阅读说明：本技术 用于发射光和雷达辐射的交通工具用雷达和光发射组件以及方法和使用 (Radar and light emitting assembly for a vehicle for emitting light and radar radiation and method and use ) 是由 M·荣格内尔 T·普鲁士纳 S·温克勒 S·哈密德 K·施拉姆 J·帕姆普 D·希伯林 于 2019-10-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：迄今为止,在发射光和雷达辐射时,许多情况下都是使用单独的部件。需要一种组合装置,即使在装置相关的协同作用的情况下,也能结合光和雷达发射的优势。所提供的是一种雷达和光发射组件(10),用于发射光和雷达辐射以及用于检测至少反射的雷达辐射,包括具有透光的前灯罩(4)的前灯(1),和光源(2),以及光反射器(3)；雷达模块(11),其设置在前灯罩后面,集成在前灯中,且包括雷达天线单元(12)；其中,所述雷达和光发射组件(10)具有至少一个雷达辐射成形机构(13、14),特别是频率选择雷达辐射成形机构,包括集成在前灯罩中的雷达辐射成形机构。集成在前灯中的雷达技术的应用可以在此进一步优化。本发明进一步涉及这种类型的雷达和光发射组件的方法和使用。(Hitherto, in the transmission of light and radar radiation, separate components have been used in many cases. There is a need for a combination device that combines the advantages of light and radar emission, even with device-related synergy. Provided is a radar and light emitting assembly (10) for emitting light and radar radiation and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation, comprising a headlight (1) with a light-transmitting headlight cover (4), and a light source (2), and a light reflector (3); a radar module (11) which is arranged behind the headlight cover, is integrated in the headlight, and comprises a radar antenna unit (12); wherein the radar and light emitting assembly (10) has at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14), in particular a frequency selective radar radiation shaping means, comprising a radar radiation shaping means integrated in a headlight cover. The use of radar technology integrated in headlights can be further optimized here. The invention further relates to a method and use of a radar and light emitting assembly of this type.)

1. A radar and light emitting assembly (10), in particular for a vehicle, equipped for emitting light and radar radiation and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation, comprising:

a headlight (1) comprising a light-transmitting headlight cover (4) and a light source (2) arranged behind the headlight cover, and a light reflector (3); a radar module (11) which is arranged behind the headlight cover, is integrated in the headlight, and comprises a radar antenna unit (12);

characterized in that the radar and light emitting assembly (10) has at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14), in particular a frequency selective radar radiation shaping means.

2. The radar and light emitting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) is arranged in a direction of emission (x) of radar radiation.

3. The radar and light emission assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) is arranged in a reflection direction of radar radiation.

4. The radar and light emission assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) is formed flat, in particular planar or curved.

5. The radar and light emission assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) is frequency selective, in particular the radar radiation shaping means comprises frequency selective radar channel means (13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2); and/or wherein the at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) is arranged along the emission direction of the light source (2).

6. The radar and light emitting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two radar radiation shaping areas are provided at the at least one radar radiation shaping means (13, 14), each comprising a separate radar radiation shaping function.

7. The radar and light emitting assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two radar radiation shaping areas are arranged/formed in the same radar radiation shaping means.

8. The radar and light emission assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar and light emission assembly (10) has a radar reflector (13), the radar reflector (13) being arranged behind a headlight cover (4), integrated in a headlight, and wherein the radar module (11) is arranged below the radar reflector;

and/or wherein the radar reflector together with the radar module is at least approximately arranged to be completely overlapped or covered by the headlight cover (4) at the same longitudinal position (x), in particular the last third of the longitudinal extension of the radar and light emitting assembly (10) in the emission direction up to the headlight cover; and/or wherein the radar reflector (13) is arranged below the optical axis (7) or below an axis corresponding to the main orientation of the light reflector (3) or of the light source (2); and/or wherein the beam path (19) of the radar radiation is deflected by means of the radar reflector (13) in the range of 70 ° to 110 °, in particular in the range of 90 °, in particular oriented at least approximately in the emission direction (x) of the radar and light emission assembly; and wherein the radar reflector (13), in particular the inner side thereof, is arranged inclined at an angle in the range of 35 ° to 60 °, in particular 40 ° to 50 °, at least in sections relative to the emission direction (x) or relative to a horizontal plane; and/or wherein the radar reflector (13) is arranged with respect to the headlight cover (4) such that the radar reflector and the headlight cover form a roof-like structure covering the radar module (11), the geometry of which is a saddle roof comprising two surface areas which are inclined with respect to each other, in particular having an inclination angle in the range of 45 ° to 90 °; and/or wherein the arrangement and/or orientation of the radar reflector (13) is adjustable by means of an electric motor; and/or wherein the radar reflector (13) has a three-dimensional extension at least in some sections and serves for laterally reflecting radar radiation; and/or wherein the radar reflector (13) consists of a transparent and radar-radiation-transmissive base material and has further radar-radiation shaping means, in particular designed as a coating or as an electrically conductive surface; and/or wherein the radar reflector (13) has further radar radiation shaping means and is arranged with respect to the headlight cover (4) such that radar radiation passes through the frequency selective radar channel means (13, 14) at least twice from the radar module (11) to outside the headlight cover (4); and/or wherein the radar reflector (13) has a light-transmitting, electrically conductive oxide layer (13.3) or an electrically conductive surface on at least one of its surfaces.

