Sensor-cleaning device, sensor system, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor-cleaning device (3) having the features of claim 1, to a sensor system (2) having the features of claim 14, and to a vehicle (1) having the features of claim 15.

Description

[0001] 202400912

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Sensor cleaning device, sensor system and vehicle

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The invention relates to a sensor cleaning device, a sensor system and a vehicle.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Publication EP 3763582 A1 shows a sensor cleaning device for a vehicle.

[0009] In general, the disadvantages of devices in the prior art are their expandable cleaning effect and their complex design.

[0010] Description of the invention, problem, solution, advantages

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution which, in particular, overcomes at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0012] The problem is solved by a sensor cleaning device, a sensor system, and a vehicle, respectively, with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Details disclosed for the sensor cleaning device are also transferable to the sensor system or the vehicle, and vice versa. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of the figures.

[0013] The problem is solved by a sensor cleaning device having the features of claim 1. 202400912

[0014] 2

[0015] One embodiment of the invention relates to a sensor cleaning device comprising a sensor cleaner for cleaning and / or drying a sensor surface. The sensor cleaner can be moved from a first position to a second position by means of compressed air.

[0016] This will at least partially or completely overcome the disadvantages mentioned at the beginning of this text, which stem from the state of the art.

[0017] The sensor cleaner can be moved from the first position to the second position using compressed air in order to dry and / or clean the sensor surface.

[0018] The first and / or second position is preferably arranged adjacent to or near the sensor surface, in particular such that the sensor cleaner does not cover the sensor surface when the sensor cleaner is in the first and / or second position.

[0019] Preferably, the two positions are arranged such that the sensor cleaner temporarily covers or obscures the sensor surface when the sensor cleaner is moved between the two positions.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the sensor cleaner is a sensor dryer, a sensor cleaning arm, or a sensor drying arm.

[0021] It is further preferred if the sensor cleaner is designed as a compressed air nozzle or compressed air nozzle assembly movable relative to the sensor surface, comprising at least one compressed air nozzle. The at least one compressed air nozzle can be the outlet opening and / or the drive opening.

[0022] The sensor cleaner can preferably be made of a plastic. It is advantageous for this to be achieved by injection molding the sensor cleaner using 202400912.

[0023] 3. The sensor cleaner is manufactured or is manufactured. Preferably, the sensor cleaner has at least one rubber lip for drying the sensor surface. This rubber lip can be manufactured or have been manufactured during the plastic injection molding process if a two-component plastic injection molding process is or has been used for this purpose. The two-component plastic injection molding process allows for the simple manufacture of the sensor cleaner and thus the sensor cleaning device, while the rubber lip improves the drying of the sensor surface. The rubber lip can be used to guide the compressed air or to generate turbulence, which can enhance the cleaning effect.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor cleaning device can be operated solely by means of a compressed air stream. In other words, no further energy input is necessary in such a case, since the compressed air moves the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position.

[0025] A previous or preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaning device comprises a liquid nozzle for cleaning a sensor surface with a cleaning fluid.

[0026] The cleaning fluid is preferably a cleaning solution or water.

[0027] Preferably, the sensor cleaning device can be operated solely by means of a cleaning fluid flow and / or a compressed air flow. In other words, no further energy input is necessary in such a case, since the cleaning fluid flow passes through the fluid nozzle onto the sensor surface to clean it, with the compressed air moving the sensor cleaner, preferably after the sensor surface has been cleaned by the fluid nozzle, from the first position to the second position. 202400912

[0028] 4

[0029] Preferably, the liquid nozzle is arranged in a stationary and / or fixed position relative to the sensor surface, while in particular the sensor cleaner is arranged in a mobile and / or movable position relative to the sensor surface.

[0030] It is particularly advantageous if the sensor cleaning device or the liquid nozzle includes a heating element to prevent the cleaning fluid from freezing or to melt frozen cleaning fluid. This contributes to the operational reliability of the sensor cleaning device.

