Cleaning system for lidar sensor
By using spring units to provide preloading force in the cleaning system of lidar sensors, the slipping problem caused by insufficient force transmission in the prior art is solved, and a more stable and efficient cleaning effect is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411723754.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-29
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-30
AI Technical Summary
The systems used in existing vehicles for cleaning the surface of the lidar sensor are difficult to provide sufficient force transmission, resulting in slippage between the drive device and the belt transmission device, affecting the cleaning effect and the long-term stability of the system.
A cleaning system for lidar sensors is designed, using a spring unit to provide preloading force of the force conduction element to ensure that the movement of the cleaning arm in the field of view of the lidar sensor can be stable and without slippage.
By increasing the preloading force of the force conduction element, the slip between the drive device and the belt transmission device is prevented, the stability and cleaning effect of the cleaning system are improved, and maintenance consumption is reduced.
Smart Images
Figure CN120056927A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system for a lidar sensor and a vehicle. Background Art
[0002] Currently, in the field of vehicles, there are many different solutions for cleaning the surface of sensors. The increasing number of sensor surfaces and the increasing requirements for cleaning quality continuously raise the demand for innovative and robust cleaning systems.
[0003] In the field of vehicles, the continuous reduction of weight to reduce consumption and the increasing competition both cause cost pressure, which more strongly requires cheaper and more effective vehicle components. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Compared with known cleaning systems, the cleaning system for a lidar sensor according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the following advantages, namely: it is possible to provide an increased pre-tensioning force of a force transmission element, such as a belt drive, so that slippage between the drive device and the belt drive can be prevented. Here, an increased pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element may be required especially due to the back-and-forth or front-and-back movement of the cleaning arm over the field of view of the lidar sensor, and this pre-tensioning force can be provided by means of a spring unit. In addition, preferably, the maintenance effort for increasing the pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element is reduced because the spring unit can continuously maintain the pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element within a relatively long operating range of the cleaning system.
[0005] This is achieved according to the invention in that: a cleaning system for a lidar sensor having a field of view has a cleaning arm. The cleaning arm is configured to clean the field of view. The cleaning system has a drive system configured to displace the cleaning arm in order to clean the field of view, wherein the drive system has a force transmission element, wherein the cleaning arm can be arranged on the force transmission element, wherein the cleaning arm has a gap, wherein the cleaning arm has a spring unit, wherein the spring unit is arranged in the gap, and wherein the spring unit is configured to provide the pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element.
[0006] In other words, it is possible to provide a tensile connection or a compressive connection or a similar connection by means of the spring unit, which increases or provides the pre-tensioning force of a force transmission element, such as a belt drive. In addition, preferably, the cleaning system for the lidar sensor is arranged on the outer surface of the lidar sensor. Preferably, the cleaning system has a drive device, such as an electric motor. In addition, preferably, the cleaning system has first and second turning points at which the force transmission element is guided.
[0007] Furthermore, preferably, the electric drive device can be connected to the steering point such that the cleaning arm can be displaced or moved over the field of view of the lidar sensor. Here, it is decisive that sufficient pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element is provided not only for left / right movement but also for front / rear movement. Here, especially within the operating duration of the cleaning system, the pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element may continuously decrease. To prevent this, a spring unit can be provided, which can be arranged on the cleaning arm in particular. Here, the cleaning arm preferably has a void to protect the spring unit from environmental influences and the like. The spring unit can constitute a pre-tensioning force acting on a grasping transmission element (such as a belt drive) by means of tension and / or pressure in order to provide the pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element for the drive system of the cleaning system.
[0008] The dependent claims illustrate preferred refinements of the invention.
[0009] Preferably, the cleaning arm has a sliding element movably arranged in the void, wherein the sliding element and the wall of the void are configured to form a friction-locked connection.
[0010] The advantage of this embodiment is that the sliding element is guided in the void, thus suppressing hooking or tilting of the sliding element, so that the spring action of the spring unit can be provided unhindered between the sliding element and the void.
[0011] Furthermore, preferably, the friction-locked connection is provided for buffering the cleaning arm.
