Device for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor, detection system and manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor of a vehicle, comprising at least one section (14) having a circular arc shape with a cleaning fluid circulation channel (16), the section (14) comprises at least one cleaning fluid inlet in the channel (16) and at least one nozzle (20) for spraying cleaning fluid from the fluid circulation channel towards the optical surface, where the at least one nozzle (20) comprises a cleaning fluid outlet conduit (22) and a deflector (24), and the deflector (24) extends in line with the conduit (22), the deflector (24) is capable of deflecting the flow of cleaning fluid by a given angle towards the optical surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of a vehicle sensor, a detection system and a manufacturing method. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with optical elements, such as position sensors. The function of position sensors is to collect information about the area surrounding the vehicle, in particular for assisting the driver in driving and / or maneuvering this vehicle. For this purpose, sensors are usually installed on the vehicle in order to collect information about the area surrounding the vehicle. However, such sensors are particularly exposed to dirt, such as dirty water, dust or other types of spray. Such dirt impedes the transmission and reception of information and can interfere with the operation of the sensor or even cause it to cease operation.

[0003] It has been proposed to use devices for cleaning the optical surface of the sensor in order to remove such dirt from the sensor. The problem is that these cleaning devices have a complex structure and do not enable the entire surface of the sensor to be cleaned. The sensor then does not work properly.

[0004] What is needed is a device for wiping the optical surface of a sensor of a vehicle that solves this problem. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor of a vehicle which enables the entire surface of the sensor to be cleaned.

[0006] For this purpose, the present invention provides a device for cleaning an optical surface of a sensor of a vehicle, the device comprising at least one section having an arc shape and having a cleaning fluid circulation channel, the at least one section comprising at least one cleaning fluid inlet in the channel and at least one nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid from the fluid circulation channel toward the optical surface, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises a cleaning fluid outlet pipe and a deflector, and the deflector extends in a straight line with the pipe, and the deflector is capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow toward the optical surface at a given angle.

[0007] According to a variant, the at least one section comprises a plurality of nozzles having deflectors capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow towards the optical surface at a first angle or at a second angle different from the first angle.

[0008] According to a variant, the deflector has a first section arranged in line with the duct and a second section deflecting the fluid flow towards the optical surface by a given angle.

[0009] According to a variant, the at least one section comprises a base and a cover which together delimit the cleaning fluid circulation channel, the nozzle duct extending through the cover to the deflector.

[0010] According to a variant, the cover comprises ribs stressing the bases of the channels.

[0011] According to a variant, the nozzle duct forms an angle of 90°, or is inclined relative to the normal to the cover.

[0012] According to a variant, the nozzle duct opens into the circulation channel via a post on the cover.

[0013] According to a variant, the at least one section comprises a plurality of nozzles having deflectors capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow by the same angle and positioned on radii of different lengths on the circular arc.

[0014] The invention also relates to a detection system comprising an optical sensor of a vehicle and a cleaning device as described above, the device being configured to clean an optical surface of the sensor.

[0015] According to a variant, the sensor has a cylindrical optical surface and the nozzle of the device is designed to direct the cleaning fluid flow onto the optical surface at different angles.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cleaning device as described above, at least one section of which comprises a cover, the method comprising the step of moulding a section cover using a pin defining the duct and a spacer partially defining the deflector, the pin fitting into the spacer.

[0017] All preferred embodiments and all advantages of the cleaning device according to the invention can be transferred mutatis mutandis to the detection system and the method according to the invention and vice versa. The different embodiments can be combined or considered individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, for understanding of which reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [ Figure 1 ], Figure 1 A cleaning device in a detection system is shown;

[0020] [ Figure 2 ], Figure 2 Details of the cleaning device are shown;

[0021] [ Figure 3 ], Figure 3 an example embodiment showing another detail of a cleaning device;

[0022] [ Figure 4 ], Figure 4 Another example embodiment showing details of a cleaning device;

[0023] [ Figure 5 ], Figure 5 A further example embodiment of a detail of a cleaning device is shown.

