Cambered surface cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of radar sensor surface cleaning, in particular to a cambered surface cleaning device which comprises a nozzle structure, the nozzle structure comprises a flow guide unit, an input channel and a fluid outlet, and the flow guide unit comprises a flow guide part, a contraction acceleration part and an expansion acceleration part which are communicated in sequence. According to the cambered surface cleaning device, by arranging the input channel, the flow guide part, the contraction acceleration part, the expansion acceleration part and the fluid outlet, various cleaning modes can be achieved according to different cleaning requirements, cleaning of a sensing area of the sensor is more efficient and convenient, and meanwhile the cambered surface cleaning device is simple in structure, compact and small in size and convenient to use. The spray nozzle device is suitable for the layout of a compact model of a passenger car body, the appearance surface of the spray nozzle structure is smooth and simple, the spray nozzle structure is matched with the model of the passenger car body, and in addition, compared with a traditional water spray nozzle device, the device consumes less cleaning liquid, is not prone to collision and damage and is high in practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of radar sensor surface cleaning, and in particular to a curved surface cleaning device. Background Art

[0002] Radar sensors are common sensors used in vehicles, which are used to detect the surrounding environment of vehicles to obtain environmental information around the vehicle. However, when radar sensors are blocked by water, fog, frost, mud, insects, etc. during use, point cloud data will be distorted and they will not work properly. If this type of radar sensor is used in autonomous driving, it will cause safety accidents.

[0003] The sensing area of ​​many radar sensors has an arc-shaped appearance. At present, the cleaning solution for the arc-shaped outer surface of radar sensors on the market usually adopts a raised water spray nozzle device. This solution needs to spray a large amount of cleaning liquid to the sensor sensing area during the cleaning process. There is a problem of continuously blocking the sensor sensing area during the cleaning process, which makes the radar sensor unable to work normally during the cleaning process. After cleaning, a lot of cleaning liquid will remain on the sensor sensing surface. These cleaning liquids will not only block the sensing area of ​​the laser radar sensor, but also absorb dust in the environment to cause secondary pollution. In addition, the raised water spray nozzle device is prone to scratches or bumps and is less practical. In view of this, the prior art improves the water spray nozzle device and replaces the original nozzle device with a raised jet nozzle device with both water spray and jet functions. Its working principle is: after spraying the cleaning liquid, jet treatment is performed to remove the residual cleaning liquid. However, the structure of this raised jet nozzle device is relatively complex, and in order to solve the problem of residual cleaning liquid, it is usually necessary to deploy more nozzles, which is more prone to bumps and damage. In addition, the existing nozzle structure is not conducive to layout forms that have high requirements on appearance and space. For example, when a nozzle structure is added to a radar sensor installed on a passenger car body, the raised nozzle structure cannot meet the layout requirements due to the small structural space of the passenger car and the high requirements on appearance.

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a curved surface cleaning device. Summary of the invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a curved surface cleaning device to address the above technical problems.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A curved surface cleaning device comprises a nozzle structure, wherein the nozzle structure is fitted with the curved outer contour surface of a sensor sensing area, the nozzle structure is provided with a guide unit for circulating a pressure fluid, the nozzle structure is provided with an input channel for communicating with a pressure fluid source and a fluid outlet for applying the pressure fluid to the curved outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area, the input channel is connected to the guide unit, the guide unit is connected to the fluid outlet, the guide unit comprises a guide part, a contraction acceleration part and an expansion acceleration part which are connected in sequence, the guide part is used to transport the pressure fluid to the contraction acceleration part, the contraction acceleration part is used to perform a primary acceleration on the pressure fluid transported to the contraction acceleration part and transport the pressure fluid after the primary acceleration to the expansion acceleration part, the expansion acceleration part is used to perform a secondary acceleration on the pressure fluid after the primary acceleration and transport the pressure fluid after the secondary acceleration to the fluid outlet for spraying.