[0012] The advantage of this embodiment is that when environmental influences or similar influences act on the cleaning arm, these environmental influences or similar influences are not directly transmitted to the force transmission element, because the load on the force transmission element and / or the drive device of the force transmission element is carefully handled by the friction-locked connection and / or the buffering action of the spring unit.
[0013] Preferably, the force transmission element has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the cleaning arm and the second end is fixed to the sliding element such that the spring unit forms a pre-tensioning force between the sliding element and the cleaning arm.
[0014] The advantage of this embodiment is that the spring unit is protected by the sliding element and the cleaning arm or its void, especially from environmental influences. Therefore, a particularly high service life of the spring unit can be provided.
[0015] Furthermore, preferably, the force transmission element is an open belt drive or a similar device. Thus, the belt drive can have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the cleaning arm and the second end is fixed to the sliding element.
[0016] Preferably, the spring unit has at least one first leaf spring, which is arranged in a gap, wherein the first leaf spring has a first profile, and the first profile is configured to provide a pre-tightening force for the force transmission element.
[0017] The advantage of this embodiment is that through functional integration, multiple functions in a single component can be further reduced. In particular, the first leaf spring can further reduce the manufacturing cost of the cleaning system. Here, the leaf spring can not only provide a friction-locking connection with the force transmission element, but also provide a pre-tightening force for the force transmission element.
[0018] Furthermore, preferably, the first leaf spring has a longitudinal extension direction. Here, the first profile of the leaf spring, especially the outer profile, defines an extension geometry extending along the longitudinal extension of the leaf spring.
[0019] In addition, preferably, the spring unit has a second leaf spring, wherein the second leaf spring has a second profile, wherein the first profile and the second profile are substantially the same, and the force transmission element abuts at least partially against the first profile and the second profile.
[0020] The advantage of this embodiment is that the first profile and the second profile can be configured for guiding the force transmission element, so that the assembly of the force transmission element on the first and second leaf springs can be simplified. Here, "substantially the same" means a shape deviation especially between 1% and 50%.
[0021] Preferably, the force transmission element is configured to have a friction-fit connection with the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring to provide a buffering effect.
[0022] The advantage of this embodiment is that environmental influences on the friction arm and the like cannot be directly transmitted to the drive system of the force transmission element and / or vice versa, thereby further increasing the service life of the cleaning system.
[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the first profile and the second profile are S-shaped starting from the connection point of the first leaf spring and / or the second leaf spring to provide a pre-tightening force for the force transmission element.
[0024] The advantage of this embodiment is that the required structural space of the spring unit can be significantly reduced, because with the S-shaped profiles of the first and second leaf springs, a higher offset can be provided with a smaller structural space to provide a pre-tightening force for the force transmission element.
[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the gap has a first side and a second side, on which a third leaf spring is arranged on the first side and a fourth leaf spring is arranged on the second side, wherein the third leaf spring has a first rounded portion and the fourth leaf spring has a second rounded portion, and the first rounded portion and the second rounded portion are configured to offset the force transmission element at least partially relative to each other in order to provide a pre-tightening force for the force transmission element.
[0026] The advantage of this embodiment is that the pre-tightening force of the force transmission element can be adjusted purposefully by the opposed arrangement of the third and fourth leaf springs in the gap.
[0027] Furthermore, preferably, the reliability of the cleaning system is further improved because if the third leaf spring or the fourth leaf spring exerts a reduced pre-tightening effect, this pre-tightening effect can be compensated by the corresponding other leaf spring. For example, the first rounded portion of the third leaf spring can form a first force direction, and the second rounded portion of the fourth leaf spring can form a second force direction, and the first force direction and the second force direction are particularly arranged opposite to each other.
[0028] Furthermore, preferably, the first rounded portion and the second rounded portion are configured to: form a friction-locked connection between the third leaf spring and / or the fourth leaf spring and the force transmission element in order to provide a buffering effect.
[0029] The advantage of this embodiment is that, by means of the buffering effect, a force surface acts on the cleaning arm and / or the drive system and is not directly transmitted between these two components, because the buffering caused by the third leaf spring and the fourth leaf spring preferably does not perform a direct force transmission.
