Fluid curtain system for vehicle sensor

Abstract

A fluid curtain system for an in-vehicle sensor includes a sensor member including a first end, a second end, and a sensing surface. The sensing surface is disposed between the first end and the second end. A fluid curtain generator is disposed at one of the first end and the second end of the sensor member. The fluid curtain generator is operable to generate and direct a plurality of fluid flows at the sensor, the plurality of fluid flows forming a fluid curtain on the sensing surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle sensors, and more particularly, to a fluid curtain system for vehicle sensors. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles now include a large number of sensors. Sensors are used to detect light from oncoming vehicles, rain, people, and other vehicles. Sensors are mounted at different locations on the vehicle. The mounting location usually depends on the target object being sensed. Many sensors include a sensing surface mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. As such, the sensing surface may be covered by foreign objects such as water, dust, dirt, road debris, tire debris, etc.

[0003] Foreign objects such as dust on the sensing surface may reduce the overall efficiency of the sensor. Therefore, many manufacturers include systems for cleaning the sensing surface. The system may direct air and / or water jets through nozzles directed at the sensing surface. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system for cleaning a sensor that provides a more complete cleaning of the sensor surface. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a fluid curtain system for an on-vehicle sensor includes a sensor member including a first end, a second end, and a sensing surface. The sensing surface is arranged between the first end and the second end. A fluid curtain generator is arranged at one of the first end and the second end of the sensor member. The fluid curtain generator is operable to generate and guide multiple fluid streams at the sensor, and the multiple fluid streams form a fluid curtain on the sensing surface.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the fluid curtain generator includes a body including a rim defining a sensor member receiving area, the rim including a plurality of fluid outlets through which the plurality of fluid streams pass.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet to a plurality of fluid outlets.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the fluid inlet includes a first inlet member and a second inlet member, and the fluid channel includes a first channel portion extending from the first inlet member to the plurality of fluid outlets and a second channel portion extending from the second inlet member to the plurality of fluid outlets.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a valve is connected to the fluid inlet.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, a controller is operably connected to the valve, the controller selectively opening the valve to generate a fluid curtain over the sensing surface.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of fluid outlets has a generally rectangular cross-section.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of fluid outlets are shaped to direct the plurality of fluid streams at approximately 25° over the sensing surface.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the sensor assembly defines a LiDAR sensor.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sensor member defines a cylindrical member, and the sensing surface has an arcuate profile defining a portion of the cylindrical member.

[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a vehicle body having an outer surface and a sensor member mounted to the outer surface of the vehicle body. The sensor member includes a first end, a second end, and a sensing surface. The sensing surface is arranged between the first end and the second end. A fluid curtain generator is arranged at one of the first end and the second end of the sensor member. The fluid curtain generator is operable to generate and direct multiple fluid streams at the sensor. The multiple fluid streams form a fluid curtain on the sensing surface.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the fluid curtain generator includes a body including a rim defining a sensor member receiving area, the rim including a plurality of fluid outlets through which the plurality of fluid streams pass.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet to a plurality of fluid outlets.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the fluid inlet includes a first inlet member and a second inlet member, and the fluid channel includes a first channel portion extending from the first inlet member to the plurality of fluid outlets and a second channel portion extending from the second inlet member to the plurality of fluid outlets.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a valve is connected to the fluid inlet.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, a controller is operably connected to the valve, the controller selectively opening the valve to generate a fluid curtain over the sensing surface.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the plurality of fluid outlets has a generally rectangular cross-section.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of fluid outlets are shaped to direct the plurality of fluid streams at approximately 25° over the sensing surface.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the sensor assembly defines a LiDAR sensor.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sensor member defines a cylindrical member, and the sensing surface has an arcuate profile defining a portion of the cylindrical member.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a sensor with a fluid curtain system according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A see-through glass view of the sensor and fluid curtain system; and

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control system for a fluid curtain system according to a non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. It should be understood that in all figures, corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions.

[0030] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 20 in which a plurality of seats are arranged, as shown at 22. The seats 22 are located behind an instrument panel 26. A steering wheel 30 is arranged between the seats 22 and the instrument panel 26. The body 12 partially defines a roof 38 having an outer surface 40. A plurality of sensors 50 are mounted to the outer surface 40 of the roof 38. The number, type, and mounting location of the sensors 50 may vary. In a non-limiting example, the sensors 50 may include a first LiDAR sensor 52 and a second LiDAR sensor 54. The sensors 50 may include additional LiDAR sensors mounted to the roof 38.

[0031] Now refer to Figure 2 The first LiDAR sensor 52 is described with the understanding that the second LiDAR sensor 54 includes a similar structure. The first LiDAR sensor 52 includes a sensor member 60 having a body 62, the body 62 including a first end 64 and a second end 66 opposite the first end 64. The body 62 includes a cylindrical profile having an outer annular surface 72. In a non-limiting example, a portion of the outer annular surface 72 defines a sensing surface 74. In a non-limiting example, the sensing surface 74 extends across approximately 160° of the outer annular surface 72. The sensing surface 74 defines the portion of the sensor body through which sensing waves can be emitted and / or received.

