Support for detection devices, particularly for motor vehicles, and corresponding detection assemblies

Abstract

Support for a detection device, particularly for a motor vehicle, and corresponding detection assembly. The invention relates to a support (3) for a detection device (5), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (11) configured to receive the detection device (5). The support (3) has at least one spray orifice (17) configured to spray a cleaning fluid onto at least one detection surface (51) of the detection device (5). The invention also relates to a corresponding detection assembly (1) comprising such a support (3) receiving a detection device (5). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Support for a detection device, particularly for motor vehicles, and corresponding detection assembly Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of driver assistance and in particular to driver assistance systems, comprising at least one detection device, which can be installed on certain vehicles, in particular automobiles.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a support for a detection device, for example an optical sensor such as a camera, configured to be mounted in a motor vehicle, in particular in an opening in a vehicle body.

[0003] The invention also relates to a detection assembly comprising such a support and an associated detection device. Technical background

[0004] In the prior art, the use of numerous detection devices is known, such as optical sensors deployed on vehicles, particularly automobiles, which allow the detection of a near or distant environment around the motor vehicle. Such detection devices are used, for example, to help or assist a driver during maneuvers, such as parking the motor vehicle, or to detect the presence of another vehicle in a blind spot when overtaking, to detect crossing lane markings on the road, or to detect motor vehicles or pedestrians located near the motor vehicle.

[0005] By way of non-limiting examples, detection devices include optical sensors, cameras, radars, LIDARs (English acronym for "light detection and ranging" meaning laser remote sensing) or even ultrasonic sensors or infrared wave sensors.

[0006] Such detection devices generally include an otic surface or a detection surface through which waves are emitted by the detection device towards the external environment, for example, the vehicle on which these detection devices are installed.

[0007] These detection devices can be installed on the exterior of vehicles and are highly exposed to splashes of mineral or organic dirt that can settle on their optical or detection surface. The cleanliness of the optical or detection surface affects the performance of such detection devices.

[0008] To ensure optimal operation, it is necessary to keep their detection or optical surface clean. For this purpose, it is known to associate these detection devices with devices for cleaning the detection or optical surface.

[0009] According to a known solution, cleaning devices allow a cleaning liquid to be projected onto the detection / optical surface. For greater efficiency, cleaning devices are also known that allow a stream of air to be blown simultaneously or alternatively onto the detection / optical surface in order to dry it and / or prevent liquid droplets from remaining on this surface and impairing the proper functioning of the detection device.

[0010] In order to ensure optimal air blowing onto the detection surface, it is known to use complex devices, including at least one compressor, which can project a flow of compressed air at high pressures, generally between 2 bar and 10 bar.

[0011] Another known solution is to use devices including fans, which can project a continuous flow of air onto the sensing surface, such as the optical surface, but whose low pressure capacity imposes significant integration constraints, in particular the size and design, the design of fluidic ducts for conveying the airflow to projection nozzles.

[0012] Given their size and inherent integration constraints, fans are generally located away from the detection devices and connected via fluid ducts to projection nozzles, which are typically positioned near the respective detection device and oriented to project an airflow generated by the fan onto the detection surface. These projection nozzles have a size that does not necessarily allow them to be positioned as close as possible to the associated detection device in an optimal manner, which degrades the blowing performance, for example.

[0013] Furthermore, it is also important not to alter the visual appearance and aerodynamics of the vehicles on which the detection devices are mounted. However, because the projection nozzles are added separately, their integration can degrade the visual appearance and style of the part supporting the detection device, and consequently the visual appearance and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0014] In addition, the detection assembly as a whole is bulky and requires connecting several elements together, such as the projection nozzle(s), the fan, to bring and properly direct the cleaning fluid towards the detection surface or optical surface of the detection device.

[0015] In the case of blowing an airflow, the functional shapes necessary for channeling the airflow and shaping it for efficient projection onto the Detection surfaces, such as optical surfaces, involve high design and manufacturing costs to achieve the required internal geometry for their applications. Furthermore, pressure losses due to these fluidic conduits must be minimized to optimize the efficiency of cleaning devices.

[0016] The usual constraints of design and integration of the projection nozzles and the fan impose concessions on the efficiency of the cleaning devices (by accumulation of loss factors), often compensated by an increase in electrical consumption where possible, or a limitation of the operating ranges of the cleaning devices.

