Cleaning device for detection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for a detection system (2) in a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising an air circuit (4) and a liquid circuit (7), the liquid circuit being configured to spray air and liquid onto the detection system (2), the cleaning device (1) comprising a first chamber (6) and a second chamber (9). The first chamber (6) is configured to be filled with one of air and liquid, and the second chamber (9) is configured to be filled with the other of the air and liquid. The total volume of the first and second chambers (6, 9) is fixed, and the cleaning device (1) is configured to change the volume of one of the first and second chambers (6, 9) so as to change the pressure of the other of the first and second chambers (6, 9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle detection systems, and more particularly to a cleaning device for a vehicle detection system. Background Art

[0002] Today, more and more vehicles are equipped with detection systems, such as parking assistance or LiDAR systems, which are present in many of the latest vehicles. That is why the question of how to clean these detection systems is quickly raised.

[0003] It is known to use cleaning devices capable of spraying a liquid, such as some water or a cleaning liquid, on the detection area of ​​the detection system in case of fouling of the detection area, which may result in an obstruction of the field of view of the detection system. It is also known to use cleaning devices capable of spraying some compressed air on the detection area in order to expel any droplets that may fall on the detection area, for example in case of rain. Ideally, the cleaning device should be able to spray both liquid and compressed air to cope with any situation that may affect the operation of the detection system.

[0004] In order to ensure these functions, the cleaning device must be equipped with a liquid circuit and an air circuit. The liquid can circulate through the liquid circuit thanks to a liquid tank and a pump that activate the movement of this liquid. The compressed air can be generated by a compressor that delivers it through the air circuit. Such an embodiment can be a problem if the detection system is arranged in a small part of the vehicle, for example in a side mirror. Due to the lack of space around the detection system, it is difficult to arrange all the components of such a cleaning device. It is possible to extend both circuits, for example with multiple hoses, in order to arrange some elements of the cleaning device away from the detection system. This solution is unsatisfactory because both jets become less effective due to the distance, especially for compressed air, the pressure of which decreases rapidly with the distance to be covered. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention solves this problem by providing a cleaning device for a detection system in a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising an air circuit and a liquid circuit, the air circuit and the liquid circuit being configured to spray air and liquid onto the detection system, the cleaning device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is configured to be filled with one of air and liquid, and the second chamber is configured to be filled with the other of the air and liquid. The total volume of the first and second chambers is fixed, and the cleaning device is configured to change the volume of one of the first and second chambers, thereby changing the pressure of the other of the first and second chambers.

[0006] The compression of the air is produced by the interaction of the first and second chambers. More specifically, it is the filling of one chamber with liquid that causes the air in the other chamber to be compressed. Thus, the cleaning device only requires a source of liquid to function and is able to control the injection of liquid and compressed air. The result is a space saving, which allows the cleaning device to be arranged in small components of the vehicle that would normally not accommodate a cleaning device connected to a compressed air source.

[0007] The detection system can include any type of sensor or transmitter. For example, it can be a charge coupled device sensor, an infrared sensor, or a LiDAR system. These types of detection systems include a detection area that must always be kept clean and unobstructed to ensure optimal operation of the detection system.

[0008] The liquid circuit of the cleaning device allows to spray some water or cleaning liquid onto the detection area. The air circuit of the cleaning device allows to spray compressed air onto the detection area. In case of rain, the compressed air allows to drain the water or cleaning liquid from the detection area. After the liquid spray, compressed air can be sprayed onto the detection area in order to drain the liquid drops remaining on the detection area.

[0009] The air circuit and the liquid circuit may include hoses that guide air and liquid, respectively, until they are sprayed onto the detection area. The air circuit is connected to a chamber configured to contain air, and the liquid circuit is connected to a chamber configured to contain liquid.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the air circuit includes an air nozzle and a first electronic valve, wherein the air circulation in the air circuit depends on the first electronic valve. The air nozzle is arranged near the detection area of ​​the detection system. In addition, the air nozzle is directed to the detection area. The proximity between the air nozzle and the detection area must be sufficient to effectively spray compressed air, but the air nozzle does not obstruct the view of the detection area.

