the vehicle exterior 18, which is referred to in this area as a sensitive surface. The angle is chosen so that the light is totally reflected at not wetted disc at the interface according to the laws of optics in the direction of the inside of the disc, as the drawn light beam path 20 shows. The light is then emitted by a light receiver 22, preferably an infrared light-detecting device, disposed in the vicinity of the disk inside

Diode or an infrared LRD, collected. When wetting the disk 16 by raindrops, the total reflection is disturbed or canceled, so that a part of the light is coupled outwards and at the infrared LRD 22 less light arrives than in the case of total reflection. From the collapse of the light incident, an evaluation electronics 24 assigned to the light emitter 12, in this case infrared emitter LED 12, and the light receiver 22, here infrared LRD 22, now adjusts to the present degree of wetting and accordingly controls wiping operations of an associated windshield wiper system. The evaluation electronics 24 can, as shown in FIG. 1, be arranged, for example, on a printed circuit board 64 in a housing 27.

In order to realize this basic principle, the light emitter 12 or the infrared emitter LED and the light receiver 22 or the infrared LRD and the evaluation electronics 24 are generally accommodated in a control unit. For the purpose of effective light beam guidance, the control unit is provided with a transmitting optics 28 assigned to the light emitter 12 or the light emitting diode (LED) and a light emitter 28 assigned to the light emitter. receiver 22 or the light-detecting diode (LRD) associated with receiving optics 30 equipped. Furthermore, the control unit for the purpose of undisturbed light conduction and coupling of the light in the disc 16 with an optical coupling medium 26 air bubble-free coupled to the disc 16. Silicone is used as the coupling medium, for example.

In such rain sensor control devices 10, moreover, lenses and detectors for detecting the ambient brightness and for detecting the heat radiation can be integrated. In this case, for example, assistive light circuit lenses (ALS lenses) are used to detect the ambient brightness and, for example, solar charge lenses (SL lenses), which are used, for example, for detecting the heat radiation. consist of an optically transparent in the infrared range material to detect the heat radiation. With the information of the ambient brightness, the sensitivity of the rain sensor evaluation circuit and / or the brightness of a head-up display can be controlled and the low beam of the vehicle can be switched on and off, etc. With the information about the heat radiation, furthermore, an air conditioning system of the vehicle can be controlled become. The lens systems are usually combined in an optical unit.

So far, such lens systems are formed together with the optical unit. However, this has the disadvantage that for this purpose a very complex and complex manufacturing process is necessary. This is due to the fact that different materials are used for the different parts of the optical unit and the lenses of the lens systems.

Parts of an optical unit 32 of a sensor device 10 according to the invention are shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c. More precisely, FIG. 2 a shows an optical carrier 34, a first lens system 36 in FIG. 2 b, and a second lens system 38 in FIG. 2 c. The first and second lens system 36 and 38, as shown in the

2b and 2c are examples of lens systems as used in a sensor device 10 with an optical unit 32, for example a rain sensor device with optical unit, according to the invention. The optics carrier 34, as shown in FIG. 2 a, or the so-called carrier of the optical unit 32 serves to receive, for example, one or more lens systems 36, 38 and consists for example of an optically non-transparent material. in the Below, a so-called rain sensor lens system (RSM lens system) is shown in FIG. 2b as an example of the first lens system 36, which can be received in an associated receptacle 33 in the optics carrier 34. The rain sensor lens system 36 consists, for example, of optically transparent material, the material being optically transparent, for example, in the infrared spectrum. Further, this first lens system 36, for example, a lens carrier 40 with two light-emitting lenses 42 and two light-receiving lenses 44, and optionally an additional light-receiving lens 45 and solar loading lens for detecting the heat radiation, for example, to control an air conditioner, the Lenses 42, 44, 45 and the lens carrier 40 are integrally formed of a common or the same material (eg, an optically transparent in the infrared range plastic), for example by means of a 1 K injection molding process. The lens system can be inserted into the receptacle 33 of the optics carrier 34, for example, or additionally fastened in it, for example, latched or clipped thereto, etc.

