CN118205522A - Sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor system having a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, which has at least one sensor protection element; and the sensor system has at least one cleaning device arranged for cleaning a surface of the sensor protection element. It is proposed that the cleaning device has at least one air flow unit with at least one air outlet and that the air flow unit is arranged for generating an air flow along the surface of the sensor protection element for cleaning the surface of the sensor protection element.

Description

Sensor system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sensor system.

Background

A sensor system has been proposed which has a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, which has at least one sensor protection element; and the sensor system has at least one cleaning device arranged for cleaning a surface of the sensor protection element.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on a sensor system having a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, which has at least one sensor protection element; and the sensor system has at least one cleaning device arranged for cleaning a surface of the sensor protection element.

It is proposed that the cleaning device has at least one air flow unit which has at least one air outlet and which is provided for generating an air flow along the surface of the sensor protection element in order to clean the surface of the sensor protection element. The sensor device can advantageously be cleaned efficiently by the design according to the invention. A sufficient cleaning efficacy can advantageously be achieved by the construction according to the invention. This advantageously enables the sensor device to be kept clean. Furthermore, it is thereby advantageously possible to reliably realize that the sensor device can be operated at least substantially permanently. Furthermore, an efficient operation of the sensor device can advantageously be achieved. Furthermore, the safety of a vehicle in which the sensor system is installed can be advantageously improved by the design according to the present invention. Furthermore, it can be realized by the design according to the invention that: the air flow advantageously avoids dirt depositing on the surface of the sensor protection element.

Preferably, the sensor system is part of a vehicle. Preferably, the sensor system is part of a monitoring system, a control system and/or an adjustment system of the vehicle. Preferably, the sensor system is arranged for detecting obstacles in the surroundings of the vehicle. "setup" may be understood as specially programmed, designed and/or equipped. The object being set up for a determined function is understood to mean that the object fulfils and/or performs this determined function in at least one application state and/or operating state. Preferably, the sensor device, in particular the lidar device, is provided for emitting a laser pulse into the environment and for detecting light of the laser pulse scattered back from the environment. In this case, the time between the projection and the reflection of the object is preferably measured. Preferably, the sensor device, in particular the lidar device, has at least one optical sensor element. Preferably, at least one sensor protection element is provided for protecting the at least one optical sensor element from the environment, in particular for isolating it from the environment. Preferably, at least one sensor protection element is configured to be transparent. Preferably, the at least one sensor protection element is composed of glass and/or plastic.

Preferably, at least one cleaning device is provided for mechanical cleaning of the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the surface of the sensor protection element is flat or slightly arched. Preferably, at least one cleaning device is provided for removing dirt from the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, "contamination" is understood to mean any kind of contamination of the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, "dirt" is understood to mean dust, pollen, soot, water droplets, snow, insects and/or other foreign particles which can impair in particular the proper operation of the sensor device. Preferably, at least one cleaning device is provided for protecting the sensor protection element from contamination, in particular in a prophylactic manner.

Preferably, at least one air outlet is arranged adjacently at the sensor protection element. Preferably, at least one air flow unit is provided for cleaning the surface of the sensor protection element by means of an air flow, in particular in terms of flow technology. Preferably, the air flow runs at least substantially parallel to the surface of the sensor protection element. Alternatively, the air flow may be directed towards the surface of the sensor protection element. By "at least substantially" is understood that the deviation from the preset value is in particular less than 25%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5% of the preset value. Preferably, the air flow is in contact with the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the air flow forms a shroud for the sensor protection element. Preferably, the air flow is provided for removing dirt directly from the area in front of the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the air flow is provided for preventing dirt from contacting the surface of the sensor protection element, in particular from colliding with the surface of the sensor protection element.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the cleaning device has at least one wiper unit having a wiper blade which is provided for wiping off a surface of the sensor protection element. By means of this design, an efficient cleaning of the sensor protection element can advantageously be achieved. In this way, an advantageous reliable and safe operation of the sensor device can be achieved. Preferably, at least one wiper unit is provided for mechanical cleaning of the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the wiper unit has a wiper arm which is mounted so as to be movable relative to the sensor protection element by a guide unit of the wiper unit. Preferably, the wiper arm is driven by a guide unit. Preferably, the wiper arm is provided for translational movement relative to the sensor protection element. Preferably, the wiper blade is fixedly connected to the wiper arm. Preferably, a wiper blade for cleaning a surface of the sensor protection element is provided for translational movement on the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, a wiper lip of the wiper blade contacts the sensor protection element. Preferably, the wiper blade is provided for wiping at least substantially over the entire surface of the sensor protection element facing the environment. Preferably, the air flow extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. The "longitudinal axis" of an object is understood to be an axis running parallel to the longest side of the smallest geometrical hexahedron that just completely encloses the object.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper blade of the wiper unit has at least one flow element which is provided for stabilizing a wiping movement of the wiper blade by means of an air flow. By means of this design, an advantageous, efficient and reliable cleaning of the sensor protection element can be achieved. Furthermore, by means of this design, vibrations of the wiper blade transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade can advantageously be prevented. In addition, an advantageous contact force can be applied to the wiper blade in this way, as a result of which a reliable contact of the wiper blade with the sensor protection element can be achieved. Preferably, the at least one flow element is configured as a projection of the wiper blade. Preferably, the at least one flow element is arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. Preferably, at least one flow element has an arcuate and/or triangular shape. Preferably, the at least one flow element is arranged on a side of the wiper blade facing away from the surface of the sensor protection element or on a side of the wiper blade extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the at least one flow element extends at least substantially over the entire maximum longitudinal extension of the wiper blade. Preferably, the air flow unit, in particular the air flow, is related to the flow of ambient air relative to the sensor system. Preferably, "ambient air" is understood to be the air mass surrounding the vehicle, in particular surrounding the sensor system. Preferably, the flow of ambient air is related to the movement of the sensor system relative to the surrounding environment. Preferably, the flow of ambient air is related to the operating state of the vehicle, in particular the speed of the vehicle relative to the ambient air, and/or to the wind direction and/or wind speed of the ambient air, in particular the wind direction and/or wind speed of the ambient air relative to the sensor system. Preferably, the flow of ambient air, in particular the flow of ambient air onto the wiper blade, forms the running wind or a component of the running wind of the vehicle. Preferably, at least one flow element is provided for generating a pressing force by means of ambient air flowing onto the wiper blade, in particular onto the flow element, which presses the wiper blade onto the sensor protection element. As a result, an advantageous high-pressure tensioning force for the wiper blade can be achieved, whereby the cleaning performance of the machine can be advantageously improved. Preferably, the at least one flow element is at least partially arranged in the air flow. Preferably, the at least one flow element is provided for stabilizing the orientation of the wiper blade in the air flow, in particular for maintaining the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade at least substantially parallel to the air flow. Preferably, the at least one flow element can have a shape corresponding to a winglet known from aeronautics.

