Cleaning system for a vehicle and vehicle with such a cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system for a vehicle, comprising a cleaning device for applying a liquid to a cover element (1) attached to the vehicle. The cleaning system according to the invention is characterized by a flap (2) that is movable relative to the vehicle structure when mounted on the vehicle, wherein the flap (2) is movable between an open position (SO), in which the flap (2) exposes an opening (3) in the outer skin (4) of the vehicle through which the cover element (1) is exposed to the environment, and a closed position (SC), in which the flap (2) closes the opening (3), wherein a nozzle unit (5) of the cleaning device is arranged on a side of the flap (2) facing the cover element (1), and wherein the nozzle unit (5) is aligned or alignable for applying the liquid to the cover element (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning system for a vehicle of the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle with such a cleaning system.

[0002] Vehicles become dirty during use. For example, dust, fine dust, mud, sand, snow, and similar substances can accumulate on the vehicle structure. This can impair various vehicle systems. For instance, vehicle lighting devices such as headlights can be covered by these deposits, negatively impacting their ability to illuminate the surroundings. Furthermore, modern vehicles are equipped with a wide variety of environmental sensors, such as cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, LiDARe, and the like. In a radar sensor, a radar antenna is housed in a casing that is sealed off from the environment by a radome. The radome is transparent to the radiation emitted by the radar antenna. If dirt, snow, or ice accumulates on the radome, the intensity of the radar radiation emitted into the environment decreases.This also applies to the laser radiation emitted into the environment by a LiDAR. This can impair the detection capability of corresponding sensor systems.

[0003] This creates the need to keep the relevant vehicle systems free of dirt, snow and ice deposits, or to be able to remove them.

[0004] Folding headlights have the advantage that they can be recessed into the vehicle's outer shell when not in use. This means that folding headlights can only accumulate dirt, snow, or ice when in use. Furthermore, it is known to equip headlights rigidly attached to the vehicle with a cover flap to protect them from such contamination when not in use.

[0005] Furthermore, cleaning devices for vehicle headlights are known from the prior art. Such a cleaning device comprises a tank for storing a cleaning fluid that can be applied to the headlight lenses via a spray nozzle. In particular, LED or laser headlights do not generate enough infrared radiation to ensure sufficient defrosting of the headlight lenses in winter. Therefore, dedicated thermal emitters can be provided to defrost the lenses by emitting infrared radiation.

[0006] German patent DE 102 12 785 A1 discloses a headlight for vehicles. The document describes a pop-up headlight with an adjustable spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is fixedly connected to the pop-up headlight. This causes the spray nozzle to pivot together with the pop-up headlight. To enable fluid supply to the rotating system while avoiding excessively long lines, the spray nozzle is connected to a main fluid line via a coupling, which is rotatable about a common axis of rotation relative to the main line.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 103 044 A1 discloses a headlight for a motor vehicle. In addition to a lighting device, a LiDAR is also arranged within the headlight housing. The headlight has an externally arranged fluid-based headlight cleaning system. A de-icing device in the form of an infrared emitter is arranged on the headlight cleaning system. The headlight cleaning system has a movable nozzle.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved cleaning system for vehicles, which ensures the reliable use of lighting devices and environmental sensors, and which is inconspicuous.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a cleaning system for a vehicle with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments, as well as a vehicle with such a cleaning system, are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] A generic cleaning system for a vehicle, comprising a cleaning device for applying a liquid to a cover element attached to the vehicle, is further developed according to the invention by a flap movable relative to the vehicle structure when mounted on the vehicle, wherein the flap is movable between an open position in which the flap exposes an opening in the outer skin of the vehicle through which the cover element is exposed to the environment, and a closed position in which the flap closes the opening, wherein a nozzle unit of the cleaning device is arranged on a side of the flap facing the cover element, and wherein the nozzle unit is aligned or alignable for applying the liquid to the cover element.