[0011] The first electronic valve is arranged on the air circuit and can be switched between two positions: an open position allowing the compressed air to circulate in the air circuit, for example up to the air nozzle, and a closed position prohibiting the compressed air from circulating in the air circuit. The first electronic valve comprises an electrical part which can be remotely controlled by a control unit. It is the control unit that opens or closes the first electronic valve. When the first electronic valve is in the open position, the compressed air circulates through the first electronic valve due to its fluid part. In other words, the control unit is able to open or close the fluid part by means of the electronic part of the first electronic valve.

[0012] When the first electronic valve is closed, it also participates in the compression of the air by closing the external inlet of the air. When the air is compressed and ready to be ejected into the detection area of ​​the detection system, the first electronic valve opens and the compressed air enters the air circuit at high pressure until it reaches the air nozzle.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the liquid circuit comprises a liquid nozzle and a second electronic valve, wherein the liquid circulation in the liquid circuit depends on the second electronic valve. As an air nozzle, the liquid nozzle points to the detection area of ​​the detection system without blocking the field of view of the detection system.

[0014] The second electronic valve can be similar to the first electronic valve. The second electronic valve is operated by the control unit to open or close. Therefore, the second electronic valve allows or prohibits the liquid from being sprayed onto the detection area.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the air circuit includes an air flow valve. The air flow valve is a valve configured to allow ambient air to enter the air circuit. When air enters the air circuit through the air flow valve, it cannot exit through the same air flow valve. Therefore, when the air is compressed, it cannot exit through the air flow valve. Once the compressed air is exhausted for spraying onto the detection area, the pressure returns to normal and the air is renewed by entering through the air flow valve.

[0016] To ensure its functionality, the air flow valve may open into the part of the air circuit where air compression occurs and be arranged upstream of the first electronic valve with respect to the direction of the compressed air in the air circuit when it is ejected onto the detection area.

[0017] The air flow valve may eventually include an air filter. The air filter has the function of filtering the ambient air that enters the air circuit through the air flow valve. Thus, the air filter eliminates any particles that may enter the interior of the air circuit and may create a blockage in the air circuit.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the first chamber is configured to be filled with air and the second chamber is configured to be filled with liquid.

[0019] In a first embodiment of the invention, the first chamber contains air. According to this first embodiment, the first chamber is part of an air circuit, which extends from the first chamber to the air nozzle. The second chamber is part of a liquid circuit, which may also have to guide the liquid up to the liquid nozzle. This is why the liquid circuit is divided into two routes: the first route guides the liquid to the second chamber, and the second route guides the liquid to the liquid nozzle and includes a second electronic valve.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second chamber may be configured to expand in volume due to the filling liquid in the second chamber, thereby reducing the volume of the first chamber and increasing the pressure of the filling air in the first chamber.

[0021] As mentioned before, the total volume of the first and second chambers is fixed. Therefore, when the liquid fills the second chamber, the second chamber expands, while reducing the volume of the first chamber. The first chamber contains air, and due to the expansion of the second chamber, this air is compressed, the first electronic valve is closed, and the air flow valve prohibits any air release. During the expansion of the second chamber, the air is increasingly concentrated in the first chamber. When the air is sufficiently compressed, the first electronic valve opens and the compressed air is ejected from the first chamber by the air nozzle.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the airflow valve can be arranged on the wall of the first chamber. As mentioned above, according to the first embodiment of the cleaning device, the first chamber is configured to be filled with air. The airflow valve can be arranged on any wall of the first chamber as long as ambient air can enter the first chamber through the airflow valve.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the air flow valve can be configured to fill the first chamber with air. Once the compressed air is ejected from the first chamber to be ejected, there is no longer any air in the first chamber. In addition, the second chamber is no longer filled with liquid and is contracting to restore its initial curled position. In this case, the pressure in the first chamber will return to normal, and air can enter the first chamber due to the air flow valve. Therefore, the air in the first chamber is renewed for another potential ejection of compressed air in the detection area.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first chamber may be configured to be filled with liquid, and the second chamber may be configured to be filled with air.

