Air injection devices for motor vehicles and related motor vehicles
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-11
Smart Images
Figure CN122555653A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This invention relates to the field of air jetting devices for optical surfaces of motor vehicle equipment.
[0002] Motor vehicles increasingly include detection or vision devices with protective optical surfaces. The cleanliness of these protective optical surfaces affects the performance of such devices, making it necessary to provide devices for keeping the optical surfaces of the devices clean.
[0003] These optical surfaces can be cleaned using nozzles that spray cleaning liquid. However, the presence of liquid on the optical surfaces can also adversely affect the operation of the detection device, therefore, a device should be provided to eliminate the need for spraying liquid or to dry the optical surfaces. Therefore, devices for spraying air onto the optical surfaces are known.
[0004] When an optical surface onto which air is to be sprayed is oriented toward the front of the vehicle (e.g., at the front fascia or roof), the air must be sprayed from below the optical surface so that it is not deflected by external air as the vehicle moves and thus fails to act on the optical surface.
[0005] However, when the spray device is positioned below the optical surface, liquid (e.g., liquid used to clean the optical surface, or cleaning liquid from a high-pressure cleaner) may enter the air spray device, rendering it ineffective. In fact, if liquid is present in the spray device, it will be this liquid that is sprayed onto the optical surface during subsequent use of the air spray device. Furthermore, large amounts of liquid may damage the air spray device.
[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to find a solution that can at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a device for injecting air onto an optical surface of a motor vehicle, the air injection device comprising: - Blowing components, - A diffusion nozzle, which includes an air outlet disposed below the optical surface. - A ventilation duct configured to connect the air outlet of the blowing component and the air inlet of the diffuser nozzle. The diffusion nozzle includes: - A chamber for recovering liquid, formed below the air outlet, and - An intermediate space, which is arranged between the air outlet and the recovery chamber, and is in fluid communication with the ventilation duct via the air inlet of the diffuser nozzle.
[0008] The use of a diffusion nozzle, including a liquid recovery chamber formed below the air outlet, allows for the recovery of liquid sprayed onto the optical surface. This liquid flows into the diffusion nozzle via the air outlet, thus preventing liquid from remaining in the air passage during subsequent use of the air jet device. It also prevents liquid from accumulating in the air diffusion nozzle and from rising through the ventilation duct to the blowing member.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the blowing member is arranged at a height higher than the recovery chamber.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the ventilation duct is inclined at an angle of 5° or greater, particularly 10° or greater, relative to the horizontal direction.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the diffuser nozzle includes a deflector arranged opposite to the air inlet and configured to redirect air from the ventilation duct to the air outlet of the diffuser nozzle.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the air jetting device further includes a liquid discharge channel in fluid communication with a recovery chamber and having a slope that allows liquid to be discharged from the liquid recovery chamber.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the discharge passage is configured to produce a Venturi effect, thereby allowing liquid to be discharged through the discharge passage as the vehicle moves forward.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the diameter of the discharge channel is at least 3 mm.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the optical surface is an optical surface associated with a LIDAR-type sensor or camera or a group of sensors.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the optical surface is arranged on the roof of the vehicle.
[0017] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle that includes the aforementioned air injection device.
[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: -[ Figure 1 [Illustrated perspective view of a Lidar sensor and an air injection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;] -[ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the Lidar sensor and the diffusion nozzle of the air jet device; -[ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the air diffusion nozzle of an air injection device; -[ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the Lidar sensor and air injection device.
[0019] In these figures, the same elements have the same reference numerals.
[0020] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, it is not necessarily true that every reference numeral refers to the same embodiment, or that these features are only applicable to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to form other embodiments.
[0021] In this specification, the terms “below,” “under,” “above,” “front,” “rear,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” refer to the position of a component once it is installed on a motor vehicle and the motor vehicle is positioned on a horizontal plane.
[0022] This invention relates to an air injection device for motor vehicles, and more particularly to an air injection device for optical surfaces associated with sensors in motor vehicles, such as LiDAR (laser imaging detection and ranging) sensors, cameras, or laser (stimulated emission of light) sensors. The optical surface can be associated with multiple sensors. This air injection device can also be used to clean or dry windshields or headlight lenses.
[0023] Figure 1 An air injection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The air injection device 1 is configured to inject air onto the optical surface 3 of a vehicle's equipment. In this case, the vehicle equipment is a LiDAR-type sensor 2. However, other devices (such as cameras, laser sensors, or all types of optical sensors, or even windshields or headlight lenses) may also constitute the optical surface 3 associated with the present invention.