[0008] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the nozzle structure includes an arc-shaped nozzle base, the nozzle base is provided with a first outer surface, the first outer surface is provided with a first groove, at least one second groove and at least one third groove, the first groove is a strip structure, and is arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base, and is used to transport the pressure fluid along the length extension direction of the nozzle base, each of the second grooves is respectively connected to the first groove and a third groove, and multiple second grooves and third grooves are arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base.

[0009] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the third groove is a fan-shaped expansion opening, and the bottom surface of the third groove is the third outer surface.

[0010] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the input channel is communicated with the first groove.

[0011] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the nozzle base is further provided with a second outer surface, and the second outer surface is in contact with the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area.

[0012] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the nozzle structure also includes a buckle plate fixedly connected to the nozzle base, the buckle plate is an arc-shaped structure, a fourth outer surface is provided on the buckle plate, the fourth outer surface is in contact with the first outer surface, a gap between the fourth outer surface and the first groove is matched to form a guide portion, a gap between the fourth outer surface and the second groove is matched to form a contraction acceleration portion, and a gap between the fourth outer surface and the third groove is matched to form an expansion acceleration portion.

[0013] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the expansion acceleration portion is arranged in a contraction shape along the flow direction of the pressure fluid.

[0014] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, a sealing structure for sealing the guide portion, the contraction acceleration portion and the expansion acceleration portion is provided between the fourth outer surface and the first outer surface.

[0015] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the pinch plate is further provided with a fifth outer surface, and the fifth outer surface is in contact with the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area.

[0016] In some optional implementations of some embodiments, the fluid outlet is disposed at an upper end of the extended acceleration portion, and the fluid outlet is arranged toward an arc-shaped outer contour surface of a sensor sensing area.

[0017] The advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the arc surface cleaning device provided by the present invention can realize multiple cleaning modes according to different cleaning needs by setting an input channel, a guide part, a contraction acceleration part, an expansion acceleration part and a fluid outlet, so that the cleaning of the sensor sensing area is more efficient and convenient. At the same time, the structure is simple and the size is compact, which is suitable for the layout of the compact shape of the passenger car body. The appearance of the nozzle structure is smooth and simple, which matches the shape of the passenger car body. In addition, compared with the traditional water spray nozzle device, the device consumes less cleaning fluid, is not easy to be damaged by bumps, and is more practical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is an assembly diagram of the sensor arc-shaped outer surface cleaning device and the sensor in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the sensor arc-shaped outer surface cleaning device and the sensor in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an angle structure of the nozzle structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the nozzle structure at another angle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 It is an angled cross-sectional view of the nozzle structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view from another angle of the nozzle structure in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the nozzle base in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure markings: nozzle base 1, buckle plate 2, first outer surface 3, second outer surface 4, input channel 5, first groove 6, second groove 7, third groove 8, arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of sensor sensing area, third outer surface 10, fourth outer surface 11, fifth outer surface 12, fluid outlet 13, expansion acceleration part 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] like Figure 1-Figure 7As shown, a curved surface cleaning device includes a nozzle structure, wherein the nozzle structure is fitted with the curved outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area, a guide unit for pressure fluid circulation is provided in the nozzle structure, an input channel 5 for communicating with a pressure fluid source and a fluid outlet 13 for applying the pressure fluid to the curved outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area are provided on the nozzle structure, the input channel 5 is connected to the guide unit, the guide unit is connected to the fluid outlet 13, the guide unit includes a guide part, a contraction acceleration part and an expansion acceleration part 14 which are connected in sequence, the guide part is used to transport the pressure fluid to the contraction acceleration part, the contraction acceleration part is used to perform a first-stage acceleration on the pressure fluid transported to the contraction acceleration part and transport the pressure fluid after the first-stage acceleration to the expansion acceleration part 14, and the expansion acceleration part 14 is used to transport the first-stage accelerated pressure fluid to the expansion acceleration part. The accelerated pressure fluid is subjected to secondary acceleration and the pressure fluid after secondary acceleration is transported to the fluid outlet 13 for spraying; it should be noted that the pressure fluid may be pressurized dry gas, humid gas, water mist and water flow, and the pressure fluid enters the guide portion through one side of the input channel 5, and the pressure fluid flows from the guide portion into the contraction acceleration portion, and undergoes primary acceleration when flowing through the contraction acceleration portion, and then the pressure fluid flows from the contraction acceleration portion into the expansion acceleration portion 14, and undergoes secondary acceleration when flowing through the expansion acceleration portion 14 to form a high-speed fluid, and finally is sprayed out from the fluid outlet 13, so that the same nozzle structure can be used to spray different fluids and realize multiple cleaning modes, the structure is simple, the size is compact and small, and it is suitable for the layout of the compact shape of the passenger car body, and the appearance of the nozzle structure is smooth and simple, matching the shape of the passenger car body.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the present application can use different cleaning modes according to different cleaning needs to clean different types of dirt, and the cleaning is more efficient and faster. For example, when cleaning water droplets in the sensor sensing area, pressurized gas can be applied and the airflow of pressurized gas can be used to clean the sensor sensing area; if the sensor sensing area is attached with sludge, pressurized liquid can be applied first, and then pressurized gas can be introduced to form a water mist spray, and the mud and dirt in the sensor sensing area can be flushed with water mist, and then pressurized gas can be introduced multiple times to clean the residual liquid in the sensor sensing area by a single jet, so as to complete the cleaning operation of the sensor sensing area; in addition, compared with the traditional water spray nozzle device, the present device consumes less cleaning liquid. For example, when cleaning liquid substances in the sensor sensing area, only pressurized gas needs to be introduced for cleaning without consuming cleaning liquid, so as to reduce the consumption of cleaning liquid; if the sensor sensing area is attached with solid dirt such as dust, mud, insect corpses, etc., the atomized cleaning liquid can be used to clean the sensor sensing area, and the airflow of pressurized gas can be used to flush it. Compared with the traditional water spray nozzle device, the consumption of cleaning liquid can be effectively reduced.

