Jet-propelled camera cleaning device and jet control system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile camera cleaning, in particular to a jet-propelled camera cleaning device and a jet control system, the cleaning device comprises a base, one end of the base is provided with an annular jet nozzle, the other side of the base is provided with a plurality of air inlets, the air inlets are communicated with the jet nozzle, and the jet nozzle is communicated with the jet nozzle. The utility model aims to overcome the defects that an air nozzle structure in the prior art can only spray air to a camera from top to bottom in one direction, and a cleaning blind area exists in a camera lens, and provides the air jet type camera cleaning device, so that air flow flows in from an air inlet and is sprayed out from an air jet port through an air inlet cavity, and the air jet port is in a circular ring shape. 360-degree all-directional air injection cleaning can be performed on the camera, rainwater and sundries on the surface of a lens of the camera are taken away by flowing air, and the continuous flowing air forms an air flow barrier in front of the lens of the camera, so that the effect of preventing rainwater from being attached to the surface of the lens of the camera is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automotive cameras, and more specifically, to a jet camera cleaning device and a jet control system. Background Art

[0002] Automotive streaming cameras are generally arranged on the rear trim of the vehicle, transmitting the rear view of the vehicle to the in-vehicle streaming rearview mirror for real-time display. When the vehicle is running fast in rainy weather, a negative pressure area is formed at the rear of the vehicle. Lateral rainwater and roof rainwater are easily adsorbed onto the camera surface under the action of the negative pressure, resulting in blurred imaging of the camera, interfering with the camera's recognition of objects, and thus affecting the performance of the autonomous driving system and the assisted driving function.

[0003] The prior art can perform jet cleaning and protection on the camera without affecting the imaging field of view of the camera. However, its nozzle structure can only jet air onto the camera in one direction from top to bottom, and it is impossible to perform 360° all-round jet cleaning on the camera, and there is a cleaning blind area on the camera lens. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art that rainwater and sundries are easily adsorbed onto the camera surface under the action of negative pressure, the nozzle structure can only jet air onto the camera in one direction from top to bottom, it is impossible to perform 360° all-round jet cleaning on the camera, and there is a cleaning blind area on the camera lens, and to provide a jet camera cleaning device that can perform 360° all-round jet cleaning on the camera, use the flowing gas to carry away the rainwater and sundries on the surface of the camera lens, and the continuously flowing gas forms an air flow barrier in front of the camera lens, so as to prevent rainwater from adhering to the surface of the camera lens.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is:

[0006] Provide a jet camera cleaning device, including a base, one side of the base is provided with an annular jet port, and the other side is provided with a plurality of air inlets, and the air inlets are communicated with the jet port.

[0007] The air flow flows in from the air inlets and sprays out from the jet port. The jet port is annular, which can realize 360° all-round jet cleaning of the camera, use the flowing gas to carry away the rainwater and sundries on the surface of the camera lens, and the continuously flowing gas forms an air flow barrier in front of the camera lens, so as to prevent rainwater from adhering to the surface of the camera lens.

[0008] Preferably, the base includes a fixing part, a connecting part, and a baffle part connected in sequence. The connecting part is provided with a hollow cavity. The baffle part is a circular ring structure, and its outer side is fixedly connected to the connecting part, while there is a gap between its inner side and the connecting part. The jet orifice is formed by the gap between the baffle part and the connecting part.

[0009] Preferably, the baffle part protrudes from the fixing part.

[0010] Preferably, an included angle α is formed between the baffle part and the connecting part, and the range of the included angle α is from 30° to 90°.

[0011] Preferably, the area of the jet orifice is smaller than the total area of the air inlets.

[0012] Preferably, an installation hole for installing a camera is formed on the base, and the jet orifice is arranged around the installation hole.

[0013] Preferably, the jet orifice is coaxially arranged with the installation hole.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes a plurality of air inlet pipes communicated with the air inlets, and the air inlet pipes are detachably connected to the end of the connecting part far from the jet orifice.

[0015] Provide a jet control system, including the above jet-type camera cleaning device, and further including a jet control unit for controlling the jet volume of the jet orifice and a rain sensor for sensing the rainfall amount. The jet control unit is communicatively connected to the rain sensor.

[0016] Preferably, it further includes a camera temperature sensor, and the camera temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the jet control unit.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:

[0018] (1) The present utility model performs 360° omnidirectional jet cleaning on the camera, and there is no cleaning blind area on the camera lens.

[0019] (2) Through the temperature sensor of the jet control system, the temperature of the flowing gas is adjusted according to the camera temperature to prevent fogging due to the temperature difference inside and outside the camera lens.