(not shown). For this purpose, the optical carrier 34 comprises e.g. one or more fasteners, for example snap-in hooks (not shown), e.g. engage in corresponding openings or recesses of the lens system 36, 38 or clasp with these (not shown). Conversely, the lens system 36, 38 can also have one or more fastening elements, for example in FIG

Have a shape of snap hooks which engage in corresponding openings or recess of the optics carrier 34. The lenses 40, 42 of the lens system 36, 38 are inserted into correspondingly shaped window openings 46 in the receptacle 33 of the optics carrier 34. In addition to the rain sensor lens system 36, optionally at least one further, here the second lens system 38, can be accommodated in the optical carrier 34 in the present example. In this second lens system 38, as shown in Fig. 2c, it is, for example, a lens system for detecting the ambient brightness or a so-called. Assistenzlichtschaltungs (ALS) - lens system. In this case, the ALS lens system 38 consists, for example, of an optically transparent material which, for example, is optically transparent for visible light or daylight, and in the present case has a lens carrier 40 with, for example, three lenses, for example three light-receiving lenses 44, wherein the Lensenträger 40 and the lenses 44 are formed as a part of the same here, for example, in the visible light optically transparent material. Like the first lens system 36, the second lens system 38 can be inserted into the receptacle 33 of the optics carrier. gers merely inserted or additionally secured in this, for example, locked or clipped (not shown). For this purpose, the optics carrier 34 and / or the lens system 36, 38, as described above, one or more fasteners, such as snap hooks (not shown), for example, hook into corresponding openings or recesses of the lens system 36, 38 and the optics carrier 34 or engage (not shown). Another, not shown here fastening method of the lens systems is that at least one lens system is locked in the optics carrier or formed fastened to this and, for example, has an overhang or at least one overhang portion. By means of the overhang or overhang section, in turn, at least one further lens system can be secured against falling out of the optics carrier. By the overhang portion of, for example, a portion of the lens system at least partially covered, the lens system can be kept underneath in the optics carrier, even if it is only inserted in this. The further lens system does not have to be able to be latched or fastened to the optics carrier. In principle, however, the further lens system can also be designed to be latchable or fastenable to the optics carrier.

Furthermore, the lenses 44 of the second lens system 38 are inserted or received in correspondingly shaped window openings 46 in the receptacle 33 of the optics carrier 34. Furthermore, the two lens systems 36, 38 can additionally be formed with at least one or more adjustment elements 48, which can be accommodated later, for example, in corresponding receptacles of an associated printed circuit board in order to position the printed circuit board and the respective lens system 36, 38 relative to one another. The adjusting elements 48 may be formed, for example, as pin elements, as shown in Fig. 2, which are inserted into corresponding openings of the circuit board, as shown below with reference to FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b. The adjusting elements 48 are formed on the lens system 36, 38 or integrally formed from the same material as this. The lens carrier 40 with the lenses 42, 44 and 44 and the adjusting elements 48 can be produced for example in a 1 K injection molding process. The fact that the lens system and its elements are made of the same material, no multi-stage manufacturing process is necessary because not as previously used different materials for the lens carrier and the lenses of the lens system. moreover the separate production of the respective lens system 36, 38 and the optical carrier 34 has the advantage that can also be dispensed with a complicated multi-stage manufacturing process in which different materials must be used and interconnected, once for the Linsensys- systems and once for the optics carrier , Instead, the lens systems 36,

38 are easily made of the respective optically transparent material provided, while separately the optical unit 34 is made of e.g. optically non-transparent material is made to adequately shield the lens systems 36, 38 later. By separate, simple manufacturing processes, the manufacturing costs for an optical unit 32 can be reduced. Of

Furthermore, faulty lens systems 36, 38 or optical carrier 34 can be sorted out early, for example, without later having to dispose of a completely assembled optical unit 32. As a result, the production costs can be further reduced. Furthermore, by forming or shaping the lenses 42, 44 in the lens carrier 40 of the respective lens system 36,

38 on an additional attaching the lenses, for example by gluing the lenses in a lens carrier, be dispensed with.

FIGS. 3 and 4 further show two embodiments of lens holders 50, each with an associated coupling medium in the form of a coupling pad 52. These lens holders 50 are for example made of a non-transparent material. In this case, the lens holders 50 can be designed such that, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, they hold or fix the respective lens system 36, 38 in the optical carrier 34. On the other hand, if the respective lens system 36, 38 is attached to the optics support 34 itself, e.g. by means of one or more fastening elements, it can be dispensed with an additional attachment by means of the lens holder 50, but it does not have to.

