WO2019238207A1

WO2019238207A1 - Protection for a device

Info

Publication number: WO2019238207A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/065375
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marko KONTA; Stephan SCHITTLER; Pierre BARUT; Clement Hoffner; Christopher GIROUX; Benoit Jacob; Ernesto Rupar
Original assignee: Byton GmbH; Byton Ltd
Current assignee: Byton GmbH; Byton Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-11
Filing date: 2018-06-11
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-11
Also published as: EP3829932A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protecting assembly (1) for protecting a device (4) of a vehicle (2), that comprises: a control unit (3); a first actuator (5) for moving the device (4) relative to the vehicle (2), an aperture (6) in the skin (7) of the vehicle (2) at a location of the device (4), a cover (8) adapted to fit into the aperture (6); and a second actuator (9) for moving the cover (8) relative to the aperture (6); and a control unit (3) configured to control the actuators.

Description

PROTECTION FOR A DEVICE

The present disclosure relates, in general, to the protection of damage prone devices on vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the protection of damage prone devices, such as a sensor device, of a vehicle, such as an electric driven vehicle having a sensor device used in autonomous driving.

Background

The following background information is provided solely to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and should by no means be construed as an admission of prior art unless expressly designated as such. Electric driven vehicles are in an ongoing development at a high pace. Future electric driven vehicles, such as electric cars, will be operated more and more of the operation time in a so-called autonomous driving mode in which the vehicle is to a great extent in charge of controlling the driving vehicle. Amongst other aspects, to operate autonomously, a vehicle control system requires reliable data on the actual surroundings of the vehicle. Such data may be stored in a database on board of the vehicle and/or may be provided to the vehicle via wireless data connections on demand from a database external to the vehicle. Also, future vehicles will exchange a great deal of operational data directly or indirectly.

However, reliable and current data on the nearby surroundings will be required at least for security reasons, preferably in real time. Thus, such vehicles will be provided with corresponding sensor devices for collecting and detecting such data.

On the one hand, to provide reliable data on the actual surroundings of the vehicle, an exposed arrangement of the sensor device may be required so that the sensor device has an optimal line of sight over a preferably as great as possible angel of vision. On the other hand, a sensor device in an exposed arrangement is damage prone and needs to be protected against damage, particularly to avoid accidents caused by incorrect information. Summary

Thus, one aim of the present disclosure is to provide a protecting assembly for a device and a vehicle with such a device, which whilst allowing for positioning of the device in an exposed, in particular projecting, arrangement with respect to the skin of a vehicle, also provides improved protection to the device at least when the device is not in use.

The core concept of the present disclosure is, that the protecting assembly is a combination of arranging the device, such as a sensor device for detecting a certain kind of data, so that the device can be moved between a first position, which is an operating position that is most optimal for the intended operation of the device, and a second position, in which the device is protected against damage as well as in which damage or accidents by collision with the device can be avoided.

A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a protecting assembly for protecting a device of a vehicle. The protecting assembly may comprise: a control unit; a first actuator configured for moving the device relative to the vehicle, an aperture in the skin of the vehicle at a location of the device, a cover adapted to fit into the aperture; and a second actuator configured for moving the cover relative to the aperture.

In particular embodiments, the first and second actuator may be a combined actuator or implemented as one actuator, as discussed herein below.

The control unit may be configured to control the first actuator for moving the device between a first position and a second position.

In the first position, the device is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, e.g. by projecting from the skin of the vehicle at the location of the aperture. In the second position, the device is arranged behind the cover covering the aperture.

The control unit may be further configured to control the second actuator for moving the cover away from the aperture thereby allowing the device to be moved from the second position into the first position.

The control unit may be further configured to control the second actuator for moving the cover over the aperture, when, preferably as soon as, the device is in the second position.

In a particular embodiment, the device has an operating mode corresponding to the first position as an operating position and a non-operating mode corresponding to the second position as a non-operating position.

When the cover is covering the aperture, the cover may be fitted into the aperture so that a surface of the cover is flush with a surface of the skin of the vehicle. In other words, the cover smoothly covers the aperture. Particularly, the cover may smoothly cover the aperture in the skin of the vehicle and thus hide the deice when the device is in the non operating position. Thus, as one effect of the disclosure, the device can be hidden behind the cover in the non-operating position.

In this context,“smoothly covered” shall mean that edges of the cover and edges of the aperture belonging to the skin of the vehicle are arranged to each other such that there is substantially no step between the skin of the vehicle at the edges of the aperture and the surface of the cover. In other words, the surface of the cover is flush with the skin of the vehicle.

In this context,“hidden” means the actually not visible for an human observer being outside to the vehicle, since, for example, the device is hidden in the inside of the vehicle behind the cover.

