Lidar sensor cleaning system

Abstract

Title: Lidar Sensor Cleaning System Lidar sensor cleaning system (10) comprising: - a cleaning arm (12), - a drive system (16) which moves the cleaning arm (12) by the force transmission element (16) to clean the field of view of a lidar sensor, - a fastening element (18) for fastening the cleaning arm (12) to the force transmission element (16), * the fastening element (18) having a recess and a spacer element, * the spacer element is adapted to press the force transmission element (16) into the recess so that the force transmission element (16) is pre-stressed. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Lidar sensor cleaning system FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

[0002] Various devices are currently known for cleaning lidar sensors in the automotive field. However, the growing number of lidar sensors in the automotive field and the increase in quality requirements result in a continuous demand for innovation and robust means for cleaning lidar sensors.

[0003] The constant reduction of weight in the field of motor vehicles to reduce consumption and the growth of competition translate into pressure on costs to meet a demand for more advantageous and more efficient components for vehicles.

[0004] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a lidar sensor cleaning system comprising a cleaning arm, a drive system which moves the cleaning arm by the force transmission element to clean the field of view of a lidar sensor, a fixing element for fixing the cleaning arm to the force transmission element, the fixing element having a recess and a spacer element, the spacer element is configured to press the force transmission element into the recess so that the force transmission element is pre-stressed.

[0006] The cleaning system of a lidar sensor according to the invention has the advantage over known solutions of reducing the total number of components because, by the functional integration of different functions in the fixing element, the manufacturing costs are considerably reduced.

[0007] Furthermore, the method of mounting the cleaning arm on the cleaning system is considerably simplified. In addition, the efficiency of the cleaning system is increased because, thanks to the recess and the spacer element, the force transmission element is permanently under stress.

[0008] In other words, the force transmission element such as, for example, a belt or similar means is laterally engaged in the fastening element so that the spacer element and the recess of the transmission belt can be stressed. Preferably, the fastening element can be transformed by a plastic injection process or a similar process, which allows the fastening element to be produced, in principle, in a single part. Furthermore, preferably, the drive system comprises a motor or similar means for driving the force transmission element, for example, a belt drive. The cleaning arm drive system can thus move above the field of view of the lidar sensor to clean it.

[0009] Furthermore, preferably, the recess has at least partly a circular contour so that the spacer element has a cylindrically shaped segment which rests in the recess and on the cylindrically shaped segment.

[0010] Another advantage of this embodiment is that, by sinking the force transmission element into the substantially circular contour, the sliding of the fastening element on the force transmission element is reduced accordingly. In particular, the circular contour increases the application surface between the force transmission element and the fastening element, which increases the friction between these two components accordingly.

[0011] According to another characteristic, the force transmission element comprises at least one spring and this spring penetrates into the groove of the fixing element.

[0012] This embodiment has the advantage of a form-fit connection between the force transmission element and the fixing element and the operation of mounting the fixing element to the force transmission element is carried out by a simple engagement, which reduces manufacturing costs accordingly.

[0013] According to another preferred characteristic, the force transmission element consists of a set of tabs and the fixing element comprises a set of grooves, which results in a tooth shape between the force transmission element and the fixing element.

[0014] This embodiment has the advantage of installing the fastening element more securely to the force transmission element so that, throughout the service life of the cleaning system and the fastening element to the force transmission element, there is no risk of slippage.

[0015] According to another preferred characteristic, the fixing element comprises a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being connected to each other by a connection by form or by force or by material, which makes it possible to tighten the force transmission element between the first part and the second part.

[0016] This embodiment has the advantage that even in the most unfavorable mounting situations, for example, if the lidar sensor is installed in the vehicle, the cleaning arm can be detached from the fastening element because, through the forceful, form-fitting or material connection, an additional dimension is available for the mounting or dismounting direction.

[0017] According to another preferred characteristic, the first part is installed on the second part by a screw connection, this screw connection making it possible to press the force transmission element into the recess.

[0018] This embodiment has the advantage of reducing the risk of slippage between the fixing element and the force transmission element because, in this way, the screw connection makes it possible to press the force transmission element into the recess with greater force.

[0019] According to another preferred characteristic, the force transmission element has a bore which receives the screw of a screw connection.

[0020] This embodiment has the advantage of a non-slip connection between the force transmission element and the fastening element by means of the screw and the bore. Since the screw creates a form-fitting connection with the force transmission element, it also presses it into the recess.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the first part and the second part are connected to each other by a clipping element which forms a hooking connection with the first part and the second part.