9. The radar and light emission assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) have, at least in some sections, a periodic arrangement of structural patterns, in particular concentric arrangements; and/or wherein the radar radiation shaping means (13, 14) is formed as a coating or film or an electrically conductive surface; and/or wherein the headlight cover (4) forms a base for the radar radiation shaping means (13, 14); and/or wherein the radar radiation shaping means has an electrically conductive part which is designed as a light-transmitting, electrically conductive oxide layer (13.3, 14.3).

10. Use of a radar and light emitting assembly, in particular a radar and light emitting assembly (10) according to any of the preceding assembly claims, the radar and light emitting assembly (10) being for emitting light and for frequency selectively emitting radar radiation and the radar detection area (8) being preset by at least one, in particular by at least two, radar radiation shaping means, in particular frequency selective radar channel means (13, 14), which means are at least also provided within or at least on one side of a light-transmissive headlight cover (4) of the radar and light emitting assembly, in particular in a beam path (19) from a radar module (11), connected in series one after the other in at least two locations, including a location at a radar reflector (13) arranged outside the light cone of the light source, in particular in a headlight (1) of a vehicle, wherein the radar module (11) is arranged outside the light cone emitted by the light source, in particular below at least one, in particular at least two, radar radiation shaping means (13, 14), wherein the optical axis (16) of the radar module is oriented upwards, in particular at least approximately orthogonal to the optical axis (7) of the headlight light source.

11. A radar and light emitting assembly (10) for a vehicle, equipped for emitting light and radar radiation and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation, comprising a headlight (1) with a light-transmitting headlight cover (4), a light source (2) arranged behind the headlight cover (4), and a light reflector (3), and comprising a radar module (11) arranged behind the headlight cover, integrated in the headlight, and comprising a radar antenna unit (12), in particular a radar and light emitting assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, manufactured by forming at least one radar radiation shaping means, in particular designed as a frequency-selective radar channel structure (13, 14), at least also on or in the headlight cover (4), wherein the radar radiation shaping means has a conductive part designed as a light-transmitting electro-oxide layer (13.3, 14.3), or at least partly formed therefrom, and wherein the structural pattern is introduced into the radar radiation shaping means by thin layer removal, in particular by laser light.

12. The radar and light emitting assembly of the preceding claim, wherein a structural pattern is introduced into the radar radiation shaping means by thin layer removal or thin layer application, or wherein the radar radiation shaping means is manufactured by thin layer removal or by thin layer application or by means of a coated film.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a radar and light emitting assembly, in particular for a vehicle, equipped for emitting light and radar radiation and detecting driving conditions in a detection area by means of the radar radiation, in particular for providing support during navigation of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a method, in particular, for emitting light and radar radiation and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation. Last but not least, the invention also relates to the use of radar and light emitting components. The present invention relates to a device and a method, in particular according to the preambles of the respective independent claims.

Background

In particular in the case of headlights, attempts have been made to create a combined device with high practicality, with integrated functions for illumination and for radar illumination. Therefore, space requirements and robustness are important requirements when designing headlamps, in particular for vehicles. The combined use of light and radar radiation has proven to be advantageous, in particular when detecting the relative position in passenger transport. Driver assistance systems, such as adaptive distance control, lane departure warning systems and emergency braking systems, are used today in all classes of many vehicles, in particular passenger cars. However, such systems are also advantageous in the transportation or aviation industry and have been used or at least tested. Radar technology is thus at the forefront, in particular for distance measurements. However, it is questionable where on the vehicle the radar technology can be arranged in a meaningful way and can interact with other detection components. Radar technology is traditionally integrated in the bumper of a road vehicle, so that the risk of damage is high, in particular due to a small collision or a light contact of the vehicle with the surrounding area. In the case of integration into the radiator area, compromises have to be accepted with regard to vehicle design. A further challenge in integrating radar components in vehicles, in particular passenger cars, in particular in the front end, is also to compensate for the attenuation of the transmitted and received signals at the individual material layers, in particular at the bumper, and the paint layer. It is often necessary to eliminate artifacts and echo images in radar signals. In other words: depending on the application, an accurate evaluation of the radar signal is not easy.

Recently, attempts have been made to integrate radar technology into the headlights of vehicles.

US 2008/0158045 a1 describes a vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting unit and comprising a radar unit which is integrated in the headlamp and comprises an antenna and a control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged below the lighting unit and below a light reflector and is fixed to the bottom wall of the lamp housing, and wherein the antenna is fixed to the light reflector or is arranged in the area enclosed or spanned by the light reflector, in particular in order to be able to ensure good radiation efficiency.

US 2011/0279304 a1 describes a vehicle headlamp comprising a lighting unit and a light reflector, and comprising a projection lens, and further comprising a radar unit, which radar unit is integrated in the headlamp and which comprises an antenna and a control unit, wherein the control unit and the antenna are arranged between the lighting unit and the projection lens, wherein the antenna is arranged in such a way that it ensures an optical interaction of the radar radiation with the projection lens, which projection lens is also arranged to optically interact with the lighting unit and the light reflector.

Based on this prior art, there is interest in assemblies and methods that combine light and radar transmissions, whereby further advantages can be obtained and use for road users can be further improved.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object to provide a device and a method with which headlight emitted light and radar radiation and reflected radiation detection can be optimized, in particular for vehicles or motor vehicles. In particular, the aim is to achieve the emission of light and radar radiation and the detection of reflected radiation in such a way that the light and radar radiation can be used in a common device for vehicle navigation in an integrated design in combination with one another, with advantageous side effects, in particular in terms of structural design and space requirements, or in terms of the range of possible applications, or in terms of high reliability of the technology.

