LiDAR cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a LiDAR cleaning system (10) comprising a cleaning arm (12) configured to clean a sensor surface (102) of a LiDAR sensor (100) by means of a displacement (14), a first sealing element (16) and a second sealing element (18), wherein the first sealing element (16) and the second sealing element (18) are arranged relative to each other such that the cleaning arm (12) is displaceable between the first sealing element (16) and the second sealing element (18), wherein the first sealing element (16) and the second sealing element (18) are configured to form a positive and / or force-fit connection (20) with each other at least temporarily in order to minimize a fluid flow (22) between the first sealing element (16) and the second sealing element (18), wherein the cleaning arm (12) is configured toto release and / or establish the force-fit and / or form-fit connection (20) by means of the displacement (14).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a LiDAR cleaning system and a vehicle.

[0002] Currently, a wide variety of solutions exist for cleaning sensor surfaces in the automotive sector. Due to the increasing number of sensor surfaces requiring cleaning, as well as the growing need for sensors for autonomous driving, the demand for innovative and reliable cleaning methods is constantly rising.

[0003] The continuous reduction of weight in the vehicle sector to reduce fuel consumption, as well as increasing competition, is creating cost pressure, leading to a greater demand for cheaper and more efficient vehicle components. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The LiDAR cleaning system according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage over the known system that the cleaning system, in particular its drive and its guide, is protected from environmental influences by the positive and / or force-fit connection of the sealing elements. Furthermore, damage to components, e.g., from stone impacts, can be prevented by means of the LiDAR cleaning system, since the cleaning system is enclosed by a housing and sealing elements.

[0005] According to the invention, this is achieved by the LiDAR cleaning system having a cleaning arm configured to clean the sensor surface of a LiDAR sensor by means of displacement. The displacement is, in particular, a movement along the sensor surface. Furthermore, the LiDAR cleaning system has a first sealing element and a second sealing element. In addition, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are arranged relative to each other such that the cleaning arm can be displaced between the first and second sealing elements.Furthermore, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are designed to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection with each other, at least temporarily, in order to minimize fluid flow between the first sealing element and the second sealing element, with the cleaning arm being designed to release and / or establish the force-fit and / or form-fit connection by means of displacement.

[0006] In other words, the cleaning system has a housing with an opening, in which the first and second sealing elements are arranged relative to each other in such a way that a cleaning arm can be moved between the sealing elements. This allows the mechanism or drive of the cleaning system to be completely enclosed. To increase the tightness of the LiDAR cleaning system during repositioning, the first and second sealing elements can form a positive and / or non-positive connection with each other. This prevents or minimizes fluid ingress or flow into the housing of the LiDAR cleaning system. The first and / or second sealing elements can be made of a rubber-like material with a Shore hardness between 40 and 90.Furthermore, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element comprises a material from the group consisting of NBR, TPE, and TPU. The first sealing element and / or the second sealing element can, in particular, generate a preload force that can form a positive and / or non-positive connection. Preferably, the first sealing element and the second sealing element act in opposite directions to each other. Furthermore, the cleaning arm is arranged between the first and second sealing elements in such a way that it is movably positioned between the two sealing elements.The cleaning arm can be designed in such a way that it breaks the positive and / or force-fit connection between the first sealing element and the second sealing element, in particular by partially bending the first and / or the second sealing element and thus being able to be displaced along the extension direction of the sealing elements.

[0007] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0008] Preferably, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element has at least a base part, a first web and a second web which are formed in one piece.

[0009] One advantage of this embodiment is that the one-piece design of the first and / or second sealing element allows them to be manufactured using an extrusion process. Furthermore, the one-piece design of the first and / or second sealing element further improves the tightness of the LiDAR cleaning system. In this context, "one-piece" means that the first web, the second web, and / or the base are made of a single material or are formed in one piece or integrally.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom part has a main extension direction, wherein the first web and the second web are arranged at a predetermined angle which is oriented orthogonally to the main extension direction, wherein the predetermined angle is configured to at least partially form the force-fit and / or form-fit connection between the first sealing element and the second sealing element.

[0011] An advantage of this embodiment is that a V-shape is formed on the sealing element by means of the predetermined angle between the first and second webs, allowing the two sealing elements to interlock. Furthermore, the predetermined angle can be selected such that its preload prevails in the first and second sealing elements when they are positioned opposite each other, thus enabling a positive and / or non-positive connection. Additionally, the base part has a main direction of extension, which is arranged, in particular, parallel to the displacement direction of the cleaning arm. The predetermined angle is orthogonal to this main direction of extension.

