LiDAR cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a LIDAR cleaning system (10) comprising: a cleaning arm (12) which is displaceably arranged on the LIDAR cleaning system (10), wherein the LIDAR cleaning system (10) is configured to clean a sensor surface (102) of a LIDAR sensor (100) by displacing the cleaning arm (12), wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a first deflection point (14) which faces away from the sensor surface (102), wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a second deflection point (16) which faces towards the sensor surface (102), wherein a wiping element (18) is arranged at the second deflection point (16) which at least partially rests against the sensor surface (102), wherein the first deflection point (14) and / or the second deflection point (16) are configured to deflect the wiping element (18) to a predetermined position to reduce the angular range in order to reduce vibration at the LIDAR sensor (100).

Description

Prior ArtThe present invention relates to a LIDAR cleaning system and a vehicle.At present, there are a large number of different solutions for cleaning LIDAR sensors in the vehicle sector. As the number of LIDAR sensors and associated cleaning systems increases, the need for innovative and robust cleaning possibilities is continually increasing.The steady weight reduction in the vehicle sector for reducing consumption and the increasing competition provides cost pressure, so that more favorable and more efficient components for vehicles are demanded more strongly.Disclosure of the InventionThe LIDAR cleaning system according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the advantage over the known ones that the degree of movement of a cleaning arm and of a wiper element on a LIDAR sensor can be reduced in order to thus be able to reduce a vibration of the cleaning arm and of the wiper element. For this purpose, in particular a predetermined angle range can be selected which provides the advantage that no vibrations are present at the LIDAR sensor, which can be caused by shaking of the cleaning arm and / or the wiping element.This is achieved according to the invention by a LIDAR cleaning system, which has a cleaning arm, which is arranged displaceably on the LIDAR cleaning system, wherein the LIDAR cleaning system is configured to clean a sensor surface of a LIDAR sensor by displacing the cleaning arm, wherein the cleaning arm has a first deflection point, which is remote from the sensor surface, wherein the cleaning arm has a second deflection point, which faces the sensor surface, wherein a wiping element, which at least partially abuts the sensor surface, is arranged at the second deflection point, wherein the first deflection point and / or the second deflection point are configured to reduce a deflection of the wiping element to a predetermined angle range in order to reduce a vibration at the LIDAR sensor.In other words, the play of the cleaning arm at the first deflection point or the play of the wiping element at the second deflection point can be reduced, so that, if the wiping element is outside the sensor surface, shaking of the latter is reduced. In this case, the cleaning arm, the LIDAR cleaning system and the wiper element can have specific properties in order to be able to reduce the deflections at the first deflection point and also at the second deflection point to the predetermined angular range. Separate angular ranges can be formed at the first deflection point, at the second deflection point and at the cleaning arm for the predetermined angular range in order to be able to image parts of the angular range.Further preferably, the wiper element is displaced substantially parallel along the sensor surface of the LIDAR sensor by means of the cleaning system. In this case, the wiping element preferably has a prestress, such that the wiping element is aligned substantially parallel to the sensor surface. In the event that the wiping element is displaced into a parking position, the prestressing force can lead to the wiping element being at least partially deflected, but not having a corresponding counterpressure, with the result that the wiping element and the cleaning arm can vibrate. Preferably, the vibration can be reduced by restricting the displacement of the wiper element to the cleaning arm, in order to be able to further improve the performance of the LIDAR cleaning system.The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.Preferably, the first deflection point has a first angle range, wherein the second deflection point has a second angle range, wherein the first angle range and the second angle range are substantially the same.An advantage of this embodiment is that the symmetrical deflection of the cleaning arm and the wiper element can have a vibration-damping effect, in order to be able to further reduce the vibration. Preferably, substantially the same in this context means a deviation of ±25°, in particular production-related tolerances.The first angle range is preferably defined by a distance between the first deflection point and the second deflection point.An advantage of this embodiment is that due to environmental influences as well as a prestress of a belt drive, the position of the first deflection point can change in relation to the sensor surface. Thus, in particular, the distance can be selected such that a predetermined angular range is defined by the displacement of the first deflection point.Further preferably, the second angle range is defined by an extension length of the wiping element.An advantage of this embodiment is that, by applying the wiping element to the sensor surface, a prestress can be formed which, based on the first deflection point, can press the wiping element against the sensor surface.Further preferably, the second deflection point has a third angle range, wherein the third angle range is defined by a distance between the second deflection point and an edge of an opening in the cleaning arm between the first deflection point and the second deflection point.An advantage of this embodiment is that the third angle range can be defined by the configuration of the cleaning arm, which in particular leads to reduced manufacturing costs. The cleaning arm preferably has an opening through which the wiping element can be at least partially deflected. This opening preferably has an edge which faces the second deflection point. Based on a distance of the edge from the second deflection point, a deflection of the wiping element can be defined, in order to be able to form the third angle range.Further preferably, the third angle range is defined by a lateral offset between the second deflection point and the edge.An advantage of this embodiment is that the lateral offset is arranged substantially orthogonally to the distance, in order to thus be able to define the third angle range more precisely. The wiping element can preferably be fastened to the cleaning arm by means of a pin or pins, wherein in particular a center point of the pin or pins can form the second deflection point.More preferably, the third angle range and the predetermined range are substantially the same.An advantage of this embodiment is that the third angle range decides solely on the deflection of the wiper element, so that the configuration of the LIDAR cleaning system is simplified.Further preferably, the LIDAR cleaning system is configured to displace the cleaning arm into a parking position, wherein the parking position lies outside the sensor surface, wherein the predetermined angular range is configured to reduce a vibration of the cleaning arm and the wiper element in the parking position.An advantage of this embodiment is that if the wiping element and / or the cleaning arm are not occupied by a prestress, a vibration can be reduced on account of the predetermined angular range.Further preferably, the LIDAR cleaning system has a ramp 40 following the sensor surface, which ramp