FR3124462A1 - Lidar device and its assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE: Lidar device and its assembly method Lidar device (10a) comprising a lidar unit (12a) and a covering element (14a) covering the lidar unit (12a) and a cleaning unit (16a) for cleaning the element cover (14a). The cleaning unit (16a-16l) has a wiper unit (18a) for cleaning the cover member (14a) and a transport unit (20a) for driving the wiper unit connected removable to the transport unit (20a). Figure 2

Description

Lidar device and its assembly method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lidar device comprising a lidar unit and a cover member covering the lidar unit and a cleaning unit for cleaning it.

The invention also relates to a method for mounting such a lidar device.

STATE OF THE ART

We already know a lidar device intended to equip a road vehicle to capture the environment of the vehicle. The lidar device has a lidar unit, a cover member for the lidar unit, and a cleaning unit for cleaning the window member.

DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The subject of the present invention is a lidar device comprising a lidar unit and at least one covering element covering the lidar unit and a cleaning unit for cleaning the covering element, this lidar device being characterized in that the cleaning comprises at least one wiping unit for cleaning the cover element as well as a transport unit for driving the wiping unit in the installed state, the wiping unit being detachably connected to the transportation unit.

The lidar device is in particular at least a part, preferably at least a subset of a lidar system, in particular of a lidar sensor module. The lidar device may in particular comprise the entire lidar system, in particular the entire lidar sensor module. The lidar device comprises at least one lidar unit which notably comprises at least one lidar sensor element. The lidar sensor element is, for example, provided on a vehicle to capture its environment, in particular for autonomous driving, or even on construction sites to measure or survey constructions, to scan 3D contours or in the laboratory for research. In particular, the lidar device and this in particular at least one lidar sensor element is provided for capturing and/or measuring or recording objects.

Preferably, the lidar device is intended to be applied to a vehicle, in particular, the lidar device can be part of the vehicle. It is also possible to consider installing the lidar device as a retrofit on the vehicle. For example, the lidar device can be installed in addition to a lidar system already fitted to the vehicle. Preferably, the lidar device, in particular as part of the lidar system, is provided for capturing objects, in particular in the environment of the vehicle. The lidar device is intended to capture objects with the vehicle; for this it is installed in the region of the roof of the vehicle, in the frontal region thereof or in the rear region of the vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may include several lidar devices.

The vehicle is, for example, a road vehicle such as a passenger vehicle or a truck or even a railway vehicle, a power car, a tramway or similar equipment or even an aquatic vehicle. It is also possible to envisage the vehicle as a cleaning vehicle, in particular as a cleaning robot, for example as a vacuuming robot and/or a wiping robot. Preferably, the lidar device is connected to the vehicle. The lidar device is provided at least as part of the outer side of the vehicle.

The cover element covers the lidar unit, in particular, with respect to the outside. The cover element is at least substantially transparent. It is possible to envisage a covering element which is at least largely and in particular completely made of glass. Preferably, the cover element is formed at least largely and in particular completely of plastic material. In particular, the cover element is provided to protect the lidar unit against the influence of the environment. The covering element protects the lidar unit at least against the influence of the environment such as, for example, precipitation, rain and/or snow or frost. In particular, the cleaning unit is provided for mechanically cleaning the covering element and this in particular with the aid of a mechanical component. In particular, the mechanical component is other than air and/or water. The cleaning unit could also be used to perform additional cleaning of the cover element with cleaning fluid. The cleaning liquid is dispensed by at least one nozzle or, preferably, several nozzles which, in operation, spray the cleaning liquid onto the cover element. For example, the liquid nozzles can be connected to a liquid supply unit already fitted to the vehicle.

It is also possible to envisage that the cleaning unit comprises a separate liquid supply unit, which comprises, for example, at least one liquid supply line, at least one tank and at least one pump. For example, liquid nozzles can spray cleaning liquid onto the cover element only on demand. For example, it is possible to provide a coupling of at least one rain sensor fitted to the vehicle. In particular, at least one element of the lidar device has a shape to reduce the deposition of dirt from the cover element when this element of the lidar device is operating, for example, when at least one element is realized by its shape as an element of deflector. In particular, the lidar device comprises at least one notably non-transparent cover plate. In particular, at least some elements of the lidar device are provided at least partially and preferably completely behind the cover plate.