[0025] In a second embodiment of the cleaning device, the second chamber stores air which is compressed in case an air jet is required. Thus, in the initial position, i.e. when the second chamber contains air, the second chamber is fully expanded. The second chamber is connected to the air circuit and is part of the air circuit. In order to connect the second chamber to the rest of the air circuit, the connection between them can pass through the wall of the rigid housing delimiting the first chamber.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first chamber is configured to expand in volume due to the filling liquid in the first chamber, thereby reducing the volume of the second chamber and increasing the pressure of the filling air in the second chamber.

[0027] In this second embodiment of the cleaning device, when the volume of the first chamber expands, the volume of the second chamber containing air decreases, since the total volume of the first and second chambers is fixed.

[0028] Thus, when the cleaning device needs to spray some compressed air onto the detection area of ​​the detection system, the first chamber is filled with liquid. The latter fills the first chamber until the first chamber expands. The first chamber continues to be filled, and the filled liquid creates pressure on the second chamber. Due to this pressure, the second chamber deforms and compresses the air inside.

[0029] As in the first embodiment, the first electronic valve is closed and the air flow valve prohibits any air release. When the air is fully compressed, the first electronic valve opens and the compressed air is ejected from the second chamber and sprayed by the air nozzle.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the air flow valve can be arranged on the air circuit. The second chamber is inside the first chamber, and if there is an air flow valve on any of its walls, ambient air cannot enter the second chamber. In a second embodiment of the cleaning device, the air flow valve must be arranged on the air circuit, where ambient air is accessible. In order to be connected to the second chamber even if the first electronic valve is closed, the air flow valve must be arranged upstream of the first electronic valve with respect to the direction of the compressed air when it is ejected into the detection area in the air circuit.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the air flow valve can be configured to fill the second chamber with air. As a first embodiment of a cleaning device with a first chamber, once compressed air is ejected from the second chamber to spray on the detection area of ​​the detection system, the pressure inside the second chamber returns to normal, and some ambient air is able to enter the inside of the second chamber through the air flow valve. The liquid no longer squeezes the second chamber, so the air can fill the second chamber, causing the second chamber to expand until it recovers its maximum expansion. During the expansion process, the second chamber pushes back the liquid in the first chamber, causing the liquid to return along the first route of the liquid circuit. When the second chamber is fully expanded, the cleaning device is ready for another potential compressed air injection.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the total volume of the first and second chambers is defined by a rigid shell, and the volume of the second chamber is defined by a flexible socket arranged inside the rigid shell.

[0033] The size and form of such a rigid housing can be varied, as long as the flexible socket defining the second chamber can be arranged inside the rigid housing. For example, the rigid housing can be made of a rigid polymer. The rigid housing can also be adapted to the external environment by its form or size in order to optimize the spatial extension of the cleaning device.

[0034] The flexible socket defining the second chamber can be made of a flexible polymer, such as rubber. When the flexible socket is empty, meaning there is no liquid or air inside, it curls up on itself. When fluid or air enters the flexible socket, the flexible socket is able to expand. The second chamber must be arranged inside the first chamber. In other words, the flexible socket in its most expanded state must be arranged inside the rigid housing.

[0035] The volume of the first chamber is then defined by the remaining space not occupied by the flexible socket, which defines the second chamber in the rigid housing.

[0036] The present invention also covers a method of cleaning a detection system performed by a cleaning device as described above, the method comprising:

[0037] - a first step of compressing the air filled in one of the first and second chambers by expanding the volume of the other of the first and second chambers filled with liquid,

[0038] - A second step of injecting air into the detection system by opening the air circuit.

[0039] This method allows the cleaning device to blow some compressed air toward the detection area of ​​the detection system in order to displace any raindrops or cleaning liquid droplets therein.

