Nozzle insert for vehicle sensor cleaning

Abstract

A nozzle in a vehicle includes a nozzle insert to provide a pulsed flow of a cleaning agent from an outlet to clean a sensor of the vehicle. The nozzle further includes a cleaning agent supply line to provide the cleaning agent to an inlet of the nozzle insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] introduction

[0002] This subject matter discloses a nozzle insert for cleaning vehicle sensors. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles, trucks, construction equipment, automated factory equipment, agricultural equipment) increasingly include sensors. Some types of sensors (e.g., inertial measurement units (IMUs), steering wheel angle sensors) provide information about the vehicle, while others (e.g., cameras, radar systems, lidar systems) provide information about the vehicle's surroundings. These sensors provide information to the driver, facilitate semi-autonomous operation (e.g., automatic braking, collision avoidance), or enable autonomous operation of the vehicle. Sensor operation can be partially or completely impaired by anything obstructing the sensor's field of view. Therefore, a nozzle insert for cleaning vehicle sensors is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, a nozzle in a vehicle includes a nozzle insert to provide a pulsed flow of detergent from an outlet to clean the vehicle's sensors. The nozzle also includes a detergent supply line to provide detergent to an inlet of the nozzle insert.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the nozzle also includes a cover for covering the nozzle insert.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the nozzle also includes a retainer covered by a cover. This retainer holds the nozzle insert.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the cover and retainer include an opening to expose the outlet of the nozzle insert.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the nozzle also includes a support for retaining the nozzle insert within the retainer.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the nozzle insert includes a track between the inlet and outlet, and a ball for being trapped within the track. The ball alters the density of the detergent flow at the outlet to generate a pulsed flow.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described in this article, the orbit is a circular orbit.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening, such that the pressure of the detergent leaving the outlet is higher than the pressure of the detergent entering the inlet and the flow rate at the outlet is higher than the flow rate at the inlet.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the cleaning agent is compressed air from the vehicle's compressor.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle's controller controls the output of a pulsed flow of detergent via the outlet.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a nozzle for use in a vehicle includes configuring a nozzle insert to provide a pulsed flow of detergent from an outlet to clean sensors of the vehicle. The method further includes coupling a detergent supply line to the nozzle insert to provide detergent to an inlet of the nozzle insert.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes arranging the cover to cover the nozzle insert.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes: arranging a retainer covered by a cover that retains the nozzle insert.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes arranging openings in the cover and retainer to expose the outlet of the nozzle insert.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes arranging the support to hold the nozzle insert within the retainer.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the nozzle insert is constructed by including a track between an inlet and an outlet, and setting a ball to be trapped in the track to change the density of the detergent flow at the outlet to generate a pulsed flow.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the track includes: the track is a circular track.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, constructing the nozzle insert includes forming an inlet opening that is larger than an outlet opening, such that the flow velocity at the outlet is higher than the flow velocity at the inlet.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes connecting a nozzle to a vehicle compressor such that the cleaning agent is compressed air from the compressor.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes: connecting the nozzle to a controller of the vehicle such that the controller controls the output of a pulsed flow of detergent via an outlet.

[0024] Option 1. A nozzle for a vehicle, the nozzle comprising:

[0025] A nozzle insert configured to provide a pulsed flow of detergent from an outlet to clean the vehicle's sensors; and

[0026] A cleaning agent supply line configured to supply the cleaning agent to the inlet of the nozzle insert.

[0027] Option 2. The nozzle according to Option 1, wherein the nozzle further includes a cover configured to cover the nozzle insert.

[0028] Option 3. The nozzle according to Option 2, wherein the nozzle further includes a retainer covered by the cover, the retainer being configured to retain the nozzle insert.

[0029] Option 4. The nozzle according to Option 3, wherein the cover and the retainer include an opening configured to expose the outlet of the nozzle insert.

[0030] Option 5. The nozzle according to Option 3, wherein the nozzle further includes a support configured to retain the nozzle insert within the retainer.

[0031] Option 6. The nozzle according to Option 1, wherein the nozzle insert includes a track between the inlet and the outlet and a ball configured to be trapped in the track, the ball changing the density of the detergent flow at the outlet to generate the pulsed flow.

[0032] Option 7. The nozzle according to Option 6, wherein the track is a circular track.