It is furthermore proposed that the air flow unit has at least one air inlet which is provided for receiving ambient air flowing to the air inlet and for guiding it into an air channel of the air flow unit, wherein the air channel is fluidically connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. By this design an advantageous and efficient cleaning device can be provided. Furthermore, an advantageous energy-saving cleaning device can be provided by this design. Preferably, the air inlet has a flow-optimized shape, in particular a soft edge transition. As a result, as much ambient air as possible can advantageously be conducted into the air duct and into the sensor protection element. Preferably, the air channels have an at least substantially constant cross-sectional area and/or have air channel walls at least substantially constant distance from each other. Preferably, the air channel is formed by at least one wellbore element, at least one hose element and/or at least one pipe element. Preferably, the air flow unit has a mesh element. The mesh element is preferably arranged in front of and/or in the air inlet. Preferably, the mesh element is provided to prevent dirt, in particular dirt which is greater than the mesh width of the mesh element, from being pushed into the air channel.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the air flow unit to have at least one compressor unit and/or blower unit which are provided for introducing ambient air into an air duct of the air flow unit, wherein the air duct is fluidically connected to the compressor unit and the air outlet. In principle, the compressor unit can have a compressed air reservoir.

It is furthermore proposed that the air inlet has a larger cross-sectional area than the air outlet. By means of this design, the air pressure and/or the speed of the air flow can advantageously be easily adapted and the cleaning of the surface of the sensor protection element can advantageously be optimized in an efficient manner. Thereby, the air flow can produce an advantageously high cleaning performance. Preferably, the air inlet has a cross-sectional area that is at least 10%, preferably at least 25% and particularly preferably at least 50% larger than the air outlet. Preferably, the air outlet is arranged for diverting the air flow in at least one direction, which is oriented at least substantially parallel to and/or directed towards the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the air outlet has a nozzle. Preferably, the nozzle is arranged to increase the pressure of the air flow. Preferably, the nozzle is arranged to increase the velocity of the air flow. Preferably, the nozzles are arranged for orientation of the air flow.

It is furthermore proposed that the air outlet extends at least over the entire edge length of the sensor protection element. By means of this design, an advantageous cleaning of the surface coverage of the surface of the sensor protection element can be achieved. Preferably, the air outlet has a slit shape. Alternatively, the air outlet can also be divided into a plurality of outlet areas, which respectively have, for example, a slit shape or a circular shape. Here, it is conceivable for the air outlet to have a plurality of nozzles.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor system has a barrier element which partially covers at least the sensor device toward the environment and which has a recess in the region of the sensor protection element. By this design, the sensor device can advantageously be easily shielded towards the surroundings. This advantageously prevents dirt from depositing in areas outside the surface of the sensor protection element. Furthermore, by means of this design, the air flow can advantageously be guided in a simple manner. Preferably, the baffle element is part of a vehicle body, in particular of a vehicle housing, part of a radiator grille and/or is configured as a decorative cover plate which is provided for covering the sensor device. Preferably, the main extension plane of the baffle element is oriented at least substantially parallel to the surface of the sensor protection element. The "main extension plane" of the structural unit is understood to be a plane which is parallel to the largest side of the smallest imaginary hexahedron which just completely encloses the structural unit and which extends in particular through the center point of the hexahedron. Preferably, the baffle element is configured in the shape of a plate at least in the region in which the sensor device is arranged. Preferably, the baffle element covers the sensor device in an area at least substantially outside the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the recess is provided to provide light transmission between the sensor device and the surrounding environment. Preferably, the recess is provided for optical perspective of the sensor system through the baffle element into the surroundings. In particular perpendicular to a plane parallel to the main extension plane of the surface of the sensor protection element, the recess is preferably arranged flush with the sensor protection element. Preferably, the recess covers at least a majority of the surface of the sensor protection element facing the environment. "at least largely" is understood in particular to mean at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%. Preferably, the recess is rectangular in shape. Preferably, the recess is configured as a through-hole through the baffle element. Preferably, the recess has a bottom area at most corresponding to the area of the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the bottom area of the recess is smaller than the area of the surface of the sensor protection element by preferably at least 1%, preferably at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%.