[0020] (3) The area of the jet orifice of the present utility model is smaller than the total area of the air inlets. The high-pressure gas jets towards the surface of the camera lens, and the gas flows out under the lifting action of the convex structure of the lens. The continuously flowing gas forms an air flow barrier in front of the camera lens, thereby achieving the effect of preventing rainwater from adhering to the surface of the camera lens. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the first perspective structure of a jet-type camera cleaning device of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the second perspective structure of a jet-type camera cleaning device of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 is Figure 2 A - A cross-sectional view of;

[0024] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a jet-type camera cleaning device of the present utility model equipped with a camera;

[0025] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of a jet-type camera cleaning device of the present utility model equipped with a camera and an air inlet pipe;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of a jet-type camera cleaning device of the present utility model where the included angle α formed by the baffle part and the connecting part is 45°;

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 6 B - B cross-sectional view of;

[0028] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a jet control system of the present utility model.

[0029] Illustration marks are explained as follows:

[0030] 1. Base; 2. Fixed part; 3. Connecting part; 4. Baffle part; 5. Air inlet; 6. Jet port; 7. Mounting hole; 8. Air inlet pipe; 9. Camera; 91. Camera bracket; α is the included angle formed between the baffle part 4 and the connecting part 3. Specific embodiments

[0031] The present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. Among them, the attached drawings are only for illustrative purposes, showing only schematic diagrams, not physical diagrams, and should not be construed as a limitation to this patent; in order to better illustrate the embodiments of the present utility model, some components in the attached drawings will be omitted, enlarged or reduced, which does not represent the size of the actual product; for those skilled in the art, it is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions in the attached drawings may be omitted.

[0032] In the attached drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components; in the description of the present utility model, it should be understood that if there are terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. indicating the orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the attached drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing the positional relationship in the attached drawings are only for illustrative purposes and cannot be construed as a limitation of this patent. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] As Figures 1 to 5 shown in the first embodiment of a jet camera cleaning device of the present utility model, it includes a base 1. One side of the base 1 is provided with an annular jet port 6, and the other side is provided with a plurality of air inlets 5, and the air inlets 5 are communicated with the jet port 6.

[0035] The air flow flows in from the air inlets 5 and sprays out from the jet port 6. The jet port 6 is annular, which can achieve 360° omnidirectional jet cleaning of the camera 9. The flowing gas is used to carry away the rainwater and debris on the surface of the lens of the camera 9, and the continuously flowing gas forms an air flow barrier in front of the lens of the camera 9, so as to prevent rainwater from adhering to the surface of the lens of the camera 9. Using jets to clean the camera 9 can quickly remove dust, dirt and other particles on the surface of the camera 9 and restore the clarity of the camera 9. Compared with the traditional wiping method, jet cleaning will not cause physical contact, thus reducing the wear on the surface of the camera 9. It can also avoid using cleaning liquids that may contain chemical components and protect the lens of the camera 9 from chemical damage. Moreover, it can be applicable to cameras 9 of different sizes and shapes, having good adaptability. Some automobile manufacturers have developed automatic water spraying cleaning systems to remove dirt on the lens by spraying water flow. The cleaning water is pumped out from the water tank and transmitted through the pipeline to the nozzle directly installed on the camera lens to achieve the cleaning of the camera 9. However, after cleaning, water droplets adhere to the lens of the camera 9, affecting imaging. Moreover, this method requires ensuring the sealing of the camera 9 to prevent water ingress from causing damage to the camera 9.

[0036] The base 1 includes a fixing part 2, a connecting part 3, and an eaves part 4 that are connected in sequence. The connecting part 3 is provided with a hollow cavity. The eaves part 4 is a circular ring structure, whose outer side is fixedly connected to the connecting part 3, and there is a gap between the inner side and the connecting part 3. The jet orifice 6 is formed by the gap between the eaves part 4 and the connecting part 3, and the eaves part 4 protrudes from the fixing part 2. The present utility model is fixed to the vehicle through the fixing part 2. The end of the fixing part 2 in this embodiment is a snap structure and can be snapped onto the vehicle. The eaves part 4 and the connecting part 3 are fixedly connected to form an included angle α, and the range of the included angle α is from 30° to 90°.

[0037] As an implementation manner of the present utility model, the included angle α formed between the eaves part 4 and the connecting part 3 is selected to be 90°. Selecting the included angle α formed by the fixed connection between the eaves part 4 and the connecting part 3 to be 90° in this embodiment does not mean that it is only limited to 90°. For example, when a wider field of view or a more compact space layout is required, the included angle can be adjusted to meet the needs.