[0030] In a possible implementation, Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the nozzle structure includes an arc-shaped nozzle base 1, a first outer surface 3 is provided on the nozzle base 1, a first groove 6, at least one second groove 7 and at least one third groove 8 are provided on the first outer surface 3, the first groove 6 is a strip structure, and is arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base 1, and is used to transport the pressure fluid along the length extension direction of the nozzle base 1, each second groove 7 is respectively connected to the first groove 6 and one third groove 8, and multiple second grooves 7 and third grooves 8 are arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base 1.

[0031] In a possible embodiment, the nozzle base 1 is an arc-shaped structure, and a first outer surface 3 is arranged on the nozzle base 1, wherein the first outer surface 3 is provided with a first groove 6, at least one second groove 7 and at least one third groove 8, and the first groove 6 is a strip structure, which is used to transport the pressure fluid to the second groove 7 along the length extension direction of the nozzle base 1. It should be noted that the number of the second groove 7 and the third groove 8 is not less than one, and can be arranged according to actual needs, and is no longer limited here. At the same time, multiple second grooves 7 and third grooves 8 are arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base 1, so as to fully cover the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area, thereby achieving a thorough cleaning of the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area, thereby ensuring the accuracy of sensor detection.

[0032] In a possible implementation, Figure 7 As shown, the third groove 8 is a fan-shaped expansion opening, and the bottom surface of the third groove 8 is the third outer surface 10.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the third groove 8 is configured as a fan-shaped expansion opening so as to perform secondary acceleration on the pressure fluid, thereby accelerating the pressure fluid into a high-speed fluid and then ejecting it through the fluid outlet 13 .

[0034] In a possible implementation, the input channel 5 may be disposed on the nozzle base 1 or on the pinch plate 2 , as long as the input channel 5 is connected to the first groove 6 so as to deliver the pressure fluid source into the first groove 6 .

[0035] In a possible implementation, the input channel 5 can be connected to a pressure fluid source of pressurized dry gas, humid gas, water mist and water flow. The connection between the input channel 5 and the pressure fluid source can be through a threaded connection, or other forms of connection, such as snap-on fixation, which can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0036] In a possible implementation, Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, the nozzle base 1 is also provided with a second outer surface 4, and the second outer surface 4 is in contact with the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area.