It is furthermore proposed to integrate an air inlet into the baffle element. The reception of ambient air can advantageously be achieved in a simple manner by means of this design. Furthermore, an advantageous energy-saving cleaning device can be provided in this way. Preferably, the air inlet is integrally formed with the baffle element. By "integral" is understood at least a material-locking connection, for example by means of a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and/or other processes which are considered reasonable by the person skilled in the art; and/or is understood to be advantageously one-piece molded, for example by means of a production made of one cast part and/or by means of a production using a single-part or multipart injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank.

It is furthermore proposed to arrange the air outlet between the sensor protection element and the baffle element. By means of this design, an advantageous channel effect can be achieved between the sensor protection element and the baffle element. Furthermore, the air outlet is advantageously protected from damage by this construction. Preferably, the minimum measured distance between the surface of the sensor protection element and the baffle element is at least substantially constant over the entire surface of the sensor protection element.

It is furthermore proposed that the air flow unit has a volume flow regulating unit which is provided for regulating the volume flow of the air flow discharged from the air outlet, and/or that the air flow unit has an air temperature regulating unit which is provided for regulating the temperature of the air flow before it is discharged from the air outlet. By this design, the air flow can be advantageously adapted to the surrounding environmental conditions. The air flow can thus advantageously be metered as desired. Furthermore, the air flow can advantageously be conditioned. In this way, the sensor protection element can advantageously be deicing and/or protected against icing, especially in cold winter conditions. In this way, it is furthermore advantageously possible to accelerate the dehumidification and/or drying of the surface of the sensor protection element. Preferably, the volume flow regulating unit is integrated into the air channel. Preferably, the volume flow regulating unit is arranged fluidicly between the air inlet and the air outlet. Preferably, the volume flow regulating unit has at least one valve, which is provided for controlling and/or regulating a parameter of the air flow. Alternatively or additionally, the volume flow control unit can have at least one restrictor, which is provided with a parameter for controlling and/or regulating the air flow. The air temperature conditioning unit is preferably integrated into the air channel. Preferably, the air temperature regulating unit is arranged fluidicly between the air inlet and the air outlet. Preferably, the air temperature regulating unit has at least one heating element which is provided for heating the air channel, in particular for heating the air flow.

The sensor system according to the invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the sensor system according to the invention for implementing the functional principles described herein can have a number different from the number of individual elements, components and units mentioned herein. Furthermore, with respect to the numerical ranges specified in the present disclosure, numerical values within the mentioned critical ranges should also be considered as being publicly available and arbitrarily usable.

Drawings

Other advantages will be seen from the following description of the drawings. Six embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The figures, description and claims include a number of feature combinations. Those skilled in the art will suitably also consider these features alone and combine them into other meaningful combinations. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a sensor system according to the invention in a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a sensor system according to the invention in a first embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a sensor device and a cleaning device of a sensor system according to the invention in a first embodiment;

fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a wiper blade of a wiper unit of a cleaning device in a first embodiment;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an alternative wiper blade of a wiper unit of a cleaning device in a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a sensor system according to the invention in a third embodiment;

fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a sensor system according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a sensor system according to the invention in a fifth embodiment; and

Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a sensor system according to the invention in a sixth embodiment.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 to 4, a sensor system 10a according to the invention in a first embodiment is shown. In the present case, the sensor system 10a is part of a vehicle, which is not shown in detail. The sensor system 10a is part of a monitoring system, control system and/or regulation system of the vehicle. The sensor system 10a is provided for detecting objects, in particular obstacles, in the surroundings of the vehicle. The sensor system 10a is arranged to provide data for semi-autonomous or autonomous driving operation of the vehicle.

The sensor system 10a has a sensor device 12a. In the present case, the sensor device 12a is configured as a lidar device. The lidar device operates, for example, with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or with an Optical Phased Array (OPA). The sensor device 12a is provided for emitting a laser pulse into the surroundings and detecting light of the laser pulse scattered back from the surroundings. The sensor device 12a has at least one optical sensor element, which is not shown in detail. The sensor device 12a has a sensor protection element 14a. The sensor protection element 14a is provided for protecting at least one optical sensor element from the environment 16a, in particular from the environment. The sensor protection element 14a is configured to be transparent. The sensor protection element 14a is made of glass and/or plastic. The sensor protection element 14a has a surface 18a. In the present case, the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a is flat. The surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a faces the surrounding environment 16a. In the present case, the sensor protection element 14a is fastened to the sensor device 12a by means of a frame element 20a of the sensor device 12a.

The sensor system 10a has a cleaning device 22a. The cleaning device 22a is provided for cleaning the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The efficiency of the sensor device 12a depends on the cleanliness of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a, at which the laser beam is emitted and detected. The cleaning device 22a is provided for mechanical cleaning of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The cleaning device 22a is provided for removing dirt 24a from the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The cleaning device 22a is provided for protecting the sensor protection element 14a from contamination, in particular in a prophylactic manner.

