Cleaning equipment for cleaning the surface of sensor equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to an optically, aerodynamically and economically optimized and particularly wind-insensitive cleaning device (1) for cleaning a surface (2) of a sensor device (3) of a vehicle with a fluid cleaning agent (4), wherein the surface (2) is delimited by a surrounding outer edge (7) which is arranged substantially flush with the surrounding outer surface area (6), the cleaning device (1) comprising a stationary guide body (10) for guiding a fluid flow (9) flowing from a spray nozzle (5) to the surface (2) and out of the surface (2), wherein the guide body (10) adjoins the outer edge (7) of the surface (2) at least in sections, in particular completely surrounds the outer edge, the outer surface of the guide body (10) being oriented at the outer edge (7) substantially tangentially to the adjacent surface (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a sensor device, in particular a camera lens or an outer cover of an optical radar, as well as a structural unit comprising a cleaning device and a sensor device and a sensor system for detecting the vehicle surroundings comprising at least one of the aforementioned components. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, more and more auxiliary systems with sensors are installed in motor vehicles, which assist the vehicle user when the vehicle is driving and should reliably detect and monitor the surrounding environment of the vehicle at any time. Such auxiliary systems include optical or optoelectronic devices, such as cameras, laser-based sensors or infrared sensors. These devices have transparent elements, such as lenses or covers, which transmit light without restriction or within a certain limited wave range depending on the application. Such transparent elements are often formed in a convex or arched manner to the outside, so as to achieve a particularly wide detection range for the camera, such as the so-called fisheye camera lens. In addition, these transparent elements are arranged in the outer area of ​​the vehicle according to their function and are therefore subject to pollution and external weather influences and must be cleaned as needed to ensure the function.

[0003] An undesirable side effect in known cleaning systems is that the water mixture containing glycol and surfactants, which is often used as a cleaning agent, can flow uncontrollably onto the vehicle body parts after being sprayed out of the nozzle and dry out, leaving visible traces, which leads to stains and defects both in terms of aesthetics and even functionality.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the optical or optoelectronic device has a functional guarantee that is acceptable to the customer, a large supply of cleaning agent must be carried around, which has the attendant disadvantages with regard to the limited available installation space in the vehicle and the operating costs.

[0005] There is therefore a desire to reduce the consumption and the required storage quantity. It is known to solve this problem by providing a device in the cleaning device for collecting and, if necessary, recycling the sprayed cleaning agent.

[0006] For example, WO 2018 / 188822 A1 discloses a cleaning device for a camera lens having a spray nozzle positioned laterally, eccentrically relative to the sensor axis and beyond the lens. A collecting slot for the cleaning fluid is arranged in the housing surface behind the lens opposite the spray nozzle.

[0007] Another aspect is the fact that in order to detect the surroundings of the vehicle, the camera usually has a particularly wide viewing angle of 180° or more. Protruding structures can cover parts of the field of view, so that possible sources of danger go undetected. In addition, the aerodynamics are adversely affected, and the driving headwind can generate undesirable vortices, which interfere with the cleaning jet. In addition, visible, unshielded cleaning parts are also undesirable for design reasons.

[0008] As a remedy, it is known to use lifting nozzles which are movable like pistons and which are extended / moved outwards from a retracted, concealed parking position into a protruding operating position only when required.

[0009] A cleaning device is known from DE 10 2014 117 165 A1, in which the lifting nozzle is part of an outwardly projecting annular piston which forms a half-shell-shaped stop relative to the nozzle opening, which deflects the ejected cleaning liquid toward an inner collecting chamber.

[0010] Such systems are however complex, expensive, prone to wear, sensitive to environmental influences and require more installation space. Here, the field of vision is at least partially greatly impeded during the injection process.

[0011] In addition, a common problem for all known cleaning systems is wind sensitivity. Due to the wind in the direction of travel, the cleaning jet may be deflected so strongly that the surface to be cleaned is not completely wetted or not wetted at all by the cleaning liquid.

[0012] In order to mitigate this effect, it is known to increase the pressure and the amount of cleaning liquid during each cleaning process. This makes the system less efficient, requires a larger supply of cleaning agent and larger and therefore more expensive system components. Summary of the invention

[0013] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved cleaning device which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and which can be produced and assembled as cost-effectively as possible.

