ADJUSTABLE AIR SPOON FOR LENS CLEANING

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for cleaning lenses, and in particular, to devices and methods for cleaning lenses of imagers on vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cameras or imagers may be disposed on exterior surfaces of vehicles to provide information both to drivers and to the vehicle itself. For example, imagers configured to capture a view of a scene to the rear of the vehicle may display the captured images on a display element within the vehicle to allow the driver to see what is behind the vehicle.

[0003] Some vehicle imagers may be disposed on arms extending from a surface of the vehicle. Due to precipitation, dirt, road salt, driving conditions, and other factors, the lenses or lens covers of cameras or imagers on the exterior of vehicles can become dirty or blocked so that the captured images are blurry or indistinct. In some cases, the lenses or lens covers may become so dirty or blocked that the imagers are unable to function as intended.

[0004] Document JP 2009 248661 A describes a camera with a washer nozzle. The camera is provided with a lens and the washer nozzle has a window jet port for jetting a washer liquid fed from a pump to a window of the vehicle. On the washer nozzle, a window conduit is provided for leading the washer liquid fed from the pump to the window jet port. A camera conduit for leading the washer liquid fed from the pump to a camera jet port for jetting it to the lens of the camera are formed.

[0005] Document US 2015 / 307065 A1 describes an apparatus for cleaning a tail gate glass for a vehicle including a spoiler door rotatably installed on a rear spoiler, an outlet formed at a position of the rear spoiler facing the spoiler door, an air duct installed in an internal space of the rear spoiler and guiding external air introduced through the spoiler door to the outlet, a nozzle fixed to the rear spoiler and spraying a cleaning liquid to the tail gate glass, and a door opening and closing device fixed to the rear spoiler, having a first end connected to the spoiler door and a second end fluid-connected to a cleaning liquid hose, and operated to open and close the spoiler door depending on a change in a pressure of the cleaning liquid hose. US 2012 070142 A1 discloses a system comprising an imager having a lens according to the state of the art.SUMMARY

[0006] The claimed invention is defined by the features set forth in the appended independent claim. Additional embodiments of the claimed invention are defined by the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a of a top view of a monitoring system having a moveable vent cover in accordance with the claimed invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway view along the line II-II of FIG. 1, showing the moveable vent cover in a closed position; FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the monitoring system showing the moveable vent cover of FIG. 1 in an open position; FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway view along the line II-II of FIG. 1, showing the moveable vent cover in an open position; and FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an embodiment of the monitoring system of FIG. 1 having a protruding member on the moveable vent cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a monitoring system 10. Monitoring system 10 may be disposed on an exterior surface of a vehicle (not shown). Monitoring system 10 comprises a mounting plate 20 and an arm 24 extending from the mounting plate 20. Arm 24 comprises a first end 28 and a second end 32. Mounting plate 20 is secured to first end 28 of arm 24. The mounting plate 20 may be configured to be secured to a surface such as an exterior surface of the vehicle. The vehicle surface may comprise, for example, a side panel, a door panel, or a roof.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 2, arm 24 comprises a housing 36 and housing 36 may define a cavity 40. A camera or other imager 44 having a lens 48 is disposed within cavity 40. As shown in FIG. 3, housing 36 may further define a first opening 52 to cavity 40. At least one segment 56 may be disposed in first opening 52 and may partially occlude first opening 52. The at least one segment 56 may define a second opening 60.

[0010] Imager 44 may be configured to capture image data of a scene to the exterior of the vehicle. Imager 44 may be disposed in proximity to second end 32 of arm 24 and within cavity 40 of housing 36. Monitoring system 10 may be oriented such that lens 48 of imager 44 is positioned to capture a view toward the rear of the vehicle through second opening 60. Arm 24 may serve to hold imager 44 in a spaced apart relationship with a side of the vehicle, thereby allowing imager 44 to get a better view of the scene to the rear of the vehicle. Lens 48 of imager 44 may be disposed to at least partially align with second opening 60, thereby allowing lens 48 to capture image data through second opening 60. Data acquired by imager 44 may be relayed to a controller 64 for additional processing. Controller 64 may be in communication with a display element (not shown) disposed within the vehicle. Images generated from image data processed by controller 64 may be displayed on the display element.

[0011] In some embodiments, a lens cover 68 may be supported by housing 36. Lens cover 68 may be disposed to at least partially cover second opening 60 to cavity 40, and may extend between second opening 60 and lens 48 of imager 44. Lens cover 68 may comprise a transparent substrate. Lens cover 68 may be generally flat, or may be curved. In some embodiments, lens cover 68 may be configured to have a profile similar to the profile of the lens 48, and may be generally parallel to lens 48. Lens 48 may be disposed proximate to lens cover 68. In use, lens cover 68 may be exposed to conditions such as snow, rain, dirt, or dust. If precipitation, dirt, or dust become deposited on lens cover 68, imager 44 may not be able to properly capture images with the required clarity. This, in turn, may make it difficult or impossible for monitoring system 10 to function properly.