[0011] The flap allows the cover element to be opened to the environment or protected from it. When the underlying system is not in use, the flap seals the cover element from the environment, preventing dirt, snow, ice, or similar substances from accumulating on it. As will be explained in more detail later, the cover element can be the lens of a headlight or a housing component of a sensor module. The lighting device or sensor system can be used accordingly. However, during operation, the flap is moved to the open position, allowing dirt, snow, and / or ice to accumulate on the cover element. Particularly when headlights are used at night, insects can collect on the lens during high-speed driving. The cleaning device allows such dirt or water accumulation to be removed from the cover element.Since closing the flap slows down the accumulation of dirt, snow, or ice compared to a cover element that is not separated from the environment, the cleaning device needs to be used less frequently, thus reducing its consumption of liquid.

[0012] Furthermore, the nozzle unit of the cleaning device is not visible to an observer from the outside, as it is located on the inside of the flap. Thus, the cleaning device is not directly noticeable and therefore inconspicuous. This improves the vehicle's aesthetic appearance. Additionally, the nozzle unit is protected from damage or contamination by environmental influences, thereby increasing the reliability of the cleaning device.

[0013] The nozzle unit can be rigidly or flexibly connected to the flap. Therefore, a fluid jet emitted by the nozzle unit can be applied to the cover element only in the closed position, only in the open position, or in both the open and closed positions, and / or even while the flap position is being adjusted.

[0014] Cleaning the cover element in the closed position of the flap thus takes place without being perceptible to an observer, which allows for a particularly inconspicuous cleaning of the cover element.

[0015] Depending on the circumstances, so much dirt, snow, and / or ice can accumulate on the cover element during operation that cleaning is necessary even while the unit is running. This is made possible by the ability to wet the cover element with liquid even when the flap is open.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention provides that the nozzle unit is rotatably mounted on the flap, in particular by means of an actuator. This makes it possible to align the nozzle unit precisely with respect to the cover element. The movement of the nozzle unit can be triggered by the impulse of the liquid spraying out of the nozzle unit, similar to a lawn sprinkler or the spray arms of a dishwasher. It is also possible to move the nozzle unit precisely using a dedicated actuator. All common actuator types are suitable for this purpose. Due to the known installation position of the nozzle unit on the flap and the position of the flap relative to the cover element, it is only necessary to control the movement of the nozzle unit, not to regulate it. Advantageously, dedicated sensors for detecting contamination on the cover element can also be provided.This allows specific areas on the cover element to be identified that should be targeted with a liquid jet. Such operation can also be based on a control system.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention, the nozzle unit can be moved via a linkage mechanism using the same actuator for moving the flap, particularly during the combined movement of the flap and nozzle unit. This eliminates the need for a dedicated actuator for moving the nozzle unit. The linkage mechanism allows the nozzle unit to be moved independently or dependently with the movement of the flap. For example, the nozzle unit can be rigidly connected to the flap to wet the cover element over a large area with liquid when the flap is adjusted. The application of the liquid to the cover element can occur both when the flap is closed and when freshly adhering dirt can be removed particularly easily.Additionally or alternatively, the liquid can also be applied when the flap is opened, so that dirt is removed immediately before the headlight or sensor starts operating.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention provides that the nozzle unit extends in one spatial direction across the flap. This makes it possible to supply the cover element with liquid simultaneously over a particularly large surface area. Instead of a single, comparatively thin spray jet, several spray jets can be applied to the cover element simultaneously, or a continuous band of liquid, similar to a liquid film, can be sprayed onto the cover element. A corresponding nozzle opening can thus be formed by a comparatively small, circular hole or an elongated slot. Particularly preferably, the spatial direction in which the nozzle unit extends along the flap is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the flap. In this case, when the flap is moved, the corresponding nozzle jet travels across the entire surface of the cover element.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention, at least one tank, which communicates fluidically with the nozzle unit, is provided for storing the liquid. The liquid consists of a cleaning agent, a de-icing agent, or a mixture of the cleaning agent and the de-icing agent. With the aid of the cleaning system according to the invention, not only dirt in the form of grime, dust, mud, and the like, but also frozen water, such as ice, snow, and the like, can be removed from the cover element. The tank can be filled with the cleaning agent and / or the de-icing agent for this purpose. All common cleaning agents and de-icing agents are suitable. The cleaning agent can also be a mixture of water and one or more surfactants. Other liquid or soluble additives can also be included.Preferably, an antifreeze agent, such as glycol, can be added to the mixture. The de-icing agent can also perform the function of the antifreeze.

