阅读说明：本技术 用于自主的车辆的车顶模块 (Roof module for autonomous vehicle ) 是由 J·弗里德里希 S·赫韦尔克勒格尔 T·特格托夫 于 2020-01-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于自主的车辆的车顶模块,所述车顶模块具有包含一定数量的电子部件和/或包含用于环境识别的一定数量的传感器的电子单元；用于接纳所述电子单元的载体元件；用于将所述电子单元固定在所述载体单元上的固定件；其中,所述载体单元构造为车顶结构件,所述车顶结构件经由固定件能直接固定在车辆的侧向的白车身构件上和/或能直接固定在车辆的前部的白车身构件上和/或能直接固定在车辆的后部的白车身构件上,并且所述车顶结构件构成用于车辆的车顶外蒙皮的承载式的接纳部。(The invention relates to a roof module for an autonomous vehicle, having an electronic unit which contains a number of electronic components and/or a number of sensors for environment detection; a carrier element for receiving the electronic unit; a fixing member for fixing the electronic unit to the carrier unit; the carrier unit is designed as a roof structure which can be fastened directly to a lateral body shell component of the vehicle and/or to a front body shell component of the vehicle and/or to a rear body shell component of the vehicle via fastening means and which forms a load-bearing receptacle for a roof outer skin of the vehicle.)

1. A roof module for an autonomous vehicle, the roof module having:

-an electronic unit (6, 6', 36') containing a number of electronic components and/or containing a number of sensors (7) for environment recognition;

a carrier unit (8, 38) for receiving the electronic unit (6, 6', 36'),

-a fixing for fixing the electronic unit (6, 6', 36') on the carrier unit (8, 38);

the vehicle carrier unit (8, 38) is designed as a roof structure which can be fastened directly to a lateral body shell (2) of the vehicle and/or to a front body shell (3) and/or to a rear body shell (4) of the vehicle via fastening means and forms a load-bearing receptacle for a roof outer skin (9) of the vehicle.

2. The roof module according to claim 1, characterized in that the roof structural elements (8, 38) are connected in a force-fitting or material-fitting manner to the lateral body shell elements (2) and/or to the front body shell element (3) and/or to the rear body shell element (4) of the vehicle.

3. The roof module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the lateral body-in-white component (2) is configured as a longitudinal bar extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (L), to which a-and/or B-and/or C-and/or D-pillars of the vehicle are directly connected transversely, and the front body-in-white component (3) and the rear body-in-white component (4) are configured as transverse bars extending transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction (L).

4. Roof module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the roof structure (8, 38) has a frame comprising longitudinal and transverse spars (11, 12) and/or that the roof structure has a number of bows (13) connecting the longitudinal and/or transverse spars (11, 12).

5. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the roof outer skin (9) is arranged on the frame of the roof structural part (8) via a seal (19).

6. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the roof outer skin (9) is fastened in a material-locking manner to the frame of the roof structure (8).

7. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electronic unit (6, 6', 36') has a housing (22) and a transparent or translucent cover (26), wherein the number of sensors (7) and/or the number of electronic components are fixed on the underside (24) of the housing (22).

8. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the housing (22) of the electronic unit (6, 6', 36') is connected releasably or in one piece with the roof structural part (8).

9. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the frame of the roof structural part (8) is made of a metallic material and the housing (22) of the electronic unit (6, 6') is made of a plastic material.

10. The roof module according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the roof module (1) is covered on the upper side by a flat trim part (28) which has a deflector edge (23) on the rear side.

11. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a roof ceiling (10) of the vehicle can be fastened to the roof structural part (8).

12. The roof module according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the roof outer skin (9) and the housing (22) of the electronic unit (6, 6', 36') have openings (16, 17) aligned with one another, which are openable or closable by means of a closing element (18).

13. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the latching element (18) is connected in the latched position via a sealing element (20) to a housing (22) of the electronic unit (6, 6') and to the roof skin (9).

14. The roof module according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a cooling air channel (34) adjoins a wall of the electronic unit (6, 6', 36'), which cooling air channel has an air inlet (40) and an air outlet (41) arranged offset from the air inlet in the longitudinal direction of the roof module (1), wherein the cooling air channel (30) runs between two edge sides of the same electronic unit and/or between edge sides of a plurality of electronic units arranged facing away from one another.

15. The roof module according to any of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the air inlet (40) and the air outlet (41) are arranged oriented in the longitudinal direction (L) of the roof module (1) and/or of the vehicle.

