A curved surface cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of radar sensor surface cleaning technology, and in particular to a curved surface cleaning device, which includes a nozzle structure, the nozzle structure including a guide unit, an input channel and a fluid outlet, and the guide unit including a guide portion, a contraction acceleration portion and an expansion acceleration portion that are connected in sequence. The curved surface cleaning device provided by the present invention can realize multiple cleaning modes according to different cleaning needs by providing an input channel, a guide portion, a contraction acceleration portion, an expansion acceleration portion 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 and is not easily damaged by bumps, and is more practical.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present 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, monitoring the surrounding environment to obtain information about the vehicle. However, when radar sensors are obscured by water, fog, frost, mud, insects, and other factors, point cloud data can be distorted and the sensors may not function properly. Using these radar sensors for autonomous driving can lead to safety accidents.

[0003] Many radar sensors have an arc-shaped sensing area. Currently, cleaning solutions for these curved outer surfaces typically use a raised water spray nozzle. This solution requires spraying a large amount of cleaning fluid onto the sensor's sensing area during the cleaning process. This creates a problem of continuous obstruction of the sensor's sensing area, preventing the radar sensor from functioning properly. Furthermore, after cleaning, a significant amount of cleaning fluid remains on the sensor's sensing surface. This fluid not only obscures the lidar sensor's sensing area but also attracts dust from the environment, causing secondary contamination. Furthermore, the raised water spray nozzle is susceptible to damage from scratches or bumps, making it less practical. Consequently, improvements have been made to the water spray nozzle by replacing the original nozzle with a raised air jet nozzle that has both water and air jet functions. This nozzle operates by performing an air jet after spraying the cleaning fluid to remove any residual cleaning fluid. However, this raised air jet nozzle is relatively complex in structure, and to address the residual cleaning fluid issue, a large number of nozzles are typically required, making it more susceptible to damage from bumps or bumps. In addition, the existing nozzle structure is not conducive to layout forms with high requirements on appearance and space. For example, when adding a nozzle structure 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 includes a nozzle structure, which is fitted with the curved outer contour surface of the 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 connecting to 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, 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 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, and the expansion acceleration part is used to perform a second-stage acceleration on the pressure fluid after the first-stage acceleration and transport the pressure fluid after the second-stage 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, the fourth outer surface and the first groove have a gap fit to form a guide portion, the fourth outer surface and the second groove have a gap fit to form a contraction acceleration portion, and the fourth outer surface and the third groove have a gap fit 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 gusset 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 provided 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.

[0017] The advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are that 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, it has a simple structure and compact size, which 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, which matches the shape of the passenger car body. In addition, compared with the traditional water spray nozzle device, this device consumes less cleaning fluid, is not prone to bumps and damage, and is more practical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This 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 This 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 Schematic diagram of the nozzle structure from 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 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view from another angle of the nozzle structure in an 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 are not to be construed as limitations on the present application. In addition, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other unless there is a conflict. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this 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 expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the 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 circulating pressure fluid is provided in the nozzle structure, an input channel 5 for communicating with a pressure fluid source and a fluid outlet 13 for applying 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 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 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, the expansion acceleration part 14 is used to transport the first-stage accelerated pressure fluid to the expansion acceleration part The accelerated pressure fluid undergoes secondary acceleration and the pressure fluid after secondary acceleration is transported to the fluid outlet 13 for spraying out; it should be noted that the pressure fluid can be pressurized dry gas, humid gas, water mist and water flow. The pressure fluid enters the guide part through one side of the input channel 5, and the pressure fluid flows from the guide part into the contraction acceleration part. When flowing through the contraction acceleration part, it will undergo primary acceleration. Then the pressure fluid flows from the contraction acceleration part into the expansion acceleration part 14, and when flowing through the expansion acceleration part 14, it will undergo secondary acceleration to form a high-speed fluid, and finally sprayed out from the fluid outlet 13. The same nozzle structure can be used to spray different fluids and realize multiple cleaning modes. 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, matching the shape of the passenger car body.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, the present application can use different cleaning modes according to different cleaning needs to clean different types of dirt, making cleaning more efficient and faster. 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; 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 the water mist, and then pressurized gas can be introduced multiple times to clean the residual liquid in the sensor sensing area by a separate 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 flushed with the airflow of pressurized gas. Compared with the traditional water spray nozzle device, the consumption of cleaning liquid can be effectively reduced.

[0030] In one 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 pressurized 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 one possible embodiment, the nozzle base 1 is an arc-shaped structure, and a first outer surface 3 is provided 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 thorough cleaning of the arc-shaped outer contour surface 9 of the sensor sensing area, thereby ensuring the accuracy of sensor detection.