[0040] The first step consists in compressing the air in one of the first and second chambers containing air, which chamber is the first chamber in the first embodiment of the invention or the second chamber in the second embodiment of the invention. For each embodiment, the air is compressed by the increased volume of the other of the first and second chambers containing liquid. The increased volume is relative to the amount of liquid filling the other of the first and second chambers containing liquid.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the liquid causes the second chamber to expand. In other words, the filling liquid increases the volume of the second chamber.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the volume of the first chamber increases. By squeezing the second chamber, the liquid reduces the volume of the second chamber, thereby increasing the volume of the first chamber.

[0043] Once the first step is completed, when the compressed air is ready to be sprayed into the detection area, the second step occurs. The air circuit, especially the first electronic valve, is opened, and the compressed air is sprayed through the air circuit until it reaches the air nozzle.

[0044] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cleaning method includes an additional step of spraying liquid onto the detection system by opening a liquid circuit, which additional step is performed before or simultaneously with the first step. More specifically, a second route of the liquid circuit via a second electronic valve is opened. The liquid circulates through the second route of the liquid circuit and is sprayed onto the detection system through a liquid nozzle to clean the detection area.

[0045] This additional step must be performed before or simultaneously with the first step. In practice, if the detection area needs to be sprayed with liquid and compressed air, the liquid spraying occurs before or simultaneously with the compressed air spraying. Thus, the detection area is first cleaned by the liquid spraying. Afterwards or simultaneously, the compressed air spraying is performed in order to expel any liquid spray droplets remaining on the detection area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Other features, details and advantages of the present invention can be inferred from the description of the invention given below. Various embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a cleaning device for a detection system included in a side mirror is shown,

[0048] Figure 2 A first embodiment of the cleaning device is shown from different perspectives.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the detection system,

[0050] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a first chamber and a second chamber according to a first embodiment during a first stage,

[0051] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the first chamber and the second chamber according to the first embodiment during the second stage,

[0052] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the first chamber and the second chamber according to the first embodiment during the third stage,

[0053] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the first chamber and the second chamber according to the first embodiment during a fourth stage,

[0054] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a first chamber and a second chamber according to a second embodiment during a first stage,

[0055] Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a first chamber and a second chamber according to a second embodiment during a second stage,

[0056] Fig.10 shows a schematic diagram of the first chamber and the second chamber according to the second embodiment during the third stage,

[0057] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the first chamber and the second chamber according to the second embodiment during a fourth stage is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a cleaning device 1 included in a vehicle is shown. The cleaning device 1 is capable of spraying some liquid and some compressed air onto the detection system 2 in order to clean it. More specifically, the detection area of ​​the detection system 2 may need to be cleaned, for example in case the field of view of the detection system 2 is blocked. The cleaning device 1 can be activated by manual operation performed by a user in the vehicle. The cleaning device 1 can also be activated in an automatic way, for example if the detection system 2 comprises a sensor capable of sending a command to the cleaning device 1 indicating that the detection area is blocked. Figure 1In the embodiment, the cleaning device 1 and the detection system 2 are arranged on the side mirror 3. The detection system 2 passes through the side mirror 3 so as to have a clear field of view. The cleaning device 1 is mainly arranged behind the side mirror 3. However, the cleaning device 1 can be arranged at any part of the vehicle including the detection system 2.

[0059] For spraying liquid and compressed air, the cleaning device comprises an air circuit 4 and a liquid circuit 7. According to a first embodiment of the cleaning device 1 , the air circuit 4 comprises a duct extending from a first chamber 6 to the air nozzle 5.

[0060] The liquid circuit 7 can be connected to any liquid tank arranged in the vehicle, and the circulation of the liquid can be activated, for example, by a pump. Figure 1 The liquid tank and pump are not shown. This liquid can be some water or some cleaning liquid. The liquid circuit 7 is divided into a first route 71 and a second route 72. The first route 71 of the liquid circuit 7 guides the liquid to the second chamber 9.