[0017] The invention aims to overcome at least partially one or more of the technical drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a solution to facilitate the integration of cleaning functions of a detection device in a motor vehicle.

[0018] The invention also aims to provide a simple and compact solution while respecting constraints on the location of the detection device, integration in particular in the vehicle, while ensuring effective cleaning of the detection device to ensure its proper functioning.

[0019] The invention also aims to ensure a satisfactory air supply for cleaning by blowing an airflow onto the detection surface of a detection device. Summary of the invention

[0020] To this end, the invention relates to a support for a detection device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing configured to receive the detection device. According to the invention, the support includes at least one projection orifice configured to project a cleaning fluid onto at least one detection surface of the detection device.

[0021] Thus, the projection opening, for example for air blowing, is directly integrated into the part that supports the detection device such as the camera. Therefore, unlike previous solutions, it is not necessary to add a separate part containing this projection opening near the detection device.

[0022] The support may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0023] The support may be intended to be mounted in a motor vehicle.

[0024] The projection orifice may be intended to be arranged above the detection device along an axis, coinciding with the vertical top / bottom axis of the vehicle in the mounted state of the support in the latter.

[0025] The support may include at least one nozzle for projecting the cleaning fluid, said nozzle having at least one projection orifice.

[0026] Thus, the projection nozzle, for example an air blower nozzle, is directly integrated into the support. It is part of the support's design, which provides good visual integration, unlike separate projection nozzles.

[0027] The support may include a protective housing comprising the housing configured to receive the detection device.

[0028] The protective housing may include an optical window configured to be arranged opposite the detection surface of the detection device.

[0029] The protective housing may further include at least one projection nozzle.

[0030] At least one projection nozzle may have a first portion extending along a first direction and a second portion extending along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0031] The second portion opens, for example, onto at least one projection orifice.

[0032] Said nozzle may have a third angled portion between the first portion and the second portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment, at least one projection nozzle can define a constant cleaning fluid passage section between the end of the first portion and the end of the second portion.

[0034] According to another embodiment, at least one projection nozzle can define a decreasing passage section of the cleaning fluid between the end of the first portion and the end of the second portion.

[0035] The support may include a device for cleaning the detection device.

[0036] The cleaning fluid is, for example, an airflow.

[0037] In this case, the support may include at least one fan configured to move the airflow. The fan may define an air outlet in fluidic communication with at least one projection orifice.

[0038] At least one projection nozzle can be arranged on the fan.

[0039] For example, at least one projection nozzle can be attached to the fan. Alternatively, at least one projection nozzle can be made in one piece with the fan and the support.

[0040] The support may include at least one air filter. The air filter may be arranged at the level of an air inlet of the fan.

[0041] Such a support thus integrates most, if not all, of the functionalities necessary for cleaning, for example by blowing an airflow from the detection device. It is no longer necessary to provide an additional air duct coupled to the fan and the nozzle, so as to allow the airflow generated by the fan to flow towards the projection nozzle, as in previous solutions.

[0042] The protective housing may include the fan.

[0043] The support can be made from a single piece.

[0044] Alternatively, the support can be made of at least two parts or two shells that can be assembled and fixed together. The assembly is carried out, for example, after the detection device has been inserted into the corresponding housing of the support.

[0045] The invention also relates to a detection assembly, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising at least one detection device including at least one detection surface. Such a detection assembly includes a support as defined above, receiving at least one detection device. The support includes at least one spray orifice configured to spray a cleaning fluid onto at least one detection surface of the detection device.

[0046] The detection device can be an optical sensor such as a camera.

[0047] The invention may also relate to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle equipped with a detection system as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0049] [Fig.1] shows a partially cross-sectional view of a support for a detection device integrating a projection nozzle, according to a first embodiment.

[0050] [Fig.2] is a perspective view showing the integration of the detection device carried by the support on a vehicle body.

[0051] [Fig.3] is a schematic view showing a support according to a second embodiment incorporating a projection nozzle arranged on an air outlet of a fan.