[0038] The present utility model can be installed with a camera bracket 91 to fix the camera 9. The camera bracket 91 and the base 1 are detachably connected, and the camera 9 and the camera bracket 91 are detachably connected. In this embodiment, the camera bracket 91 and the base 1 are fixedly connected by screws. The camera 9 and the camera bracket 91 are fixedly connected by screws. An installation hole 7 for installing the camera 9 is opened on the base 1. The jet orifice 6 is arranged around the installation hole 7, that is, one end of the camera 9 is fixed by screws, and the other end partially protrudes from the installation hole 7 and protrudes from the base 1. The end protruding from the base 1 is equipped with a lens as the imaging end. The screws can provide a firm connection, ensuring the structural stability and not being easily loosened. Moreover, the screws can be disassembled and reinstalled multiple times. When the jet-type camera cleaning device or the camera 9 is damaged, a screwdriver or power tool can be used to quickly loosen the screws to disassemble single or multiple parts, which is convenient for maintenance and repair. In addition, the screws have a low cost and are an economical and practical fixing method. In addition, the screws can be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and are not easily damaged in a humid environment, reducing losses caused by improper connection. The jet orifice 6 is circular, and the jet orifice 6 is coaxially arranged with the installation hole 7. When the included angle α formed by the fixed connection between the eaves part 4 and the connecting part 3 is 90°, the extending direction of the jet orifice 6 is tangent to the protruding vertex of the lens of the camera 9, and jets air 360° around the camera 9 lens to form an air flow barrier, thereby preventing rainwater from adhering to the surface of the camera 9 lens. This jetting method can clean and protect the surface of the camera 9 lens without affecting the imaging field of view of the camera 9.

[0039] The utility model further includes a plurality of intake pipes 8 communicated with the air inlet 5. The intake pipes 8 are detachably connected to the end of the connecting portion 3 away from the jet nozzle 6. In this embodiment, the intake pipes 8 and the connecting portion 3 are threadedly connected. Threaded connection allows disassembly and reassembly without damaging the jet camera cleaning device and the intake pipes 8, which is convenient for maintenance and repair. Moreover, the thread itself has a certain self-locking property, which can prevent the intake pipes 8 from loosening by itself when being vibrated or impacted during the driving of the vehicle to a certain extent. At the same time, threaded connection can cooperate with sealing materials (such as raw tape, sealant, etc.) to achieve a good sealing effect and prevent gas leakage from the connection. In addition, threaded connection is a standardized connection method with good versatility and interchangeability. The installation only requires simple tools, such as a wrench or a screwdriver, and the operation is simple.

[0040] A plurality of air inlets 5 of the utility model are circumferentially arranged around the jet nozzle 6, which can form a more balanced air flow distribution, reduce the dead zone of air flow, improve the overall efficiency, and at the same time reduce the turbulence and eddy current generated during air flow, thereby reducing noise. In addition, this design is also applicable to devices such as automotive ventilation systems, engine intake systems, and cooling systems that require high efficiency, low noise, and uniform air flow.

[0041] The area of the jet nozzle 6 is smaller than the total area of the air inlets 5. In this embodiment, four air inlets 5 are selected. The four air inlets 5 are circumferentially arranged around the jet nozzle 6. The larger total area of the air inlets 5 can reduce the eddy current formed during gas flow, which can reduce energy loss and improve the stability of gas flow. Moreover, it makes the cleaning and maintenance work easier to carry out. Compared with the air flow of the air inlets 5, the air flow velocity of the jet nozzle 6 increases, which increases the kinetic energy of the gas and generates a stronger jetting effect. In addition, the noise generated by gas flow can be reduced.

[0042] Embodiment 2

[0043] As Figures 6 to 7 shown is the second embodiment of a jet camera cleaning device of the utility model. This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1. The difference is that the included angle α formed between the eaves portion 4 and the connecting portion 3 of the utility model is selected to be 45°. The extending direction of the jet nozzle 6 faces the lens surface of the camera 9, that is, the air flow ejected from the jet nozzle 6 will be sprayed onto the lens of the camera 9. In this setting, the air flow directly acts on the lens surface, which can quickly remove water droplets and debris, meeting the requirement of rapid cleaning. Moreover, the concentrated air flow can more effectively remove stubborn dirt attached to the lens. Selecting the included angle α to be 45° in this embodiment does not mean that it is only limited to 45°, and the angle can be adjusted to meet more requirements.

