Cleaning system for lidar sensor with view area
By introducing a first and second space units into the cleaning system, the space unit spaces the cleaning arm from the viewing area and edge area of the lidar sensor, solving the problem of high load and resistance of the cleaning arm in the prior art, achieving a more efficient cleaning process and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411702329.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-27
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-27
AI Technical Summary
The method used in the prior art for cleaning lidar sensors is difficult to effectively reduce the load and resistance of the cleaning arm, especially in the edge area, and the manufacturing and installation costs are relatively high.
A cleaning system with a first and a second space units is employed through which the cleaning arm is spaced from the viewing area and edge areas, reducing the resistance between the movement of the cleaning arm and the housing, and reducing manufacturing and installation costs.
Significantly reduces the lip load on the cleaning arm, reduces the risk of blockage in the cleaning arm at the edge area, and saves manufacturing and installation costs through optimized design.
Smart Images
Figure CN120039221A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system for a lidar sensor having a viewing area and a vehicle. Background Art
[0002] Currently, there are various different solutions in the vehicle field for cleaning the surface of lidar sensors. Due to the increasing number of cleaning methods and the increasing quality requirements, the demand for innovative and robust cleaning methods is constantly increasing.
[0003] In the vehicle field, the continuous reduction of weight to reduce consumption and the increasing competition have created cost pressure, so there is an even greater need for inexpensive and more efficient vehicle components. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The cleaning system according to the invention for a lidar sensor having a viewing area with the features of claim 1 has the following advantages compared to known cleaning systems: It is possible to significantly reduce the load on the wiper lip of the cleaning arm, and at the same time, the resistance between the movement of the cleaning arm and the housing can be reduced by means of the spacer unit. More preferably, jamming or the like of the cleaning arm in the edge region is further reduced. More preferably, the manufacturing and installation costs can be further reduced by means of the first spacer unit and the second spacer unit of the cleaning system.
[0005] According to the invention, this is achieved in that the cleaning system for the lidar sensor has a viewing area. In addition, the cleaning system has a cleaning arm which is designed to clean the viewing area. In addition, the cleaning system has a housing, wherein the cleaning arm is movable relative to the housing, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the viewing area to form an edge region, and wherein the cleaning system has a first spacer unit and a second spacer unit, and wherein the first spacer unit and the second spacer unit are designed to space the cleaning arm apart from the viewing area and / or the edge region when the cleaning arm is outside the viewing area.
[0006] In other words, the cleaning arm can be lifted from the viewing area or the edge area by means of the first spacing unit and the second spacing unit, so that the cleaning arm does not move along the housing when it is outside the viewing area, so that the load on the cleaning arm or its wiper lip can be further reduced. For example, the cleaning system has a housing that abuts against the lidar sensor or partially surrounds the lidar sensor. Here, the housing can in particular abut against the viewing area of the lidar sensor. Preferably, only the viewing area of the lidar sensor is cleaned by the cleaning arm and not the housing, because this is not required to generate measurement values. In order to keep the wear at the cleaning arm as low as possible, the cleaning system has a first spacing unit and a second spacing unit, which can be arranged at the housing and / or at the cleaning arm. Here, the first spacing unit and the second spacing unit are arranged such that when the cleaning arm moves into the viewing area close to the edge area, the cleaning arm is spaced apart from the surface of the viewing area such that the wiper element of the cleaning arm does not contact the housing.
[0007] The dependent claims show preferred modifications of the invention.
[0008] Preferably, the first spacing unit has a first ramp element, wherein the second spacing unit has a second ramp element.
[0009] The advantage of this embodiment is that the first ramp unit and the second ramp unit are integrally or monolithically constructed with the cleaning arm or the housing, so as to thereby separate the wiper lip of the cleaning arm from the viewing area.
[0010] Preferably, the first spacing unit has a third ramp element, wherein the second spacing unit has a rolling element. The advantage of this embodiment is that the friction between the cleaning arm and the housing is reduced by the rolling element, because the friction can be reduced by means of the rolling effect, so as to thereby in particular save drive energy or a smaller motor can be preset on the cleaning system.