[0020] The tank is connected to the nozzle unit via a suitable fluid line. Using appropriate means, such as a pump, pressure can be built up to transport the fluid from the tank through the fluid line to the nozzle unit.

[0021] Preferably, at least two tanks are provided that communicate with the nozzle unit via fluid flow. The cleaning agent is stored in a first tank and the de-icing agent in a second tank. In particular, the first tank communicates with a first spray nozzle and the second tank with a second spray nozzle of the nozzle unit. This allows the cleaning system to remove both dirt and snow or ice accumulation from the cover element. Depending on how the corresponding fluid lines are connected to the nozzle unit, either the cleaning agent or the de-icing agent can be applied to the cover element via the same spray nozzle, or a separate spray nozzle can be provided for each type of fluid. This even allows the simultaneous application of cleaning agent and de-icing agent to the cover element with two separate tanks.To control the cleaning system, appropriate controls may be provided in the vehicle interior. By pressing corresponding buttons, rotary knobs, graphical user interface elements, and the like, a corresponding pump can be activated to apply the cleaning agent and / or de-icing agent.

[0022] A collecting groove is particularly preferred, arranged geodetically at the lower edge of the cover element. This collecting groove is designed to catch the liquid that runs down the cover element after application, and it communicates fluidically with the tank to return the collected liquid to the tank via a fluid line. The collecting groove allows the used liquid to be collected and reused. This reduces the frequency with which the tank needs to be refilled, thus lowering the risk of the tank running dry while driving. Consequently, the reliability of the cleaning system according to the invention is further increased. User convenience is also improved, as manually refilling the tank is less laborious. Furthermore, the reduced need to purchase liquid leads to lower operating costs.

[0023] Such a collection groove does not allow for the separation of de-icing agent and cleaning fluid. In such an embodiment, a single tank is preferably provided, in which case the liquid in the tank is either only a cleaning agent, only a de-icing agent, or a mixture of cleaning agent and de-icing agent.

[0024] The collection groove can have a suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a geodesically upward-opening semicircle, a semi-ellipse, or the like.

[0025] Preferably, the connection to the fluid line leading to the tank is located at the lowest point of the collection groove. This ensures that no liquid residue remains in the collection groove, and that the largest possible proportion of the collected liquid is returned to the tank.

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention provides that the collection groove is equipped with a grid designed to capture dirt particles transported by the fluid running down the cover element. This prevents or at least slows down the accumulation of dirt particles in the returned liquid. In particular, the mesh size of the grid is adapted to the typical particle size of the dirt particles. The grid can be designed accordingly, such as a grate or a gauze. By providing such a grid, it is possible to prevent the liquid or liquid mixture from being contaminated by dirt and / or diluted by melting water. In addition, the risk of damage to corresponding pressure-building devices such as pumps is reduced, and the risk of blockage of corresponding fluid lines is lowered.

[0027] Preferably, the collection groove slopes continuously to one side in a geodesic pattern when viewed from above the cover element. Due to gravity, this causes the fluid, along with the dirt particles on the grid, to run down its length. The descending fluid then carries the dirt particles with it, thus keeping the grid clear of the trapped particles. This reduces the amount of fluid that overflows the grid, allowing a higher proportion of fluid to be returned to the tank via the collection groove. Furthermore, the dirt particles are systematically removed. At the corresponding end of the collection groove, a suitable measure can be taken to remove the dirt particles, for example, in the simplest case, a sufficiently large hole in the vehicle structure.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention, the nozzle unit is also designed to be directed towards the grid in order to flush the dirt particles off the grid with a fluid jet. Thus, a corresponding fluid jet can be directed not only towards the cover element but also specifically towards the grid. It is particularly preferred that the fluid jet be movable along the grid. This allows dirt particles to be selectively flushed off the grid should the laterally tilted collection groove provide insufficient dirt removal, or in the case of a geometrically different collection groove, for example, a U-shaped collection groove in a top view. A correspondingly controllable fluid jet thus increases the design freedom for the geometric shape of the collection groove.