[0030] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle having a cleaning system as described above and below. Description of the Drawings
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:
[0032] Figures 1 to 7c A cleaning system according to an embodiment is shown.
[0033] Figure 8 A vehicle according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiment
[0034] Preferably, all identical components, elements, and / or units are provided with the same reference numerals in all the drawings.
[0035] Figure 1Shows a cleaning system 10 for a lidar sensor 200 having a field of view 202. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a cleaning arm 12 which is configured to clean the field of view 202. Additionally, preferably, the cleaning system has a drive system 14 which is configured to displace the cleaning arm 12 in order to clean the field of view 202. Preferably, the drive system 14 has a force transmission element 16, where the cleaning arm 12 is arranged on the force transmission element 16, where the cleaning arm 12 has a void 18, where the cleaning arm 12 has a spring unit 20, where the spring unit 20 is arranged in the void 18, and where the spring unit 20 is configured to provide a pre-tensioning force for the force transmission element 16.
[0036] Figure 2 Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a cleaning arm 12 with a void 18. A sliding element 22 is particularly movably arranged in the void 18. The force transmission element 16 is arranged on the sliding element 22. Here, in particular, a second end 28 can be arranged on the sliding element 22. Additionally, preferably, the force transmission element 16 is arranged on the cleaning arm 12. In particular, a first end 26 of the force transmission element 16 is arranged on the cleaning arm 12. Additionally, preferably, the cleaning system 10 includes a spring unit 20. As Figure 2 shown, the spring unit 20 preferably connects the sliding element 22 to the cleaning arm 12. Thus, the spring unit 20 can connect the sliding element 22 to the cleaning arm 12 in order to provide a pre-tensioning force for the force transmission element 16. Additionally, preferably, the void 18 has a wall 24. Preferably, the sliding element 22 and the wall 24 of the void 18 are configured to form a friction-locking connection. Additionally, preferably, the friction-locking connection is configured to provide a buffering effect for the cleaning arm 12.
[0037] Figure 3a Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 can include a cleaning arm 12. In the cleaning arm 12, a sliding element 22 is arranged in the void 18, and the sliding element 22 is supported movably relative to the void 18. A second end 28 of the force transmission element 16 can be arranged on the sliding element 22. Additionally, preferably, the force transmission element 16 can be arranged on the cleaning arm 12. Here, the spring unit 20 preferably can connect the sliding element 22 to the cleaning arm 12, so as to be able to provide a pre-tensioning force on the force transmission element 16. Figure 3a Shows the situation where the pre-tensioning force of the force transmission element 16 is relatively small, so that the offset between the sliding element 22 and the cleaning arm 12 is small.
[0038] Figure 3b Shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 3b The cleaning system 10 has the same as Figure 3aa cleaning system 10 similar in construction. Preferably Figure 3b The cleaning system 10 in is shown when the offset between the sliding element 22 and the cleaning arm 12 increases. Thus, the pre-tension force of the force transmission element 16 can be increased.
[0039] Figure 3c A cleaning system 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a construction similar to that of Figure 3a and 3b a cleaning system 10 similar in construction. Preferably Figure 3c The cleaning system 10 in is in a state that shows the preferred maximum offset between the sliding element 22 and the cleaning arm 12. Thus, the force transmission element 16 can have a high pre-tension force.
