Device and method for cleaning at least one vehicle part

Abstract

Device (1) for cleaning at least one vehicle part (5), wherein at least one active aerodynamic element (3) is provided, and the active aerodynamic element (3) is designed to redirect the airflow such that the at least one vehicle part (5) can be cleaned, characterized in that a rain sensor is provided for controlling the aerodynamic element, by which rain can be detected, wherein the rainwater can be used for cleaning by being redirected by the active aerodynamic element (3), wherein it can be deduced from the vehicle speed whether cleaning is possible, and wherein it can be determined with the help of the sensors in the vehicle whether this rain was caused by spray and is therefore unsuitable for cleaning, or whether this rain was caused by natural rain and is therefore suitable for cleaning.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning at least one vehicle part.

[0002] Vehicle components, such as sensors or windshields, can be cleaned or kept clear with at least one washer nozzle, at least one wiper, or a blower. This removes dirt and grime, such as that caused by the wind while driving. Furthermore, it is possible to install these components behind a fin, for example, to prevent them from getting dirty.

[0003] Mounting the sensor in the airstream also offers advantages, particularly as dust and dew can be carried away by the wind. Positioning it in the slipstream has the advantage of reducing soiling during driving. However, a disadvantage is that a sensor or other dirty area of ​​the vehicle located in the slipstream cannot be cleaned by the airflow while driving.

[0004] From DE 10 2017 217 090 A1, a method for cleaning the surface of a means of transport is known using a nozzle, wherein a cleaning agent is applied to the component to be cleaned through a nozzle at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The nozzle is moved across the surface without making contact.

[0005] From DE 4 202 597 B4, a device for cleaning a vehicle window with a high-frequency vibrator is also known. Nozzles are provided on the window to create an air curtain or air cushion.

[0006] US Patent 2018 / 0086316A1 discloses a device for cleaning an optical sensor, particularly for use in a motor vehicle, with a nozzle for dispensing a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid dispensing nozzle is designed as a dropper nozzle and is configured to apply the cleaning fluid to the optical sensor in individual drops.

[0007] Furthermore, reference can be made to DE 40 36 540 A1, DE 10 2022 119 353 A1, DE 10 2018 220 582 A1, DE 10 2018 114 152 A1, DE 10 2016 221 858 A1, DE 10 2015 118 670 A1, WO 2019 / 029 806 A1, WO 98 / 28 084 A1, DE 10 2023 005 277 A1, DE 10 2021 212 330 A1, DE 10 2008 008 656 A1, DE 10 2021 123 989 B3, DE 10 2021 122 Reference is made to 884 A1, DE 10 2021 122 871 A1, DE 199 20 963 A1, WO 2020 / 064 884 A1, DE 10 2021 117 705 A1 and DE 601 16 294 T2.

[0008] A disadvantage of known devices and methods is the need for compressors or similar equipment to generate the desired air or water pressure from the nozzle. Solutions using air bursts generally require a dedicated compressor, air lines, and nozzles, which must also be installed in the vehicle in specially soundproofed locations. Other known solutions using centrifugal discs also increase the required installation space.

[0009] For further information on the state of the art, reference can also be made to DE 10 2022 002 679 A1, which shows a device for mounting a camera on a fender of a vehicle, which includes an aerodynamic aperture.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 4 316 345 A1 shows a system for collecting rainwater for use in windshield washer systems of vehicles.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method which overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the method and the device should save installation space, preferably by utilizing existing effects from the airflow.

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1, and in particular those of the characterizing part of claim 1, and by a method according to claim 4. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] At the core of the device according to the invention, at least one active aerodynamic element is provided, wherein the active aerodynamic element is designed to redirect the airflow so that at least one part of the vehicle can be cleaned. The spray direction can be influenced by the active aerodynamic element, whereby a desired area of ​​the vehicle can be selectively cleaned solely by the airflow without the need for additional components or compressors.Furthermore, a rain sensor is provided to control the aerodynamic element, which can detect rain, whereby the rainwater can be used for cleaning by being diverted through the active aerodynamic element, whereby it can be deduced from the driving speed whether cleaning is possible, and whereby the sensors in the vehicle can detect whether this rain was caused by spray, and is therefore unsuitable for cleaning, or whether this rain was caused by natural rain, and is therefore suitable for cleaning.