[0024] The figures in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings, similar elements are generally represented by similar reference numerals. In the context of this document, identical or similar elements may have the same reference numerals. In addition, the presence of reference numerals or letters in the accompanying drawings shall not be considered restrictive, including when these numerals or letters are indicated in the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention provides a device for cleaning the optical surface of a sensor of a vehicle, the device comprising at least one section having an arc shape with a cleaning fluid circulation channel. The at least one section comprises at least one cleaning fluid inlet in the channel and at least one nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid from the fluid circulation channel toward the optical surface. In this device, the at least one nozzle comprises a cleaning fluid outlet pipe and a deflector. The deflector extends in a straight line with the pipe and is capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow (or jet) toward the optical surface by a given angle. The delivery and deflection of the fluid are improved by a simple structure. The entire surface of the sensor is better cleaned, which enables the sensor to operate correctly.

[0026] Figure 1 A cleaning device 10 in a detection system 11 is shown. The cleaning device 10 can be used in particular in a detection system 11 of a vehicle comprising a sensor 12. The sensor 12 enables information to be collected about the position of the motor vehicle and the area around the motor vehicle, in particular in order to assist the driver in driving and / or maneuvering this vehicle. The sensor 12 is mounted on the vehicle in order to collect information about the area in front of, behind and / or to the sides of the vehicle: the sensor 12 is for example mounted at the front end and / or at the rear end. The sensor 12 can be an optical sensor. The sensor 12 is for example a LIDAR, which stands for "Light Detection and Ranging" or "Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging".

[0027] The sensor 12 interacts with the surrounding area via an optical surface 13. The optical surface may be a protective surface between an optical element and the surrounding area. For example, the optical surface may be the surface of a window pane mounted between the sensor and the surrounding area, or may be the surface of a housing surrounding the sensor (such as the face of a LIDAR housing). The surface may be opaque (to visible wavelengths). The surface may be transparent to the emission wavelength and the reception wavelength of the sensor 12. It is also conceivable that multiple sensors interact with the surrounding area via a single optical surface.

[0028] The shape of the optical surface 13 may vary depending on the location and purpose of the sensor 12 in the vehicle and depending on the available space around the sensor. The optical surface 13 may have rounded portions and straight portions. Figure 1 As shown, the optical surface 13 has a cylindrical shape.

[0029] The device 10 includes one or more sections 14. Figure 1 As shown, the device comprises, for example, four segments 141, 142, 143, 144, but the device 10 may comprise a different number of segments. The segments 14 may be configured to be fastened in pairs.

[0030] The segments can be identical or have different shapes. The shape of the segments is thus adapted to the shape of the optical surface 13 and the surrounding area. The segments 14 form modules; the segments 14 are modules that are independent of one another. In the device 10, at least some of the segments are identical modules; this enables simple assembly of the device and also simple replacement of a faulty segment. This makes it easier to manufacture the device. Figure 1 As shown, all sections are identical modules.

[0031] The segment 14 has an elongated shape between the two ends. These segments 14 are configured to be fastened to each other to form an arc. An arc is a portion of a curve defined by two points of the curve; an arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle having a center and a radius. The arc defines an axial direction Z passing through the center of the arc, a radial direction Y following the radius of the arc, and a tangential direction X tangent to the circular portion of the arc. The arc can extend in a plane (that is, two-dimensional space), but can also be shaped so that the arc is partially in a plane and extends in three dimensions. The specific shape of each segment 14 depends on the shape of the optical surface 13. At least some segments are arcs as defined above. This enables at least partially surrounding the optical surface 13.

[0032] Figure 2 A detail of the cleaning device is shown, namely an example segment 14. The segment 14 has an arc shape as defined above. The segment can be in a plane or include an inclination between its ends. In the bottom view, the segment 14 is still an arc. The shape of the segment also depends on the area around the optical surface 13 and is adapted to the available space around the optical surface 13. The segment 14 can have an arc shape that varies from segment to segment. This enables it to be adapted to the shape of the optical surface 13 and the surrounding area.

[0033] Some of the segments 14 may have an arc shape, and some may have a straight line shape or indeed any shape at all. The device is shaped so that the segments face the optical surface 13. The optical surface 13 is at least partially surrounded by the device 10 (at least in the portion via which the one or more sensors 12 interact with the surrounding area and are to be cleaned). The device 10 may have a closed shape (e.g. Figure 1 ) or an open shape. The device 10 may have a circular overall shape, with the directions X, Y, and Z as defined above. Figure 1 As shown, it is conceivable that the segments 14 form an annular structure. For example, two, three, four (or more) segments 14 can form an annular structure.