[0032] In a non-limiting example, the sensor member 60 is connected to a fluid curtain generator 80 at a first end 64 of the body 62. Although shown as being mounted on top of the fluid curtain generator 80, it should be understood that the relative positions of the sensor member 60 and the fluid curtain generator 80 can vary. As will be described in detail herein, the fluid curtain generator 80 generates and directs a fluid curtain 82 over the sensing surface 74. At this point, it should be understood that the term "fluid curtain" describes multiple fluid streams that merge with each other and pass through substantially the entire sensing surface 74 in order to move and remove any accumulation of debris.

[0033] In a non-limiting example, the fluid curtain generator 80 includes a body member 88 having a base 90, an outer annular surface portion 92, and an annular edge 94. The annular edge 94 defines a sensor member receiving area (not separately labeled). The body member 88 supports a fluid delivery system 100 that generates and discharges the fluid curtain 82 on the sensing surface 74. The fluid delivery system 100 includes a fluid inlet 103, a plurality of outlets 105 formed in the annular edge 94, and a fluid channel 110 that delivers fluid from the fluid inlet 103 to the plurality of fluid outlets 105.

[0034] In a non-limiting example, the fluid inlet 103 includes a first fluid inlet 114 and a second fluid inlet 116 connected to the plurality of fluid outlets 105 through a first channel portion 120 and a second channel portion 122 of the fluid channel 110. The first channel portion 120 and the second channel portion 122 are embedded in the body member 88 and are fluidically connected to each other at the plurality of fluid outlets 105. In a non-limiting example, the first fluid inlet 114 and the second fluid inlet 116 are connected to a fluid source 130 through a supply conduit 132. In a non-limiting example, the fluid source can supply air to the fluid delivery system 100. In another non-limiting example, the fluid source 130 can supply liquid to the fluid delivery system 100. The valve 134 can be arranged in the supply conduit 132 between the fluid source 130 and the first fluid inlet 114 and the second inlet 116. In a non-limiting example, the fluid source 130 is a pressurized air source. The pressurized air source can take the form of a pump that delivers pressurized air to the fluid curtain generator 80.

[0035] In a non-limiting example, the fluid curtain generator 80 is connected to the controller 140, such as Figure 3 As shown. The controller 140 includes a central processing unit 142, a non-volatile memory 144, and a curtain generation module 146. At this point, although the components of the controller 140 are shown as being co-located, one or more components may be implemented in other systems. The controller 140 receives an input from the sensor member 60, which may indicate a decrease in sensor quality. Other inputs 150 including manual inputs, drive module inputs, etc. may also be used to activate the controller 140. The curtain control module 146 may then open the valve 134 and / or start the fluid source 130 to generate a fluid flow, such as an air flow, to the fluid curtain generator 80. The fluid flow passes through a plurality of outlets 105 to form a fluid curtain 82 on the sensing surface 74 to remove any debris, dust, etc., thereby improving the sensing quality.

[0036] According to another exemplary aspect, the curtain control module 146 can activate the fluid curtain generator 80 based on a predetermined time interval stored in the non-volatile memory 144. In a non-limiting example, the curtain control module 146 can control the fluid source 130 to deliver fluid to the fluid curtain generator at a first flow rate or a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. For example, the fluid can be delivered to the fluid curtain generator 80 at a first flow rate at all times when the vehicle 10 is active to maintain a clean sensing surface, and at a second flow rate to remove debris, etc. The fluid delivered to the fluid curtain generator 80 can be heated to keep the sensing surface 74 from ice. At this point, it should be understood that although described in terms of a LiDAR sensor, the specific form of the sensor can vary depending on the type of fluid.

[0037] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various aspects.

[0038] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0039] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the filing date of the present application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0040] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0041] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A fluid curtain system for a vehicle-mounted sensor, comprising: a sensor member comprising a first end, a second end, and a sensing surface disposed between the first end and the second end; as well as A fluid curtain generator is disposed at one of the first end and the second end of the sensor member, the fluid curtain generator being operable to generate and direct a plurality of fluid streams at the sensor member, the plurality of fluid streams forming a fluid curtain on the sensing surface.

2. The fluid curtain system according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid curtain generator includes a body including an edge defining a sensor member receiving area, the edge including a plurality of fluid outlets through which the plurality of fluid streams pass.

3. The fluid curtain system according to claim 2, wherein: The body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid channel connecting the fluid inlet to the plurality of fluid outlets.

4. The fluid curtain system according to claim 3, wherein: The fluid inlet includes a first inlet member and a second inlet member, and the fluid channel includes a first channel portion extending from the first inlet member to the plurality of fluid outlets and a second channel portion extending from the second inlet member to the plurality of fluid outlets.

5. The fluid curtain system of claim 3, further comprising a valve connected to the fluid inlet.

6. The fluid curtain system of claim 5, further comprising a controller operably connected to the valve, the controller selectively opening the valve to generate the fluid curtain over the sensing surface.

7. The fluid curtain system according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of fluid outlets has a generally rectangular cross-section.

8. The fluid curtain system according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of fluid outlets are shaped to direct the plurality of fluid streams at approximately 25° over the sensing surface.

9. The fluid curtain system according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor member defines a LiDAR sensor.

10. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body including the outer surface; as well as The fluid curtain system of claim 1 mounted to a vehicle body.

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