The cleaning device 22a has an air flow unit 26a. The air flow unit 26a is arranged for generating an air flow 28a along the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a for cleaning the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The air flow unit 26a is provided for cleaning the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a, in particular aerodynamically, by means of an air flow 28 a. The air flow unit 26a is provided for blowing dirt 24a away from the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The air flow 28a runs at least substantially parallel to the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. In principle, it is also conceivable for the air flow 28a to be directed onto the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The air flow 28a contacts the surface 18a of the sensor protection member 14 a. The air flow 28a forms a shroud for the sensor protection element 14 a. The air flow 28a is provided for removing dirt 24a directly from the area in front of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a, in particular before the dirt 24a contacts the sensor protection element 14 a. The air flow 28a is provided to avoid contact of the dirt 24a with the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a, in particular to avoid collision of the dirt 24a with the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a.

The cleaning device 22a has a wiper unit 30a. The wiper unit 30a is provided for mechanical cleaning of the surface 18a of the sensor protection component 14a. The wiper unit 30a has a wiper blade 32a. The wiper blade 32a is provided for wiping the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a. The wiper unit 30a has a wiper arm 34a. The wiper arm 34a is configured in an L shape. The wiper arm 34a is mounted so as to be movable relative to the sensor protection element 14a via a guide unit, not shown in detail, of the wiper unit 30a. The wiper arm 34a is driven via the guide unit. The wiper arm 34a is provided for translational movement relative to the sensor protection element 14a. In the present case, the wiping movement of the wiper blade 32a runs at least substantially horizontally. The wiper blade 32a is fixedly connected to the wiper arm 34a. For cleaning the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a, a wiper blade 32a is provided for translational movement on the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a. The wiper lip 36a of the wiper blade 32a contacts the sensor protection element 14a. The wiper blade 32a is provided for wiping at least substantially over the entire surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a facing the environment 16 a.

The air flow 28a extends at least on a respective side of the wiper blade 32a, which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The wiper blade 32a can thereby advantageously be guided, in particular stabilized, in the air flow 28 a. In the present case, the longitudinal axis 38a of the wiper blade 32a is oriented at least substantially vertically. The concepts "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the foundation on which the vehicle, and in particular the sensor system 10a, is positioned. The air flow is oriented at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the wiper blade 32 a. The wiper blade 32a of the wiper unit 30a has a plane of symmetry 40a in which the longitudinal axis 38a of the wiper blade 32a is arranged.

In the present case, the wiper blade 32a of the wiper unit 30a has a flow element 42a which is provided to stabilize a wiping movement of the wiper blade 32a by means of the air flow 28 a. The flow element 42a is configured as a projection of the wiper blade 32 a. The flow element 42a is configured as a spoiler element. The flow element 42a is arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 38a of the wiper blade 32 a. The flow element 42a is arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 40a of the wiper blade 32 a. In the present case, the flow element 42a has an at least substantially triangular shape, in particular as seen in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a of the wiper blade 32 a. The flow element 42a is arranged on a side 44a of the wiper blade 32a facing away from the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The flow element 42a extends at least over substantially the entire maximum longitudinal extension of the wiper blade 32 a.

In the present case, the wiper blade 32a has a surface structure, which is not shown in detail, which is arranged at least in a partial region of the surface of the wiper blade 32a, preferably over the entire surface of the wiper blade 32 a. The surface structure is configured as a golf ball surface structure or a fishskin surface structure. As a result, the wiping movement of the wiper blade 32a in the air flow 28a can be stabilized advantageously, simply and efficiently.

The air flow unit 26a, and in particular the air flow 28a, is dependent on the flow 46a of ambient air relative to the sensor system 10a. Ambient air flows into the sensor system 10a, in particular in at least one operating state of the vehicle. The flow 46a of ambient air is dependent on the movement of the sensor system 10a relative to the surrounding environment 16 a. The flow 46a of ambient air depends on the operating state of the vehicle, in particular the speed of the vehicle relative to the ambient air and/or on the wind direction and/or wind speed of the ambient air, in particular relative to the sensor system 10a. The flow 46a of ambient air, in particular the flow of ambient air flowing onto the wiper blade 32a, forms a component of the running wind of the vehicle or of the vehicle. The flow element 42a is provided to generate a pressing force by means of ambient air flowing onto the wiper blade 32a, in particular onto the flow element 42a, which presses the wiper blade 32a onto the sensor protection element 14 a.

The air flow unit 26a has an air inlet 48a. The air flow unit 26a has an air outlet 50a. The air flow unit 26a has an air passage 52a. The air passage 52a is fluidly connected to the air inlet 48a and the air outlet 50a. Sensor system 10a has baffle element 54a.

The air inlet 48a is arranged to receive ambient air flowing towards the air inlet 48a and to direct it into the air passage 52a of the air flow unit 26 a. The air inlet 48a has a flow-optimized shape, in particular a soft edge transition to the surroundings 16 a. The air inlet 48a is integrated into the baffle element 54 a. The air inlet 48a is integrally constructed with the baffle element 54 a. In the present case, the air inlet 48a is arranged in the vicinity of the air outlet 50 a. In the present case, the maximum length of the air passage 52a is at most 20cm. Alternatively, the air inlet 48a may be arranged in a region, in particular in a region of the vehicle, in which the wind pressure is greater than the wind pressure acting directly on the sensor protection element 14 a. For example, the air inlet 48a can be arranged at a radiator grille of the vehicle, wherein the air outlet 50a and the sensor protection element 14a are arranged in a side region and/or in a rear region of the vehicle.

The air flow cell 26a has a mesh element 56a. The Mesh element 56a has a Mesh width in the range of 210 Mesh to 230 Mesh. The mesh element 56a can be impregnated. The mesh element 56a is provided to avoid dirt 24a, which is in particular larger than the mesh width of the mesh element 56a, from being pushed into the air channel 52 a. In the present case, the mesh element 56a is arranged directly in front of the air inlet 48a. Thereby, maintenance can be advantageously performed simply. The mesh element 56a completely spans the air inlet 48a.