In the first embodiment of the lens holder 50, as shown in Fig. 3, the lens holder 50 has correspondingly shaped window openings 54 for the

Lenses of the two lens systems. Furthermore, the lens holder 50 has at least one or more fastening elements, for example in the form of snap-in hooks 56 for latching or hooking into the optics carrier, so that the lens systems can be reliably held and fixed therebetween. The optics carrier has in each case a corresponding opening or a recess for attaching the lens holder, into which the respective latching hook 56 of the lens holder 50 can hook or. In the event that the respective lens system itself is fastened to the optics carrier, for example by means of snapping or clipping, the fastening elements 52 of the lens holder 50 can also optionally be dispensed with. The lens holder 50 may, for example, be made of plastic, for example a thermoplastic material, the material of the lens holder 50, as described above, being optically non-transparent, for example. In principle, however, the lens holder 50 can also be optically transparent or partially optically transparent, depending on the function and intended purpose. A lens holder 50 which consists of an optically non-transparent material, has the advantage that it can serve on the one hand as a diaphragm for limiting the useful light but also as protection of the detectors against externally extraneous light originating from outside.

Furthermore, a coupling medium in the form of a coupling pad 52 is fastened to the lens holder 50. The coupling pad 52 is in the embodiment in

Fig. 3 e.g. made of a self-adhesive, optically transparent material, for example of a self-adhesive optically transparent silicone. The coupling pad 52 thus adheres to the lens holder 50 by itself. In principle, however, the coupling pad 52 can also be made up of at least two layers (not shown), wherein the first layer, which is connected to the lens holder 50, consists of a self-adhesive, optical transparent material and the second layer, with which the lens holder 50 and the coupling pad 52 are attached to a vehicle window, consists of a non-adhesive, optically transparent material. The fact that the second layer, with which the coupling pad 52 is connected to a disk made of a non-self-adhesive material, makes it easier for the coupling pad 52 to be detached again from the disk when required. Furthermore, the coupling pad 52 may also be made completely of a non-self-adhering, optically transparent material, for example a non-self-adhesive silicone, and may be attached to it, for example by means of an adhesive or an adhesive film

The fact that the coupling pad 52 is glued to the lens holder 50 in the embodiment in Fig. 3 or independently adheres to this, the lens holder 50 may for example in shape a substantially flat disc can be formed, which may be formed flat or curved, and the only example, at least one or more Be fastening elements, for example in the form of snap-in hooks 52, for attachment to the optics carrier. Another advantage is that no limp separate coupling pad 52 must be handled, but this is instead already attached to the lens holder 50.

4, another embodiment of a lens holder 50 and a coupling pad 52 connected thereto is shown. The lens holder 50 is shown in a sectional view. In the embodiment in Fig. 4, the lens holder 50 has e.g. likewise at least one or more fastening elements in the form of latching elements, for latching into the optics carrier and thus for securing the lens holder 50 and a coupling pad 52 connected thereto to the optics carrier. The respective latching element is formed for example in the form of an eyelet 58, in which, for example, a corresponding snap-in hook or a projection (not shown) of the optics carrier engages. The eyelet 58 can be formed with a recess or an opening into which a corresponding snap-in hook or a projection which is formed on the optics carrier engages. The eyelet has the advantage that it allows a particularly stable attachment to the optics carrier. The latching element in the form of an eyelet 58 is formed, for example, on the circumference of the lens holder 50 and is inserted into the optics carrier, for example, in a corresponding recess on the optics carrier, or externally pushed onto the optics carrier, as indicated in the following Fig. 6.

The coupling medium or in this case the coupling pad 52 is molded onto the lens holder 50 in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, or the lens holder 50 is at least partially or essentially completely encapsulated with the coupling pad 52. In this way, the coupling pad 52 can be easily attached to the lens holder 50. As a result of the at least partial or complete encapsulation of the lens holder 50, the coupling pad 52 can, as it were, mechanically dig into it. For this purpose, the lens holder 50, for example, at least one or more openings 60, in which material of the coupling pad 52 is injected to attach the coupling pad 52 to the lens holder 50. In the present example in Fig. 4, a plurality of openings 60 are arranged on the circumference of the lens holder 50, in which material of the coupling pad 52 is injected, for example, the webs 62 between the openings 60 are partially or completely encapsulated in this case. The openings 60 and the lands therebetween are also shown in the lens holder 50 in Fig. 6 below. The material of the coupling pad 52 can, as described above, be an optically transparent, self-adhesive or an optically transparent, non-self-adhesive material, for example a self-adhesive or non-adhesive silicone. However, the coupling pad 52 may also, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, consist of at least two layers. In addition to silicone, any other suitable for a coupling pad 52 material can be used, this is true for all embodiments of the invention.