In a certain embodiment, the device is a sensor device. In this case, the device may be configured for detecting data related to the surroundings of the vehicle.

The device may be a sensor device that is configured to scan actively the surroundings of the vehicle. For example, the sensor device may be a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) device or light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device.

The device may be a sensor device that is configured to scan passively the surroundings of the vehicle. For example, the sensor device may be an optical camera device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a LIDAR sensor. LIDAR sensors work substantially similar to RADAR sensors but use electromagnetic waves in the range of or close to visible light. The sensors are currently quite bulky and require noticeable space. Also, due to their relevance for the vehicle to operate securely, such sensors need to be protected against damage. For example, a LIDAR sensor may be damaged easily, when the vehicle is not operating in autonomous driving mode since the vehicle is not controlling the vehicle. There may be a particular need for at least two LIDAR sensors configured for scanning parts of the surrounding area, such as left and right to the vehicle, respectively. That is to say, each of these two sensor devices may be arranged on the left-side or right-side surface of the vehicle and protruding from the surface of the vehicle.

For example, if the device may be moved into the first position for an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle, the device may be configured, when in the first position, to supply data to an autonomous driving control system of the vehicle. Thus, the device may be configured for or be a part of a system for detecting data related to the surroundings of the vehicle.

The control unit may be configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator such that the device and the cover are moved synchronously, or consecutively, when the device is moved from the first position into the second position and vice versa.

For example, if the device and the cover are connected in such a way, that the movement of the cover is mechanically coupled to the movement of the device, the overall construction of the protecting assembly can be simplified. That is to say, as mentioned above, due to the mechanic coupling, only one actuator may be needed that is configured for moving the device and cover together.

The protecting assembly may further comprise at least one device guiding element defining the way of movement of the device. For example, the device guiding element may be one or a combination of two or more of a guiding rail, a guide bar, a slide guide, slotted guide. For example, the device guiding element may be configured like a two- dimensionally or three-dimensionally directed curved path defining the movement path of the device. For example, the at least one device guiding element may be configured to guide the movement of the device between the first position and the second position in a translational and/or rotational movement.

Thus, the first actuator may positively move the device on a predetermined device movement path defined by the at least one device guiding element.

The protecting assembly may further comprise at least one cover guiding element defining the way of movement of the cover. For example, the cover guiding element may be one or a combination of two or more of a guiding rail, a guide bar, a slide guide, slotted guide.

For example, the cover guiding element may be configured like a two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally directed curved path defining the movement path of the cover. For example, the cover guiding element may be configured to guide the movement of the cover, from the position in which the cover is fit into the aperture, in a first moving step, substantially into a direction to the inside of the vehicle. In particular, the vector of the movement of the first moving step may have a component parallel to a normal (vector) with respect to the cover when fit into the aperture.

The cover guiding element may be further configured to guide the movement of the cover, in a second moving step, in a translational and/or rotational movement away from the aperture so that the device can be moved through the aperture. Dependent on the size and kind of device and the available space in the vehicle and the size of the aperture, an appropriate movement may be chosen.

Thus, the second actuator may positively move the cover on a predetermined cover movement path defined by the at least one cover guiding element.

The control unit may be supplied with or coupled with or connected to, directly or indirectly, at least one status signal corresponding to the operating mode and/ or the non-operating mode of the device. Thus, the control unit may be configured to, in response to the status signal, control the first actuator and the second actuator, respectively, to move the device and cover, respectively, into the corresponding position.

The first actuator and/or the second actuator may comprise at least one of pulling elements, such as a Bowden cable, pushing elements, such as a strut, and turning elements, such as a pivoting or rotating element. Especially actuators pulling Bowden cables can be useful, because then the actuator can be situated away from the cover and device, respectively, in an appropriate space.

The device and the cover may be connected or mechanically coupled to each other in such a way that the movement of the cover is positively driven synchronously to the movement of the device, or vice versa. Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator so that the moving of the device and the cover is synchronous or consecutive.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle, preferably an electric driven vehicle, which vehicle comprises at least one protecting assembly of the first aspect of the present disclosure. Particularly, the protecting assembly may be positioned at an outside surface part of a vehicle, which is considered particularly useful for the operating position of a particular device that requires to projected from the skin of the vehicle in the operating position of the device.

The aperture and thus the protecting assembly may be positioned at least in one of a fender, a door, a bumper, a trunk lid, a roof. A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of protecting a device of a vehicle, preferably by means of a protecting assembly according to the first aspect of the disclosure.

Again, the device may have an operating mode and a non-operating mode. Thus, the method may comprise moving the device into a first position for the operating mode from a second position for the non-operating mode. Additionally, the method may comprise moving the device into the second position for the non-operating mode from the first position for the operating mode.