In the present case, the air channel 52a is constituted by a wellbore element. The air channels 52a have air channel walls that are at least substantially constantly spaced apart relative to each other. In principle, the air duct 52a can be formed by a particularly flexible hose element or by a particularly rigid tube element. In principle, the air channel 52a can have an at least substantially constant cross-sectional area. In the present case, the air duct 52a tapers from the air inlet 48a toward the air outlet 50 a. The air passage 52a is arranged behind the baffle element 54 a. The air duct 52a is arranged at least substantially on a side 58a of the baffle element 54a facing away from the surroundings 16 a.

An air outlet 48a is arranged adjacent to the sensor protection element 14 a. The air outlet 48a is arranged between the sensor protection element 14a and the baffle element 54 a. In the present case, the air outlet 50a is arranged at the upper side 60a of the sensor protection element 14 a. Thereby, the dirt 24a can be advantageously transported downwards by means of the air flow 28 a. Furthermore, the effect of gravity can advantageously be used simultaneously by this arrangement. The air outlet 50a extends at least over the entire side length 62a of the sensor protection element 14 a. In the present case, the side length 62a is a width extension length. In the present case, the air outlet 50 extends beyond the entire side length 62a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The side length 64a of the air outlet 50a parallel to the side length 62a of the sensor protection element 14a is greater than the side length 62a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The wiper unit 30a has a park position 66a and a return position 68a for the wiper blade 32 a. In the present case, the parking position 66a and the fold-back position 68a are on the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a, in particular in the edge region of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. Between the parking position 66a and the return position 68a, a wiping area 70a of the wiper unit 30a is formed, in which the sensor protection element 14a is provided for being wiped. In principle, it is also conceivable for the parking position 66a and the return position 68a to be located outside the surface 18a of the sensor protection component 14 a. In the present case, the air outlet 50a extends at least from the parking position 66a up to the fold-back position 68a. In the present case, the air outlet 50a extends beyond the parking position 66a and the return position 68a, respectively, by an amount 72a of at least 10mm in each case in the direction of the outside of the sensor protection component 14 a. The air flow 28a can thereby advantageously stabilize the wiper blade 32a on both sides of the wiper blade 32 a.

The air inlet 48a has a larger cross-sectional area than the air outlet 50 a. In the present case, the air inlet 48a has a cross-sectional area that is at least 50% larger than the air outlet 50 a. The air outlet 50a is provided for diverting the air flow 28a in at least one direction, which in the present case is oriented at least substantially parallel to the surface 18a of the sensor protection component 14 a. The air outlet 50a has a slit shape. The air outlet 50a tapers the air passage 52a to gather and/or compress the air flow 28a. The air outlet 50a has a nozzle 74a. The nozzle 74a is configured to increase the pressure of the air stream 28a. The nozzle 74a is configured to increase the velocity of the air flow 28a. The nozzle 74a is configured to orient the air flow 28a relative to the surface 18a of the sensor protection component 14 a. The air flow 28a along the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a is faster than the traveling wind directly impinging on the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the air flow unit 26a to have an external unit, not shown in detail, which is provided for guiding ambient air into the air channel 52 a. The external unit may be part of a vehicle system of the vehicle. The external unit is configured as a compressor unit and/or a blower unit. This is particularly advantageous for operating states in which no ambient air flows into the air inlet 48a. The air flow generated by the external unit can advantageously be used independently of the vehicle speed. Preferably, the air flow generated by the external unit is adapted in dependence of the vehicle speed.

In principle, the air flow unit 26a may have at least one further air outlet arranged for generating a further air flow along the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a in order to clean the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. In this case, at least one further air outlet can be arranged on a side of the sensor protection element 14a that extends transversely to the upper side 60a of the sensor protection element 14 a. Here, the at least one further air outlet can be oriented perpendicular to the air outlet 50 a.

The baffle element 54a partially covers at least the sensor device 12a towards the surrounding environment 16 a. In the present case, the baffle element 54a is part of a vehicle body, in particular a vehicle housing, or part of a radiator grille. In principle, the baffle element 54a can also be configured as a separate component of the sensor system 10 a. The flap element 54a is configured as a decorative cover plate, which is provided for covering and/or decorating the sensor device 12a. The baffle element 54a is provided for protecting the sensor device 12a. The main plane of extension of the baffle element 54a is oriented at least substantially parallel to the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The minimum measured distance between the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a and the baffle element 54a is at least substantially constant over the entire surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The baffle element 54a is configured in the shape of a plate at least in the region in which the sensor device 12a is arranged. The baffle element 54a covers the sensor device 12a in an area at least substantially outside the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. In the present case, the baffle element 54a at least partially covers the air outlet 50a. In the present case, the flap element 54a covers the park position 66a and the fold-back position 68a of the wiper unit 30 a. The baffle element 54a has a recess 76a in the region of the sensor protection element 14 a. The recess 76a is provided to provide light transmission between the sensor device 12a and the surrounding environment 16 a. The recess 76a is provided for optical perspective of the sensor device 12a through the baffle element 54a into the surroundings 16 a. In particular, the recess 76a is arranged flush with the sensor protection element 14a, seen perpendicularly to a plane parallel to the main plane of extension of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. In the present case, the recess 76a is rectangular in shape. The recess 76a is configured as a through-hole that extends through the baffle element 54 a. The recess 76a spans the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a over a majority of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14a toward the surrounding environment 16 a. The recess 76a has a bottom area that corresponds at most to the area of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a. The bottom area of the void 76a is at least 10% smaller than the area of the surface 18a of the sensor protection element 14 a.

