Vehicle cleaning device and method

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) is configured to clean a vehicle surface, the cleaning device comprising: a tank (10) configured to contain gas (11) and cleaning liquid (12), the tank comprising a gas supply line (13), a cleaning liquid supply line (14), a cleaning liquid filling opening and a gas filling opening (16), a gas outlet (130) and a cleaning liquid outlet (140), the cleaning device further comprising a gas pressurizing device (15) fluidically connected to the gas filling opening (16) and configured to pressurize the tank (10); a first nozzle (17) configured to spray cleaning liquid (12) and / or blow gas (11), the first nozzle being fluidically connected to the gas supply line (13) and / or the cleaning liquid supply line (14); and a first valve (170) fluidly connected to the first nozzle (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted cleaning device, which is configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, in particular to clean a sensor surface of the vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the cleaning device and a method for cleaning a surface of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles need to understand or recognize the situation of their own surroundings. Therefore, many vehicles have begun to have on-board cameras or vehicle sensors, such as a laser radar sensor (LiDAR) mounted on the surface of the vehicle. Vehicles can include sensors, such as a laser radar sensor (LiDAR), which is configured to detect objects and terrain around the vehicle, or cameras to take pictures or record videos of images of its surroundings.

[0003] A vehicle sensor is defined as a detection element that provides an electrical signal proportional to the physical quantity to be measured. More precisely, the sensor is intended to perform a detection function around the vehicle. To this end, such a sensor is usually placed on the body of the vehicle and facing the outside of the vehicle. A laser radar sensor (LiDAR) is a sensor that can detect the distance, direction, speed, temperature, material distribution, and concentration characteristics of an object by irradiating a laser to the target. LiDAR sensors generally utilize lasers that can generate pulse signals with high energy density and short period for more precise observation of the physical properties of the atmosphere and distance measurement.

[0004] Unfortunately, onboard cameras and / or sensors (such as LiDAR sensors) may suffer from foreign matter, such as dirt or liquid droplets, being deposited on their surfaces. Therefore, the surfaces need to be cleaned to maintain their performance.

[0005] Cleaning devices have been developed to remove foreign matter from the surface of onboard cameras and / or sensors. German patent application DE102019125970A1 discloses a complex device comprising, for example, a gas tank and a washing liquid tank. Document US20190136891 discloses a pressurized tank containing washing liquid and gas, however the cleaning device described is limited to spraying washing liquid in a first step and then blowing compressed air in a second step. Document CN112172744 A discloses a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] Furthermore, current methods for cleaning vehicle surfaces, and more precisely, the surfaces of onboard cameras or sensors such as LiDAR sensors, are very cumbersome and not adapted to specific needs related to the nature of the contaminants or weather conditions. Summary of the invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a good device and method for cleaning the surface of a vehicle, and more specifically, to provide a good device and method for cleaning the surface of an onboard camera or sensor (such as a LiDAR sensor).

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle-mounted cleaning device that is less complex and less expensive than existing cleaning devices.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning method for vehicle surfaces, more specifically the surface of an onboard camera or sensor (such as a LiDAR sensor), which cleaning method is flexible and adapted to the specific needs of removing foreign matter.

[0010] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, these objects are achieved by a vehicle-mounted cleaning device configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising:

[0011] a tank configured to contain gas and scrubbing liquid, the tank comprising a gas supply line, a scrubbing liquid supply line, a liquid filling opening and a gas filling opening, a gas outlet and a scrubbing liquid outlet,

[0012] a gas pressurizing device fluidly connected to the gas filling opening and configured to pressurize the tank,

[0013] a first nozzle, the first nozzle being configured to spray the washing liquid and / or to blow the gas, the first nozzle being fluidly connected to the gas supply line and / or the washing liquid supply line,

[0014] a first valve, said first valve being fluidly connected to said first nozzle,

[0015] Therein, the gas pressurizing device is located entirely or partially in the gas volume of the tank.