[0052] In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0053] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0054] In this description, the terms below, above, top, bottom, front, rear, behind, vertical, horizontal, refer to the position of the elements once mounted on the motor vehicle, the latter being positioned on a horizontal plane. Detailed description

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a detection assembly 1, which may be intended to be mounted on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0056] The detection assembly 1 comprises a support 3 and at least one associated detection device 5 received in the support 3.

[0057] The support 3 may be made of a single piece. Alternatively, it may comprise at least two parts, such as at least two shells, assembled together. This support 3 may be made at least partly of plastic material. The two parts, or two shells, may be fixed together, for example by screwing. This fixing may be carried out, for example, after the detection device 5 has been inserted into the associated housing 11.

[0058] The support 3 can be mounted in the vehicle so that the detection device 5 is mounted in an opening 7 in a vehicle body 9, as in the example illustrated in [Fig. 2]. This could be, for example, an opening 7 provided at the rear of the vehicle or on the doors or fenders of the vehicle, for example for a vehicle driver assistance system.

[0059] The detection device 5 is, for example, an optical sensor such as a camera. The camera acquires images of the road scene, which can then be transmitted, for example, to an electronic control unit in the vehicle that manages and processes the images via a power and communication cable. Alternatively, the detection device may include a LiDAR sensor or a laser sensor.

[0060] The detection device 5 comprises at least one detection surface 51. The detection device 5 can emit waves through this detection surface, particularly in the case of a radar, a LIDAR-type sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. It can also be an optical surface in the case of an optical sensor such as a camera.

[0061] The detection device 5, such as the camera, is received in a housing 11 defined by the support 3 ([Fig.1]).

[0062] The support 3 may for this purpose include a protective housing 13 defining the housing 11 in which the detection device 5, such as the camera, can be received.

[0063] In this example, the protective housing 13 may include an optical window 15, advantageously transparent. The optical window 15 is configured to be positioned opposite the detection surface 51, in particular opposite the lens when it is an optical sensor such as a camera, within the latter's field of view, to allow images to be taken through the optical window 15. The optical window 15 may be flat or convex, such as fitting within a sphere. It is, for example, made of glass.

[0064] This optical window 15 is arranged at the front of the support 3. The detection surface 51 and the optical window 15 are likely to emerge from the vehicle body once the support 3 receives the detection device 5 mounted in the vehicle.

[0065] The support 3 may further integrate one or more functions enabling the cleaning of the detection surface 51 of the detection device 5. The support 3 may, according to an option, integrate all or part of a cleaning device for the detection device 5.

[0066] In particular, at least one cleaning fluid projection orifice 17 can be provided in the support 3. In other words, the projection orifice 17, for example for air blowing, is directly integrated into the design of the support 3.

[0067] The cleaning fluid can be an air stream. In this case, the projection orifice 17 is an air blower orifice. Alternatively or in addition, the cleaning fluid could be a cleaning liquid.

[0068] The support 3 may optionally include several orifices 17 for projecting the same type of cleaning fluid or, alternatively, different cleaning fluids.

[0069] As described below, the cleaning fluid can be conveyed to the spray port 17 by at least one fluid conduit connected to a source of the cleaning fluid, such as a fan for moving an airflow. Alternatively, the support 3 may include at least one source of cleaning fluid, such as a fan.

[0070] The projection orifice 17 is arranged to allow the cleaning fluid to be projected onto the detection surface 51 of the detection device 5.

[0071] The projection opening 17 can be arranged above the housing 11 along an axis coinciding with the vertical top / bottom axis of the vehicle when the bracket 3 is mounted on the vehicle. Thus, in this example, the detection device 5 is located below the projection opening 17 when mounted in the bracket 3.

[0072] Since this projection orifice 17 is directly integrated into the design of the support 3, it can be arranged as close as possible to the housing 11, and therefore to the detection device 5 when it is received in the support 3. The projection orifice 17 can therefore be at a reduced distance from the housing 11, or from the detection device 5, compared to the arrangements of previous solutions.

[0073] In particular, the support 3 may include at least one nozzle 19 for projecting the cleaning fluid. Such a projection nozzle 19 has the projection orifice 17. This projection nozzle 19 may be received in the support 3 receiving the detection device 5.

[0074] Advantageously, the projection nozzle 19 is made in one piece with the support 3. The projection nozzle 19, for example an air blowing nozzle, is thus directly integrated into the support 3. In particular, the projection nozzle 19 can be integrated into the protective housing 13 in which the detection device 5 is intended to be arranged.