[0031] The liquid nozzle is preferably directed towards the sensor surface so that the cleaning fluid exiting the nozzle strikes the sensor surface at an angle of less than 60°, preferably less than 40°. This increases the cleaning effect of the cleaning fluid exiting the nozzle.

[0032] A previous or preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaner can be moved from the second position to the first position by means of a return element, and that the return element is preferably designed as a spring element.

[0033] One of the previous embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaner has at least one drive opening from which compressed air can escape from the sensor cleaner in order to move the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position with the compressed air escaping from the at least one drive opening.

[0034] It is also preferable if the compressed air only acts during the movement of the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position, particularly from which at least one drive opening exits. 202400912

[0035] 5

[0036] One of the previous embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaning device has a drive track which is designed to interact with the compressed air exiting the drive opening in such a way that when the compressed air hits the drive track, a force component, in particular a force direction component, is generated which moves the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position.

[0037] The abrasion path is preferably arranged adjacent to or near the sensor surface.

[0038] The term "drive path" can also be understood as a "drive path" or a "push-off path." It is essentially a path or strip-shaped contour against which the compressed air exiting the drive opening is supported in such a way that this support results in a drive, i.e., a movement, of the sensor cleaner, particularly from the first position to the second position.

[0039] It is also preferable if the drive path includes a linear or arcuate or curved section.

[0040] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the extension of the drive path specifies or corresponds to the movement of the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position.

[0041] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the output path, in a plane along its direction of extension, which corresponds in particular to the movement of the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position, has a contour with several output surfaces. Preferably, the contour comprises several saw teeth. The output surfaces are preferably arranged such that the compressed air exiting the drive opening acts on the output surface and thereby generates a force component, in particular a force directional component, that moves the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position. For this purpose, see 202400912

[0042] 6. The drive opening extends at an angle to a plane in which the sensor cleaner moves from the first to the second position, or in which the sensor cleaner is movable. This plane can additionally or alternatively be a plane in which the sensor surface extends. Preferably, the drive surfaces extend transversely or perpendicular to the direction of extension of the drive opening and / or the direction of flow of the compressed air from the drive opening. This ensures that a force component, in particular a force directional component, can be generated by the application of the compressed air to the drive surfaces, which sets the sensor cleaner in motion. The drive surfaces can also be referred to as drive surfaces, or vice versa.

[0043] The output path preferably comprises a plurality of saw teeth. The drive opening can be oriented transversely or perpendicularly to the output surfaces of the saw teeth of the output path. In other words, the output surfaces run transversely, and especially perpendicularly, to the direction of flow of compressed air from the drive opening. This results in a force component, particularly a force directional component, that is capable of setting the sensor cleaner in motion, especially from the first position to the second position. The oblique direction can be an angle other than 0° and / or 180° to the direction of movement of the sensor cleaner and / or to the sensor surface.

[0044] It is particularly preferred if the sensor cleaner has a compressed air channel along its length that is fluidically connected to the drive opening.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferred if the sensor cleaner is mounted rotatably. It is advantageous if the sensor cleaner is mounted rotatably in such a way that it performs an arc-shaped, rotary, or pivoting motion when moving between the two positions. It is particularly preferred if the compressed air channel extends through the mounting of the sensor cleaner, especially to a pneumatic connection and / or compressed air connection. 202400912

[0046] 7

[0047] Preferably, the sensor cleaning device is designed such that the cleaning fluid is simultaneously delivered through the fluid nozzle onto the sensor surface, and the compressed air moves the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position. It is preferred that the compressed air is activated for a longer duration than the delivery of the cleaning fluid.

[0048] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaner can be moved from the first position to the second position by means of a pneumatic cylinder, that the sensor cleaner is preferably coupled to the pneumatic cylinder for drive, and that, in particular, the pneumatic cylinder can be driven by means of compressed air. Preferably, such an embodiment does not require a drive track that causes the movement of the sensor cleaner by the pneumatic cylinder.

