A water vapor coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving perception elements

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of water-gas coupling self-cleaning systems of intelligent driving sensing element, comprising: liquid supply unit, at least containing one washing kettle and pump assembly;Gas supply unit, at least containing one gas storage tank and pressure regulating valve;Nozzle unit, including nozzle, the output end of each nozzle is oppositely arranged with sensing element, and the input end of each nozzle is respectively communicated by independent solenoid valve parallel between pump assembly and pressure regulating valve;Vehicle information unit is signal connected with the pump assembly, pressure regulating valve and all solenoid valves, and is configured as corresponding solenoid valve is opened and closed in the order of liquid first gas, to realize the flushing and residual droplet removal to target sensing element, the application integrates water flushing and gas flushing, to improve cleaning effect, avoid droplet residue;The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and more specifically to a water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements. Background Technology

[0002] In existing automobiles, the number of sensing elements such as LiDAR, cameras, and millimeter-wave radar has increased significantly. The windows of these sensing elements are easily contaminated by dust, mud, insect residue, and other contaminants, affecting their recognition capabilities and field of view. Existing sensing elements lack a cleaning device for specific time periods. If a cleaning device similar to that used for windshields is adopted, the following problems will occur: Using liquid to rinse the window of the sensing element can lead to the problem of liquid droplets remaining after rinsing, which can affect the sensing element's recognition and field of view. The residual droplets can also easily re-adsorb dust, and the rinsing pressure is low, resulting in poor cleaning effect on contaminants. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies, a water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements is provided, which integrates water rinsing and air rinsing to improve cleaning effectiveness and prevent droplet residue.

[0004] A water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements includes: The liquid supply unit includes at least one washing jug and pump assembly; The gas supply unit includes at least one gas storage tank and a pressure regulating valve; The nozzle unit includes nozzles, the output end of each nozzle is positioned opposite to the sensing element, and the input end of each nozzle is connected in parallel with the pump assembly and the pressure regulating valve through independent solenoid valves. The vehicle information unit is connected to the pump assembly, pressure regulating valve and all solenoid valves, and is configured to open and close the corresponding solenoid valves in the order of liquid first and then gas, so as to achieve flushing of the target sensing element and removal of residual droplets.

[0005] With the above structure, the water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This device is mounted on the vehicle body, and each sensing element (e.g., camera, lidar, etc.) is equipped with at least one corresponding nozzle. Each nozzle's inlet is connected to the pump assembly via a water supply path and to a pressure regulating valve via an air supply path. Solenoid valves are installed in the water supply circuit and the gas supply circuit respectively; When the sensing element needs to be cleaned, the pump assembly pumps the liquid in the washing jug into the corresponding water circuit. At the same time, the solenoid valve on the corresponding water circuit opens the water circuit, and the sensing element can be rinsed with water through the nozzle to remove debris from the sensing element. After water rinsing is completed, the solenoid valve on the corresponding water line shuts off the water flow. Then, the pressure is adjusted to introduce the gas from the gas tank into the corresponding gas line. The solenoid valve on the corresponding gas line opens the gas line, and the sensing element can be rinsed with air through the nozzle to remove residual droplets on the sensing element and avoid affecting the sensing element's recognition and field of view.

[0006] This application uses a water rinsing combined with air rinsing scheme, which has a better cleaning effect on the sensing element; Using solenoid valves, the spray points can be controlled individually, enabling independent cleaning at multiple points.

[0007] As an improvement of this utility model, the pump assembly includes a high-pressure pump configured to provide a jet pressure of ≥5 bar to the washing liquid for delivery into the corresponding pipeline of the nozzle.

[0008] As an improvement of this invention, the pressure regulating valve is configured to output 4–6 bar of dry gas.

[0009] As an improvement of this utility model, the pump assembly includes a low-pressure pump and a nozzle that is configured to cooperate with the front and rear air windows. Its input end is connected to the low-pressure pump through a pipeline. The low-pressure pump is used to output the liquid in the washing jug to the front and rear air windows through the nozzle.

[0010] As an improvement of this utility model, the gas supply unit further includes an air pump, which is used to deliver gas to the gas tank.

[0011] As an improvement of this utility model, there are at least two washing pots, and the two washing pots are connected to each other through a balancing pipe.