16. The roof module as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the transparent or translucent cover (26) is provided with a cleaning unit (42).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a roof module for an autonomous vehicle, having an electronic unit which contains a number of electronic components and/or a number of sensors for environment detection; a carrier unit for receiving the electronic unit; a fixing member for fixing the electronic unit to the carrier unit.

Background

An electronic unit containing a plurality of sensors for environmental detection is known from DE202017101968U1, which is fastened to the roof outer skin of a vehicle by means of a carrier by means of a fold-over snap connection. The carrier structure comprises a sheet material which forms a carrying function for the electronic components (sensors) of the electronic unit. The entire roof of the vehicle is thus formed by a roof skin made of sheet material and the carrier structure and the electronic units arranged in the cutouts of the roof skin. With the known vehicle roof, it is disadvantageous that the roof outer skin needs to be designed stable so that it can absorb the forces of the electronic unit.

An electronic unit with a plurality of electronic components (sensors) is provided from DE102018106008a1, which is fastened via a carrier unit to a body shell component extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For this purpose, the carrier unit has claw-shaped vehicle connection elements which engage with first ends in grooves of the body shell component. The vehicle connection element extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal plane and is connected with the electronic unit at the other free end. The electronic unit is thus fastened to the roof of the vehicle in the manner of a conventional roof rack, wherein in the central region the electronic unit is fastened releasably to the roof outer skin via the suction device. The roof outer skin needs to have sufficient stability in order to be able to support the carrier unit or the electronic unit.

An electronic unit having a plurality of electronic components (sensors, etc.) is known from DE102017115675a1, which is fastened to the roof skin in a cutout of the roof skin via a carrier unit that receives the electronic unit. In addition, the carrier unit is fastened to a lateral body shell component of the vehicle via a bracket. With this known solution, it is disadvantageous that the assembly expenditure is considerable.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim of the invention is to integrate an electronic unit into the roof of a vehicle, in order to simplify assembly, reduce the number of components for fastening, save installation space and ensure stable fastening.

In order to solve this object, the invention in combination with the preamble of claim 1 is characterized in that the carrier unit is designed as a roof structure which can be fastened directly to a lateral body shell of the vehicle and/or to a front body shell of the vehicle and/or to a rear body shell of the vehicle via fastening means and which forms a load-bearing receptacle for a roof outer skin of the vehicle.