[0014] This object is achieved by means of the feature combinations according to the independent claims. Further embodiments and developments of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims as well as from the following description and the drawings.

[0015] The present invention provides that the cleaning device comprises a fixed guide body ( The present invention relates to a flow conducting body, which is used at least to conduct the fluid flow flowing away from the surface, wherein the flow conducting body adjoins the outer edge of the surface to be cleaned at least in sections, preferably completely surrounds the outer edge. The outer surface of the flow conducting body is oriented in the region of the outer edge so as to be essentially tangential to the adjacent surface to be cleaned.

[0016] According to a preferred improvement, the guide body is simultaneously used to guide the fluid flow flowing from the spray nozzle to the surface.

[0017] By means of this configuration, the physical effects generally known as the Coanda effect and the Bernoulli effect can be utilized even at relatively low fluid velocities. These effects result in the cleaning agent being sucked onto the surface and following its contours. As a result, the cleaning process becomes insensitive to wind, the cleaning action is reliable even at high speeds, and the supply pressure and supply amount of the cleaning agent can be reduced during each cleaning cycle. In addition, the consumed cleaning fluid is collected in a targeted, loss-free and mandatory manner, which facilitates efficient recycling. Unattractive discharge trajectories on the surrounding vehicle body surfaces are avoided.

[0018] The invention further provides that the nozzle is positioned recessed relative to an outer surface area surrounding the surface to be cleaned, so that the cleaning agent is sprayed on below the outer surface area.

[0019] By mounting the nozzle in a recessed manner, the detection range or measuring zone of the sensor device is not impeded or limited at any time of operation by any projections or interfering contours, even at large opening angles of approximately 180° or more. The function of the sensor device is not impaired at any time.

[0020] For flexible positioning and simple production and, if necessary, installation, the body guide can be substantially dome-shaped in a flow-favorable manner. Arched or conical in shape.

[0021] The invention provides in its preferred embodiment that the outer edge of the surface to be cleaned is arranged substantially flush with the surrounding outer surface area, and the body guide is therefore arranged below the outer surface area. As a result, only the functionally relevant part of the sensor device is located above the surrounding outer area. A highly optically and aerodynamically optimized surface can be achieved without protruding elements. The cleaning elements are both invisible to external observers and do not form aerodynamic interference sources, which are the cause of undesired eddies and noise in the air flow.

[0022] For particularly effective and optically satisfactory collection of the cleaning fluid while avoiding optical or functional damage, the cleaning device can include a housing with a front surface, which is constructed flush with the surrounding outer surface area, wherein the surface to be cleaned is at least partially and preferably completely surrounded by the front surface, wherein there is an annular gap between the outer edge of the surface and the front surface, which completely surrounds the surface at least in sections and preferably extends along the outer edge.

[0023] Effective collection and concentrated return of the consumed cleaning fluid can be achieved in that a collecting chamber for collecting the cleaning agent is provided in the housing below the front surface, wherein an inlet opening of the collecting chamber is formed by the annular gap.

[0024] In particular, the collecting chamber can be designed as a trough in which the flow guide body is accommodated.

[0025] According to another advantageous development of the invention, the cleaning device can include at least one blowing nozzle for blowing an air flow in the direction of the surface, the at least one blowing nozzle being likewise arranged in a stationary manner below the outer surface area. This makes it possible, for example, to quickly and effectively remove water droplets or water vapor from the surface to be cleaned after the cleaning process, in the event of rain, water spray or fog.

[0026] A further embodiment of the invention provides that a plurality of spray nozzles and / or blow air nozzles can be installed or integrated in the cleaning device at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction about the sensor axis.

[0027] Thus, for example, it is possible to adapt the cleaning device particularly flexibly and optimally to the respective purpose of use or location of use. Thus, for example, spray nozzles with different characteristics or jet shapes can be used, but the power of the cleaning device can also be simply increased.

[0028] The cleaning device according to the invention can be used particularly effectively together with a digital camera or an optical radar.

[0029] The invention likewise claims protection for a construction unit comprising at least one cleaning device according to the invention and at least one sensor device.

[0030] The invention further claims a sensor system for detecting the surroundings of a vehicle, which sensor system comprises at least one cleaning device according to the invention and / or a structural unit according to the invention.

