Cleaning system for a sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system (100) for cleaning a sensor (200) provided with a functional surface (300), the cleaning system (100) comprising: - a washing liquid spraying device (10) configured to spray washing liquid onto the functional surface (300), - an anti-projection deflector (20) configured to be placed on one side of this functional surface (300), and able to take a deployed position by forming a projection with respect to a plane of the functional surface (300), in particular in order to redirect the washing liquid that has flowed over the functional surface (300) back to this functional surface (300).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Cleaning system for a sensor

[0003] [1] This relates to a cleaning system for a sensor, in particular a sensor with an optical or functional surface, such as a lidar sensor. These sensors, increasingly installed on the roofs of motor vehicles, require cleaning devices using a washing fluid to maintain their proper operation.

[0004] [2] When the cleaning devices that spray washing fluid are activated, the angle and pressure required to clean the functional surface result in spray towards the rear of the vehicle. This spray can cause inconveniences such as inconvenience to surrounding vehicles or nuisance to pedestrians, particularly when the vehicle is moving at low speed or is stationary in an urban environment.

[0005] [3] Subsequently, the functional surface is defined as a surface on which the waves used by the sensor are transmitted and received.

[0006] [4] The invention aims in particular to limit unwanted splashes of washing liquid,

[0007] [5] The invention thus relates to a cleaning system for a sensor having a functional surface, the cleaning system comprising: a washing liquid projection device configured to project washing liquid onto the functional surface, an anti-splash deflector configured to be placed on one side of this functional surface, and capable of taking a deployed position by forming a protrusion relative to a plane of the functional surface, in particular to redirect the washing liquid which has flowed onto the functional surface back towards this functional surface.

[0008] [6] Thanks to the invention, the anti-splash deflector prevents washing fluid from being projected towards the rear of the sensor, thus minimizing nuisance to other vehicles and pedestrians nearby.

[0009] [7] In addition, by redirecting the liquid towards the functional surface, the anti-splash deflector improves cleaning efficiency, thanks in particular to keeping the liquid on the surface for a longer time (generating re-circulation).

[0010] [8] According to one aspect of the invention, the anti-splash deflector is disposed outside the sensor's detection field. [9] This allows the anti-splash deflector not to interfere with the sensor's detection functions.

[0011]

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the anti-projection deflector is configured to adopt a deployed position in which it protrudes from the plane of the functional surface of the sensor by a distance of between 1 and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 and 4 mm, for example about 2 mm.

[0012]

[0011] The projection allows the washing liquid to be redirected back towards the functional surface, thus ensuring an additional passage of the liquid over this surface, which improves the cleaning efficiency.

[0013]

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the anti-splash deflector is configured to be moved, in particular by means of an actuator, between the deployed position and a retracted position in which the anti-splash deflector is set back, to the rear or tangent to the plane of the functional surface of the sensor.

[0014]

[0013] In this example, the anti-projection deflector is managed dynamically.

[0015]

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuator comprises a hydraulic or electric piston, or even an inflatable elastomer membrane under the effect of the pressure of the washing liquid.

[0016]

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuator may include a piston coupled to a return spring to ensure the return of the anti-splash deflector to its retracted position after cleaning.

[0017]

[0016] The actuator can be powered by a hydraulic circuit of the cleaning system, using the pressure of the washing fluid to move the splash guard between the deployed and retracted positions. This configuration avoids the need for additional electrical or motorized systems, reducing energy requirements and ensuring synchronization between cleaning and the movement of the guard.

[0018]

[0017] Alternatively, the actuator may include a DC or "brushless" type motor, or be a linear or rotary piezoelectric type actuator.

[0019]

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, in the retracted position, the anti-projection deflector is set back from the functional surface of the sensor.

[0020]

[0019] This is advantageous when the system is coupled to a fan configured to generate an airflow to dry the functional surface. This retracted position prevents unwanted backflow of the airflow generated by the fan. In the retracted position, the deflector does not obstruct the airflow generated by the fan, allowing for optimal drying.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the splash guard has a substantially plate-like shape, for example made of elastomer or a rigid material such as plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum), extending along an entire straight edge of the functional surface, or over at least 50% or 70% of the length of this edge.

[0021]

[0021] Alternatively, the anti-projection deflector is static.

[0022]

[0022] In this case, the anti-splash deflector permanently protrudes from the plane of the sensor's functional surface. The height of this protrusion can be limited to between 1 and 3 mm to avoid obstructing airflow if a fan is present.