[0012] Preferably, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element has a third rib, which is arranged substantially orthogonally to the first rib or around the second rib. An advantage of this embodiment is that the sealing effect of the positive and / or force-fit connection can be further increased by means of the third rib. In this context, "substantially" means a deviation of ± 45°.

[0013] Preferably, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element has at least one preloading element, wherein the preloading element is configured to apply a predetermined tension to the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element in order to form the force-fit and / or form-fit connection.

[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that the predetermined tension of the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element can be precisely adjusted by means of the pretensioning element, thus enabling the adjustment of the force-fit and / or form-fit connection, or the adjustment of the resistance of the cleaning arm during displacement between the first and second sealing elements. The pretensioning element can, in particular, have an anchor point located on a base portion of the first and / or second sealing element.

[0015] Preferably, the preload element comprises at least a spring and / or a foam.

[0016] An advantage of this embodiment is that, if the preload element is designed as a spring, it can develop a predetermined tension, or this tension can be specifically adjusted on the spring using common methods. Furthermore, this embodiment has the advantage that, if the preload element is designed as a foam, it can be attached to the sealing element using a simple extrusion or injection molding process.

[0017] Preferably, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element has at least one toothed section which is arranged between the positive and / or force-fit connection in order to further minimize the fluid flow.

[0018] An advantage of this embodiment is that, by means of a toothing or similar components on the upper side of the first and / or second sealing element, the tightness of the LiDAR cleaning system is improved or the fluid flow between the first sealing element and the second sealing element is further reduced.

[0019] Preferably, the cleaning arm has at least a partially predetermined outer contour which is designed to break and / or establish the force-fit and / or form-fit connection.

[0020] An advantage of this embodiment is that the predetermined outer contour allows for further improvement of the LiDAR cleaning system's tightness, particularly by further reducing fluid flow between the first and second sealing elements when the cleaning arm bends open the first and second sealing elements or breaks the positive and / or non-positive connection. The predetermined outer contour can be designed such that the gap between the first and second sealing elements is always kept to a minimum during movement of the cleaning arm.

[0021] Preferably, the predetermined outer contour of the cleaning arm is designed as a circular arc, which is arranged parallel to a displacement direction of the cleaning arm.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that the circular arc on the predetermined outer contour of the cleaning arm minimizes the gap between the first and second sealing elements, thus preventing fluid ingress into the LiDAR cleaning system. The circular arc has, in particular, a first point on an outer edge of the cleaning arm and a second point on the opposite side of the cleaning arm. The vertex of the circular arc between the two points is located, in particular, in the center of the cleaning arm. The circular arc is, in particular, arranged parallel to a displacement direction of the cleaning arm, so that the cross-section of the predetermined outer contour can also be aligned parallel to the displacement direction of the cleaning arm.

[0023] Preferably, the cleaning arm has at least one sealing wall adjacent to the predetermined outer contour, which is designed to minimize fluid flow into the LiDAR cleaning system when the force-fit and / or form-fit connection is broken and / or established.

[0024] One advantage of this design is that the sealing wall prevents fluid flow should a gap occur between the first and second sealing elements due to the movement of the cleaning arm. The sealing wall thus allows the fluid to be deflected away from the interior of the LiDAR sensor.

[0025] Preferably, the LiDAR cleaning system has at least one third sealing element, wherein the first sealing element and the third sealing element form a further positive and / or non-positive connection at least temporarily, wherein the cleaning arm is configured to simultaneously release and / or establish the positive and / or non-positive connection and the further positive and / or non-positive connection by means of displacement.

[0026] One advantage of this embodiment is that the double positive and / or force-fit connection makes the ingress of fluid into the LiDAR sensor even less likely. At the same time, it does not impede the movement of the cleaning arm.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a LiDAR sensor and a LiDAR cleaning system as described above and below. Drawings

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 to 15 cleaning systems according to one embodiment, Fig. 16 a vehicle according to one embodiment. Embodiments of the invention