[0049] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaning device comprises a liquid connection which is fluidically connected to the liquid nozzle in order to supply a cleaning fluid supplied via the liquid connection to the liquid nozzle, and / or that the sensor cleaning device comprises a compressed air connection which is fluidically connected to the pneumatic cylinder and / or the drive opening of the sensor cleaner in order to supply compressed air supplied via the compressed air connection to the pneumatic cylinder and / or the at least one drive opening and / or the sensor cleaner.

[0050] The compressed air connection can basically be a pneumatic connection or a pneumatic connection, and vice versa.

[0051] It is also preferable if the compressed air connection is connected to the drive opening. 202400912

[0052] 8

[0053] One of the previous embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaner is mounted in such a way that it performs a rotary movement and / or a pivoting movement and / or a linear movement when moving between the first and the second position.

[0054] It is also preferable if the movement is additionally or alternatively arc-shaped.

[0055] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaner is mounted such that it moves between the first and second positions without contact with the sensor surface. In other words, during this movement there is no physical contact between the sensor cleaner and the sensor surface, in particular such that the cleaning and / or drying effect is achieved solely by the compressed air exiting the at least one outlet opening. Preferably, the sensor cleaner slides on the compressed air or a film of compressed air created by the compressed air during this movement.

[0056] It is also preferable if the sensor cleaner is stored in such a way that it is physically free of contact with the sensor surface when moving from the first to the second position.

[0057] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sensor cleaner is stored in such a way that it is physically free of contact with the sensor surface when moving from the second position to the first position.

[0058] It is preferred that the sensor cleaner merely hovers above the sensor surface, i.e., is moved at a distance from the sensor surface, allowing the compressed air to achieve a better cleaning effect. 202400912

[0059] 9

[0060] Preferably, the distance between the sensor cleaner and the sensor surface during a movement between the two positions is a maximum of 6 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 4 millimeters, 3 millimeters, 2.5 millimeters, 2 millimeters, 1.5 millimeters, 1 millimeter or 0.5 millimeters.

[0061] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaner comprises at least one outlet opening for compressed air in order to perform cleaning and / or drying of the sensor surface by means of compressed air exiting from the at least one outlet opening during a movement of the sensor cleaner (7) between the first and the second position and / or to remove a liquid from the sensor surface during a movement between the first and the second position. In other words, the sensor surface can be dried and / or cleaned. Preferably, the cleaning and / or drying and / or removal takes place during a movement from the second position to the first position.

[0062] In principle, the first position of the sensor cleaner is preferably a rest position and / or failsafe position of the sensor cleaner.

[0063] It is also preferable if such an embodiment has a sensor cleaner which preferably includes several outlet openings for compressed air along its extension over the sensor surface in order to preferably clean and / or dry the sensor surface.

[0064] The sensor cleaner preferably has several outlet openings for compressed air along its extension across the sensor surface. The outlet openings, located above and facing the sensor surface, are designed to clean and / or dry the sensor surface. If no drive track is present, it is conceivable that only outlet openings are present. If a drive track is present, it is preferred that an additional drive opening 202400912 is also provided.

[0065] 10 is provided, which in particular works together with the drive track to form a drive for the sensor cleaner.

[0066] It is also preferable if the compressed air connection is fluidically connected to the outlet opening and / or the multiple outlet openings and / or the outlet opening of the sensor cleaner.

[0067] It is particularly preferred if the sensor cleaner has a compressed air channel along its length which is fluidically connected to the outlet opening and / or the multiple outlet openings and / or the drive opening.

[0068] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaning device comprises a liquid nozzle, in particular preferably one liquid nozzle, or several liquid nozzles for cleaning the sensor surface over a large area. This preferably concerns a sensor surface that cannot be serviced or cleaned by a single liquid nozzle.