This object is achieved by a radar and light emitting assembly according to claim 1 and by a method according to the respective independent method claim. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in the respective dependent claims. The features of the exemplary embodiments which will be described below may be combined with one another as long as there is no explicit objection.

Provided is a radar and light emitting assembly, in particular for a vehicle, equipped for emitting light and radar radiation, and equipped for detecting at least reflected radar radiation, comprising: a headlight comprising a light-transmitting headlight cover, and a light source arranged behind the headlight cover so that the headlight cover is in front in an emission direction, and a light reflector; and comprises a radar module, which is arranged behind the headlight cover, is integrated in the headlight and comprises a radar antenna unit.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the radar and light emission assembly has at least one radar radiation shaping means, in particular a frequency selective radar radiation shaping means, in particular including a radar radiation shaping means integrated in the headlight cover. This not only provides an advantageous relative arrangement, but also has a high variability for the application of radar radiation, and in particular a decoupling from the application of optical radiation. With advantageous integration into headlights, the radar technology can be optimized with a high degree of freedom.

The radar module can thus be arranged in particular in the emission direction between the headlight cover and the light source, wherein the headlight cover has a frequency-selective radar channel structure. It has been shown to be advantageous to arrange the radar module as close as possible to the front in the emission direction x, in particular close to the area of the headlight cover, in particular in an overlapping arrangement with the headlight cover.

Unlike the technologies tested so far, the assembly according to the invention makes it possible to exploit advantages such as protection and integrated design for radar technology within headlights in a particularly flexible manner and with high variability, without having to accept significant limitations in lighting function.

In the assembly according to the invention, the headlight cover can additionally also be used as a radiation cover or a radome, respectively. The headlight cover may in particular be made of plastic such as polycarbonate or glass. The headlight cover or its material, respectively, is transparent (per se) for light and radar radiation (HF waves).

Radar is therefore to be understood as one of the technologies already available or already established for transmitting and detecting electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range, and thus in the general sense radar in "radio detection and ranging" or "radio direction and ranging". The radar technology may include, for example, laser radar and/or millimeter wave radar.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the radar and light emission assembly comprises at least one component from the group which is arranged in each case in radar-radiometric-active interaction, or in optical relationship, or in a transmitted and/or reflected radar-radiation deflecting and/or filtering relationship with the radar module in the direction of emission between the headlight cover and the light source, or directly on the headlight cover (inside and/or outside): a radar reflector, at least one frequency selective radar channel structure. This also provides advantages with respect to the relative arrangement of the components with respect to each other in the headlight.

If a projection lens (projection method with a light source instead of a reflector method) is to be provided in the headlight, the arrangement of the radar module and the radar reflector can be described analogously, i.e. the projection lens is analogous to the position of the light source described here. In other words: reference to a light source may also be interpreted as reference to a projection lens.

Thus, the front cowling can be used as a main radiator cover of the radar system. The headlight cover may be made of, for example, polycarbonate or glass. The headlight cover is preferably transparent to light as well as HF waves. To minimize reflection, especially in the frequency range of 76GHz to 81GHz, the thickness of the front light cover may be chosen to be an integer multiple of half a wavelength.

Advantageous designs relating to the arrangement of the radar modules will be described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar module is arranged outside (in particular below or behind) the cone of light emitted by the light source. In other words: the radar module may be arranged outside the light propagation region so as to be laterally spaced from the optical axis of the light source. According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar module is arranged below a tangential plane or a horizontal plane which downwardly confines the light reflector. According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar module is arranged outside (in particular below) the optical axis or an axis corresponding to the main orientation of the light reflector or the light source. This also makes it possible to optimize the mutual relative arrangement. The radar module may optionally be arranged behind the light source, in particular if the orientation of the optical axis of the radar module is substantially parallel to (or aligned with) the central longitudinal axis of the light cone of the light source. Whereby the radar radiation shaping means may be arranged between the radar module and the light source.

The radar transmitter and receiver are not arranged in the beam path, but outside it, in particular below it. By reflecting the radar radiation at the reflector and by deflecting the radar radiation in the range of 60 ° to 120 °, in particular 90 °, with an advantageous relative arrangement of the individual components, the radar radiation can be deflected in the direction in front of the vehicle, while beam forming can also be ensured.

The radar module or the radar transmitter and receiver may in particular be oriented vertically upwards. A transparent reflector with a coating, in particular a so-called fresnel reflection array, can be arranged in front of it. The antenna used in the radar module is preferably a planar antenna (e.g. patch/slot). The antenna may preferably be integrated in the radar module by means of a transmission line, e.g. a microstrip line, without the need for an additional adapter. The antenna may comprise a plurality of individual antennas or an array antenna, in particular in a two-dimensional arrangement.

The reflector is transparent to the light of the light source and only reflects radar radiation and directs it forward through the cover. The reflector thus forms the radar radiation into a desired club shape or surface shape.