[0034] As shown in cross section, the section 14 Figures 3 to 5 As shown, each segment 14 includes a cleaning fluid circulation channel 16. The channel 16 in the segment is a flow duct having a hollow and elongated form, so that the fluid can pass through to clean the optical surface 13. The channel 16 follows the shape of the segment 14, i.e., the arc as described above. Each channel 16 extends over at least some length of the corresponding segment 14, but does not extend from one segment to another; the channel 16 defines a flow duct specific to each segment 14. Since the channels 16 are independent of each other, the device can have an open shape, such as an open ring.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, each segment 14 includes at least one cleaning fluid inlet 18 in the channel 16 and at least one nozzle 20 for ejecting the cleaning fluid from the channel 16 toward the optical surface 13. The inlet 18 is connected to the cleaning fluid distribution network and supplies the cleaning fluid to the channel 16. Therefore, each segment 14 includes its own fluid inlet 18; the fluid is then supplied to each segment 14 independently. The inlet 18 can extend along the axis Z, but another shape (such as an "L" shape) can be used to fit the surrounding area of ​​the sensor. The channel 16 of each segment 14 then enables the cleaning fluid to be distributed to one or more fluid ejection nozzles 20. In Figure 2 4 shows four nozzles 20 by way of example on the segments 14. These segments have a number of nozzles 20 specific to them, depending on the position of the segment 14 relative to the optical surface 13 and relative to the portion to be cleaned of the optical surface 13. Similarly, the nozzles 20 are distributed on each segment 14 according to the portion of the optical surface 13 to be cleaned.

[0036] Figures 3 to 5 The fluid circulation channel 16 is shown in detail. In particular, Figures 3 to 5A nozzle 20 is shown, which includes a cleaning fluid outlet conduit 22 and a deflector 24. The deflector 24 extends in a straight line with the conduit 22. The conduit 22 is tangential to the deflector 24. The deflector 24 is capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid stream toward the optical surface 13 by a given angle 26. The deflector extends the conduit 22. The fluid stream comes out of the channel 16 and is in a straight line with the conduit 22 before being deflected. There is a gap between the outlet of the channel 16 and the deflection zone. The fluid stream is not directly deflected at the outlet of the channel 16. This produces a good quality fluid stream coming out of the conduit 22, which is then deflected toward the optical surface 13. In other words, this provides a flow that has a better shape and is more uniform and more compact and is therefore better directed toward the optical surface 13. The stream directed to the optical surface 13 has an improved profile. This prevents fluid loss at the outlet of the channel and therefore prevents waste of cleaning fluid.

[0037] The deflector 24 can deflect the flow at a deflection angle 26 defined by the position of the nozzle relative to the sensor 12. The at least one section 14 can include a plurality of nozzles 20 having deflectors 24 capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow toward the optical surface at a first angle 26 or a second angle 26 different from the first angle. Figure 1 As shown, the nozzle 20 deflects the fluid stream at different deflection angles 26. At a first angle 26, the fluid stream 28 is deflected higher than the stream 30 deflected at another angle 26. This better covers the surface 13 of the sensor, thereby improving the cleaning of the optical surface 13. Since the stream 28 is deflected higher than the stream 30, the injection angle of the stream 28 can be smaller than the injection angle of the stream 30, and vice versa (the injection angle corresponds to the opening of the stream relative to the optical surface 13). The quality of the stream obtained by the deflector 24 in line with the conduit 22 improves the control of the injection angle of the streams 28, 30 obtained by the nozzle 20, which improves the cleaning quality. In addition, the device is not limited to two potential deflection angles 26. The deflection angle 26 is adjusted according to the position of the nozzle and the surface to be cleaned.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the deflector 24 has a first section 241 arranged in line with the duct 22 and a second section 242 that deflects the fluid flow toward the optical surface 13 by a given angle 26. The section 241 extends the fluid flow out of the channel 16 and in line with the duct 22. Then, the section 242 is arranged according to Figure 1 The section 241 creates a gap between the outlet of the channel 16 and the deflection zone provided by the section 242. This enhances the quality of the flow and thus enhances the advantages described above.