[0016] By using a tank configured to contain gas and washing liquid, and pressurizing the tank using a gas pressurizing device, compressed gas or pressurized washing liquid or both can be supplied to the first nozzle via a gas supply line or a washing liquid supply line or both. In addition, the cleaning device according to the present invention does not require any washing liquid pressurizing pump, and is therefore simpler and cheaper than existing cleaning devices.

[0017] The gas pressurizing device is located wholly or partly in the gas volume of the tank, such as in a gas dome. The gas pressurizing device is located wholly or partly in the gas volume, so that the gas pressurizing device is in direct contact with the gas. With this arrangement, the gas pressurizing device can remain dry and can therefore be made of simpler materials and have a simpler design.

[0018] The expression "gas supply line" refers to a line connecting the gas outlet to at least the first nozzle.

[0019] The expression "washing liquid supply line" refers to a line connecting the washing liquid outlet to at least the first nozzle.

[0020] The expression “a first nozzle configured to spray the washing liquid and / or blow the gas” means that the first nozzle is configured to selectively spray the washing liquid or blow the gas, or to both spray the washing liquid and blow the gas.

[0021] The expression "the first nozzle is fluidly connected to a gas supply line and / or a washing liquid supply line" means that the first nozzle is fluidly connected to either a gas supply line (when the first nozzle is configured to blow gas), or a washing liquid supply line (when the first nozzle is configured to spray washing liquid), or both the gas supply line and the washing liquid supply line (when the first nozzle is configured to both blow gas and spray washing liquid).

[0022] The expression "the gas pressurizing device is entirely located in the gas volume of the tank" means that the gas pressurizing device is entirely located in the gas volume of the tank.

[0023] The expression "the gas pressurizing device is partially located in the gas volume of the tank" means that the gas pressurizing device is located both in the gas volume of the tank and outside the tank. In this case, the gas pressurizing device passes through the wall of the tank.

[0024] The expression "in the gas volume of the tank" refers to the volume of the tank containing the gas.

[0025] The expression "gas collecting dome" refers to the upper part of the tank relative to the surface of the scrubbing liquid.

[0026] The washing liquid filling opening and the gas filling opening are closable openings to ensure the pressurization of the tank. The washing liquid filling opening and the gas filling opening can be the same opening or two separate openings. The first valve is located upstream of the first nozzle on the gas supply line or the washing liquid supply line or both relative to the fluid flow direction. The gas outlet is preferably located in the volume of the tank containing the gas, and the washing liquid outlet is preferably located in the volume of the tank containing the washing liquid. The gas outlet can be located in the tank wall at the top of the tank, and the tank top is defined as the side wall or top wall of the tank in contact with the gas in the tank. The gas outlet can preferably be located at the center of the tank top to protect it from the movement of the washing liquid, such as the waves in the tank. The washing liquid outlet can be located in the tank wall at the bottom of the tank, and the tank bottom is defined as the side wall or bottom wall of the tank in contact with the washing liquid in the tank. Preferably, the tank of the vehicle-mounted cleaning device includes a washing liquid bowl in the washing liquid volume upstream of the washing liquid outlet. Therefore, the washing liquid outlet is located in a so-called liquid catcher (bowl), which comprises a separate volume in the bottom of the tank, which is filled, at least partially immersing the bowl, when the tank is in a horizontal position or tilted. However, this bowl prevents the washing liquid from escaping under various tank tilts and / or washing liquid movements. The gas is preferably air and the washing liquid is preferably a water-based solution, more preferably an aqueous solution containing an alcohol such as ethylene glycol.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank of the on-board cleaning device comprises an overpressure valve. The overpressure valve can avoid excessive mechanical stress on the tank due to the gas pressurizing device pressurizing the tank. The overpressure valve can also avoid the use of complex controls / diagnostics / sensors. The overpressure valve is preferably located in the volume of the tank containing the gas. The position of the overpressure valve can avoid the loss of washing liquid.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas pressurizing device of the vehicle-mounted cleaning device is fixed to the wall of the tank. The gas pressurizing device fixed to the tank wall can reduce the number of gas pipelines, because the compressor outlet gas pipeline and the gas tank inlet pipeline are no longer required. This allows to significantly simplify the structure of the cleaning device and reduce the cost of the cleaning device.