[0037] In a possible embodiment, since the sensing area of ​​the sensor has an arc-shaped appearance, the nozzle base 1 is correspondingly designed to be an arc-shaped structure, so that the second outer surface 4 can completely fit with the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area, so as to fully cover the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area.

[0038] In a possible implementation, Figure 1-2 , Figure 4-6 As shown, the nozzle structure also includes a buckle plate 2 fixedly connected to the nozzle base 1, and the buckle plate 2 is an arc-shaped structure. A fourth outer surface 11 is provided on the buckle plate 2, and the fourth outer surface 11 is in contact with the first outer surface 3. The fourth outer surface 11 and the first groove 6 are gap-fitted to form a guide portion, the fourth outer surface 11 and the second groove 7 are gap-fitted to form a contraction acceleration portion, and the fourth outer surface 11 and the third groove 8 are gap-fitted to form an expansion acceleration portion 14.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the connection between the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2 can be via screw connection, or other forms of connection can be used, such as snap-on fixation, or the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2 can be welded into a whole by ultrasonic welding technology, which can not only effectively reduce the number of parts, but also save sealing structure. It can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0040] In a possible embodiment, in order to realize the two acceleration processes of the pressure fluid, it can be realized through the joint action of the guide part formed by the gap fit between the fourth outer surface 11 and the first groove 6, the contraction acceleration part formed by the gap fit between the fourth outer surface 11 and the second groove 7, and the expansion acceleration part 14 formed by the gap fit between the fourth outer surface 11 and the third groove 8, wherein the front half of the guide unit contracts from large to small to the contraction acceleration part, and then expands outward from small to large to the fluid outlet 13 after the contraction acceleration part. The pressure fluid in the guide unit flows into the guide part under high pressure, passes through the contraction acceleration part, and is ejected from the expansion acceleration part 14 and the fluid outlet 13. This structure can make the speed of the pressure fluid change due to the change of the spray cross-sectional area, so that the pressure fluid forms a high-speed fluid ejection after being accelerated twice.

[0041] In a possible implementation, Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the expansion acceleration portion 14 is arranged in a contraction shape along the flow direction of the pressure fluid.

[0042] In a possible implementation, in order to improve the acceleration effect, the present application also configures the extended acceleration portion 14 to be a contraction-shaped structure along the flow direction of the pressure fluid, and further utilizes the change in the spray cross-sectional area to increase the speed of the pressure fluid, so as to improve the cleaning effect on the sensor sensing area.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, a sealing structure (not shown) for sealing the flow guiding portion, the contraction acceleration portion and the expansion acceleration portion 14 is provided between the fourth outer surface 11 and the first outer surface 3 .

[0044] In a possible implementation, if a detachable connection is adopted between the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2, a sealing structure for sealing the guide part, the contraction acceleration part and the expansion acceleration part 14 may be provided between the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2, wherein the sealing structure may be selected according to actual needs, for example, the sealing structure may be sealed with a sealing strip or filled with sealant, as long as the sealing effect of the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2 can be achieved, and no limitation is made here.

[0045] In a possible implementation, Figure 2-3 , Figure 5 As shown, the buckle plate 2 is further provided with a fifth outer surface 12 , and the fifth outer surface 12 is in contact with the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area.

[0046] In a possible implementation, since the appearance of the sensing area of ​​the sensor is an arc-shaped structure, the buckle plate 2 is also correspondingly designed to be an arc-shaped structure, so that the fifth outer surface 12 can be completely fitted with the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area, so as to fully cover the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area.

