Insert and corresponding vehicle detection device

Abstract

Disclosed is an insert (3) configured to be mounted in an orifice (4) of a glazed surface (2) of a vehicle, the insert (3) comprising an optical window (8), an annular seal (9) configured to be arranged in the orifice (4) of the glazed surface (2), interposed between the glazed surface (2) and the optical window (8), in order to fix the insert (3) in a sealed manner in the orifice (4), characterized in that the insert (3) further comprises at least one fluid spraying device (10) comprising a duct passing through the annular seal (9) and opening through at least one nozzle directed towards the optical window (8) and able to spray a fluid onto the optical window (8).

Description

Insert and corresponding vehicle detection device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert configured to be mounted in a glass surface orifice of a vehicle, in particular an automobile, in particular for driving assistance. The invention also relates to a corresponding vehicle detection device. Technical background

[0002] Vehicles are increasingly equipped with detection devices that analyze the condition of the windshield or the state of the road. This could be a sensor for brake lights, pedestrians, signs or traffic lines, other surrounding vehicles or other obstacles, or it could be a rain sensor or a sensor for sunlight, fog, or dirt.

[0003] For example, detection devices include optical sensors such as cameras or LIDARs (an acronym for "Light Detection And Ranging").

[0004] These optical sensors assist the driver in driving, for example by enabling the vehicle to drive autonomously in full or semi-autonomous mode or can alert the driver in the event of danger by participating in the automatic triggering of a vehicle function (automatic warning of braking activation, automatic triggering of the wiper blades in the event of water droplets being seen on the windscreen, control of certain headlight functions, etc.) or simply improve the driver's visibility.

[0005] We know of a vehicle comprising a camera arranged in the passenger compartment at the rear of an optical window received in an orifice in the glazing.

[0006] When using the vehicle, raindrops, snowflakes and / or splashes of mineral or organic dirt may be deposited on the optical window. However, it is necessary to keep this optical window clean so as not to hinder detection and not to affect the performance of the detection devices.

[0007] The optical window can be cleaned by the wiper blades when it is located in the wiper blade sweeping area. However, this solution cannot be considered in the case where the optical window is arranged in a glass surface that does not have a wiper blade system or when the optical window is located outside the swept area.

[0008] The invention aims to at least partially overcome one or more of the technical drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a means for cleaning an optical window integrated into a glazed surface of a vehicle, in particular without the possibility of the optical window being swept by the wiper blades.

[0009] To this end, the subject of the invention is an insert configured to be mounted in an orifice of a glazed surface of a vehicle, the insert comprising an optical window, an annular sealing gasket configured to be arranged in the orifice of the glazed surface by being interposed between the glazed surface and the optical window to fix the insert in a sealed manner in the orifice, characterized in that the insert further comprises at least one fluid projection device comprising a conduit passing through the annular sealing gasket and opening out via at least one nozzle oriented in the direction of the optical window capable of projecting a fluid onto the optical window.

[0010] More particularly, the fluid may be a cleaning liquid, a compressed or blown gas such as air, or a mixture of different fluids in emulsion, in order to clean and / or dry the optical window.

[0011] The fluid projection device therefore allows air to be blown as close as possible to the optical window at a chosen angle of incidence. The optical window can therefore be cleaned and dried from raindrops or cleaning fluid, although it may be located outside the sweeping area of ​​the brushes.

[0012] The insert may further comprise one or more of the features described below, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] The sealing ring can overmold the fluid projection device.

[0014] The sealing ring and the fluid projection device can be made from a single piece, for example by 3D printing.

[0015] The fluid projection device may be retractable.

[0016] The fluid jetting device may also be configured to jetting a fluid comprising a cleaning liquid and / or a gas onto the optical window.

[0017] At least one notch may be provided in a bead of the annular sealing gasket intended to protrude from the glazed surface.

[0018] The at least one notch may be provided in an area of ​​the annular sealing gasket located opposite the outlet of the nozzle of the fluid projection device.

[0019] The bottom of the at least one notch may be an opening or may have the shape of a pouring spout.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least the outer surface of the sealing ring and / or the optical window has a surface treatment or a hydrophobic coating. As a result, the liquid adheres little to the surface of the insert and can be more easily evacuated.