[0044] The jet camera cleaning device is made of a mixed material of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and PP (polypropylene). ABS has good chemical corrosion resistance, heat resistance and surface hardness, while PP has good chemical stability, heat resistance and transparency. The combination of these two materials can provide better mechanical properties and is suitable for different application fields. For example, ABS is commonly used in manufacturing automotive parts and structural components such as handle lamp shades, instrument panels, etc., while PP is commonly used in manufacturing mechanical parts and packaging materials. Moreover, ABS is usually more expensive than PP, but mixing them can reduce costs and maintain the required performance. The mixed material of ABS and PP can provide better wear resistance and scratch resistance, extending the service life of the product. The mixed material of ABS and PP can provide better UV resistance and weather resistance. The selection of the mixed material of ABS and PP in this utility model does not mean that only the mixed material of ABS and PP can be used. When choosing materials, cost-effectiveness, processing technology and environmental impact need to be considered. Each material has its unique properties and limitations, so careful evaluation is required when making a choice to meet the requirements.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] Such as Figure 8The following is an embodiment of a jet control system of the present utility model, which includes a jet-type camera cleaning device, a jet control unit for controlling the jet volume of the jet port, and a rain sensor for sensing the amount of rainfall. The rain sensor is communicatively connected to the jet control unit. The air outlet duct of the vehicle air conditioning system is connected to the intake pipe 8. When the jet control system works, the rain sensor transmits the rainfall information to the jet control unit. The jet control unit issues an instruction to turn on the vehicle air conditioning system and adjust the air volume according to the amount of rainfall. The flowing gas provided by the vehicle air conditioning system enters the jet-type camera cleaning device through the air inlet 5 connected to the intake pipe 8 and flows out from the jet port 6 to jet the surface of the camera 9 lens; this embodiment also includes a camera temperature sensor, which is communicatively connected to the jet control unit, and the jet control unit is communicatively connected to the vehicle air conditioning system. The camera temperature sensor sends an instruction to the jet control unit according to the temperature. The jet control unit issues an instruction to the vehicle air conditioning system for temperature adjustment to keep the jet temperature balanced with the temperature of the camera 9, so as to prevent fogging on the surface of the camera 9 lens, adaptively adjust the air volume and temperature of the vehicle air conditioning system, and achieve the dual effects of water removal and fog removal. Most of the existing jet devices require an additional blower or fan to provide the gas source, and they cannot solve the problem of fogging on the surface of the camera 9 lens due to temperature difference. The jet control system proposed by the present utility model is used in communication connection with the vehicle air conditioning system, without the need for an additional blower or fan, reducing the number of components in the vehicle, simplifying the design, and moreover, using the vehicle air conditioning system to control the jet can distribute air more efficiently, reduce energy waste, lower production costs and maintenance costs. Furthermore, modern vehicle air conditioning systems usually have intelligent control functions. Integrating the jet control system with the vehicle air conditioning system can further improve the intelligent level, such as automatically adjusting by learning user preferences.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, rather than limiting the implementation manners of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all the implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A jet camera cleaning device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a base (1), wherein one side of the base (1) is provided with a circular air jet (6), and the other side is provided with a plurality of air inlets (5), wherein the air inlets (5) are connected to the air jet (6).

2. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) comprises a fixing portion (2), a connecting portion (3), and a flange portion (4) which are connected in sequence; the connecting portion (3) is provided with a hollow cavity; the flange portion (4) is a circular ring structure, and its outer side is fixedly connected to the connecting portion (3), and there is a gap between its inner side and the connecting portion (3); the air jet (6) is formed by the gap between the flange portion (4) and the connecting portion (3).

3. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The eaves protection portion (4) is arranged to protrude from the fixing portion (2).

4. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: An angle α is formed between the eaves protection portion (4) and the connecting portion (3), and the angle α ranges from 30° to 90°.

5. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area of ​​the air jet (6) is smaller than the total area of ​​the air inlet (5).

6. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a mounting hole (7) for mounting a camera, and the air jet (6) is arranged around the mounting hole (7).

7. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The air jet (6) and the mounting hole (7) are coaxially arranged.

8. The jet camera cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also comprises a plurality of air intake pipes (8) connected to the air intake port (5), wherein the air intake pipes (8) are detachably connected to the end of the connecting portion (3) away from the air injection port (6).

9. An air jet control system, characterized in that: The jet camera cleaning device comprises the jet control unit for controlling the jet volume of the jet port (6) and a rain sensor for sensing the amount of rainfall, wherein the jet control unit is communicatively connected to the rain sensor.

10. The jet control system according to claim 9, characterized in that: A camera temperature sensor is also included, and the camera temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the jet control unit.

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