[0029] The expression "the gas pressurizing device is fixed to the wall of the tank" has the same meaning as the expression "the gas pressurizing device is fixed to the wall of the tank in a sealed manner".

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas pressurizing device of the vehicle-mounted cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of a compressor and an air pump. Preferably, the gas pressurizing device is a compressor. An air pump is more focused on high flow rate (and low pressure), while a compressor is more focused on compressing air (at high pressure), regardless of flow rate. In addition, a compressor is the simplest and lowest cost solution for high pressure.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle-mounted cleaning device includes a second nozzle, which is configured to spray washing liquid and / or blow gas, and the second nozzle is fluidly connected to the gas supply line and / or the washing liquid supply line and the second valve. Therefore, compressed gas or pressurized washing liquid or both can be supplied to the second nozzle by the gas supply line or the washing supply line or the two. The second valve is located on the gas supply line or the washing liquid supply line or the upstream of the two relative to the second nozzle based on the fluid flow direction. The use of the second nozzle can make the cleaning device provide maximum performance and better flexibility. These nozzles can be used independently of each other to spray washing liquid or blow gas to the surface of the vehicle to be cleaned.

[0032] The first nozzle can be located at a position on the gas supply line and / or the washing liquid supply line away from the first valve. The second nozzle can also be located at a position on the gas supply line and / or the washing liquid supply line away from the second valve. In another embodiment, the gas supply line and / or the washing liquid supply line can include a manifold supporting various valves. Then, these valves are connected with each nozzle fluid at a remote location near the vehicle surface to be cleaned.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the first nozzle of the vehicle cleaning device is configured to spray an aerosol including a washing liquid and a gas or spray a washing liquid or blow a gas, and the first nozzle is fluidly connected to a gas supply line and a washing liquid supply line. Both gas and washing liquid can be sprayed from the same nozzle. The nozzle can be positioned in an optimal position and does not require the use of a secondary nozzle on the same sensor.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank of the on-board cleaning device comprises a liquid-gas separator located in the gas volume upstream of the gas outlet. The liquid-gas separator ensures that liquid cannot leave the tank through the gas outlet. This ensures that the gas flow through the gas supply line, valve and nozzle is completely free of scrubbing liquid, which ensures better control of the blowing and better gas spray quality.

[0035] The expression “a gas-liquid separator located in the gas volume upstream of the gas outlet” means that the gas-liquid separator is located upstream relative to the gas outlet based on the fluid flow direction, said gas-liquid separator also being located in the gas volume of the tank.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the first valve of the vehicle-mounted cleaning device is a solenoid-actuated valve. The solenoid-actuated valve can be electrically actuated as required. Thus, the optimal cleaning strategy can be set and calibrated. The use of an electronic control unit (ECU) in conjunction with the solenoid valve ensures trouble-free execution.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the second valve of the vehicle-mounted cleaning device is an electromagnetically actuated valve. When the second valve is also an electromagnetically actuated valve, the second valve that can be used for spraying washing liquid or blowing gas can be controlled independently of the first valve. This ensures better flexibility for optimal cleaning performance.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank of the on-board cleaning device comprises a liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor in the tank allows the actual level of washing liquid in the tank to be detected at any time. This allows the driver and the service station to be informed of the liquid level in the tank and warned of the remaining range of the cleaning device so that it can be actively filled before it is exhausted.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank of the on-board cleaning device comprises a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor ensures that the pressure inside the tank is detected at any time. It can be used to operate the compressor when the pressure inside the tank is below a certain pressure threshold. It can also be used to stop the compressor when the pressure inside the tank is above a maximum threshold. It can also be used to diagnose the correct operation of the compressor and the overall correct operation of the cleaning device.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank of the on-board cleaning device comprises a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be used to detect the risk of freezing of the washing liquid. It also allows a better understanding of the pressure / temperature evolution in the tank of the cleaning device, thereby improving the control and diagnosis of the cleaning device.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank of the on-board cleaning device comprises at least one sensor device selected from the group consisting of a level sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a combination thereof.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, a valve is provided on the line connecting the gas supply line to the washing liquid supply line of the cleaning device of the vehicle. The valve allows the gas supply line to be connected to the washing liquid supply line. By opening the valve, a gas / washing liquid mixture can be formed, which increases the volume flow through the nozzle of the cleaning device, thereby improving the washing / cleaning capacity of the nozzle. It also allows air bubbles to remain in the first nozzle when the first nozzle is frozen, so that the frozen washing liquid can expand freely in the air bubbles.