[0033] Option 8. The nozzle according to Option 1, wherein the opening of the inlet is larger than the opening of the outlet, such that the pressure of the cleaning agent leaving the outlet is higher than the pressure of the cleaning agent entering the inlet and the flow velocity at the outlet is higher than the flow velocity at the inlet.

[0034] Option 9. The nozzle according to Option 1, wherein the cleaning agent is compressed air from the compressor of the vehicle.

[0035] Option 10. The nozzle according to Option 1, wherein the vehicle controller controls the output of the pulsed flow of the cleaning agent via the outlet.

[0036] Option 11. A method for assembling a nozzle for use in a vehicle, the method comprising:

[0037] The nozzle insert is configured to provide a pulsed flow of cleaning agent from the outlet to clean the vehicle's sensors; and

[0038] Connect the cleaning agent supply line to the nozzle insert to provide the cleaning agent to the inlet of the nozzle insert.

[0039] Option 12. The method according to Option 11, the method further comprising arranging a cover to cover the nozzle insert.

[0040] Option 13. The method according to Option 12, the method further comprising arranging a retainer covered by the cover, the retainer holding the nozzle insert.

[0041] Option 14. The method according to Option 13, the method further comprising: arranging the openings in the cover and the retainer to expose the outlet of the nozzle insert.

[0042] Option 15. The method according to Option 13, the method further comprising arranging the support to retain the nozzle insert within the retainer.

[0043] Option 16. The method according to Option 11, wherein constructing the nozzle insert includes: the nozzle insert including a track between the inlet and the outlet, and a ball being positioned to be trapped in the track to change the density of the detergent flow at the outlet to generate the pulsed flow.

[0044] Option 17. The method according to Option 16, wherein the track includes: the track is a circular track.

[0045] Option 18. The method according to Option 11, wherein constructing the nozzle insert includes: forming the opening of the inlet to be larger than the opening of the outlet, such that the flow velocity at the outlet is higher than the flow velocity at the inlet.

[0046] Option 19. The method according to Option 11, the method further comprising: connecting the nozzle to the compressor of the vehicle such that the cleaning agent is compressed air from the compressor.

[0047] Option 20. The method according to Option 11, the method further comprising: connecting the nozzle to a controller of the vehicle, such that the controller controls the output of the pulse flow of the cleaning agent via the outlet.

[0048] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will readily become apparent from the following detailed description when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 A vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown, having a nozzle insert for cleaning vehicle sensors;

[0051] Figure 2 A nozzle insert for a sensor used for cleaning a vehicle, according to one or more embodiments, is described in detail;

[0052] Figure 3A It is an isometric view of one side of the nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0053] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A transparent isometric view of this side of the nozzle shown;

[0054] Figure 4A It is an isometric view of one side of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments; and

[0055] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The nozzle shown is a transparent isometric view of this side. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0057] Embodiments of the systems and methods detailed herein relate to a nozzle insert for cleaning vehicle sensors. While vehicle sensors and nozzle inserts for supplying air have been specifically discussed for illustrative purposes, nozzle inserts according to one or more embodiments may be used in other applications that may also benefit from high-speed pulsating flow and may provide another pulsating flow of gas or liquid. As previously mentioned, vehicle sensors facilitate driver warnings, semi-autonomous steering, or autonomous operation. As also mentioned, their operation may be partially or completely diminished when one or more sensors are obstructed. In particular, autonomous operation may be impossible without reliable sensor-based information, and preventing sensor obstruction is especially necessary in these types of vehicles.

[0058] According to previous methods, a nozzle delivers water or air at a constant flow rate to a sensor surface (e.g., a camera lens) to clean it. According to one or more embodiments detailed herein, the nozzle insert facilitates an increase in flow rate compared to the flow rate entering the nozzle insert and also facilitates the generation of pulsation. In the exemplary case of the nozzle delivering compressed air, the flow rate of the compressed air output from the nozzle insert is increased compared to the velocity entering the nozzle insert, and the pulsation of the compressed air output from the nozzle insert results in less compressed air being needed to effectively clean the sensor. This means that less energy is required from the compressor supplying the compressed air. Furthermore, the nozzle insert is a passive device and does not require power consumption to achieve the higher flow rate or pulsation.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A vehicle 100 is shown, which has a nozzle insert 210 for cleaning vehicle sensors. Figure 2 ). Figure 1 The exemplary vehicle 100 shown is an automobile 101. Vehicle 100 is shown having two exemplary sensors 120a and 120b (generally referred to as 120). For example, sensor 120a may be a lidar system, while sensor 120b may be a radar system or a camera. The number and arrangement of sensors 120 around vehicle 100 are not intended to be limited by the exemplary illustration. Each of the sensors 120 is shown having a corresponding cleaning nozzle 110, but according to alternative embodiments, nozzle 110 may be co-located only with a subset of all sensors 120. A given nozzle 110 corresponding to a given sensor 120 may be positioned such that it outputs cleaning agent 225 onto the surface of sensor 120 exposed to the environment outside vehicle 100 (e.g., the lens of a camera or lidar system). Figure 2 ( ) as a pulse flow.

