Sensor device for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for operating a sensor device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Sensor device (1) for a motor vehicle (11), comprising a sensor (2), an incidence surface (3) through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor (2) passes to or into the sensor (2), and a cleaning device (4) for cleaning the incidence surface (3), wherein the cleaning device (4) comprises a cleaning container (5) with an interior (6) for receiving a cleaning fluid (7) and a cleaning element (8) coupled to a drive unit (29), wherein a control device (14) is configured to generate control signals and output them to the drive unit (29), causing the cleaning element (8), starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element (8) is arranged at least partially in the interior (6) of the cleaning container (5), to wipe over the incidence surface (3) to carry out a cleaning process.A protective cover (9) of the sensor device (1) can be moved from a covering position, in which it is positioned in front of the entry surface (3), to a release position, in which the entry surface (3) of the sensor (2) is exposed, and vice versa. The protective cover (9) and the cleaning element (8) can be coupled to each other in such a way that the protective cover (9) and the cleaning element (8) can be moved together by means of the drive unit (29).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle and a method for operating a sensor device for a motor vehicle.

[0002] For vehicle sensors to function correctly and generate the necessary data, it is essential that the light rays are absorbed as little as possible by contaminants before entering the sensor. Sensors mounted externally on vehicles are particularly susceptible to this, as contamination can occur due to driving. Common contaminants include bird droppings, crushed insects, sand, dust, and mud. Wet cleaning is frequently used to remove these contaminants.

[0003] From DE 10 2021 004 644 A1, a lidar system is known with a lidar sensor arranged in a housing, wherein the lidar sensor is arranged in a rotatably mounted protective element that is transparent to lidar radiation. An underside of the protective element is arranged in a basin filled with a cleaning fluid. The protective element is cleaned by rotating it, whereby the cleaning fluid is wiped off the protective element by means of a wiper element provided on the housing side.

[0004] DE 10 2018 006 529 A1 describes a camera system for a vehicle, comprising a camera and a housing, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted. A wiping element is arranged on an outer surface of the housing, wherein, in order to clean a section of the housing through which light enters the camera, the housing rotates relative to the wiping element, and a cleaning fluid is supplied to the wiping element in the process.

[0005] From US patent 2024 / 0067135A1, a sensor cleaning device is known, comprising a movable sensor cover that covers a sensor lens and a cleaning unit that cleans an outer surface of the sensor cover. The cleaning unit includes a spray nozzle that applies cleaning fluid to the sensor cover.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an improved concept in connection with the cleaning of a sensor device for a motor vehicle, in particular with regard to cleaning the sensor device in a way that is as water-saving as possible yet effective.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved in a sensor device of the type mentioned at the outset by the fact that it has a sensor, an incidence surface through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor passes to or into the sensor, and a cleaning device for cleaning the incidence surface, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning container with an interior for receiving a cleaning fluid and a cleaning element coupled to a drive unit, wherein a control device is arranged to generate control signals and output them to the drive unit, which cause the cleaning element, starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element is arranged at least partially in the interior of the cleaning container, to wipe over the incidence surface to carry out a cleaning process.

[0008] The invention is based on the concept that, due to its arrangement within the cleaning container, the cleaning element in its rest position is in contact with the cleaning fluid and thus wetted by it. The cleaning element is preferably immersed in the cleaning fluid, particularly completely. Since the cleaning process is initiated by the cleaning element in its rest position, the wiping action is carried along by the cleaning element, eliminating the need for a separate application of the cleaning fluid to the surface, such as by spraying. Furthermore, the amount of cleaning fluid carried along by the cleaning element is minimal, resulting in a significant saving in the required cleaning fluid.Despite this advantage, there is no loss in cleaning effectiveness, as the cleaning fluid carried by the cleaning element is immediately present at the position required for effective cleaning, where the cleaning element is currently wiping the surface where it is entering.

[0009] This advantage regarding the saving of cleaning fluid is further enhanced if the cleaning fluid carried away by the cleaning element is at least largely, and in particular completely, returned to the cleaning container after the cleaning process, for example due to gravity and / or the movement carried out by means of the cleaning element.

[0010] When the cleaning fluid is returned to the cleaning container, dirt particles originating from the contamination can enter the cleaning container. Depending on their density, these dirt particles can sink to the bottom of the cleaning container, remain suspended, or float on the surface of the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid preferably has a sufficiently low density, approximately 0.8 g / cm³. 3 up to 1.2 g / cm³ 3 , so that a large proportion of the dirt particles sink to the bottom of the cleaning container. Preferably, the density is at least approximately 1.0 g / cm³. 3 Regardless of this, the cleaning fluid can be water or a mixture of water and a cleaning agent, such as a surfactant and / or the like.

[0011] To prevent the cleaning element from picking up dirt particles, such as grains of sand, that have settled at the bottom of the cleaning container, it can be positioned at a distance from the bottom of the container, either in its resting position or, more generally, in all possible positions. In this case, the cleaning fluid carried by the cleaning element is free of the settled dirt particles, thus reducing the risk of scratching the surface during the cleaning process.

[0012] The cleaning container can be a hollow tank, thus having an interior, or a basin. The cleaning container can be at least partially open in one direction, particularly upwards, to allow the cleaning element to be moved from its resting position to the position in which it wipes the surface. The cleaning container is made of, for example, plastic.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the cleaning element is provided for by wiping across a surface of the entry point during the cleaning process. Similar to an eyelid which "wipes" across the eye when blinking, the cleaning element moves across and along the entry point, preferably forming contact, in order to achieve the resulting cleaning effect.

[0014] The wiping motion of the cleaning element is generated by the drive unit. The drive unit can be an actuator, particularly an electromechanical one, such as an electric motor. The drive unit can be coupled to the cleaning element directly or via a mechanical transmission system, by which a motion generated by the drive unit is transferred to the cleaning element.

[0015] The control unit is provided for controlling the drive unit. This unit may have a computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are stored which, when executed by a processing unit of the control unit designed as a computer, cause the control unit to generate the control commands that are issued to the drive unit to carry out the cleaning process.

[0016] The sensor device according to the invention, or at least one of these devices, is preferably arranged in the front and / or rear and / or side area of ​​the motor vehicle. The sensor device can be a radar sensor device, a lidar sensor device, or an optical sensor device, such as a laser distance sensor or an optical camera, or the like. The motor vehicle preferably comprises several sensor devices according to the invention.

[0017] The sensor can be arranged in a housing of the sensor device. The sensor can have a sensor housing, in which sensing means for detecting the radiation, for example, CCD sensors or the like, can be arranged within the sensor housing. The housing and / or the sensor housing can be made of plastic and / or metal. The incident surface can form part of the housing or the sensor housing. The incident surface is transparent with respect to the radiation to be detected. It can be made, for example, of glass and / or a transparent plastic and / or the like.

[0018] With regard to the vehicle's orientation upwards, the cleaning reservoir can be located below the sensor. This can cause the previously mentioned effect of the cleaning fluid returning to the reservoir due to gravity during or after the cleaning process.

[0019] It is also conceivable that, starting from its rest position, the cleaning element wipes the contact surface from bottom to top to perform the cleaning process. After the upward wiping motion, particularly upon reaching the upper edge of the contact surface, the control signals can cause the cleaning element's movement to reverse, so that it then wipes from top to bottom, preferably removing or carrying away the cleaning fluid. The cleaning element can then return to its rest position. The path along which the cleaning element moves from bottom to top can be the same path along which it moves from top to bottom. The downward wiping motion of the cleaning element can be limited by a stop element, for example, a protruding section of the housing or the sensor housing.This can cause the cleaning element or a component connected to it to run against the stop element, thus blocking further progress of this movement and making it impossible.

