Deflector for blower unit of a vehicle detection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a deflector configured for use in combination with an air duct of an air blowing device, the deflector comprising a single curved sheet configured to direct an airflow from the air duct towards a surface to be cleaned, the single curved sheet and the air duct being separated by a bypass duct configured to drain a liquid, such as rainwater, entering by gravity through a free end of the single curved sheet, the free end being oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, characterized in that a lower end of the single curved sheet proximal to said air duct is inclined with respect to an axis along which the air duct extends. (Short figure: Fig 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Deflector for a blowing device of a vehicle detection device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of detection devices for motor vehicles, more specifically in the field of detection devices for driver assistance systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a deflector configured to be used in combination with an air duct of an air blowing device, an air blowing device, a vehicle comprising such a device and a method of manufacturing a deflector.

[0002] Motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with detection systems for collecting information relating to the environment of the motor vehicle, in particular in order to provide the driver with assistance in driving and / or maneuvering this vehicle. For example, cameras or other sensors, such as infrared image sensors, or LIDARS, are increasingly integrated into modern vehicles to provide additional information to the driver.

[0003] For this purpose, the detection system is commonly installed on the vehicle so as to collect information on the environment surrounding the vehicle, for example on the front, rear, and / or even under the vehicle. The detection system is thus conventionally installed on the front face and / or on the rear face and / or on a rearview mirror and / or under the vehicle.

[0004] Detection systems may be exposed to fouling such as dirty water, dust, external pollution or other types of projections. Conventional cleaning devices are adapted to clean detection systems to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of obstructive debris on the optical surface of the detection system. Some techniques adapted by conventional cleaning devices to clean optical surfaces consist of ejecting a stream of air, for example compressed air, onto the surface to be cleaned through a nozzle.

[0005] However, when the cleaning or blowing device and more particularly its air ejection nozzle is arranged in a low position relative to the detection device, liquids such as rainwater or cleaning liquid may enter by gravity into the cleaning or blowing device through the air ejection nozzle. This liquid may reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning or blowing device by blocking or hindering the air flow, but more seriously, this liquid may follow the air duct and reach the source of the air flow, generally a fan, a compressor or an electric blower, and potentially cause deterioration of the latter as well as a degradation of the cleaning and blowing.

[0006] One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to at least partially remedy the drawbacks of the prior art. In this regard, the present invention proposes a deflector configured to be used in combination with an air duct of an air blowing device making it possible not only to limit the risks of circulation and accumulation of liquid within the cleaning or blowing device but also to improve the blowing performance of the air blowing device.

[0007] The invention relates to a deflector configured to be used in combination with an air duct of an air blowing device, the deflector comprising a single curved sheet configured to direct an air flow from the air duct towards a surface to be cleaned, the single curved sheet and the air duct being separated by a bypass duct configured to drain a liquid, such as for example rainwater, entering by gravity via a free end of the single curved sheet, the free end being oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, characterized in that a lower end portion of the single curved sheet proximal to said air duct is inclined relative to an axis along which the air duct extends.

[0008] By single curved sheet is meant that the deflector has a simple structure comprising a single curved part in the form of a lamella.

[0009] In other words, the single curved sheet is devoid of a cover or any other structure which would be intended to form with the single curved piece a closed or semi-closed compartment configured to guide the air flow.

[0010] This feature is advantageous in that the manufacture of the deflector is simplified thanks to its structure comprising a single curved sheet.

[0011] This feature is also advantageous in that, thanks to the inclination of the single curved sheet relative to the axis along which the air duct extends, the air flow sent from the blowing device towards the deflector has homogeneous characteristics, such as the velocity gradient of the air flow, throughout its path and up to the free end. By velocity gradient is meant the velocity vector field. It is understood that the air flow does not have turbulence, thus minimizing the loss of energy in the air flow.

[0012] This feature is advantageous in that the bypass pipe allows any incoming liquid to be drained by gravity via the free end of the single curved sheet in order to preserve the proper functioning of the blowing device.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower end portion of the single proximal curved sheet has an angle of inclination of between 5° and 20° relative to the axis along which the air duct extends. This characteristic is advantageous in that the air flow from the air duct is guided towards the surface to be cleaned in a homogeneous manner, without presenting turbulence which can sometimes generate noise. parasites, and without energy loss. This feature is also advantageous in that the inclination angle helps prevent air leaks between the air duct and the single curved sheet, especially at the bypass duct.