The expression "at least in large part" means that it is at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75% and in a particularly preferential way, at least 85% and in a particularly advantageous manner, at least 95% of a part. The expression "at least for the most part" means in the present context that the deviation from a predefined value is in particular less than 25%, preferably less than 10% and in a particularly preferential manner, less than 5 % of preset value.

The expression "operating state" designates a state in which the lidar device is ready to operate, in particular for an input operation. In this operating state, the cleaning unit cleans the window element mechanically. It could also be further envisaged that the cleaning unit cleans the window element in operation only on demand, in particular in the event of clogging of the window element.

To clean the window element, the cleaning unit comprises at least one wiping unit. In addition, the cleaning unit has a transport unit for driving the wiping unit; this transport unit is in particular provided for moving the wiping unit relative to the cleaning of the cover element and passing over this cover element. In particular, in operation, the transport unit moves the wiping unit to clean the cover element by a linear movement and in particular in two directions while passing over the cover element. In particular, the transport unit moves the wiping unit in the operating mode, completely along the cover element in particular to completely mechanically clean the cover element.

In the installed state, the wiper unit is detachably connected to the transport unit. In particular, the wiper unit in the assembled state can be removed from the transport unit. In particular, the wiping unit and/or the transport unit are designed so that the user can remove the wiping unit without requiring any tool with respect to the transport unit, in particular the user end of the vehicle.

The expression "intended for" means that it is a means specially made, installed or designed to perform a certain function in that a means is intended to perform a certain function and this means performs the function determined in at least one application and/or operating state.

The realization of the lidar device according to the invention makes it possible to have better construction properties, in particular, the properties can be improved from the point of view of assembly and/or disassembly and/or for maintenance.

It is further proposed to make the wiping unit in the form of an interchangeable module. In particular, the wiper unit is an interchangeable module without requiring any tool and this, for example, in the event of maintenance and/or replacement of the wiper unit, which is necessary because it is worn. It is also conceivable that the wiping unit be produced as a complete module and be available in particular as a complete module. Such an embodiment can in particular be ensured if the exchange, in particular the maintenance of the wiping unit, is done in an advantageous, particularly simple manner. In particular, this makes it possible to have better properties for maintenance, in particular for the possibility of repair by the lidar device provided. In addition, this allows in particular to optimize the efficiency of the price for maintenance. In particular, maintenance is carried out in particular in a particularly fast manner, in particular the exchange of the wiper unit.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the wiper unit in the installed state connects the end region of the wiper unit to the transport unit. In particular, the wiper unit, in the installed state, is detachably connected for the end region facing the transport unit of the wiper unit. In particular, for the ready-to-travel position of the vehicle equipped with the lidar device, the wiper unit in the installed state is connected to an upper end region of the wiper unit with the transport unit. The fact that the wiper unit is "connected" to the transport unit means in particular that the wiper unit can be advantageously connected by at least one force connection and/or one form connection with the transport unit, for example by screwing or hooking or by a keyway or keyway connection or a clamping connection or any other type of technically interesting connection. Such an embodiment makes it possible to achieve properties that are particularly advantageous for the assembly or the possible size.

According to another characteristic, the transport unit, in the installed state, is connected to an end region of the transport unit with the wiping unit. In particular, the transport unit, in the installed state, is detachably connected with the wiping unit at an end region facing the wiping unit in the transport unit. In particular, for a position of the vehicle ready to travel comprising the lidar device, the transport unit is connected in the mounted state to a lower end region of the transport unit with the wiper unit. Thanks to such an embodiment, particularly advantageous properties are obtained for the assembly or the necessary space requirement.

According to another characteristic, the cleaning unit comprises a hooking unit which makes it possible to connect the wiping unit by hooking to the transport unit. In this installed state, the wiper unit is connected by a hooking unit to the transport unit by a link by a hooking link. The expression "attachment unit" designates a unit having at least one attachment element which, during the fastening operation, deforms elastically to then resume its clamping force behind a corresponding attachment element. Such an embodiment makes it possible to have particularly advantageous properties from the point of view of assembly and/or economy.