[0012] As an improvement of this utility model, the high-pressure pump and the low-pressure pump are respectively installed separately in the washing pot.

[0013] As an improvement of this utility model, a liquid level sensor is provided in at least one of the washing pots.

[0014] As an improvement of this utility model, the sensing element includes a lidar, and multiple nozzles are arranged opposite to the lidar, and the multiple nozzles are arranged in an array along the width direction of the lidar, and the multiple nozzles are connected in parallel. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the entire system of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water flushing system of the lidar of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the water rinsing system for the front and rear cameras of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water rinsing system for the front and rear cameras of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the water rinsing system for the left and right cameras of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air flushing system of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the gas supply unit of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one of the washing kettles of this utility model after part of the shell is hidden.

[0024] The following components are shown in the diagram: 1. Washing jug; 1.1. Balance tube; 2. High-pressure pump; 3. Low-pressure pump; 4. Air tank; 4.1. Air pump; 5. Pressure regulating valve; 6.1. LiDAR nozzle; 6.2. Front and rear camera nozzles; 6.3. Left and right camera nozzles; 7. Liquid level sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] Please see Figure 1-9 As shown, A water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements includes: The liquid supply unit includes at least one washing jug 1 and a pump assembly; The gas supply unit includes at least one gas storage tank 4 and a pressure regulating valve 5; The nozzle unit includes nozzles, the output end of each nozzle is positioned opposite to the sensing element, and the input end of each nozzle is connected in parallel with the pump assembly and the pressure regulating valve 5 through independent solenoid valves. The nozzles include a lidar nozzle 6.1 opposite to the lidar, a front and rear camera nozzle 6.2 opposite to the front and rear cameras, and a left and right camera nozzle 6.3 opposite to the left and right cameras. The vehicle information unit is connected to the pump assembly, pressure regulating valve 5 and all solenoid valves, and is configured to open and close the corresponding solenoid valves in the order of liquid first and then gas, so as to achieve flushing of the target sensing element and removal of residual droplets.

[0027] This device is installed on the vehicle body. Each sensing element (e.g., camera, lidar, etc.) is equipped with at least one corresponding nozzle. Each nozzle's input end is connected to the pump assembly via a water supply path and to the pressure regulating valve 5 via an air supply path. Solenoid valves are installed in the water supply circuit and the gas supply circuit respectively; The vehicle information unit receives the contamination level of the sensing element. If the contamination level is greater than the threshold signal, the corresponding sensing element is cleaned. The pump assembly pumps the liquid in the washing tank 1 into the corresponding water circuit. At the same time, the solenoid valve on the corresponding water circuit opens the water circuit. The sensing element can be rinsed with water through the nozzle to remove the impurities on the sensing element. After water rinsing is completed, the solenoid valve on the corresponding water line shuts off the water flow. Then, the pressure is adjusted to introduce the gas from the gas tank into the corresponding gas line. The solenoid valve on the corresponding gas line opens the gas line, and the sensing element can be rinsed with air through the nozzle to remove residual droplets on the sensing element and avoid affecting the sensing element's recognition and field of view.

[0028] This application uses a water rinsing combined with air rinsing scheme, which has a better cleaning effect on the sensing element; Using solenoid valves, the spray points can be controlled individually, enabling independent cleaning at multiple points.

[0029] Please see Figure 4 As shown, the pump assembly includes a high-pressure pump 2, which is configured to provide a jet pressure of ≥5 bar to the washing liquid and deliver it into the corresponding pipeline of the nozzle. The high-pressure liquid is sprayed onto the sensing element, resulting in excellent spraying effect and improving the cleaning effect of water rinsing.

[0030] Please see Figure 8 As shown, pressure regulating valve 5 is configured to output 4–6 bar of dry gas. This 4–6 bar of dry gas can completely blow away water droplets from the surface of the lidar / camera within 0.3–0.6 s, eliminating optical diffraction and scattering caused by residual liquid film. At the same time, it can prevent secondary dust adsorption.

[0031] Please see Figure 4 As shown, the pump assembly includes a low-pressure pump 3 and nozzles that are configured to cooperate with the front and rear air vents. The input end of the nozzles is connected to the low-pressure pump 3 through a pipeline. The low-pressure pump 3 is used to output the liquid in the washing jug 1 through the nozzles to the front and rear air vents.