[0021] According to another embodiment, it can be provided that at least the outer surface of the annular sealing gasket has a self-cleaning and / or hydrophilic surface treatment or coating. In this way, the liquid can be more easily dissipated from the surface and the return of the liquid to the surface can be prevented.

[0022] The invention also relates to a detection device for a vehicle comprising a glazed surface, characterized in that it comprises an insert as described above, mounted in an orifice in the glazed surface.

[0023] The detection device may further comprise one or more of the features described below, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] The detection device may comprise a system for wiping the glass surface comprising at least one wiper blade for wiping the glass surface in a scanning zone, the insert being mounted in an orifice of the glass surface located outside the scanning zone.

[0025] The at least one wiper blade may be configured to spray a cleaning fluid onto the optical window, in particular by a tip of the wiper blade arranged at one end of the at least one wiper blade.

[0026] The sensing device may include an optical sensor, such as a camera, configured to be arranged behind the optical window.

[0027] The invention may also relate to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, equipped with a detection device as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0028] Other advantages and characteristics will appear on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, but in no way limiting, as well as the appended drawings in which:

[0029] This is a schematic front view of a vehicle detection device.

[0030] This is a schematic sectional and side view of elements of the detection device.

[0031] This is a schematic front view of a detail of the detection device showing an insert (rotated 180° relative to the).

[0032] This is a schematic sectional and side view of the elements of the.

[0033] This is a schematic view similar to the for a second example of the insert.

[0034] This is a perspective view of an annular sealing gasket of the insert of the second embodiment of the.

[0035] The shows a schematic view similar to the for an annular sealing gasket according to a third example of embodiment of the insert.

[0036] La shows a schematic view similar to the for a fourth example of the insert.

[0037] The shows a schematic view similar to the for an annular sealing gasket according to the fourth embodiment of the insert.

[0038] In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers. Detailed description

[0039] 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. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0040] In this description, the terms lower and upper refer to the position of the elements once mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal plane and the terms internal, interior, external, exterior refer to the interior and exterior of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0041] The "wiping area" is the area that can be reached by a maximum stroke of a wiper blade during normal cleaning. This sweeping area is defined between the two extreme positions, the "in-wipe" (IW) angular position and the "out-wipe" (OW) angular position.

[0042] “Cleaning fluid” means any type of cleaning fluid such as a cleaning liquid such as alcohol, water, a mixture of alcohol and water or such as a mixture of cleaning liquid and air.

[0043] Illustrates, schematically and partially, a vehicle detection device 1, in particular an automobile.

[0044] The detection device 1 comprises a glass surface 2 and an insert 3 mounted in an orifice 4 of the glass surface 2.

[0045] The glazed surface 2 may be a windshield, a rear window, a fixed glazed surface, in particular a side or roof surface or a module of an autonomous vehicle.

[0046] The detection device 1 may comprise a wiping system 5 for wiping the glazed surface 2, the wiping system 5 comprising at least one wiping blade 6 for wiping the glazed surface 2 in a scanning zone 7.

[0047] There is shown a wiping system 5 comprising two wiper blades 6 configured to each clean an individual wiping zone of a glazed surface 2, here a windshield, using an associated wiping blade which is in contact with the windshield. The wiping zone 7 of a wiping system 5 with two wiper blades 6 corresponds to the juxtaposition of these individual wiping zones of each of the blades 6. In the example of the, the wiper blades 6 operate in a parallel configuration, namely that the blades 6 are put into wiping movement so that the blades 6 oscillate in the same direction. The wiper blades 6 can also operate in an opposing configuration, namely the blades 6 are set in wiping motion so that the blades 6 oscillate in opposite directions of rotation.

[0048] The insert 3 can be mounted in an orifice 4 of the glazed surface 2 located outside the scanning zone 7. It is for example mounted in a peripheral zone of the glazed surface 2, for example in a lower or upper longitudinal edge of a glazed surface 2. It is for example mounted in the lower longitudinal edge of the glazed surfaces located at the front such as the windshield, to reduce aerodynamic turbulence (not shown).