[0029] In a vehicle comprising a module embedded in the outer skin and sealed on at least one side with a cover element, a cleaning system as described above is provided according to the invention. The cleaning system according to the invention guarantees reliable operation of the system functionality provided by the module. This allows the cover element to be reliably protected from dirt and / or icing, and, should any accumulation occur, these can be reliably removed. Due to its integration on the inside of the flap, the cleaning system can be discreetly integrated into the vehicle. The vehicle can be any road vehicle such as a car, truck, van, bus, or the like. Generally, it could also be a rail vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft.

[0030] An advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention provides that a lighting device and / or a sensor device is arranged within the module, wherein the cover element is transparent to the electromagnetic radiation emitted or detectable by the lighting device and / or the sensor device. In other words, the module can be a headlight module. It could also be a sensor module. Such a sensor module could be a radar sensor system, a LiDAR, a camera sensor system, or the like. With the aid of the cleaning system according to the invention, dirt and / or snow and ice can be removed from a corresponding headlight cover lens or a corresponding sensor protection element, such as a radome or a LiDAR protective cap. This ensures that the light emitted by the headlight or the sensor is not obstructed.The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sensor, such as radar beams, infrared light, and the like, can penetrate into the surrounding environment. If the sensor is a camera, a corresponding detection capability of the environment for the camera is ensured.

[0031] In general, it is also conceivable that the sensor device is integrated together with the lighting device into a common module.

[0032] Further advantageous embodiments of the cleaning system and vehicle according to the invention also result from the exemplary embodiments which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0033] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a cleaning system according to the invention with a flap in a closed position and an open position; Fig. 2 a schematic detailed representation of a further embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the cleaning system according to the invention in accordance with two alternative embodiments; and Fig. 4 a schematic top view of the cleaning system according to the invention in a further alternative embodiment.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a cleaning system according to the invention, integrated into a vehicle according to the invention. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning device for applying a liquid to a cover element 1 of a module 11 provided on the vehicle. The module 11 can be, for example, a headlight module or a sensor module such as a radar sensor module. An element 12 is arranged within the module 11, for example, in the form of a lighting device and / or a sensor device. The cover element 1 is transparent to the electromagnetic radiation emitted or detectable by the lighting device or the sensor device. The electromagnetic radiation is in Fig. 1 indicated by wavy arrows.

[0035] Typically, such a cover element 1 is open to the environment. Consequently, dirt, snow, ice, and the like can accumulate on the cover element 1, thereby weakening or even completely blocking the electromagnetic radiation passing through the cover element 1.

[0036] According to the invention, the cleaning system comprises a flap 2 which can be moved between a closed position SC, shown in subfigure 1a), and an open position SO, shown in subfigure 1b), by means of a suitable actuator. The actuator can be connected to the flap 2 via suitable mechanical coupling elements, e.g., in the form of a gearbox. Various movement sequences are possible, such as rotation, pivoting, translational movements of the flap 2, and the like – also in combination.

[0037] When flap 2 is in the closed position SC, dirt and weather cannot reach the cover element 1. Advantageously, flap 2 is moved to the closed position SC when module 11 is not in operation. However, if module 11 is to be operated, flap 2 is moved to the open position SO, so that the cover element 1 is exposed to the environment through an opening 3.