[0020] Advantageously, the cleaning element is mounted so that it can move freely during the cleaning process along a straight path, particularly extending along the vertical direction of the vehicle, or along a curved path, particularly circular, parallel to a surface of the contact area. The contact area can thus have a straight or an arcuate or curved surface, particularly circular. This can refer to a cross-sectional plane, particularly perpendicular to a transverse direction of the vehicle, within which the path of the cleaning element also runs. If the contact area is a section of the housing or the sensor housing, the latter can therefore have a cubic, spherical, or cylindrical shape, whereby, in the case of a cylindrical design, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder can run along a transverse direction of the vehicle.Hybrid designs are also conceivable, where the surface of the contact area is curved, but the sensor housing essentially corresponds to a shape with flat surfaces. Accordingly, depending on the design of the contact area, the cleaning element can wipe across it in a linear or circular motion.

[0021] Preferably, the cleaning element is or comprises a wiping lip, wherein the wiping lip is in contact with the surface of the entry area during the cleaning process, particularly when a preload force is applied. The wiping lip can be rib- or lamellar-shaped, with a longitudinal direction of the wiping lip preferably extending perpendicular to the surface of the entry area and perpendicular to the path along which the cleaning element moves during the wiping process. The wiping lip can be made of a plastic, particularly a flexible plastic such as an elastomer, and / or a foam. The wiping lip can be sponge-like. The cleaning element can consist of a support section and a wiping lip arranged thereon. The support section preferably does not come into contact with the entry area.

[0022] Especially if the contact surface forms part of an outer surface of the sensor housing and, if applicable, transitions flush and without kinks into the surrounding areas of the sensor housing, then the wiper lip in its rest position can also be in contact with the sensor housing. Thus, if the cleaning element is located at least partially inside the cleaning container, the wiper lip in its rest position can be in contact with the sensor housing, so that the wiper lip in its rest position does not obstruct the contact surface.

[0023] It is conceivable that the sensor device has a collection area in which cleaning fluid accumulates when the cleaning element is located inside the cleaning container. During the cleaning process, at least some of this fluid reaches the contact surface. This means that not only the cleaning fluid that wets the cleaning element and adheres to it due to surface tension is used for the cleaning process, but also the cleaning fluid that has collected in the collection area. The cleaning fluid collected in the area remains there due to gravity, particularly after the cleaning element is moved from its resting position.

[0024] The collection area can be designed as a recess on the upper surface of the cleaning element, such as a notch. The recess is preferably groove- or channel-like and can have a V- or U-shape in cross-section. The longitudinal direction of the groove- or channel-like recess can run at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiper lip. The recess can be formed on the one hand by the wiper lip and on the other hand by the support section, or it can be bounded by the wiper lip and the support section.

[0025] Alternatively, the collection area can be arranged between the cleaning element, in particular the wiping lip, and either the ingress surface or an area of ​​the sensor device adjacent to the ingress surface. In this case, the collection area is bounded on one side by the cleaning element and on the other side by the ingress surface or the area of ​​the sensor device adjacent to the ingress surface. If the ingress surface forms part of an outer surface of the sensor housing and, if necessary, transitions flush and without kinks into the surrounding areas of the sensor housing, then the area of ​​the sensor device adjacent to the ingress surface can be the area of ​​the sensor housing adjacent to the ingress surface.

[0026] If an elastic wiping lip is provided, which rests against the inlet surface during the cleaning process and together with the sensor housing or the inlet surface defines the collection area, then the wiping lip and the inlet surface form the collection area, which in particular has a cross-section that is at least substantially V-shaped. The collection area remains in place during the cleaning process, which in particular includes the initial upward movement of the cleaning element, so that the cleaning fluid present there gradually reaches the surface of the inlet surface. In other words, the wiping lip is bent downwards during this process, so that the cleaning fluid flowing from the collection area reaches the inlet surface.Subsequently, as the cleaning element moves from top to bottom into its rest position, the collection area is cleared, and an inverted V-shape forms between the section of the cleaning element that previously formed the collection area and the inlet surface. This allows any remaining cleaning fluid to drain away and, in particular, return to the cleaning container. When the cleaning element returns to its rest position, this inverted V-shape is maintained, and the collection area only forms again after the cleaning element's upward movement is initiated once more.

[0027] Preferably, the control unit can be configured to check whether a cleaning condition is met, depending on at least one piece of information obtained from the sensor device and / or the vehicle, and, if the cleaning condition is met, to generate and transmit the control signals that initiate the cleaning process to the drive unit. As soon as the at least one piece of information is obtained and the cleaning condition to be checked is met, the control unit generates the control signals and transmits them to the drive unit, causing the cleaning element to move from its rest position and wipe across the surface. Various types of information can be obtained in this process.Depending on the specific circumstances, different cleaning conditions can be checked, the feasibility of which depends on the type of circumstances. The determination of these circumstances can be carried out cyclically, i.e., at predetermined intervals.

[0028] According to a first conceivable option, the circumstance information, or at least one of the circumstance information pieces, is at least one contamination information piece relating to contamination on the sensor's entry surface. The cleaning condition is fulfilled, or can only be fulfilled, if the at least one contamination information piece indicates that contamination is present on the entry surface and / or a predefined contamination limit value relating to the quantity of contamination present on the entry surface is exceeded. The contamination information can be quasi-binary, referring to the mere presence of contamination on the entry surface. The cleaning condition can then be fulfilled if the contamination information indicates that contamination is present on the sensor's entry surface.

[0029] It is also conceivable that the contamination information relates to a quantity of contamination present on the ingress surface. For example, the contamination information could specify the size or extent of the ingress surface on which contamination is present. In this respect, the cleaning condition can be met if the contamination information indicates that a predetermined degree of contamination has been reached or the predetermined contamination limit has been exceeded. In particular, the contamination limit could refer to the size or extent of the contaminated ingress surface, so that the cleaning condition is met if a predetermined proportion of the ingress surface, for example, half or one-third, is contaminated.Pollution information can be determined using the sensor, for example by evaluating camera images and / or radar and / or lidar data that provide sensor data impaired by pollution.

[0030] According to a second conceivable option, the circumstantial information, or at least one of the circumstantial information pieces, is at least one cleaning time piece of information relating to a period elapsed since the last cleaning process. The cleaning condition is fulfilled, or can only be fulfilled, if the at least one cleaning time piece indicates that a predefined cleaning time limit is exceeded. The cleaning time information can relate to a period elapsed since the last cleaning process, and the cleaning condition can be fulfilled if the cleaning time information indicates that the period elapsed since the last cleaning process exceeds the predefined cleaning time limit. The cleaning time limit can be a value between one and five hours, preferably between two and three hours. This period can be fixed or user-defined.For example, the user can specify a limit value for the cleaning interval, perhaps from a predefined range such as between half an hour and ten hours. It is also conceivable that the cleaning interval limit could be set based on the country where the vehicle is located, thus adapting it to the environmental conditions of that particular country. For instance, it might be sensible for the cleaning interval limit to be between two and three hours in a country that is rather dry and sandy, while in a country with a temperate climate and more forest cover, the cleaning interval limit would be set higher, at between four and five hours.

[0031] Cleaning time information can be determined using a time recording device in the vehicle. It may be advantageous to exclude periods when the vehicle is idle, such as when the engine is switched off. This means that the cleaning time information cumulatively covers all periods during which the vehicle is in use, particularly when the ignition or engine is switched on, or when the vehicle is driving or in motion.Specifically, this can mean that if the cleaning period limit is x hours and the vehicle has been driven for, for example, ¾·x hours since the last cleaning process, the remaining time until the cleaning period limit is reached and thus the next cleaning process is carried out is ¼·x hours when the engine is restarted.