[0022] This embodiment has the advantage that the clipping element can engage on the first and second part if the force transmission element is installed on the fixing element. Thus, the clipping element can be made in particular from a sheet metal or a similar product, which makes it possible to create a connection in particular for the entire service life of the cleaning system.

[0023] According to another preferred feature, the spacer element has a first jaw element and a second jaw element, the first portion of the force transmission element being in a first portion of the recess between the fixing element and the first jaw element and a second portion of the force transmission element being in a second portion of the recess between the fixing element and the second jaw element, the screw connection pressing the first jaw element and the second jaw element between the fixing element.

[0024] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to interchange the attachment points of the force transmission element to the fastening element so that the force transmission element can be exchanged by connecting the first part to the fastening element and then passing it into the drive system and finally being able to connect it to the second side. This considerably simplifies assembly.

[0025] According to a further development, the invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a cleaning system as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of different embodiments of a cleaning system shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] perspective view of a first embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0028] [Fig.2] perspective view of a second embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0029] [Fig.3] perspective view of a third embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0030] [Fig.4] perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0031] [Fig.5] perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0032] [Fig.6] perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0033] [Fig.7] Perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0034] [Fig.8] Perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0035] [Fig.9] Perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0036] [Fig. 10] Perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0037] [Fig. 11] Perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0038] [Fig. 12] Perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a system of cleaning,

[0039] [Fig. 13] vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0041] All identical component elements or units in all figures have the same references in the following description.

[0042] [Fig.l] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 of a lidar sensor 200 comprises a cleaning arm 12 and a drive system 14. The drive system 14 moves the cleaning arm 12 by a force transmission element to clean the field of view of the lidar sensor 200.

[0043] The cleaning system 10 also comprises a fixing element 18 for fixing the cleaning arm 12 to the force transmission element 16. The element fastener 18 has a recess 20 and a spacer-shaped element 22; this element 22 is designed to press the force transmission element 16 into the recess 20 so that the force transmission element 16 is prestressed.

[0044] [Fig. 2] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 comprises a fastening element 18. The fastening element 18 has a recess 20 and a spacer element 22. Furthermore, as shown in [Fig. 2], the force transmission element 16 is provided on the fastening element 18.

[0045] [Fig. 3] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a fastening element 18. The fastening element 18 is connected to the force transmission element 16 as shown in [Fig. 3]. Furthermore, the fastening element 18 has a recess 20 and a spacer element 22. The spacer element 22 has a cylindrically shaped segment. As can be seen, the spacer element 22 presses the force transmission element 16 into the recess 20, in particular by the cylindrically shaped segment 24.

[0046] [Fig. 4] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a fastening element 18. The fastening element 18 is connected to the force transmission element 16. The fastening element 18 has a recess 20 which presses the force transmission element 16 by the spacer element 22. The force transmission element 16 has a spring 26 and the fastening element 18 has a groove 28. The spring 26 can penetrate into the groove 28. The force transmission element 16 preferably has a set of springs 26 and the fastening element 18 has a set of grooves 28 to form a toothing between the force transmission element 16 and the fastening element 18 as shown in [Fig. 4].

[0047] [Fig. 5] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a fastening element 18 connected to the force transmission element 16. Furthermore, preferably, the spacer element 22 and the force transmission element 16 are housed in a recess 20 of the fastening element. As shown in [Fig. 5], the fastening element 18 is in one piece, in particular produced, for example, by injection or a similar process.

[0048] [Fig. 6] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a fastening element 18. This fastening element 18 is connected to the force transmission element 16 by the spacer element 22 and the recess 20. Furthermore, preferably, the fastening element 18 has a first partial element 30 and a second partial element 32. The first partial element 30 and the second partial element 32 are connected to each other, preferably by a screw connection 34 as shown in [Fig. 6].

[0049] [Fig.7] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a configuration similar to that of the cleaning system cleaning 10 shown in [Fig.6]. According to [Fig.7], the force transmission element 18 has a bore 36. A screw of the screw connection 34 passes through the bore 36 to create a form connection between the force guide element 16 and the fixing element 18.

[0050] [Fig. 8] shows an embodiment of the cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a fastening element 18. This fastening element 18 is connected to the force transmission element 16 by the spacer element 22 and the recess 20 so that the force transmission element 16 is prestressed. Furthermore, preferably, the fastening element has a first element part 30 and an element part 32. The first element part 30 and the second element part 32 are connected by a clip element 48. The clip element 48 has a clip connection between the clip element 48 and the first partial element 30 and the second partial element 32.