[0069] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sensor surface is either flat or curved. In any case, it may be preferable for the sensor cleaner to have a shape that corresponds to the curvature of the curved sensor surface or the flatness of the flat sensor surface in order to reliably dry and / or clean the sensor surface.

[0070] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first position is located on a first side of the sensor surface and the second position is located on a second side of the sensor surface, in particular such that when the sensor cleaner moves from the first position to the second position, at least 80%, 90%, 98% or 100% of the sensor surface is covered with the 202400912

[0071] 11

[0072] Sensor cleaner is temporarily or intermittently covered, especially without being in physical contact with the sensor surface.

[0073] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sensor cleaning device comprises a hydraulic cylinder, which is in particular integrated into the pneumatic cylinder, and that the hydraulic cylinder can be operated by means of the cleaning fluid. This allows the sensor cleaner to be moved alternately in one direction by means of the hydraulic cylinder and in the other direction by means of the pneumatic cylinder.

[0074] The pneumatic cylinder can have a return element, optionally integrated as a coil spring, to move the sensor cleaner from the second position back to the first position. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder can be integrated into the pneumatic cylinder instead of a return element. In other words, the sensor cleaner could be moved to one position by the hydraulic cylinder and back to the other position by the pneumatic cylinder, or vice versa. This embodiment is particularly preferred if the sensor cleaner has outlet openings and the return to the first position is achieved by the pneumatic cylinder.In other words, the sensor surface would be cleaned by cleaning fluid exiting the fluid nozzle while the sensor cleaner moves into the second position, and dried by compressed air exiting the nozzle when the sensor cleaner returns to the first position. In other words, the cleaning fluid can simultaneously clean the sensor surface and move the sensor cleaner from the first to the second position, while the compressed air can simultaneously move the sensor cleaner back to the first position and dry the sensor surface. The cleaning fluid preferably comes from a cleaning fluid pump, and the compressed air preferably from a compressed air source. 202400912.

[0075] 12

[0076] In principle, it is preferred if process steps can be transferred to the sensor cleaning device, the sensor system, or the vehicle in such a way that the sensor cleaning device, the sensor system, the vehicle, or structural components or features of the devices according to the invention are configured to perform these process steps. In other words, for example, a process step disclosed in relation to the sensor cleaner can be performed by the sensor cleaner and / or the sensor cleaner is configured to perform this process step.

[0077] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the compressed air supply and the cleaning fluid supply alternate or occur sequentially. In other words, a compressed air flow or a cleaning fluid flow alternates or occurs sequentially. In other words, the sensor cleaning device is designed and / or configured in this way. This allows the sensor surface to be cleaned extremely energy-efficiently and thoroughly. The compressed air supply refers in particular to the provision of compressed air, and the cleaning fluid supply refers in particular to the provision of cleaning fluid, preferably each for the operation of the sensor cleaning device.

[0078] In principle, it can be advantageous if the liquid nozzle is directed at an area of ​​the sensor surface that lies on the path of the sensor cleaner from the first position to the second position. When cleaning fluid emerges from the nozzle and impacts the sensor surface, while the sensor cleaner is set in motion by compressed air and the compressed air escapes from the outlet openings, any film of fluid formed on the sensor surface by the cleaning fluid is removed by the sensor cleaner and the compressed air escaping from the outlet openings.

[0079] Another solution to the problem relates to a sensor system comprising a sensor having a sensor surface and an inventive 202400912

[0080] 13

[0081] Sensor cleaning device for cleaning the sensor surface. Thus, the sensor system according to the invention offers the same advantages as the sensor cleaning device according to the invention. In other words, a sensor system is created whose sensor surface can be reliably cleaned using the sensor cleaning device according to the invention. Preferably, the sensor is an optical sensor, a radar sensor, or a lidar sensor.

