Vehicle cleaning system

Abstract

Title: Vehicle Cleaning System A vehicle cleaning system (10) comprising a pneumatic control unit (12), a cleaning unit (14) for dispensing a liquid to clean a surface (18), and a telescopic unit (20). The cleaning unit (14) is mounted on the telescopic unit (20), and the pneumatic control unit (12) moves the cleaning unit (14) with the telescopic unit (20). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle cleaning system. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle cleaning system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many different solutions for cleaning surfaces in the automotive field are already known. The increasing number of vehicle surfaces to be cleaned and the number of sensors increase the need for cleaning fluid.

[0003] The constant reduction of weight in the automotive field to decrease consumption as well as increasing competition reduces costs so that there is a strong demand for more advantageous and more efficient components for vehicles.

[0004] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a vehicle cleaning system comprising: a pneumatic control unit, a cleaning unit for distributing at least one liquid to clean a surface, a telescopic unit, a system in which the cleaning unit is on the telescopic unit, and the pneumatic control unit moves the cleaning unit with the telescopic unit.

[0006] The vehicle cleaning system according to the invention has the advantage, compared to known solutions, of significantly reducing the consumption of cleaning fluid because the pneumatic control unit and / or the telescopic unit allow the cleaning unit to be positioned for cleaning, thus eliminating the need for cleaning agent to do so. Furthermore, the pneumatic control unit has the added advantage that it activates or modifies a large number of other components or the direction of distribution of the cleaning agent (cleaning fluid).

[0007] In other words, the cleaning system has a pneumatic control unit such as, for example, a control valve. The pneumatic control unit is connected by a fluidic link, in particular to a telescopic unit. The telescopic unit has a cavity into which the air used by the pneumatic unit can enter the telescopic unit. The increase in pressure in the cavity of the telescopic unit preferably moves the cleaning unit. For example, the telescopic unit may be in the form of a lifting cylinder, and the pneumatic control unit may be connected to this lifting cylinder, thus controlling the extension of the lifting cylinder. The cleaning unit has, in particular, a bore for distributing the fluid, especially in a targeted manner onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0008] The pneumatic control unit is designed to adjust the gap between the cleaning unit and the surface to be cleaned.

[0009] One advantage of this embodiment is that the adjustable distance of the cleaning unit from the surface to be cleaned improves the cleaning efficiency of the unit because, for example, for a specific degree or type of soiling, the gap or distance is appropriately adjusted. For instance, for stubborn or localized soiling on the surface to be cleaned, a particularly small gap between the cleaning unit and the surface is chosen. In the case of soiling that spreads or is only weakly adhered to the surface, the distance can be increased, thus cleaning as much of the surface as possible in a single cleaning pass.

[0010] The control unit is preferably designed to supply pressurized gas to the cleaning unit which applies the pressurized gas to the surface to be cleaned.

[0011] This embodiment has the advantage that the cleaning unit has a second cleaning fluid. This opens up new possibilities for cleaning operations, such as combined cleaning using the cleaning agent and a pressurized gas, or the separate application of the cleaning agent and the gas. For example, the cleaning unit has an additional nozzle for the pressurized gas. The pneumatic control unit directs the pressurized gas into the telescopic unit, which carries the pressurized gas to the cleaning unit and discharges it through the nozzle or the opening in the cleaning unit.

[0012] The cleaning unit is preferably designed to mix the pressurized gas with at least one fluid.

[0013] This embodiment has the advantage that the mixing of the fluid and the pressurized gas generates a kind of mist which is advantageous for cleaning the surface, particularly by spraying. For example, a jet of cleaning agent can exit the cleaning unit laterally to the pressurized gas to be sprayed or mixed with the cleaning agent.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning unit has a pressure relief valve connecting the fluid links with the pneumatic control unit and the pressurized gas exits the pressure relief valve to thus mix the pressurized gas with at least one fluid.

[0015] The advantage of this embodiment is that it further reduces the number of components in the cleaning system, since only one pressurized gas line is required in the telescopic unit. This line is used both to move the cleaning unit and as the pressurized gas exiting the pressure relief valve to clean the surface. For example, the pressurized gas is supplied by the pneumatic unit at a pressure to move the unit. cleaning from its storage position to its cleaning position. In addition, the pressurized gas has a second pressure designed to trigger the pressure relief valve and apply the pressurized gas to the surface.

[0016] The pneumatic control unit is designed to regulate the level of pressurized gas in the direction of distribution of this pressurized gas and / or at least one fluid.

[0017] This embodiment has the advantage that, depending on the degree or nature of the soiling, the cleaning program can be adapted by modifying the direction of distribution of the fluid and / or the gas under pressure. For example, the surface to be cleaned may have an area with stubborn dirt, and the gas under pressure may have a third pressure that modifies the orientation of the cleaning unit's nozzle to direct it onto the stubborn dirt. Then, the cleaning agent is applied by the cleaning unit to detach the dirt from the surface to be cleaned.

[0018] Preferably, the pneumatic control unit regulates the pressure level of the pressurized gas to obtain the spraying of at least one fluid.