The lens holder 50 in Fig. 4, in turn, like the lens holder 50 in Fig. 3, may be made of a thermoplastic material or other material suitable for a lens holder. This also applies to all embodiments of the invention. The material for the lens holder 50 may be, for example, optically non-transparent or optically partially or completely optically transparent, depending on the function and intended use. The lens holder 50 in FIG.

Furthermore, 4 also has one or more window openings 54 each for receiving the associated lens system. Since the lens holder 50, as described above, for example, with a silicone coupling pad material partially o- completely encapsulated, a simple mounting of the coupling pad 52 is made possible. This is because a simple Verklipsvorgang by means of the fasteners 56, 58 of the lens holder 50 can be used for attachment to the optics carrier. In addition, as described above, during assembly no pliable sole coupling pad 52 must be processed, because this is mechanically stabilized by the injection with the lens holder plastic. By changing or adapting the silicone thickness, the sensor device, which has, for example, a rain sensor, can also be tuned to different slice thickness ranges. This applies to all embodiments of the invention. This can be done by adapting or adapting the thickness of the silicone between the pane and lens holder 50 and / or the thickness of the lens holder 50 or lens holder plastic so that the silicone thickness is adapted or adapted substantially only in the useful light path, In this respect, the sensor device according to the invention with optical unit, which, for example, forms a rain sensor control unit, comprises a few parts which are easy to produce and which are very easy to connect to one another. light the Erdingunsgemäße sensor device that it can be easily adapted to different application constraints.

In Fig. 5, an optical unit 32 according to an embodiment of the invention is now shown in an assembled position. 2, the two lens systems 36, 38 of FIG. 2 are used in the corresponding receptacle 33 of the optical carrier 34 of FIG. The lenses 42, 44, 45 of the lens systems 36, 38 are inserted into the window openings 46, 60 of the optical carrier 34 and the lens holder with coupling pad 52. Since the lens systems 36, 38 in the example in FIG. 5 are not themselves fastened in the optical carrier 34, but are only used, the lens holder 50 and its coupling pad 52 according to FIG. 5 are placed on the two lens systems 36, 38 from below by means of its fasteners, here snap hook 56, engaged in the optical carrier 34 or clipped with this, so that the lens systems 36, 38 are securely fixed in the optical unit 32.

FIG. 6 shows an optical unit 32 according to a further embodiment of the invention in an assembled position. The two lens systems 36, 38 of FIG. 2 are received in a corresponding receptacle 33 of the optics carrier 34 and the lenses 42, 44, 45 of the lens systems 36, 38 in corresponding window openings 46, 54 of the optics carrier 34 and the lens holder 50 with Coupling pad 52 used. The coupling pad 52 is attached by partial or complete encapsulation on the lens holder 50. For this purpose, material of the coupling pad 52, for example silicone, is injected into the openings 60, for example, on the circumference of the lens holder 50, wherein the material at least partially or completely surrounds the webs 62 between the openings 60 so as to mechanically claw the coupling pad 52 with the lens holder 50 , The lens holder 50 with the coupling pad 52 substantially corresponds to the example, as shown in Fig. 4, and differs from this only in that the respective fastening element in the form of an eyelet 58, for example two instead of an opening, wherein in one or both openings a corresponding projection 59 or snap hooks of the optics carrier 34 can be engaged. The optical carrier 34 has in the example as shown in Fig. 6, on its outer side, for example, two projections 59 which engage in the corresponding openings of the eyelet 58 or engage. Optionally, the optics carrier 34 optionally has at least one additional projection 59 which supports the Eyelet 58 is fixed or limited in the longitudinal direction, so that the lens holder 50 can not be pushed too far on the optical carrier 34. The lens systems 36, 38 in the example as shown in Fig. 6 are not themselves locked in the optics carrier 34, but instead the lens holder 50 with the coupling pad 52 is attached to the optics carrier 34 so as to intervene therebetween To secure the lens systems 36, 38 to the optical carrier 34. Alternatively or additionally, however, the respective lens system may also be designed such that it can be fastened to the optics carrier and / or the lens holder, for example by means of latching or clipping. This applies to all embodiments of the invention düng.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show further components of the sensor device with optical unit. FIG. 7 a shows an example of a cover 72 of the sensor device, and FIG. 7 b shows an example of a printed circuit board 64 of the sensor device.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7b, in one embodiment of the invention the sensor device has a printed circuit board 64 with at least one or more plug devices 66, the plug pins 68 of which are conductively connected to the printed circuit board 64. On the circuit board 64, the electronics or parts of the electronics are arranged, such. corresponding sensors, detectors, diodes, e.g. Light-emitting diodes (LED), light-detecting diodes (LRD), an electronic control device (ECU) and / or an evaluation device, etc., as well as other optical and electronic components and semiconductor terbauelemente. Furthermore, the printed circuit board 64 optionally has additional