[0040] Figure 4 A cleaning system 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm 12. The cleaning arm 12 preferably can have a gap 18 here. A force transmission element 16 is preferably arranged in the gap 18. Preferably, the force transmission element 16 can be connected to the cleaning arm 12. Preferably, the force transmission element 16 is an annular belt drive or the like. In addition, preferably, the spring unit 20 has at least one first leaf spring 30, and the first leaf spring is arranged in the gap 18. In addition, preferably, the first leaf spring 30 has a first profile 32, and the first profile is configured to provide a pre-tension force for the force transmission element 16. The spring unit 20 preferably has a second leaf spring 34, and the second leaf spring 34 has a second profile 36. As shown in Figure 4 the first profile 32 and the second profile 36 are substantially preferably the same. In addition, preferably, the force transmission element 16 abuts at least partially against the first profile 32 and / or the second profile 36. As shown in Figure 4 the first leaf spring 30 and the second leaf spring 34 are arranged on the force transmission element 16 in a substantially form-locking manner. Preferably, the first profile 32 and the second profile 36 particularly form an S shape, so that a pre-tension force for the force transmission element 16 can be provided. The S shape of the first leaf spring 30 and the second leaf spring 34 can be particularly described according to the connection point 38 of the first leaf spring 30 and / or the second leaf spring 34, as shown in Figure 4 this in
[0041] Figure 5aFIG. 0 shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a cleaning arm 12 with a gap 18. A force transmission element 16 is preferably arranged in the gap 18. In addition, preferably, a first leaf spring element 30 and a second leaf spring element 34 are arranged in the gap 18. In addition, preferably, the first leaf spring element 30 has a first profile 32, and the second leaf spring element 34 preferably has a second profile 36. In addition, preferably, the first profile 32 and the second profile 34 form a form-fitting connection with the force transmission element 16 in order to thereby provide a pre-tensioning force for the force transmission element 16. As shown in Figure 5a As shown, preferably the first leaf spring 30 and the second leaf spring 34 are in an initial or non-offset position, thereby applying a small pre-tensioning force to the force transmission element 16.
[0042] Figure 5b FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a construction similar to that of the cleaning system 10 in Figure 5a As shown in Figure 5b As shown, the first leaf spring 30 and the second leaf spring 34 are at least partially offset or turned so as to be able to provide an increased pre-tensioning force on the force transmission element 16.
[0043] Figure 5c FIG. 14 shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a construction similar to that of the cleaning system 10 as shown in Figure 5a and 5b As shown. Preferably, the first leaf spring 30 and the second leaf spring 34 have a substantially maximum elongation or offset so as to be able to provide a preferably maximum pre-tensioning force for the force transmission element.
[0044] Figure 6 FIG. 22 shows a cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The cleaning system 10 preferably includes a cleaning arm 12 here. The cleaning arm 12 has a gap 18 which has a first side 40 and a second side 42. Preferably, a third leaf spring 44 is arranged on the first side 40 and a fourth leaf spring 46 is arranged on the second side 42. Preferably, the third leaf spring 44 has a first rounded portion 48 and the fourth leaf spring 46 has a second rounded portion 50. In addition, preferably, the first rounded portion 48 and the second rounded portion 50 are provided for at least partially offsetting the force transmission element 16 relative to each other in order to provide a pre-tensioning force for the force transmission element 16. As shown in Figure 6 As shown, preferably the third leaf spring 44 has a first offset direction which is arranged especially opposite to the offset direction of the fourth leaf spring 46 in order to thereby be able to provide a pre-tensioning force for the force transmission element 16.
[0045] Furthermore, preferably, a fifth leaf spring 49 having a fifth rounded portion 51 can be arranged on the first side 40 of the gap 18. Here, the first rounded portion 48, the second rounded portion 50, and the third rounded portion 51 can be configured to offset the force transmission element 16 relative to each other, so that a pre-tightening force of the force transmission element 16 can be provided.
[0046] Furthermore, preferably, the first rounded portion 48 and the second rounded portion 50 are configured to: form a friction-locked connection between the third leaf spring 44 and / or the fourth leaf spring 46 and the force transmission element 16, so as to provide a buffering effect. As shown in Figure 6 , preferably, a substantially form-locked connection can be formed between the first rounded portion 48 and the second rounded portion 50 and the force transmission element 16, so as to particularly provide a friction-locked connection between these components, thereby providing a buffering effect.