The wiper arm 34a of the wiper unit 30a is guided through the baffle element 54a. The wiper arm 34a is supported movably relative to the shutter element 54a. The flap element 54a has a through-opening 78a, through which the wiper arm 34a is guided from a side 80a of the flap element 54a facing the environment 16a to a side 58a of the flap element 54a facing away from the environment 16 a. The sensor system 10a has a locking unit 82a, which is connected to the flap element 54a and is arranged in the lead-through 78a. The locking unit 82a is provided for locking the threading portion 78a around the wiper arm 34 a. In the present case, the locking unit 82a has a flexible brush element 84a, which is provided for filling the lead-through 78a. Alternatively, the locking unit 82a may have at least one sealing lip provided for filling the lead-through.

The air flow unit 26a has a volume flow regulating unit 86a. The volume flow regulating unit 86a is arranged for regulating the volume flow of the air flow 28a discharged from the air outlet 50 a. The volume flow of the air flow 28a can be adjusted between 0% and 100% by means of the volume flow adjustment unit 86a. The volume flow regulating unit 86a is integrated into the air channel 52 a. The volume flow regulating unit 86a is arranged fluidically between the air inlet 48a and the air outlet 50 a. Alternatively, the volume flow regulating unit 86a may also be arranged in front of the air inlet 48 a. The volume flow regulating unit 86a has at least one valve, not shown in detail, in particular an inlet valve, which is provided for controlling and/or regulating a parameter of the air flow 28 a. Alternatively or additionally, the volume flow regulating unit 86a can have at least one restrictor which is provided for controlling and/or regulating the parameters of the air flow 28a, or other adaptable elements which are suitable for a person skilled in the art and which are provided for controlling and/or regulating the parameters of the air flow 28 a. The volumetric flow rate of the air flow 28a is adjusted based on the vehicle speed, the degree of contamination of the sensor protection member 14a, and/or the temperature. The volume flow regulating unit 86a can have at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one volume flow sensor, which are arranged in particular in front of the air inlet 48a and/or in the air channel 52a, in particular between the air inlet 48a and the air outlet 50 a. In principle, the information about the temperature and/or the volume flow can also come from other sensors of the vehicle.

The air flow unit 26a has an air temperature adjusting unit 88a. The air temperature regulating unit 88a is arranged to control the regulation of the air flow 28a before the air flow is discharged out of the air outlet 50 a. The air temperature adjusting unit 88a is integrated into the air passage 52 a. The air temperature conditioning unit 88a is fluidly disposed between the air inlet 48a and the air outlet 50 a. The air temperature control unit 88a has at least one heating element, not shown in detail, which is provided for heating the air duct 52a, in particular the air flow 28a.

In principle, it is conceivable for the air flow unit 26a to have a container unit which is provided for accommodating the wiping liquid, the cleaning agent and/or the antifreeze agent. The container unit is capable of inputting a wiper liquid, a cleaning agent, and/or an antifreeze agent into the air passage 52a as needed. The wiper fluid, the cleaning agent and/or the antifreeze agent can be mixed into the air flow 28a, in particular by means of the Venturi (Venturi) principle or by means of a pump of the container unit. The container unit is integrated fluidically into the air channel 52a, in particular is fluidically connected to the air channel 52 a. The container unit is arranged fluidicly between the air inlet 48a and the air outlet 50 a. In principle, the container unit can also be configured as an external unit, which is part of a wiper system of a vehicle for at least one windshield of the vehicle.

On the side of the sensor system 10a facing the surroundings 16a, in particular on the side 80a of the baffle element 54a facing the surroundings 16a, spoiler elements and/or air deflectors can be installed, which are provided for the purpose of causing no or reduced impact of the running wind of the vehicle on the sensor protection element 14 a. The air outlet 50a advantageously enables an efficient and defined effect, since the air pressure of the vehicle wind acting on the sensor protection element 14a or on the air flow 28a in front of the sensor protection element 14a is smaller. Preferably, the air inlet 48a can be arranged in a region of the vehicle in which, in particular taking into account spoiler elements and/or air deflectors, the wind load or wind pressure of the wind traveling through the vehicle is greater than the wind load or wind pressure acting on the sensor protection element 14 a.

Five other embodiments of the present invention are shown in fig. 5-9. The following description and the figures are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, wherein reference is made in principle to the figures and/or the description of further embodiments, in particular of fig. 1 to 4, also in respect of identically labeled components, in particular components having the same reference numerals. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the embodiments in fig. 1 to 4. In the embodiment of fig. 5 to 9, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to f.

In fig. 5, a wiper blade 32b of a sensor system 10b according to the invention is shown in a second embodiment. The sensor system 10b of the second embodiment substantially corresponds to the sensor system 10a of the first embodiment. The sensor system 10b of the second exemplary embodiment has a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, which has a sensor protection element; and the sensor system has a cleaning device arranged for cleaning a surface of the sensor protection element. The cleaning device has a wiper unit 30b. The wiper unit 30b is provided for cleaning the surface of the sensor protection member. The wiper unit 30b has a wiper blade 32b. The wiper blade 32b has a wiper lip 36b. The cleaning device has an air flow unit arranged to generate an air flow along the surface of the sensor protection element in order to clean the surface of the sensor protection element.