[0060] Compressor 130 can supply compressed air as a cleaning agent 225 output via a pulsed flow from nozzle insert 210. However, the source and material of the cleaning agent 225 are not limited. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments, multiple nozzles 110 can be used for a given sensor 120, wherein one of the nozzles 110 provides a pulsed flow (e.g., compressed air), and other nozzles provide other materials (e.g., water). Controller 140 of vehicle 100 can control compressor 130 and nozzles 110. Controller 140 can trigger the supply of compressed air by compressor 130, the output of water or other cleaning agent 225 by one or more nozzles 110, and the pulsed flow (i.e., cleaning).

[0061] According to one or more embodiments, the output of the pulsed stream by one or more nozzles 110 can be controlled to be periodic or event-based. For example, controller 140 may trigger one or more nozzles 110 based on sensing rain, detecting obstructions (e.g., a camera image indicating debris on the lens), etc. As previously mentioned, particularly in autonomous vehicle 100, sensor 120 may be mission-critical, and an interruption of information from one or more sensors 120 due to obstruction may require vehicle 100 to stop its journey. Controller 140 may include processing circuitry, which may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuitry, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality.

[0062] Figure 2 A nozzle insert 210 for a sensor 120 for cleaning a vehicle 100, according to one or more embodiments, is described in detail. The nozzle insert 210 is shown having: an inlet 220 through which cleaning agent 225 (e.g., compressed air from compressor 130) enters; and an outlet 230 from which a pulsed flow of cleaning agent 225 is provided and can be directed to the sensor 120 (e.g., a camera lens). As shown, the inlet 220 has a relatively larger opening than the outlet 230. That is, in the exemplary illustration, the diameter of the inlet 220 is... D Diameter greater than 230 mm from the outlet d Although inlet 220 and outlet 230 are shown as having circular cross-sectional shapes, the illustration is not intended to limit the cross-sectional shapes of inlet 220 and outlet 230, and they may not be the same. Due to this difference, the pressure of the flow leaving outlet 230 is higher than that of the flow entering inlet 220. Therefore, the velocity of the detergent 225 leaving outlet 230 is higher than the velocity of the flow entering inlet 220.

[0063] The nozzle insert 210 is also shown to include a track 250 having a ball 240 traversing it. From the perspective of the ball 240, the track 250 is a closed track because the outlet 230 is too small for the ball 240 to leave the track, and the inlet 220 is blocked so that the ball 240 cannot leave. For example, the inlet 220 may be blocked based on the size of the intersection 227 of the inlet 220 and the track 250 or based on an obstacle added at the intersection 227 so that the ball 240 cannot pass through. That is, the ball 240 is trapped within the track 250. Although the track 250 is shown as circular, the exemplary illustration is not intended to limit the track 250 to a perfect circle. For example, the track 250 may be elliptical, or other shapes that facilitate the provision of pulsed flow.

[0064] As previously mentioned, the dimensional difference between inlet 220 and outlet 230 causes the velocity of the flow leaving outlet 230 to be higher than the velocity of the flow entering at inlet 220. The traversal of ball 240 around track 250 (propelled by the introduced flow of detergent 225 via inlet 220) causes a pulsed flow of detergent 225 leaving outlet 230. Including ball 240 within the track of nozzle insert 210, as indicated by the exemplary flowline 255 illustrated, is a passive way of disrupting the otherwise constant flow of detergent 225 to instead create a varying flow density at outlet 230, manifested as a pulsed flow. Whether ball 240 remains in a region of track 250 or circulates around track 250 can be based on the velocity of the introduced flow of detergent 225.