The cover may be coated to provide a frequency selective channel structure and to allow only radar radiation within a certain bandwidth to pass.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar module is arranged in an area below the headlight cover, arranged overlapping the headlight cover. This also advantageously provides decoupling from the lighting function. The headlight housing or its geometry can additionally also be used as a radiation housing, so that good efficiency and quality of evaluation can be ensured.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar module is arranged on a base of a housing of the headlight, in particular mechanically connected to the base. This also facilitates decoupling from the lighting function.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a mid-plane comprising a radiatively active cover is arranged on or directly above the radar module, the cover being in particular designed as a plastic layer, in particular a polycarbonate layer, in particular comprising a coating on one side, which is at least opaque to light. This also provides a further degree of freedom when setting the radiation characteristic. An advantageous arrangement of the radar module can be achieved, in particular largely independently of the lighting function, in particular if the cover is designed as a heat shield. In other words: the cover may be thermally non-conductive or thermally insulating, or may have at least a corresponding layer of insulation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one radar radiation shaping means is arranged in the direction of emission of radar radiation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one radar radiation shaping means is arranged in a reflection direction of the radar radiation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one radar-radiation shaping means is formed flat, in particular planar, or curved.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one radar radiation shaping means is frequency selective, in particular the radar radiation shaping means comprises a frequency selective radar channel structure. The radar radiation shaping means are designed to be frequency selective, in particular the dimensions of the radar radiation shaping means are adjusted to match the wavelength (frequency) of the emitted radar radiation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one radar radiation shaping means is arranged in the emission direction of the light source.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least two radar radiation shaping areas are provided at the at least one radar radiation shaping means, each comprising a separate radar radiation shaping function. It is thus also possible to influence a first part of the radar radiation separately and a second part of the radar radiation separately in a different manner than the first part, in particular for optimized detection in the near and far regions and/or in the front and side regions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least two radar radiation shaping areas are arranged/formed in the same radar radiation shaping means. This also provides extensive functional integration.

The different radar radiation shaping areas may in particular comprise at least one electrically conductive area and at least one electrically non-conductive area.

The radar radiation forms, in particular, a radiation front, which can be reflected by the component according to the invention, in particular in the conductive region, so that an interference pattern can be predefined.

Advantageous designs relating to the orientation of the radar module or to the arrangement of the radar module relative to other components will be described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the optical axis of the radar module or the radar antenna unit is oriented at least substantially vertically upwards (vertical) in a suitable arrangement of the headlight. According to one exemplary embodiment, the optical axis of the radar module or of the radar antenna unit is directed towards a radar reflector, which is arranged behind a headlight cover, integrated in the headlight, behind the light source in the emission direction, wherein the optical axis of the radar module is oriented towards the radar reflector, so that the radar module can be arranged on the base of the headlight. This also provides for a local decoupling of the radar module from the light propagation path in each case.

The relative placement of the integrated antenna and the radar module maintains relative flexibility, in particular because the outer side with respect to the headlight is sealed. The relative placement described herein has proven particularly advantageous.

Advantageous embodiments relating to the radar antenna unit will be described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna unit is arranged on the upper side of the radar module. This relative arrangement is also advantageous for decoupling from the light propagation path.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna unit is designed as a planar antenna (in particular in the manner of a patch and/or slot antenna). This facilitates integration, in particular in the case of the assembly according to the invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna unit has a plurality of individual antennas or antenna arrays arranged in two dimensions. This facilitates a high variability when setting the radiation characteristic.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar antenna unit is integrated in the radar module by a microstrip line, without the need for an additional adapter. This also facilitates integration.

The radar module may in particular comprise all these HF front-ends and electronic components and circuits, which may be fabricated on a planar dielectric substrate. Advantageously, all antennas are located at the feet (base) of the headlight housing near the headlight cover, in particular arranged to be at least partially overlapped by the headlight cover.

The radiatively active shield is arranged in an intermediate plane between the radar reflector and the radar module, in particular in a direction/plane at least substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the radar module, in particular in order to optically seal the radar module. Advantageously, the cover is made of a flat thin plastic (in particular polycarbonate), wherein the plastic can be dark-coloured on one side. The cover is preferably arranged and adapted to act as a heat shield for the electronic component. This arrangement of the cover also provides a slim structural design.

Advantageous embodiments relating to the radar reflector of the assembly according to the invention will be described below.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the radar and light emission assembly has a radar reflector, which is arranged behind a headlight cover, integrated in the headlight, wherein the radar module is arranged below the radar reflector. According to one exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is arranged to cover or overlap the radar module, in particular in such a way that the radar module is completely covered by the radar reflector only, or by the radar reflector together with the headlight cover in top view, against the optical axis of the radar module. According to one exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is arranged at least approximately at the same longitudinal position together with the radar module, in particular completely overlapped or covered by the headlight cover, in particular the last third of the longitudinal extension of the radar and light emission assembly in the emission direction up to the headlight cover. According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is arranged below the optical axis or below an axis corresponding to the main orientation of the light reflector or the light source. This also provides an advantageous relative arrangement of the components with respect to each other.

In other words: in the assembly according to the invention, the radar reflector and optionally also the high-frequency lens in the region of the headlight cover can adapt the radar radiation in a particularly flexible manner (and thus with a high variability) depending on the respective situation, in particular largely decoupled from the illumination function. If the radar system is integrated in a motor vehicle headlight, its radar signal can be tailored to the desired detection area, in particular by means of at least one structured conductive layer/surface (radar channel structure, in particular a pattern with functionally small structures) on the headlight cover. Furthermore, the headlights of motor vehicles may also have a protective function for radar technology, in particular due to the headlight cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the beam path of the radar radiation is deflected in the range of 70 ° to 110 °, in particular in the range of 90 °, in particular is oriented at least approximately in the emission direction of the radar and light emission assembly by means of the radar reflector. This also provides advantages with respect to the relative arrangement of the components with respect to each other.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector has a two-dimensional extension. This may also make the setup maximally simple and robust.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector, in particular the inner side thereof, is provided, at least in some sections, with an inclination in the range of 35 ° to 60 °, in particular 40 ° to 50 °, with respect to the emission direction x or with respect to the horizontal plane. According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is arranged with respect to the headlight cover such that the radar reflector and the headlight cover form a roof-like structure covering the radar module, the geometry of which is a saddle-shaped roof, comprising two surface areas which are oppositely inclined, in particular having an inclination angle in the range of 45 ° to 90 °. This also provides an advantageous relative arrangement and facilitates functional integration.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement and/or orientation of the radar reflector may be adjusted by means of a motor. This also provides great variability and may broaden the range of functions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector has a three-dimensional extension at least in some sections and serves for laterally reflecting radar radiation. Finally, and equally importantly, this also broadens the functionality. In particular, high functionality/wide functionality can be ensured in a simple manner also in small installation spaces.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is formed by a plurality of two-dimensional elements, and thus each element has a two-dimensional extension, or a two-dimensional or three-dimensional extension with respect to all elements.