[0011] More preferably, the cleaning arm can be deflected about an axis arranged substantially parallel to the viewing area by means of a deflection point, wherein the cleaning arm has an angle with respect to the viewing area, and wherein the first spacing unit and / or the second spacing unit are configured such that when the cleaning arm is in the edge area, the angle is increased to a predetermined value.
[0012] The advantage of this embodiment is that a pre-tightening force of the cleaning arm onto the viewing area can be provided by means of a spring, and at the same time the cleaning arm can be spaced apart from the housing when it is in the edge area, because the spacing unit and the second spacing unit deflect the cleaning arm about the axis by overcoming in particular the pre-tightening force of the cleaning arm by means of the deflection point. Thus, a particularly advantageous cleaning system can be produced, because only corresponding ramp elements or rolling elements need to be preset on the first spacing unit or the second spacing unit.
[0013] More preferably, the third ramp element has a first slope and a second slope, wherein the first slope and the second slope are different from each other such that the contact surface of the third ramp element abuts against the rolling element.
[0014] The advantage of this embodiment is that if the rolling element is tilted relative to the ramp element while the angle of the ramp element is constant on the movement path of the rolling element to the ramp element, a part of the rolling element will be subjected to a load higher than the average level. Therefore, the third ramp element can be adjusted by the first slope and the second slope such that, particularly on the movement path of the rolling element through the third ramp element, the contact surface substantially completely abuts against the rolling element, so that the load on the rolling element can be further reduced thereby.
[0015] Preferably, the rolling element has three mounting points, wherein the first slope and the second slope are configured to abut the three mounting points against the contact surface.
[0016] The advantage of this embodiment is that the mounting forces abutting against the rolling element are distributed as evenly as possible on the mounting surface of the rolling element and thus wear can be further reduced. For example, the first mounting point of the rolling element can be arranged on the first edge of the rolling element, where the second mounting point of the rolling element can be arranged at the center of the mounting surface of the rolling element, and the third mounting point of the rolling element can be arranged on the second edge of the mounting surface of the rolling element. More preferably, the first slope and the second slope can be adjusted such that the mounting surface of the rolling element substantially completely abuts against the contact surface of the third ramp element.
[0017] More preferably, the rolling element has an elastic ring which is configured to abut against the third ramp element.
[0018] The advantage of this embodiment is that when the rolling element collides with the third ramp element, the elastic deformation of the rolling element or the elastic ring helps to further reduce the frictional force between the elastic ring or the rolling element and the ramp element.
[0019] More preferably, the cleaning arm has a recess which is configured to receive the rolling element.
[0020] The advantage of this embodiment is that when manufacturing the cleaning arm, the recess can be integrally or monolithically formed by means of an injection molding process or a similar process, so as to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cleaning arm thereby.
[0021] More preferably, the cleaning arm has a holding element in which the rolling element can be arranged, wherein the holding element and the cleaning arm form a force-locking, material-locking and / or form-locking connection.
[0022] The advantage of this embodiment is that the holding element can be snapped into the cleaning arm, for example, by a clamping connection, so that the installation process of the cleaning arm can be further simplified.
[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a cleaning system as described above and as described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0025] Figures 1 to 5b A cleaning system according to an embodiment is shown;
[0026] Figure 6 A diagram for showing the mode of operation of the cleaning system according to an embodiment is shown;
[0027] Figures 7a to 8b A cleaning system according to an embodiment is shown;
[0028] Figure 9 A vehicle according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Preferably, all identical components, elements, and / or units in all the drawings are provided with the same reference numerals.
[0030] Figure 1 A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 for a lidar sensor 200 having a viewing area (Blickfeld) 204 preferably has a cleaning arm 12 which is configured to clean the viewing area 204. More preferably, the cleaning system 10 includes a housing 14, wherein the cleaning arm 12 is movable relative to the housing 14. The housing 14 can at least partially surround the viewing area 204 to form an edge region 16. In addition, the cleaning system 10 has a first spacer unit 18 and a second spacer unit 20, wherein the first spacer unit 18 and the second spacer unit 20 are configured to space the cleaning arm 12 from the viewing area 204 and / or the edge region 16 when the cleaning arm 12 is outside the viewing area 204.