[0014] It is understood that the lower end portion is inclined relative to the axis along which the air duct extends so that the air flow from the air duct is entirely guided towards the single curved sheet in order to avoid any leakage of the air flow through the bypass duct.

[0015] Preferably, the lower end portion is arranged below the axis along which the air duct extends, so that the lower end portion can prevent the air flow from deviating from its path by passing through the bypass duct.

[0016] Furthermore, this characteristic is advantageous in that any liquid entering by gravity via the free end of the single curved sheet is evacuated thanks to this angle of inclination, thus preventing deterioration of the blowing device.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower end portion of the single proximal curved sheet has an angle of inclination of between 7° and 18° relative to the axis along which the air duct extends. This characteristic has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower end portion of the single proximal curved sheet has an angle of inclination of between 10° and 15° relative to the axis along which the air duct extends. This characteristic has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the lower end portion of the single proximal curved sheet has an angle of inclination of 15° relative to the axis along which the air duct extends. This characteristic has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the single curved sheet has a radius of curvature of between 2 mm and 20 mm. This characteristic is advantageous in that the air flow from the air duct is guided towards the surface to be cleaned in a homogeneous manner, without presenting turbulence which can sometimes generate parasitic noise, and without loss of energy.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the single curved sheet has a radius of curvature of between 4 mm and 18 mm. This characteristic has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the single curved sheet has a radius of curvature of between 8 mm and 15 mm. This characteristic has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the single curved sheet has a radius of curvature of 10 mm. This feature has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the single curved sheet comprises at least one rib, configured to direct the air flow coming from the air duct. This characteristic is advantageous in that the at least one rib makes it possible to direct the distribution of the air at the outlet of the air duct according to the location of the surface to be cleaned or according to the dimensions of said surface to be cleaned. It is understood that depending on the geometric configuration of the surface to be cleaned, the orientation of the air flow can be adapted. It is understood that the deflector makes it possible to distribute air in several different directions in order to clean surfaces to be cleaned located at different locations on the vehicle. A distribution of the air flow is therefore achieved in a controlled and adapted manner.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, an inner face of the single curved sheet comprises a plurality of ribs. This feature is advantageous in that the at least one rib makes it possible to direct the air flow leaving the air duct according to the location of the surface to be cleaned or surfaces to be cleaned where appropriate. It is understood here that the rib present in the deflector makes it possible to direct the air in several different directions in order to clean surfaces to be cleaned located at different locations on the vehicle.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of ribs is oriented in the same direction.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of ribs comprises ribs oriented in different directions.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner face is textured. It is understood that the inner face comprises raised patterns. It is understood that the inner face is not smooth. This characteristic is advantageous in that the textured inner face makes it possible to modify the flow conditions of the boundary layer of the flow on the single curved sheet, the objective being to improve the stability of the air flow generated along the target surface of the sensor.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal face comprises graining. This characteristic has the same advantages as those previously mentioned.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector is mounted on the air duct via at least one fixing means, the at least one fixing means being configured to cooperate with a receiving means disposed on the air duct.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one fixing means is a clip-on, snap-on, or gluing fixing element, or at least one mechanical fixing means, or at least one elastic interlocking fixing means.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one fixing means is in the form of shape of a plot.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one receiving means is in the form of a cylinder.

[0034] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the deflector is formed in one piece with the air duct.

[0035] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the deflector is a separate part from the air duct.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector is produced by thermoplastic injection, or by 3D printing, or by any other means deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art.

[0037] The invention also relates to a blowing device configured to blow air onto a surface to be cleaned, the blowing device comprising an air duct, or a fan, or a compressor, or an electric blower, and a deflector as previously described, the deflector being mounted on the air duct or being integral with the air duct.

[0038] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a blowing device as previously described.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a deflector as previously described, comprising a step of injection molding in a mold, a demolding step and a mounting step as previously described. The invention will be better understood in view of the following figures, in which:

[0040] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a deflector being integrally formed with an air duct according to a first embodiment.

[0041] [Fig.2] is a bottom view of a blowing device comprising a duct air and a deflector according to a second embodiment.

[0042] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of the deflector according to the second method of rea lization.

[0043] The aspects of the invention described above, as well as other aspects, will be discussed with reference to these figures.