This also provides high variability.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is formed as a fresnel reflector, whereby both sides of the radar reflector have a frequency selective radar channel structure, and wherein the radar reflector is equipped for focusing and/or collimating radar radiation. This provides a highly targeted influence on the radiation characteristic.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector consists of a transparent and radar-radiation-transmissive base material and has a radar-radiation shaping means, in particular designed as a coating or as an electrically conductive surface, in particular with a frequency-selective radar channel structure. This may also ensure a particularly simple and robust setup. The conductive layer or surface may in particular be made of copper, irrespective of its arrangement.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector has a radar radiation shaping means and is arranged with respect to the headlight cover such that radar radiation passes through the respective frequency selective radar channel structure at least twice from the radar module to the outside of the headlight cover. This also provides high variability. In other words: the radar radiation may be guided through a first filter (first radar channel structure) provided by the radar reflector and, after deflection, also through a second filter (second or further radar channel structure) provided by the headlight cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is formed by individual reflector elements, which are rectangular or triangular, in particular having the same side length. This provides a modular arrangement for high variability, in particular a simple basic arrangement with each individual reflector element.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector has a light-transmissive, electrically conductive oxide layer or an electrically conductive surface in at least one of its surfaces. This provides good reflectivity. The radar channel structure may thus be provided at least partially by means of an oxide layer. In addition to the relatively high variability (keywords: type and manner of influencing radiation propagation), this type of integration of the radar channel structure also offers advantages in terms of space requirements.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is light-transmissive (transparent to light or visible radiation) and radar-radiation-opaque (reflecting radar or HF waves). This also provides good variability with respect to the arrangement with respect to the light sources.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar reflector is arranged to shape the radar radiation, in particular to a club shape or a surface shape. This widens the range of application options.

The radar reflector is arranged to redirect and/or collimate the arriving HF-waves. The necessity of adapting the HF-wave impedance can be eliminated by using a reflector instead of a lens.

The radar reflector may be referred to as a radar radiation selective intermediate structure between the radar module or the radar antenna and the HF waves in space. The reflector may take the form of:

a planar reflector: the reflector is arranged to reflect the radiation of the antenna according to snell's law.

Shaping the reflector: the radiation is reflected and scattered, in particular in the lateral direction, according to the three-dimensional shape of the reflector. The increase or decrease of the EM wave intensity (directivity of the radiation behavior) can be set or specified by a suitable shaping of the reflector.

A Fresnel reflector: the radiation is collimated and/or focused. The reflector collimates the wave or sets the HF wave component to the correct phase. The reflector is particularly arranged to convert spherical waves into plane waves.

The thickness of the base of the reflector is therefore advantageously an odd multiple of the wavelength. This facilitates conversion into plane waves.

The radar reflector may consist of a base material which is transparent not only to light but also to HF waves. In particular, the reflectivity may be set or specified with a very thin, transparent, conductive oxide (TCO) coating on one or both sides of the substrate.

In the case of a fresnel reflector, two surface areas coated by TCO are preferably provided. In the case of planar or shaped reflectors, it is preferred to provide only one TCO-coated surface area.

The radar reflector is preferably arranged in front of the light source very close to the headlight housing. Preferably between the headlight housing and the projection lens (in headlights using the projection method) or between the headlight housing and the light source (in headlights using the reflection method).

The radar reflector is tilted or oriented such that the transmitted HF wave can properly illuminate the object and the received wave can be focused on the receiving antenna.

Advantageous designs relating to at least one radar radiation shaping means comprising a frequency selective radar channel structure will be described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the individual radar radiation shaping means with frequency selective radar channel structure have, at least in some sections, a periodic arrangement of structural patterns, in particular a concentric arrangement. This also makes it possible to design and optimize the assembly according to the invention for various applications in a particularly flexible manner.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar radiation shaping means comprising the frequency selective radar structure is formed as a coating or film or as an electrically conductive surface. This may further simplify the structural arrangement. In addition to the integrated pattern or structure, in particular a coating may also be provided.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the headlight cover forms a base for a radar radiation shaping means or a base for a frequency selective radar radiation passage structure. This provides a particularly stable arrangement, in particular in the manner of a base module, which can be used and further adapted to various applications.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the radar radiation shaping means has an electrically conductive portion, which is designed as a light-transmitting, electrically conductive oxide layer. This also provides for optimization of the reflection characteristics.

The radar channel structure may have a periodic pattern arrangement (keyword: cell) which is provided for filtering a provided frequency band, for example a band pass filter of 76GHz to 81 GHz.