[0032] According to a third conceivable option, the circumstantial information, or at least one of the circumstantial information pieces, is at least one cleaning distance piece of information relating to a distance traveled since the last cleaning process. The cleaning condition is fulfilled, or can only be fulfilled, if the at least one cleaning distance piece of information indicates that a predetermined cleaning distance threshold is exceeded. The cleaning distance information can relate to a distance traveled by the vehicle since the last cleaning process. The cleaning condition can be fulfilled if the cleaning distance information indicates that the distance traveled since the last cleaning process exceeds the predetermined cleaning distance threshold. The cleaning distance threshold can be a value between 10 and 200 kilometers, preferably between 50 and 100 kilometers. This value can be fixed or user-defined.The user can specify a value for the cleaning distance threshold, for example, from a range of 5 to 500 kilometers. It is also conceivable that the cleaning distance threshold could be set based on the country where the vehicle is located, thus adapting it to the environmental conditions of that particular country. For instance, it might be sensible to set a cleaning distance threshold between 20 and 50 kilometers in a country that is rather dry and sandy, while a higher threshold, perhaps between 50 and 100 kilometers, would be appropriate in a country with a temperate climate and more forest cover.

[0033] The cleaning distance information can be determined using a vehicle's distance tracking device. This information can cumulatively relate to the distances traveled by the vehicle. Specifically, if the cleaning distance threshold is y kilometers and the vehicle has traveled, for example, 0.9·y kilometers since the last cleaning cycle, the remaining distance until the cleaning distance threshold is reached, and thus before the next cleaning cycle is performed, is 0.1·y kilometers.

[0034] According to a fourth conceivable option, the circumstantial information, or at least one of the circumstantial pieces of information, is at least one piece of user information concerning a user input to a control device aimed at executing the cleaning process. The cleaning condition is fulfilled, or can only be fulfilled, if the at least one piece of user information indicates that the input aimed at executing the cleaning process has been made. The control device can be configured to generate a user signal when the input is made and output it to the control device. The user information can thus indicate in binary terms whether the user signal is present or not, with the control device using the presence of the user signal to verify the fulfillment of the cleaning condition in this respect.The user can do this by pressing a button on the dashboard or by selecting a corresponding menu button on a touch display using an application, which triggers the generation of the user signal.

[0035] It is conceivable that several or all of the previously described options for verifying compliance with the cleaning condition could be checked using an OR combination or linkage, so that the wiping process is always initiated when at least one of the explained conditions is met. For example, the entry surface can always be cleaned when the cleaning distance limit is reached or exceeded, although cleaning can also be carried out before reaching or exceeding the cleaning distance limit, such as when, according to the first option, the contamination information indicates that there is contamination on the entry surface.It is also conceivable that the cleaning time information and / or the cleaning distance information is reset to zero when the cleaning condition is fulfilled and the cleaning process is carried out, even if the cleaning condition is fulfilled due to one of the other pieces of information.

[0036] The sensor device according to the invention can have a protective cover, wherein the protective cover can be moved from a covering position, in which it is arranged in front of the sensor's surface, to a release position, in which the sensor's surface is exposed, and vice versa. In the covering position, the protective cover can be arranged in front of the sensor's surface, so that no sensor data usable for the intended purpose can be acquired in this position. It is therefore advantageous for the protective cover to assume the covering position, particularly when the sensor device and / or the motor vehicle are not in use, for example, when the engine is switched off. The protective cover can be or have a flat or plate-like component, the shape of which can be adapted to the surface shape of the sensor's surface.Covering the entry surface with the protective cover offers the advantage of protecting the entry surface from dirt and damage.

[0037] In particular, if, as will be explained below, a mechanical coupling is provided between the protective cover and the cleaning element, then the cleaning element, when the protective cover is in the covered position, can be in an immersion position submerged in the cleaning fluid, in which it is located inside the cleaning container. The immersion position is preferably lower than the rest position. Referring to the previous example, as soon as the motor is started and the sensor is to acquire sensor data, the protective cover can be moved from the covered position to the release position by means of the motor or another drive unit, so that the ingress surface is exposed and the sensor acquires the sensor data usable for its intended purpose. In this position, the protective cover is preferably arranged above or behind the sensor.

[0038] Depending on the sensor's geometric design, the protective shutter can move differently along the surface of incidence and, if applicable, the sensor housing. If the sensor housing is spherical, or if at least the surface of incidence is arc-shaped in cross-section, particularly circular, then the protective shutter can move in a circular or arc-shaped path along the surface of the sensor housing or the surface of incidence. The center point of the circle describing this path and the center point of the circle describing the shape of the sensor housing can be identical. If the surface of incidence is rectilinear and, in particular, parallel to a vehicle's vertical direction, the protective shutter can move in a rectilinear direction along the surface of incidence.

[0039] It is conceivable that the protective cover and the cleaning element can be moved independently of each other. In this case, the protective cover and the cleaning element are not coupled to each other, although both the protective cover and the cleaning element can each be coupled to a separate drive unit, which can be controlled by the control unit.

[0040] Alternatively, the protective cover and the cleaning element can be coupled in such a way that they can be moved together by the drive unit. According to this embodiment, the relative position between the protective cover and the cleaning element remains constant. The cleaning element moves from the immersion position to the rest position due to the movement of the protective cover, from the covered position to the released position.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the sensor device according to the invention, the sensor or sensor housing is circular in cross-section, and the cleaning element initially moves from bottom to top across the entry surface during the cleaning process. During this movement, the protective cover, due to its coupling with the cleaning element, can move further rearward into the housing relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, preferably until it abuts a limiting element. The limiting element can be arranged on the side of the cleaning container or the sensor opposite the entry surface, or, in other words, on the rear side of the sensor.The limiting element can, on the one hand, form a lid on the top of the cleaning container, which closes it section by section, thus preventing the cleaning fluid from escaping the cleaning container, and on the other hand, serve as a stop for the protective cover, which runs against the limiting element on the top during the cleaning process.

[0042] If, during the cleaning process, the cleaning element reaches the upper edge of the entry surface, its movement reverses, which also reverses the movement of the protective cover. Thus, as the cleaning element moves from top to bottom across the entry surface into its rest position, the protective cover is moved back into the release position.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protective cover can have a closing section which, when the protective cover is in the covered position, closes an opening of the cleaning container, particularly one on the upper side. The closing section can be plate-shaped and, in particular, arranged at an angle on a similarly plate-shaped section of the protective cover, which fulfills its covering function with respect to the inlet surface. Furthermore, at least one section of the cleaning element can close the opening of the cleaning container when the protective cover is in the released position. If the protective cover and the cleaning element are coupled together, this advantageously ensures that the opening of the cleaning container is closed in both the covered and released positions of the protective cover.The opening of the cleaning container can be completely, i.e., fluid-tight, sealed by the closing section and / or the cleaning element, whereby the shape of the opening and the closing section or cleaning element are identical. The shape of the closing section and / or the cleaning element can also be slightly smaller than the shape of the opening of the cleaning container, leaving a gap at the edge of this opening.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a sensor device with a sensor, an incidence surface through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor passes to or into the sensor, and a cleaning device for cleaning the incidence surface, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning container with an interior for receiving a cleaning fluid and a cleaning element coupled to a drive unit, wherein a control device is arranged to generate control signals and output them to the drive unit, which cause the cleaning element, starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element is arranged at least partially in the interior of the cleaning container, to wipe over the incidence surface to carry out a cleaning process.The control unit can be part of the sensor assembly or a separate component from the sensor assembly. All advantages, features, and aspects described in connection with the sensor assembly according to the invention are equally transferable to the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0045] The motor vehicle can include a windshield wiper system comprising a fluid reservoir and an application device for applying a cleaning fluid contained in the fluid reservoir to a windshield of the motor vehicle, wherein the fluid reservoir is connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir by means of at least one sensor line such that the cleaning fluid can be transferred from the fluid reservoir to the cleaning fluid reservoir by means of a transfer device and via the at least one sensor line. The windshield can be a front windshield, in particular a windscreen, or a rear windshield of the motor vehicle. The application device can be or include a spray nozzle.