[0082] Another solution to the problem relates to a vehicle, particularly one capable of autonomous operation, comprising at least one sensor system according to the invention, wherein the sensor is preferably a sensor necessary for the autonomous operation of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle particularly comprises an electrically driven cleaning fluid pump which is fluidically connected to the sensor cleaning device via the fluid connection in order to operate the sensor cleaning device, and wherein the vehicle particularly comprises a compressed air source which is fluidically connected to the sensor cleaning device via the compressed air connection in order to operate the sensor cleaning device. Thus, the vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as the sensor cleaning device and the sensor cleaning system according to the invention. The compressed air source can preferably be an electrically operated air pump or an electric compressor.Since the sensor cleaning device according to the invention can reliably clean the sensor surface of a sensor necessary for the autonomous operation of the vehicle, an autonomously operable vehicle with a particularly high level of functional reliability is provided.

[0083] Operating the sensor cleaning device preferably refers to moving the sensor cleaner and / or cleaning and / or drying the sensor surface. 202400912

[0084] 14

[0085] Brief description of the drawings

[0086] The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0087] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention,

[0088] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a sensor cleaning device according to the invention,

[0089] Fig. 3a shows a top view of the embodiment from Figure 2,

[0090] Fig. 3b shows a sectional view AA of the section path AA from figure 3a,

[0091] Fig. 3c shows a sectional view BB of the section path BB from figure 3a,

[0092] Fig. 3d shows a detail view Z of detail Z from figure 3c, and

[0093] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of an invention

[0094] Sensor cleaning device.

[0095] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0096] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1 according to the invention. The vehicle 1 is an autonomously operable vehicle 1 with a sensor 4, which is necessary for the autonomous operation of the vehicle 1. The sensor 4 comprises a sensor surface 4a, which is exposed to contamination during the operation of the vehicle 1 and therefore must be cleaned regularly to ensure the functional reliability of the vehicle 1 during autonomous operation. The vehicle 1 comprises an electric traction drive. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 comprises a sensor system 2, which includes the sensor 4 and a sensor cleaning device 3 according to the invention. 202400912

[0097] 15

[0098] The sensor cleaning device 3 is designed to clean the sensor surface 4a of the sensor 4. Furthermore, the sensor system 2 comprises a cleaning fluid pump 6a and a compressed air source 6b, both of which are configured to supply the sensor cleaning device 3 with fluid. The sensor system 2 also includes a control unit 5 for operating the sensor cleaning device 3, in particular by operating the cleaning fluid pump 6a and the compressed air source 6b. The compressed air source 6b may be an electric compressor.

[0099] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a sensor cleaning device 3 according to the invention. This is the sensor cleaning device 3 from Figure 1. The sensor cleaning device 3 comprises a liquid nozzle 8 for cleaning the sensor surface 4a with a cleaning fluid 15a and a sensor cleaner 7 for drying the sensor surface 4a. The sensor cleaner 7 is moved from a first position to a second position by means of compressed air 15b in order to dry the sensor surface 4a. For this purpose, the compressed air 15b exits from a drive opening of the sensor cleaner 7 to generate, together with a drive track 11 having several saw teeth, a force component, in particular a force direction component, which sets the sensor cleaner 7 in motion, in particular in a motion that moves the sensor cleaner 7 from the first position to the second position.

[0100] The sensor cleaner 7 is rotatably mounted at one end, which faces away from the drive area, by means of a bearing 14 such that the sensor cleaner 7 performs an arc-shaped pivoting movement when moving from the first position to the second position. The sensor cleaning device 3 further comprises a return element 9, which is designed as a helical spring and generates a return force capable of moving the sensor cleaner 7 from the second position back to the first position.

[0101] Figure 3a shows the sensor cleaning device 3 from Figure 2 in a top view. The arc-shaped discharge path 11 is visible, at the ends of which is the first position 202400912.