[0032] In one 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 embodiment, the third groove 8 is configured as a fan-shaped expansion port 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 embodiment, the input channel 5 can be set 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 to transport the pressure fluid source into the first groove 6.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, 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 can be used, such as snap-on fixation. The selection can be made according to actual needs and is not limited here.

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

[0037] In one possible embodiment, since the appearance of the sensing area of ​​the sensor is an arc-shaped structure, the nozzle base 1 is correspondingly designed into 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 one possible implementation, Figure 1-2 、 Figure 4-6 As shown, the nozzle structure also includes a gusset plate 2 fixedly connected to the nozzle base 1, and the gusset plate 2 is an arc-shaped structure. A fourth outer surface 11 is provided on the gusset 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 embodiment, the connection between the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2 can be achieved by screw connection, or other forms of connection can be used, such as snap 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 no longer 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 portion formed by the gap fit between the fourth outer surface 11 and the first groove 6, the contraction acceleration portion formed by the gap fit between the fourth outer surface 11 and the second groove 7, and the expansion acceleration portion 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 portion, and then expands outward from small to large to the fluid outlet 13. The pressure fluid in the guide unit flows into the guide portion under high pressure, passes through the contraction acceleration portion, and is ejected from the expansion acceleration portion 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 one 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 one possible embodiment, in order to improve the acceleration effect, the present application also sets the extended acceleration part 14 to a structure that is contracted 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 of the sensor sensing area.

[0043] In a possible implementation, 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 embodiment, 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 can be provided between the nozzle base 1 and the buckle plate 2, wherein the sealing structure can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the sealing structure can 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, no limitation is made here.

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

[0046] In a possible embodiment, since the appearance of the sensing area of ​​the sensor is an arc-shaped structure, the buckle plate 2 is also designed to be an arc-shaped structure accordingly, 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 one possible implementation, Figure 2 、 Figure 4-5 As shown, the fluid outlet 13 is provided 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 embodiment, the connection between the nozzle structure and the sensor can be screw connection, or other forms of connection can be used, such as fixing the nozzle structure and the sensor together on a structural member. The selection can be made 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 method between the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2, it is judged according to the actual situation whether it is necessary to install a sealing structure between the nozzle base 1 and the gusset plate 2. 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 and the sensor are integrated and assembled. 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. If 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 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 are suitable for various cleaning needs of the sensor sensing area, making the cleaning of the sensor sensing area more efficient and convenient.

[0050] Obviously, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various steps of the present invention described above can be performed in different ways than the present invention, and that simulation methods and experimental equipment include but are not limited to those described above. The various steps of the present invention described above can, in some cases, be performed in a different order than that shown here, and the steps shown or described above can be performed separately. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0051] The above content is a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention cannot be considered to be limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art of the present invention, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made, which should be considered to fall 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 is fitted with the arc-shaped outer contour surface of the sensor sensing area, and a flow 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 flow guide unit, and the flow guide unit is connected to the fluid outlet. The flow guide unit includes a flow guide portion, a contraction acceleration portion, and an expansion acceleration portion that are connected in sequence. The flow guide portion is used to transport the pressure fluid to the contraction acceleration portion. The contraction acceleration portion is used to perform a first-stage acceleration on the pressure fluid transported into the contraction acceleration portion and transport the pressure fluid after the first-stage acceleration to the expansion acceleration portion. The expansion acceleration portion is used to perform a second-stage acceleration on the pressure fluid after the first-stage acceleration and transport the pressure fluid after the second-stage acceleration to the fluid outlet for spraying. 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-shaped structure and is arranged along the longitudinal extension direction of the nozzle base, and is used to transport the pressurized fluid along the longitudinal extension direction of the nozzle base, each second groove is respectively connected to the first groove and one third groove, and multiple second grooves and third grooves are arranged along the longitudinal extension direction of the nozzle base; The third groove is a fan-shaped expansion opening, and the bottom surface of the third groove is a third outer surface; The nozzle structure further includes a gusset plate fixedly connected to the nozzle base, the gusset plate being an arc-shaped structure, and provided with a fourth outer surface on the gusset plate, the fourth outer surface being in contact with the first outer surface, the fourth outer surface being gap-fitted with the first groove to form a flow guide portion, the fourth outer surface being gap-fitted with the second groove to form a contraction acceleration portion, and the fourth outer surface being gap-fitted with the third groove to form an expansion acceleration portion; The expansion acceleration portion is arranged in a contraction shape along the flow direction of the pressure fluid; The gusset 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; 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.

2. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input channel is communicated with the first groove.

3. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 1, 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.

4. A curved surface cleaning device according to claim 1, 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.

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