According to the invention, a roof module is provided which has a roof structure as a carrier unit and which can be fastened directly to a body shell of a vehicle via fastening means. The roof structure has such a strength and rigidity that it forms a load-bearing receptacle for a plurality of structural units. The roof structure can thus be used not only for receiving electronic units but also for receiving the roof outer skin of the vehicle. Therefore, a plurality of structural units can be fixed to the roof structural member. The vehicle manufacturer can fix the roof structural parts, each equipped with a functional structural unit, to the white body in a simple manner. Preferably, the roof structure is configured such that it carries the entire roof outer skin of the vehicle. For the vehicle manufacturer, no additional assembly of the roof skin or roof skin sections is required. The roof structure is advantageously designed as a function of the functional structural unit integrated in the roof module configured in this way, so that a suitable sufficient strength or rigidity is ensured. The basic idea of the invention is to produce a roof module having a load-bearing structure for the roof of a vehicle. The roof structure is constructed from the integrated functional modules of the roof module. To form the roof module construction, the vehicle manufacturer merely needs to assemble the roof module to the white body with the roof structural members secured. The assembly of the vehicle manufacturer, in which the roof module is already prefabricated with all the required functional modules of the vehicle roof, can thus be advantageously simplified.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the roof structure is fixed in a force-fitting or material-fitting manner to at least the lateral body shell components of the vehicle which are arranged opposite one another. Preferably, the roof structure is connected to the lateral body shell component in a force-fitting manner by means of a screw connection. In this way, the roof module can be advantageously fixed to the vehicle in a simple manner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lateral body-in-white component is designed as a longitudinal bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, to which the a-and/or B-and/or C-and/or D-pillar of the vehicle is directly connected transversely. Advantageously, the roof structure is thus a component of the body of the vehicle, wherein the roof structure is arranged only in the roof region of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the roof structure has a frame with longitudinal spars and transverse spars and, if necessary, a number of brackets connecting the longitudinal spars and/or transverse spars. The roof module thus advantageously has the required rigidity and strength in order not only to carry the functional structural unit, but also to ensure the stability of the vehicle interior in the event of a roof fall and roll.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit has a housing on the one hand and a transparent or translucent cover on the other hand. The housing has a carrying function for electronic components or sensors. The cover can in particular fulfill the function of the sensor. Due to the two-part construction of the housing and the cover, the cover can be replaced at low cost, for example, if it is damaged, vandalized or becomes cloudy due to aging.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing of the electronic unit can be detachably or integrally connected to the frame of the roof structure. In the one-piece arrangement, the housing is preferably made of a plastic material, while the frame is made of a metal material. In this way the scale of the components can be reduced. The production of the housing and the frame can be simplified if the housing of the electronic unit is detachably connected to the frame, since the housing and the frame are accordingly made of a single material. This also ensures the type consistency of the components.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the roof module is covered on the upper side by a flat trim part, which has a deflector edge on the rear side. The planar trim part enables an optimized aerodynamic arrangement of the roof module, wherein the deflector edge additionally reduces the aerodynamic drag or lift. The planar trim part integrates the functions into a single component.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a roof ceiling of the vehicle can be fastened to the roof structure. Advantageously, the roof module therefore also has a function in relation to the vehicle interior or a function which can be actuated from the vehicle interior.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the roof skin and the housing of the electronic unit have openings aligned with one another, which are openable or closable by means of a closing element. For example, the locking element of the housing can be designed as a cover plate. The latching elements of the roof skin can be configured, for example, as sections which can be brought into a latching position via clips or velcro. The opening which can be released in the open position of the blocking element can thus be used as a service access in order to be able to carry out service work at the electronic unit from the passenger interior. Thus, for example, the electronic components of the electronic unit can be easily replaced.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure element of the housing and/or of the roof skin is connected via a seal to the opening edge of the housing or of the roof skin. In this way, a closed embodiment of the electronic unit is ensured, so that the interior of the electronic unit is protected from dust, moisture and contaminants.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a cooling air duct is adjacent to the wall of the electronic unit, which cooling air duct has an air inlet and an air outlet. The cooling air channel extends between two edge sides of the same electronic unit and/or between edge sides of a plurality of electronic units facing away from each other. This ensures that the heat generated in the electronics unit can be dissipated to the environment. Depending on the arrangement of the at least one electronic unit in the roof module, the cooling air duct therefore extends only along the at least one electronic unit or continuously from one electronic unit to the other, wherein the electronic units are arranged at a distance from one another. Advantageously, the cooling air duct enables ambient air to be taken in via the air inlet at the front, as seen in the direction of travel. For example, heat exchange can take place at the bottom wall of the electronic unit, wherein the heated air then moves counter to the direction of travel to the air outlet of the air cooling duct and is discharged to the environment at the air outlet.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet and/or the air outlet of the cooling air line is/are arranged oriented in the longitudinal direction of the roof module and/or of the vehicle. In this way it is ensured that a sufficient cooling air volume can be taken up from the environment or discharged into the environment again.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the transparent or translucent cover is provided with a cleaning unit, by means of which the cover is cleaned at predetermined or random time intervals. The cleaning unit may, for example, comprise a wiper blade which wipes the outer side of the cover. Preferably, the cleaning unit additionally comprises a water nozzle which sprays the outside of the cover during the cleaning process. Alternatively, the cleaning unit may have an air nozzle which is arranged oriented toward the outside of the cover. The air mass causes cleaning of the outside of the cover. Advantageously, the cleaning unit ensures a continuous function of the electronic components, in particular of the sensor.

Drawings

Further advantages of the invention emerge from the further dependent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a roof module, which can be placed and fixed on a white body on the roof side,

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a roof module with front-side and rear-side electronic units containing electronic components,

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the area of the front of the roof module,

figure 4 shows a perspective view of the region of the front of the roof module with the cooling air channel drawn,

figure 5 shows a vertical longitudinal section through the roof module,

figure 6 shows a vertical longitudinal section through the region of the front of the roof module,

fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a roof module with a continuous cooling air channel drawn from the front edge to the rear edge of the roof module,

fig. 8 shows an exploded view of a roof module with a housing for an electronic unit which is fastened to a carrier unit of the roof module via a sealing element and

fig. 9 shows an exploded view of an alternative roof module, in which the housing of the electronic unit is connected in one piece with the carrier unit.

Detailed Description

The roof module 1 for an autonomous or partially autonomous vehicle is assembled or can be fixed as a prefabricated structural unit on the body shell of the vehicle. The body-in-white of the vehicle is disposed on a roof side of the vehicle. The body-in-white in the present exemplary embodiment has a lateral body-in-white component 2, a front body-in-white component 3 and a rear body-in-white component 4, which extend in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle. The front body-in-white component 3 and the rear body-in-white component 4 extend in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle, to be precise substantially transversely to the lateral body-in-white components 2. The front body-in-white component 3 and the rear body-in-white component 4 connect the lateral body-in-white components 2, which are spaced apart from one another and run parallel to one another, to one another. The front body-in-white member 3 is disposed forward in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the rear body-in-white member 4 is disposed rearward in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The lateral body shell components 2, the front body shell component 3 and the rear body shell component 4 form a roof body frame 5 to which the prefabricated roof module 1 is directly fastened in a force-fitting manner via fastening means known per se, preferably by screwing.

