Suction device, detection system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction device (20) for a detection system of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a chamber (22), at least one fluid inlet (24) for introducing a fluid into the chamber, at least one air outlet (26) for guiding air from the chamber towards the detection system, at least one liquid discharge orifice (28) for discharging liquid from the chamber, the chamber (22) being configured to collect liquid originating from the at least one fluid inlet (24) and to direct the liquid to the at least one liquid discharge orifice (28). The invention also relates to a detection system and to a vehicle. The invention makes it possible to supply the detection system with suitable air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a suction device, a detection system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Some motor vehicles include optical sensors mounted on their roofs to detect their environment and provide the vehicle with a degree of autonomy. These sensors require cleaning to function optimally. Cleaning them can involve a combination of washing and drying. Drying can cause suction problems.

[0003] Therefore, proper suction is required to dry these sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a suction device for a detection system for motor vehicles, the suction device comprising a chamber, at least one fluid inlet into the chamber, at least one air outlet from the chamber toward the detection system, and at least one liquid discharge port for discharging liquid from the chamber, the chamber being configured to collect liquid originating from the at least one fluid inlet and guide the liquid toward the at least one liquid discharge port.

[0005] According to one variant, the at least one fluid inlet is a series of slots or elongated holes.

[0006] According to one variant, the slot is vertical.

[0007] According to one variant, the device further includes at least one filter that allows air to pass through to at least one outlet and retains liquid.

[0008] According to one variant, the device further includes a baffle for fluid circulation within the chamber.

[0009] According to one variant, the baffle is formed by a partition inserted between at least one fluid inlet and at least one air outlet.

[0010] According to one variant, the at least one fluid inlet is misaligned relative to the at least one air outlet, and this misalignment is lateral to the direction in which the fluid enters the device.

[0011] According to one variant, the liquid discharge orifice is located at the bottom of the chamber, the bottom of which is disc-shaped for discharging liquid toward the at least one liquid discharge orifice, and the at least one air outlet is located in the upper portion of the chamber.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle inspection system, including an environmental detection sensor, a blowing member for drying the sensor, and the aforementioned suction device, which is capable of delivering air to the blowing member via at least one air outlet of a chamber.

[0013] According to one variant, the system includes a cover that covers the sensor, the blowing member, and the suction device, with at least one fluid inlet and at least one discharge port for liquid extending through the cover.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a vehicle including the above-described detection system.

[0015] According to one variant, the sensor faces the front of the vehicle relative to its forward direction of travel, and at least one air inlet faces one side of the vehicle and / or the rear of the vehicle.

[0016] All preferred embodiments and advantages of the suction device according to the present invention can be transferred to the detection system and motor vehicle of the present invention with necessary modifications, and vice versa. Different embodiments can be combined or considered individually. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, in which reference will be made to the accompanying drawings for understanding: -[ Figure 1 ], Figure 1 This is a view of the roof-mounted inspection system; -[ Figure 2 ], Figure 2 This is a view of the device according to the present invention; -[ Figure 3 ], Figure 3 This is a view of the device according to the present invention; -[ Figure 4 ], Figure 4 This is a view of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0018] The figures in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. In the drawings, similar elements are generally indicated by similar reference numerals. In the context of this document, the same or similar elements may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the presence of reference numerals or letters in the drawings should not be considered limiting, including when such numerals or letters are indicated in the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This invention provides a suction device for a detection system of a motor vehicle. The device includes a chamber, at least one fluid inlet into the chamber, at least one air outlet from the chamber to the detection system, and at least one liquid discharge port for discharging liquid from the chamber. The chamber is configured to collect liquid originating from the at least one fluid inlet and guide the liquid to the at least one liquid discharge port. The device provides a suitable air supply to the detection system for drying the optical sensors of the motor vehicle. Additionally, the device delivers dry air to the detection system to prevent potential damage to the detection system.

[0020] Figure 1 A view of a roof-mounted detection system 10 for a motor vehicle is shown. The vehicle can be a light vehicle (car) or a heavy vehicle (truck, bus). The system 10 includes at least one optical sensor 12 having an optical surface 14. Figure 2 (As shown). Sensor 12 can be a device for assisting vehicle driving and / or maneuvering. This device can be a means of transmitting and / or receiving signals (such as a sensor, an optical sensor, or a LIDAR device, where LIDAR stands for "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging, detection, and ranging"). Sensor 12 interacts with the environment through surface 14. This surface can be a protective surface between sensor 12 and the environment. For example, this surface can be the surface of a pane fitted between sensor 12 and the environment, or it can be the surface of a housing surrounding sensor 12 (such as the surface of a LIDAR housing). Surface 14 can be transparent to the emission and reception wavelengths of the optical elements.