[0043] The invention also aims to provide a vehicle comprising a cleaning device according to the invention, the cleaning device being configured for cleaning a surface of the vehicle. By controlling the nozzles of the cleaning device at the surface, all cleaning power can be directed to a specific location on the vehicle. Thus, the surface can be freed of any solid and / or liquid foreign matter, such as water drops, ice, mud, dust, salt, bird droppings or insects.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the surface of the vehicle is a sensor surface or a camera surface. For example, when the surface is part of a sensor, the correct operation of the sensor can be restored by removing any foreign matter from its surface that changes its signal. The sensor can be a lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and / or a radar sensor. The camera can be an infrared camera or a camera that provides a visual image. Some of these sensors or cameras can be arranged behind a transparent vehicle surface, which is washed by a cleaning device.

[0045] The expression "camera surface" refers to the surface of the optics of a camera or a surface protecting said optics.

[0046] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tank for the on-vehicle cleaning device, the tank being configured to contain gas and washing liquid and being pressurized, the tank comprising a gas supply line, a washing liquid supply line, a washing liquid filling opening and a gas filling opening configured to be connected to a gas pressurizing device, a gas outlet and a washing liquid outlet.

[0047] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising the following steps:

[0048] pressurizing the tank containing the scrubbing liquid and said gas by means of compressed gas,

[0049] opening a first valve on a washing liquid supply line fluidly connected to the tank, or opening a second valve on a gas supply line fluidly connected to the tank,

[0050] • Spray cleaning fluid onto the surface or blow gas onto the surface.

[0051] A single step of blowing gas allows, for example, to dry the surface during or after rain, or to avoid foreign matter due to insect impacts.

[0052] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for washing a vehicle surface, the method comprising the following steps, preferably in sequence:

[0053] pressurizing a tank containing said gas and washing liquid by compressing the gas by means of a pressurizing device, said pressurizing device being wholly or partly located in the gas volume of said tank,

[0054] opening a first valve on a washing liquid supply line fluidly connected to said tank,

[0055] Spray the cleaning liquid on the surface,

[0056] opening a second valve on a gas supply line fluidly connected to the tank,

[0057] Blow gas onto the surface.

[0058] The described sequence allows for washing the surface with liquid to remove foreign matter from the surface and then blowing air to dry the surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the present invention by way of example. The description is given for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of the present invention. The following figures refer to the accompanying drawings of the specification.

[0060] Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a first embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of a second embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0062] Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of a third embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0063] Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0064] Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0065] Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0066] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 A vertical cross section of a second embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the invention is shown, the cleaning device comprising a first valve and a second valve of different types.

[0067] Fig.10 is a vertical sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0068] Fig.11 is a vertical sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0069] Fig.12 is a vertical sectional view of a ninth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0070] Specific instructions

[0071] The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

[0072] The present invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments and in conjunction with certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and non-restrictive. In the drawings, for the purpose of illustration, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale. The sizes and relative sizes do not correspond to actual reductions in the practice of the invention.

[0073] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequence in time, space, order, or in any other manner. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described in this specification are capable of operating in other sequences than those described or shown.

[0074] It should be noted that the term "comprising" used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter, and it does not exclude other elements or steps. Therefore, it should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components or their combination. Therefore, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting of only components A and B. It means that the only components in the device that are relevant to the present invention are A and B.

[0075] In this specification, reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. In addition, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0076] Similarly, it should be understood that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various features of the present invention are sometimes combined together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in order to simplify the present disclosure and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects of the invention. However, the disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting such an intention: the claimed invention requires more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of the disclosed single embodiment. Therefore, the claims are expressly incorporated herein into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] In addition, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, although some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments but do not include other features, the combination of features of different embodiments is intended to fall within the scope of the present invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any claimed embodiment can be used in any combination.