[0038] According to the invention, a nozzle unit 5 is arranged on the inside of the flap 2, facing the cover element 1, by means of which the liquid can be applied to the cover element 1. Corresponding fluid jets are indicated in the figures by solid arrows. The nozzle unit 5 can be rigidly connected to the flap 2 or movable. For example, the nozzle unit 5 can be rotatably or pivotably mounted. Subfigure 1b) shows a guide cam 13, by means of which a defined movement sequence can be imposed on the flap 2. If liquid is applied to the cover element 1 via the nozzle unit 5 while the flap 2 is being adjusted, the movement sequence can be designed such that the entire cover element 1, or at least a relevant surface area, can be wetted by the liquid as the flap 2 moves.Optionally, the nozzle unit 5 itself can also be moved relative to the flap 2 via an actuator. The actuator used to move flap 2 can be used for this purpose via a suitable coupling mechanism. However, a dedicated actuator can also be provided for adjusting the nozzle unit 5.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention in an enlarged view. A tank 6 for storing the liquid is shown. The liquid is supplied to the nozzle unit 5 via a fluid line 14. Suitable means can be provided to generate pressure, for example in the form of a pump.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 further shows a collecting groove 8 provided at the lower edge of the cover element 1, which serves to collect the liquid running down the cover element 1. Advantageously, the collecting groove 8 is provided with a grid 10 to collect dirt, snow, or ice particles. A fluid line 9 is particularly advantageously connected to the collecting groove 8 via an opening 15 to return the collected fluid to the tank 6. The fluid can be a cleaning agent, a de-icing agent, or a mixture of these two substances.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further alternative embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention in a top view. The flap 2 is not shown. The figure is divided into a left and a right half, separated from each other by a center line 16. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the nozzle unit 5 extends in a spatial direction transversely across the cover element 1. In its left half, the nozzle unit 5 has several spray nozzles 7.1, 7.2, through which corresponding liquid jets can be applied to the cover element 1. Particularly advantageous is the connection of first spray nozzles 7.1 to a first tank 6.1 for storing a first liquid and second spray nozzles 7.2 to a second tank 6.2 for storing a second liquid via a corresponding fluid line 14. This enables the simultaneous or separate application of said cleaning agent and de-icing agent, even if they are stored separately.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in the right half of Figure 3, the nozzle unit 5 can have a slot-shaped nozzle instead of several spray nozzles 7.1, 7.2, through which a fluid film can be applied to the cover element 1. The entire nozzle unit 5 can be rotated about a rotation axis 17 to allow the fluid to cover the surface of the cover element 1. Several such spray nozzles 7.1, 7.2 or slotted nozzles can also be distributed around the circumference.

[0043] The liquid running down the cover element 1 is indicated by dashed arrows. This liquid passes through the grid 10 and enters the collecting groove 8. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the collecting groove 8 is suspended at an angle to allow the collected liquid to drain away. At the lowest geodetic point of the collecting groove 8 is the opening 15 for connecting the fluid line 9 to the tank 6. Additionally, a discharge port 18 can be provided for removing dirt particles carried along the grid 10.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 shows another alternative embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention. Here, the cover element 1 is circular. Accordingly, the collection groove 8 fits snugly against the cover element 1 in a U-shape. Here, too, the opening 15 is arranged at the lowest geodetic point of the collection groove 8. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a corresponding fluid jet can be moved along the collecting groove 8. For this purpose, the nozzle unit 5 can be moved clockwise or counterclockwise. Additionally or alternatively, the nozzle unit 5 can have spray nozzles (not shown) that can be actuated independently of one another, for example, sequentially. The corresponding spray jet is in Fig. The application process to grid 10 at different times is indicated by dashed lines. The spray pattern at the current time is indicated by a solid line.

[0045] The cleaning system according to the invention allows headlights and sensor modules to be efficiently and reliably protected from contamination, and also to have such contamination removed subsequently. This is possible both with the flap 2 closed and open, as well as when the flap 2 is in motion. The cleaning system is not directly visible when the flap 2 is closed, and especially not when the flap 2 is open, which allows for particularly aesthetic integration into the vehicle. Used fluid can be collected and reused via the collection groove 8. This reduces the consumption of the cleaning system. Dirt particles can be captured by the grid 10, which supports reliable operation. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 12 785 A1

[0006] DE 10 2019 103 044 A1

[0007]

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