[0031] The invention also claims an advantageous method for operating a cleaning device comprising a plurality of spray nozzles. According to the method, the spray nozzles should be activated alternately and not simultaneously during the cleaning operation. This avoids the situation where different fluid flows interfere with each other and thus reduce the cleaning efficiency and in particular the collection efficiency. On the contrary, the blowing nozzles can be operated in parallel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention is described in detail below according to different embodiments. As shown in the figure:

[0033] Figure 1 A first embodiment according to the invention is shown in a simplified cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 2 The base without the front surface is shown in a top view Figure 1 implementation method.

[0035] Figure 3 The front surface is shown in a top view according to Figure 1 implementation method.

[0036] Figure 4 Shows the basis for driving in the presence of headwind Figure 1 A simplified view of the working mode of the implementation scheme.

[0037] Figure 5 A further embodiment according to the invention is shown with a curved guide body and an integrated spray nozzle.

[0038] Figure 6 A highly simplified illustration of a sensor system for detecting the vehicle's surroundings is shown.

[0039] In all the drawings, the same or equivalent components and devices are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1

[0041] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a cleaning device 1 according to the invention is shown for cleaning a surface 2 of a sensor device 3 of a vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the sensor device 3 is a digital camera and the surface 2 is the outer surface of a camera lens 25. Like every camera lens, it has a central optical axis or sensor axis 15.

[0042] The curvature of the surface 2 of the camera lens 25 protrudes slightly above the outer surface region 6 surrounding it in the circumferential direction and is separated from the outer surface region at the outer edge 7. The outer edge 7 is positioned essentially flush with the outer surface region 6.

[0043] In practice, the outer surface region 6 can be, for example, an outer surface of a vehicle body or a vehicle component, in which the structural unit is installed.

[0044] For simplified handling and installation, cleaning device 1 and sensor device 3 are combined together in a common housing 12 to form a common structural unit. An outwardly directed front surface 11 of housing 12 is designed flush with the surrounding outer surface area 6 and is therefore integrated therein.

[0045] Spray nozzle 5 for ejecting fluid cleaning agent 4 which can be conveyed via supply line 14 is arranged stationary and laterally offset with respect to sensor axis 15 , recessed below outer surface region 6 .

[0046] Also below the outer surface region 6, a substantially rotationally symmetrical, dome-shaped guiding body 10 is arranged in the housing 12. This guiding body radially surrounds the surface 2 on the outside and adjoins it at the outer edge. The guiding body 10 serves to guide the fluid flow 9 flowing from the injection nozzle 5 to the surface 2 and out of the surface 2. For this purpose, the outer surface of the guiding body 10 is inclined or curved in such a way that the outer surface of the guiding body is oriented substantially tangentially to the adjacent surface 2 at the outer edge 7.

[0047] The nozzle opening of the spray nozzle 5 is designed as close as possible to the outer surface of the flow guide body 10 , in particular flush with the surface, while the spray direction 8 is designed tangentially to or, in the exemplary embodiment, parallel to the outer surface.

[0048] The fluid stream 9 emerging from the spray nozzle 5 thus follows the surface contour of the flow guide 10 and extends / impacts tangentially at the outer edge of the surface onto the surface 2. The resulting impingement angle 16 is ideally equal to 0° or at least approaches 0° particularly flatly.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the flow guide 10 is of substantially conical design, wherein other flow-favorable outer contours, such as a spherical shape, are also permissible within the scope of the invention.

[0050] In addition to the spray nozzles 5, the cleaning device 1 also comprises a blowing nozzle 23, which is likewise arranged stationary below the outer surface area 6. The blowing nozzle 23 serves to blow out an air flow 24 in the direction of the surface 2 (see Figure 4 ) and the blowing nozzle has the function of blowing off adhering water droplets, but also removes water spray or raindrops from the surface 2, without having to operate the spray nozzle 5 for this and without having to consume cleaning fluid 4.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the blowing nozzles 23 are positioned at a distance from the outer surface of the flow-guiding body 10 , close to the outer surface region 6 . This avoids, for example, clogging of the blowing nozzles 23 due to possible dirt residues in the outflowing fluid flow 9 .