The radar channel structure may also be integrated in a headlight cover, wherein the headlight cover serves as a base for the radar channel structure. The conductive part of the radar channel structure preferably consists of an ultra-thin, transparent, conductive oxide or a corresponding oxide layer (TCO). The radar channel structure can fulfill at least two functions independently of the arrangement on the reflector and/or the headlight cover: filtering out unwanted HF waves outside a predetermined band (e.g., 76GHz to 81 GHz); and specifying the radiation characteristics (in particular emission direction, manner and extent of collimation and/or scattering) of the desired HF wave.

The radar channel structure may have different designs, not only limited to simple geometries (e.g. complementary rings, crosses, strips), but may also comprise e.g. more complex meandering grooves (especially for band-pass), in particular in order to reduce the size of the unit cell and achieve improved angular stability.

The channel structure may be equipped for bundling, splitting and/or filtering radar waves in order to achieve different scanning areas, ranges and deflection angles.

The advantageous design in connection with the headlight cover will be described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the headlight cover consists of a material which is transparent to light and to radar radiation, in particular of a base material for the frequency-selective radar channel structure, which base material is designed as an integral coating. This provides for a wider integration of functionality, especially in robust designs.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the headlight cover is an integer multiple of a half wavelength of the emitted radar radiation. This also makes it possible to optimize the transmission characteristics.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a frequency selective radar channel structure is provided on both sides (inner and outer side) of the headlight cover. This facilitates a particularly targeted influence on the radiation characteristic.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the radar and light emission assembly is designed without a projection lens, the radar beam path passes from the radar module through the radar reflector and the headlight cover, while the light propagation path passes from the light source and the light reflector directly through the large lampshade, so that in each case there are no further intermediate optically or radiatively active components.

In other words: the entire assembly has no projection lens and therefore no lens. Finally and equally important, this also provides a simple, compact, robust design.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the headlight cover is arranged with respect to the radar module such that the headlight cover forms a radiation cover of the radar module. This may further optimize the functional integration of the headlight, in particular with respect to the sensitivity and/or accuracy of the evaluation.

An exemplary functional description is provided below.

The assembly according to the invention makes it possible to achieve selective scanning of the surrounding area situation by means of the transmit and receive array, in which case it is possible to cover not only the front area (forward direction) but also the lateral areas (lateral direction) selectively. Thus, the number of sensor systems required in the headlight may also be reduced. Significantly improved resolution may also be achieved. In particular in the case of laser-based thin-layer structures, the required radiation shaping can be achieved in a flexible manner, so that the adaptation of the radar performance to the respective headlight type and the required scanning region in the near and far range can be optimized.

It has been shown that transparent plastic substrates can be coated with transparent conductive layers, which layers can subsequently be removed locally. The laser method for removing thin layers can be applied in particular to the manufacture of structures which can be designed individually for each application, with the advantage of substantially residue-free removal, without damage to the substrate, and without optical disadvantages.

The application of the radar channel structure can optionally be performed lithographically and/or by means of mask coating and printing.

The above object is also achieved in particular by a radar and light emitting assembly, in particular for a vehicle, equipped for emitting light and radar radiation and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation, comprising:

a headlight including a light-transmissive headlight cover and a light source arranged behind the headlight cover, and a light reflector;

a radar module arranged behind the headlight cover, integrated in the headlight, and including a radar antenna unit; wherein the radar module is arranged in the emission direction x between a headlight cover and a light source, wherein the headlight cover has a frequency-selective radar channel structure, wherein the radar module is arranged below an optical axis or below an axis corresponding to the main orientation of the light reflector or of the light source, wherein the radar module is arranged in a region below the headlight cover, arranged overlapping the headlight cover, wherein the optical axis of the radar module or of the radar antenna unit is oriented at least approximately vertically upwards in a suitable arrangement of the headlight, wherein the radar and light emission assembly has a radar reflector arranged behind the headlight cover, integrated in the headlight, wherein the radar module is arranged below the radar reflector, wherein the radar reflector is arranged below the optical axis or below an axis corresponding to the main orientation of the light reflector or of the light source, wherein a beam path of the radar radiation is deflected by means of the radar reflector in a range of 70 ° to 110 °, in particular over 90 deg., in particular oriented at least substantially in the transmission direction x of the radar and light-emitting assembly, and wherein the radar reflector, in particular the inner side thereof, is arranged inclined at least in certain sections relative to the transmission direction x or relative to a horizontal plane at an angle in the range of 35 deg. to 60 deg., in particular 40 deg. to 50 deg.. This results in many of the advantages described above.

The above object is also achieved by the use of a radar and light-emitting assembly, in particular of the type described above, for emitting light and frequency-selectively emitting radar radiation, and by at least one, in particular by at least two, radar radiation shaping means, in particular frequency-selective radar channel structures, which are arranged at least also in or on at least one side of a light-transmitting headlight cover of a radar and light-emitting device, in particular in a beam path starting from a radar module, in series one after the other in at least two positions, including positions outside the light cone of the light source (for example at a radar reflector arranged above the radar module), in particular in a headlight of a vehicle, in particular in a headlight of a car, wherein the radar module of the radar and light-emitting assembly is arranged outside the light cone emitted by the light source, in particular below at least one, in particular at least two, radar radiation shaping means, wherein the optical axis of the radar module is oriented upwards, in particular at least approximately orthogonal to the optical axis of the headlight light source. The advantages mentioned above result therefrom. The vehicle may be an automobile (motor vehicle on the road), an aircraft or a watercraft.