[0021] Sensor 12 is used to detect the vehicle's environment. This environment can be the front, rear, and / or side environment of the vehicle. Sensor 12 can be positioned at the front or rear of the vehicle. As a further example, surface 14 can be adjacent to a glass surface of the vehicle, which can be the vehicle's front window (or windshield) or rear window. Surface 14 can be adjacent to the glass surface. Depending on the vehicle's forward direction of travel, optical surface 14 can be located downstream of the glass surface (or upstream for the rear window). Surface 14 can be located at the top of the glass surface, or preferably at the top of the vehicle's roof.

[0022] In addition to sensor 12, system 10 also includes blowing component 18 and suction device 20. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A view of a suction device 20 according to one embodiment is shown, and Figure 4A view of a suction device 20 according to another embodiment is shown. Sensor 12 (e.g., a LIDAR sensor) should be cleaned to ensure optimal operation. Sensor cleaning includes a combination of sensor washing and sensor drying functions. The “drying” function of the sensor is provided by a blowing member 18. The blowing member can also be referred to as a cleaning system. For example, the blowing member can be a fan. For effective operation, the blowing member is placed close to the sensor 12, particularly on the roof of a vehicle. System 10 is covered by a cover 16. The cover 16 is an exterior component that also provides protection against the ingress of any liquid particles that could damage the blowing member 18. Enclosing the blowing member 18 under the cover 16 means that the incoming airflow velocity is insufficient to guarantee its operation. To ensure proper operation of the blowing member 18, the suction device 20 provides an air inlet (or ventilation opening) suitable for the required airflow velocity of the blowing member 18.

[0023] A suction device 20 is used to draw air into the detection system 10. The device 20 includes a chamber 22. The chamber 22 is defined by a cover 16 (possibly facing the rear, side, and top of the vehicle). The chamber 22 allows a volume of air to be drawn in or introduced under the cover 16, primarily for delivering air to the blowing member 18, and secondarily for retaining liquid (and then discharging the liquid) to protect the blowing member 18. The chamber 22 may also be defined by a wall 27. The wall 27 is, for example, transverse to the vehicle's forward direction of travel. The wall 27 separates the interior of the chamber from the compartment of the detection system 10 (below the cover 16). The wall 27 separates a wet zone and a dry zone within the chamber 22, in which fluid, including air and / or liquid, originates from outside the cover 16, and in which the dry zone is located below the cover and has the compartment where the blowing member 18 is located. The wet zone may be closer to the rear of the vehicle, and the dry zone may be closer to the front of the vehicle, located on opposite sides of the wall 27. Alternatively, the wet zone can be located closer to the front of the vehicle, and the dry zone closer to the rear. The wet zone can also be located on the side of the vehicle, with the dry zone adapted accordingly.

[0024] The suction device 20 also includes at least one fluid inlet 24 leading into the chamber 22. The fluid refers to air and liquid. Liquid, for example, is water. Although the function of the device 20 is to deliver air to the blowing member, air entry often occurs simultaneously with liquid entry, depending on weather conditions. Liquid can enter the chamber in the form of air suspended in the air (e.g., as rainwater, etc.). For example, liquid can also drip into the chamber 22 along the cover 16. However, the device 20 is capable of performing specific suction or ventilation to prevent liquid from reaching the blowing member 18. At least one inlet 24 may be formed through the cover 16. This at least one inlet is an inlet grille. At least one inlet 24 allows air to be drawn into a detection system inside the cover 16. At least one inlet 24 may lead into the chamber 22 in the forward direction of the vehicle or in a direction inclined to or even transverse to the forward direction of the vehicle. At least one inlet 24 may be a series of slots (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown) or oblong hole (such as) Figure 4 (As shown). The orientation of the slot can vary. The slot can be, for example, vertical, horizontal, or inclined. The shape and surface area of ​​the inlet 24 are determined by the desired airflow velocity of the blowing member 18.

[0025] The suction device 20 also includes at least one air outlet 26. Air outlet 26 is used to deliver air to the blowing member 18. Outlet 26 allows air to circulate within the detection system 10. Outlet 26 allows air to flow toward the detection system 10, and more specifically, toward the downstream portion of the detection system 10. This ensures high-quality drying functionality. Outlet 26 allows air to pass through to the blowing member. Outlet 26 is designed to deliver only air to the blowing member 18, with liquid retained within the chamber 22 before being discharged. Outlet 26 is located in the upper portion of the chamber 22, thereby allowing air to pass through while retaining liquid within the chamber. Air outlet 26 may be formed through the wall 27 of the chamber 22. At least one outlet 26 is formed in the wall 27 in the forward direction of the vehicle or in a direction inclined to or even transverse to the forward direction of the vehicle. At least one outlet 26 may be one or more openings ( Figure 2 Two such openings are shown in the figure) or one or more oblong openings ( Figure 4 An example of such an opening is shown in the image. The orientation of the opening can vary. The opening can be vertical, horizontal, or angled. Figure 2 There are two vertical openings on both sides of wall 27. Figure 4 This is a horizontal, elongated oval opening located in the upper portion of wall 27, possibly at the connection with cover 16. The shape and surface area of ​​outlet 26 are determined by the desired airflow velocity of blowing member 18, and the shape and surface area of ​​inlet 24 and outlet 26 are designed to match the desired airflow velocity of blowing member 18.