Recordings, for example in the form of openings 70, in which the respective adjusting elements of the associated lens system are received in order to align or position the lens system to the circuit board 64 and the elements arranged there. The connector 66 attached to the circuit board 64 is for connection to an external electronic device such as the engine controller or other control device for driving vehicle devices such as windshield wipers, vehicle light, or air conditioning, to name but a few. The printed circuit board 64 with the associated plug device 66 is fastened to the optical unit and connected via a cover 72, as shown in FIG. 7 a. shows is closed. The cover 72 in FIG. 7 a additionally has a receptacle or recess 74 for the associated plug device 66.

FIGS. 8a and 8b likewise show further components of the sensor device with optical unit. In Fig. 8a is another example of a lid

72 of the sensor device shown in Fig. 8b and another example of a circuit board 64 of the sensor device.

The sensor device has in this embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 8b, a circuit board 64 without a plug device. Instead, the cover 72, as shown in FIG. 8 a, has at least one or more plug devices 66 or is formed in one piece or in several parts with the respective plug device 66. This has the advantage that the number of items can be further reduced. As previously described with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b, one or more are on the printed circuit board 64, for example

Building elements 76 and arranged electronic and / or optical components. The plug device 66 serves, as described above, for connection to an external electronic device, for example the motor control or another control device. In the assembled state, the printed circuit board 64 is conductively connected via the plug pins 68 of the plug device 66 of the cover 72 in FIG. 8a. For later attachment to the optics carrier, in the example shown in Figure 8a, the lid 72 optionally additionally comprises at least one or more corresponding fasteners, e.g. corresponding eyelets 78, which engage in corresponding receptacles of the optics carrier. However, this is just one example of many how the printed circuit board 64 according to FIGS. 7b and 8b can additionally be fastened or fixed to the optical carrier. The invention is not limited to this specific example. Furthermore, the circuit board 64 has a plurality of receptacles, e.g. in the form of openings 76, in which the corresponding adjusting elements of the respective lens system are receivable. The lens systems could also be formed without additional adjustment elements. This applies to all embodiments of the invention.

Furthermore, a receiving element 80 with a spring element 82 for receiving the optical unit 32 is shown in FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c. More specifically, in FIG.

9a, the receiving element 80 shown in FIG. 9b, the optical unit 32 and the Op- tikträger 34 with the lens systems and in Fig. 9c an example of the spring element 82nd

The optical unit 32 in Fig. 9b in this case has the optical carrier 34, in which the lens systems 36, 38 are arranged, wherein the lens holder 50 is attached to the coupling pad 52 on the optical carrier 34. The receiving element 80 in FIG. 9a is designed, for example, in the form of a bayonet ring. In this case, the receiving element 80 or the bayonet ring has clips 84 which, when pushed onto the optics carrier 34 or the optical unit 32, latch into the latter in such a way that, on the one hand, in the direction perpendicular to the vehicle window, they are at a maximum distance from the plane which is the coupling surface of the coupling pad 52, can not exceed, but on the other hand falls below this maximum distance and a rotation of the receiving member 80 along its circumference is possible. Furthermore, the receiving element 80 has on its side facing a base part (not shown) one or more clamping wedges 86. The base part is shown below in FIG. 11b and FIG. 11d. The clamping wedges 86 each have along the circumference of the receiving member 80 an aligned slope 88 facing away from the base part. The clamping wedges 86 in the receiving element 80 are designed so that they come to rest between the corresponding clamping wedges of the base part when positioning the sensor device with the optical unit 32 in the base part in such a way that the coupling pad 52 comes into contact with the vehicle window. To close the bayonet closure, the receiving element 80 is rotated along the circumferential direction, so that the bevels 88 of the clamping wedges 86 of the receiving member 80 and the bevels of the clamping wedges of the base engage each other so that the receiving element 80 is pulled in the direction of the base part. The receiving element 80 in this case has spring pressure surfaces 90, in the same number as spring elements 82 are present. An example of a spring element 82 is shown in FIG. 9c. Upon rotation of the receiving element 80 slides the respective, in an associated holder 92 of the optics carrier 34, at least against this rotation fixed spring element 82 along the associated spring pressure surface 90 in the receiving element 80. As a spring element 82 may, for example, a metal spring in the form of a bracket with two zigzag-shaped legs used be as shown in Fig. 9c, or also, for example, a coil spring or a wave spring ring (not shown). FIG. 10 a shows an embodiment of the sensor device 10 according to the invention with an optical unit 32 in an assembly position and in FIG. 10 b from above in a ready-assembled state.