In the second position, the device may be arranged, with respect to a skin of the vehicle, behind a cover that is fit into an aperture in the skin of the vehicle. In the first position, the device may be exposed to the outside of the vehicle, for example by projecting from the surface of the skin of the vehicle at the location of the aperture.

The method may further comprise moving the cover away from the aperture, before or simultaneously with moving the device from the second position into the first position. The method may further comprise moving the cover over the aperture, after or

simultaneously with moving the device from the first position into the second position.

Moving the device between the first position and the second position may comprise moving the device in a translational and/or rotational movement. Moving the cover from the position in which the cover is fit into the aperture may comprise a first moving step and at least one second moving step.

The first moving step may comprise moving the cover substantially into a direction towards the inside of the vehicle. The first moving step may particularly comprise a movement having a vector having a component parallel to a normal with respect to (a center of) the cover when the cover is fit into the aperture.

The at least one second moving step may comprise moving the cover in a translational and/or rotational movement away from the aperture so that the device can be moved through the aperture.

In other words, for removing the cover from the aperture, the cover may firstly be moved substantially into a direction to the inside of the vehicle. This first movement may be in particular parallel to a normal with respect to the surface of the skin of the vehicle. By this initial movement, the plane of the cover is moved out of the plane defined by the aperture in the skin of the vehicle. Then, the cover can be move away from the aperture in any kind of way, to allow the device to be moved out of the vehicle through the aperture. Needless to say, closing the aperture with the cover may be implemented in a

corresponding manner, i.e. just the other way around as with the above described opening of the aperture.

Additionally, the cover may be arranged such that the device once being in the second position is particularly protected against direct access from outside the vehicle. To this end, the cover may be configured to close the aperture completely. For example, the cover may be formed to fit into the aperture, i.e. the shape of the cover matches the shape of the aperture so that once the cover is inserted into the aperture, the cover will integrate into the surface of the skin of the vehicle. Summarizing, the protecting assembly and protecting method of the present disclosure protects the device of a vehicle by hiding the device when not in use, i.e. when in the second position that may correspond to a non-operating mode of the device. In a certain embodiment the device is a sensor for detecting data on the current surroundings of the vehicle having an autonomous driving mode. Thus, the control unit, the device and the first actuator are arranged and constructed in such a way, that the device can be moved to the first position, when the vehicle is to be set into the autonomous driving mode. In turn, the device can be moved into the second position when the vehicle is not in the autonomous driving mode.

In other words, the device may assume at least two different positions, namely the first position which may be a use-position or use-configuration and the second position which may be a non-use-position or non-use-configuration.

In the first position, the device is situated at the vehicle just as needed for the intended purpose of the device. That is to say, the device can be set in an optimal arrangement for the intended purpose.

For example, in the case of the device being a sensor, it may be useful for the intended purpose of the device to protrude outside of the surface of the vehicle to be able to gather the needed information. While such exposed arrangement of the device is optimal in regard of the intended purpose of the device, the device has an increased risk of damage, i.e. is damage prone.

For example, if the device may be a sensor, the exposed sensor, when the vehicle is not in use, e.g. parked, may be scratched, which may result in dysfunctions of the whole vehicle. Furthermore, a protruding device may pose a risk of injury for other road users such as pedestrians or cyclists.

By the present disclosure, the device can be moved in the second position so that the device is protected against damage and does not pose a risk to others. For example, when the device is moved out of the first position, and retracted into the inside of the vehicle, the device is no longer protruding from the skin of the vehicle. As a result, the risk of accidents with other road users and/or the risk of damage of the device is significantly reduced.

5 One further advantage of the described protecting assembly and method is, that if the device is related to a particular operating mode of the vehicle, the device, in the first position or in the second position can serve as an indicator showing other road users in which operating mode the vehicle is operated. The operating mode may particularly be an autonomous driving mode. Thereby, other road users can better recognize, if the vehicle io is in a manual or autonomous driving mode. This increases traffic safety, because other road users may act differently, related to the driving mode of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the protecting assembly may comprise at least one further sensor. The further sensor may provide the status signal corresponding to the operating mode of the device. By this constellation the function and safety of the vehicle can be is further improved. The further sensor may be a distance sensor, by which it may be

checked if there is enough room for the device before the device is moved from the second position into the first position. For example, if another vehicle is parked very close to the vehicle comprising the device, such distance sensor may prevent the device from being moved into the first position. Thereby damage of the device and the other vehicle is ?o avoided.

Another use of a further sensor could be, to detect an immediately forthcoming collision between the protruding device in the first position and another vehicle, road user, or object. By this, the protruding device may be moved into the vehicle very fast and therefore a collision may be prevented.