[0014] The device is designed for cleaning at least one vehicle part. According to the invention, for example, at least one sensor or another vehicle part that is exposed to the airflow or located in the slipstream can be cleaned of environmental influences. The aerodynamic element allows the airflow to be directed to any desired location.

[0015] In other words, the method or device according to the invention enables cleaning or maintenance using the airflow and environmental conditions. It makes it possible to expose sensors or other vehicle parts to the airflow or to protect them from environmental influences in the slipstream, in order to selectively utilize a desired effect of a particular condition.

[0016] Advantageously, this requires less installation space and fewer components. Compared to a nozzle with a compressor, it also results in less noise. Furthermore, a simpler technology can be used.

[0017] The vehicle component in question could be, in particular, the sensors, the vehicle windows, or mirrors. For example, the vehicle component could be at least one sensor, at least part of a window, and / or an exterior mirror.

[0018] According to a highly advantageous further development of the idea, a movable nozzle can be included, wherein the active aerodynamic element for redirecting the airflow is designed such that at least one vehicle part can be cleaned by the at least one nozzle. The spray direction of the nozzle can be influenced by the active aerodynamic element, whereby a desired area of ​​the vehicle can be selectively cleaned solely by the airflow without additional components or compressors.

[0019] The device is particularly well-suited for cleaning cameras. For example, a camera mounted on the side of a vehicle can be protected from the wind by an active aerodynamic element. If the camera lens is contaminated, for example with dew or dust, this can be detected by the camera and cleaned by the nozzle.

[0020] According to a highly advantageous further development of the idea, the aerodynamic element and at least one nozzle can be moved relative to each other. For example, the active aerodynamic element can be extended, and the movable nozzle can direct the airflow through the aerodynamic element to the camera lens for cleaning purposes.

[0021] The invention further relates to a method for cleaning at least one vehicle part, in particular with a device according to the invention. It is proposed that an active aerodynamic element redirects the airflow in such a way that the at least one vehicle part is cleaned. Rain is detected by a rain sensor, and the rainwater is used for cleaning by being redirected through the active aerodynamic element. The system determines whether cleaning is possible based on the vehicle speed, and the sensors in the vehicle detect whether the rain originated from spray and is therefore unsuitable for cleaning, or whether it originated from natural rain and is thus suitable for cleaning. The method has the same features and advantages as described for the device.

[0022] According to a highly advantageous further development of the method, the vehicle part can be cleaned by at least one movable nozzle. The same features and advantages apply here as already described with regard to the device.

[0023] According to a highly advantageous further development of the method, it can be provided that at least one vehicle part is cleaned directly by direct airflow from the nozzle, or that a suction effect is generated by airflow over an area directly adjacent to the vehicle part, thereby cleaning at least one vehicle part indirectly. This allows for optimal utilization of the aerodynamic effects of the airflow.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that moving the aerodynamic element relative to the at least one nozzle influences the spray direction of the nozzle. In particular, this can create either a suction effect or a direct flow.

[0025] It is also possible to use a washer nozzle and ambient rain. This can be advantageous for removing dirt that would be impossible to remove with an airflow alone. The vehicle's rain sensor detects rain. Based on the vehicle's speed, it determines whether cleaning is possible or not. The vehicle's sensors can also distinguish whether the rain is spray from a vehicle ahead and therefore potentially unsuitable for cleaning, or whether it is natural rain and thus suitable for cleaning. The rainwater can then be directed at the camera lens using the nozzle, for example, and the dirt can be removed.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments of the device and method according to the invention are also evident from the exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0027] This shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of an aerodynamic element; Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of a device according to the invention; Fig. 3 a further schematic sectional view of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a further schematic sectional view of a device according to the invention.