[0061] The total volume of the first and second chambers 6, 9 is bounded by a rigid housing 61. In order to limit the mechanical expansion of the cleaning device 1, the rigid housing 61 can be configured to mold the shape of the vehicle part in which the cleaning device 1 is arranged, here according to Figure 1 The size of the mirror 3. The rigid housing 61 may be, for example, a rigid polymer.

[0062] According to a first embodiment of the cleaning device 1, the second chamber 9 defines a volume 92, or more precisely an inner volume 92, bounded by the flexible receptacle 91, and the first chamber 6 defines a volume 62, or more precisely an inner volume 62, bounded by the remaining space in the rigid shell 61 not occupied by the second chamber 9. The first chamber 6 is here configured to be filled with air.

[0063] The flexible socket 91 is made of a flexible polymer, such as rubber. Due to its flexibility, the flexible socket 91 can expand itself when filled with fluid. Therefore, the volume 92 of the second chamber 9 can increase or decrease depending on the amount of fluid contained in the second chamber 9. Figure 1 , the flexible socket 91 is fully extended.

[0064] The second chamber 9 is arranged inside the rigid shell 61. Figure 1 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the second chamber 9 is actually transparent and visible. According to a first embodiment of the cleaning device 1, the second chamber 9 is configured to be filled with, for example, a liquid, water or a cleaning liquid. When the liquid fills the second chamber 9, it expands itself and fills the volume 62 of the first chamber 6. Therefore, the air contained in the first chamber 6 is compressed by the expansion of the second chamber 9.

[0065] When the cleaning device 1 is activated, more specifically, when some air needs to be sprayed toward the detection system 2, the air circulates along the air circuit 4, starting from the first chamber 6 to the air nozzle 5. In order to spray the detection system 2 with compressed air, the air nozzle 5 needs to pass through the side mirror 3.

[0066] The air circuit 4 includes a first electronic valve 11. The first electronic valve 11 is arranged between the first chamber 6 and the air nozzle 5. When the first electronic valve 11 is opened, for example, once the air in the first chamber 6 is compressed, the air can flow from the first chamber 6 to the air nozzle 5. When the first electronic valve 11 is closed, the air is kept between the first chamber 6 and the first electronic valve 11. The first electronic valve 11 will be described in further detail.

[0067] The cleaning device 1 comprises an air flow valve 10. In a first embodiment, the air flow valve 10 is arranged on the wall of the rigid housing 61 of the first chamber 6. The air flow valve 10 allows ambient air to enter the interior of the first chamber 6 and prohibits the air contained in the first chamber 6 from being discharged. Thus, the air can be compressed in the first chamber 6, the first electronic valve 11 is closed, and the air flow valve 10 prohibits any air release. Once the compressed air is ejected by the air nozzle 5, the air in the first chamber 6 enters through the air flow valve 10 and is renewed.

[0068] The second route 72 of the liquid circuit 7 extends to the liquid nozzle 8. Like the air nozzle 5, the liquid nozzle 8 needs to pass through the side mirror 3 so that it can spray liquid to the detection system 2. The liquid spraying is controlled by the second electronic valve 12. As the first electronic valve 11, the second electronic valve 12 has the function of allowing the liquid to flow along the second route 72 until the liquid nozzle 8. The opening or closing of the second electronic valve 12 depends on the needs of the detection system 2 to be cleaned. The second electronic valve 12 can be the same as the first electronic valve 11, and will also be described in further detail.

[0069] When the detection system 2 needs to be cleaned, the cleaning device 1 is activated by spraying liquid by means of the liquid nozzle 8. Thereafter, the cleaning device 1 sprays compressed air by means of the air nozzle 5 so as to blow out any liquid droplets that may have remained on the detection area of ​​the detection system 2 from the detection system 2. In this case, the liquid circulates in the first route 71 and the second route 72 of the liquid circuit 7.

[0070] In another case, for example in case of rain, the cleaning device 1 only needs to blow off any raindrops on the detection system 2. In this case, only the air nozzle 5 needs to be activated. Therefore, the liquid only circulates in the first route 71 of the liquid circuit 7.