[0049] The orifice 4 of the glazed surface 2 in which the insert 3 is mounted passes through from an internal face on the passenger compartment side to an external face on the vehicle, as visible in the. The through orifice 4 may be a peripheral notch in the glazed surface 2 or a hole closed laterally by the glazed surface 2. It is for example of constant or variable section in the thickness of the glazed surface 2, for example of circular or oval or ellipsoidal or rectangular, square or hexagonal section.

[0050] Better visible in figures 2, 3 and 4, the insert 3 comprises an optical window 8, an annular sealing gasket 9 arranged in the orifice 4 of the glazed surface 2 and at least one fluid projection device 10 comprising a conduit passing through the annular sealing gasket 9.

[0051] The optical window 8 is configured to be arranged opposite the lens of an optical sensor 11, in the field of vision of the latter, to allow the taking of images by the optical sensor 11 through the optical window 8 ().

[0052] The optical sensor 11 is arranged in the passenger compartment so that the insert 3 is located in the field of vision of the lens.

[0053] The optical sensor 11 is for example a camera such as a thermal camera (or infrared-sensitive camera) or such as a LIDAR type sensor or such as a laser sensor or such as an infrared detector. The optical sensor 11 makes it possible, for example, to improve the safety and comfort of the driver's driving or to ensure autonomous or semi-autonomous driving of the vehicle.

[0054] The optical window 8 is the surface through which the electromagnetic radiation enters the optical sensor 11. More specifically, the optical window 8 is transparent to (allows to pass) at least one wavelength range to which the optical sensor 11 located at the rear of the optical window 8 is sensitive, such as the visible and / or infrared range.

[0055] The optical window 8 may be flat or curved. The optical window 8 may be flush with the external face of the glazed surface 2, extend beyond it or be set back from this external face. The optical window 8 is, for example, made of germanium or germanium-based to be transparent to infrared radiation.

[0056] The annular sealing gasket 9 is configured to be arranged in the orifice 4 of the glazed surface 2 by being interposed between the glazed surface 2 and the optical window 8 to fix the insert 3 in the orifice 4 and ensure the sealing, in particular against liquid water, of the detection device 1. The annular sealing gasket 9 is for example made of a polymer material such as an elastomer. It is for example fixed by gluing or force-fitted in the orifice 4.

[0057] The conduit of the fluid projection device 10 passes through the annular sealing gasket 9, between the internal face of the glazed surface 2 located in the passenger compartment and the external face of the glazed surface 2, outside the vehicle.

[0058] It opens outside the vehicle, on the side of the external face of the glazed surface 2, by at least one nozzle oriented in the direction of the optical window 8 to project air (or any type of gas) onto the optical window 8 in order to dry the optical window 8, in particular by blowing away drops of water or cleaning fluid or snow from the optical window 8.

[0059] The conduit of the fluid projection device 10 is for example located in the lower part of the annular sealing joint 9 in particular so that the air projection is not deflected out of the optical window 8 by the outside air when the vehicle is moving ().

[0060] The nozzle includes a non-return valve, in particular having a very low pressure drop, which makes it possible to prevent the entry of cleaning fluid liquid or rainwater into the conduit of the fluid projection device 10 from outside the vehicle while allowing easy passage of air.

[0061] The nozzle can be angled to target the optical window 8.

[0062] In particular, a maximum protruding height, such as 5 mm, can be provided, making it possible in particular to avoid masking the optical window 8 with a jet of cleaning fluid.

[0063] Optionally, the fluid projection device 10 may be configured to project air only when the vehicle is moving at low speed or at moderate speed, i.e. when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold, such as 80 km / h. Indeed, at higher speed, the incident air flow may be sufficient to expel any drops of liquid that may be present on the optical window 8.

[0064] The inlet of the conduit of the fluid projection device 10, on the side of the internal face of the glazed surface 2, can be configured to be connected to an air supply pipe, for example compressed. The air supply pipe can be connected to a compressor, for example remote from the passenger compartment, for example in the engine compartment in order to reduce noise and bulk inside the passenger compartment.

[0065] According to another exemplary embodiment, the air supply pipe is connected to an air outlet of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation intended to regulate the aerothermal parameters of the air distributed in the passenger compartment.