Unlike the first embodiment, the wiper blade 32b of the second embodiment is configured differently. In the present case, the wiper blade 32b of the wiper unit 30b has two flow elements 90b, 92b which are provided for stabilizing a wiping movement of the wiper blade 32b by means of an air flow. The flow elements 90b, 92b are each configured as a projection of the wiper blade 32 b. In the present case, the flow elements 90b, 92b are formed separately from one another. The flow elements 90b, 92b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 32 b. The wiper blade 32b of the wiper unit 30b has a plane of symmetry 40b in which the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 32b is arranged. The flow elements 90b, 92b each have an arcuate shape. The flow elements 90b, 92b can each have a shape corresponding to winglets known from aeronautics. The flow elements 90b, 92b are arranged on the sides 94b, 96b of the wiper blade 32b, respectively, which extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the sensor protection element. The flow elements 90b, 92b each extend at least substantially over the entire maximum longitudinal extension of the wiper blade 32 b. In principle, it is also conceivable for the flow elements 90b, 92b to extend only in sections or over at least one partial region of the entire maximum longitudinal extent of the wiper blade 32 b. The flow elements 90b, 92b are at least partially, in particular at least substantially, arranged in the air flow. The flow elements 90b, 92b are provided for stabilizing the orientation of the wiper blade 32b in the air flow, in particular for maintaining the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 32b at least substantially parallel to the air flow.

In principle, it is also conceivable to combine the flow element 42a from the first embodiment with the flow elements 90b, 92b of the second embodiment.

In fig. 6a sensor system 10c according to the invention in a third embodiment is shown. The sensor system 10c of the third embodiment substantially corresponds to the sensor system 10a of the first embodiment. The sensor system 10c of the third exemplary embodiment has a sensor device 12c, in particular a lidar device, which has a sensor protection element 14c; and the sensor system has a cleaning device 22c arranged for cleaning the surface 18c of the sensor protection element 14 c. The cleaning device 22c has a wiper unit 30c. The wiper unit 30c is provided for cleaning the surface 18c of the sensor protection member 14 c. The wiper unit 30c has a wiper blade 32c. The longitudinal axis 38c of the wiper blade 32c is oriented at least substantially vertically. The cleaning device 22c has an air flow unit 26c arranged to generate an air flow 28c along the surface 18c of the sensor protection element 14c in order to clean the surface 18c of the sensor protection element 14 c. The air flow unit 26c has an air inlet 48c. The air flow unit 26c has an air outlet 50c. The air flow unit 26c has an air passage 52c. The sensor protection element 14c is fastened to the sensor device 12c by means of a frame element 20c of the sensor device 12 c.

Unlike the first and second embodiments, the wiper blade 32c of the third embodiment is configured differently. The wiper blade 32c of the wiper unit 30c has a smaller width in the region 98c of the air outlet 50c than in the end region 100c of the wiper blade 32c, which is furthest away from the region 98c of the air outlet 50 c. The wiper blade 32c can thereby advantageously be guided, in particular stabilized, in the air flow 28 c. In particular, the wiper blade 32c is wedge-shaped, viewed perpendicularly to a plane parallel to the main plane of extension of the surface 18c of the sensor protection element 14 c.

In fig. 7 a sensor system 10d according to the invention in a fourth embodiment is shown. The sensor system 10d of the fourth embodiment substantially corresponds to the sensor system 10a of the first embodiment. The sensor system 10d of the fourth exemplary embodiment has a sensor device 12d, in particular a lidar device, which has a sensor protection element 14d; and the sensor system has a cleaning device 22d arranged for cleaning the surface 18d of the sensor protection element 14 d. The cleaning device 22d has a wiper unit 30d. The wiper unit 30d is provided for cleaning the surface 18d of the sensor protection component 14 d. The wiper unit 30d has a wiper blade 32d. The cleaning device 22d has an air flow unit 26d arranged to generate an air flow 28d along the surface 18d of the sensor protection component 14d in order to clean the surface 18d of the sensor protection component 14 d. The air flow unit 26d has an air inlet not shown in detail. The air flow unit 26d has an air outlet 50d. The air flow unit 26d has an air passage not shown in detail. The sensor protection element 14d is fastened to the sensor device 12d by means of a frame element 20d of the sensor device 12 d.

Unlike the above-described embodiments, the cleaning device 22d of the fourth embodiment is oriented in a different manner with respect to the surrounding environment. The longitudinal axis 38d of the wiper blade 32d is oriented at least substantially horizontally. The wiping movement of the wiper blade 32d runs at least substantially vertically. The air flow 28d and the longitudinal axis 38d of the wiper blade 32d extend at least substantially parallel to each other.

In the present case, the air outlet 50d is arranged on the side 102d of the sensor protection element 14 d. The side 102d of the sensor protection member 14d extends transversely to the upper portion 60d of the sensor protection member 14 d. The longitudinal axis of the air outlet 50d is oriented at least substantially vertically. The air outlet 50d extends at least over the entire edge length of the sensor protection element 14 d. In the present case, the side length is a highly extended length. In the present case, the air outlet 50d extends beyond the entire side length of the sensor protection element 14 d.