[0019] The advantage of this embodiment is that the pressure level regulates the size of the particles of the cleaning agent in the fluid to, for example, generate a mist with small droplets or a rain-type cleaning jet with large raindrops.

[0020] Preferably, the cleaning system has a pneumatic source to supply the pressurized gas.

[0021] The advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, a type of compressor can be provided in the cleaning unit which uses ambient air to compress this air and supply the pressurized gas.

[0022] Preferably, the telescopic unit has a protective cover to protect the sensor installed mobilitiously with the pneumatic control unit.

[0023] The advantage of this embodiment is that the hood darkens the surface of the sensor located inside the area to be cleaned, or it allows for darkening to simplify, for example, the sensor measurement or increase its accuracy. Preferably, the hood can tilt, rotate, or detach from the telescopic unit. The hood can rotate or move, preferably in conjunction with the pneumatic control unit. For example, the pneumatic control unit can trigger a pressure increase, which changes the position of the hood.

[0024] The telescopic unit preferably has at least one heating element to clear fluid channels and / or heat at least one fluid.

[0025] The advantage of this embodiment, particularly at cold outdoor temperatures, is that it maintains the operation of the cleaning system. The heating element can simplify both the movement of the cleaning unit by the unit telescopic in that it increases, for example, the temperature and also the conduction of the fluid in the telescopic unit and maintains it in the cleaning unit.

[0026] The telescopic unit is preferably designed so that, together with the pneumatic control unit, it moves the cleaning unit from the storage position to its cleaning position.

[0027] The advantage of this embodiment is that the cleaning unit can be integrated, for example, invisibly into a vehicle when not in use. To use the cleaning system, the cleaning unit is moved from its storage position to its cleaning position to clean the surface.

[0028] Preferably, the telescopic unit has a locking unit and this locking unit allows the cleaning unit to be locked in the cleaning position with a hooking element.

[0029] The advantage of this embodiment is that the latching element holds the cleaning unit in the cleaning position, thus eliminating the need to maintain the pressurized gas level or the pneumatic control unit, thereby saving energy. For example, the latching element can latch on during the deployment of the telescopic unit and then be released by the pressure increase, freeing the latching element along with the pneumatic control unit and allowing the cleaning unit to be returned to its storage position.

[0030] The blocking unit preferably has a valve to block the flow of fluid until the cleaning unit is in the cleaning position.

[0031] This embodiment has the advantage that when the cleaning unit is moved from its storage position to a cleaning position, no fluid escapes, which would, for example, increase cleaning agent consumption. Thus, the cleaning agent flow is only released through the valve when the cleaning unit is in the cleaning position. Furthermore, the valve is designed to shut off the fluid before the cleaning unit is moved from its cleaning position to its storage position.

[0032] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a cleaning system as described above.

[0033] The cleaning system is preferably designed to have at least one fluid available through a succession of switching operations.

[0034] The advantage of this embodiment is that, depending on the type of fouling, the fluid is distributed with pulses or in stages, which increases, where appropriate, the cleaning effect.

[0035] The cleaning unit is preferably designed to adapt the pressure of at least one fluid.

[0036] This embodiment has the advantage that the fluid pressure will be adapted according to the state of fouling in order to reduce the consumption of cleaning agent accordingly.

[0037] Preferably, the cleaning system is connected to at least one pneumatic source. The advantage of this embodiment is that the pneumatic source can be integrated, for example, a micro-piezoelectric blower, allowing the cleaning system to be integrated as an isolated component within a vehicle. Thus, the pneumatic source can be a tank, a compressor, or other similar means.

[0038] Preferably, the cleaning system is designed to receive at least one piece of information relating to the environment, the cleaning system being further designed to distribute at least one fluid adapted to the information from the environment.

[0039] This embodiment has the advantage that the cleaning system improves the information from the environment, for example from a server and / or a service on the cloud, thus improving the distribution of the fluid and the cleaning operation.

[0040] The cleaning system is preferably designed to control a fluid and the pressurized gas separately.

[0041] This embodiment has the advantage that with a separate control one has, for example, a cleaning process which first cleans with a cleaning agent with the fluid and then with pressurized gas to pulse-dry the surface to be cleaned.

[0042] The cleaning unit preferably has several outlets designed to distribute at least one fluid.

[0043] The advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to spray regularly on the surface to be cleaned with all the outlets. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to different embodiments of a cleaning system shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] [Fig-1] embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention,

[0046] [Fig.2] another embodiment of the cleaning system,

[0047] [Fig.3] cleaning system according to another embodiment,

[0048] [Fig.4] cleaning system according to another embodiment and,

[0049] [Fig.5] vehicle.

[0050] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a cleaning system 10.