[0044] [Fig.l] represents a part of a blowing device 1 according to a first embodiment, the blowing device 1 comprising a deflector 2 and an air duct 3 being formed in one piece.

[0045] Here, the blowing device 1 is mounted on a detection device 4 for a motor vehicle (not shown), the detection device 4 making it possible to collect information on the environment surrounding said vehicle. Here, the detection device 4 is a LIDAR, however the invention could be extended to other detection devices such as radars, or cameras etc.

[0046] Here, the deflector 2 comprises a single curved sheet having a radius of curvature of 10 mm. The single curved sheet makes it possible to direct an air flow coming from the air duct 3 towards a surface to be cleaned 5.

[0047] The single curved sheet and the air duct 3 are separated by a bypass duct 12 for draining a liquid, such as for example rainwater, entering by gravity via a free end 7 of the single curved sheet. Here, the free end 7 is oriented towards the surface to be cleaned 5.

[0048] A lower end portion 8 of the single curved sheet proximal to said air duct 3 is inclined by 15° relative to an axis L along which the air duct extends.

[0049] More particularly, the lower end portion 8 is inclined at an angle of inclination i relative to the axis L so that the air flow from the air duct 3 is entirely guided towards the single curved sheet in order to avoid any leakage of the air flow through the bypass duct 12.

[0050] The lower end portion 8 is arranged below the axis L along which the air duct 3 extends, so that the lower end 8 can prevent the air flow from deviating from its trajectory by passing through the bypass duct 4.

[0051] [Fig. 2] shows the entire blowing device 1 according to a second embodiment. Here, the blowing device 1 comprises the deflector 2 mounted on the air duct 3, the air duct 3 itself being mounted on a compressor 11. Here, the deflector 2 and the duct 3 are two separate parts.

[0052] In this second embodiment, the deflector 2 comprises fixing means 9 which are configured to be mounted in receiving means 10 of the air duct 3.

[0053] More particularly, the receiving means 10 are in the form of cylinders arranged on either side of the air duct 3 along an axis T being transverse to the axis L, while the fixing means 9 are in the form of studs which are force-fitted into the receiving means 10.

[0054] Once the fixing means 9 are inserted into the receiving means 10, a space between the air duct 3 and the deflector 2 defining the bypass duct 4 makes it possible to drain a liquid 13, such as for example drops of rainwater, entering by gravity via the free end 7 of the single curved sheet, for example according to the arrows 14.

Claims

Claims

1. A deflector (2) configured to be used in combination with an air duct (3) of an air blowing device, the deflector (2) comprising a single curved sheet configured to direct an air flow from the air duct toward a surface to be cleaned (5), the single curved sheet and the air duct (3) being separated by a bypass duct (4) configured to drain a liquid (13), such as for example rainwater, entering by gravity via a free end (7) of the single curved sheet, the free end (7) being oriented toward the surface to be cleaned (5), characterized in that a lower end (8) of the single curved sheet proximal to said air duct (3) is inclined relative to an axis (L) along which the air duct (3) extends.

2. Deflector (2) according to the preceding claim in which the lower end (8) of the single proximal curved sheet has an angle of inclination (i) of between 5° and 20° relative to the axis (L) along which the air duct (3) extends.

3. Deflector (2) according to the preceding claim in which the lower end (8) of the single proximal curved sheet has an angle of inclination (i) of 15° relative to the axis along which the air duct extends.

4. A deflector (2) according to any preceding claim wherein the single curved sheet has a radius of curvature of between 2 mm and 20 mm.

5. Deflector (2) according to any one of the preceding claims in which an internal face (15) of the single curved sheet comprises at least one rib, configured to direct the air flow coming from the air duct (3).

6. Deflector (2) according to the preceding claim in which an internal face (15) of the single curved sheet comprises a plurality of ribs.

7. A deflector (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner face (15) is textured.

8. A deflector (2) according to any preceding claim wherein the deflector (2) is mounted on the air duct (3) via at least one fixing means (9), the at least one fixing means (9) being configured to cooperate with a receiving means (10) disposed on the air duct (3).

9. Deflector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the deflector (2) is made in one piece with the air duct (3).

10. A blowing device (1) configured to blow air onto a surface to be cleaned (5), the blowing device (1) comprising an air duct (3), a fan (11), or a compressor or an electric blower, and a deflector (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, the deflector (2) being mounted on the air duct (3).

11. Vehicle comprising an air blowing device (1) according to claim 10.

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