[0031] Figure 2 A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 is preferably arranged on the lidar sensor 200. The lidar sensor 200 preferably has a viewing area 204. In order to clean the viewing area 204, the cleaning arm 12 can move between a first position 13 and a second position 15. More preferably, the cleaning arm 12 is spaced from the edge region 16 at the first position 13 and at the second position 15.
[0032] Figure 3aShows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a cleaning arm 12. In addition, the cleaning system 12 preferably includes a housing 14. As Figure 3a shown, a first spacer unit 18 is preferably arranged on the housing 14. A second spacer unit 20 is preferably arranged on the cleaning arm 12. The first spacer unit 18 preferably includes a third ramp element 26. More preferably, the second spacer unit 20 includes a rolling element 28. As Figure 3a shown, the rolling element 28 is preferably placed on the third ramp element 26 so as to space the cleaning arm 12 from the edge region 26 or the viewing area 204.
[0033] Figure 3b Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. Here, the cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm 12 and a housing 14. A first spacer unit 18 is arranged on the housing 14. A second spacer unit 20 is preferably arranged on the cleaning arm 12. The first spacer unit preferably includes a first ramp element 22. The cleaning arm 12 or the second spacer unit 20 preferably includes a second ramp element 24. Here, the first ramp element 22 and the second ramp element 24 are preferably constructed such that the cleaning arm 12 is spaced from the edge region 16 or the viewing area 204.
[0034] Figure 4a Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm 12 and a housing 14. In addition, a first spacer unit 18 can be arranged at the housing 14, wherein the first spacer unit 18 has a third ramp element 26. Here, a second spacer unit 20 can be arranged on the cleaning arm 12, which second spacer unit includes a rolling element 28. Preferably, in Figure 4a shown is the cleaning system 10 or the cleaning arm 12 in a relative position 25, in which the rolling element 28 first makes contact with the third ramp element 26.
[0035] Figure 4b Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a construction similar to that Figure 4a shown. Here, preferably shown is the cleaning system 10 in a second relative position 27, starting from which the cleaning arm 12 is spaced from the viewing area 204 and / or the edge region 16.
[0036] Figure 4c Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a construction similar to that Figure 4a and Figure 4bA similar configuration as shown. The cleaning system 10 is preferably in the third relative position 31, in which the cleaning arm 12 is completely spaced apart from the viewing area 204 and / or the edge region 16. Accordingly, the cleaning arm 12 is in the first position 13 and / or the second position 15.
[0037] Figure 5a An embodiment of the cleaning system 10 is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm having a first spacing unit 20, the first spacing unit including a rolling element 28. Additionally, the cleaning system 10 preferably has a housing 14 on which a first spacing unit 18 is arranged, the first spacing unit having a third ramp element 26. As Figure 5a shown, if the offset between the support point of the rolling element and the contact surface of the ramp element is too large, a gap 29 will occur between the rolling element 28 and the third ramp element 26.
[0038] Figure 5b A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a housing 26 having a first spacing unit 18 into which a third ramp element 26 can be arranged. More preferably, the cleaning system 10 includes a cleaning arm 12 that can be deflected about an axis 32 that is substantially parallel to the viewing area 204 by a deflection point 30. More preferably, the cleaning arm 12 has an angle 34 relative to the viewing area 204. The first spacing unit 18 and / or the second spacing unit 20 are preferably configured to increase the angle 34 to a predetermined value when the cleaning arm 12 is in the edge region 16. More preferably, the third ramp element 26 has a contact surface 36. Here, the contact surface 36 can in particular be configured with a first slope and / or a second slope such that the support surface of the rolling element 28 substantially completely abuts against the contact surface 36. More preferably, the rolling element 28 can have three mounting points 30, 40, 42, wherein the first slope and the second slope are set to cause these three mounting points 38, 40, 42 to abut against the contact surface 36. As Figure 5b shown, the first mounting point 38 is preferably the lower edge of the rolling element, the second mounting point 40 is the center point of the rolling element 28, and the third mounting point 42 is located on the second edge of the rolling element.