[0066] The sealing ring 9 may overmold the fluid projection device 10 or the fluid projection device 10 may be inserted into the sealing ring 9.

[0067] According to another exemplary embodiment, the annular sealing gasket 9 and the fluid projection device 10 are made from a single piece, for example by 3D printing (or additive manufacturing). The annular sealing gasket 9 and the fluid projection device 10 made from a single piece may comprise a single material and have one or more hardnesses or may comprise several materials.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least the outer surface of the annular sealing gasket 9 and / or the optical window 8 has a surface treatment or a hydrophobic coating. In this way, the liquid adheres little to the surface of the insert 3 and can be more easily evacuated.

[0069] According to another embodiment, it can be provided that at least the outer surface of the annular sealing gasket 9 has a self-cleaning and / or hydrophilic surface treatment or coating. In this way, the liquid can be more easily dissipated from the surface and the return of the liquid to the surface can be prevented.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, the air projection device 10 is retractable. The nozzle of the air projection device 10 can then be deployed during use, for example via a telescopic device, and folded back to be hidden in the retracted position when the air projection device 10 is not in use. A retractable air projection device 10 makes it possible to reduce the possible visual and / or aerodynamic impact in the retracted position.

[0071] According to another exemplary embodiment, the air projection device 10 is fixed.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fluid projection device 10 is also configured to project a cleaning fluid onto the optical surface 8, such as windshield washer fluid. The inlet of the conduit of the fluid projection device 10 is then configured to also be connected to a cleaning fluid supply pipe. The cleaning fluid supply pipe can be connected to a pump and a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vehicle.

[0073] At least one valve arranged at the inlet of the conduit of the fluid projection device 10 can make it possible to select the arrival of the cleaning fluid and / or the arrival of air.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, a cleaning fluid may be sprayed onto the optical window 8 by the at least one wiper blade 6, in particular by an end piece 14 of the wiper blade 6 arranged at one end of the at least one wiper blade 6 ().

[0075] This embodiment is more particularly suitable for a wiper blade 6 of the FlatBlade ® type (for "flat blade"). The wiper blade 6 of the FlatBlade ® type comprises a wiper blade made of a flexible material, and which is capable of coming into contact with the glazed surface 2, at least one longitudinal stiffening vertebra (called "spline" in English) and two end pieces 14 (called "endclip" in English) arranged at each longitudinal end of the wiper blade 6. The end pieces 14 make it possible in particular to block the vertebrae and the wiper blade in longitudinal sliding and to improve the overall aesthetic and aerodynamic appearance of the wiper blade 6.

[0076] The nozzle 14 comprises, for example, an outlet orifice, in the form of a convergent to accelerate the cleaning fluid. The nozzle 14 is connected to a cleaning fluid supply conduit which can be integrated into the wiper blade 6 or run along the wiper blade 6 and the wiper arm 15.

[0077] The detection device 1 may comprise a control unit, in particular comprising a computer or controller, configured to control the supply of air and, where appropriate, cleaning fluid, to the fluid projection device 10, in particular as a function of the speed of the vehicle and / or the detection of drops of liquid and / or dirt on the glass surface 2, and / or to control the deployment or retraction, where appropriate, of the fluid projection device 10.

[0078] The fluid projection device 10 therefore makes it possible to blow air as close as possible to the optical window 8 with a chosen angle of incidence. The optical window 8 can therefore be cleaned and dried from raindrops or cleaning fluid, although it may be located outside the sweeping zone 7 of the brushes 6.

[0079] Furthermore, although in this embodiment the annular sealing gasket 9 is flush with the glazed surface 2, the annular sealing gasket 9 may protrude from the glazed surface 2.

[0080] Figures 5 to 9 show exemplary embodiments for which the annular sealing gasket 9 protrudes from the glazed surface 2 by a peripheral bead 16.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one notch 17; 18 is provided in the peripheral bead 16, in particular on the side of the external face of the glazed surface 2.