In this context, it is further proposed that the hooking unit comprises at least one hooking element of the wiper unit and at least one receiver of the hooking element on the transport unit. As a variant, it is also possible for the attachment unit to comprise at least one attachment element receiver of the wiping unit and at least one attachment element of the transport unit. In particular, the hooking element or the hooking element receiver can be realized at least partly by a housing element of the wiper unit or of the transport unit. Such an embodiment makes it possible, in particular, to have advantageous properties for assembly or cost reduction.

According to another characteristic, the cleaning unit comprises a spring-loaded closure which locks the wiping unit to the transport unit. For example, the cleaning unit may include the spring-loaded closure, alternatively or in addition to the hooking unit. In particular, the spring closure has at least one separate spring element. In particular, the separate spring element is separate from the housing element of the wiper unit and/or the transport unit. In particular, the wiper unit, in the installed state, is detachably connected at least partly by the spring-loaded closure to the transport unit. It is also possible to envisage a spring element comprising a metal spring. Such an embodiment is particularly simple to install and/or particularly solid for the removable connection of the wiping unit with the transport unit.

According to another characteristic, the spring-loaded closure, in the installed state, provides a pushing force to the wiper unit. In particular, the spring-loaded closure pushes the wiper unit and in particular the wiper blade of the wiper unit in the installed state, against the cover element. This allows a particularly advantageous cleaning performance by the cleaning unit. In particular, such an embodiment guarantees that the wiping blade is applied in operation, flat against the cover element. In addition, safety is thus increased, in particular for autonomous driving with the lidar device.

According to another characteristic, the cleaning unit comprises an actuating unit intended to be actuated by the user and which releases the wiping unit with respect to the transport unit. In particular, the actuating unit is designed so that when actuated, it releases the latching connection of the wiping unit and the transport unit. Alternatively or additionally, the actuation unit is designed to release the connection between the wiper unit and the transport unit by the spring connection being opened. Such an embodiment offers particularly advantageous characteristics from the handling point of view. In particular, the exchange of the wiping unit is particularly simple thanks to this embodiment.

According to another characteristic, the actuation of the actuation unit to release the wiper unit relative to the transport unit results in an elastic deformation of the wiper unit and/or of the transportation unit. In particular, if the wiping unit is connected to the transport unit by the hooking unit which is itself, for example in one piece with the actuating unit, the operation of the actuating unit results in the release of the wiper unit relative to the transport unit, by an elastic deformation of the wiper unit or of the transport unit. It is also possible to actuate the actuating unit to release the wiper unit relative to the transport unit with an elastic deformation of a housing element of the wiper unit or of a housing element of the transport unit. This embodiment guarantees in particular a possibility of release without requiring any tool of the wiping unit relative to the transport unit. In particular, this embodiment offers ease of assembly or disassembly of the wiping unit. In particular, the assembly or disassembly of the wiper unit will be faster and easier.

According to another characteristic, the actuation unit is at least partly in one piece with the spring closure. Alternatively or additionally, the actuation unit may be at least partly integral with the hooking unit. The expression "in a single piece" denotes at least one connection by material, for example, by welding, gluing, overmolding by injection or any other technically interesting or advantageous process by forming in a single piece, for example, by producing by casting or by injection with one or more components and advantageously from a single blank. This allows an improvement, in particular of economy and comfort. In particular, the multiplication of components is reduced, which improves the economy of the solution accordingly.

According to another characteristic, the actuation of the actuation unit to release the wiper unit relative to the transport unit triggers an elastic deformation of a spring element of the spring connection. In particular, actuation of the actuation unit releases the locking of the wiper unit to the transport unit by the spring-loaded closure, by elastic deformation of a spring element of the spring-loaded closure. Such an embodiment makes it possible to release the wiping unit relative to the transport unit without the need for a tool. In particular, such an embodiment improves the comfort of assembly or disassembly of the wiper unit. In particular, mounting and/or dismounting of the wiper unit will thus be faster and simpler.

According to another characteristic, the cleaning unit comprises at least one guide unit for guiding the wiping unit on mounting on the transport unit in a mounting position. The mounting position is in particular a position of the wiper unit relative to the transport unit, in which the hooking unit or the spring closure make it possible to connect the wiper unit to the transport unit. transport. In particular, the guide unit guides the wiper unit for mounting on the transport unit in the mounting position, so that the hooking unit participates in the hooking connection or in the closing by spring from the lock. Thus, such an embodiment ensures assembly in a particularly simple manner. In particular, any assembly error and any damage to the assembly are avoided. In particular, the guide unit makes it possible to compensate for tolerances, in particular position tolerances on assembly, in particular on manual assembly by the user.