The above object is also achieved by a radar and light emitting assembly for a vehicle, which is equipped for emitting light and radar radiation and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation, which comprises a headlight with a light-transmitting headlight cover, a light source arranged behind the headlight cover, and a light reflector, and which comprises a radar module arranged behind the headlight cover, which is integrated in the headlight, comprising a radar antenna unit, in particular by means of the above-mentioned radar and light emitting assembly, by forming at least one radar radiation shaping means, in particular a radar channel structure designed to be frequency-selective, at least also on or in the headlight cover (optionally serving as a substrate), wherein the radar radiation shaping means have or are at least partially formed by an electrically conductive part designed to be transparent to a photoconductive oxide layer, and wherein, the structural pattern is introduced into the radar radiation shaping means by thin layer removal, in particular by means of a laser. The advantages mentioned above result therefrom. It has been shown that the structure introduced by the laser can be controlled or set and specify the direction and radiation characteristics of the radar radiation in a particularly precise manner.

The above object is also achieved by a method for emitting light and radar radiation, and for detecting at least reflected radar radiation by a radar and light emitting assembly, in particular by a radar and light emitting assembly as described above, in particular for a vehicle, wherein light from a light source of a headlight is emitted through a light-transmissive headlight cover in the direction of the optical axis of the light source, and wherein the radar radiation is emitted by a radar module arranged behind the headlight cover, said radar module being integrated in the headlight; wherein the radar radiation is emitted by the radar module in a direction transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the optical axis of the light source and is deflected in at least one emission direction of the radar and light emission assembly by at least one radar radiation shaping means, which is arranged at least on or in the headlight housing, in particular is designed to frequency-select radar channel structures, in particular at least substantially parallel to the optical axis of the light source, in particular in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to orient the headlight, wherein the radiation characteristic of the radar radiation is predefined by the at least one radar radiation shaping means. The advantages mentioned above result therefrom.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting radar radiation through at least two frequency selective radar channel structures arranged in a beam path in series from a radar module in at least two locations, wherein the locations comprise: one at the radar reflector, which is arranged outside the light cone of the light source (e.g. above the radar module), and one on or in the headlight cover; wherein the optical axis of the radar module is oriented, in particular at least substantially orthogonal, to the optical axis of the light source of the headlight. This also provides for an optimization of the radiation characteristic in a particularly variable or exact manner. Each radar channel structure may optionally have a structure pattern comprising a plurality of different structures. This widens the possibilities of influencing the radiation emission pattern.

According to an embodiment, the method further comprises detection of reflected radar radiation, wherein the reflected radar radiation is detected, in particular, on opposite beam paths. This also widens the functional range.

According to one embodiment, the structural pattern is introduced into the radar-radiation shaping means by means of thin layer removal or thin layer application. This can be done, for example, by laser removal, by thin films, by printing, coating or vapor deposition methods (sputtering, thermal evaporation and/or electron beam evaporation) and/or by photolithography.

According to one embodiment, the radar radiation shaping means is produced by the removal of a thin layer or by the application of a thin film.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings, wherein reference numerals not explicitly described in the corresponding drawings refer to other drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a radar and light emitting assembly in a side view schematic diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 2 shows a radar reflector and a radar antenna unit of a radar and light emitting assembly according to an exemplary embodiment in a perspective schematic view;

fig. 3 shows a radar channel structure of a radar and light emitting assembly according to an exemplary embodiment in a schematic top view; and

fig. 4 shows a radar and light emitting assembly according to an exemplary embodiment in a side view schematic.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, a headlight 1 is shown, which has a light source 2 (and optionally also a projection lens) and a light reflector 3, and a light-transmitting headlight cover 4 comprising an outer surface 4.1 and an inner surface 4.2. The light source 2 and the light reflector 3 are oriented in such a way according to the optical axis 7 (main orientation) that the light is emitted through the headlight housing 4 as a light cone 9. This results in a light propagation path 6 which starts from the light source 2, extends forwards to the front and is bounded laterally by the light reflector. According to one aspect, the light propagation path 6 is a cone of light.

A radar module 11 is integrated in the headlight 1, forming a radar and light emitting assembly 10. At least one radar antenna unit 12 (transmitting and receiving unit) is arranged on the upper side 11.1 of the radar module 11. A radar reflector 13 is arranged above the radar module 11. The headlight cover 4 has at least one light-transmitting, frequency-selective radar channel structure 14, in particular designed as a coating. In particular, an outer radar channel structure 14.1 and/or an inner radar channel structure 14.2 may be provided.

A mid-plane 15 comprising a radiatively active cover is arranged between the radar module 11 and the radar reflector 13. The intermediate plane 15 or the hood, respectively, coincides at least approximately with a plane 18 (tangential plane), which plane 18 is tangent to the light reflector 3 of the bottom and/or oriented at least approximately parallel thereto. The optical axis 16 of the radar module or of each antenna unit 12 is oriented at least substantially orthogonal to the mid-plane 15 and/or oriented at least substantially vertical.

The headlight chamber 17 spanned by the headlight cover and optionally also the light reflector serves to accommodate all radar technology components. The radar module 12 together with the antenna unit 13 is arranged in a region of a partial chamber 17.1, in particular in the form of a saddle roof, which is covered by a headlight cover and a radar reflector, said region being situated at the foremost position of the headlight chamber 17 adjacent to the headlight cover 4. At the front, the partial chamber 17.1 is delimited by the headlight cover 4, while at the rear (rear), the partial chamber 17.1 is delimited by the radar reflector 11.

At the contact or fastening point 13.5 of the radar reflector with the headlight cover, an angle is formed between the headlight cover and the radar reflector, which angle is in particular in the range from 45 ° to 90 °, for example approximately 55 ° to 60 °. The contact angle can also be described as the top angle between two opposite sloping (roof) surface areas, in particular with reference to a saddle-shaped roof structure. Additional contact points with other angles can also be formed between the headlight cover and the radar reflector, in particular if there is also an optional three-dimensional extension of the radar reflector at the intersection with the headlight cover.