[0102] 16 and the second position are arranged. Furthermore, a section AA is shown, extending along the longitudinal axis of the sensor cleaner 7 and perpendicularly through the arc-shaped extension of the discharge path 11. In addition, a section BB is shown, running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor cleaner 7 and through the discharge path 11. The sensor cleaner 7 is located in a central position, geometrically between the first position and the second position it can assume. In this position, the sensor cleaner 7 partially covers the sensor surface 4a.

[0103] Figure 3b shows a sectional view AA of the section AA of Figure 3a. The bearing 14 of the sensor cleaner 7 is visible. The drive opening 13, which interacts with the output track 11 to move the sensor cleaner 7, is also simplified and represented by a dashed line. Furthermore, the sensor cleaner 7 comprises a plurality of outlet openings 12, which are likewise simplified and represented by dashed lines. Compressed air exits the outlet openings 12. This compressed air originates from the compressed air source shown in Figure 1 and is supplied to the outlet openings 12 via a pneumatic connection of the sensor cleaning device and a compressed air duct that passes through the bearing 14 and extends along the length of the sensor cleaner 7. The compressed air exiting the outlet openings 12 removes moisture from the sensor surface 4a.

[0104] Figure 3c shows a sectional view BB of the section path BB from Figure 3a. In Figure 3c, detail Z is of particular importance.

[0105] Figure 3d shows detail Z from Figure 3c at a scale of 10:1 compared to the representation in Figure 3c. The sensor cleaner 7 and the inclined path of the drive opening 13 are shown in a simplified representation. The output path 11, which has a plurality of saw teeth 11a, is also shown. The drive opening 13 is directed towards an inclined output surface of a saw tooth 11a of the output path 11. The output surface extends transversely, and in particular perpendicularly, to the path of the drive opening 13. (With 202400912)

[0106] 17 In other words, the drive surface runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the flow direction of the compressed air from the drive opening 13. This results in a force component that sets the sensor cleaner 7 in motion, in particular from the first position to the second position.

[0107] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a sensor cleaning device 3. In this embodiment, the sensor cleaner 7 is coupled to a pneumatic cylinder 10, such that it can be moved from the first position to the second position. The pneumatic cylinder 10 is driven by the compressed air from the compressed air source shown in Figure 1. The sensor cleaner 7 can optionally also have several outlet openings supplied by the compressed air. The pneumatic cylinder 10 can have a return element 9, which is integrated into the pneumatic cylinder 10 as a coil spring, to move the sensor cleaner 7 from the second position back to the first position. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder 9 can be integrated into the pneumatic cylinder 10 instead of a return element 9.In other words, the sensor cleaner could be moved into one position by means of the hydraulic cylinder and moved back into the other position by means of the pneumatic cylinder 10, or vice versa. This embodiment is particularly preferred if the sensor cleaner 7 has outlet openings and the return movement to the first position is effected by means of the pneumatic cylinder 10. In other words, the sensor surface would be cleaned by means of cleaning fluid exiting the fluid nozzle while the sensor cleaner 7 is moved into the second position, and the sensor surface would be dried by means of compressed air exiting the outlet openings when the sensor cleaner 7 is returned to the first position. In principle, the sensor cleaner 7 is moved across the sensor surface without contact in all illustrated embodiments.

[0108] The different features of the individual embodiments can also be combined with each other. 202400912

[0109] 18

[0110] The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 are not limiting in nature and serve only to illustrate the inventive concept.

[0111] 202400912

[0112] 19

[0113] Reference symbol list

[0114] 1 vehicle

[0115] 2 Sensor system

[0116] 3 Sensor cleaning device

[0117] 4 Sensor

[0118] 4a Sensor surface

[0119] 5 Control unit

[0120] 6a Cleaning fluid pump

[0121] 6b Compressed air source

[0122] 7 Sensor cleaners

[0123] 8 Liquid nozzle

[0124] 9 Return element

[0125] 10 pneumatic cylinders

[0126] 11 Downhill track

[0127] 11a Sawtooth

[0128] 12 Exit opening

[0129] 13 Drive opening

[0130] 14 Storage

[0131] 15a Cleaning fluid

[0132] 15b Compressed air

Claims

202400912 20 Patent claims 1. Sensor cleaning device (3), comprising - a sensor cleaner (7) for cleaning and / or drying a sensor surface (4a), characterized in that the sensor cleaner (7) can be moved from a first position to a second position by means of compressed air (15b).

2. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor cleaning device (3) comprises a liquid nozzle (8) for cleaning a sensor surface (4a) with a cleaning fluid (15a).

3. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor cleaner can be moved from the second position to the first position by means of a return element (9), and that the return element (9) is preferably designed as a spring element.

4. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor cleaner (7) has a drive opening (13) from which compressed air (15b) can escape from the sensor cleaner (7) in order to move the sensor cleaner (7) from the first position to the second position with the compressed air (15b) escaping from the drive opening (13).

5. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor cleaning device (3) has a drive track (11 ) which is designed to interact with the compressed air (15b) exiting the drive opening (13) in such a way that when the compressed air (15b) hits the drive track (11 ), a force component is generated which moves the sensor cleaner (7) from the first position to the second position. 202400912 21 6. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaner (7) can be moved from the first position to the second position by means of a pneumatic cylinder (10), that the sensor cleaner (7) is preferably coupled to the pneumatic cylinder (10) for drive, and that in particular the pneumatic cylinder (10) can be driven by means of the compressed air (15b).

7. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaning device (3) comprises a liquid connection which is fluidically connected to the liquid nozzle (8) in order to supply a cleaning fluid (15a) supplied via the liquid connection to the liquid nozzle (8), and / or that the sensor cleaning device (3) comprises a compressed air connection which is fluidically connected to the pneumatic cylinder (10) and / or the drive opening (13) of the sensor cleaner (7) in order to supply compressed air (15b) supplied via the compressed air connection to the pneumatic cylinder (10) and / or the at least one drive opening (13) and / or the sensor cleaner (7).

8. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaner (7) is mounted in such a way that it performs a rotary movement and / or a pivoting movement and / or a linear movement when moving between the first and the second position.

9. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaner (7) is mounted in such a way that it is moved without contact to the sensor surface (4a) when moving between the first and the second position.

10. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaner (7) has at least one 202400912 22 The outlet opening (12) for the compressed air comprises a means of cleaning and / or drying the sensor surface by means of compressed air (15b) exiting from the at least one outlet opening (12) during a movement of the sensor cleaner (7) between the first and the second position and / or removing a liquid from the sensor surface (4a) during a movement of the sensor cleaner (7) between the first and the second position.

11. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaning device (3) comprises a liquid nozzle or several liquid nozzles (8) for large-area cleaning of the sensor surface (4a).

12. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor cleaning device (3) comprises a hydraulic cylinder, which is in particular integrated into the pneumatic cylinder (10), and that the hydraulic cylinder can be operated by means of the cleaning fluid (15a).

13. Sensor cleaning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed air supply and the cleaning fluid supply are alternately or sequentially supplied.

14. Sensor system (2) comprising a sensor (4) having a sensor surface (4a) and a sensor cleaning device (3) for cleaning the sensor surface (4a) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Vehicle (1), in particular an autonomously operable vehicle (1), comprising at least one sensor system (2) according to claim 14, wherein the sensor (4) is preferably a sensor (4) necessary for the autonomous operation of the vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) in particular comprises an electrically driven cleaning fluid pump (6a) which fluidically drives the 202400912 23 fluid connection is connected to the sensor cleaning device (3) in order to operate the sensor cleaning device (3), wherein the vehicle (1) in particular comprises a compressed air source (6b) which is fluidically connected to the sensor cleaning device (3) via the compressed air connection in order to operate the sensor cleaning device (3).

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