[0065] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an isometric view of one side of the nozzle 110 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3A A cover 310 is shown that protects the nozzle insert 210 and obstructs its view. Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The image shows a transparent view of the nozzle 110. This transparent view reveals the nozzle insert 210 within the cover 310. From... Figure 3A and Figure 3B Viewed from the angle shown, inlet 220 is visible and is supplied with cleaning agent 225 via cleaning agent supply line 340. For example, cleaning agent supply line 340 may originate from compressor 130 and may supply compressed air as cleaning agent 225. Nozzle insert 210 is shown fixed in retainer 320, wherein an additional support 330 holds nozzle insert 210 in place within retainer 320. As shown, support 330 extends across retainer 320, wherein opening 335 is used to receive track 250. Outlet 230 extends through opening 325 in retainer 320.

[0066] Figure 4A andFigure 4B This is an isometric view of one side of the nozzle 110 according to one or more embodiments, the side being... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The side shown is the opposite. Figure 4B Cover 310 is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The angle shown makes the opening 315 in the cover 310 visible, through which the outlet 230 of the nozzle insert 210 extends. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A transparent view of the nozzle 110 shown. The retainer 320 and the additional support 330 are also shown. According to... Figure 4A and 4B The view shows an inlet 220 on the back of the nozzle 110, through which detergent 225 is supplied via detergent supply line 340. An opening 325 in the retainer 320 is shown. The outlet 230 of the nozzle insert 210 passes through the opening 325 in the retainer 320 and then through the opening 315 in the cover 310 to provide a pulsed flow of detergent 225 to clean the sensor 120 of the vehicle 100.

[0067] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A nozzle for a vehicle, the nozzle comprising: A nozzle insert configured to provide a pulsed flow of detergent from an outlet to clean the vehicle's sensors; as well as A cleaning agent supply line configured to supply the cleaning agent to the inlet of the nozzle insert. The nozzle insert includes a track between the inlet and the outlet, and a ball configured to be trapped within the track, such that the ball can move around the track between a position near the inlet and a position near the outlet. The ball alters the density of the detergent flow at the outlet to generate the pulsed flow. The track is either circular or elliptical.

2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle further comprises a cover configured to cover the nozzle insert.

3. The nozzle of claim 2, further comprising a retainer covered by the cover, the retainer being configured to retain the nozzle insert.

4. The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein, The cover and the retainer include an opening configured to expose the outlet of the nozzle insert.

5. The nozzle of claim 3, further comprising a support configured to retain the nozzle insert within the retainer.

6. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The opening of the inlet is larger than the opening of the outlet, such that the pressure of the cleaning agent leaving the outlet is higher than the pressure of the cleaning agent entering the inlet, and the flow rate at the outlet is higher than the flow rate at the inlet.

7. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The cleaning agent is compressed air from the vehicle's compressor.

8. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle's controller controls the output of the pulsed flow of the cleaning agent via the outlet.

9. A method of assembling a nozzle for use in a vehicle, the method comprising: The nozzle insert is configured to provide a pulsed flow of cleaning agent from the outlet to clean the vehicle's sensors; as well as Connect the cleaning agent supply line to the nozzle insert to provide the cleaning agent to the inlet of the nozzle insert. The nozzle insert includes a track between the inlet and the outlet, and a ball configured to be trapped within the track, such that the ball can move around the track between a position near the inlet and a position near the outlet. The ball alters the density of the detergent flow at the outlet to generate the pulsed flow. The track is either circular or elliptical.

10. The method of claim 9, the method further comprising arranging a cover to cover the nozzle insert.

11. The method of claim 10, the method further comprising arranging a retainer covered by the cover, the retainer holding the nozzle insert.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: The openings in the cover and the retainer are arranged to expose the outlet of the nozzle insert.

13. The method of claim 11, the method further comprising arranging a support member to retain the nozzle insert within the retainer.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Constructing the nozzle insert includes: forming the inlet opening to be larger than the outlet opening, such that the flow velocity at the outlet is higher than the flow velocity at the inlet.

15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: The nozzle is connected to the vehicle's compressor such that the cleaning agent is compressed air from the compressor.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: The nozzle is connected to the vehicle's controller, such that the controller controls the output of the pulsed flow of the cleaning agent via the outlet.

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