[0052] The surface 2 is radially surrounded on the outside by the front surface 11 of the housing 12. Between the outer edge 7 and the front surface 11, however, an annular gap 17 remains, which adjoins / surrounds the surface 2 extending along the outer edge 7.

[0053] A collecting chamber 22 is integrated below the front surface 11 in the interior of the housing 12. The collecting chamber serves to collect the cleaning agent 4 which, after cleaning the surface 2, is discharged from the surface 2 at the body guide 10. The outer surface of the body guide 10 forms one of the boundaries of the collecting chamber 22 in the illustrated embodiment. The annular gap 17 serves as an inlet to the collecting chamber 22. The collected liquid is discharged from the collecting chamber 22 via a discharge connection 28 for renewed preparation or controlled waste disposal.

[0054] Figure 2

[0055] Figure 2 An embodiment of the cleaning device 1 is shown in a top view. The front surface 11 of the housing 12 is not shown for better visualization. The entire cleaning device 1 and in particular the flow guide 10 are designed to be rotationally symmetrical, thereby enabling orientation-independent installation in the vehicle. Only the position of the outlet pipe connection 28 must be appropriately adjusted or rotated for this purpose so that it is positioned at an inclination angle that is favorable for emptying the collecting chamber.

[0056] The embodiment shown has two spray nozzles 5 , 5 ′ and two blow air nozzles 23 , 23 ′, which are positioned at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction about the sensor axis 15 .

[0057] In order that the fluid flows 9, 9' generated by the respective spray nozzles 5, 5' do not interfere with each other during cleaning operation and in particular do not reduce the collection efficiency, the spray nozzles 5, 5' should be actuated alternately. The air blowing nozzles 23, 23' can also be operated simultaneously, because the ejected air does not have to be collected again.

[0058] Figure 3

[0059] Figure 3 Show according to Figure 2 , but with a front surface 11. The nozzles located below it are only indicated by dashed lines. Particularly noteworthy is the optically / visually reduced and aerodynamically optimized outer area of ​​the cleaning device 1, on which there are absolutely no interfering structures. Only the camera lens 25 and the annular gap 17 surrounding it appear on the otherwise empty, flat front surface 11.

[0060] Figure 4

[0061] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 1 1 and serves in particular to explain the operating mode of the cleaning device 1 .

[0062] The cleaning fluid 4 is delivered under pressure from a supply device (not shown here) through an inlet opening to the spray nozzle 5. The fluid stream 9 ejected from the spray nozzle 5 then flows along the outer surface of the guide body 10 to the surface 2, passes through the surface and then flows again along the outer surface of the guide body 10 on the opposite side to the collecting chamber 22.

[0063] For such a fluid flow 9 which is oriented close to the surface and tangentially to the surface, physical effects which are generally known as the Coanda effect and the Bernoulli effect come into play even at relatively low fluid velocities. This effect causes the fluid flow 9 to be sucked onto the curved surface and to follow the curved structure compulsorily. The cleaning agent 4 adheres to the surface to a certain extent. This achieves a high cleaning effect on the one hand and a high insensitivity to the driving headwind on the other hand.

[0064] The incoming travel wind 26 is thus unable to act effectively under the fluid flow 9 and cannot thus significantly divert, disperse or blow the fluid flow away (ie, the cleaning effect may be reduced). The entire surface 2 remains wetted.

[0065] Figure 5

[0066] exist Figure 5 1 shows another highly integrated embodiment of the cleaning device 1. The front surface 11 of the housing 12 is aligned flush with the vehicle body shell. The flow guide 10 is designed as an integrated component of the housing 12 and has an outer contour that is arched like a dome. In addition, the flow guide 10 additionally serves as a support element for receiving and fastening the sensor device 3 and has a corresponding receiving seat 29 for this purpose.

[0067] The spray nozzle 5 is likewise integrated in one piece into the housing 12 as a nozzle opening formed in an adaptive manner to the inlet opening 14 .

[0068] Figure 6

[0069] exist Figure 6 , a preferred possible application of the invention in a sensor system 13 for detecting the vehicle surroundings is shown by way of example and in a highly simplified manner.

[0070] Several structural units, each comprising a cleaning device and a sensor device 1&3; 1'&3'; 1"&3"; 1"'&3"', are arranged on uncovered areas of the vehicle in order to achieve a visibility / field of view of 180° in the circumferential direction.