[0039] Figure 6A diagram 300 is shown for illustrating the mode of operation of a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. Here, the diagram 300 preferably has a first axis 302, which indicates the lifting height between the wiper blade of the cleaning arm 12 and the viewing area 204 or the edge area 16. In addition, the diagram 300 preferably has a second axis 304, which indicates the movement path of the cleaning arm 12. The diagram 300 preferably includes a first variation curve 39, which represents the distance at the first placement point 38. More preferably, the diagram 300 has a second variation curve 41, which represents the variation curve of the second placement point 40. More preferably, the diagram 300 includes a third variation curve 43, which represents the second placement point 42.
[0040] Figure 7a A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a first spacer unit 18, which has rolling elements 28. In addition, the cleaning system 10 has a second spacer unit 20. At the contact point 43 between the elastic ring 44 of the rolling element 28 and the second spacer unit 20, the elastic ring 44 can at least partially absorb shocks or minimize the friction caused by the elastic ring 44.
[0041] Figure 7b A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes rolling elements 28, which have an elastic ring 44 made of, for example, rubber in the circumferential direction.
[0042] Figure 8a A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm 12. The cleaning arm 12 preferably has a recess 46. The rolling elements 28 are preferably arranged in the recess 46.
[0043] Figure 8b A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm 12. A holding element 48 is arranged on the cleaning arm 12, in particular by material locking, force locking and / or form locking connections. The recess 46 can be arranged on the holding element 48.
[0044] Figure 9 A vehicle 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The vehicle 100 as described above and below preferably has a cleaning system 10 as described above and below. More preferably, the vehicle 100 includes a lidar sensor 200.
Claims
1. A cleaning system (10) for a laser radar sensor (200) having a viewing area (204), the cleaning system comprising: a cleaning arm (12) which is designed to clean the viewing area (204), - a housing (14), wherein The cleaning arm (12) is movable relative to the housing (14), wherein the housing (14) at least partially surrounds a viewing area (204) to form an edge area (16), wherein the cleaning system (10) has a first spacing unit (18) and a second spacing unit (20), wherein the first spacing unit (18) and the second spacing unit (20) are configured to space the cleaning arm (12) from the viewing area (204) and / or the edge area (16) when the cleaning arm (12) is located outside the viewing area (204).
2. The cleaning system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The first spacing unit (18) has a first ramp element (22), wherein the second spacing unit (20) has a second ramp element (24).
3. The cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first spacing unit (18) has a third ramp element (26), and the second spacing unit (20) has a rolling element (28).
4. The cleaning system (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The cleaning arm (12) can be deflected via a deflection point (30) about an axis (32) arranged essentially parallel to the viewing area (204), wherein the cleaning arm (12) has an angle (34) relative to the viewing area (204), wherein the first spacing unit (18) and / or the second spacing unit (20) are designed to increase the angle (34) to a predetermined value when the cleaning arm (12) is located in the edge area (16).
5. The cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein: The third ramp element (26) has a first slope and a second slope, wherein the first slope and the second slope are different from each other, so that a contact surface (36) of the third ramp element (26) abuts against the rolling element (28).
6. The cleaning system (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The rolling element (28) has three contact points (38, 40, 42), wherein the first inclination and the second inclination are designed to cause the three contact points (38, 40, 42) to abut against the contact surface (36).
7. The cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The rolling element (28) has an elastic ring (44) which is designed to abut against the third ramp element (26).
8. The cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The cleaning arm (12) has a recess (46) which is designed to receive the rolling element (28).
9. The cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein: The cleaning arm (12) has a retaining element (48), on which the rolling element (28) can be arranged, wherein the retaining element (48) and the cleaning arm (12) form a non-positive, material-locking and / or positive-locking connection.
10. A vehicle (100) having a cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims.