DE102020123972A1 - Cleaning device and method for cleaning an optical element with a cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (2) for an optical element (4) of a motor vehicle, having at least one mechanically active cleaning body (8) which is fixed directly or indirectly to the motor vehicle and which, in a working position, is attached to a three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element ( 4), which is raised in relation to the outer skin of the motor vehicle, can be placed or is in contact with it at least in some areas, and with at least one drive (10), through the cleaning body (8) and three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4) for the mechanical Cleaning the three-dimensionally shaped surface portion (6) are movable relative to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning device and a method for cleaning an optical element with such a cleaning device.

Optical elements in the form of scanners, sensors or light sources are used on the outer surface of motor vehicles. These are directly exposed to external weather conditions.

In order to clean them, cleaning devices are known, by means of which the optical elements can be cleaned. If the optical element comprises a surface that is raised with respect to the vehicle outer surface, the use of windshield wipers is made more difficult. With such an outer contour of the optical elements, the known cleaning devices include vibration modules or are equipped with membranes. This prevents or at least reduces permanent deposits of dirt or dust layers on the lens of the optical elements.

When motor vehicles and the optical elements arranged thereon are exposed to particularly severe environmental conditions, reliable protection from dust, dirty water, spray water, dirt from the road, earth or mud as well as snow or rain from the optical element is difficult to guarantee. If the motor vehicle includes a vehicle that can be operated or operated autonomously, ie a vehicle that can be operated autonomously and without a driver, full functionality of the optical element, even with a raised surface, is desirable for operating the motor vehicle.

The object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is to propose a cleaning device and a method for cleaning an optical element with such a cleaning device, in which the risk of dirt being deposited is at least reduced.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device for an optical element of a motor vehicle with at least one mechanically active cleaning body which is attached directly or indirectly to the motor vehicle and which, in a working position, is attached to a three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element which is raised relative to the outer skin of the motor vehicle. can be applied or is in contact at least in regions, and with at least one drive, by means of which the cleaning body and the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can be moved relative to one another for mechanical cleaning of the three-dimensionally shaped surface section

Because the cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning body, which mechanically cleans a three-dimensionally shaped surface section in the working position, in that cleaning body and optics element can be moved relative to one another, contaminants deposited on the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optics element can be mechanically removed. In contrast to cleaning devices, in which a surface of an optical element is cleaned or vibrations are generated simply by spraying on a fluid, contaminants with increased adhesive force can also be removed in this way.

The optical element can be a scanner or a sensor, for example. In addition, the optical element can include a lamp or a headlight.

The motor vehicle can be designed to be guided by people and/or autonomously. The motor vehicle can include a land vehicle, in particular a passenger car, a truck or a transport vehicle for logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and/or production.

A three-dimensionally shaped surface section, which is designed to be raised relative to the outer skin of the vehicle, means that the optical element protrudes at least with the three-dimensionally shaped surface section over the outer skin of the motor vehicle. As a result, the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element does not have a flat profile, but rather a three-dimensionally shaped surface. In one embodiment of the cleaning device, the three-dimensionally shaped surface section can be designed in the shape of a dome, a cone, in particular a truncated cone, or a bell.

The relative movement between the at least one cleaning body and the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can in principle be brought about in any way. In one embodiment of the cleaning device, it is provided that the at least one cleaning body and/or the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can be moved relative to one another about a first axis of rotation running through the optical element and/or that at least one of the at least one cleaning body is movable about a direction parallel or at an angle to the first axis of rotation arranged, running through the at least one cleaning body second axis of rotation is rotatable.

If the at least one cleaning body and/or the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can be moved relative to one another about the first axis of rotation running through the optical element, it is conceivable, for example, for the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element to be stationary relative to the motor vehicle and only the cleaning body to move the first axis of rotation can be moved around the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element. In addition, it is conceivable that the at least one cleaning body is fixed in place with respect to the motor vehicle and the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can be rotated about the first axis of rotation. Furthermore, both the cleaning body and the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optics element can be movable relative to one another about the first axis of rotation in the same direction of rotation or in opposite directions.

If the at least one cleaning body can be rotated about the second axis of rotation, which is arranged parallel or at an angle to the first axis of rotation and runs through the at least one cleaning body, a maximum cleaning effect is made possible with simple kinematics.

The relative movement between the at least one cleaning body and the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can be implemented easily and inexpensively if the drive comprises at least one planetary gear, which comprises a sun gear, a ring gear arranged concentrically to the sun gear and at least one planetary gear arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear. wherein on at least one of the at least one planet wheel a cleaning body can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner or is arranged.

As a result, the at least one cleaning body fixed on the at least one planet wheel can be guided around the first axis of rotation around the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element.

The planetary gear can be operated by a motor acting on the sun wheel, in particular an electric motor.

In order to increase the stability of the cleaning device, a development of the last-mentioned exemplary embodiment comprises at least one guide means, which is arranged on the side of the at least one cleaning body facing the planetary gear, in which at least one cleaning body can be arranged with its free end so that it can move and through which the cleaning body can be moved is manageable.

As a result, the at least one cleaning body is held on one side by the planet wheel of the planetary gear and on the opposite side by the guide means. The guide means can be a sliding ring, for example.

In addition, the cleaning device can comprise at least three planetary gears, distributed evenly or unevenly about the first axis of rotation and arranged between the sun gear and ring gear, or comprise at least three cleaning bodies, wherein at least one cleaning body can be arranged or is arranged on each planetary gear. As a result, the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element can be cleaned in a shorter time.

It is conceivable that the at least three cleaning bodies each have their own guide means. In one exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device, it is provided that the at least three cleaning bodies are each assigned a common guide means. As a result, the cleaning device can be designed with fewer components.

In principle, the cleaning body can have any desired design, provided that it fulfills the function of cleaning the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element during the relative movement of the two parts to one another. In such a case, the cleaning body can, for example, comprise a lamellar surface with which it bears against the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element.

In addition, it has proven to be advantageous if the at least one cleaning body comprises a plurality of cleaning elements extending transversely or at an angle to the second axis of rotation, in particular if the cleaning body comprises a brush.

In such a case, the at least one cleaning body can comprise a brush.

In order to further increase the cleaning effect of the cleaning device, the cleaning device can comprise at least one fluid supply device, which comprises at least one supply line and/or at least one nozzle, through which a fluid, in particular air or a cleaning fluid such as water, is directed towards the cleaning body or the three-dimensionally shaped surfaces section of the optical element can be fed without pressure or under pressure.

The fluid can be, for example, air or a cleaning fluid such as water or the like. If the fluid comprises water or a cleaning fluid, dirt that has dried on the three-dimensionally shaped surface of the optical element can be softened and brushed off by the cleaning body. This improves the cleaning effect of the cleaning device. If the fluid comprises air, for example the three-dimensionally shaped surface of the optical element previously wetted and cleaned by a cleaning fluid can be freed from liquid and dried.

In a development of the last-mentioned embodiment, it proves to be advantageous if at least one supply line and/or at least one nozzle of the fluid supply device can be arranged on or in the ring gear of the planetary gear of the drive and/or in or on the guide means.

In such a case, the cleaning device can be designed to be compact and have fewer components.

It is also conceivable that the supply line is connected directly to the cleaning body and the fluid exits via the cleaning elements that extend transversely or at an angle to the second axis of rotation. In such a case, use of fluid can be made efficient.

The at least one cleaning body of the cleaning device can, if it is not used to clean the optical element, be arranged in such a way that it does not impede the function of the optical element. In such a case, it can be arranged at a position where it is arranged outside an optical axis of the optical element.

In one embodiment of the cleaning device, this comprises at least one actuator, by which at least one of the at least one cleaning body can be transferred from a basic position, in which the cleaning body is arranged outside an optical axis of the optical element, into the working position and back. In such a case, the at least one cleaning body can be arranged in the basic position at a distance from the three-dimensionally shaped surface section.

1. a. Überführen mindestens eines Reinigungskörpers in die Arbeitsstellung;
2. b. Antreiben des mindestens einen Reinigungskörpers zum Drehen um eine durch das Optikelement verlaufende erste Drehachse und um eine parallel oder schräg zur ersten Drehachse angeordnete, durch den mindestens einen Reinigungskörper verlaufende zweite Drehachse durch einen ein Planetengetriebe aufweisenden Antrieb;
3. c. Zuführen eines Reinigungsfluids in Richtung auf den dreidimensional geformten Oberflächenabschnitt des Optikelements durch mindestens eine Fluidzuführeinrichtung;
4. d. Überführen des Reinigungskörpers von der Arbeitsstellung in die Grundstellung; und
5. e. Zuführen von Luft in Richtung auf den dreidimensional geformten Oberflächenabschnitt des Optikelements durch die Fluidzuführeinrichtung.