25 Other constellations are possible. For example, the further sensor could detect - during an autonomous driving mode - that the protruding device is not necessary at the moment for particular reasons, and then, the device may be temporarily moved into the second position thereby improving the wind resistance of the vehicle.

Of course, embodiments may utilize more than one further sensor to achieve the above described, or other related effects.

Finally, an electric driven vehicle is disclosed, which comprises at least one of the above described assemblies for hiding a device. The electric vehicle can be an automobile, but can, in principle, also be any other vehicle, such as an aircraft, watercraft, or rail vehicle. The electric vehicle can have only the electric drive system but can also be a hybrid vehicle that additionally has another type of drive, such as a conventional internal combustion engine or a fuel cell.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

Other advantages, features, and details of the present disclosure arise from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to drawings. The features described in the claims and in the description may be relevant to the present disclosure individually or in any combination. Likewise, the features mentioned above and below can each be used individually or collectively in any combination. Functionally similar or identical parts or components are in some cases labelled with the same reference symbols. The terms,“left”,“right”,“up,” and“down,” used in the description of the exemplary embodiments relate to the drawings in an orientation with the legends legible in the normal fashion or reference characters legible in the normal fashion. The

embodiments shown and described are not to be taken as exhaustive but serve as examples for explaining the present disclosure. The detailed description is for the information of those of ordinary skill in the art, which is why known structures and methods are not shown or explained in detail in the description, to avoid

complicating the understanding of the present description.

Figure 1 shows a protecting assembly for protecting a device of a vehicle, where the device (not shown) is in a non-operating position located behind a cover and thereby protected by the cover.

Figures 2a-2j illustrate by a sequence of operational steps of the protecting

assembly of Figure 1, how the cover is moved away from an aperture and the device is moved through the aperture from the non-operating position into an operating position, in which the device is exposed and protruding from the vehicle. Figure 3 shows the protecting assembly of Figure 1 separated from the vehicle with the cover arranged for covering the device and aperture.

Figure 4 shows the protecting assembly of Figure 1 separated from the

vehicle with the device in the operating position.

Figure 5a-5b shows the protecting assembly of Figures 3 and 4 from a different perspective.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating functional elements of the

protecting assembly. Figure 7a-7b is flow diagram of an protecting method for protecting a device of a vehicle.

Detailed Description of exemplary embodiment

Figure 1 shows a protecting assembly 1 for protecting a device 4 (not shown) of a vehicle 2. The device 4 has an operating mode and a non-operating mode. Note, the device 4 is not shown in Figure 1 since the device 4 is arranged in a non operating position that is located behind a cover 8 covering a aperture 6 in the skin 7 of the vehicle 2. Thus, the device 4 is protected by the cover 8. Moreover, as demonstrated by the device 4 not shown in Figure 1, the device 4 is also hidden inside the vehicle 2 behind the cover 8. In this arrangement, the device 4 does not protrude from the skin 7 of the vehicle 2. Thus, the risk of a collision with other road users, like pedestrians, is minimized and damage to the device 4 is prevented as well.

In the here described embodiment the device 4 is assumed to be a part of an autonomous driving system of the vehicle 2 and as such the device 4 is configured to detect and supply data to the autonomous driving control system of the vehicle 2 when in the operating position. Thus, the operating mode of the device 4 corresponds to the autonomous driving mode of the vehicle 2.

In the embodiment described and shown, the device 4 is a sensor device, namely a LIDAR sensor device. The LIDAR sensor device is configured for detecting data related to the surrounding of the vehicle 2. For example, the LIDAR sensor device is used for detecting moving objects and fixed obstacles in the surrounding of the vehicle. Needless to say, without limitation of the possible application of the disclosed protecting assembly 1, the device 4 may be any other kind of useful device 4, for example other kinds of sensing devices, such as a RADAR sensor device, an optical camera device or the like, as well. According to a further development, a further sensor 10 is provided adjacent to the aperture 6. The further sensor 10 is configured to provide data that is useful to improve the function of the protecting assembly 1. For example, the further sensor 10, may be configured to detect, whether the space in front of the cover 8 is free, in particular whether there is enough space available for moving the device 4 through the aperture 6 into the operation position. Thus, data provided by the further sensor 10 can be used to avoid that the device 4 is moved through the aperture 6 to avoid potential damage to the device 4 or to objects external to the vehicle 2.

Figure 1 further depicts that the cover 6 is shaped to fit into the aperture 6, such that the surface of the cover 6 is flush with the surface of the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 once the cover 8 is moved in place in the aperture 6. In other words, the cover 8 smoothly covers the aperture 6 in the skin 7 of the vehicle 2.“Smoothly” in this context means, that the cover 6 is optically and in its design integrated in the shape of the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 so that the cover 8 does not interrupt the surface of the skin 7 of the vehicle 2, e.g. by causing steps.