[0071] The central supply device 18 supplies the cleaning agent 4 to the cleaning device 1-1"' through corresponding supply lines 19-19"' by means of a delivery pump not shown. The central control device 20 is connected to the corresponding sensor device 3-3"' by means of dedicated control lines 21-21"', thereby supplying current to the sensor device 3-3"' and transmitting and receiving electrical signals for further processing.

[0072] List of reference numerals:

[0073] 1. Cleaning equipment

[0074] 2 Surface

[0075] 3 Sensor devices

[0076] 4. Cleaning Agents

[0077] 5. Spray Nozzle

[0078] 6 External surface area

[0079] 7 Outer edge

[0080] 8 Spray direction

[0081] 9 Fluid Flow

[0082] 10. Conductor

[0083] 11 Front surface

[0084] 12 Housing

[0085] 13 Sensor system

[0086] 14 Input port

[0087] 15 Sensor axis

[0088] 16 Impact Angle

[0089] 17 Annular gap

[0090] 18 Supply device

[0091] 19 Supply lines

[0092] 20 Control device

[0093] 21 Control lines

[0094] 22 Collection chamber

[0095] 23 Air blowing nozzle

[0096] 24 Air Flow

[0097] 25 Camera lens

[0098] 26 Driving into the wind

[0099] 27 Tangent

[0100] 28 Discharge pipe connector

[0101] 29 Reception seat

Claims

1. A cleaning device (1) for cleaning a surface (2) of a sensor device (3) of a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising at least one spray nozzle (5) for ejecting a fluid-like cleaning agent (4), wherein: The surface (2) is delimited by a circumferential outer edge (7), characterized in that the cleaning device (1) comprises a stationary guide body (10) which is at least used to guide a fluid flow (9) flowing away from the surface (2), wherein the guide body (10) is adjacent to the outer edge (7) of the surface (2) at least in a partial section, and the outer surface of the guide body (10) is oriented at the outer edge (7) to be substantially tangential to the adjacent surface (2); the nozzle opening of the spray nozzle is constructed flush with the outer surface of the guide body; the fluid flow (9) ejected from the spray nozzle (5) follows the surface contour of the guide body (10) and extends tangentially to the surface (2) at the outer edge of the surface.

2. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The guiding body completely surrounds the outer edge.

3. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The guide body (10) is simultaneously used to guide the fluid flow (9) flowing from the spray nozzle (5) toward the surface (2).

4. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The spray nozzle (5) is positioned sunken and stationary relative to the outer surface area (6) in such a way that the cleaning agent (4) is ejected below the outer surface area (6).

5. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The flow guide (10) is substantially dome-shaped or conical.

6. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The outer edge (7) is oriented substantially flush with the surrounding outer surface area (6), below which the flow guide (10) is arranged.

7. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cleaning device (1) comprises a housing (12) having a front surface (11), which is designed to be flush with the surrounding outer surface area (6), wherein the surface (2) is at least partially surrounded by the front surface (11), wherein an annular gap (17) is present between the outer edge (7) and the front surface (11), and the annular gap extends around the surface (2) at least in sections along the outer edge (7).

8. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The housing (12) has a collecting chamber (22) for collecting cleaning agent (4) below the front surface (11), wherein an inlet of the collecting chamber (22) is formed by an annular gap (17).

9. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cleaning device (1) comprises at least one blowing nozzle (23) for blowing an air flow (24) in the direction of the surface (2), wherein the blowing nozzle is arranged stationarily below the outer surface area (6).

10. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Below the outer surface region (6), at least two spray nozzles (5, 5') are arranged stationarily and spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction around a sensor axis (15).

11. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sensor device (3) is a digital camera and the surface (2) is the outer surface of a camera lens (25).

12. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cleaning device (1) and the sensor device (3) are combined together in a common housing (12) to form a common structural unit. 13 . A structural unit formed by a cleaning device according to claim 1 and a sensor device ( 3 ) which is combined together with the cleaning device in a common housing ( 12 ).

14. A sensor system (13) for detecting vehicle surroundings, comprising at least one cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or at least one structural unit according to claim 13.

15. A method for operating a cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The spray nozzles (5, 5') are not activated simultaneously during cleaning operation.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The spray nozzles (5, 5') are activated alternately during cleaning operation.

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