[0078] In the description provided herein, many specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

[0079] The following terms are provided only to aid in the understanding of the present invention.

[0080] The present invention will now be described by the detailed description of several embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, other embodiments of the present invention can be configured according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit or technical teaching of the present invention, and the present invention is only limited by the terms in the appended claims.

[0081] Figure 1A vertical section of a first embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The cleaning device 1 is configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, such as a surface sensor or camera surface. The cleaning device 1 comprises a tank 10 configured to accommodate a gas 11 and a washing liquid 12, the tank comprising a gas supply line 13, a washing liquid supply line 14, a washing liquid filling opening (not shown) and a gas filling opening 16, a gas outlet 130 and a washing liquid outlet 140. The tank 10 also comprises an overpressure valve 19. The cleaning device 1 comprises a gas pressurizing device 15, which is fluidically connected to the gas filling opening 16 and fixed to the wall of the tank 10. The gas pressurizing device 15 is configured to pressurize the tank 10 at a pressure of about 3 to 10 bars, preferably about 5 to 10 bars. The gas pressurizing device 15 is preferably a compressor 15, which is partially located in a gas volume 111 of the tank 10, and which pressurizes the tank at a pressure of about 3 to 10 bars, preferably about 5 to 10 bars. The cleaning device also includes a first nozzle 17 configured to spray the washing liquid 12 to form a spray washing liquid 120, the first nozzle 17 being fluidly connected to the washing liquid supply line 14. The spraying of the washing liquid is controlled by a first valve 170 fluidly connected to the first nozzle 17. The cleaning device 1 also includes a second nozzle 18, which is configured to blow the gas 11 to form the blowing gas 110, and the second nozzle 18 is fluidly connected to the gas supply line 13. The blowing of the gas is controlled by a second valve 180. The pipeline 26 connects the gas supply line 13 to the washing liquid supply line 14 through a valve 25 located on the pipeline 26. The additional pipeline 26 allows the gas supply line 13 to be connected to the washing liquid supply line 14 by opening the valve 25 and spraying a mixture of gas / washing liquid through the first nozzle 17. The cleaning device according to the present invention allows the washing liquid or the blowing gas to be sprayed on the surface within 20 to 50 ms for cleaning.

[0082] Figure 2A vertical section of a second embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The cleaning device 1 is configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, such as a surface sensor or camera surface. The cleaning device 1 comprises a tank 10 configured to contain a gas 11 and a washing liquid 12, the tank comprising a gas supply line 13, a washing liquid supply line 14, a washing liquid filling opening (not shown) and a gas filling opening 16, a gas outlet 130 and a washing liquid outlet 140. The cleaning device 1 comprises a gas pressurizing device 15, which is fluidically connected to the gas filling opening 16 and fixed to the wall of the tank 10. The gas pressurizing device 15 is configured to pressurize the tank 10 at a pressure of about 3 to 10 bars, preferably about 5 to 10 bars. The gas pressurizing device 15 is preferably a compressor 15, which is partially located in a gas volume 111 of the tank 10, and which pressurizes the tank at a pressure of about 3 to 10 bars, preferably about 5 to 10 bars. The cleaning device also includes a first nozzle 17 configured to spray washing liquid 12 to form a spray washing liquid 120, and the first nozzle 17 is fluidly connected to the washing liquid supply pipeline 14. The spraying of the washing liquid is controlled by a first valve 170 fluidly connected to the first nozzle 17. The cleaning device also includes a second nozzle 18, which is configured to blow gas 11 to form a blowing gas 110, and the second nozzle 18 is fluidly connected to the gas supply pipeline 13. The blowing of the gas is controlled by a second valve 180. The cleaning device according to the present invention allows spraying washing liquid or blowing gas on the surface within 20 to 50 ms for cleaning.

[0083] Figure 3 A vertical section of a third embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The third embodiment is Figure 2 A variation of the second embodiment is shown, but comprising two first nozzles 17 and two second nozzles 18 .