[0039] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the one or more sections 14 may comprise a base 32 and a cover 34 together defining the cleaning fluid circulation channel 16, through which the nozzle duct 22 extends to the deflector 24. This facilitates the manufacture of the channel 16 and the duct 22. The duct 22 passing through the cover 34 can be manufactured in a simpler manner.

[0040] The cover 34 can be fastened to the base 32 by welding, laser welding, snap fit, bonding or threaded connection. The cover 34 may include ribs 36 that apply stress to the base 32 of the channel 16. This improves the fluid tightness of the section 14, thereby preventing the loss of cleaning fluid. More specifically, the channel 16 is located between two ribs 36. The ribs 36 and the channel 16 of the section 14 are concentric with a circular arc. The ends of the ribs 36 can be welded to the base 32, for example, using ultrasonic welding. The cover 34 can also rest on the periphery of the base 32 to further enhance the fluid tightness of the section.

[0041] Figures 3 to 5 Different examples of ducts 22 passing through the cover 34 of the section 14 are shown. In particular, these figures show different inclinations of the duct 22 in the cover 34. This helps control the deflection angle of the flow and the cleaning quality. In all these figures, the deflector 24 and in particular the portion 241 is in line with the duct 22. The deflector 24 protrudes from the cover 34, and the segment 241 connects the segment 242 to the cover. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle duct 22 is orthogonal to the cover 34. The duct forms an angle of 90° with the cover. This defines a deflection angle 26 of the flow towards the midpoint of the height of the optical surface 13. Figure 4 As shown, the duct 22 is inclined relative to the normal of the cover 34. The duct 22 is more toward the inside (in the Y direction) of the arc defined by the segment 14. Figure 3 At the 90° position in FIG. 1 , the duct 22 is inclined in the clockwise direction. This defines the deflection angle of the flow toward the bottom of the optical surface 13. Figure 5 As shown, the duct 22 is inclined relative to the normal of the cover 34. The duct 22 is more toward the outside of the arc defined by the segment 14 (opposite to the Y direction). Figure 3 In the 90° position in FIG. 1 , the duct 22 is inclined in the counterclockwise direction. This defines the deflection angle of the flow toward the top of the optical surface 13.

[0042] The nozzle duct 22 can open into the circulation channel 16 via a post 38 on the cover. Figures 3 to 5 A post 38 is shown. The post 38 is an over-thickness of the inner face of the cap 34, oriented towards the interior of the channel 16. This enables the length of the duct 22 to be extended. This improves the guidance of the fluid flow out of the cap 34. This improves the shape of the fluid flow out of the cap 34. This enables the thickness of the cap 34 to be reduced without adversely affecting the quality of the flow formed by the nozzle.

[0043] The one or more sections 14 may include a plurality of nozzles 20 having deflectors 24 capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid stream by the same angle and positioned on radii 40 of different lengths on an arc. Figure 2 This feature is shown. Figure 2 An arc segment 14 is shown in which the nozzles 20 are radially arranged in different positions. The nozzles 24 are radially offset relative to each other on the segment 14. Along a radius 40 of a given length, two nozzles 20 are positioned on an arc, each having a deflector with a different flow deflection angle 26. Along another radius of a different length, two nozzles 20 are positioned on an arc, each having a deflector with a different flow deflection angle 26. This prevents the flows from being coplanar and hitting each other. This optimizes the cleaning of the flows and optical surfaces 13.