Finally, the object is achieved by a method for cleaning an optical element with a cleaning device with at least one of the features mentioned above with the steps:

1. a. Transferring at least one cleaning body into the working position;
2. b. driving the at least one cleaning body to rotate about a first axis of rotation running through the optical element and about a second axis of rotation, which is arranged parallel or at an angle to the first axis of rotation and runs through the at least one cleaning body, by a drive having a planetary gear;
3. c. supplying a cleaning fluid in the direction of the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optical element by at least one fluid supply device;
4. i.e. Transferring the cleaning body from the working position to the basic position; and
5. e. Supplying air towards the three-dimensionally shaped surface section of the optics element by the fluid supply device.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the appended patent claims, from the drawing and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device and the method.

• 1 Eine Vorderansicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 2 Eine detaillierte Draufsicht auf ein Planetengetriebe der Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 3 Ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

In the drawing shows:

• 1 A front view of an embodiment of the cleaning device;
• 2 A detailed plan view of a planetary gear of the cleaning device;
• 3 A schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

1 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device for an optical element 4 of a motor vehicle, which is provided overall with the reference number 2 (not explicitly shown in the figures). The optical element 4 is arranged on the motor vehicle with a three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6, which is designed to be raised relative to an outer skin of the motor vehicle. The cleaning device 2 includes a mechanically active cleaning body 8 which is fixed to the motor vehicle. The cleaning body 8 lies flat against the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 in a working position. In order to operate the cleaning body 8, the cleaning device 2 comprises a drive 10, by which the cleaning body 8 at the in 1 shown embodiment is movable relative to the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 of the optics element 4 and thereby cleans the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 of the optics element 4 .

The cleaning body 8 can be rotated about a first axis of rotation 12 which runs through the optical element 4 . In addition, the cleaning body 8 is rotated about a second axis of rotation 14 which runs obliquely to the first axis of rotation 12 and through the cleaning body 8 .

At the in 1 shown embodiment, the cleaning body 8 includes a brush. In such a case, the cleaning body 8 bears against the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 of the optical element 4 with a multiplicity of cleaning elements 16 extending obliquely or transversely to the second axis of rotation 14 .

In order to increase the cleaning effect of the cleaning device 2, the cleaning device 2 comprises a fluid supply device 18, which comprises a large number of supply lines 20 and nozzles 22, through which the fluid, in particular air or cleaning fluid such as water, is directed towards the cleaning body 8 or the three-dimensionally shaped Surface section 6 of the optical element 4 can be fed.

In order to ensure the rotation of the cleaning body 8 about the second axis of rotation 14 and about the first axis of rotation 12 , the cleaning device 2 comprises a planetary gear 24 which is an element of the drive 10 . The planetary gear 24 comprises a sun gear 26, a ring gear 28 and a planet gear 30 which is arranged between the sun gear 26 and the ring gear 28 and to which the cleaning body 8 is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner.

In order to increase the stability of the system of the cleaning device 2, the cleaning device 2 comprises a guide means 32 which is arranged on the side of the cleaning body 8 facing away from the planetary gear 24 and in which the cleaning body 8 is movably arranged with its free end.

2 shows a top view of the planetary gear 24. In order to be able to ensure additional stability between the individual planet wheels 30, a planet carrier 34 can be provided which is fixed to the individual planet wheels 30.

• In einem ersten Schritt 100 wird mindestens ein Reinigungskörper 8 in die Arbeitsstellung überführt.

3 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention. With reference to the remarks on 1 and 2 , the procedure is described below:

• In a first step 100, at least one cleaning body 8 is transferred to the working position.

In a subsequent step 101, the at least one cleaning body 8 is driven to rotate about the first axis of rotation 12 and about the second axis of rotation 14. As a result, the cleaning body 8 rotates about the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 and about its own axis. The cleaning elements 16 running obliquely or transversely to the second axis of rotation 14 rub against the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 of the optical element 4 and clean it mechanically.