[0047] In a possible implementation, Figure 2 , Figure 4-5 As shown, the fluid outlet 13 is disposed at the upper end of the expansion acceleration portion 14 , and the fluid outlet 13 is arranged toward the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the connection between the nozzle structure and the sensor may be a screw connection, or other forms of connection, such as fixing the nozzle structure and the sensor together on a structural member. This can be selected according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0049] The working principle of the present invention is as follows: first, according to the connection mode between the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2, it is determined whether it is necessary to install a sealing structure between the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2 according to the actual situation. If the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2 are an integrally formed structure, there is no need to assemble a sealing structure. If the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2 are detachably connected, it is necessary to first install a sealing structure between the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2. The sealing structure can be flexibly selected according to the actual situation, and then the nozzle structure is integrated with the sensor for assembly. Different cleaning modes can be used according to the cleaning requirements of the sensor sensing area, and the input channel 5 can be connected to the corresponding pressure The force-fluid source is connected. For example, when cleaning water droplets in the sensor sensing area, pressurized gas can be applied and the airflow of the pressurized gas can be used to clean the sensor sensing area. When sludge is attached to the sensor sensing area, pressurized liquid can be applied first, and then pressurized gas can be introduced to form a water mist spray, and the mud in the sensor sensing area can be flushed with the water mist. Then, pressurized gas can be introduced multiple times, and the residual liquid in the sensor sensing area can be cleaned by a separate jet, so as to complete the cleaning operation of the sensor sensing area. A variety of cleaning modes can be realized, which is suitable for a variety of cleaning needs of the sensor sensing area, making the cleaning of the sensor sensing area more efficient and convenient.

[0050] Obviously, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-mentioned various steps of the present invention can be performed in a manner different from the present invention, and the simulation method and experimental equipment include but are not limited to the above description. The above-mentioned various steps of the present invention can be performed in an order different from that here in some cases, and the steps shown or described above can be performed separately. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0051] The above contents are further detailed descriptions of the present invention in combination with specific implementation methods, and it cannot be determined that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, which should be regarded as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A curved surface cleaning device, comprising a nozzle structure, characterized in that: The nozzle structure fits the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area, and a guide unit for circulating the pressure fluid is provided in the nozzle structure. The nozzle structure is provided with an input channel for communicating with a pressure fluid source and a fluid outlet for applying the pressure fluid to the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area, the input channel is connected to the guide unit, and the guide unit is connected to the fluid outlet, the guide unit includes a guide part, a contraction acceleration part and an expansion acceleration part that are connected in sequence, the guide part is used to transport the pressure fluid to the contraction acceleration part, the contraction acceleration part is used to perform a primary acceleration on the pressure fluid transported to the contraction acceleration part and transport the pressure fluid after the primary acceleration to the expansion acceleration part, the expansion acceleration part is used to perform a secondary acceleration on the pressure fluid after the primary acceleration and transport the pressure fluid after the secondary acceleration to the fluid outlet for spraying.

2. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle structure includes an arc-shaped nozzle base, the nozzle base is provided with a first outer surface, the first outer surface is provided with a first groove, at least one second groove and at least one third groove, the first groove is a strip structure, and is arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base, and is used to transport the pressure fluid along the length extension direction of the nozzle base, each of the second grooves is respectively connected to the first groove and one third groove, and multiple second grooves and third grooves are arranged along the length extension direction of the nozzle base.

3. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The third groove is a fan-shaped expansion opening, and the bottom surface of the third groove is a third outer surface.

4. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The input channel is communicated with the first groove.

5. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The nozzle base is also provided with a second outer surface, and the second outer surface is in contact with the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area.

6. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The nozzle structure also includes a buckle plate fixedly connected to the nozzle base, the buckle plate is an arc-shaped structure, a fourth outer surface is provided on the buckle plate, the fourth outer surface is in contact with the first outer surface, the fourth outer surface and the first groove are gap-matched to form a guide portion, the fourth outer surface and the second groove are gap-matched to form a contraction acceleration portion, and the fourth outer surface and the third groove are gap-matched to form an expansion acceleration portion.

7. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The expansion acceleration portion is arranged in a contraction shape along the flow direction of the pressure fluid.

8. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing structure for sealing the flow guide portion, the contraction acceleration portion and the expansion acceleration portion is provided between the fourth outer surface and the first outer surface.

9. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The buckle plate is also provided with a fifth outer surface, and the fifth outer surface is in contact with the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area.

10. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fluid outlet is arranged at the upper end of the extended acceleration portion, and the fluid outlet is arranged toward the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area.

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