[0044] The present invention also relates to Figure 1 The detection system 11 shown includes a sensor 12 of a vehicle and a cleaning device 10. The device 10 is configured to clean an optical surface 13 of the sensor. The nozzle 20 of the device is designed to direct the cleaning fluid stream onto the optical surface at different angles. According to one embodiment, the optical surface 13 of the sensor 12 is cylindrical, and the segment 14 forms an annular structure around at least a portion of the circumference of the optical surface. The advantages of the described device 10 are applicable to the system 11.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cleaning device 10. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the steps of molding the cover 34 of the section 14 using a pin 42 that defines the duct 22 and a gasket 44 that partially defines the deflector 24, the pin 42 being fitted into the gasket 44. Due to the deflector 24 extending in line with the duct 22 and deflecting the fluid with a gap relative to the outlet of the duct 22, the larger space enables the gasket 44 to have an end 46 that is less fragile than the prior art. This enables the pin 42 to abut against the gasket 44. The pin 42 can be fitted into the end 46 of the gasket 44. The pin 42 can be fitted into a recess 48 in the end 46 of the gasket 44. This prevents the formation of a skin on the surface of the cover 34 at the outlet of the duct 22. The cover 34 and in particular the duct 22 are easy to manufacture. No rework is required after the operation of molding the cover. This method and advantages are also applicable to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The embodiments in .

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, the shim 44 has an end 46 defining a segment 241 of the deflector 24 and a front 50 defining a segment 242 of the deflector 24. The inclination between the end 46 and the front 50 defines the angle 26. The definition of the shim 44 enables the definition of the deflection angle 26 of the fluid flow. The presence of the segment 241 providing a gap between the outlet of the fluid from the duct 22 and the deflection zone enables the use of a shim 44 that is more rigid at its end 46, thereby providing support for the pin 42. In addition, demoulding is facilitated.

[0047] Furthermore, the column 38 also facilitates the manufacture of the pipe 22. This enables the pin 42 to be lengthened without the risk of damaging the pin. This also provides more options for the diameter of the pipe. In particular, the diameter of the pipe can be reduced, since a pin 42 of a small diameter can be used.

[0048] about Figure 3 The description and advantages of the method also apply to Figure 4 and Figure 5 .like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the pin can be tilted relative to the spacer, which allows a wide range of inclinations of the pipe. Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the duct 22 is not on the edge of the cover, which facilitates the removal of the pin.

[0049] The advantages described with respect to the apparatus 10 apply to the system and the method (and the products obtained therefrom), and vice versa.

[0050] The present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, which have illustrative value only and should not be considered limiting. In general, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples shown and / or described above.

Claims

1. A device (10) for cleaning an optical surface (13) of a sensor (12) of a vehicle, the device (10) comprising at least one section (14) having a circular arc shape and having a cleaning fluid circulation channel (16), the at least one section (14) comprising at least one cleaning fluid inlet (18) in the channel (16) and at least one nozzle (20) for spraying the cleaning fluid from the fluid circulation channel toward the optical surface, in, The at least one nozzle (20) comprises a cleaning fluid outlet duct (22) and a deflector (24), and the deflector (24) extends in line with the duct (22), and the deflector (24) is capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow toward the optical surface at a given angle.

2. The device (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one section (14) comprises a plurality of nozzles (20) having a deflector (24) capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow toward the optical surface at a first angle or a second angle different from the first angle.

3. The device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in, The deflector (24) has a first section (241) arranged in line with the pipe and a second section (242) that deflects the fluid flow toward the optical surface at a given angle.

4. The device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one section comprises a base (32) and a cover (34) which together define the cleaning fluid circulation channel (16), the nozzle duct extending through the cover to the deflector.

5. The device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in, The cover (34) includes ribs that apply stress to the base (32) of the channel.

6. The device (10) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, in, The nozzle conduit forms an angle of 90°, or is inclined relative to the normal to the cover.

7. The device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, in, The nozzle conduit (22) opens into the circulation channel (16) via a post (38) on the cover.

8. The device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in, The at least one section (14) comprises a plurality of nozzles (20) having deflectors (24) capable of deflecting the cleaning fluid flow by the same angle and being positioned on radii of different lengths on the circular arc.

9. A detection system comprising an optical sensor (12) of a vehicle and a cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the device being configured to clean an optical surface (13) of the sensor.

10. System according to the preceding claim, in, The sensor (12) has a cylindrical optical surface (13), and the nozzle (20) of the device is designed to direct the cleaning fluid flow onto the optical surface at different angles.

11. A method for manufacturing a cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, at least one section of the device comprising a cover (34), the method comprising the step of moulding the section cover using pins defining the duct and spacers partially defining the deflector, the pins fitting into the spacers.

Images