The roof module 1 in the present exemplary embodiment has two electronic units 6, 6' which are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction L of the roof module 1 and in which a plurality of sensors 7 for environment detection and further electronic components are provided. The sensor 7 can be configured, for example, as a LiDAR sensor and as a RADAR sensor. As electronic components, cameras, screens, lighting elements or the like may be integrated in the electronic unit 6, 6'.

The roof module 1 furthermore comprises a carrier unit 8, which is designed as a roof structure and thus can receive structural units, such as the electronic units 6, 6', associated with the roof in a load-bearing manner. The roof structural part 8 serves not only to receive the front electronic unit 6 and the rear electronic unit 6', but also to receive the roof outer skin 9 and the roof ceiling 10. The roof structural element 8 thus serves as a holder for all structural units arranged in the roof region of the vehicle (which are arranged both inside and outside the vehicle). The roof module 1 can thus be provided as a prefabricated roof structural unit to a vehicle manufacturer, wherein the roof module 1 is fastened to the vehicle at least at the lateral body shell components 2 and, if necessary, at the front body shell components 3 and at the rear body shell components 4 only by fastening the roof structural element 8.

Alternatively, the roof structural element 8 can also be fastened to the respective body shell component 2, 3, 4 by a cohesive connection.

The lateral body shell component 2 can be designed, for example, as a longitudinal rod from which a not shown a-and/or B-and/or C-and/or D-pillar of the vehicle is connected on the underside. The front body-in-white component 3 and the rear body-in-white component 4 are each designed, for example, as a transverse bar, which extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction L.

Preferably, the roof structural member 8 is configured as a frame having a longitudinal spar 11 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the roof module 1 and a transverse spar 12 extending transversely to the longitudinal spar 11. The transverse spars 11 are arranged at such a distance from one another that they can be fixed to the longitudinal bars 2 of the roof body frame 5. The transverse spars 12 of the roof module 1 or of the vehicle running in the transverse direction Q are arranged at such a distance from one another that they can be fastened to the front transverse bar 3 or to the rear transverse bar 4. In the middle region of the longitudinal spars 11, a bracket 13 can extend from one longitudinal spar 11 to the longitudinal spars 11 lying opposite one another, said bracket further increasing the stability of the roof structural part 8. The bracket 13 has a first end which is connected to one longitudinal spar 11 and a second end which is connected to the opposite longitudinal spar 11 of the roof structure 8.

If necessary, a further stiffening bracket may also be provided, which connects the transverse spars 12 lying opposite one another.

As can be seen from fig. 8, the roof ceiling 10 can be fixedly connected to the roof structural element on the underside of the roof structural element 8. The roof ceiling 10 may have operating elements and light sources or further electronic components that can be actuated from the vehicle interior. Additional components, such as handles and control consoles, may also be mounted on the roof ceiling 10.

The roof outer skin 9 is planar and is made of a sheet material. The roof skin has openings 16 in the region of the front section of the sheet metal material or of the roof module 1 and in the region of the rear section of the sheet metal material or of the roof module 1, which openings correspond to the access openings 17 of the front and rear electronic units 6, 6'. The opening 16 of the roof outer skin 9 and/or the access opening 17 of the electronic unit 6, 6 'are lockable or openable by means of a locking element 18, so that access to the electronic components in the electronic unit 6 arranged in the front and/or the electronic unit 6' arranged in the rear is ensured from the passenger interior. In this way, components provided in the front and/or rear electronic units 6, 6' can be removed and/or replaced in a simple manner. The blocking element 18 can be designed, for example, as an insert or as a cover, which can be disengaged and removed from the roof structure 8 and/or the electronic unit 6, 6' via a clip connection or a hook-and-loop fastener, not shown. The roof outer skin 9 is arranged in a sealing manner relative to the roof structural element 8 via a seal 19 which follows the contour of the opening 16. The seal 19 is designed as a one-piece annular sealing element.

The roof outer skin 9 is supported in a sealed manner relative to the front or rear electronic units 6, 6' via seals 20. The seal 20 follows the contour of the opening 16 and is configured as a sealing element with a relatively wide annular stay 21. Width b of the annular tie bars 21_DWidth b of the supporting housing 22 of the electronic unit 6, 6_GAnd (5) the consistency is achieved. The annular bracket 21 is therefore located in a planar manner between the housing 22 of the electronic unit 6, 6' and the roof outer skin 9 or roof structural part 8.