[0052] The cleaning system 10 has a pneumatic control unit 12. The cleaning system 10 further has a cleaning unit 14. The cleaning unit 14 is installed on a telescopic unit 20. The cleaning unit 14 is designed to clean a surface 18 by applying a cleaning fluid to the surface 18. The cleaning system 10 further has a pneumatic source 22 connected, in particular, by a fluidic link with the pneumatic control unit 12.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a pneumatic control unit 12 connected to a pneumatic source 22. The cleaning system 10 also has a cleaning unit 14. The cleaning unit 14 is in its cleaning position 44. The cleaning unit 14 can be moved to the storage position 42. The locking unit 48 has a valve 40 for controlling or blocking the flow of fluid. The telescopic unit 20 also has a locking unit 48. The locking unit 48 is designed to lock the cleaning unit 14 in the cleaning position 44 with a latching element 50. The locking unit 48 has another latching element 52 for locking the cleaning unit 14 in a position between the storage position 42 and the cleaning position 44.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system has a pneumatic control unit 12. The pneumatic control unit 12 is designed to adjust the gap 46 between the cleaning unit 14 and the surface to be cleaned 18. The surface to be cleaned 18 is preferably the surface of a sensor 36.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a pneumatic control unit 12 connected by a fluid line 24 to the pneumatic source 22. The cleaning system 10 has a cleaning unit 14 connected by a second fluid line 19 to a cleaning agent reservoir 17. The second fluid line 19 is designed to transfer at least one fluid from the cleaning agent reservoir 17 to the cleaning unit 14. In addition, the cleaning unit 14 preferably has a pneumatic source 30, which is, for example, a compressor within the cleaning unit 14. The cleaning unit 14 has a pressure relief valve 26 for mixing the pressurized gas with at least one fluid.

[0056] The cleaning unit 14 is designed to apply a pressurized gas 24 to the surface 18 to be cleaned. The cleaning unit 14 distributes the pressurized gas 24 in the distribution direction 28 onto the surface 18. The control unit 12 is specifically adjusted by varying the pressure of the pressurized gas for the distribution unit 28, which distributes the pressurized gas 24. Preferably, the cleaning unit 14 is designed to distribute at least one fluid 16 onto the surface 18.

[0057] The cleaning unit 14 is further provided to regulate the distribution direction 28 of the fluid 16 with the pressurized gas 24.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows very schematically a vehicle 100 equipped with a cleaning system 10.

[0059] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0060] 10 Cleaning system

[0061] 12 Pneumatic control unit

[0062] 14 Cleaning Unit

[0063] 17 Cleaning agent reservoir

[0064] 18 Surface to be cleaned

[0065] 19 Fluid conduit

[0066] 20 Telescopic Unit

[0067] 22 Pneumatic source

[0068] 24 Fluid conduit

[0069] 26 Pressure relief valve

[0070] 28 Fluid distribution direction

[0071] 36 Sensor

[0072] 40 Valve

[0073] 42 Cleaning position

[0074] 46 Gap between the cleaning unit and the surface to be cleaned

[0075] 48 Blocking Unit

[0076] 50 Attachment element

[0077] 52 Other attachment element

[0078] 100 Vehicle

Claims

Demands

1. A cleaning system (10) for a vehicle (100) comprising: - a pneumatic control unit (12), - a cleaning unit (14) for dispensing at least one liquid (16) for cleaning a surface (18), - a telescopic unit (20), wherein the cleaning unit (14) is mounted on the telescopic unit (20) and the telescopic unit (20), with the pneumatic control unit (12), moves the cleaning unit (14) from a storage position (42) to a cleaning position (44), and wherein the telescopic unit (20) has a locking unit (48), the locking unit (48) locking the cleaning unit (14) in the cleaning position (44) with a latching element (50), characterized in that the locking unit (48) has another latching element (52) for locking the cleaning unit (14) in a position between the storage position and the cleaning position. (42) and the cleaning position (44).

2. Cleaning system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pneumatic control unit (12) regulates the gap (46) between the cleaning unit (14) and the surface (18).

3. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pneumatic control unit (12) is designed to supply pressurized gas (24) to the cleaning unit (14), and the cleaning unit (14) applies the pressurized gas to the surface (18).

4. Cleaning system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning unit (14) mixes the pressurized gas (24) with at least one fluid (16).

5. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the cleaning unit (10) has a pressure valve (26) connecting the fluid link with the pneumatic control unit (12), the pressurized gas (24) exiting the pressure relief valve (26) to mix the pressurized gas (24) with a fluid (16).

6. Cleaning system (10) according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the pneumatic control unit (12) regulates with the level of pressure of the pressurized gas (24), the distribution direction (28) of the pressurized gas (24) and / or at least one fluid (16).

7. Cleaning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the pneumatic control unit (12) is designed to regulate the spraying of at least one fluid (16) with the pressure level of the pressurized gas (24).

8. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the cleaning system (10) has a pneumatic source (30) for supplying pressurized gas.

9. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic unit (20) has a protective hood (34) to cover the sensor (36), the protective hood (34) being moved by the pneumatic control unit.

10. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic unit (20) has at least one heating element (38) for protecting the fluid channels and / or for heating at least one fluid.

11. Cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking unit has a valve (40), and - the valve (40) blocks the passage of fluid until the cleaning unit (14) is in the cleaning position (44).

12. Vehicle (100) comprising a cleaning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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