[0082] The at least one notch 17; 18 makes it possible to facilitate the evacuation of the air blown by the fluid projection device 10 and / or to facilitate the evacuation of the liquid which may have accumulated in the hollow of the annular sealing joint 9 formed by the bead 16, in particular the liquid pushed by the air blown by the fluid projection device 10.

[0083] There may be a single notch () or several (figures 7 and 9), for example two () or three (). When several notches 17; 18 are provided in the annular sealing gasket 9, these may be identical (figures 7 and 9).

[0084] The notch(s) 17; 18 are advantageously provided in the area of ​​the annular sealing gasket 9 located opposite the outlet of the nozzle of the fluid projection device 10 (diametrically opposite) (Figures 5 to 9). Alternatively, notches 17; 18 may be provided throughout the contour of the annular sealing gasket 9 (not shown).

[0085] According to a first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7, the bottom of the notch(s) 17 has a slope, so as to form notches 17 in the shape of a pouring spout, that is to say deeper on the side of the optical window 8 than on the side of the glazed surface 2 (where the end of the notch 17 can be flush with the end of the bead 16), in particular to allow better flow of liquids.

[0086] The notch 17 may open out of the sealing ring 9 on the side of the external face of the sealing ring 9 (open notch). The end of the notch 17 located on the side of the optical window 8 may penetrate deeper into the sealing ring 9 than the optical window 8, i.e. beyond the bead 16.

[0087] According to a second exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the notch(s) 18 are openings, passing through the annular sealing gasket 9 between the side of the annular sealing gasket 9 of the glazed surface 2 and the side of the optical window 8 (). The bottom of the notch(s) 18 may be flat (without slope).

[0088] The notch 18 may open out of the annular sealing gasket on the side of the external face of the annular sealing gasket 9 (open notch). The notch 18 may be inserted into the bead 16, for example, until it is flush with the optical window 8. Furthermore, the notch 18 may have a width that becomes thinner going from the side of the optical window 8 towards the glazed surface 2 ().

Claims

Insert (3) configured to be mounted in an orifice (4) of a glazed surface (2) of a vehicle, the insert (3) comprising an optical window (8), an annular sealing gasket (9) configured to be arranged in the orifice (4) of the glazed surface (2) by being interposed between the glazed surface (2) and the optical window (8) to fix the insert (3) in a sealed manner in the orifice (4), characterized in that the insert (3) further comprises at least one fluid projection device (10) comprising a conduit passing through the annular sealing gasket (9) and opening through at least one nozzle oriented in the direction of the optical window (8) capable of projecting a fluid onto the optical window (8). Insert (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the annular sealing gasket (9) overmoulds the fluid projection device (10). Insert (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular sealing gasket (9) and the fluid projection device (10) are produced in one piece, for example by 3D printing. Insert (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid projection device (10) is retractable. Insert (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid projection device (10) is configured to project a fluid comprising a cleaning liquid and / or a gas onto the optical window (8). Insert (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one notch (17; 18) is provided in a bead (16) of the annular sealing gasket (9) intended to protrude from the glazed surface (2). Insert (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one notch (17; 18) is provided in an area of ​​the annular sealing joint (9) located opposite the outlet of the nozzle of the fluid projection device (10). Insert (3) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the bottom of the at least one notch (17; 18) is an opening or has the shape of a pouring spout. Insert (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one external surface of the annular sealing gasket (9) and / or of the optical window (8) has a surface treatment or a hydrophobic coating. Insert (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one external surface of the annular sealing joint (9) has a self-cleaning and / or hydrophilic surface treatment or coating. Detection device (1) for a vehicle comprising a glazed surface (2) characterized in that it comprises an insert (3) according to one of the preceding claims mounted in an orifice (4) of the glazed surface (2). Detection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a wiping system (5) for the glazed surface (2) comprising at least one wiping blade (6) for wiping the glazed surface (2) in a scanning zone (7), the insert (3) being mounted in an orifice (4) of the glazed surface (2) located outside the scanning zone (7). Detection device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one wiper blade (6) is configured to project a cleaning fluid onto the optical window (8), in particular by an end piece (14) of the wiper blade (6) arranged at one end of the at least one wiper blade (6). Detection device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises an optical sensor (11), such as a camera, configured to be arranged at the rear of the optical window (8).

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