[0046] The windshield wiper system offers the advantage that the cleaning fluid can be transferred from the fluid reservoir to the washer fluid reservoir via the sensor line using a transfer mechanism. This transferred cleaning fluid can then be used to replace the already contaminated fluid. Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the cleaning fluid in the reservoir, for example, during vehicle maintenance. Instead, the existing cleaning fluid in the reservoir, also known as windshield washer fluid, is used for this purpose. Consequently, the washer fluid reservoir can be made smaller, saving weight and, more importantly, installation space.

[0047] The transfer device can be a valve or a pump. If the fluid reservoir is higher than the cleaning tank, the cleaning fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir into the cleaning tank by gravity when the valve is opened. If, on the other hand, the fluid reservoir is next to or below the cleaning tank, the cleaning fluid can be pumped from the fluid reservoir into the cleaning tank using the transfer device.

[0048] The sensor line and / or an application line, which will be explained later, can be or comprise at least one hose, in particular a flexible one, which can be connected by means of hose clamps to the inlet and outlet ports of the respective container, i.e. the liquid container and / or the cleaning container, and / or the application agent and / or the transfer agent.

[0049] Regarding the windshield wiper system, a split and a combined design variant are conceivable. According to the split design variant, the vehicle has a separate application line (in relation to the sensor line) by means of which the application fluid is connected to the cleaning reservoir for applying the cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir to the windshield. The cleaning fluid can be transferred via at least one sensor line from the fluid reservoir to the cleaning reservoir for refilling the cleaning reservoir or for replacing the cleaning fluid contained in the cleaning reservoir. The fluid reservoir is thus connected by two separate lines, one of which is the application line and the other the sensor line.This offers the advantage that the addition of cleaning fluid to the cleaning container and the cleaning of the disc can be carried out independently of each other.

[0050] Preferably, the control unit is configured to check whether a transfer condition is met, depending on at least one determined transfer information regarding the current need to transfer the cleaning fluid. If the transfer condition is met, the unit generates control signals that trigger the refilling of the cleaning reservoir or the replacement of the cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir and outputs these signals to the transfer device. The transfer information indicates whether it is currently necessary, or at least advisable or recommended, to refill the cleaning reservoir or replace the cleaning fluid contained in it. Various types of transfer information can be determined.Accordingly, depending on the transfer information, different transfer conditions can be checked, the fulfillment of which depends on the respective type of transfer information.

[0051] According to one conceivable option, the transfer information, or at least one of the transfer information pieces, can be at least one transfer time piece concerning a period of time elapsed since the last refilling of the cleaning reservoir or replacement of the cleaning fluid contained in the cleaning reservoir. The transfer condition is then fulfilled, or can only be fulfilled, if the at least one transfer time piece indicates that a predetermined transfer time limit is exceeded. It is to be expected that the amount of dirt particles present in the cleaning fluid will increase over time, so that a corresponding countermeasure is indicated.

[0052] The transfer time information can specify the period elapsed since the cleaning reservoir was last refilled or the cleaning fluid in the reservoir was last replaced. The refill time limit can be a value from the interval between 24 and 72 hours, preferably between 24 and 48 hours. The transfer time limit can be preset, or the user can specify it themselves, for example, from an interval between 12 and 96 hours. It may also be advantageous to allow different transfer time limits to be specified depending on the country in which the vehicle is registered, perhaps based on the environmental conditions of that country.For example, in a country with a rather dry and sandy climate, it may be advisable to set the transport time limit between 24 and 48 hours, as more frequent cleaning processes under such conditions can lead to a greater influx of contaminant particles into the cleaning fluid. Conversely, in a country with a temperate climate and more extensive forest cover, the transport time limit can be set higher, for example, between 48 and 72 hours.

[0053] According to a second conceivable option, the transfer information, or at least one of the transfer information pieces, can be at least one transfer distance piece of information concerning the distance traveled since the last refilling of the cleaning reservoir or replacement of the cleaning fluid contained in the cleaning reservoir. The transfer condition is then fulfilled, or can only be fulfilled, if the at least one transfer distance piece of information indicates that a transfer distance limit is exceeded. As with the transfer time information, it must be expected that the amount of dirt particles present in the cleaning fluid will increase with the distance traveled, so a corresponding countermeasure is advisable.

[0054] The transfer distance information can refer to the distance traveled by the vehicle since the last refilling of the cleaning reservoir or replacement of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir. Accordingly, the transfer condition can be fulfilled, depending on the transfer distance information, if a predefined transfer distance limit is exceeded. The transfer distance limit can be a value from the interval between 100 and 500 kilometers, preferably between 200 and 300 kilometers. The transfer distance limit can be preset, or the user can define it themselves, for example, from an interval between 50 and 750 kilometers.Furthermore, it may be advantageous to define different values ​​for the transfer distance limit depending on the country in which the vehicle is registered, and this limit is determined based on the environmental conditions of the respective country. For example, it may be sensible for the transfer distance limit to be 100 to 200 kilometers in a country that is rather dry and sandy, while the transfer distance limit could be set higher in a country with a temperate climate and more forest cover, for example, at 300 to 400 kilometers.

[0055] The points regarding the non-consideration of downtime, which were already explained above in connection with cleaning time information and cleaning route information, can in principle be applied equally to transfer time information and / or transfer route information.

[0056] It is conceivable that both of the previously described options for verifying compliance with the transfer condition could be checked using an OR combination, so that, for example, the cleaning fluid is always replaced when the transfer distance limit is reached or exceeded. However, a replacement could also be carried out before reaching or exceeding the transfer distance limit, for instance, if, according to the first option, the transfer time information indicates that the transfer period limit is being exceeded. The reverse is also conceivable. It is also conceivable that the transfer time information and / or the transfer distance information are reset to zero when the transfer condition is fulfilled and the transfer condition is thus executed, even if the transfer condition is fulfilled based on the other information.

[0057] Advantageously, an outlet, particularly a valve, can be arranged on the cleaning container, especially on its base. This allows the cleaning container to be filled with cleaning fluid from the liquid reservoir, thereby facilitating the draining of any existing and potentially contaminated cleaning fluid via the outlet located at the base. This effectively prevents the cleaning container from overflowing when fresh cleaning fluid is added and allows the existing cleaning fluid and any dirt particles that have accumulated at the base of the container to be drained away.

[0058] It is conceivable that the outlet device opens automatically to prevent the cleaning tank from overflowing when a pressure limit is reached and / or exceeded. The outlet device can preferably be an automatically opening valve. The pressure limit can be the hydrostatic pressure of the cleaning fluid that occurs when the cleaning tank contains a specific nominal volume of cleaning fluid. The valve opens automatically when the nominal volume, or a corresponding fill level, is exceeded. It can therefore be advantageous for the control device to generate the control signals sent to the transfer device in such a way that a specific quantity of fresh cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning tank, corresponding to the nominal volume, so that the old cleaning fluid is replaced as completely as possible.If no more cleaning fluid is added, cleaning fluid will continue to be drained through the valve until there is enough cleaning fluid in the cleaning container to reach or fall below the pressure limit, at which point the valve closes automatically.