In fig. 8a sensor system 10e according to the invention in a fifth embodiment is shown. The sensor system 10e of the fifth embodiment substantially corresponds to the sensor system 10a of the first embodiment. The sensor system 10e of the fifth exemplary embodiment has a sensor device 12e, in particular a lidar device, which has a sensor protection element 14e; and the sensor system has a cleaning device, not shown in detail, which is provided for cleaning the surface 18e of the sensor protection element 14 e. The cleaning device has a partially shown air flow unit 26e, which air flow unit 26e is provided for generating an air flow along the surface 18e of the sensor protection element 14e in order to clean the surface 18e of the sensor protection element 14 e. The air flow unit 26e has an air inlet 48e. In fig. 8, the air inlet 48e is shown above the sensor protection member 14e for simplicity and contrast. In practice, however, the air inlet 48e is arranged in a further position in which the air inlet 48e and the sensor protection element 14d do not overlap. The cleaning device has a wiper unit which is not shown in detail.

Unlike the above-described embodiments, the air inlet 48e is configured larger in terms of area as compared to the sensor protection element. The air inlet 48e has a larger cross-sectional area than the surface 18e of the sensor protection member 14 e. The cross-sectional area of the air inlet 48e is at least 50% greater than the surface 18e of the sensor protection component 14 e. In the present case, the cross-sectional area of the air inlet 48e is approximately three times the surface 18e of the sensor protection element 14 e.

In fig. 9a sensor system 10f according to the invention in a sixth embodiment is shown. The sensor system 10f of the sixth embodiment basically corresponds to the sensor system 10a of the first embodiment or the sensor system 10d of the fourth embodiment. The sensor system 10f of the sixth exemplary embodiment has a sensor device 12f, in particular a lidar device, which has a sensor protection element 14f; and has a cleaning device, not shown in detail, provided for cleaning the surface 18f of the sensor protection element 14 f. The cleaning device has a partially shown air flow unit 26f, which air flow unit 26f is arranged for generating an air flow along the surface 18f of the sensor protection element 14f for cleaning the surface 18f of the sensor protection element 14 f. The air flow unit 26f has an air inlet 48f. The cleaning device has a wiper unit which is not shown in detail. The sensor system 10f has a baffle element 54f. The baffle element 54f has a recess 76f in the region of the sensor protection element 14 f.

Unlike the above-described embodiments, the air inlet 48f is configured larger in terms of area than the hollow 76 f. The air inlet 48f has a larger cross-sectional area than the hollow 76f of the baffle member 54 f. The cross-sectional area of the air inlet 48f is at least 50% greater than the hollow 76f of the baffle member 54 f. In the present case, the cross-sectional area of the air inlet 48f is approximately twice that of the hollow portion 76f of the baffle element 54 f.

Claims (10)

1. A sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) having a sensor device (12 a;12c;12d;12e;12 f), in particular a lidar device, having at least one sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14d;14e;14 f); and having at least one cleaning device (22 a;22c;22 d) arranged for cleaning a surface (18 a;18c;18d;18e;18 f) of the sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14d;14e;14 f), characterized in that the cleaning device (22 a;22c;22 d) has at least one air flow unit (26 a;26c;26d;26e;26 f) having at least one air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d) and arranged for generating an air flow (28 a;28c;28 d) along the surface (18 a;18c;18d;18e;18 f) of the sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14d;14e;14 f) in order to clean the surface (a; 18d;18 c;18 f) of the sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14 d;18e;18 f).

2. Sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning device (22 a;22c;22 d) has at least one wiper unit (30 a;30b;30c;30 d) with a wiper blade (32 a;32b;32c;32 d) arranged for wiping a surface (18 a;18c;18d;18e;18 f) of the sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14d;14e;14 f).

3. Sensor system (10 a;10 b) according to claim 2, characterized in that the wiper blade (32 a;32 b) of the wiper unit (30 a;32b;32c;32 d) has at least one flow element (42 a;90b, 92 b) which is provided for stabilizing a wiping movement of the wiper blade (32 a;32 b) by means of an air flow (28 a).

4. Sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air flow unit (26 a;26c;26d;26e;26 f) has at least one air inlet (48 a;48c;48e;48 f) arranged for receiving ambient air flowing to the air inlet (48 a;48c;48e;48 f) and leading into an air channel (52 a;52 c) of the air flow unit (26 a;26c;26d;26e;26 f), wherein the air channel (52 a;52 c) is fluidically connected to the air inlet (48 a;48c;48e;48 f) and the air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d).

5. The sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to claim 4, characterized in that the air inlet (48 a;48c;48e;48 f) has a larger cross-sectional area than the air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d).

6. The sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d) extends at least over the entire side length (62 a) of the sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14d;14e;14 f).

7. Sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a baffle element (54 a;54 f) which covers at least the sensor device (12 a;12c;12d;12e;12 f) partially towards the surroundings (16 a) and which has a recess (76 a;76 f) in the region of the sensor protection element (14 a, 14c;14d;14e;14 f).

8. Sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to claims 4 and 7, characterized in that the air inlet (48 a;48c;48e;48 f) is integrated into the baffle element (54 a;54 f).

9. The sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d) is arranged between the sensor protection element (14 a;14c;14d;14e;14 f) and the baffle element (54 a;54 f).

10. Sensor system (10 a;10b;10c;10d;10e;10 f) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air flow unit (26 a;26c;26d;26e;26 f) has a volume flow regulating unit (86 a) arranged for regulating the volume flow of the air flow (28 a;28c;28 d) exiting from the air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d) and/or that the air flow unit has an air temperature regulating unit (88 a) arranged for regulating the temperature of the air flow (28 a;28c;28 d) before the air flow is exiting from the air outlet (50 a;50c;50 d).