The blocking element 18 is arranged in a sealing manner with respect to the rim of the access opening 17 via a seal 23. The sealing element 23 is designed as a sealing element made of a rubberized, relatively thin material.

The housing 22 of the front electronic unit 6 or of the rear electronic unit 6' has a bottom side 24, at which the sensor 7 and other electronic components are preferably fixed. The bottom side 24 is preferably designed as a plate-like section extending in one plane. Connected to the bottom side 24 is an upright boundary side 25 which lies along the transverse center plane M of the roof module 1_QEnclosing the electronic unit 6, 6'. The housing 22 is closed on the upper side by a transparent or translucent cover 26, so that the sensor 7 or other electronic components arranged in the electronics unit 6, 6' fulfill their function. The sensor 7 should detect the environment. As a further component, a transmitting and/or receiving unit can be provided, by means of which communication with other traffic participants or vehicles is ensured.

The intermediate space between the front electronic unit 6 and the rear electronic unit 6' is filled by the base 27 of the panelling part 28. The trim part 28 has a planar and continuous roof panel element 29 which has an area which is equal to or greater than the area of the opening 30 of the roof body frame 5. The roof surface element 29 may be equal to or greater than the area of the outer edge of the roof structure 8, for example.

According to a first variant of the invention according to fig. 8, the electronic unit 6, 6' is releasably connected to the roof structure 8, for example, in a non-positive manner by means of a screw connection. According to a second embodiment of the invention according to fig. 9, the electronic unit 36, 36' is connected in one piece with the roof structural part 38. For this purpose, the housing 32 of the electronic unit 36, 36' is connected in one piece with the roof structural part 38. The roof structural element 38 and the housing 32 form a hybrid component, wherein the roof structural element 38 is made of a metallic material and the housing 32 is made of a plastic material. The sealing element 20 according to the first embodiment of the roof module 1 according to fig. 8 can thus advantageously be dispensed with. The number of components can be reduced. In other respects, the design of the roof module 1' according to fig. 9 corresponds to the design of the roof module 1 according to fig. 8. In particular, the roof structural member 8, 38 is made of a steel material or an aluminum material.

The same components and component functions of the various embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals.

The trim part 28 has a deflector edge 33 on the rear side, by means of which the aerodynamics of the roof module 1, 1' can be improved.

The roof module 1, 1 'has a number of cooling air channels 34, which each extend from a front region 14 of the roof module 1, 1' to a rear region 15 of the roof module. In the present embodiment, two cooling air passages 34 are provided, which are disposed offset from each other in the transverse direction Q. The cooling channel 34 has an air inlet 40 at the front end and an air outlet 41 at the rear end, respectively. The air inlet 40 and the air outlet 41 are each arranged in such an orientation that ambient air can be pressed into the cooling air duct 34 and exit on the rear side during driving of the vehicle. Between the air inlet 40 and the air outlet 41 there is a continuous air channel which enables heat exchange or heat removal of the sensors 7 or electronic components arranged in the front and rear electronic units 6, 6'. The air inlet 40 and the air outlet 41 are configured as slots, wherein the air inlet 40 is arranged in the front region 14 of the roof module 1, 1 'and the air outlet 41 is arranged in the rear region 15 of the roof module 1, 1'.

The electronics unit 6, 6' or the cover 26 is assigned a cleaning unit 42, by means of which the outer side of the translucent or transparent cover 26 can be cleaned. For example, the cleaning unit 42 can have a wiper blade 43 which is arranged on the opposite side of the sensor 7 with respect to the cover 26. The wiper blade 43 is fixed to the roof structure 8. If necessary, the roof structure 8 can have a water nozzle, so that water can be discharged as a cleaning liquid in the direction of the covering element 26, said cleaning liquid being distributed over the covering element 26 by means of the wiper blade 43. Alternatively, the cleaning unit 42 may have only an air nozzle which is integrated in the roof structure 8 and which is oriented such that it discharges cleaning pressure air towards the transparent or translucent cover 26, by means of which the outer surface of the cover 26 can be cleaned at least in the region of the sensor 7 or other electronic components arranged behind.

The roof module 1, 1 'or the roof structural element 8 can have means which enable cables or cable bundles to be guided into the roof module 1, 1'. The cables or cable bundles lead to the electronic components 7 or to the cleaning unit 2 or to the electronic components of the roof ceiling 10.

It goes without saying that the above-mentioned features of the embodiments can be used alone as such or in combination of a plurality of them. The described embodiments are not to be understood as a final enumeration.