[0032] The windshield glass has relatively low pressure requirements, which can be met by using low-pressure pump 3. The redundant structure design of the high and low pressure dual pumps ensures that the low-pressure pump 3 can still independently ensure windshield cleaning and maintain the driver's basic visibility when the high-pressure pump 2 fails. In addition, windshield cleaning is relatively frequent, and using low-pressure pump 3 for cleaning has high reliability and reduces energy consumption and losses.

[0033] Please see Figure 8 As shown, the gas supply unit also includes a gas pump 4.1, which is used to deliver gas to the gas tank.

[0034] The independent air pump 4.1 can independently replenish the air tank 4 without affecting the normal use of the vehicle, ensuring that the cleaning system always has a dry air source of 4–6 bar, so that the system can maintain reliable operation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the independent air pump 4.1 is eliminated, and the air tank 4 is directly connected to the auxiliary air tank of the vehicle's air suspension, which can reduce costs and weight.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 As shown, there are at least two washing pots 1, and the two washing pots 1 are connected to each other through a balance pipe 1.1.

[0037] Two wash tanks 1 are installed on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, and are connected in the middle by a balance pipe 1.1. They can store a large amount of wash liquid to support the system's battery life. A small hole is provided on the body of the washing pot 1 to ensure that the inside of the pot is connected to the atmosphere, avoid the formation of pressure difference, and make the system operate reliably.

[0038] High-pressure pump 2 and low-pressure pump 3 are each separately installed in the washing pot 1.

[0039] The above improvements enable a reasonable structural layout, facilitating disassembly, assembly, and maintenance. When one of them requires maintenance, the corresponding pump or washing jug 1 can be maintained without affecting the other pump or washing jug 1.

[0040] Please see Figure 9 As shown, a liquid level sensor 7 is provided in at least one of the washing jugs 1.

[0041] The multi-segment reed switch type liquid level sensor 7 commonly used in washing jug 1 can be used to continuously monitor the liquid level in washing jug 1, which has the characteristics of low cost and high reliability.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 As shown, the sensing element includes a lidar, and multiple nozzles are arranged opposite the lidar in an array along the width direction of the lidar, and the multiple nozzles are connected in parallel.

[0043] Because lidar is relatively large, nozzles are installed to reduce missed areas during cleaning operations, resulting in better cleaning performance for the lidar.

[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are within its protection scope. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within its protection scope.

Claims

1. A water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements, characterized in that, include: The liquid supply unit includes at least one washing jug (1) and a pump assembly; The gas supply unit includes at least one gas storage tank (4) and a pressure regulating valve (5). The nozzle unit includes nozzles, the output end of each nozzle is positioned opposite to the sensing element, and the input end of each nozzle is connected in parallel with the pump assembly and the pressure regulating valve (5) through independent solenoid valves. The vehicle information unit is connected to the pump assembly, pressure regulating valve (5) and all solenoid valves, and is configured to open and close the corresponding solenoid valves in the order of liquid first and gas second, so as to achieve flushing of the target sensing element and removal of residual droplets.

2. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump assembly includes a high-pressure pump (2) configured to provide a jet pressure of ≥5 bar to the washing liquid for delivery into the corresponding conduit of the nozzle.

3. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure regulating valve (5) is configured to output 4–6 bar of dry gas.

4. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pump assembly includes a low-pressure pump (3) and a nozzle that is configured to cooperate with the front and rear air windows. Its input end is connected to the low-pressure pump (3) through a pipeline. The low-pressure pump (3) is used to output the liquid in the washing pot (1) through the nozzle to the front and rear air windows.

5. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas supply unit also includes a gas pump (4.1) for supplying gas to the gas tank.

6. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are at least two washing pots (1), and the two washing pots (1) are connected to each other through a balance pipe (1.1).

7. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for an intelligent driving sensing element according to claim 6, characterized in that: The high-pressure pump (2) and the low-pressure pump (3) are respectively installed in the washing pot (1).

8. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 6, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor (7) is provided in at least one of the washing jugs (1).

9. The water-air coupling self-cleaning system for intelligent driving sensing elements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing element includes a lidar, and multiple nozzles are arranged opposite to the lidar, and the multiple nozzles are arranged in an array along the width direction of the lidar, and the multiple nozzles are connected in parallel.

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