The plug device 66 in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b is hereby inserted or pressed in, for example, by means of the plug pins 68 into the printed circuit board 64. A collision with the receiving element 80 is e.g. avoided by means of a groove 94. Subsequently, the lid 72 is attached. The sensor unit 10, like the optical unit 32, as e.g. 10b furthermore shown in the fully assembled state, consists of the optics carrier 34 with the lens holder 50 and one, two, three or more lens systems 36, 38, the coupling cushion 52 consisting of an optically transparent silicone, a fastening mechanism, eg a receiving element 80 with either one or more spring elements 82, the cover 72 and at least one plug device 66, as well as one with the connector pins 68 of the plug device 66 conductively connected

Circuit board 64, e.g. at least one or more electrical and / or optical components 76 has. As a result of this structure, the sensor device 10 according to the invention with optical unit 32 offers the advantage that it can be tested electrically and optically as an overall system before the application. In this case, the plug device 66, as shown previously in Fig. 8a, are also integrated in the lid 72. By means of the fastening mechanism, the sensor device 10 is mounted with the optical unit 32 on the base part, as shown in the following Fig. 1 1 a, 1 1 c and 1 1 e.

1 1 a, 1 1 c and 1 1 e, the sensor device 10 with the optical unit 32 in the assembled state once in a plan view (Fig. 1 1 a, 1 1 e) and once in a side view (Fig 1 c). Furthermore, in FIG. 11b and FIG. 11d, the respective base part 96 is shown for fastening the sensor device 10, for example on the inside of a vehicle window, for example a windscreen of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, FIG.

1 1 a, 1 1 c and 1 1 e, the sensor device 10 with the optical unit 32 on the base part 96 is fully assembled, wherein the sensor device is closed to the outside with the lid 72 and has a plug device 66. The vehicle window is not shown in FIGS. 11 ae. The invention is not limited to the attachment of the sensor device 10 in the vehicle interior or on the inside of the vehicle window, but can at any other position be mounted in and on the vehicle, depending on the function and purpose. The base part 96, as previously described with reference to FIGS. 9a-c, has a substantially annular collar, which is segmented in the example shown in FIGS. 11 b and 11 d, and on its side of the optical unit 32 facing side has one or more clamping pin 98 formed as clamping elements, whose along the circumference of the base portion 96 aligned slope of the optical unit 32 points away. To define the position of the optical unit 32 relative to the base part 96 and to prevent mispositioning in the circumferential direction, the base part 96 and the optical unit 32 has a position identifier 100. This consists, for example, of at least one projection in one and a correspondingly appropriate associated at least one recess in the other of the two parts mentioned. The base part 96 can be made of a plastic or another material or material combination, wherein the base part 96 is for example made of an optically non-transparent material. Furthermore, the base part 96, for example, with an optically non-transparent adhesive or adhesive tape or adhesive film to the vehicle window, such as the windshield, glued. In principle, however, a transparent adhesive can also be used, depending on the function and purpose. Due to the effect of the fastening mechanism and the spring mechanism of the spring elements 82 of the receiving element 80, the sensor device 10 is connected to the

Optical unit 32 pressed against the disc and optically coupled. This has the advantage that the sensor device 10 according to the invention with the optical unit 32 can be attached very easily and reliably to a pane. However, the invention is not limited to a fastening mechanism with a receiving element 80 in the form of a bayonet ring and optionally one or more additional spring elements 82. Instead, any other type of attachment of the sensor device to the optical unit can be provided, which is suitable for attaching or optically coupling the sensor device to a pane. This applies to all embodiments of the invention.

