Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
  • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
  • B60S1/56—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices specially adapted for cleaning other parts or devices than front windows or windscreens
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
  • B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
  • B60S1/54—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using gas, e.g. hot air
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
  • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
  • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
  • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
  • G01S7/4004—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system
  • G01S7/4039—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system of sensor or antenna obstruction, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating
  • G01S7/4043—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system of sensor or antenna obstruction, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating including means to prevent or remove the obstruction
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
  • G02B27/0006—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
  • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
  • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
  • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
  • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
  • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
  • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
  • G01S17/93—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
  • G01S17/931—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
  • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
  • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
  • G01S7/497—Means for monitoring or calibrating
  • G01S2007/4975—Means for monitoring or calibrating of sensor obstruction by, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating, e.g. by reflection measurement on front-screen
  • G01S2007/4977—Means for monitoring or calibrating of sensor obstruction by, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating, e.g. by reflection measurement on front-screen including means to prevent or remove the obstruction
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
  • H04N23/50—Constructional details
  • H04N23/52—Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
  • H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of vehicle cleaning devices. More particularly, the invention relates to cleaning devices for vehicle sensors, in particular for sensors integrated in a vehicle driving assistance module.
• sensors for driver assistance modules are essential for applications such as reversing assistance, distance regulation radar, traffic sign detection, direction change assistant, blind spot warning, involuntary line crossing or the 360° panoramic view.
• sensors are for example cameras, optical sensors, LIDAR systems, radar systems or even ultrasonic range finders.
• All of the information collected by the sensors is transmitted to a processing unit in the driving assistance module.
• the processing unit analyzes this transmitted information in order to then generate control instructions so that the vehicle driving assistance module can adapt the driving of the vehicle to the environmental conditions.
• the information transmitted by the sensors must be reliable whatever the environmental conditions of the vehicle.
• sensor cleaning devices whose principle is based on the spraying of a washing product on the outer emission and/or receiving surface from a spraying system comprising a pump.
• a first drawback of such a solution is that these cleaning devices have a substantial bulk which can be difficult to manage when several sensors are in the vicinity of each other.
• a second drawback of such a solution is the specificity of each cleaning system for each given sensor.
• a cleaning system is developed for a sensor which makes the production costs high in the case of a multitude of sensors embedded in an autonomous driving module.
• the object of the present invention is to respond at least in part to the above problems and also to lead to other advantages by proposing a new type of cleaning device.
• the present invention proposes a cleaning device for at least one vehicle sensor, comprising at least one air flow generator, at least one air flow transport duct for bringing the air flow to the sensor from a outlet of the air flow generator, the duct comprising at least one air flow inlet opening and at least one air flow outlet orifice.
• a section of the duct inlet opening is larger than a section of the duct outlet.
• the section of the inlet opening and the section of the outlet orifice are measured in a plane perpendicular to a general direction of flow of the air flow in the duct.
• the air flow generator makes it possible to produce an air flow which is brought to the sensor to be cleaned thanks to the air flow transport duct.
• the invention thus makes it possible to avoid the accumulation of foreign bodies on at least one sensor by blowing air while avoiding soiling due to a washing liquid dried on the sensor.
• the section of the duct inlet opening is greater than the section of the duct outlet orifice, which results in having a higher airflow velocity at the orifice. exit than at the entrance opening.
• the cleaning device is able to remove foreign bodies firmly anchored to the sensor.
• the invention therefore makes it possible to address a function of cleaning by air of at least one sensor.
• the inlet opening of the duct is in aeraulic communication with the exhaust vent of the air flow generator.
• the exhaust vent is arranged radially with respect to an axis of rotation of a propeller of the airflow generator.
• the exhaust vent develops in a plane perpendicular to a general direction of flow of the air flow.
• the airflow generator comprises an air intake vent extending in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of a propeller of the airflow generator.
• the airflow generator is a radial fan.
• the duct comprises at least one channel connecting the inlet opening to an outlet opening of the air flow of the channel, and at least one nozzle connecting the outlet orifice to an inlet orifice of the air flow from the nozzle, the inlet of the nozzle facing the outlet opening of the channel.
• the channel can be standardized and the nozzle can be adapted to the specificities of the sensor to be cleaned. It is then also easier to integrate the cleaning device into a vehicle while standardizing the greatest number of parts.
• the performance of the cleaning device as a function of the required operating conditions such as, for example, a drop size, a rain flow or even a vehicle speed, can also be optimized for any type of sensor used. in the vehicle.
• the conduit includes a sleeve to hold the nozzle to the channel.
• the sleeve is integral with the channel. It should be understood here, as in all that follows, by “made from material”, that the elements made from material form one and the same piece, and are therefore made of the same material or materials. This part can be obtained for example by molding or by injection. This part is therefore different from elements added by welding or gluing.
• the sleeve is integral with the nozzle.
• the conduit has a length less than or equal to 250mm, preferably less than or equal to 200mm, preferably less than or equal to 150mm. Length is measured along a streamline of airflow extending from the inlet opening to the outlet of the duct.
• the channel has an internal section which decreases from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening, the internal section being measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the canal.
• internal section of the channel corresponds to the section of the recess of the channel seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the channel . This makes it possible to target a camera far from the exit orifice of the nozzle.
• the decrease in the internal section of the channel is continuous.
• the decrease in the internal section of the channel is a decrease per parlier.
• the internal section of the channel is constant over a first portion of the channel then decreases and remains constant over a second portion of the channel.
• the outlet orifice of the nozzle has an outline developing in a plane secant to a plane of extension of a surface of the sensor.
• the outlet orifice develops in a secant plane to a plane in which the inlet orifice extends.
• an internal section of the nozzle decreases from the inlet orifice towards the outlet orifice. The internal section is measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the nozzle.
• internal section of the nozzle corresponds to the section of the recess of the nozzle seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the nozzle. This makes it possible to target a camera far from the exit orifice of the nozzle.
• the decrease in the internal section of the nozzle is continuous.
• the decrease in the internal section of the nozzle is a decrease per parlier.
• the internal section of the nozzle is constant over a first portion of the nozzle then decreases and remains constant over a second portion of the nozzle.
• the nozzle comprises a ventilation grille extending in a plane perpendicular to a general direction of flow of the air flow in the nozzle.
• the ventilation grille is arranged at the outlet orifice.
• the cleaning device according to the invention comprises at least one element heating the flow of air circulating in the duct.
• the heating element makes it possible to increase the temperature of the air flow passing through the duct. Thus, it can be faster to dry an outer surface of the sensor, which can be useful in particular in the event of frost.
• the heating element is arranged inside the duct and on a wall of the duct.
• the heating element is arranged inside the nozzle and on a wall of the nozzle.
• a distance between the heating element and the outlet orifice is less than or equal to 50mm, preferably less than or equal to 10mm.
• the invention also provides a set of at least two cleaning devices according to the invention, in which the channel of one of the cleaning devices is of identical conformation to a channel of at least one another of the cleaning devices and in that the nozzle of one of the cleaning devices is of different conformation to a nozzle of at least one other of the cleaning devices.
• the channel is a standardized part.
• the invention further provides a driving assistance module for a vehicle, comprising at least one sensor and at least one cleaning device according to the invention.
• the sensor is configured to control the starting of the cleaning device.
• the senor is a rain detector.
• the senor is a camera.
• the driving assistance module comprises a device for spraying cleaning liquid to clean at least one surface of the sensor, the cleaning device being configured to dry the surface of the sensor.
• the outlet orifice of the duct is configured so that the air flow sweeps an outer receiving and/or emitting surface of the sensor.
• the senor is a first sensor
• the duct is a first duct
• the duct module includes a second sensor
• the cleaning device includes a second duct to bring the air flow to the second sensor from the air flow generator exhaust vent.
• the second duct comprises at least one second airflow inlet opening and at least one second airflow outlet orifice, a section of the second inlet opening of the second duct is larger than a section of the second outlet of the second conduit.
• the second duct comprises at least one second channel connecting the second inlet opening to a second outlet opening for the airflow of the second channel, and at least one second nozzle connecting the second outlet orifice to a second inlet orifice for the air flow of the second nozzle, the second inlet orifice of the second nozzle facing the second outlet opening of the second channel.
• the second conduit includes a second sleeve to hold the second nozzle to the second channel.
• the second sleeve is integral with the second channel.
• the second sleeve is integral with the second nozzle.
• the second duct has a length less than or equal to 250mm, preferably less than or equal to 200mm, preferably less than or equal to 150mm. Length is measured along a streamline of airflow extending between the second inlet opening and the second outlet of the duct.
• the second channel has an internal section which decreases from the second inlet opening towards the second outlet opening, the internal section being measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second channel.
• internal section of the second channel corresponds to the section of the recess of the second channel seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second channel. This makes it possible to target a camera far from the second exit orifice of the second nozzle.
• the decrease in the internal section of the second channel is continuous. According to one embodiment, the decrease in the internal section of the second channel is a decrease per parlier. In other words, the internal section of the second channel is constant over a first portion of the second channel then decreases and remains constant over a second portion of the second channel.
• the second outlet orifice of the second nozzle has an outline developing in a plane secant to a plane of extension of a surface of the second sensor.
• the second outlet orifice develops in a secant plane to a plane in which the second inlet orifice extends.
• an internal section of the second nozzle decreases from the second inlet orifice towards the second outlet orifice.
• the internal section is measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second nozzle.
• internal section of the second nozzle corresponds to the section of the recess of the second nozzle seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the flow of air in the second nozzle. This makes it possible to target a camera far from the second exit orifice of the second nozzle.
• the decrease in the internal section of the second nozzle is continuous.
• the decrease in the internal section of the second nozzle is a decrease in stages.
• the internal section of the second nozzle is constant over a first portion of the second nozzle then decreases and remains constant over a second portion of the second nozzle.
• the second nozzle comprises a ventilation grille extending in a plane perpendicular to a general direction of flow of the air flow in the second nozzle.
• the ventilation grille of the second nozzle is arranged at the second outlet orifice.
• the heating element is a first heating element and the cleaning device according to the invention comprises at least one second element heating the air flow circulating in the second duct.
• the heating element makes it possible to increase the temperature of the air flow passing through the second duct. Thus, it can be faster to dry an outer surface of the second sensor, which can be useful in particular in the event of frost.
• the second heating element is arranged inside the second duct and on a wall of the second duct.
• the second heating element is arranged inside the second nozzle and on a wall of the second nozzle.
• a distance between the second heating element and the second outlet orifice is less than or equal to 50mm, preferably less than or equal to 10mm.
• a distance between the first sensor and the second sensor is less than or equal to 350mm, preferably less than or equal to 300mm, preferably less than or equal to 250mm.
• the distance between the two sensors is measured along a straight line passing through the two sensors.
• the invention finally provides a vehicle comprising a driving assistance module according to the invention and/or at least one cleaning device according to the invention.
• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a driver assistance module for a vehicle comprising a device for cleaning vehicle sensors according to the invention
• FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an air flow generator of the cleaning device shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a schematic view of air flow transport ducts of the cleaning device illustrated in Figure 1, seen from a first viewing angle;
• Figure 4 is a schematic view of the airflow transport ducts shown in Figure 3, seen from a second viewing angle;
• Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first nozzle of the cleaning device illustrated in Figure 1, according to a first embodiment
• Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the first nozzle according to a second embodiment
• Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the first nozzle according to a third embodiment.
• a direction of a longitudinal axis L, a direction of a transverse axis T, and a direction of a vertical axis V are represented by a trihedron (L, T, V) in the figures.
• a horizontal plane as being a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis V
• a longitudinal plane as being a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis T
• a transverse plane as being a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.
• FIG. 1 shows in perspective a vehicle driving assistance module comprising a first sensor 7, a second sensor 9 and a cleaning device 2 used in particular to clean at least the two sensors 7, 9.
• This cleaning device 2 could also be used for other sensors and/or other components found in a motor vehicle.
• the cleaning device 2 comprises an air flow generator 3, a first duct 5 for transporting the air flow to bring the air flow to the first sensor 9, a second duct 7 airflow transport to bring the airflow to the second sensor 11.
• the airflow generator 3, the two airflow transport ducts 5, 7 and the sensors 9, 11 are fixed to a bracket 13.
• Airflow generator 3 is a radial flow fan. It comprises a housing 15 in which there are a motor shaft (not shown) and a propeller (not shown) integral with the motor shaft serving to rotate the propeller about an axis of rotation R. axis of rotation R of the propeller is parallel to the vertical axis V.
• the propeller comprises a hub connected to the motor shaft and a plurality of blades. Each blade extends radially outward from the hub and are placed equidistant around the hub.
• the rotation speed of the propeller is between 1,000 rpm and 10,000 rpm generating an air flow with a speed between 0 m/s and 20 m/s.
• the housing 15 is provided with four side walls 17 extending from a lower base 19 to an upper base 21 along the vertical axis V.
• the lower base 19 and the upper base 21 extend each in an extension plane parallel to the horizontal plane previously defined.
• the lower base extension plane 19 is parallel and not intersecting with the upper base extension plane 21.
• the lower base 19 of the housing 15 develops in an extension plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the propeller and is therefore parallel to the horizontal plane.
• the lower base 19 has a square shape seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the propeller, that is to say seen in the horizontal plane.
• the upper base 21 of the casing 15 develops in an extension plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the propeller and is therefore parallel to the horizontal plane.
• the upper base 21 is parallel to the lower base 19 of the housing 15.
• the upper base 21 has a square shape seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R of the propeller, i.e. seen in the plane horizontal.
• a length of one side of the lower base 19 and/or the upper base 21 is substantially equal to 150mm.
• the housing 13 comprises three through holes 23 extending along the vertical axis V. These holes 23 are threaded. The holes 23 are configured to cooperate with screws 25 to fix the air flow generator 3 to the support 13. Each hole 23 is at an intersection between two side walls 17 of the box 3 which are contiguous.
• the air flow generator 3 comprises an air flow inlet 27 and an air flow outlet 29 in aeraulic connection with the first duct 5 and the second duct 7.
• the rotation of the propeller of the air flow generator 3 makes it possible to suck in air from an external environment cleaning device 1 through the inlet mouth 27 and makes it possible to expel the flow of air produced by the exhaust vent 29.
• the air therefore circulates from the intake vent 27 to the vent evacuation 29 in the direction of the ducts 5, 7.
• the inlet mouth 27 is delimited by an opening made in the upper base 21.
• the inlet mouth 27 has an outline of circular shape seen in the horizontal plane.
• the inlet mouth 27 is fitted with a cover 31 in order to limit the entry of dust and/or foreign bodies into the air flow generator 3.
• the exhaust vent 29 is delimited by an opening formed in one of the side walls 17.
• the exhaust vent 29 is arranged radially with respect to the axis of rotation R of the propeller of the air flow generator 3
• the exhaust vent 29 has an outline of rectangular shape seen in a plane perpendicular to a general direction of flow of the air flow.
• the air flow generator 3 is configured to be controlled in power.
• the control of the air flow generator 3 can be slaved to at least one of the sensors 9.11 in order to decide the start-up of the air flow generator 3 and/or adjust the air flow according to the dirtiness of at least one of the sensors 9.11 and/or environmental conditions, such as for example rain.
• the air flow generator 3 is supplied with electricity by the electric battery of the vehicle via an electric cable fitted with a connector.
• the air flow generator is supplied with electricity by photovoltaic cells on board the vehicle.
• the exhaust vent 29 of the air flow generator 3 is in air communication with the first duct 5 and with the second duct
• the first conduit 5 comprises at least a first inlet opening 53 of the air flow and at least a first outlet orifice 105 of the air flow on the first sensor 9.
• the first conduit 5 has a length less than or equal to 500mm. The length is measured along a streamline of the air flow extending between the first inlet opening 53 of the first duct 5 and the first outlet orifice 105 of the first duct 5.
• the first conduit 5 comprises a first channel 51 and a first nozzle 100 according to a first embodiment.
• the first channel 51 connects the first inlet opening 53 to a first outlet opening 55. Between the first inlet opening 53 and the first outlet opening 55, the first channel 51 has the shape of an elbow seen in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first channel 51.
• the elbow has a radius of curvature between 10 mm and 100 mm, the radius of curvature being measured in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first channel 51.
• the first channel 51 has an internal section which decreases from the first inlet opening 53 towards the first outlet opening 55, the internal section being measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first channel 51.
• the internal section of the first channel 51 corresponds to the section of the recess of the first channel 51 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first channel 51.
• the decrease in the section internal first channel 51 is continuous. In one embodiment not shown, the decrease in the internal section of the first channel 51 is a decrease per parlier.
• the first channel 51 comprises a wall 57 which connects the first inlet opening 53 of the air flow to the first outlet opening 55 of the air flow.
• the wall 57 has an internal face 58 which is smooth.
• the internal face 58 of the first channel 51 is devoid of asperities. This makes it possible to limit the pressure losses.
• the internal face 58 of the first channel 51 has no sharp edges, which also makes it possible to limit pressure drops.
• the first inlet opening 53 of the first channel 51, and therefore of the first duct 5, develops in an extension plane perpendicular to the general direction of air flow flow at the level of the first inlet opening 53
• the first inlet opening 53 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first inlet opening 53.
• the section of the first inlet opening 53 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first inlet opening 53 is less than or equal to the section of the outlet mouth 29 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the exhaust vent 29.
• the first channel 51 and therefore the first duct 5 can be inserted into the air flow generator 3 at the level of the first exhaust outlet 29.
• the insertion is done here in force.
• the connection between the exhaust vent 29 and the first inlet opening 53 is ensured by a third-party part.
• the first outlet opening 55 of the first channel 51 extends in an extension plane perpendicular to the general direction of airflow flow at the level of the first outlet opening 55.
• the extension plane of the first outlet opening 55 is secant to the plane of extension of the first inlet opening 53. In an embodiment not shown, these extension planes are parallel and not secant.
• the first outlet opening 55 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first outlet opening 55.
• the section of the first opening d entry 53 of the first duct 51 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first inlet opening 53 is greater than or equal to a section of the first outlet opening 55 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the flow of air at the first outlet opening 55.
• the first channel 51 comprises a first sleeve 59 which extends from the contour of the first outlet opening 55 of the first channel 51 towards the first nozzle 100 in a direction parallel to the general direction of flow air flow at the first sleeve 59.
• the first sleeve 59 is integral with the first channel 51.
• the first sleeve 59 is an added piece.
• the first sleeve 59 is formed with four sides, respectively 61, 63, 65, 67, substantially flat, which together delimit a housing for receiving at least part of the first nozzle 100. More specifically, the sides 61, 63, 65, 67, meet at edges 68. The sides 61, 63, 65, 67 together form a rectangular parallelepiped. The sections 61, 63, 65, 67 have the same dimension in the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first sleeve 59. Thus, the first sleeve 59 ensures the maintenance of the first nozzle 100 at the first channel 51 In addition, the first sleeve 59 allows a Vogellic communication between the first outlet opening 55 of the first channel 51 and the first nozzle 100.
• the first nozzle 100 connects a first airflow inlet 103 to the first airflow outlet 105.
• the first nozzle 100 is held to the first channel 51 by the first sleeve 59 so that the first inlet 103 of the first nozzle 100 is opposite the first outlet opening 55 of the first channel 51.
• the first nozzle 100 has the shape of an elbow seen in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first nozzle 100.
• the elbow has a radius of curvature between 10 mm and 100 mm, the radius of curvature being measured in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first nozzle 100.
• the first nozzle 100 has an internal section which decreases from the first inlet orifice 103 towards the first outlet orifice 105, the internal section being measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first nozzle 100.
• the internal section of the first nozzle 100 corresponds to the section of the recess of the first nozzle 100 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the first nozzle 100.
• the decrease in the internal section of the first nozzle 100 is continuous. In an embodiment not shown, the decrease in the internal section of the first nozzle 100 is a decrease per parlier.
• the first nozzle 100 comprises a wall 107 which connects the first airflow inlet 103 to the first airflow outlet 105.
• the wall 107 of the first nozzle 100 has an internal face 108 which is smooth. In other words, the inner face 108 of the first nozzle 100 has no roughness. This makes it possible to limit the pressure losses.
• the internal face 108 of the first nozzle 100 has no sharp edges, which also makes it possible to limit pressure drops.
• the first inlet 103 of the first nozzle 100 extends in a plane of extension perpendicular to the general direction of airflow flow at the level of the first inlet 103.
• the first inlet 103 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first inlet 103.
• the first outlet orifice 105 of the first nozzle 100 extends in an extension plane perpendicular to the general direction of airflow flow at the first outlet orifice 105.
• the extension plane of the first orifice outlet 105 is secant to the plane of extension of the first inlet orifice 103. In an embodiment not shown, these extension planes are parallel and non-secant.
• the plane of extension of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first nozzle 100 is secant to the plane of extension of the first inlet opening 53 of the first channel 51. In an embodiment not illustrated, these extension planes are parallel and not intersecting.
• the first outlet orifice 105 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first outlet orifice 105.
• the contour is formed of two long edges 113, 117, substantially parallel to each other, and side edges 111, 115, substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the long edges 113, 117, and forming the short sides of the contour.
• the section of the first inlet 103 of the first nozzle 100 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first inlet 103 is greater than or equal to a section of the first orifice outlet 105 of the first nozzle 100, and therefore of the first duct 5, seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first outlet orifice 105.
• the section of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first nozzle 100, therefore of the first duct 5, seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first nozzle 100 is lower than the section of the first inlet opening 53 of the first channel 51, therefore of the first duct 5, seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the flow of air at the first inlet opening 53 of the first channel 51.
• the first sensor 9 is arranged in the vicinity of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first nozzle 100 and therefore of the first duct 5.
• the air flow produced by the flow generator air 3 and leaving the first outlet 105 can reach the first sensor 9.
• a distance between the first outlet 105 and the first sensor is about 5mm. The distance is measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane of extension of the first outlet orifice 105 of the duct 5. In an embodiment not shown, this length may be 50mm.
• the first sensor 9 is a camera connected to at least one data acquisition system fitted to the vehicle.
• the first sensor 9 comprises an outer receiving and/or transmitting surface 10.
• the outer receiving and/or transmitting surface 10 emerges from a surface of the vehicle, here of the support 13, towards an external environment of the vehicle.
• the optical surface of reception and/or transmission 10 extends from a wall of the support 13 in a direction perpendicular to a plane of extension of the wall of the support 13.
• the outer reception and/or emission surface 10 of the first sensor 9 develops in a plane secant to the plane of extension of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first nozzle 100.
• the first sensor 9 is configured to control the starting of the cleaning device 2. In other words, the operation of the cleaning device 2 is slaved to the first sensor 9.
• the second conduit 7 of the cleaning device 2 comprises at least one second airflow inlet opening 71 and at least one second airflow outlet orifice 155 on the second sensor 11
• the second conduit 7 has a length less than the first conduit 5, that is to say a length less than 250 mm. The length is measured along a streamline of the air flow extending between the second inlet opening 73 of the second duct 7 and the second outlet orifice 155 of the second duct 7.
• the second conduit 7 comprises a second channel 71 which connects the second inlet opening 73 to a second outlet opening 75, and a second nozzle 150 which connects a second airflow inlet 153 to the second airflow outlet 155.
• the second channel 71 has the shape of an elbow seen in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second channel 71.
• the elbow has a radius of curvature between 10mm and 100mm, the radius of curvature being measured in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second channel 71.
• the second channel 71 has an internal section which decreases from the second inlet opening 73 towards the second outlet opening 75, the internal section being measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second channel 71.
• the internal section of the second channel 71 corresponds to the section of the recess of the second channel 71 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second channel 71.
• the decrease in the internal section of the second channel 71 is continuous. In an embodiment not shown, the decrease in the internal section of the second channel 71 is a decrease per parlier.
• the second channel 71 comprises a wall 77 which connects the second airflow inlet opening 73 to the second airflow outlet opening 75.
• the wall 77 has an internal face 78 which is smooth.
• the internal face 78 of the second channel 71 is devoid of asperities. This makes it possible to limit the pressure losses.
• the internal face 78 of the second channel 51 has no sharp edges, which also makes it possible to limit pressure drops.
• the second inlet opening 73 of the second channel 71, and therefore of the second duct 7, develops in an extension plane perpendicular to the general direction of air flow flow at the level of the second inlet opening 53
• the second inlet opening 53 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second inlet opening 73.
• the section of the second inlet opening 71 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second inlet opening 73 is less than or equal to the section of the outlet mouth 29 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the exhaust vent 29.
• the second channel 71 and therefore the second duct 7 can be inserted into the air flow generator 3 at the level of the first drain 29.
• the inse rtion is done here in force.
• the connection between the exhaust vent 29 and the second inlet opening 73 is ensured by a third-party part.
• the second outlet opening 75 of the second channel 71 extends in an extension plane perpendicular to a general direction of airflow flow at the level of the second outlet opening 75.
• the extension plane of the second exit opening 75 is secant to the plane of extension of the second entrance opening 73. In an embodiment not illustrated, these extension planes are parallel and not secant.
• the second outlet opening 75 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second outlet opening 75.
• the section of the second opening d entry 73 of the second duct 71 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second inlet opening 73 is greater than or equal to a section of the second outlet opening 75 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second outlet opening 75.
• the second channel 71 comprises a second sleeve 79 which extends from the contour of the second outlet opening 75 of the first channel 71 towards the second nozzle 150 in a direction parallel to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second sleeve 79.
• the second sleeve 79 is integral with the second channel 71.
• the second sleeve 79 is formed four sides, respectively 81, 83, 85, 87, substantially flat, which together delimit a housing 89 for at least partial reception of the second nozzle 150. More specifically, the sides 81, 83, 85, 87 , meet at the edges 91. The sides 81, 83, 85, 87 together form a rectangular parallelepiped. The sections 81, 83, 85, 87 have the same dimension in the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second sleeve 79.
• the second sleeve 79 ensures the maintenance of the second nozzle 150 at the second channel 71
• the second sleeve 79 allows a Vogellic communication between the second outlet opening 75 of the second channel 71 and a second inlet orifice 153 of the second nozzle 150.
• the first conduit 5 and the second conduit 7 are configured to share a common inlet portion 91.
• This common inlet portion 91 comprises a passage of entry of the air flow from the air flow generator 3.
• the air flow inlet passage is formed by the first inlet opening 53 and by the second inlet opening 73 between which there is no there is no separation.
• the common portion 91 is formed by a portion of the first channel 51 and a portion of the second input channel between which there is no separation.
• first inlet opening 53 of the first duct 5 and the second inlet opening 73 of the second duct 7 are distinct. If necessary, the first inlet opening 53 and the second inlet opening 73 are arranged side by side to face the exhaust vent 29 of the air flow generator 3. Thus the exhaust vent 29 supplies airflow to the two ducts through their respective and distinct inlet opening.
• the second nozzle 150 connects a second airflow inlet (not shown) to the second airflow outlet 155.
• the second nozzle 100 is held to the second channel 71 by the second sleeve 79 so that the second inlet orifice of the second nozzle 150 is facing the second outlet opening 75 of the second channel 71.
• the second nozzle 150 has the shape of an elbow seen in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second nozzle 150.
• the elbow has a radius of curvature between 10mm and 100mm, the radius of curvature being measured in a plane comprising the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second nozzle 150.
• the second nozzle 150 has an internal section which decreases from the second inlet orifice towards the second outlet orifice 155, the internal section being measured in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second nozzle 150.
• the internal section of the second nozzle 150 corresponds to the section of the recess of the second nozzle 150 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow in the second nozzle 150.
• the decrease in the internal section of the second nozzle 150 is continuous. In an embodiment not shown, the decrease in the internal section of the second nozzle 150 is a decrease per parlier.
• the second nozzle 150 comprises a wall 157 which connects the second airflow inlet orifice to the second airflow outlet orifice 155 .
• the wall 157 of the second nozzle 150 has an internal face (not visible) which is smooth. In other words, the internal face of the second nozzle 150 is devoid of asperities. This makes it possible to limit the pressure losses.
• the internal face of the second nozzle 150 has no sharp edges which also makes it possible to limit pressure drops.
• the second inlet of the second nozzle 150 extends in an extension plane perpendicular to the general direction of airflow flow at the second inlet.
• the second inlet has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of airflow flow at the second inlet.
• the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150 extends in an extension plane perpendicular to the general direction of airflow flow at the level of the second outlet orifice 155.
• the extension plane of the second orifice outlet 155 is secant to the plane of extension of the second inlet orifice. In an embodiment not illustrated, these extension planes are parallel and not intersecting.
• the plane of extension of the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150 is secant to the plane of extension of the second inlet opening 73 of the second channel 71.
• these extension planes are parallel and not intersecting.
• the second outlet orifice 155 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second outlet orifice 155.
• the section of the second inlet orifice of the second nozzle 150 seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second inlet orifice is greater than or equal to a section of the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150, and therefore of the second duct 7, seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second outlet orifice 155.
• the section of the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150, therefore of the second duct 7, seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150 is smaller than the section of the second inlet opening 73 of the second channel 71, therefore of the second duct 7, seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the second inlet opening 73 of the second channel 71.
• the first nozzle 100 and the second nozzle 150 are of different conformation, so they do not have the same conformation.
• the second sensor 11 is arranged near the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150 and therefore of the second conduit 7.
• the air flow produced by the flow generator of air 3 and leaving the second outlet orifice 155 can reach the sensor 11.
• a distance between the second outlet orifice 155 and the second sensor is approximately 5mm. The distance is measured along an axis perpendicular to the plane of extension of the second outlet orifice 155 of the duct 7. In an embodiment not illustrated, this length can be 50mm.
• the second sensor 11 is a rain sensor connected to at least one data acquisition system fitted to the vehicle.
• the second sensor 11 comprises an outer receiving and/or transmitting surface 12.
• the outer receiving and/or transmitting surface 12 emerges from a surface of the vehicle, here of the support 13, towards an external environment of the vehicle.
• the receiving and/or transmitting optical surface 12 extends from a wall of the support 13 in a direction perpendicular to a plane of extension of the wall of the support 13.
• the outer reception and/or emission surface 12 of the sensor 11 develops in a plane secant to the plane of extension of the second outlet orifice 155 of the second nozzle 150.
• the second sensor 11 is configured to control the starting of the cleaning device 2.
• a distance between the first sensor 9 and the second sensor 11 is substantially equal to 350mm. It may be preferable for this distance to be less than or equal to 300 mm, and more particularly less than or equal to 250 mm.
• the distance between the two sensors is measured along a straight line passing through the two sensors.
• the first sensor 9 that is to say a camera, perceives foreign bodies on its external receiving and/or transmitting surface 10, it sends a signal to the vehicle's data acquisition system which then activates the air flow generator 3.
• the air flow generator produces an air flow which leaves the fan through the exhaust vent 29 and then enters the air flow transport ducts 5, 7 via the first inlet opening 53 and the second inlet opening 73.
• the ducts 5, 7 guide the airflows to the sensors 9.11.
• the airflow leaves the ducts 5, 7 through the first outlet orifice 105, 205, 305 and through the second outlet orifice 155.
• the first outlet orifice 105, 205, 305 makes it possible to direct the airflow on the outer receiving and/or emitting surface 10 of the first sensor 9 in order to entrain foreign bodies from the outer receiving and/or emitting surface 10 of the first sensor 9.
• the second orifice of outlet 155 makes it possible to direct the flow of air on the outer surface of reception and/or emission 12 of the second sensor 11 in order to cause any foreign body found there.
• the data acquisition system can increase the speed of rotation of the propeller of the 3 airflow generator so that the airflow is more powerful.
• the cleaning device 2 can also be actuated directly by an operation when the vehicle is stationary or in operation.