[0026] The suction device 20 also includes at least one liquid discharge port 28 for discharging liquid from the chamber 22. The port 28 allows liquid retained in the chamber 22 to be discharged to prevent potential damage to the blowing member 18. The port 28 allows liquid to be discharged to the outside. At least one port 28 may be formed through the cover 16 in the forward direction of the vehicle or in a direction inclined to or even transverse to the forward direction of the vehicle. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, at least one liquid discharge port 28 can be an elongated oval opening through which liquid flows out of the chamber 22 under the influence of gravity. Multiple openings may also exist.

[0027] To facilitate the delivery of dry air toward the blowing member 18, at least one fluid inlet 24 is offset relative to at least one air outlet 26, and this offset is lateral relative to the direction of fluid entry into the device. The inlet and outlet openings are offset laterally, above, or below relative to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle. In other words, at least one fluid inlet 24 and at least one air outlet 26 do not face each other. This promotes a tortuous, meandering flow of fluid within the chamber 22, thus facilitating liquid trapping and discharge toward the exterior of the cover 16.

[0028] Specifically, chamber 22 is configured to collect liquid originating from at least one fluid inlet 24. The chamber is configured to direct the liquid toward at least one liquid discharge orifice 28. Chamber 22 allows liquid to be captured and discharged through at least one orifice 28. At least one air outlet 26 in the upper portion of chamber 22 allows only air to be passed to the blowing member 18. In the lower (or bottom) portion, the orifice 28 allows liquid to be discharged. More specifically, the bottom of the chamber is disc-shaped to collect liquid and discharge it through at least one liquid discharge orifice 28 at the bottom of the chamber. The disc-shaped bottom of the chamber opens in one direction and closes in the opposite direction to collect liquid. Wall 27 (for defining the boundary with the compartment occupied by the blowing member 18) is configured to form a disc that forms the bottom of device 20. Liquid flows toward the disc and exits the chamber through the discharge orifice 28. The shape of the chamber directs the liquid toward outlet 26. The smooth walls of the chamber (particularly wall 27 and the walls of the forming disc) allow the liquid to flow under gravity. On the opposite side of at least one orifice 28, at least one air outlet 26 in the upper portion of the chamber allows only air to pass through. The air drawn in by the blowing member 18 does not contain liquid.

[0029] Therefore, fluids including air and / or liquids are permitted to enter chamber 22 in the direction of arrow 30 via at least one inlet 24. The fluid is permitted to enter chamber 22 through cover 16, i.e., into the interior of detection system 10. Liquid is trapped in chamber 22 (below cover 16), and liquid-free air is conveyed towards the blowing member 18 in the direction of arrow 32 via at least one air outlet 26. Liquid trapped in chamber 22 flows down the walls of the chamber, the disc-shaped bottom of which allows for collection and discharge of liquid to the outside of cover via discharge orifice 28 in the direction of arrow 34. In other words, air from the outside enters through the opening in cover 16 covering the detection system, and the device 20 for retaining liquid is arranged downstream. Liquid is discharged through the opening formed by orifice 28, which may be horizontal.

[0030] The device 20 may further include baffles for fluid circulation within the chamber. The baffles within the chamber 22 allow permitted fluid to circulate within the chamber 22, causing liquid to flow to the bottom of the chamber 22, while liquid-free air is delivered to the blowing member 18. The deflection of the fluid flow path caused by the baffles improves the separation of air and liquid. Therefore, the baffles improve the suction quality of the blowing member 18.

[0031] The baffle can be formed by a partition 36 in chamber 22. The partition 36 in chamber 22 allows fluid to circulate within chamber 22. As an example of other embodiments also applicable to device 20, Figure 4 A baffle 36 is shown. The baffle 36 is a baffle, preferably inserted between at least one fluid inlet 24 and at least one air outlet 26. Therefore, the fluid does not pass directly from the inlet 24 through the chamber 22 to the outlet 26, but instead forms a vortex that promotes flow of liquid toward the bottom of the chamber 22. The circulation of fluid is shown by arrow 38, illustrating the flow around the baffle 36 within the chamber 22. This circumferential flow can occur at several locations, such as at the bottom or sides of the baffle 36. The baffle 36 is held within the chamber according to the applied fluid flow. Preferably, the baffle 36 extends from the cover 16. For example, the baffle 36 extends from the cover 16 toward the bottom of the chamber 22. The baffle 36 can be held by its upper edge, allowing fluid to circulate around the side and lower edges of the baffle 36. Liquid can flow from the baffle 36 toward the bottom of the chamber 22 and then be discharged.