[0071] Figure 2 Only the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment is shown and allows for a detailed description of the two electronic valves. The first electronic valve 11 and the second electronic valve 12 are divided into two parts. Each electronic valve comprises an electrical part 13 and a fluid part 14.

[0072] The electrical part 13 contains some electrical and electronic components that participate in the opening or closing of the electronic valve. The electrical part 13 includes an electrical outlet 15. The electrical outlet 15 is configured to receive an electrical connector that establishes a connection between the electronic valve and a control unit that is connected to the electronic valve. Figure 2 The control unit is capable of controlling the two electronic valves simultaneously. More specifically, the control unit is capable of opening or closing the fluid portion 14 of each electronic valve.

[0073] The fluid portion 14 is a portion of the electronic valve through which each fluid flows. The first electronic valve 11 is arranged in the air circuit 4 and controls the passage of compressed air. The second electronic valve 12 is arranged in the second route 72 of the liquid circuit 7 and controls the passage of liquid.

[0074] Each fluid portion 14 of each electronic valve comprises a fluid conduit 16, a fluid inlet 17 and a fluid outlet 18. Each fluid in each circuit passes through each electronic valve by sequentially passing through the fluid inlet 17, the fluid conduit 16 and the fluid outlet 18. It is the fluid conduit 16 that is opened or closed by the electrical component 13. If the fluid conduit 16 is closed, the fluid is blocked at the fluid inlet 17 of the electronic valve. When the electronic valve is open, the fluid passes through it and is directed to the nozzle of the relevant circuit via the fluid outlet 18.

[0075] The fluid conduit 16 extends in its main direction from the fluid inlet 17 to a plug 19 which ensures tightness. The fluid outlet 18 is arranged perpendicularly to the fluid conduit 16 .

[0076] The air flow valve 10 comprises an air filter 20. Any ambient air passing through the air flow valve 10 also passes through the air filter 20. The air filter 20 filters the air to ensure that the air in the air circuit 4 is cleaned and does not contain any particles that could, for example, block the air circuit 4.

[0077] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a detection system 2 sprayed by an air nozzle 5 and a liquid nozzle 8. Figure 3 In FIG. 2 , the detection system 2 is represented by a small camera including a detection area 21. The detection area 21 may correspond to, for example, a camera lens. The detection area 21 must be cleaned in order to maintain an optimal field of view for the detection system 2 and to keep it operational.

[0078] The air nozzle 5 and the liquid nozzle 8 are arranged on both sides of the detection system 2. However, the two nozzles may be arranged differently, essentially not blocking the field of view of the detection system 2 and orienting each nozzle correctly towards the detection area 21 .

[0079] The air nozzle 5 is arranged at one side of the air circuit 4 and is capable of spraying compressed air 51 onto the detection area 21 of the detection system 2. The liquid nozzle 8 is arranged at one side of the second route 72 of the liquid circuit and is capable of spraying liquid 81 onto the detection area 21 of the detection system 2. Both sprayings depend on the opening of two electronic valves. The first electronic valve allows the compressed air 51 to circulate in the air circuit 4, while the second electronic valve allows the liquid 81 to circulate in the second route 72 of the liquid circuit.

[0080] The air nozzles 5 can be operated alone in order to expel existing liquid drops on the detection area 21 , for example during rainy weather, or just after a liquid spray from the liquid nozzles 8 .

[0081] Figures 4 to 7 The interaction of the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 9 according to the first embodiment of the cleaning device is shown in order to spray some compressed air onto the detection system. As a reminder, according to the first embodiment, the first chamber 6 is configured to contain air and the second chamber is configured to contain liquid.

[0082] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the first chamber 6, in particular the volume 62 defined by the remaining space in the rigid housing 61 not occupied by the second chamber 9, is filled with air at normal pressure. The second chamber 9 is empty, the flexible socket 91 is curled up on itself. The volume 92 of the second chamber 9 has a zero value or a substantially zero value. The first electronic valve 11 is in Figure 4 Schematically shown in the closed position. Figure 4 , a manual or automatic command has been executed to inject a certain amount of compressed air into the detection system. That is why the liquid flow comes from the first route 71 of the liquid circuit in order to fill the second chamber 9.