• Figure 6 illustrates the first nozzle according to a second embodiment.
• This second embodiment aims to allow the flow of air leaving the outlet orifice to reach an outer surface for receiving and/or emitting a sensor farther from the first outlet orifice than in the first mode. of achievement.
• the first nozzle 200 according to the second embodiment is identical to the first nozzle 100 according to the first embodiment except for the first outlet orifice.
• the first outlet orifice 205 has an outline in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane perpendicular to the general direction of flow of the air flow at the level of the first outlet orifice 205 of the first nozzle 200 according to the second embodiment.
• the contour is formed of two long edges 213, 217, substantially parallel to each other, and side edges 211, 215, substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the long edges 213, 217, and forming the short sides of the contour of the first orifice of exit 205.
• the two long edges 213, 217 of the outline of the first outlet orifice 205 of the second embodiment have a greater length than that of the two long edges 113, 117 of the outline of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first embodiment.
• the two side edges 211, 215 of the outline of the first outlet orifice 205 of the second embodiment have a length less than that of the two side edges 111, 115 of the outline of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first embodiment.
• the shape of the outline of the first outlet orifice 205 of the second embodiment favors a more laminar flow on the external receiving and/or emission surface of the sensor 9 than the shape of the outline of the first outlet orifice 105 of the first mode of realization.
• the airflow from the airflow generator can reach the outer receiving and/or emitting surface 10 of the first sensor 9 even if the outer receiving and/or emitting surface 10 is far away and before the air flow does not diffuse into the ambient air.
• Figure 7 shows the first nozzle according to a third embodiment.
• This third embodiment makes it possible to target an outer receiving and/or transmitting surface of a sensor even further from the first outlet orifice than in the second embodiment.
• the first nozzle 300 according to the third embodiment is identical to the first nozzle 100 of the first embodiment except for the first exit orifice.
• the first nozzle 300 includes an air vent 309.
• the air vent 309 is arranged at the level of the first outlet orifice 305 of the first nozzle 305.
• the air vent 309 includes rods 311 arranged in a grid.
• the ventilation grille 309 is a trellis.
• the 309 ventilation grille guarantees the most laminar air flow possible to reach the surface external receiving and/or transmitting surface 10 of the first sensor 9 even if the external receiving and/or transmitting surface 10 is far away and before the air flow diffuses into the ambient air. This makes it possible to have good targeting even when the first sensor 9 is far from the first outlet orifice 305.
• the ventilation grid 309 is integral with the wall 107 of the first nozzle 300.
• the second nozzle 150 can be adapted to take up at least one of the characteristics of the three embodiments of the first nozzle 100, 200, 300.
• the second nozzle 150 could incorporate a ventilation grille like that described in the third embodiment. of the first nozzle 100.
• the cleaning device 2 is easily adaptable to the specificities of a surface of a sensor to be cleaned in order to optimize the performance of the system according to the operating conditions required because it suffices to adapt the nozzle or nozzles.
• the cleaning 2 by adapting only the nozzles.
• the cleaning device 2 comprises at least one element heating the flow of air circulating in at least one of the two ducts 5, 7.
• the heating element can be a resistor or a heating film. The heating element makes it possible to increase the temperature of the air flow passing through at least one of the two ducts 5, 7.
• the heating element is arranged inside at least one of the two ducts 5, 7.
• the heating element can be arranged on an internal face and on an internal face 58, 78 d at least one of the channels 51, 71 of the ducts 5.7 or on an internal face 108, 158 of at least one of the nozzles 100, 150, 200, 300 of the ducts 5, 7.
• a distance between the heating element and the first outlet orifice 105, 205, 305 is less than or equal to 50mm, preferably less than or equal to 10mm, if the heating element is placed inside the first duct 5.
• a distance between the heating element and the second outlet orifice 155 is less than or equal to 50mm, preferably less than or equal to 10mm, if the heating element is placed inside the second conduit 7.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
• Remote Sensing (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Nozzles (AREA)
• Cleaning In General (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

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• 2020
  • 2020-07-22 FR FR2007688A patent/FR3112742B1/fr active Active
• 2021
  • 2021-07-06 CN CN202190000717.XU patent/CN220947930U/zh active Active
  • 2021-07-06 WO PCT/EP2021/068606 patent/WO2022017772A1/fr unknown
  • 2021-07-06 US US18/006,247 patent/US20230286471A1/en active Pending
  • 2021-07-06 JP JP2023504402A patent/JP2023535424A/ja active Pending
  • 2021-07-06 EP EP21735992.6A patent/EP4185498A1/de active Pending
  • 2021-07-06 KR KR1020237006075A patent/KR20230053610A/ko unknown

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