defines the predetermined angular range.An advantage of this embodiment is that the ramp can be selected such that the wiping element is pushed onto the ramp when being displaced into the parking position, and a cross section of the ramp is selected such that the wiping element and / or the cleaning arm deflect the predetermined angular range to the maximum, in order to thus be able to prevent the vibrations.A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle which has a LIDAR cleaning system as described above and below.Brief Description of the DrawingsHereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing, the following is: FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15-16 show a LIDAR cleaning system according to an embodiment, FIG. 17 illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment.Embodiments of the InventionAll the same elements, units and / or steps in all the figures are preferably provided with the same reference numerals.FIG. 1 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 has a cleaning arm 12 which is arranged displaceably on the LIDAR cleaning system 10, wherein the LIDAR cleaning system 10 is configured to clean a sensor surface 102 of a LIDAR sensor 100 by displacing the cleaning arm 12, wherein the cleaning arm 12 has a first deflection point 14 which faces away from the sensor surface 102, wherein the cleaning arm 12 has a second deflection point 16 which faces towards the sensor surface 102, wherein a wiping element 18 which at least partially abuts against the sensor surface 102 is arranged at the second deflection point 16, wherein the first deflection point 14 and / or the second deflection point 16 are configured to reduce a deflection of the wiping element 18 to a predetermined angle range in order to reduce a vibration at the LIDAR sensor 100.FIG. 2 shows a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the cleaning arm 12 is arranged displaceably with respect to the LIDAR sensor 100 and with respect to the sensor surface 102. Preferably, the wiping element 18 is pressed onto the sensor surface 102 by means of the cleaning arm 12.FIG. 3 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. As is illustrated in FIG. 3, the cleaning arm 12 can have a device which enables a displacement of the cleaning arm 12 to the sensor surface 102. Further preferably, the cleaning arm 12 can have a first deflection point 14, which is designed, for example, in such a way that the cleaning arm 12 has a first part, which is connected to the drive system of the LIDAR cleaning system 10, and a second part, on which the wiping element 18 is arranged. Further preferably, the cleaning arm 12 has a second deflection point 16, at which in particular the wiping element 18 is arranged.FIG. 4 shows a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 has a cleaning arm 12 with a first deflection point 14 and a second deflection point 16. At the second deflection point 16, a wiping element 18 can preferably be fastened to the cleaning arm 12.FIG. 5 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 5, the LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIG. 4 will be further detailed. In this case, at the first deflection point, a part of the cleaning arm 12 is deflected by the wiping element 18 being placed on the sensor surface 102. Thus, the wiping element 18 does not completely abut the sensor surface 102.FIG. 6 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIG. 6 details the LIDAR cleaning systems 10 of FIGS. 4 and 5. As is made clear in FIG. 6, the wiping element 18 can be aligned parallel to the sensor surface 102 by means of the second deflection point 16, in order thus to increase a cleaning performance.FIG. 7 shows a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 has moved the cleaning arm 12 into a park position 38 that is located outside the sensor surface 102.FIG. 8 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIG. 7 will be further detailed in FIG. 8. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the LIDAR cleaning system 10, in particular a cleaning arm 12, is in a parking position 38. Thus, the wiper element 18 or the cleaning arm 12 could generate a vibration by shaking the LIDAR sensor or the LIDAR cleaning system. However, this is reduced due to the first deflection point 14 and / or the second deflection point 16 and the predetermined angular range, so that the vibration is lower or does not occur.FIG. 9 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 has a cleaning arm 12 with a first deflection point 14 and a second deflection point 16, on which a wiping element 18 is arranged, which abuts a sensor surface 102.FIG. 10 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. Here, the LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIG. 9 is further detailed in FIG. 10. Preferably, the first deflection point 14 has a first angle range 20, wherein the second deflection point 16 has a second angle range 22, which are substantially the same. As is made clear in FIG. 10, the positioning of the wiping element 18 can change as a result of a change in the position of the first deflection point 14. Preferably, the first angle range 20 is defined by a distance 24 between the first deflection point 14 and the second deflection point 16.FIG. 11 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIG. 11 relates to the LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIGS. 9 and 10. As is made clear in FIG. 11, a deflection of the wiping element 18 can be restricted on the basis of an extension length 26 of the wiping element 18, since, for example, a tip of the wiping element 18 strikes the cleaning arm 12.FIG. 12 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 preferably has a cleaning arm 12 which has a first deflection point 14 and a second deflection point 16. Preferably, a third angular range 28 at the second deflection point 16 can be defined with the aid of an edge 32 at the opening 34 in the cleaning arm 12.FIG. 13 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 13, the LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIG. 12 is shown in a side view.FIG. 14 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 14, the LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIGS. 12 and 13 will be further detailed. Further preferably, the second deflection point 16 can have a third angle range 28, wherein the third angle range 28 is defined by a distance 30 between the second deflection point 16 and an edge 32 at the opening 34 in the cleaning arm 12 between the first deflection point 14 and the second deflection point 16. Further preferably, the third angular range 28 can be defined by a lateral offset 36 between the second deflection point 16 and the edge 32. Preferably, the third angular range 28 and the predetermined angular range are substantially the same.FIG. 14 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 15, the LIDAR cleaning system 10 of FIGS. 12, 13 to 14 is discussed in further detail. As can be seen in FIG. 15, the relationship between the second deflection point 16, the lateral offset 36 and the distance 28 is further illustrated. Preferably, the distance 30 between the second deflection point 16 and an edge 32 at the opening 34 in the cleaning arm 12 can be defined. More preferably, the lateral offset 36 can be defined between the second deflection point 16 and the edge 32.FIG. 16 illustrates a LIDAR cleaning system 10 according to an embodiment. The LIDAR cleaning system 10 has a cleaning arm 12 with a first deflection point 14 and a wiping element 18. FIG. 16 shows the LIDAR cleaning system 10 in a parking position 38 such that the wiper element 18 no longer abuts the sensor surface 102. The predetermined angular range is preferably defined by a ramp 40, on which the wiping element 18 can be moved.FIG. 17 shows a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment. The vehicle 200 preferably has a LIDAR cleaning system 10, as described above and below.