[0051] [Fig. 9] shows another embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a fastening element 18. This fastening element 18 is connected to the force transmission element 16, in particular by the recess 20 and the spacer elements 22. As can be seen in [Fig. 9], the first partial segment 20 has several grooves 28. The force transmission element 16 thus has several springs 26, in particular, the springs 26 can engage in the grooves 28 and thus reduce the sliding of the force transmission element 16 relative to the fastening element 18. Furthermore, the first partial element 30 and the second partial element 32 are fixed by the clip element 48.

[0052] [Fig. 10] shows an embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 has a fastening element 18. This fastening element 18 preferably has a first partial element 30 and a second partial element 32. The first partial element 30 and the second partial element 32 are connected, preferably by the clip element 48.

[0053] [Fig. 11] shows one embodiment of a cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a fastening element 18 secured to the force transmission element 16 by the spacer element 22. As shown in [Fig. 11], the clipping element 48 preferably surrounds the fastening element 18 in a substantially complete manner.

[0054] [Fig. 12] shows an embodiment of the cleaning system 10. The cleaning system 10 preferably has a fixing element 18 in which the force transmission element 16 is fixed. A first portion 44 of the force transmission element 16 is between a first jaw element 40 and a fixing element 18 and a second portion 46 of the force transmission element 26 is preferably between a second jaw element 42 and the fixing element 18. Furthermore, preferably, the screw connection 34 is designed to press the first jaw element 40 and the second jaw element 42 against the fixing element 18 so that the force transmission element 16 can be fixed to the fixing element 18.

[0055] [Fig. 13] shows a vehicle 100 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 100 has a cleaning system 10 as described above. The vehicle 100 has a lidar sensor 200 and the cleaning system 10 can clean the lidar sensor 200.

[0056] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0057] 10 Cleaning system

[0058] 12 Cleaning arms

[0059] 14 Drive system

[0060] 16 Force transmission element

[0061] 18 Fastening element

[0062] 20 Hollowing

[0063] 22 Spacer element

[0064] 24 Cylindrical shaped segment

[0065] 30 First partial element

[0066] 32 Second partial element

[0067] 40 Bit element

[0068] 42 Bit element

[0069] 48 Clipping element

[0070] 100 Vehicle

[0071] 200 Lidar sensor

Claims

Claims

1. A cleaning system (10) for a lidar sensor (200) comprising: - a cleaning arm (12), - a drive system (16) which moves the cleaning arm (12) by the force transmission element (16) to clean the field of view of a lidar sensor (200), - a fastening element (18) for fastening the cleaning arm (12) to the force transmission element (16), * the fastening element (18) having a recess (20) and a spacer element (22), * the spacer element (22) is designed to press the force transmission element (16) into the recess (20) so that the force transmission element (16) is pre-stressed.

2. Cleaning system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (20) has at least partly a circular contour, the spacer element (22) has a cylindrical segment (24), - the force transmission element (16) comes into the recess (20) and against the cylindrical force segment (24).

3. Cleaning system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the force transmission element (16) has at least one spring (26), * the spring (26) is adapted to penetrate into a groove (28) of the fixing element (18).

4. A cleaning system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the force transmission member (16) has a plurality of springs (26) and the fastening member (18) has a plurality of grooves (28) so as to form a dentition between the force guiding member (16) and the fastening member (18).

5. Cleaning system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the fixing element (18) has a first partial element (30) and a second partial element (32), * the first partial element (30) and the second partial element (32) are connected to each other by a force-fitting, form-fitting and / or material connection in such a way that the force-transmitting element (16) can be clamped between the first partial element (30) and the second partial element (32).

6. Cleaning system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first partial element (30) is installed on the second partial element (32) by a screw connection (34), this screw connection (34) being designed to press the force transmission element (16) into the recess (20).

7. A cleaning system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the force transmission element (16) has a bore (36) through which a screw (38) of the screw connection (34) passes.

8. Cleaning system (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first partial element (30) and the second partial element (32) are connected to each other by a clipping element (48), the clipping element (48) being designed to provide a clipping connection with the first partial element (30) and the second partial element (32).

9. A cleaning system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer element (22) has a first jaw element (40) and a second jaw element (42), the first portion (44) of the force transmission element (16) being in a first portion of the recess (20) between the fastening element (18) and the first jaw element (40), a second portion (46) of the force transmission element (16) being in a second portion of the recess (20) between the fastening element (18) and the second jaw element (42), * the screw connection (34) pressing the first jaw element (40) and the second jaw element (42) against the fastening element (18).

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

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