[0075] The support 3, in particular the protective housing 13, incorporating the nozzle 19 of The projection may result in a slight increase in thickness compared to bodywork 9, for example, which is minimal or at least reduced compared to previous solutions with the support and the added nozzle. This is advantageous for aerodynamics and reduces the overall weight. The reduction in thickness (or protrusion) can be approximately 5 mm compared to previous solutions.

[0076] The projection nozzle 19 is integrated into the support 3 so that the projection orifice 17 is oriented towards the housing 11, and more specifically so as to be oriented towards the detection surface 51 when the detection device 5 is received in the housing 11.

[0077] The projection nozzle 19 also includes a fluid inlet 21 in fluidic communication with the projection orifice 17.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the projection nozzle 19 has a first portion 191 extending along a first direction DI and a second portion 192 extending along a second direction D2 different from the first direction DI. The first direction DI and the second portion 192 are, for example, perpendicular to each other. The first portion 191 includes the fluid inlet 21. The second portion 192 terminates or opens onto the projection orifice 17. This second portion 192 allows the cleaning fluid, for example the airflow, to be directed towards the detection surface 51 of the detection device 5.

[0079] The projection nozzle 19 may have a third portion 193, angled or bent, between the first portion 191 and the second portion 192.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the projection nozzle 19 can define a constant passage section of the cleaning fluid between the end of the first portion 191 and the end of the second portion 192 comprising the projection orifice 17.

[0081] Alternatively, the projection nozzle 19 can define a decreasing passage section of the cleaning fluid between the end of the first portion 191 and the end of the second portion 192 ending with the projection orifice.

[0082] According to one option, the projection nozzle 19 can be made in one piece with the support 3, in particular the protective housing 13, by an additive technology, for example by 3D printing.

[0083] Depending on the alternative whereby the support 3 is made by assembling at least two parts or two shells, a first part or shell may, for example, comprise the first portion 191 of the projection nozzle 19 and optionally the housing for the detection device. This first part or shell may be closed at the housing 11 by the optical window 15. A second part or shell may comprise the second portion 192 of the projection nozzle 19.

[0084] Furthermore, the fluid inlet 21 of the projection nozzle 19 is fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid source of the cleaning device. According to the In this embodiment, where an airflow acts as the cleaning fluid, the cleaning device may include one or more air projection elements. The cleaning fluid source is, in this case, an air projection source, such as a fan configured to move the airflow (also called a blower). The fan may be, for example, of the centrifugal type. The fan may have a volute shape. The fan may be positioned behind the vehicle body.

[0085] According to one example, the fan can be relocated and positioned away from the support 3 and the detection device 5 when it is received in this support 3. In this example, at least one air duct allows coupling the projection nozzle 19 to such a relocated fan. More generally, it can be a fluid duct coupling the projection nozzle 19 to at least one source of cleaning fluid.

[0086] Alternatively, the support 3 advantageously includes the cleaning fluid source, such as the fan 23, as schematically shown in [Fig. 3]. In particular, the protective housing 13 includes such a fan 23. The support 3, specifically the protective housing 13, is common to the detection device 5 and the fan 23.

[0087] In particular, the fan 23 can be made in one piece with the support 3, in particular the protective housing 13 by additive technology, for example by 3D printing.

[0088] In the present example, the fan 23 is located at the rear of the support 3, behind the projection device 5. This location of the fan 23 prevents excessive degradation of the vehicle's aerodynamics. Furthermore, the fan 23 is positioned so as to be higher than the housing 11, on a plane above or above the vertical axis of the vehicle when the support 3 is mounted in the vehicle.

[0089] The fan 23 includes an air outlet 25 in fluidic communication with at least one projection orifice 17.

[0090] To do this, the projection nozzle 19 can be arranged on the fan 23. It can be fixed to the fan 23, or preferably made in one piece with the fan 23. More generally, the projection nozzle 19 and the fan 23 are therefore made in one piece with the support 3.

[0091] According to the previously described variant of the support 3 made in at least two parts or two shells, the fan 23 can be integrated into one of these parts. For example, the first part or shell comprising the first portion 191 of the projection nozzle 19 can also integrate the fan 23.