The inventive structure of the sensor device 10 with the optical unit 32 of individual parts, as described above with reference to various embodiments with reference to the figures, has the following advantages. The individual parts, such as the lens systems with their lenses and the lens carrier, the optics carrier and the lens holder can be produced very easily and without great manufacturing effort, since a simple molding process and no multistage molding process zess is necessary for the production of the individual parts (eg 2k-Molden instead of 2x2k MoId processes), since the individual parts are each made of one material and not of different materials. Thus, the lenses of the lens system are summarized so that they are made of a material and not a lens of the lens system of an optically transparent in the infrared range

Plastic and another lens of the same lens system made of a plastic transparent to the visual field or daylight. In this case, two separate lens systems, each with a lens carrier having at least one lens and optionally additionally at least one adjusting elements are made once from a plastic optically transparent in the infrared range and once from a visually transparent plastic in the visual range. The assembly of the items described above is also very easy, since the items are assembled and optionally locked together or clipped. A further advantage of the sensor device according to the invention and its optical unit is that the respective lens systems form, for example, the ALS lens system and the RSM lens system, a part, ie the lenses are integrally formed with a lens carrier (carrier part) of a material and can as a complete lens system be used in the optical carrier. As a result, the number of parts can also be kept small and it is only a simple molding process for the production of the respective lens system required, for example, a 1 K injection molding. Another advantage is that the sensor device with the optical unit can be easily adapted to different application conditions. Thus, appropriately adapted lens systems for different wheel pitches and / or thicknesses can be used in the optical carrier. Furthermore, the functional scope of the sensor device with optical unit can be increased. Thus, different slice inclinations and / or thicknesses are covered by correspondingly adapted lenses or lens systems, while different functional scopes are covered by a different number of lenses in the respective lens system. For example, in the rain sensor lens system (RSM lens system) and / or the ambient brightness detection lens system (ALS lens system), at least one or more lenses for guiding light can be integrated, for example, on a detector for controlling the brightness of a header display to give just one example. An additional advantage is that correspondingly adapted lens holders with coupling cushions can be fastened to the optical carrier, wherein the lens holder is connected to the headrest. For example, pelkissen is selected to match the light path and / or the lens geometry. By means of a suitable shaping of the lenses of the respective lens system, it is also possible that all the optical components can be arranged on a printed circuit board, for example a planar printed circuit board. This eliminates the need for a further, second circuit carrier. The above-described embodiment of the invention can also be combined with one another, in particular individual features thereof.

Claims

claims

1 . Sensor device (10) with an optical unit (32) for a motor vehicle for attachment to a vehicle window, characterized in that the optical unit (32) at least one lens system (36, 38), wherein the lens system (36, 38) a lens carrier (40) having at least one lens (42, 44) and wherein the lens carrier (40) and the lens (42, 44) are made of the same material and formed as a part.

2. Sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical unit (32) has an optical carrier (34) for receiving the lens system (36, 38), wherein the lens system (36, 38) in the optical carrier (34) inserted or at this can be fastened, wherein the lens system (36, 38) for attachment to the optical carrier (34) with the optical carrier (34) is formed lockable or verclipsbar.

3. Sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical unit (32) has an optical carrier (34) for receiving the lens system (36, 38), wherein at least one lens system (36, 38) in the optical carrier (34) attachable is, wherein the lens system (36, 38) for

Attachment to the optics carrier (34) with the optics carrier (34) latched o- is verclipsbar and wherein the lens system holds another lens system in the optics carrier (34), the lens system for this purpose at least one overhang or overhang portion for holding the other lens system in the optical carrier (34) and wherein the other lens system in the optics carrier can be inserted or attached to this also anzibar.

4. Sensor device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the optical unit (32) has a lens holder (50) with a coupling pad (52), and wherein the coupling pad (52) can be fastened to the lens holder (50).

5. Sensor device according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling pad (52) is molded onto the lens holder (50), wherein the coupling pad (52) at least partially encapsulates at least one or more areas (62) of the lens holder (50), or the coupling pad (52) is adhered to the lens holder (50) by means of an adhesive such as an adhesive or an adhesive strip, or wherein the coupling pad (52) consists of a self-adhesive material adhering to the lens holder (50), or wherein the coupling pad (50) 52) comprises at least two layers, the upper layer being composed of a self-adhering material which adheres to the lens holder (50) and the lower layer is made of a non-self-adhering material.

6. Sensor device according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the lens holder (50) with the coupling pad (52) on the optics carrier (34) can be fastened, wherein the lens holder (50) for attachment to the optics carrier ( 34) with this latchable or verclastsbar is formed, wherein the lens holder (50) has one or more fasteners in the form of snap hook (56) which engage in corresponding recesses on the optical carrier (34), or wherein the lens holder (50) on or a plurality of fasteners in the form of eyelets (58) which engage in corresponding projections (59) on the optical carrier (34).

7. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor device (10) has at least one printed circuit board (64) with at least one or more optical and / or electrical components (76) and preferably a cover (72) as a cover , wherein the cover (72) or the printed circuit board (64) has at least one plug device (66), and wherein preferably the one optical Component or all optical components on the circuit board (64) are arranged.

8. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor device (10) has a receiving element (80) for fastening the optical unit (32) on a base part (96) which can be fastened to the vehicle window, wherein the receiving element (80) is preferably designed as a bayonet ring and wherein at least one spring element (82) is provided for transmitting power between the optical unit (32) and the receiving element (80).

9. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in the optical carrier (34) to be absorbed lens system (36, 38) is adapted to the respective disc inclination and / or thickness of the window pane.

10. Sensor device according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the thickness of the lens holder (50) and / or the coupling pad (52) is adapted to the respective disc thickness of the vehicle window.

1 1. Sensor device according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the lens holder (50) with the coupling pad (52) is adapted to the light path and / or the lens geometry.

12. Sensor device according to one of claims 4 to 1 1, characterized in that the lens holder (50), the optical carrier (34) and the respective lens system (36, 38) are formed as separate parts, wherein the lens system is preferably made of an optically transparent Material, the lens holder (50) and the optical carrier (34) are preferably made of an optically non-transparent material, wherein the lens holder (50) has the same or a different material as the optical carrier (34).

13. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the sensor device (10) is a rain sensor device with a rain sensor lens system (36) and wherein the Regensensorein- direction preferably additionally comprises an ambient brightness detection lens system (ALS lens system) (38).

14. Sensor device according to claim 13, characterized in that the rain sensor lens system (36) or the ambient brightness detection

Lensensystem (ALS lens system) (38) additionally comprises at least one or more lenses for guiding light on at least one detector for controlling a vehicle device, such as a head-up display, a rain sensor evaluation circuit, a low beam circuit and / or an air conditioning.

15. Sensor device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the sensor device (10) with the optical unit (32), the lens holder (50) and the coupling pad (52), the printed circuit board (64) and the plug device (66) forms an electrical and optical system.

16 lens holder (50) for a sensor device (10) with an optical unit (32) and an optical carrier (34), wherein the lens holder (50) for attachment to the optical carrier (34) is formed with this latched or verclastbar.

17. Lens holder according to claim 16, characterized in that the lens holder (50) and / or the optical carrier (34) has at least one or more fastening elements (56, 58) for attaching the lens holder (50) to the optical carrier (34), wherein the fastening elements (56, 58) are each formed identically or differently and wherein the respective fastening element is preferably a snap-in hook (56) or an eyelet (58).

18. lens holder (50) for a sensor device (10) with an optical unit (32), wherein the lens holder (50) has a coupling pad (52) for coupling the optical unit (32) with a disc, wherein the coupling pad (52) the lens holder (50) is fixed by means of encapsulation, wherein the lens holder (50) is at least partially encapsulated with the coupling pad (52).

19. A lens holder (50) for a sensor device (10) with an optical unit (32), wherein the lens holder (50) has a coupling pad (52) for coupling the optical unit (32) with a disk, wherein the coupling pad (52) consists of at least one or more layers, wherein the layer which faces the lens holder (50) consists of a self-adhesive material.

20. Lens system according to claim 19, characterized in that the layer which faces the disk, vorzusgweise consists of a non-self-adhesive material.

21. Lens system (36, 38) for receiving in an optical carrier (34) of an optical unit (32) of a sensor device (10), wherein the lens system (36, 38) in the optical carrier (34) is fastened.

22. Lens system according to claim 21, characterized in that the lens system (36, 38) in the optical carrier (34) is formed latchable or clipped, wherein the lens system (36, 38) and / or the optical carrier (34) at least one or a plurality of fastening elements, for fastening the lens system (36, 38) to the optical carrier (34), wherein the fastening elements (36, 38) are each formed identically or differently and wherein the respective fastening element is preferably a snap hook or an eyelet.

23. lens system (36, 38) of an optical unit (32) of a sensor device (10), wherein the lens system (36, 38) elements at least one or more Justierele- (48), for receiving in an associated circuit board (64) Adjustment or positioning of lens system (36, 38) and circuit board (64) to each other.