[0084] Figure 4A vertical section of a fourth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The cleaning device 1 is configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, such as a surface sensor or camera surface. The cleaning device 1 comprises a tank 10 configured to contain a gas 11 and a washing liquid 12, the tank 10 comprising a gas supply line 13, a washing liquid supply line 14, a washing liquid filling opening (not shown) and a gas filling opening 16, a gas outlet 130 and a washing liquid outlet 140. The cleaning device 1 comprises a gas pressurizing device 15, which is fluidly connected to the gas filling opening 16 and fixed to the wall of the tank 10. The gas pressurizing device 15 is configured to pressurize the tank 10 at a pressure of about 3 bar to 10 bar, preferably about 5 bar to 10 bar, and the gas pressurizing device 15 is preferably a compressor 15 partially located in a gas volume 111 of the tank 10. The cleaning device 1 also includes a first nozzle 17 configured to spray a washing liquid 12 or blow a gas 11, and the first nozzle 17 is fluidly connected to the washing liquid supply line 14 and the gas supply line 13. The spraying of the washing liquid is controlled by a first valve 170 connected to the first nozzle 17, and the blowing of the gas 11 is controlled by a second valve 180 connected to the first nozzle 17. The cleaning device according to the present invention allows the washing liquid to be sprayed or the gas to be blown on the surface within 20 to 50ms for cleaning. This cleaning device allows the cleaning step to be performed by blowing gas and / or spraying the washing liquid using only one nozzle.

[0085] Figure 5A vertical section of a fifth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention is shown. The cleaning device 1 is configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, such as a surface sensor or camera surface. The cleaning device 1 comprises a tank 10 configured to contain a gas 11 and a washing liquid 12, the tank comprising a gas supply line 13, a washing liquid supply line 14, a washing liquid filling opening (not shown) and a gas filling opening 16, a gas outlet 130 and a washing liquid outlet 140. The cleaning device 1 comprises a gas pressurizing device 15, which is fluidly connected to the gas filling opening 16 and fixed to the wall of the tank 10. The gas pressurizing device 15 is configured to pressurize the tank 10 at a pressure of about 3 bar to 10 bar, preferably about 5 bar to 10 bar, and the gas pressurizing device 15 is preferably a compressor 15 partially located in the gas volume 111 of the tank. The cleaning device also includes a first nozzle 17, which is configured to spray washing liquid 12 to form a spray washing liquid 120, and the first nozzle 17 is fluidly connected to the washing liquid supply line 14, and the spraying of the washing liquid is controlled by a first valve 170 connected to the first nozzle 17. The cleaning device also includes a second nozzle 18, which is configured to blow gas 11 to form a blowing gas 110, and the second nozzle 18 is fluidly connected to the gas supply line 13. The blowing of the gas is controlled by a second valve 180. The cleaning device according to the present invention allows the washing liquid to be sprayed or the blowing gas to be cleaned on the surface within 20 to 50ms. The first valve 170 and the second valve 180 are electromagnetically actuated valves controlled by an electronic control unit.

[0086] Figure 6 1 shows a vertical section of a sixth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention. The sixth embodiment is Figure 5 A development of the fifth embodiment is shown, in which a gas-liquid separator 21 is provided in the gas volume 111 upstream of the gas outlet 130 .