[0012] Housing 36 defines an inlet opening 72. Inlet opening 72 is disposed in proximity to second end 32 of arm 24. A moveable vent cover 76 is disposed in or on and generally coplanar with housing 36. Moveable vent cover 76 may be configured to at least partially cover inlet opening 72. Moveable vent cover 76 is operable to move between a first position and a second position. For example, moveable vent cover 76 is operable to move between an open position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a closed position as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, moveable vent cover 76 may be operable to move to a partially open position intermediate between the open position and the closed position.

[0013] In some embodiments, an actuator 80 may be disposed within or on housing 36 and in contact with moveable vent cover 76. Actuator 80 may be configured to cause moveable vent cover 76 to move from the first position to the second position. Actuator 80 may be in communication with controller and may receive inputs from controller directing actuator to cause moveable vent cover to move.

[0014] In some embodiments, controller 64 may be in communication with at least one vehicle system (not shown) such as the vehicle transmission, ignition, speed sensor or indicator or other sensor. For example, controller 64 may be in communication with a sensor (not shown) that indicates whether lens 48 or lens cover 68 is dirty. Controller 64 may be configured to, upon the receipt of an appropriate input from the at least one vehicle system, such as an input indicating that one of lens 48 and lens cover 68 is dirty, cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 from the first position to the second position, for example, from the open position to the closed position. Controller 64 may further be configured to, upon the receipt of a second appropriate input from the at least one vehicle system, cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 from the second position to one of a third position or back to the first position, for example, from a closed position to a partially open position or to a completely open position.

[0015] Controller 64 may be configured to cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 based on, for example, the speed of the vehicle, a speed of fluid flow past at least a portion of housing 36, a combination of the speed of the vehicle and wind speed and direction, and / or the status of the vehicle ignition or transmission. For example, controller 64 may be configured to cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 to an open position upon a determination that the vehicle speed is greater than a first predetermined threshold speed, and to cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 to a closed position upon a determination that the vehicle speed is less than a second predetermined threshold speed. In a further example, controller 64 may cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 to an open position upon receipt of an indication that the vehicle ignition has been turned on or an indication that the vehicle transmission has been placed into a driving condition. Conversely, controller 64 may cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 to a closed position upon receipt of an indication that the vehicle ignition has been turned off or that the vehicle transmission has been placed into a parked condition. In yet a further example, controller 64 may be configured to receive an input on the speed of the flow of air passing over at least a portion of housing 36. Controller 64 may cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 to an open position upon a determination that the speed of the flow of air passing over at least a portion of housing 36 is greater than a first predetermined speed and to cause actuator 80 to move moveable vent cover 76 to a closed position upon a determination that the speed of the flow of air passing over at least a portion of housing 36 is less than a second predetermined speed.

[0016] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a protruding member 84 may extend from or be secured to moveable vent cover 76. Protruding member 84 may be configured to, when an airflow into protruding member 84 is sufficient, be moved from a first position to a second position by the force of the air. This movement, in turn, may cause moveable vent cover 76 to move to an open position. The airflow into protruding member 84 may be caused by vehicle speed, wind, or a combination of vehicle speed and wind. In some embodiments, a restraining mechanism such as, for example, a spring or an actuator 80, may be disposed to pull moveable vent cover 76 toward a closed position using a certain amount of force. In order to move to an open position, protruding member 84 on moveable vent cover 76 must experience sufficient force to overcome the opposing force from the restraining mechanism. In some embodiments, gravity may cause moveable vent cover 76 to close when the force upon protruding member 84 is not sufficient to keep moveable vent cover 76 in an open position.

[0017] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, a baffle 88 extends through a portion of cavity 40 defined by housing 36. In some embodiments, baffle 88 may have a generally planar portion 92. Baffle 88 is secured to an interior surface of housing 36. Baffle 88 may be disposed in proximity to inlet opening 72. Baffle 88 may be at least coextensive with inlet opening 72 defined by housing 36. At least one side 94 of baffle 88 may be connected to housing 36, defining a channel 100 therebetween. In some embodiments, baffle 88 may be generally parallel to moveable vent cover 76 when moveable vent cover 76 is in a closed position.

[0018] Channel 100 comprises a first end 108 and a second end 112, and may extend through a portion of cavity 40. First end 108 of channel 100 is in fluid communication with inlet opening 72.

[0019] An angled panel 96 may extend from an end 104 of baffle 88. Angled panel 96 may extend from the end of generally planar portion 92 that is closest to second end 112 of channel 100.Angled panel 96 may be configured to extend between the end 104 of baffle 88 and lens cover 68. In some embodiments, angled panel 96 may contact lens cover 68.