[0092] The air inlet 21 of the projection nozzle 19 then coincides with the air outlet 25 of the fan 23.

[0093] In this example, the air inlet 21 of the projection nozzle 19 has a shape which is wider than the rest of the projection nozzle 19, and the latter tapers down to the projection orifice 17.

[0094] The airflow set in motion by the fan 23 can flow at a pressure below 1 bar, i.e., 10000 Pa. In particular, the pressure can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 bar, i.e., from 10000 Pa to 10000 Pa. According to a specific, non-limiting example, the airflow rate can be in the range of 20 L / min to 50 L / min.

[0095] The support 3 may further include at least one air filter, for example arranged at an air inlet (not visible) of the fan 23.

[0096] Thus, integrating the projection orifice 17, and in particular the projection nozzle 19 comprising this orifice 17, directly into the design of the support 3, eliminates certain problems compared to prior solutions with separate nozzles, particularly regarding sealing constraints with the support 3 and / or the detection device 5, concerning assembly functions. Furthermore, this direct integration into the support 3 offers good visual integration, unlike separate nozzles of the prior art.

[0097] The projection nozzle 19 can be arranged more precisely than in previous solutions, and at an optimized, reduced distance from the housing 11 intended to receive the detection device 5, and therefore from the detection surface 51 when the detection device 5 is mounted in the support 3.

[0098] When the support 3 also includes the fan 23, it thus integrates a majority or even all of the functionalities necessary for cleaning, for example by blowing an airflow of the detection device 5. This makes it possible to use smaller fans 23 than in prior art solutions with a remote fan.

[0099] This solution is more compact, and it is no longer necessary to provide an additional air duct coupled to the fan and the nozzle, so as to allow the airflow generated by the fan to flow towards the nozzle, as in previous solutions.

[0100] The support 3 thus forms a unit subassembly for guiding the cleaning fluid such as air, and for holding on the vehicle both the detection device 5, and the cleaning elements such as the projection nozzle 19 and the fan 23. The support may for this purpose include one or more fixing or holding elements for the detection device and / or the cleaning elements.

[0101] This support / subassembly is compact and allows for easy integration, particularly with regard to the constraints of the location of the detection device 5 on the vehicle. Finally, it can also be easily replaced.

Claims

Claims

1. Support (3) for a detection device (5), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (11) configured to receive the detection device (5), characterized in that the support (3) comprises at least one projection orifice (17) configured to project a cleaning fluid onto at least one detection surface (51) of the detection device (5).

2. Support (3) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one nozzle (19) for projecting the cleaning fluid, said nozzle (19) having at least one projection orifice (17).

3. Support (3) according to the preceding claim, comprising a protective housing (13) comprising the housing (11) configured to receive the detection device (5), the protective housing (13) comprising an optical window (15) configured to be arranged opposite the detection surface (51) of the detection device (5), and in which the protective housing (13) further comprises the at least one projection nozzle (19).

4. Support (3) according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the at least one projection nozzle (19) has a first portion (191) extending in a first direction (D1) and a second portion (192) extending in a second direction (D2) different from the first direction (D1), the second portion (192) opening onto the at least one projection orifice (17).

5. Support (3) according to claim 4, in which the at least one projection nozzle (19) defines a constant cleaning fluid passage section between the end of the first portion (191) and the end of the second portion (192) comprising the at least one projection orifice (17).

6. Support (3) according to claim 4, in which the at least one projection nozzle (19) defines a decreasing cleaning fluid passage section between the end of the first portion (191) and the end of the second portion (192) comprising the at least one projection orifice (17).

7. Support (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cleaning fluid is an air flow, the support (3) comprising a fan (23) configured to set the air flow in motion and defining an air outlet (25) in fluid communication with the other less one projection orifice (17).

8. Support (3) according to one of claims 2 to 6 in combination with claim 7, wherein the at least one projection nozzle (19) is arranged on the fan (23).

9. Support (3) according to claim 3 in combination with one of claims 7 or 8, in which the protective housing (13) comprises the fan (23).

10. Detection assembly (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one detection device (5) comprising at least one detection surface (51), characterized in that it comprises a support (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, receiving the at least one detection device (5), the support (3) comprising at least one projection orifice (17) configured to project a cleaning fluid onto the at least one detection surface (51) of the detection device (5).

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