[0083] exist Figure 5 In the case of liquid filling the second chamber 9. This is why the flexible socket 91 expands itself and Figure 5 The filling of the flexible socket 91 increases the volume 92 of the second chamber 9 and reduces the volume 62 of the first chamber 6, which volume 62 corresponds to the total volume of the rigid shell 61 minus the volume 92 of the second chamber 9. The flow of liquid through the first route 71 of the liquid circuit is continuous, so the flexible socket 91 is kept at its maximum expansion.

[0084] The first electronic valve 11 is still closed. Therefore, the air inside the first chamber 6 is compressed in some free space of the volume 62 of the first chamber 6 and in a part of the air circuit 4 between the first chamber 6 and the first electronic valve 11. The high pressure of the air contained in the first chamber 6 prohibits the air from entering or leaving through the air flow valve 10. Figure 5 In the process, compressed air is contained in a sealed container.

[0085] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the compressed air is ready to be ejected from the first chamber 6 so as to be ejected onto the detection system. The first electronic valve 11 is opened by the control unit. Therefore, the compressed air enters the air circuit 4 through the first electronic valve 11 so as to be ejected. Once the compressed air is ejected from the first chamber 6, the liquid flow reaches maximum expansion.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the interruption of the liquid flow causes the volume 92 of the second chamber 9 to decrease. This decrease is due to the flexible socket 91, which is no longer affected by the liquid flow and gradually recovers its initial position, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The flexible socket 91 pushes the liquid contained in the volume 92 of the second chamber 9 back to the first route 71 of the liquid circuit.

[0087] The reduction of the volume 92 of the second chamber 9 results in an increase of the volume 62 of the first chamber 6. As a result, the first chamber 6 regains normal pressure, and ambient air gradually enters the volume 62 of the first chamber 6 through the air flow valve 10. When the first electronic valve 11 is closed, the air entered by the air flow valve 10 is retained in the first chamber 6 and in the portion of the air circuit 4 between the first chamber 6 and the first electronic valve 11. As a result, the air is renewed in the first chamber 6 for future injection of compressed air into the detection system.

[0088] Figures 8 to 11 The process of the interaction of the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 9 according to the second embodiment of the cleaning device is shown. Contrary to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the first chamber 6 is configured to contain liquid and the second chamber 9 is configured to contain air. This interchange leads to some differences from the first embodiment of the cleaning device, especially with regard to the connection between each circuit and each chamber.

[0089] Thus, in this second embodiment, the air circuit 4 comprises the second chamber 9, so that the air circuit 4 passes through the rigid housing 61 of the first chamber 6. The air flow valve 10 is arranged in the air circuit 4 between the second chamber 9 and the first electronic valve 11, so as to obtain ambient air. In contrast, the liquid circuit comprises the first chamber 6, and the first route 71 of the liquid circuit is connected to the rigid housing 61. However, as in the first embodiment, the air is compressed due to the liquid.

[0090] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the second chamber 9 is filled with air. This air fills the flexible socket 91 in the maximum expansion state. The first electronic valve 11 is closed and the air cannot be discharged through the air flow valve 10. As a first embodiment, in order to compress the air, the liquid flow circulates in the first path 71. According to a second embodiment, the liquid fills the volume 62 of the first chamber 6 and flows around the second chamber 9.

[0091] As the liquid continues to fill the volume 62 of the first chamber 6, it eventually creates pressure on the second chamber 9, such as Fig. 9 The liquid presses the flexible socket 91 and reduces the volume 92 of the second chamber 9 by increasing the volume 62 of the first chamber 6. The loss of volume 92 of the second chamber 9 compresses the air contained therein, the first electronic valve 11 closes, and the air flow valve 10 prohibits any release of air.