Claims

LIDAR cleaning system (10), comprising: a cleaning arm (12) which is arranged displaceably on the LIDAR cleaning system (10), wherein the LIDAR cleaning system (10) is configured to clean a sensor surface (102) of a LIDAR sensor (100) by a displacement of the cleaning arm (12), wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a first deflection point (14) which faces away from the sensor surface (102), wherein the cleaning arm (12) has a second deflection point (16) which faces the sensor surface (102), wherein a wiping element (18) which at least partially abuts the sensor surface (102) is arranged at the second deflection point (16), wherein the first deflection point (14) and / or the second deflection point (16) are configured to reduce a deflection of the wiping element (18) to a predetermined angle range, To reduce vibration at the LIDAR sensor (100).The LIDAR cleaning system (10) of claim 1, wherein the first deflection point (14) has a first angular range (20), wherein the second deflection point (16) has a second angular range (22), wherein the first angular range (20) and the second angular range (22) are substantially the same.The LIDAR cleaning system (10) of claim 2, wherein the first angular range (20) is defined by a distance (24) between the first deflection point (14) and the second deflection point (16).The LIDAR cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the second angular range (22) is defined by an extension length (26) of the wiper element (18).The LIDAR cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second deflection point (16) has a third angle range (28), wherein the third angle range (28) is defined by a distance (30) between the second deflection point (10) and an edge (32) at the opening (34) in the cleaning arm (12) between the first deflection point (14) and the second deflection point (16).The LIDAR cleaning system (10) of claim 5, wherein the third angular range (28) is defined by a lateral offset (36) between the second deflection point (16) and the edge (32).The LIDAR cleaning system (10) of any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the third angular range (28) and the predetermined angular range are substantially the same.The LIDAR cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LIDAR cleaning system (10) is configured to displace the cleaning arm (12) into a parking position (38), wherein the parking position (38) lies outside the sensor surface (102), wherein the predetermined angular range is configured to reduce a vibration of the cleaning arm (12) and the wiper element (18) in the parking position (38).The LIDAR cleaning system (10) of claim 8, wherein subsequent to the sensor surface (102), the LIDAR cleaning system (10) includes a ramp (40) that defines the predetermined angular range.A vehicle (200) comprising a LIDAR cleaning system (10) according to any preceding claim.

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