[0047] Figure 7a A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. For this purpose, the cleaning system 10 preferably has a cleaning arm 12. The cleaning arm 12 includes a bore 18 having a first side 40 and a second side 42. Preferably, a third leaf spring 44 is arranged on the first side 42 and a fourth leaf spring 46 is arranged on the second side 42. The third leaf spring 44 preferably has a first rounded portion 48 and the fourth leaf spring 46 has a second rounded portion 50. Preferably, the first rounded portion 48 and the second rounded portion 50 can offset the force transmission element 16 relative to each other, so as to thereby provide pre-tightening of the force transmission element 16. As shown in FIG. 7, preferably, the third leaf spring 44 and the fourth leaf spring 46 are substantially in their original positions, so that there is a minimum offset of the first rounded portion 48 and the second rounded portion 50. Therefore, preferably, there is a small pre-tightening force of the force transmission element 12.
[0048] Figure 7b A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a structure similar to that of the Figure 7a cleaning system 10. As shown in Figure 7b , preferably, the third leaf spring 44 and the fourth leaf spring 46 have a certain elongation because an increased pre-tightening force of the force transmission element 16 is to be provided.
[0049] Figure 7c A cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a structure similar to that of the Figure 7a and 7b cleaning system 10. As shown in Figure 7c , preferably, the third leaf spring 44 and the fourth leaf spring 46 have a substantially maximum offset, so that the maximum possible pre-tightening force of the force transmission element 16 can be provided.
[0050] Figure 8Shows a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment. The vehicle 100 preferably has a cleaning system 10 as described above and below. In addition, preferably, the vehicle 100 has a lidar sensor 200.
Claims
1. A cleaning system (10) for a lidar sensor (200) having a field of view (202), comprising: a cleaning arm (12) which is configured to clean the field of view (202), a drive system (14) configured to displace the cleaning arm (12) in order to clean the viewing area (202), - wherein the drive system (14) has a force-transmitting element (16), - wherein the cleaning arm (12) can be arranged on a force-conducting element (16), - wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a gap (18), - wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a spring unit (20), - wherein the spring unit (20) is arranged in the recess (18), The spring unit (20) is designed to provide a preload force for the force transmission element (16).
2. The cleaning system (10) according to claim 1, - wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a sliding element (22) which is movably arranged in the recess (18), The sliding element (22) and the wall (24) of the recess (18) form a friction-locking connection.
3. The cleaning system (10) according to claim 2, The friction-locking connection is designed to provide a damping effect for the cleaning arm (12).
4. The cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, - wherein the force conducting element (16) has a first end (26) and a second end (28), - wherein the first end (26) is fixed to the cleaning arm (12), The second end (28) is fastened to the sliding element (22) such that the spring unit (20) forms a preload between the sliding element (22) and the cleaning arm (12).
5. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - the spring unit (20) comprises at least one first leaf spring (30) which is arranged in the recess (18), The first leaf spring (30) has a first contour (32) which is designed to provide a preload force for the force transmission element (16).
6. Cleaning system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the spring unit (20) has a second leaf spring (34), wherein the second leaf spring (34) has a second contour (36), wherein the first contour (32) and the second contour (36) are substantially identical, wherein the force conducting element (16) at least partially rests against the first contour (32) and the second contour (36).
7. The cleaning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the force transmission element (16) forms a friction-locking connection with the first leaf spring element (30) and the second leaf spring element (34) in order to provide a damping effect.
8. A cleaning system according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the first contour (32) and the second contour (36) are S-shaped starting from the connection point (38) of the first leaf spring (30) and / or the second leaf spring (34) in order to provide a preload force for the force transmission element (16).
9. The cleaning system according to claim 5, - wherein the gap (18) has a first side (40) and a second side (42), wherein a third leaf spring (44) is arranged on the first side (40) and a fourth leaf spring (46) is arranged on the second side (42), - wherein the third leaf spring (44) has a first rounded portion (48) and the fourth leaf spring (46) has a second rounded portion (50), The first rounded portion (48) and the second rounded portion (50) are designed to at least partially deflect the force transmission element (16) relative to one another in order to provide a preload force on the force transmission element (16).
10. The cleaning system according to claim 9, The first rounded portion (48) and the second rounded portion (50) are designed to form a friction-locking connection between the third leaf spring (44) and / or the fourth leaf spring (46) and the force transmission element (16) in order to provide a damping effect.
11. A vehicle (100) having a cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.