Figures 2a- 2j illustrate a sequence of operational steps of the protecting assembly 1 of Figure 1. Particularly, Figures 2a-2j show how the cover 8 is moved out of and away from the aperture 6 to enable the movement of the device 4 from the non operating position into the operating position through the aperture 6, in which operating position the device 4 is exposed and protruding from the vehicle 2.

As discussed later below in more detail, the protecting assembly 1 comprises a control unit 3; a first actuator 5a that is configured for moving the device 4 relative to the vehicle 2, the aperture 6 in the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 at the location of the device 4, the cover 8 that is adapted to fit into the aperture 6 to cover it; and a second actuator 5b that is configured for moving the cover 8 relative to the aperture 6.

As shown by Figures 1 and 2a, in the non-operating position, the device 4 is with respect to the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 at the location of the aperture 6 arranged behind the cover 8 that closes the aperture 6 in the skin of the vehicle 2.

Figures 2b-2g illustrate how the control unit 3 by controlling the second actuator 9 controls the moving of the cover 8 away from the aperture 6 to uncover the aperture 6 so that the device 4 can be moved through the aperture 6 into the operating position. The operational sequence of Figure 2b-2g in the reverse order illustrates how the control unit 3 by controlling the second actuator 9 controls the moving of the cover 8 back over and into the aperture 6 as soon as the device 4 is brought back in the non-operating position of the non-operating mode.

Thus, Figures 2a-2g illustrate an particular example of how the protecting assembly 1 is configured for removing the cover 8 from the aperture 6 so that the device 4 can be moved through the aperture 6 into the operating position. Figure 2a corresponds to the view of the protecting assembly 1 in Figure 1. The cover 8 is closed and covers smoothly the aperture 6 in the skin 7 of the vehicle 2. In Figures 2b-2g, by way of consecutive operational steps, illustrate the movement of the cover 8 on its way from the position in which the aperture 6 is closed to the position in which the aperture 6 is open allowing the device 4 moving through the aperture 6. To this end, the protecting assembly 1 comprises a cover guiding element (not shown) defining positively the applicable movement of the cover 8.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a first moving step in which the cover 8 is moved substantially into a direction (illustrated by vector R) towards the inside of the vehicle 2. In this connection, it is noted that the vector R of the movement of the first moving step has at least a component that is parallel to a normal N with respect to the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 at a center C of the cover 8. By the initial movement in the first moving step, the cover 8 is moved out of the area defined by the aperture 6 in the skin 7 of the vehicle 2. The first moving step particularly enables that the cover 8 can be moved more freely in the following second moving step(s).

Figures 2c-2g, by way of consecutive operational steps, illustrate a second moving step of the movement of the cover 8 until the aperture 6 is fully uncovered. In the particular embodiment shown, the cover 8 is moved in a combined translational and rotational movement by which the cover 8 is moved away from the aperture 6 around the device 4 located behind the cover 8. By the second moving step, the cover 8 is eventually moved away from the aperture 6, to allow the device 4 to be moved through the aperture 6 and out of the vehicle 2. Needless to say, that in consideration of the here disclosed principle, also other movements, such as rotational and/or translational movements, can be implemented to define a movement path for the cover 8. Dependent on the kind of device 4, the kind of the aperture 6, the kind of the cover 8, the shape of the skin 7 of the vehicle, and the available space inside the vehicle 2 behind the aperture 6, an appropriate movement path for the cover 6 can be identified and predetermined.

Figures 2h-2j, by way of consecutive operational steps, illustrate the movement of the device 4 from the non-operating position (cf. Figures 1 and 2a), where the device 4 is in the non-operating mode, into the operating position (Figure 2j), where the device 4 is in the operating mode. The movement of the device 4 takes place under control of the control unit 3 which is configured to control the first actuator 5a accordingly.

Figures 2h-2j show how the device 4 is moved from the protected non-operating position in the exposed operating position in which the device 4 projects away from the vehicle 2. To this end, the protecting assembly 1 comprises a device guiding element (not shown) defining positively the applicable movement of the device 4.

In the described embodiment, the device 4 is moved through the uncovered aperture 6 from the non-operating position into the operating position via a translational movement, i.e. the movement path is linear. Of course, any other movement path one may think of, comprised of rotational and/or translational movements, can be implemented. Dependent on the kind of the device 4, the kind of the aperture 6, the kind of the cover 8, the shape of the skin 7 of the vehicle 2, and the available space in the vehicle 2, the skilled person may choose and design an appropriate device movement path.