[0059] Optionally, the outlet can also be a valve controllable by the control unit, the opening and closing states of which can be controlled by control signals generated by the control unit. In this case, the valve can be activated even before the cleaning tank is filled with fresh cleaning fluid, causing the valve to open and the old cleaning fluid to drain out. The valve can then be closed and fresh cleaning fluid introduced into the empty cleaning tank.

[0060] Optionally, the drain valve can be a plug-in or screw-on cap. With this option, the drain valve cannot open automatically or be manually activated; instead, the cleaning reservoir can be emptied manually, for example, during vehicle maintenance. New cleaning fluid can then be added to the reservoir, and the reservoir, if previously removed, can be reinstalled.

[0061] According to the common design variant of the windshield wiper system, the fluid reservoir and the application agent are connected via an application line that includes the sensor line and into which the cleaning reservoir is integrated. Thus, the sensor line is the part of the application line that leads from the fluid reservoir to the cleaning reservoir. According to this common design variant, the cleaning reservoir is flushed when the windshield wiper system is activated, with the cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir being discharged onto the windshield of the vehicle via the outlet. This common design variant is particularly advantageous when manual activation of the windshield wiper system is expected to occur frequently, as the cleaning reservoir is automatically supplied with cleaning fluid when the windshield wiper system is activated.If the user makes an input at a control device, for example a button or a control lever to operate the windshield wiper system, then a user signal can be generated and output to the control unit, which in turn generates control signals that are output to the transfer device, so that the cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning reservoir from the fluid reservoir.

[0062] A windshield wiper system according to the common design variant is particularly useful if the windshield wiper system can be used to clean the vehicle's windshield. It can generally be assumed that the windshield will be cleaned frequently enough that the verification of the transfer condition, which may be necessary in connection with the split design variant described above, becomes unnecessary. In contrast, the split design variant with two separately arranged lines on the fluid reservoir is primarily advantageous if the windshield wiper system can be used to clean the vehicle's rear window.This is typically not cleaned manually very often, so there is a risk that the need to transfer cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the cleaning reservoir will arise before the next activation of the windshield wiper mechanism, making it sensible to trigger the transfer of cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the cleaning reservoir based on the transfer condition check explained above.

[0063] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a sensor device for a motor vehicle, wherein the sensor device comprises a sensor, an incidence surface through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor passes to or into the sensor, and a cleaning device for cleaning the incidence surface, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning container with an interior for receiving a cleaning fluid and a cleaning element coupled to a drive unit, wherein control signals are generated by means of a control device and output to the drive unit, which cause the cleaning element, starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element is arranged at least partially in the interior of the cleaning container, to wipe over the incidence surface to carry out a cleaning process.All advantages, features and aspects explained in connection with the sensor device and the motor vehicle according to the invention are equally transferable to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0064] Further advantages, details and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the figures. These show schematically: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment with two sensor devices according to the invention, each in an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 A cutaway schematic representation of one of the two sensor devices of the motor vehicle Fig. 1, wherein a protective cover is in a release position and a cleaning element is in a rest position, Fig. 3 An enlarged view of a cleaning element of the sensor device of the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 the sensor device of the Fig. 2, wherein the cleaning element wipes along an incidence surface of the sensor during a cleaning process, and Fig. 5 the sensor device Fig. 2, wherein the protective cover is in a covering position and the cleaning element is in an immersion position.

[0065] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 11 according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising two sensor devices 1 according to the invention, each according to an embodiment, wherein each is a camera or a lidar, radar or laser distance sensor device. One of the sensor devices 1 is arranged in the front area and the other in the rear area of ​​the motor vehicle 11. Based on the following explanation Fig. In section 2-5, in addition to details of the sensor devices 1, a method according to the invention for operating the sensor device 1 for the motor vehicle 11 is described according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Fig. Figure 2 shows a highly schematic sectional view of the rear-facing sensor assembly 1, with the section plane extending along a vehicle vertical direction 32 and a vehicle longitudinal direction 33, i.e., perpendicular to a vehicle transverse direction 34. All aspects described below apply equally to the front-facing sensor assembly 1, where relevant. The sensor assembly 1 comprises a sensor 2 with a cylindrical sensor housing 30, which has an incident surface 3 through which radiation incident from the outside and to be detected by the sensor 2 enters the sensor 2 and is detected there by means of a detection device arranged in the sensor housing 30, which may be a CCD chip and is not shown in detail in the figures. A central axis 36 of the cylindrical sensor housing 30 extends perpendicular to the drawing plane of the Fig. 2-5. Furthermore, the sensor device 1 has a housing 10, which serves to accommodate and protect the sensor device 2. The housing 10 has a housing opening 31 located in front of the incidence surface 3, through which the radiation to be detected strikes the incidence surface 3 unhindered from the outside.

[0067] Furthermore, the sensor device 1 includes a cleaning device 4 for cleaning the entry surface 3. The cleaning device 4 has a cleaning container 5 with an interior 6 for receiving a cleaning fluid 7 and a cleaning element 8 coupled to a drive unit 29, as well as a control device 14, which may also be located on the side of the motor vehicle 11. The drive unit is an electromechanical actuator that is mechanically coupled to the cleaning element 8 via a coupling system (not shown). The cleaning container 5 is formed by a lower section of the housing 10. The cleaning container 5 is thus arranged, at least partially, below the sensor 2, which is partially immersed in the cleaning fluid 7. In the Fig. In the states shown 2-5, the interior 6 of the cleaning container 5 is filled with the cleaning fluid 7 up to a nominal volume. The cleaning element 8, which is in Fig. 3, which is shown enlarged, consists of a carrier section 12 and an elastic wiper lip 13 made of plastic, wherein the wiper lip 13 is always in contact with either the sensor housing 30 or the ingress surface 3, depending on the current position.

[0068] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. In each of the states shown in Figure 3, the cleaning element 8 is arranged in a rest position in which the wiping lip 13 is immersed in the cleaning fluid 7. This state is preferably present during use, i.e., while the motor vehicle 11 is in operation. In the rest position, the cleaning element 8 is arranged at an opening 19 of the cleaning container 5 such that the support element 12 closes the opening 19, preferably in a fluid-tight manner.

[0069] A V-shaped collection area is formed between the cleaning element 8 and the sensor housing 20. The collection area 16 is bounded on one side facing away from the sensor housing 30 by the wiping lip 13 and on the other side by the sensor housing 30. (Referring to the...) Fig. 2 and Fig. In the state shown in Figure 3, the cleaning fluid 7 collects in the collection area 16. This serves the purpose of applying the cleaning fluid 7 collected in the collection area 16 to the inlet surface 3 during a cleaning process. Alternatively, the collection area 16, relative to the cleaning element 8 in its rest position, can be designed as an upper indentation, in particular as a notch, of the cleaning element 8. Fig. Figure 4 shows the sensor device 1 during the cleaning process, during which the wiping lip 13 of the cleaning element 8 wipes over the entry surface 3.

[0070] Before explaining the specific procedure and details of the cleaning process, the following details regarding the initiation of the cleaning process are explained. This involves determining information about the current conditions at sensor device 1 and / or the vehicle 11. This information is determined using sensor device 1 and other sensors and / or detection devices of the vehicle 11, which are not shown in detail here. The control unit 14 determines this information based on corresponding signals, and uses the control unit 14 to check whether a cleaning condition has been met.

[0071] One of the circumstantial pieces of information concerns contamination information regarding any contamination on the entry surface 3. The cleaning condition is fulfilled in this respect if the contamination information indicates that a predefined contamination limit is exceeded. This contamination limit relates, for example, to the quantity of contamination on entry surface 3 and / or the size of the portion of entry surface 3 that is contaminated. In a simple case, the cleaning condition is fulfilled if the contamination information indicates that contamination is present on entry surface 3. For example, if the vehicle 11 drives through muddy terrain, the resulting mud splashes on entry surface 3 will cause the contamination information to indicate the presence of this contamination.For this purpose, the sensor data recorded by sensor 2 are transmitted to the control unit 14 for the corresponding evaluation, by means of which the contamination information is generated or recorded.