[0032] The device 20 may further include at least one filter in the chamber 22. The filter may be added between the cover 16 and the wall of the device 20. The filter allows air to pass toward at least one outlet 26 while retaining liquid. The filter prevents liquid from passing through. The filter may also allow liquid to flow to at least one liquid discharge orifice. At least one filter further facilitates the delivery of liquid-free air to the blowing member 18 to ensure high-quality drying functionality. The filter may be held in place by a partition 36, either in front of or behind the partition. The filter may also be a partition 36.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle inspection system 10. The system includes an inspection sensor 12 for inspecting the environment, a blowing member 18 for drying (or performing a drying function) the sensor 12, and a suction device 20. The suction device 20 is capable of delivering air from the outside of the inspection system 10 to the inside of the inspection system 10. The suction device 20 is capable of delivering air to the blowing member 18. The suction device 20 is capable of further delivering air downstream in the inspection system 10 via at least one air outlet 26 of a chamber 22 to optimally perform the drying function on the sensor. Additionally, the device 20 delivers dry air to the blowing member to prevent potential damage to the blowing member.

[0034] Furthermore, system 10, including cover 16 (which covers the sensor and the blowing component) and device 20 (which is also covered by the cover), provides an air inlet suitable for the desired airflow rate of the blowing component. Because of device 20, the cover's encapsulation of the system does not affect the incoming airflow rate, thereby ensuring the proper operation of the blowing component.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a vehicle including a detection system 10. In this system, a sensor 12 may face the front of the vehicle relative to its forward direction of travel, and at least one air inlet 24 may face one side and / or the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the sensor 12 faces the rear of the vehicle relative to its forward direction of travel, and at least one air inlet 24 faces one side and / or the front of the vehicle (and then a configuration such as a recess is provided to limit liquid entry into the device 20). Air is drawn in through the inlet 24, circulates within the chamber 22, and is delivered to the blowing member 18 to ensure sufficient flow rate in the blowing member 18. Additionally, the air is delivered dry to the blowing member, and liquid (e.g., water) is discharged to the outside of the detection system 10, to the outside of the cover.

[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples shown and / or described above, but its scope is more broadly defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A suction device (20) for a detection system for motor vehicles, the suction device comprising: • Chamber (22) • At least one fluid inlet (24) into the chamber. • At least one air outlet (26) from the chamber to the detection system. • At least one orifice (28) for discharging liquid from the chamber. The chamber (22) is configured to collect liquid originating from the at least one fluid inlet (24) and guide the liquid to the at least one liquid discharge port (28).

2. The device (20) of claim 1, wherein, The at least one fluid inlet (24) is a series of slots or elongated holes.

3. The device (20) of the preceding claim, wherein, The slot is vertical.

4. The device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: At least one filter, the filter being capable of allowing air to pass through the at least one outlet (26) and retaining the liquid.

5. The device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A baffle for fluid circulation in the chamber (22).

6. The device (20) of the preceding claim, wherein, The baffle is formed by a partition (36) inserted between the at least one fluid inlet (24) and the at least one air outlet (26).

7. The device (20) as described in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one fluid inlet (24) is misaligned relative to the at least one air outlet (26), and the misalignment is lateral to the direction in which the fluid enters the device.

8. The device (20) as described in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - The liquid discharge port (28) is located at the bottom of the chamber (22), the bottom of which is disc-shaped for discharging the liquid toward the at least one liquid discharge port (28). - The at least one air outlet (26) is located in the upper part of the chamber (22).

9. A motor vehicle detection system (10) comprising an environmental detection sensor (12), a blowing member (18) for drying the sensor, and a suction device (20) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the suction device being capable of delivering air to the blowing member via at least one air outlet (26) of the chamber (22).

10. The system (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, comprising: A cover (16) covers the sensor (12), the blowing member (18) and the suction device (20), and at least one fluid inlet (24) and at least one orifice (28) for discharging the liquid are provided through the cover.

11. A vehicle comprising the detection system (10) as described in any one of the preceding two claims.

12. The vehicle as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, The sensor (12) faces the front of the vehicle relative to the vehicle's forward direction of travel, and the at least one air inlet (24) faces one side of the vehicle and / or the rear of the vehicle.

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