If it is necessary or desired, the movement of the device 4 can be synchronized with the movement of the cover 8. This may be useful to reduce the overall needed time for moving the device 4 from the non-operating position into the operating position, and vice versa. This may also be useful to reduce the complexity of the movement mechanism of the protecting assembly 1.

For example, a rotational movement of the device 4 may be synchronized with a simultaneous rotational movement of the cover 8, ensuring that the cover 8 and the device 4 do not touch each other during the movements. As a result, the required space for the protecting assembly may be minimized.

Figure 2j shows the sensor 4 in the final operating position, in which the device is fully exposed to the outside of the vehicle and projecting away from the vehicle 2. In other words, the device 4 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 2 by projecting from the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 at the location of the aperture 6.

Returning to the example scenario in which the device 4 is assumed to be a LIDAR sensor device, the exposed and projecting operating position is optimized for the proper function of the LIDAR sensor device in terms of the size of the observable visual angle. For sake of completeness, when the device 4 is not needed, i.e. not needed to be in the operation mode, or there is a risk of damage for the device 4, or there is a risk of damage to other road users, the device 4 can be moved back into the non operating position in which the device 4 is moved through the aperture 6 into the internal of the vehicle 2 and the cover 4 is fit into the aperture 6 for smoothly closing it. The procedure of moving back the device 4 and closing the aperture 6 with the cover 8 is implemented in the same manner as discussed before, but the other way around. For example, a special“fast-move-in-mode” may be implemented, to allow a fast retraction of the device 4, in case of an immediately expected collision between device 4 and an object external to the vehicle 2.

Figure 3 shows the protecting assembly 1 of Figure 1 separated from the vehicle 2 with the cover 8 arranged for covering the device 4. Even though Figure 3 shows a particular example for the technical implementation of the cover 8 and sensor 4 movement, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular arrangement shown.

Figure 3 shows the control unit 3 operationally coupled (indicated by the

bidirectional arrow) with the first actuator 5a for control of the movement of the device 4 and with the second actuator 5b for control of the movement of the cover 8. The first actuator 5a and the second actuator 5b, respectively, is coupled to the device 4 and cover 8, respectively, via a respective pulling element 13 and 14, respectively, which is a respective Bowden cable.

The protecting assembly 1 comprises two device guiding elements 11a (not shown in Figure 3, but in Figure 4) and lib, which are device guiding rails that define positively the way of movement of the device 4. In the shown embodiment, the two device guiding rails are configured to guide the movement of the device 4 between the operating position and the non-operating position in a translational (linear) movement, i.e. the thereby defined movement path for the device is linear. Thus, in the shown embodiment, the device two guiding elements define a two-dimensionally directed linear path defining the movement path of the device 4.

Further, the protecting assembly 1 comprises two cover guiding element 12 a and 12b, which are cover guiding rails that define positively the way of movement of the cover 8. In the shown embodiment the cover guiding rails are configured to guide the movement of the cover 8 on a three-dimensionally directed curved path defining the movement path of the cover 8 from the position in which it is fit into the aperture 6 (cf. Figure 1, 2a, and 3), in a first moving step, as described in connection with Figures 2a-2b, and in a consecutive second moving steps, as described in connection with Figures 2c-2f so that the aperture 6 is uncovered and the device 4 can be moved through the aperture 6. In connection with Figures 2a-2j, the function of the protecting assembly 1 was described in that the movement of the cover 8 and the device 4 take place with respect to each other consecutively, i.e. not simultaneously.

In a further development, the control unit 3 can be configured to control the first actuator 5a and a second actuator 5b such that the device 4 and the cover 8 are moved synchronously, when the device 4 is moved from the non-operating position into the operating position and vice versa. In yet a further development, the device guiding means and the cover guiding means are positively coupled in that the movement of the device 4 and the cover 8 must take place simultaneously and in parallel to each other. Particularly, in both foregoing cases, the first actuator 5a and a second actuator 5b may be implemented by just one single actuator controlling the movement of both the device 4 and cover 8. In other words, the device 4 and the cover 8 may be connected or coupled in such a way, that the movement of the cover 8 is positively driven synchronously to the movement of the device 4 and vice versa. In the shown example, as discussed above, the first actuator 5a and the second actuator 5b are connected via Bowden cables as respective guiding elements 13, 14 coupling positively the movement of the cover 8 and the movement of the device 4 with the acting movement of the corresponding actuator 5a, 5b. The control unit 3 controls the actuators 5a and 5b to implement the desired function. The Bowden cables allow a very compact design of the protecting assembly 1 with regard to the required space as, basically, only area of the cover 8 and the space for the device must be considered as constraints since the actuators 5a and 5b may be placed on a different spot of the vehicle 2.