[0072] Another piece of information regarding the circumstances is cleaning time, which refers to the period that has elapsed since the last cleaning operation. The cleaning condition is met when the cleaning time indicates that a predefined cleaning time limit has been exceeded. This cleaning time limit is fixed but can also be changed by the user.

[0073] Once the cleaning process has been completed, the cleaning time information and the cleaning route information, which will be explained below, are reset to zero.

[0074] Furthermore, another piece of contextual information is cleaning distance information, concerning the distance traveled by vehicle 11 since the last cleaning process. The cleaning condition is fulfilled when the cleaning distance information indicates that a predefined cleaning distance threshold has been exceeded. This threshold is fixed but can also be changed by the user. Once the cleaning process has been completed, both the cleaning distance and cleaning time information are reset to zero.

[0075] Another piece of contextual information is user information concerning a user input at a control device aimed at initiating the cleaning process. The cleaning condition is fulfilled when the user information indicates that the input for initiating the cleaning process has been made. If the user wishes to trigger the cleaning process manually, they perform the corresponding action at a human-machine interface, particularly a touchscreen. This action generates a user signal from the human-machine interface, which is then output to the control unit 14. The user information indicates whether or not the user signal is present, and the control unit 14 uses this signal to verify whether the cleaning condition has been fulfilled.

[0076] When the cleaning condition is met, the cleaning process is carried out and the cleaning element 8 wipes across the entry surface 3. For this purpose, the control unit 14 generates control signals which are output to the drive unit 29 and trigger the execution of the cleaning process. Starting from its rest position, the cleaning element 8 wipes from bottom to top across the entry surface 3 of the sensor 2, as shown in the diagram. Fig. The cleaning fluid 7 collected in the collection area 16 passes over the wiper lip 13, which is under tension during the process and in contact with the entry surface 3, onto the entry surface 3.

[0077] As soon as the cleaning element 8 reaches the upper edge 21 of the entry surface 3, the control commands cause the drive unit 29 to reverse its movement, so that the cleaning element 8 then wipes from top to bottom across the entry surface 3, thus removing any cleaning fluid 7 that may still be present on the entry surface 3. In this process, the dirt particles present on the entry surface 3 enter the cleaning container 5 and, depending on their density, sink to the bottom 17 of the cleaning container 5.

[0078] In addition, another possibility regarding the specific geometric design of the sensor 2 and the movement path of the cleaning element 8 is explained. While in the present embodiment, with reference to the one described in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. In the cross-section shown in Figure 5, where circular shapes are provided, it is also conceivable that the sensor housing 30 and / or the ingress surface 3 are designed to be straight or flat. In this case, the cleaning element 8 can move along the straight surface of the sensor 2 and the ingress surface 3 during the cleaning process, particularly along the vehicle's vertical direction 32.

[0079] The following refers to Fig. 2 Details regarding a protective cover 9 of the sensor device 1 are explained, which, in the present embodiment, is motionally coupled to the cleaning element 8, such that the protective cover 9 is moved together with the cleaning element 8 by means of the drive unit 29, and the relative position between the cleaning element 8 and the protective cover 9 remains constant. Alternatively, the protective cover 9 and the cleaning element 8 can be moved independently of each other. In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 2, the protective aperture 9 is in a release position, in which the protective aperture 9 is positioned above the sensor housing 30. In this position, the incident surface 3 is cleared by the protective aperture 9, so that the radiation to be detected can enter the sensor 2.

[0080] A plate-shaped section 37 of the protective shield 9, by means of which the incidence surface 3 can be covered, is arc-shaped, wherein the protective shield 9 or the shape of the section 37 is adapted to the shape of the incidence surface 3. With reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. In the cross-section shown in Figure 5, section 37 is circular, i.e., it has the shape of a circular arc arranged concentrically with respect to the circular shape of the sensor housing 30. Due to the mechanical coupling of the cleaning element 8 with the protective cover 9, the protective cover 9 is also moved during the cleaning process. It travels in a circular motion along the arc-shaped surface of the sensor housing 30 until it preferably abuts a limiting element 20, which is located on one side of the cleaning container 5 opposite the opening 19 and the inlet surface 3, and which faces a rear side of the sensor housing 30. The paths of movement traversed during the cleaning process and during the transfer of the protective cover 9 into the aforementioned positions by means of the cleaning element 8 and the protective cover 9 are each circular, with the center of these circles lying on the central axis 36.The limiting element 20 serves on the one hand as a limit to the interior 6 of the cleaning container 5 and on the other hand as a stop for the protective cover 9, thus preventing the protective cover 9 from being immersed in the cleaning fluid 7.

[0081] As the cleaning element 8 moves along the entry surface 3, the protective cover 9 also moves along the surface of the sensor housing 30. When the cleaning element 8 moves from top to bottom, the movement stops when the cleaning element 8 reaches the rest position and the protective cover 9 reaches the release position.

[0082] Now, the focus will shift to... Fig. Reference is made to Figure 5, in which the protective cover 9 is in the covering position in front of the incidence surface 3, so that the radiation to be detected cannot enter the sensor 2 and the incidence surface 3 is protected from unwanted external influences, such as contamination or damage. Due to the coupling of the cleaning element 8 and the protective cover 9, the cleaning element 8 is arranged in an immersion position within the cleaning fluid 7. The cleaning element 8 in the immersion position is spaced apart from the bottom 17 of the cleaning container 5, which also applies to all other conceivable positions of the cleaning element 8, in particular the rest position.This prevents dirt particles located on the floor 17 from being picked up by the cleaning element 8, thus preventing damage, such as scratching of the entry surface 3, during a subsequent cleaning process.

[0083] To ensure that the cleaning fluid 7 cannot unintentionally escape from the cleaning container 5 through the opening 19, even when the protective cover 9 is in the covered position and the cleaning element 8 is in an immersion position where it does not close the opening 19, the protective cover 9 has a plate-shaped closing section 18. This section is located on the side of the protective cover 9 facing the cleaning container 5, relative to the covered position. The closing section 18 is angled vertically and is located on the underside of section 37 of the protective cover 9. When the protective cover 19 is in the covered position, the closing section 18 seals the opening 19 of the cleaning container 5, particularly in a fluid-tight manner, so that neither cleaning fluid 7 from the cleaning container 5 nor contaminant particles can enter the cleaning fluid 7.

[0084] Details regarding the control system for the movement of the protective cover 9 with respect to the release and cover positions are explained below. When the vehicle 11 is not in use, i.e., when the engine and / or ignition are switched off, the protective cover 9 is moved to the cover position. For this purpose, when the engine or ignition is switched off, relevant data or signals are sent to the control unit 14, which generates control signals and sends them to the drive unit 29, causing the protective cover 9 to move to the cover position. Similarly, when the vehicle 11 is started, i.e., when the engine or ignition is switched on, corresponding data or signals are sent to the control unit 14, which generates control signals and sends them to the drive unit 29, causing the protective cover 9 to move to the release position.

[0085] With renewed reference to the Fig. In the following, details regarding two windshield wiper assemblies 15 and 35 of the motor vehicle 11 are explained, each of which is operatively connected to one of the two sensor assemblies 1. The windshield wiper assemblies 15 and 35 each have a fluid reservoir 22 and an application device 23 for applying the cleaning fluid 7 contained in the fluid reservoir 22 to a windshield of the motor vehicle 11. The cleaning fluid 7 can be applied to a windshield by means of the windshield wiper assembly 15 and to a rear window of the motor vehicle 11 by means of the windshield wiper assembly 35. The windshield wiper assemblies 15 and 35 are implemented according to two different configurations, namely a split configuration and a joint configuration, which are explained below.