[0024] The LiDAR sensor 2 and the air injection device 1 are positioned, for example, on the roof of the vehicle. However, other locations are also possible, such as the front of the vehicle or any other location.
[0025] The air jet device 1 includes a blowing component, such as a fan 5, which includes an air outlet 5a and is configured to provide airflow at its air outlet 5a. The fan 5 includes, for example, a bladed turbine driven by an electric motor.
[0026] In this example, fan 5 is positioned behind LiDAR sensor 2. This positioning of fan 5 prevents excessive degradation of the vehicle's aerodynamic characteristics.
[0027] The air jet device 1 also includes an air diffusion nozzle 7, which is arranged below the optical surface 3 of the Lidar sensor 2.
[0028] The diffuser nozzle 7 includes an air outlet 7a configured to be oriented toward the optical surface 3. The air outlet 7a is arranged adjacent, for example, to the bottom portion of the optical surface 3. The air outlet 7a of the diffuser nozzle 7 preferably extends substantially over the entire width of the optical surface 3 in order to spray air onto the entire optical surface 3.
[0029] The diffuser nozzle 7 also includes an air inlet 7b, which is intended to connect to the air outlet 5a of the fan 5. The connection between the air outlet 5a of the fan 5 and the air inlet 7b of the diffuser nozzle 7 is provided, for example, by a ventilation duct 9.
[0030] Preferably, the air inlet 7b is positioned at a height lower than the air outlet 5a of the fan 5 to minimize the introduction of any liquid towards the fan 5 via the ventilation duct 9, which could potentially damage the fan 5. The ventilation duct 9 has, for example, at least one portion having an angle greater than 5° relative to the horizontal direction, for example, an angle greater than 10° or greater than 15° relative to the horizontal direction, to prevent the introduction of liquid from the ventilation duct 9 towards the fan 5. The fan 5 may also be inclined to further limit the possibility of liquid introduction and facilitate attachment of the fan to the ventilation duct 9.
[0031] The ventilation duct 9 can have a variable cross-section, for example, a generally square cross-section at the air outlet 5a of the fan 5 and a rectangular cross-section (with its major axis oriented substantially horizontally) at the air inlet of the diffuser nozzle 7, in order to minimize the thickness of the air injection device 1 below the Lidar sensor 2. This configuration allows for limiting the effect of the air injection device 1 on the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be used, and the ventilation duct 9 can use a constant cross-section. The air inlet 7b is substantially horizontally oriented.
[0032] The diffuser nozzle 7 also includes a deflector or deflector wall 11 (in) Figure 4 (More clearly visible in the image), at least a portion of the deflector or deflector wall is substantially vertically oriented, that is, at an angle of less than 40° relative to the vertical direction, in order to guide air from the air inlet 7b toward the air outlet 7a of the diffuser nozzle 7 and to spray the air toward the optical surface 3. The deflector 11 is thus configured to return air from the ventilation duct 9 via the air inlet 7b to the air outlet 7b of the diffuser nozzle 7.
[0033] The diffuser nozzle 7 also includes a cavity 13 for recovering liquid (in) Figure 2(See image). A cavity 13 is formed below and in fluid communication with the air outlet 7a. The cavity 13 extends along the entire length of the air outlet 7a. The cavity 13 is configured to receive any liquid introduced into the diffuser nozzle 7 via the air outlet 7a. The height of the cavity 13 is lower than the height of the air inlet 7b of the diffuser nozzle 7, such that the diffuser nozzle 7 has an intermediate space 15 between the air outlet 7a and the recovery cavity 13. This intermediate space 15 is in fluid communication with the ventilation duct 9 via the air inlet 7b of the diffuser nozzle 7. For example, a transfer channel 14 is formed between the air inlet 7b and the intermediate space 15.
[0034] The air injection device 1 also includes at least one liquid discharge channel 17 in fluid communication with the recovery chamber 13. In this example, the air injection device 1 includes two discharge channels 17 arranged on both sides of the chamber 13, as shown in... Figure 4 As can be seen, although of course different numbers of discharge channels 17 can be used, for example, a single discharge channel 17. One or more discharge channels 17 extend from the cavity 13 to a liquid discharge area (not shown). This liquid discharge area may be, for example, located in the lower part of the vehicle and enable the discharge of liquid into an orifice on the road.
[0035] Alternatively, this discharge area could be a liquid recovery tank. The liquid could then be reused, for example, by a device used for cleaning the vehicle (e.g., a device used for cleaning optical surfaces such as the windshield, headlight lenses, or optical sensors).