[0087] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 1 shows a vertical section of a second embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention. Each embodiment comprises a first valve 170 and a second valve 180 of a different type. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first valve 170 and the second valve 180 are hydraulic valves which are overpressure relief valves with an opening pressure threshold of, for example, 5 bar. When driven by gas, the hydraulic valves are pneumatically actuated valves. Therefore, these valves will open once the pressure exceeds 5 bar. This pressure excess can be generated by energizing the compressor 15 to pressurize the tank 10 at a pressure higher than 5 bar. Figure 8 A cleaning device 1 is disclosed comprising a first valve 170 and a second valve 180, the first valve 170 and the second valve 180 being hydraulic valves which, when driven by gas, are pneumatically actuated valves. Fig. 9Disclosed is a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 comprising a plurality of hydraulic valves, a first hydraulic valve 170 and a second hydraulic valve 180. The second hydraulic valve 180 is a pneumatically actuated valve. The first hydraulic valve 170 is fluidly connected to a secondary circuit 22, which is fluidly connected to a washing liquid supply line 14. The secondary circuit 22 comprises an overpressure relief valve 23, a check valve 24 and a hydraulic cylinder 27. During the surface cleaning cycle, the compressor 15 pressurizes the tank 10 at a pressure higher than 8 bar. The first hydraulic valve 170 opens at a pressure higher than 8 bar, and the washing liquid 12 is sprayed through the first nozzle 17. During the second step, the compressor 15 pressurizes the tank 10 at a pressure higher than 9 bar, the overpressure relief valve 23 opens and the washing liquid 12 flows into the hydraulic cylinder 27. The piston in the hydraulic cylinder 27 pushes the first hydraulic valve 170 back to the closed position, and the washing liquid stops spraying through the first nozzle 17. The second hydraulic valve 180 opens at a pressure of 9 bar, and the gas 11 is blown through the second nozzle 18. Finally, the pressure in the tank 10 drops below 8 bar. The check valve 24 opens to allow the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 27 to drop. When the pressure inside the tank drops below 8 bar, the hydraulic cylinder 27 holds a compressible bubble (or gas) to push the washing liquid back through the check valve 24.

[0088] Fig.10 1 shows a vertical section of a seventh embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention. The seventh embodiment is Figure 1 A development of the first embodiment is shown, in which a mounting flange 100 for the gas pressurizing device 15 is mounted in the gas filling opening 16 and the gas pressurizing device 15 is fixed to the wall of the tank 10 by means of the mounting flange 100 .

[0089] Fig.11 1 shows a vertical section of an eighth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention. The eighth embodiment is Figure 1 A development of the first embodiment is shown, in which the tank 10 also comprises several sensors, such as a level sensor 32 , a pressure sensor 33 and a temperature sensor 34 .

[0090] Fig.12 1 shows a vertical section of a ninth embodiment of a vehicle-mounted cleaning device 1 according to the present invention. The ninth embodiment is Figure 1 A development of the first embodiment is shown, in which the gas pressurizing device 15 is located entirely in the gas volume 111 of the tank 10 .

[0091] The embodiment of the on-board cleaning device 1 presented above allows to perform a method for cleaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising the following steps:

[0092] compressing the gas 11 by means of the gas pressurizing device 15 to pressurize the tank 10 containing the gas 11 and the washing liquid 12,

[0093] opening a first valve 170 on the washing liquid supply line 14 fluidly connected to the tank 10, or opening a second valve 180 on the gas supply line 13 fluidly connected to the tank 10,

[0094] • Spraying washing liquid 12 onto the surface via the first nozzle 17 or blowing gas 11 onto the surface via the second nozzle 18 .

[0095] A single step of blowing gas 11 allows, for example, drying the surface during or after rain or avoiding foreign bodies, such as flying insects.

[0096] The embodiment of the on-board cleaning device 1 presented above also allows to perform a method for cleaning a vehicle surface, the method comprising the following steps in sequence:

[0097] compressing the gas 11 by means of the gas pressurizing device 15 to pressurize the tank 10 containing the gas 11 and the washing liquid 12,

[0098] opening the first valve 170 on the washing liquid supply line 14 fluidly connected to the tank 10,

[0099] Spraying the washing liquid 12 onto the surface via the first nozzle 17,

[0100] opening the second valve 180 on the gas supply line 13 fluidly connected to the tank 10,

[0101] • Blowing the gas 11 via the second nozzle 18 onto the surface.