In a further step 102 , cleaning fluid can be supplied by the fluid supply device 18 in the direction of the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 of the optical element 4 .

In a subsequent step 103 the cleaning body 8 can be transferred from the working position into a basic position in which the cleaning body 8 is arranged outside an optical axis of the optical element 4 .

In a further subsequent step 104 , the surface section 6 can be dried by supplying air in the direction of the three-dimensionally shaped surface section 6 of the optical element 4 through the fluid supply device 18 .

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawing can be essential both individually and in any combination in the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

Reference List

2

cleaning device

4

optical element

6

surface section

8th

cleaning body

10

drive

12

first axis of rotation

14

second axis of rotation

16

cleaning element

18

fluid delivery device

20

supply line

22

jet

24

planetary gear

26

sun gear

28

ring gear

30

planet wheel

32

means of guidance

34

planet carrier

Claims (10)

Cleaning device (2) for an optical element (4) of a motor vehicle with at least one mechanically active cleaning body (8) which is fixed directly or indirectly to the motor vehicle and which, in a working position, is attached to a three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4), which is raised with respect to an outer skin of the motor vehicle, can be placed or is in contact at least in some areas, and with at least one drive (10), through the cleaning body (8) and three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4) for mechanical cleaning of the three-dimensionally shaped Surface section (6) are movable relative to each other. Cleaning device (2) after claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one cleaning body (8) and/or the three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4) can be moved relative to one another about a first axis of rotation (12) running through the optical element (4) and/or in that at least one of the at least one cleaning body (8) is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (14) which is arranged parallel or at an angle to the first axis of rotation (12) and runs through the at least one cleaning body (8). Cleaning device (2) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drive (10) comprises at least one planetary gear (24) which has a sun wheel (26), a ring gear (28) arranged concentrically to the sun wheel (26) and at least one between the sun wheel (26) and the ring gear (28) arranged planetary gear (30), wherein at least one of the at least one planetary gear (30) a cleaning body (8) rotatably can be arranged or is arranged. Cleaning device (2) after claim 3 , characterized by at least one guide means (32), which is arranged on the side of the at least one cleaning body (8) facing the planetary gear (24), in which at least one cleaning body (8) can be arranged with its free end so that it can move and through which a movement of the cleaning body (8) can be guided. Cleaning device (2) after claim 3 or 4 , characterized by at least three planetary gears (30) distributed uniformly or non-uniformly around the first axis of rotation (12) and arranged between the sun gear (26) and ring gear (28) and/or by at least three cleaning bodies (8), wherein on each planetary gear (30) at least one cleaning body (8) can be arranged or is arranged. Cleaning device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning body (8) comprises a plurality of cleaning elements (16) extending transversely or at an angle to the second axis of rotation (14), in particular that the cleaning body (8) is a brush includes. Cleaning device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one fluid supply device (18) which comprises at least one supply line (20) and/or at least one nozzle (22) through which a fluid, in particular air or a cleaning fluid, such as Water, in the direction of the cleaning body (8) or the three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4) can be supplied under pressure or under pressure. Cleaning device (2) after claim 7 , characterized in that at least one supply line (20) and/or at least one nozzle (22) of the fluid supply device (18) is located on or in the ring gear (28) of the planetary gear (24) of the drive (10) and/or in or on the guide means (32 ) can be arranged or is arranged. Cleaning device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one actuator, by which at least one of the at least one cleaning body (8) is moved from a basic position in which the cleaning body (8) is arranged outside an optical axis of the optical element (4). , can be converted into the working position and back. Method for cleaning an optical element (4) with a cleaning device (2) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 with the steps: a. Transferring at least one cleaning body (8) into the working position; b. Driving the at least one cleaning body (8) to rotate about a first axis of rotation (12) running through the optical element (4) and about a second axis of rotation (12) which is arranged parallel or at an angle to the first axis of rotation (12) and runs through the at least one cleaning body (8). 14) by a drive (10) having a planetary gear (24); c. supplying a cleaning fluid in the direction of the three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4) by at least one fluid supply device (18); i.e. Transferring the cleaning body (8) from the working position to the basic position; and e. Supplying air in the direction of the three-dimensionally shaped surface section (6) of the optical element (4) by the fluid supply device (18).

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