[0023]

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the anti-splash deflector is placed on an edge of the functional surface opposite an edge where the washing liquid projection device is located.

[0024]

[0024] This configuration makes it possible to efficiently redirect the tangential flows, in return, towards the functional surface.

[0025]

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the system includes a fan configured to generate an airflow to dry the functional surface and placed at an edge of the sensor's functional surface.

[0026]

[0026] This fan allows the functional surface of the sensor to dry after cleaning with the washing liquid and prevents the accumulation of water in case of rain.

[0027]

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the washing liquid projection device is configured to project the liquid in a pulsed manner.

[0028]

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the anti-projection deflector in the deployed position forms with the plane of the functional surface of the sensor, an angle of less than 100 degrees, preferably less than 80 or 90 degrees.

[0029]

[0029] This inclination optimizes the redirection of the washing liquid.

[0030]

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the anti-projection deflector is formed by a membrane, in particular made of elastomer.

[0031]

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the membrane is configured to swell under the effect of the increase in pressure of the washing liquid inside the membrane.

[0032]

[0032] Once inflated, the membrane can form, for example, a tube along an edge of the functional surface, this tube protruding from the plane of the functional surface of the sensor.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the washing liquid spray device is placed on one edge of the sensor's functional surface, while the fan for projecting an airflow is positioned on an adjacent edge. This configuration ensures complementarity between the two systems without them interfering with each other.

[0033]

[0034] This provision ensures that the anti-splash deflector, which may be of the static type, does not obstruct the proper functioning of the fan during drying.

[0034]

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the edges on which the washing liquid projection device and the fan are respectively located form a right angle, for example, or some other angle.

[0035]

[0036] The invention further has for an object an assembly comprising a sensor and a cleaning system as above, for cleaning the functional surface of the sensor.

[0036]

[0037] The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a functional surface of a sensor, said method comprising the following steps: projecting a washing liquid onto the functional surface using a projection device located on an edge of said functional surface, using an anti-projection deflector, placed on an opposite edge of the functional surface with respect to the projection device, to redirect the washing liquid which flows tangentially to the functional surface towards said surface.

[0037]

[0038] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0038]

[0039] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates in perspective an assembly conforming to an example of an embodiment of the invention, with the anti-projection deflector in the deployed position;

[0039]

[0040] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in perspective, the whole of figure 1, with the anti-projection deflector in the retracted position;

[0040]

[0041] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates in perspective an assembly conforming to another embodiment of the invention, with the anti-projection deflector in the deployed position;

[0041]

[0042] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in perspective, the whole of figure 3, with the anti-projection deflector in the retracted position.

[0043] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0042]

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates an assembly 500 comprising a sensor 200 and a cleaning system 100 according to an example of an embodiment of the invention, for cleaning a functional surface 300 of the sensor 200.

[0043]

[0045] The cleaning system 100 includes a washing liquid projection device 10, configured to project washing liquid onto the functional surface 300,

[0044]

[0046] The cleaning system 100 further includes an anti-splash deflector 20, configured to be placed on an edge 400 of this functional surface 300, and capable of taking a deployed position by forming a projection 21 relative to a plane P of the functional surface 300, to redirect the washing liquid which has flowed on the functional surface 300 (see arrows F) back to this functional surface 300.

[0045]

[0047] Thanks to the invention, the anti-splash deflector 20 prevents washing liquid from being projected towards the rear of the sensor 200, thus minimizing nuisance to other vehicles and pedestrians nearby.

[0046]

[0048] In addition, by redirecting the liquid towards the functional surface 300, the anti-splash deflector 20 improves cleaning efficiency (double fluid pass on the functional surface 300).

[0047]

[0049] The anti-projection deflector 20 is positioned outside the detection field of sensor 200.

[0048]

[0050] The anti-projection deflector 20 is configured to adopt a deployed position in which it protrudes from the plane of the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200, by a distance of between 1 and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 and 4 mm, for example about 2 mm.

[0049]

[0051] The anti-projection deflector 20 is configured to be moved, in particular in translation, by means of an actuator 30, between the deployed position (illustrated in Figure 1) and a retracted position (illustrated in Figure 2) in which the anti-projection deflector 20 is set back, behind or tangent to the plane P of the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200.

[0052] In this example, the 20 anti-projection deflector is managed dynamically.

[0050]

[0053] The actuator 30 includes, for example, a hydraulic piston coupled to a return spring to ensure the return of the anti-splash deflector 20 to its retracted position after cleaning.