[0102] Reference numerals list

[0103] 1: Cleaning equipment

[0104] 10: Storage tank

[0105] 11: Gas

[0106] 12: Detergent

[0107] 13: Gas supply pipeline

[0108] 14: Washing liquid supply line

[0109] 15: Gas pressurization device

[0110] 16: Gas filling opening

[0111] 17: First nozzle

[0112] 18: Second nozzle

[0113] 19: Overpressure valve

[0114] 21: Liquid-gas separator

[0115] 22: Secondary circuit

[0116] 23: Overpressure relief valve

[0117] 24: Check valve

[0118] 25: Valve

[0119] 26: Pipeline

[0120] 27: Hydraulic cylinder

[0121] 32: Liquid level sensor

[0122] 33: Pressure sensor

[0123] 34: Temperature sensor

[0124] 100: Mounting flange

[0125] 110: Blowing gas

[0126] 111: Gas volume

[0127] 120: Spray detergent

[0128] 130: Air outlet

[0129] 140: Washing liquid outlet

[0130] 170: First valve

[0131] 180: Second valve.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1), the cleaning device (1) being configured to clean a surface of a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising: a tank (10) configured to contain a gas (11) and a scrubbing liquid (12), the tank comprising a gas supply line (13), a scrubbing liquid supply line (14), a scrubbing liquid filling opening and a gas filling opening (16), a gas outlet (130) and a scrubbing liquid outlet (140), a gas pressurizing device (15) fluidly connected to the gas filling opening (16) and configured to pressurize the tank (10), a first nozzle (17) configured to spray the washing liquid (12) and / or blow the gas (11), the first nozzle (17) being fluidly connected to the gas supply line (13) and / or the washing liquid supply line (14), a first valve (170) fluidly connected to said first nozzle (17), Characterized in that the gas pressurizing device (15) is located entirely or partially in the gas volume (111) of the tank (10), and a valve (25) is provided on the pipeline (26) connecting the gas supply pipeline (13) to the washing liquid supply pipeline (14).

2. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The tank (10) comprises an overpressure valve (19).

3. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The gas pressurizing device (15) is fixed on the wall of the storage tank (10).

4. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The gas pressurizing device (15) is selected from the group consisting of a compressor and an air pump.

5. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The cleaning device (1) comprises a second nozzle (18) configured to spray the washing liquid (12) and / or blow the gas (11), and the second nozzle (18) is fluidly connected to the gas supply line (13) and / or the washing liquid supply line (14) and a second valve (180).

6. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The first nozzle (17) is configured to spray an aerosol including the washing liquid (12) and the gas (11) or spray the washing liquid (12) or blow the gas (11), and the first nozzle (17) is fluidly connected to the gas supply line (13) and the washing liquid supply line (14).

7. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The tank (10) comprises a gas-liquid separator (21) located in the gas volume (111) upstream of the gas outlet (130).

8. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The first valve (170) is a solenoid-actuated valve.

9. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The second valve (180) is a solenoid-actuated valve.

10. The vehicle-mounted cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The tank (10) comprises at least one sensor device selected from the group consisting of a level sensor (32), a pressure sensor (33), a temperature sensor (34) and combinations thereof.

11. A vehicle comprising a cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the cleaning device being configured to clean a surface of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The surface of the vehicle is a sensor surface or a camera surface.

13. A method for cleaning a vehicle surface, comprising the steps of: pressurizing a tank (10) containing the gas (11) and the washing liquid (12) by compressing the gas (11) by means of a pressurizing device (15), the pressurizing device being wholly or partly located in the gas volume (111) of the tank (10), opening a first valve (170) on a washing liquid supply line (14) fluidically connected to the tank (10), or opening a second valve (180) on a gas supply line (13) fluidly connected to the tank (10), spraying the cleaning liquid (12) onto the surface, or blowing the gas (11) onto the surface, A valve (25) is provided on a pipeline (26) connecting the gas supply pipeline (13) to the cleaning liquid supply pipeline (14).

14. A method for washing a vehicle surface, the method comprising the steps of: pressurizing a tank (10) containing the gas (11) and the washing liquid (12) by compressing the gas (11) by means of a pressurizing device (15), the pressurizing device being wholly or partly located in the gas volume (111) of the tank (10), opening a first valve (170) on a washing liquid supply line (14) fluidly connected to the tank (10), Spraying the washing liquid (12) onto the surface, opening a second valve (180) on a gas supply line (13) fluidly connected to the tank (10), blowing the gas (11) onto the surface, A valve (25) is provided on a pipeline (26) connecting the gas supply pipeline (13) to the cleaning liquid supply pipeline (14).

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