[0092] When the compressed air is ready to be injected, the first electronic valve 11 opens. Fig.10 As shown. Compressed air is ejected from the second chamber 9 so as to be ejected to the detection area of ​​the detection system through the air nozzle. Therefore, the air is ejected and the liquid completely or almost completely squeezes the light socket 91 that is curled up by itself.

[0093] Afterwards, according to Fig.11 , the liquid flow stops, and the liquid no longer squeezes the second chamber 9, and the pressure in the second chamber 9 returns to normal. The airflow valve 10 allows ambient air to enter the interior of the air circuit 4, more specifically, the second chamber and a portion of the air circuit 4 between the second chamber 9 and the closed first electronic valve 11. The entry of ambient air in the second chamber 9 allows the flexible socket 91 to expand in the first chamber 6. Therefore, the flexible socket 91 pushes the liquid in the first chamber 6 back to the first route 71 of the liquid circuit. When the flexible socket 91 is at its maximum expansion, the cleaning device is ready to spray compressed air to the detection system in the future.

[0094] As can be understood from the above, the present invention provides a cleaning device for a detection system, which is capable of spraying liquid and compressed air onto the detection system, the compressed air being generated by the pressure of the liquid.

[0095] However, the invention is not limited to the devices and configurations described and shown here, and it also extends to any equivalent devices or configurations and any technically operable combination of these devices.

Claims

1. A cleaning device (1) for a detection system (2) in a vehicle, comprising an air circuit (4) and a liquid circuit (7), which are configured to spray air and liquid onto the detection system (2), the cleaning device (1) comprising a first chamber (6) and a second chamber (9), the first chamber (6) being configured to be filled with one of air and liquid, and the second chamber (9) being configured to be filled with the other of the air and liquid, characterized in that: The total volume of the first and second chambers (6, 9) is fixed, and the cleaning device (1) is configured to change the volume of one of the first and second chambers (6, 9) to change the pressure of the other of the first and second chambers (6, 9), The total volume of the first and second chambers (6, 9) is defined by a rigid shell (61), and the volume of the second chamber (9) is defined by a flexible socket (91) arranged inside the rigid shell (61).

2. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The air circuit (4) comprises an air nozzle (5) and a first electronic valve (11), wherein the air circulation in the air circuit (4) depends on the first electronic valve (11).

3. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid circuit (7) comprises a liquid nozzle (8) and a second electronic valve (12), wherein the flow of liquid in the liquid circuit (7) depends on the second electronic valve (12).

4. The cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The air circuit (4) comprises an air flow valve (10).

5. The cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first chamber (6) is configured to be filled with air, and the second chamber (9) is configured to be filled with liquid.

6. Cleaning device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The second chamber (9) is configured to expand in volume due to the filling liquid in the second chamber (9), thereby reducing the volume of the first chamber (6) and increasing the pressure of the filling air in the first chamber (6).

7. The cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6 in combination with claim 4, wherein: The air flow valve (10) is arranged on the wall of the first chamber (6).

8. Cleaning device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The air flow valve (10) is configured to fill the first chamber (6) with air.

9. The cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first chamber (6) is configured to be filled with liquid, and the second chamber is configured to be filled with air.

10. The cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The first chamber (6) is configured to expand in volume due to the filling liquid in the first chamber (6), thereby reducing the volume of the second chamber (9) and increasing the pressure of the filling air in the second chamber (9).

11. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 9 and 10 in combination with claim 4, wherein: The air flow valve (10) is arranged on the air circuit (4).

12. Cleaning device according to the preceding claim, wherein The air flow valve (10) is configured to fill the second chamber (9) with air.

13. A method for cleaning a detection system (2) performed by a cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: - a first step of compressing the air filled in one of the first and second chambers (6, 9) by expanding the volume of the other of the first and second chambers (6, 9) filled with liquid, - A second step of injecting air into the detection system (2) by opening the air circuit (4).

14. Cleaning method according to the preceding claim, comprising an additional step of spraying liquid onto the detection system (2) by opening a liquid circuit (7), this additional step being carried out before or simultaneously with the first step.

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