[0036] One or more discharge channels 17 have a slope that allows liquid to be discharged from the liquid recovery chamber 13. This slope is, for example, at least 2°, and in some cases at least 5°, relative to the horizontal direction. The cross-section of the discharge channel 17 may be variable and configured to produce a Venturi effect, thereby facilitating the transfer of liquid to the discharge area as the vehicle is moving forward. The inner diameter of the discharge channel 17 is at least 3 mm, and in some cases at least 5 mm.
[0037] The bottom of cavity 13 may also have a slope that promotes the discharge of liquid toward one or more discharge channels 17.
[0038] The air injection device 1 can be at least partially positioned in a protective housing shared with the Lidar sensor 2 in order to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle.
[0039] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with the aforementioned air injection device 1.
[0040] Therefore, in operation, the airflow generated by the fan 5 is transmitted through the ventilation duct 9 to the air inlet 7b of the diffuser nozzle 7. Then, this airflow enters the intermediate space 15 of the diffuser nozzle, where the airflow is deflected by the deflector 11 through the air outlet 7a of the diffuser nozzle 7 toward the optical surface 3 of the Lidar sensor 2.
[0041] Additionally, if liquid is introduced into the diffuser nozzle 7 via the air outlet 7a (e.g., after cleaning the Lidar sensor 2, or due to the presence of rainwater), this liquid falls or flows under gravity through the intermediate space 15, for example along the deflector 11, until it reaches the liquid recovery chamber 13. The liquid then again transfers under gravity to one or more discharge channels 17. The liquid then flows into one or more discharge channels 17 until it reaches the discharge area.
[0042] This configuration allows liquid to be discharged even when the vehicle is stationary. In addition, this makes it possible to avoid the presence of liquid in the ventilation duct 9 and to limit the presence of liquid in the air passage between the air inlet 7b and the air outlet 7a as much as possible, so that almost no liquid is sprayed onto the optical surface 3 of the Lidar sensor 2 during the use of the air jet device 1 after cleaning the Lidar sensor 2, which in particular allows for the efficient drying of the optical surface 3.
[0043] Furthermore, this configuration prevents any liquid from being introduced into the fan 5 even if a large amount of liquid is introduced into the diffuser nozzle 7 via the air outlet 7a (even if the size of the air outlet 7a is reduced (e.g., less than 1 cm in width), limiting the amount of liquid that can be introduced into the diffuser nozzle 7). A valve can also be used, configured to close the air outlet 7a when the air jet device 1 is not jetting air, and to be opened by the jetting air when the air jet device 1 is activated, to further limit the possibility of liquid being introduced into the air diffuser nozzle 7.
Claims
1. A device (1) for injecting air onto an optical surface (3) of a motor vehicle, the air injection device (1) comprising: - Blowing component (5) - A diffusion nozzle (7), which includes an air outlet (7a) disposed below the optical surface (3). - Ventilation duct (9), which is configured to connect the air outlet (5a) of the blowing member (5) and the air inlet (7b) of the diffusion nozzle (7). The diffuser nozzle (7) is characterized in that it comprises: - A cavity (13) for recovering liquid, the cavity being formed below the air outlet (7a), and - Intermediate space (15), which is arranged between the air outlet (7a) and the recovery chamber (13), and is in fluid communication with the ventilation duct (9) via the air inlet (7b) of the diffuser nozzle (7).
2. Air jet device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The blowing component (5) is arranged at a height higher than the recovery chamber (13).
3. The air jet device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The ventilation duct (9) is inclined at an angle of 5° or greater, particularly 10° or greater, relative to the horizontal direction.
4. The air jet device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The diffuser nozzle (7) includes a deflector (11) arranged opposite to the air inlet (7b) and configured to redirect air from the ventilation duct (9) to the air outlet (7a) of the diffuser nozzle (7).
5. The air jet device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a liquid discharge channel (17) in fluid communication with the recovery chamber (13) and having a slope that allows the liquid to be discharged from the liquid recovery chamber (13).
6. The air jet device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The discharge channel (17) is configured to produce a Venturi effect, thereby allowing the liquid to be discharged through the discharge channel (17) as the vehicle moves forward.
7. The air jet device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein The diameter of the discharge channel (17) is at least 3 mm.
8. The air jet device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The optical surface (3) is an optical surface associated with a LIDAR-type sensor (2) or a camera or a set of sensors.
9. The air jet device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The optical surface (3) is arranged on the roof of the vehicle.
10. A motor vehicle comprising an air injection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.