The beam path 19 of the radar radiation or high-frequency waves emitted and propagated by the radar module 12 extends firstly transversely, in particular at least approximately orthogonally and/or at least approximately vertically, to the emission direction x and is then deflected by the radar reflector 13 by approximately 90 °, so that the detection region 8 is defined by the radar reflector and/or by the respective radar channel structure 13, 14. Fig. 2 shows that the detection region can alternatively or additionally also be arranged laterally, in particular in the case of a radar reflector comprising a three-dimensional extension.

The arrows x in fig. 1 indicate the emission direction or the corresponding longitudinal position of the respective component in the emission direction, respectively, so that the respective longitudinal position is detected, for example, starting from the light source. The radar module and the radar reflector and optionally also the antenna unit are arranged along at least substantially the same longitudinal position x. The headlight cover 4 extends rearward (towards the rear) to a longitudinal position that is smaller than the longitudinal position of the radar module and the radar reflector. In other words: the headlight cover not only overlaps the radar module and the radar reflector, but also completely covers these two components in the emission direction.

Fig. 2 shows a radar and light-emitting assembly 10 with a plurality of radar reflectors and a plurality of radar antenna units 12, 12a, i.e. at least one radar antenna unit 12a for obliquely oriented radiation and equipped for lateral detection. In addition to the radar reflector 13 already described above, there are provided a radar reflector 13a for oblique radiation and a radar reflector 13b for lateral radiation (side view). All three types of radar reflectors may be provided together in a modular manner as a unified radar reflector, in particular each arranged to comprise two-dimensionally extending reflector elements 13.4. Each reflector element 13.4 is characterized by at least one of the following components: a first (in particular on one side) frequency selective structure 13.1 (radar channel structure), a second (in particular applied to one side) frequency selective structure 13.2, each in particular incorporated in a coating or integrated in the material; and/or a Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) layer 13.3, optionally on one or both sides. Optionally, only a single frequency selective structure is provided, in particular integrated in the material of the respective reflector element 13.4. Alternatively or additionally, the TCO layer 13.3 may optionally also be formed at the front headlight cover 4.

A single exemplary embodiment for the radar channel structure 14 is shown in detail in fig. 3. The radar channel structure 14 is formed by a system of at least four types of structures, in particular a first frequency selective radar channel structure 14a, in particular a so-called band-pass structure, and a second frequency selective radar channel structure 14b, in particular a so-called fresnel region, and a third frequency selective radar channel structure 14c, in particular a so-called PRS (partially reflecting structure), and a fourth frequency selective radar channel structure 14d, in particular a so-called low-pass structure. The individual structures can be introduced or integrated separately, in particular by means of a laser method. One or more transparent conductive oxide layers (TCO)14.3 may optionally be provided for the individual or each radar channel structure, in particular in order to optimize the reflection properties.

Another exemplary embodiment of a radar and light emitting assembly 10 is shown in fig. 4, which is integrated in a headlight 1. The radar module 11 is arranged behind several light sources 2. The optical axes 7 and 16 are located one above the other or are oriented at least approximately parallel to each other. The light sources 2 are arranged around the optical axis 16 of the antenna unit 12, or at least partially circumferentially around it. A translucent, radar-radiation-shaped headlight cover is arranged (only) between the light source 2 and the detection region 8. The radar radiation shaping means 14 with the TCO layer 14.3, which in the assembly according to fig. 4 does not necessarily have to be light-transmitting, is arranged between the antenna unit 12 and the light source.

List of reference numerals

1 head lamp

2 light source or projection lens

3 light reflector

4 headlight covers, especially designed or provided with means for shaping the radiation of the radar to be transmitted

4.1 outer surface

4.2 inner surface

6 light propagation path

7 optical axis of light source or light reflector (main orientation)

8 detection area

9 light cone

10 radar and light emitting assembly

11 radar module

11.1 Upper side

12 Radar antenna Unit (transmitting and receiving Unit)

12a Radar antenna Unit for inclined Direction radiation

13-transmission radar radiation shaping device, in particular radar reflector

13.1 first frequency-selective structures, in particular coated or integrated

13.2 second frequency-selective structures, in particular coated or integrated

13a radar reflector or radar reflector element for oblique radiation

13b Radar reflectors or radar reflector elements for lateral radiation (side view)

13.3 transmissive photoconductive oxide layer (TCO)

13.4 Reflector elements, in particular with a two-dimensional extension

13.5 contact points or fastening points for headlight housings

14 light-transmitting radar radiation shaping means, in particular frequency-selective radar channel structures, in particular in the form of coatings and/or integrated in the material

14.1 external Radar channel Structure, in particular external coating

14.2 internal Radar channel Structure, in particular internal coating

14.3 transmissive photoconductive oxide layer (TCO)

14a first frequency-selective radar channel structure, in particular bandpass structure

14b second frequency-selective radar channel structure, in particular Fresnel zone

14c third frequency selective radar channel structure, in particular PRS

14d fourth frequency-selective radar channel structure, in particular low-pass structure

15 mid-plane with radiation active mask

16 radar module or antenna unit

17 a front lamp cavity spanned by the front lamp cover and optionally also by a light reflector

17.1 partial Chamber covered

18 tangential plane, in particular oriented as a horizontal plane

19 Beam path (transmitting, propagating Radar radiation or HF waves)

Direction of x-radiation (emission direction) or longitudinal position