[0051]

[0054] The actuator 30 can be powered by a hydraulic circuit of the cleaning system 100, using the pressure of the washing fluid to move the anti-splash deflector 20 between the deployed and retracted positions. This configuration eliminates the need for additional electrical or motorized systems, reducing energy requirements and ensuring synchronization between the cleaning and the movement of the deflector 20.

[0052]

[0055] Alternatively, the actuator 30 may include a DC or brushless type motor, or be a linear or rotary piezoelectric type actuator.

[0053]

[0056] In the retracted position (figure 2), the anti-projection deflector 20 is set back from the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200.

[0054]

[0057] This is advantageous when the system 100 is coupled with a fan 40, configured to generate an airflow to dry the functional surface 300. This retracted position prevents unwanted backflow of the airflow generated by the fan 40. In the retracted position, the deflector 20 does not obstruct the airflow generated by the fan 40, allowing for optimal drying.

[0055]

[0058] The anti-projection deflector 20 has a shape substantially in the form of a plate, for example in elastomer, extending over a straight edge 400 of the functional surface 300.

[0056]

[0059] The anti-splash deflector 20 is placed on an edge 400 of the functional surface 300 opposite an edge 401 where the washing liquid projection device 10 is located.

[0057]

[0060] The system 100 includes a fan 40 configured to generate an airflow to dry the functional surface 300 and placed at the edge 401 of the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200.

[0058]

[0061] The washing liquid projection device 10 is configured to project the liquid in a pulsed manner.

[0059]

[0062] The anti-projection deflector 20 in the deployed position forms with the plane P of the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200, an angle ANG of less than 100 degrees, preferably less than 80 or 90 degrees.

[0060]

[0063] This angle optimizes the redirection of the washing liquid.

[0064] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the anti-projection deflector 35 is static, in the sense that it does not move between two positions.

[0061]

[0065] The anti-projection deflector 35 permanently forms a protrusion on the plane P of the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200. In this case, the height of the protrusion can be limited to a dimension between 1 and 3 mm to avoid hindering the flow of air in the event of the presence of a fan 40 which generates this airflow.

[0062]

[0066] The anti-projection deflector 35 is formed by a membrane 50, notably made of elastomer.

[0063]

[0067] Membrane 50 is configured to swell under the effect of the increase in pressure of the washing liquid inside membrane 50.

[0064]

[0068] Once inflated, the membrane 50 can form, for example, a tube along the upper edge 400 of the functional surface 300, this tube protruding from the plane of the functional surface 300 of the sensor 200 (see figure 3).

[0065]

[0069] In the deflated state (figure 4), the membrane 50 does not protrude from the plane of the functional surface 300.

[0066]

[0070] In one embodiment of the invention, the washing liquid projection device 10 is placed on one side of the functional surface 300 and the anti-projection deflector 35 is static because, in this particular case, it does not interfere with the airflow or the sensor field.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. Cleaning system (100) for a sensor (200) having a functional surface (300), the cleaning system (100) comprising: a washing fluid projection device (10) configured to project washing fluid onto the functional surface (300), an anti-splash deflector (20) configured to be placed on one side of this functional surface (300), and capable of taking a deployed position by protruding from a plane of the functional surface (300), in particular to redirect the washing fluid that has flowed onto the functional surface (300) back to this functional surface (300).

2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-projection deflector (20) is disposed outside the detection field of the sensor.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-projection deflector (20) is configured to adopt a deployed position in which it protrudes from the plane of the functional surface (300) of the sensor by a distance of between 1 and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 and 4 mm, for example about 2 mm.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-splash deflector (20) is configured to be moved, in particular by means of an actuator (30), between the deployed position and a retracted position in which the anti-splash deflector (20) is recessed, behind or tangent to the plane of the functional surface (300) of the sensor.

5. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic or electric piston, or an elastomer membrane inflatable under the effect of the pressure of the washing liquid.

6. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator is configured to be powered by a hydraulic circuit of the cleaning system, using the pressure of the washing fluid to move the anti-splash deflector (20) between the deployed and retracted positions.

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anti-projection deflector (20) is static.

8. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the deflector (20) anti-splash is formed by a membrane (50), in particular made of elastomer, and the membrane is configured to swell under the effect of the increase in pressure of the washing liquid inside the membrane (50).

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-splash deflector (20) is placed on an edge of the functional surface (300) opposite an edge where the washing liquid projection device (10) is located.

10. Assembly comprising a sensor and a cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, for cleaning the functional surface (300) of the sensor.

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