[0086] According to the split embodiment of the front windscreen wiper assembly 15, the fluid reservoir 22 is connected to two separate lines, each consisting of hoses: a sensor line 24 and an application line 25. The sensor line 24 connects the fluid reservoir 22 to the cleaning reservoir 5 of the sensor assembly 1. Cleaning fluid 7 is transferred from the fluid reservoir 22 to the cleaning reservoir 5 via the sensor line 24 to replenish or replace the cleaning fluid 7 in the cleaning reservoir 5. The application line 25 connects the fluid reservoir 22 to the application medium 23, so that the cleaning fluid 7 is applied to the windscreen via the application line 25.The refilling or replacement of the cleaning fluid 7 in the cleaning container 5 and the cleaning process concerning the disc are therefore carried out independently of each other.

[0087] Regarding the cleaning of the windshield, the user makes an input at a control device of the motor vehicle 11, such as a button or a control lever, which is designed for quasi-manual operation of the windshield wiper device 35. In this case, a user signal is generated by the control device and output to the control unit 14, which in turn generates control signals and outputs them to a fluid pump 38, so that it pumps the cleaning fluid 7 from the fluid reservoir 22 via the application line 25 to the application agent 23.

[0088] Regarding the transfer of the cleaning fluid 7 from the fluid reservoir 22 of the windshield wiper assembly 15 to the cleaning reservoir 5 of the sensor assembly 1, transfer information is determined, indicating the current need to refill the cleaning reservoir 5 or replace the cleaning fluid already present there. Based on this transfer information, the control unit 14 checks whether a transfer condition is met. If the condition is met, the control unit 14 generates control signals and outputs them to a transfer device 26, which is also a fluid pump, causing it to pump the cleaning fluid 7 from the fluid reservoir 22 via the sensor line 24 to the cleaning reservoir 5.

[0089] One of the transfer information items is a transfer time information regarding the period elapsed since the cleaning reservoir 5 was last refilled or the cleaning fluid 7 contained in the cleaning reservoir 5 was last replaced. The cleaning condition is fulfilled when the transfer time information indicates that a predefined transfer time limit has been exceeded. This transfer time limit is fixed but can also be changed by the user. For example, if the cleaning reservoir 5 is to be refilled with fresh cleaning fluid 7 every 24 hours, then the cleaning fluid 7 in the cleaning reservoir 5 will be replaced after 24 hours of vehicle operation.Vehicle 11 does not need to drive continuously for 24 hours; instead, the vehicle's running time is accumulated, and periods of inactivity, such as when the engine of vehicle 11 is switched off, are not taken into account. Once the refilling or exchange process has been completed, the transfer time information is reset to zero, thus initiating a new cycle for determining the transfer time information. Furthermore, the transfer distance information, which is explained below, is also reset to zero in this case.

[0090] Another piece of transfer information is the transfer distance information, concerning the distance traveled by the vehicle 11 since the last refilling of the cleaning reservoir 5 or the replacement of the cleaning fluid 7 contained in the cleaning reservoir 5. The transfer condition is fulfilled when the transfer distance information indicates that a transfer distance limit has been exceeded. The transfer distance limit is fixed but can also be changed by the user. For example, if the cleaning reservoir 5 is to be refilled with fresh cleaning fluid 7 after a distance of 250 kilometers, then the cleaning fluid 7 in the cleaning reservoir 5 will be refilled after the vehicle 11 has driven a total of 250 kilometers.Vehicle 11 does not have to drive 250 kilometers in one go; instead, the distance traveled by the vehicle is totaled, and periods of inactivity, such as when the engine of vehicle 11 was switched off, are not taken into account. Once the refilling or exchange process has been completed, the transfer distance information is reset to zero, thus initiating a new cycle for determining the transfer distance information. Furthermore, the transfer time information is also reset to zero in this case.

[0091] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the cleaning tank 5 has an outlet 27 at its base 17, which is a pressure-dependent valve. The cleaning tank 5 has a maximum capacity, for example, 100 milliliters, while during normal operation it contains a maximum nominal volume of cleaning fluid, for example, 90 milliliters. The nominal volume is less than the maximum capacity. If, due to the fulfillment of the transfer condition, the cleaning fluid 7 is transferred from the liquid container 22 to the cleaning tank 5, the amount of cleaning fluid 7 in the cleaning tank 5 increases and at a certain point exceeds the nominal volume, thereby increasing the hydrostatic pressure in the area of ​​the base 17. The outlet 27 is designed such that it opens automatically when a pressure limit is reached.The pressure limit corresponds to the pressure present at the bottom, and thus at the outlet 27, when the cleaning container 5 contains a quantity of cleaning fluid 7 equal to its nominal volume. At this moment, the outlet 27 opens, allowing cleaning fluid 7 to drain from the cleaning container 5. This not only prevents the cleaning container 5 from overflowing but also ensures that the old, potentially contaminated cleaning fluid 7 is drained away. Since the outlet 27 is located at the bottom 17, any dirt particles that have settled at the bottom 17 are advantageously flushed out of the cleaning container 5.

[0092] The transfer device 26 is operated, when the transfer condition is met, until a specific quantity of cleaning fluid 7 has been transferred from the fluid container 22 to the cleaning container 5, corresponding, for example, to the nominal volume, so that a complete exchange of cleaning fluid 7 in the cleaning container 5 takes place. As soon as the quantity of cleaning fluid 7 present in the cleaning container 5 is again at most equal to the nominal volume after the transfer of the cleaning fluid 7 to the cleaning container 5 has been completed, the outlet means 27 closes due to reaching or falling below the pressure limit.

[0093] According to the common embodiment of the rear windshield wiper assembly 35, the fluid reservoir 22 is connected to a supply line 25, which connects the fluid reservoir 22 to the outlet 23. The sensor assembly 1 is integrated into the supply line 25, such that the section of the supply line 25 between the fluid reservoir 22 and the cleaning reservoir 5 forms the sensor line 24. Therefore, in contrast to the first embodiment, a separate sensor line 24 is not provided for the supply line 25.

[0094] In the combined configuration, when the windshield wiper mechanism 35 is triggered quasi-manually by the user, as already explained in the context of the split configuration, cleaning fluid 7 is transferred from the fluid reservoir 22 via the sensor line 24 to the cleaning reservoir 5 by means of the transfer medium 26. The cleaning fluid 7 flows from the fluid reservoir 22 through the cleaning reservoir 5 to the application medium 23, thereby rinsing the cleaning reservoir 5. Accordingly, the transferred cleaning fluid 7 is used to wipe the windshield of the motor vehicle 11.