Figure 4 shows the protecting assembly of Figure 1 separated from the vehicle with the device 4 in the operating position. Particularly, Figure 4 shows the protecting assembly 1 in a state, where the cover 8 is moved away and the device 4 is placed in a exposed position in which the device 4 protrudes from the skin 7 of the vehicle 2. Figure 5a and 5b show the non-operating position (second position) and the operating position (first position) of the device 4 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 from a different perspective.

By the disclosed constellation, a reliable and secure use of the device 4 is achieved. The risk of damage of the device 4 or other road users can be minimized. Therefore, the disclosed protecting assembly 1 is an important improvement for vehicles having an autonomous driving mode.

Figure 6 is a schematic box diagram reducing the protecting assembly 1 on the required functional elements. The control unit 3 may be part of a control system of the vehicle 2. The control unit 3 is operatively connected to a actuator unit 5 that may comprise the first and second actuators 5a, 5b of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5. The actuator unit 5 under control of the control unit 3 moves the device 4 and the cover 8 of the protecting assembly 1. The bi-directional arrow between the protecting assembly 1 and the control unit 3 illustrates the control and/or data connection for control of the device 4 by the control unit 3 and for supplying operational data produced by the device 4 to the control unit 3 for further processing, e.g. in an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle 2.

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate flow diagrams of two embodiments of a protecting method for protecting a device of a vehicle, preferably by means of the protecting assembly 1 discussed above in connection with the Figures 1-6 and the device 4 and cover 8.

Accordingly, both embodiments of the method of protecting the device 4 comprise a step SO and a step SI.

In step SO, the device 4 is assumed to be in a first position A, in which the device 4 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 2, e.g. by projecting from the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 at the location of the aperture 6. In the described embodiment of Figures 1-6, the first position A is an operating position of the device 4. In step SI, the device 4 is in a second position B, in which the device 4 is arranged, with respect to the skin 7 of the vehicle 2 behind the cover 8 and thus, protected and hidden as well.

Further, both embodiments of the method of protecting the device 4 comprise a step S10 and step SOI. In step S10, the device 4 is moved from the first position A into the second position B, and in the corresponding step SOI, the device 4 is moved from the second position B into the first position A.

Furthermore, both embodiments of the method of protecting the device 4 comprise a step S20 and a step S02. In step S20, the cover 8 is moved over the aperture 6 to cover and protect and hide the device 4 behind the cover 8. In step S02, the cover 8 is moved away from the aperture 6 so that the aperture 6 and thus the device 8 are no longer covered by the cover 8 so that the device 4 can be moved though the aperture 6.

In the embodiment of Figure 7a, the steps S10 and S20 are performed

consecutively, i.e. step S10 is performed first and then step S20 is performed. In the reverse operation, the steps S02 and SOI are performed consecutively, as well, i.e. step S02 is performed first and then step SOI is performed.

In the embodiment of Figure 7b, the steps S10 and S20 are performed

simultaneously, i.e. steps S10 and S20 are performed in parallel. In the reverse operation, the steps S02 and SOI are performed in parallel, as well.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, in the steps S10 and SOI, the device 4 is moved between the first position A and the second position B, and vice versa, in a translational and/or rotational movement, respectively.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, in the steps S20, the cover 8 is moved from the position in which it is fitted into the aperture 6 with a first moving step S20a with moving the cover 8 substantially into a direction towards the internal of the vehicle 2 and at least one second moving step S20b with moving the cover 8 in a translational and/or rotational movement away from the aperture 6 so that the device 4 can be moved through the aperture 6. In the reverse operation the steps S02a and S02b are respective reversed versions of the steps S20a and S20b.

The above detailed description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand the description as a whole so that technical features described in connection with the various embodiments can be combined into other embodiments understandable to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, any equivalent or modification of the described embodiments as well as combinations thereof do not depart from the spirit and principle of the present disclosure and falls within the scope of the present disclosure as well as of the appended claims. As such, provided that these modifications and variants fall into the scope of the claims and equivalent technologies thereof, it is intended to embrace them within the present disclosure as well.

Claims

1. Protection assembly (1) for protecting a device (4) of a vehicle (2), wherein the protecting assembly (1) comprises: a control unit (3); a first actuator (5) configured for moving the device (4) relative to the vehicle (2), an aperture (6) in the skin (7) of the vehicle (2) at a location of the device (4), a cover (8) adapted to fit into the aperture (6); and a second actuator (9) configured for moving the cover (8) relative to the aperture (6); and the control unit (3) is configured

(a) to control the first actuator (5) for moving the device (4) between a first position (A) and a second position (B), wherein, in the first position (A), the device (4) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (2) projecting from the skin (7) of the vehicle (2) at the location of the aperture (6), and in the second position (B), the device (4) is arranged behind the cover (8) covering the aperture (6); and

(b) to control the second actuator (9) for moving the cover (8) away from the aperture (6) to allow for moving the device (4) into the first position (A), and for moving the cover (8) over the aperture (6), when the device (4) is in the second position (B).