[0028] In the presentation of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of an aerodynamic element 3. For example, a camera 6 mounted laterally on the vehicle can be protected from the wind by such an active aerodynamic element 3.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a device 1 for cleaning at least one vehicle part 5, comprising in particular at least one movable nozzle 2. The vehicle part 5 can be a section or part of a body or a sensor. Furthermore, an active aerodynamic element 3 is provided, which is designed to redirect the airflow. This allows the at least one vehicle part 5 to be cleaned, in particular by the at least one movable nozzle 2.

[0030] The active aerodynamic element 3 is in Fig. 2 is shown in an extended position. The movable nozzle 2 can also be extended to direct the airflow onto the area of ​​a camera lens of camera 6. The in Fig. The movable nozzle 2 shown in Figure 2 additionally allows the airflow to be directed either directly onto the camera lens or to the side of the lens, depending on how far it is extended. This can be advantageous for achieving a suction effect 4 on the lens, which may remove contaminants more effectively than a static nozzle directed solely at the camera lens. The active aerodynamic element 3 and the at least one movable nozzle 2 can therefore be displaced relative to each other.

[0031] At least one vehicle part 5 can be cleaned directly by direct flow from nozzle 2, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, or a suction effect 4 can be created by directing the flow towards an area directly next to the vehicle part 5, thereby indirectly cleaning at least one vehicle part 5, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the spray direction 7 of the nozzle 2 can be influenced by the aerodynamic element 3. Advantageously, gravity can be utilized, whereby a suction can be directed in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the suction can be directed in the direction of another flow direction.

[0032] According to one embodiment, more than one nozzle may also be included, wherein the movable nozzles 2 may be arranged on and / or in an active aerodynamic element 3 in such a way that the vehicle part 5 is either kept directly clear by direct airflow or a suction effect 4 is generated by airflow over an area directly next to the vehicle part 5, and is thus kept indirectly clear.

[0033] Naturally, the described design variants of device 1 can be found in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig.The four elements can also be combined with each other, resulting in various possibilities. For example, nozzle 2 and camera 6 can be arranged in different positions. Similarly, aerodynamic element 3 can have a shape that differs from the one shown.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for cleaning at least one vehicle part (5), wherein at least one active aerodynamic element (3) is provided, and the active aerodynamic element (3) is designed to redirect the airflow in such a way that the at least one vehicle part (5) can be cleaned, characterized by , that a rain sensor is provided for controlling the aerodynamic element, by which rain can be detected, wherein the rainwater can be used for cleaning by being diverted through the active aerodynamic element (3), wherein it can be deduced from the driving speed whether cleaning is possible, and wherein it can be determined with the help of the sensors in the vehicle whether this rain was caused by spray, and is therefore unsuitable for cleaning, or whether this rain was caused by natural rain, and is therefore suitable for cleaning. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that a movable nozzle (2) is included, wherein the active aerodynamic element (3) for redirecting the airflow is designed such that the at least one vehicle part (5) can be cleaned through the at least one nozzle (2). [3] Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the active aerodynamic element (3) and the at least one movable nozzle (2) are displaceable relative to each other. [4] Method for cleaning at least one vehicle part, in particular with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an active aerodynamic element (3) redirects the airflow in such a way that the at least one vehicle part (5) is cleaned, characterized by, that rain is detected by a rain sensor, wherein the rainwater is used for cleaning by being diverted through the active aerodynamic element (3), whereby it is deduced from the driving speed whether cleaning is possible, and wherein the sensors in the vehicle detect whether this rain was caused by spray and is therefore unsuitable for cleaning, or whether this rain was caused by natural rain and is therefore suitable for cleaning. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that the vehicle part (5) is cleaned by at least one movable nozzle (2). [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that at least one vehicle part (5) is cleaned directly by direct flow from the nozzle (2), or that a suction effect (4) is created by flowing over an area directly next to the vehicle part (5), thereby indirectly cleaning the at least one vehicle part (5). [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that by moving the active aerodynamic element (3) relative to the at least one movable nozzle (2) a spray direction (7) of the nozzle (2) is influenced.

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