[0020] A diverter 116 extends from housing 36. In some embodiments, diverter 116 may extend from housing 36 a sufficient amount to partially define a portion of channel 100. Diverter 116 may be disposed in proximity to second end 32 of arm and is configured to direct fluid flowing from second end 112 of channel 100 toward lens cover 68.

[0021] When vehicle is moving in a forward direction and moveable vent cover 76 is in an open or partially open position, moveable vent cover 76 may direct a fluid such as air into inlet opening 72. Fluid may flow into inlet opening 72 and from there into first end 108 of channel 100, pass through channel 100, and exit through second end 112 of channel 100. Upon exiting through second end 112 of channel 100, fluid may be redirected by diverter 116 toward lens cover 68. Fluid may contact lens cover 68 with sufficient force to cause precipitation, dust, or dirt that has been deposited on lens cover 68 to be blown away and removed from lens cover 68. When moveable vent cover 76 is in the closed position, little or no fluid may flow through channel 100.

[0022] In some embodiments, a user interface (not shown) may be provided, and may be in communication with controller 64. User interface may allow a user to manually override automatic positioning by controller 64. Upon the receipt of a particular user input at the user interface, actuator 80 may cause moveable vent cover 76 to move to one of an open or a closed position based on the user input.

[0023] In some embodiments, a filter 120 may be disposed within or in proximity to channel 100. In some embodiments, filter 120 may be configured to extend across at least a portion of a cross-section of channel 100 or across at least a portion of inlet opening 72. In some embodiments, filter 120 may be configured to extend between moveable vent cover 76 and inlet opening 72 when moveable vent cover 76 is in the open position. Filter 120 may be configured to prevent solid particles such as dust or dirt from entering channel 100 and impinging on lens cover 68 while allowing fluid to flow through channel 100.

[0024] The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

[0025] The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, front and back, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship, order, or number of such entities or actions. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0027] Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

Claims

1. A system (10) comprising: an arm (24) having a housing (36), a first end (28), and a second end (32); a mounting plate (20) secured to the first end (28) of the arm (24); an inlet opening (72) defined by the housing (36) and in proximity to the second end (32) of the arm (24); an imager (44) having a lens (48), the imager (44) and the lens (48) both disposed within the housing (36) at the second end (32) of the arm (24); the system being characterised in that it further comprises: a moveable vent cover (76) moveable between an open position and a closed position; a baffle (88) interior to the housing (36) and disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the moveable vent cover (76) when the moveable vent cover (76) is in the closed position; a channel (100) defined by a portion of the housing (36) and the baffle (88), having a first end (108) and a second end (112), and in fluid communication with the inlet opening (72); and a diverter (116) extending from the housing (36) and configured to redirect a flow of fluid exiting the second end (112) of the channel (100); wherein the channel (100) is configured to, in cooperation with the diverter (116), selectively direct an incoming fluid from the inlet opening (72) toward the lens (48); and wherein the moveable vent cover (76) is configured to at least partially cover the inlet opening (72) when the moveable vent cover (76) is in the closed position.

2. The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising a lens cover (68) supported by the housing (36); wherein the lens cover (68) is disposed to at least partially cover the lens (48).

3. The system (10) of one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (80) in communication with the moveable vent cover (76) and configured to move the moveable vent cover (76) between the open position and the closed position.

4. The system (10) of claim 3, further comprising a controller (64); wherein the actuator (80) is in communication with the controller (64) and is configured to cause the actuator (80) to move the moveable vent cover (76).

5. The system (10) of claim 4, wherein the controller (64) is in communication with at least one vehicle system; and wherein the controller (64) is configured to cause the actuator (80) to move the moveable vent cover (76) to the open position upon a receipt of an appropriate input from the at least one vehicle system.

6. The system (10) of claim 3, wherein the actuator (80) is capable of moving the moveable vent cover (76) to a partially open position between the open position and the closed position.

7. The system (10) of one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filter (120) disposed to prevent solids from entering the channel (100).

8. The system (10) of claim 7, wherein the mounting plate (20) is configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a vehicle.

9. The system (10) of one of claims 1-8, further comprising a protruding member (84) extending from the moveable vent cover (76), the protruding member (84) configured to cause the moveable vent cover (76) to move to one of the open position and a partially open position when there is sufficient fluid flow into the protruding member (84).

10. A method of cleaning the lens cover (68) by using a system according to claim 2, the lens cover (68) being disposed on an exterior of a vehicle, comprising: moving the moveable vent cover (76) disposed on the housing (36) to the open position; allowing a fluid to flow through the inlet opening defined in the housing (36) and through the channel (100) defined by the housing (36) and the baffle (88) disposed within the housing (36); and directing the fluid, by the diverter (116), toward the lens cover (68).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving, by a controller (64), an appropriate input from a vehicle system; and causing, by the controller (64), an actuator (80) to cause the moveable vent cover (76) to move to the open position.