[0029] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 according to one embodiment. The LiDAR cleaning system 10 is arranged on a LiDAR sensor 100. The LiDAR cleaning system 10 has a cleaning arm 12. The cleaning arm 12 is configured to clean a sensor surface 102 of the LiDAR sensor 100 by means of a displacement 14. The displacement 14 can be linear or radial.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10, which is arranged on a LiDAR sensor 100. The LiDAR sensor 100 has a LiDAR sensor surface 102. The LiDAR cleaning system 10 has a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18, which are arranged relative to each other such that a cleaning arm 12 can be moved between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18. Furthermore, the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 are configured to form a positive and / or force-fit connection 20. The positive and / or force-fit connection 20 serves to prevent a fluid, in particular rainwater or similar, from penetrating the LiDAR cleaning system 10 and / or the LiDAR sensor 100.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10. The LiDAR cleaning system 10 has a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18. The first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 form a positive and / or non-positive connection 20. The positive and / or non-positive connection 20 serves to minimize fluid flow 22 between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18. The first sealing element 16 and / or the second sealing element 18 have a base 22 as well as a first web 24 and a second web 26. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first sealing element 16 and / or the second sealing element 18 form a V-shape by means of the first web 24 and the second web 26. The first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 are arranged relative to each other such that at least two legs of the V-shape rest on one another. Fig. 3. This is achieved with the respective second web 26 of the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18. The first web 24 and the second web 26 are arranged at a predetermined angle 28 to each other. The predetermined angle 28 is selected such that the positive and / or force-fit connection 20 is formed between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows the first sealing element 16, which has a base part 23. The first web 24 and the second web 26 are arranged on the base part 23, so that the base part 23, the first web 24, and the second web 26 are formed as a single unit. Preferably, the first web 24 and the second web 26 are arranged at a predetermined angle 28 to each other. Preferably, a preload element 32 is arranged on the first sealing element 16, which applies a predetermined tension to the first sealing element 16, as shown in the Fig. 4 shown, on the second jetty 26.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a first sealing element 16, which has a preload element 32. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the prestressing element 32 is arranged both on the second web 26 and on the bottom part 23 of the first sealing element 16.

[0035] The LiDAR cleaning system 10 preferably comprises a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18, as shown in the Fig. Figure 6 shows that both the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 have a preload element 32. The preload element 32 applies a preload to the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18, respectively, so that a positive and / or force-fit connection 20 is formed between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18, thus minimizing fluid flow 22.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18. The first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 form a positive and / or force-fit connection 20. A toothed section 34 is arranged between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18, which further improves the sealing effect of the positive and / or force-fit connection 20.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18. A cleaning arm 12 is arranged between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18, or is moved to this position, so that no positive and / or force-fit connection is formed between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18.

[0038] Fig. Figure 9 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 comprising a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18. At a first location 71 of the LiDAR cleaning system 10, the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 form a positive and / or non-positive connection 20, since no cleaning arm is present at this first location 71. At the second location 72 of the LiDAR cleaning system 10, the cleaning arm 12 is at least temporarily arranged or displaced to this location, whereby the cleaning arm 12 breaks the positive and / or non-positive connection 20, so that no positive and / or non-positive connection 20 is formed between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 at this location.

[0039] Fig. Figure 10 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10. The LiDAR cleaning system 10 comprises a cleaning arm 12. The cleaning arm 12 has a predetermined outer contour 36, which is designed to break and / or establish the positive and / or non-positive connection 20. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the predetermined outer contour 36 is formed as a circular arc 38. The circular arc 38 is arranged, in particular, parallel to a displacement direction 40 of the cleaning arm 12.

[0040] Fig. Figure 11 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a cleaning arm 12. A sealing wall 42 is arranged adjacent to the predetermined outer surface 36 of the cleaning arm 12. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 11, two sealing walls 42 are arranged on the respective side of the predetermined outer contour 36 of the cleaning arm 12.

[0041] Fig. Figure 12 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a first sealing element 16, a second sealing element 18, and a third sealing element 44. A positive-locking and / or force-locking connection 20 is formed between the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18. Furthermore, another positive-locking and / or force-locking connection 46 is formed between the second sealing element 18 and the third sealing element 44.

[0042] Fig. Figure 13 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18. Both the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 each have at least one base part 23, a first web 24, and a second web 26. Furthermore, both the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 have a third web 30. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the third bridge 30 is arranged essentially orthogonally to the second bridge 26.

[0043] Fig. Figure 14 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10 with a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 18. The first sealing element 16 has an outer contour which engages positively with the second sealing element 18 to form the positive and / or force-fit connection 20.

[0044] Fig. Figure 15 shows a LiDAR cleaning system 10, which includes a first sealing element 16. As in the Fig. Figure 15 shows the first sealing element 16 and the preloading element 32 in a disassembled state. The first sealing element 16 has a mounting angle 29 that is larger than the predetermined angle 28. The predetermined angle 28 is only formed when the first sealing element 16 is mounted into the preloading element 32.

[0045] Fig. Figure 16 shows a vehicle 200 with a LiDAR sensor 100 and a LiDAR cleaning system as described above and below.

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