[0095] It should be noted here that, alternatively and with particular advantage, the split design variant of the windshield wiper assembly 15 can also be provided at the rear, and the joint design variant of the windshield wiper assembly 35 can also be provided at the front. It can generally be assumed that the windshield is cleaned manually with sufficient frequency, so that the verification of the transfer condition, which may be necessary in connection with the split design variant, becomes obsolete. In contrast, the joint design variant with two separately arranged lines on the fluid reservoir 22 is particularly suitable if the rear window of the motor vehicle 11 can be cleaned by means of the windshield wiper assembly 35.This is typically cleaned manually less often, so there is a real risk that the need to transfer cleaning fluid 7 from the fluid reservoir 22 to the cleaning reservoir 5 will arise before the next activation of the windshield wiper device 35, making the above-explained check of the transfer condition useful. 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 10 2021 004 644 A1

[0003] DE 10 2018 006 529 A1

[0004] US 2024 / 0 067 135 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Sensor device (1) for a motor vehicle (11), comprising a sensor (2), an incidence surface (3) through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor (2) passes to or into the sensor (2), and a cleaning device (4) for cleaning the incidence surface (3), wherein the cleaning device (4) comprises a cleaning container (5) with an interior (6) for receiving a cleaning fluid (7) and a cleaning element (8) coupled to a drive unit (29), wherein a control device (14) is configured to generate control signals and output them to the drive unit (29), causing the cleaning element (8), starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element (8) is arranged at least partially in the interior (6) of the cleaning container (5), to wipe over the incidence surface (3) to carry out a cleaning process. [2] Sensor device (1) according to claim 1,characterized by , that the cleaning container (5) is arranged below the sensor (2), wherein the cleaning element (8) wipes from bottom to top over the entry surface (3) to carry out the cleaning process, starting from the rest position. [3] Sensor device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the cleaning element (8) is mounted in such a way that it moves along a straight path, in particular extending along a vehicle vertical direction (32), or along a curved path, in particular circular, parallel to a surface of the entry surface (3) during the cleaning process. [4] Sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cleaning element (8) is or comprises a wiping lip (13), wherein the wiping lip (13) is in contact with the or a surface of the entry surface (3) during the performance of the cleaning process, in particular under the application of a preload force. [5] Sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a collection area (16) in which, when the cleaning element (8) is located in the interior (6) of the cleaning container (5), cleaning fluid (7) accumulates, which at least partially reaches the entry surface (3) during the execution of the cleaning process, wherein the collection area (16) is designed as an upper recess, in particular a notch, of the cleaning element (8) or is arranged between the cleaning element (8) and either the entry surface (3) or an area of ​​the sensor device (1) adjacent to the entry surface (3). [6] Sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (14) is configured to check the fulfillment of a cleaning condition depending on at least one determined piece of circumstance information relating to the conditions currently present at the sensor device (1) and / or the motor vehicle (11), and, if the cleaning condition is fulfilled, to generate the control signals that cause the cleaning process to be carried out and to output them to the drive unit (29), wherein the circumstance information or at least one of the circumstance information - at least one contamination information concerning contamination on the ingress surface (3) of the sensor (2), wherein the cleaning condition is fulfilled or can only be fulfilled if the at least one contamination information indicates that contamination is present on the ingress surface (3) and / or a predetermined contamination limit value concerning a quantity of contamination present on the ingress surface (3) is exceeded, and / or - at least one cleaning time information, relating to a period of time elapsed since the last cleaning process, is provided, whereby the cleaning condition is fulfilled or can only be fulfilled if it is evident from the at least one cleaning time information that a specified cleaning period limit is exceeded, and / or - at least one cleaning route information concerning a distance traveled since the last cleaning process, whereby the cleaning condition is fulfilled or can only be fulfilled if it is evident from the at least one cleaning route information that a predetermined cleaning route limit is exceeded, and / or - at least one piece of user information relating to a user-side input at a control device aimed at carrying out the cleaning process, wherein the cleaning condition is fulfilled or can only be fulfilled if it can be seen from the at least one piece of user information that the input aimed at carrying out the cleaning process has been made. [7] Sensor device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sensor device (1) has a protective cover (9), wherein the protective cover (9) can be moved from a covering position in which it is arranged in front of the ingress surface (3) to a release position in which the ingress surface (3) of the sensor (2) is released and vice versa, wherein the protective cover (9) and the cleaning element (8) are coupled to each other in such a way that the protective cover (9) and the cleaning element (8) can be moved together by means of the drive unit (29), or that the protective cover (9) and the cleaning element (8) can be moved independently of each other. [8] Sensor device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the protective cover (9) has a closing section (18) which, when the protective cover (9) is in the covering position, closes an opening (19) of the cleaning container (5), and that at least one section of the cleaning element (5), when the protective cover (9) is in the releasing position, closes the opening (19) of the cleaning container (5). [9] Motor vehicle (11) comprising a sensor device (1) with a sensor (2), an incidence surface (3) through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor (2) passes to or into the sensor (2), and a cleaning device (4) for cleaning the incidence surface (3), wherein the cleaning device (4) comprises a cleaning container (5) with an interior (6) for receiving a cleaning fluid (7) and a cleaning element (8) coupled to a drive unit (29), wherein a control device (14) is configured to generate control signals and output them to the drive unit (29) which cause the cleaning element (8), starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element (8) is arranged at least partially in the interior (6) of the cleaning container (5), to wipe over the incidence surface (3) to carry out a cleaning process. [10] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 9, characterized by a windscreen wiper device (15) comprising a fluid reservoir (22) and an application means (23) for applying a cleaning fluid (7) contained in the fluid reservoir (22) to a windscreen of the motor vehicle (11), wherein the fluid reservoir (22) is connected to the cleaning reservoir (5) by means of at least one sensor line (24) such that the cleaning fluid (7) can be transferred from the fluid reservoir (22) to the cleaning reservoir (5) by means of a transfer means (26) and via the at least one sensor line (24). [11] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 10, characterized bya separate application line (25) with respect to the sensor line (24), by means of which the application agent (23) is connected to the cleaning container (5) for applying the cleaning fluid (7) present in the liquid container (22) to the disc, wherein the cleaning fluid (7) can be transferred via the at least one sensor line (24) from the liquid container (22) to the cleaning container (5) for refilling the cleaning container (5) or for replacing the cleaning fluid (7) present in the cleaning container (5). [12] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the control device (14) is configured to check the fulfillment of a transfer condition depending on at least one determined transfer information relating to a current need to transfer the cleaning fluid (7) and, if the transfer condition is fulfilled, to generate control signals that effect the refilling of the cleaning container (5) or the replacement of the cleaning fluid (7) present in the cleaning container (5) and to output them to the transfer means (26), wherein the transfer information or at least one of the transfer information - at least one transfer time information concerning a period of time elapsed since the last refilling of the cleaning container (5) or replacement of the cleaning fluid (7) present in the cleaning container (5), wherein the transfer condition is fulfilled or can only be fulfilled if it can be seen from the at least one transfer time information that a specified transfer period limit is exceeded, and / or - at least one transfer route information concerning a distance traveled since the last refilling of the cleaning container (5) or replacement of the cleaning fluid (7) present in the cleaning container (5), wherein the transfer condition is fulfilled or can only be fulfilled if it can be seen from the at least one transfer route information that a transfer route limit is exceeded. [13] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 12, characterized by, that an outlet means (27), in particular a valve, is arranged on the cleaning container (5), in particular on a bottom (17) of the cleaning container (5), wherein the outlet means (27) opens automatically to prevent the cleaning container (5) from overflowing when a pressure limit is reached and / or exceeded. [14] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the liquid container (22) and the application agent (23) are connected via an application line (25) comprising the sensor line (24), into which the cleaning container (5) is integrated. [15] Method for operating a sensor device (1) for a motor vehicle (11), wherein the sensor device (1) comprises a sensor (2), an incident surface (3) through which radiation incident from the outside and to be sensed by means of the sensor (2) passes to or into the sensor (2), and a cleaning device (4) for cleaning the incident surface (3), wherein the cleaning device (4) comprises a cleaning container (5) with an interior (6) for receiving a cleaning fluid (7) and a cleaning element (8) coupled to a drive unit (29), wherein control signals are generated by means of a control device (14) and output to the drive unit (29), which cause the cleaning element (8), starting from a rest position in which the cleaning element (8) is arranged at least partially in the interior (6) of the cleaning container (5), to wipe over the incident surface (3) to carry out a cleaning process.

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