2. Protection assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the device (4) has an operating mode corresponding to the first position (A) as an operating position and an non-operating mode corresponding to the second position (B) as a non-operating position.

3. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-2, wherein, when the cover (6) is covering the aperture (6), the cover (6) is fitted into the aperture (6), wherein a surface of the cover (6) is flush with a surface of the skin (7) of the vehicle (2) and/or the cover (8) smoothly covers the aperture (6).

4. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the device (4) is hidden behind the cover (8) in the second position (B).

5. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the device (4) is a sensor device.

6. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the device (4) is configured for detecting data related to the surrounding of the vehicle (2).

7. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the device (4) is configured, when in the first position (A), to supply data to an autonomous driving control system of the vehicle (2).

8. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the device (4) is moved into the first position (A) for an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle (2).

9. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-8, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to control the first actuator (5) and the second actuator (9) such that the device (4) and the cover (8) are moved synchronously, or consecutively, when the device (4) is moved from the first position (A) into the second position (B), and vice versa.

10. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the protecting assembly (1) further comprises at least one device guiding element (11a, lib) defining the way of movement of the device (4), wherein the at least one guiding element (11a, lib) is configured to guide the movement of the device (4) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) in a translational and/or rotational movement.

11. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the protecting assembly (1) further comprises at least one cover guiding element (12a, 12b) defining the way of movement of the cover (8); wherein the at least one cover guiding element (12a, 12b) is configured to guide the movement of the cover (8), from a position in which it is fitted into the aperture (6), in a first moving step, substantially into a direction (R) towards the inside of the vehicle (2) and, the cover (8), in a second moving step, is moved in a translational and/or rotational movement away from the aperture (6) so that the device (4) can be moved through the aperture (6).

12. Protection assembly (1) of claim 11, wherein the vector (R) of the first moving step has a component parallel to a normal (N) with respect to cover (8) when fit into the aperture (6).

13. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-12, wherein control unit (3) is supplied directly or indirectly with at least one status signal corresponding to the operating mode and/or the non-operating mode of the device (4), wherein the control unit (2) in response to the status signal controls the first actuator (5a) and/or the second actuator (5b).

14. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-13, wherein the first actuator (5a) and/or the second actuator (5b) comprise at least one of a pulling element (13, 14), such as a Bowden cable, a pushing element, such as a strut, and a turning element, such as a pivoting or rotating element.

15. Protection assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-14, the device (4) and the cover (8) are connected in such a way, that the movement of the cover (8) is positively driven synchronously to the movement of the device (4).

16. Vehicle (2) comprising at least one protecting assembly of any one of the claims 1- 15.

17. Vehicle (2) of claim 16, wherein the aperture (6) and the protecting assembly (1) are positioned in the skin (7) of the vehicle (2) at a location that is at least one of a fender, a door, a bumper, a trunk lid, a roof.

18. Method of protecting a device (4) of a vehicle (2), particularly with a protecting assembly (1) of any one of the claims 1-15, wherein the method comprises:

(S10) moving the device (4) into a first position (A) from a second position (B), and vice versa (SOI), wherein in the second position (B), the device (4) is arranged, with respect to a skin (7) of the vehicle (2) behind a cover (8) fitted into an aperture (6) in the skin (7) of the vehicle (2); and, in the first position (A), the device (4) is exposed to the outside of the vehicle (2) projecting from the surface the skin (7) of the vehicle (2) at the location of the aperture (6), and

(S02) moving the cover (8) away from the aperture (6), before or simultaneously with moving the device (4) in the first position (A), or

(S20) moving the cover (8) over the aperture (6), before or simultaneously with moving the device (4) into the second position (B).

19. Method of protecting a device (4) of claim 18, wherein moving the device (4) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) comprises moving the device (4) in a translational and/or rotational movement.

20. Method of protecting a device (4) of claim 18 or 19, wherein moving the cover (8) from the position in which it is fitted into the aperture (6), comprises a first moving step (S02a) with moving the cover (8) substantially into a direction (R) towards the internal of the vehicle (2); and at least one second moving step (S02b) with moving the cover (8) in a translational and/or rotational movement away from the aperture (6) so that the device (4) can be moved through the aperture (6).

21. Method of protecting a device (4) of any one of the claims 18-20, wherein the device (4) and the cover (8) are moved synchronously, or are moved consecutively, when the device (4) is moved from the first position (A) into the second position (B), and vice versa.