In this context, it is further proposed that the guide unit comprises at least one ramp for the wiper unit and one fastening element for the transport unit and which cooperate in the assembly. In particular, the ramp of the wiping unit is provided to allow the assembly to be applied against the fixing element of the transport unit. On assembly, when the user puts the wiper unit, in particular against the fixing element, the ramp which comes against the fixing element, leads the wiper unit into the correct mounting position with respect to to the transport unit. In particular, the wiper unit ramp and fixing element are provided on the transport unit. As a variant, it is possible to envisage the ramp being fixed on the transport unit and the fixing element being provided particularly on the wiper unit. Such an embodiment allows in particular a simple assembly avoiding any assembly error and any damage to the assembly, which is advantageous. In particular, the guide unit makes it possible to compensate for the tolerances, in particular the positioning tolerances on assembly, in particular, on assembly by hand by the user.

According to another characteristic, the wiping unit comprises at least one housing for receiving a fastening element of the transport unit. Advantageously, the fixing element is in the form of a raised part; it is provided so that, in the installed state, this raised part enters a recess; in particular, the housing at least partially surrounds the fixing element. Alternatively or additionally, the wiping unit comprises at least one fixing element, in particular, the fixing element and the transport unit comprise at least one housing and in particular housings. In particular, the housings and the fixing element are provided for fixing the wiping unit to the transport unit, in common with the hooking unit or in common with the spring closure. In particular, the fastening element and/or the housing are at least partly in one piece with the attachment unit, in particular with the attachment element or with an attachment element receiver. Thus, we will have a particularly solid construction. Moreover, such an embodiment ensures the safety of the vehicle comprising this lidar device.

According to another characteristic, in the installed state, the wiping unit is removable from the cover element, at least in the service position. In particular, the service position corresponds to a horizontal position of the wiping unit along the cover element and this in particular perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the cover unit. The expression "main extension plane" of a constructive unit designates a plane parallel to the largest lateral surface of the smallest parallelepiped which still completely surrounds this constructive unit and passes in particular through the center of the parallelepiped. In particular, it is possible to envisage several service positions, for example, at least two service positions and in particular at least three service positions. In particular, it is conceivable that the vehicle equipped with the lidar device comprises the wiper unit in the stowed state of the vehicle out of the service position. Such an embodiment offers, in particular, great security. In particular, the fact that the wiper unit must, first of all, be activated, in particular, by an operation of the user to be brought into the service position, guarantees that the wiper unit does not accidentally detach. In addition, this embodiment advantageously avoids theft and vandalism of the wiper unit.

According to another characteristic, the cleaning unit comprises at least one pivoting bearing unit rotatably receiving the wiping unit in the installed state; the wiping unit is rotatable by the bearing unit between an operating position and the service position; the cleaning unit has at least one blocking element for blocking the possibility of rotation of the wiper unit by the rotation bearing element in at least one position and releasing in at least one other position. Alternatively or in addition to the horizontal position of the wiper unit along the cover element, the service position corresponds to a position of the wiper unit relative to the cover element with a determined angle between the wiping unit and the cover element and this in particular according to a side view, in particular, along the main plane of extension of the cover element. In particular, the angle between the wiper unit and the cover element in the service position will be, for example, at least 10°, advantageously at least 15° and in a particularly advantageous manner, at least 20°, preferably at least 30° and particularly preferably at least 40°. In particular, the angle between the wiper unit and the cover element in the service position will be, for example, at most equal to 90°, advantageously at most equal to 80°, in a particularly advantageous way equal at most 70° and preferably equal to at most 60° and particularly preferably at most equal to 50°.

In particular the angle between the wiper unit and the cover element, for example, in at least the horizontal position of the wiper unit along the cover element, changes by unity of rotation bearing and the wiper unit is thus adjustable in service position. In particular, the blocking element is provided to prevent pivoting or rotation of the wiper unit in a direction away from the cover element in the mounted state. In particular, the locking element has at least one toothing, for example a toothed disk or the like, and at least one pawl locking the toothing in the installed state. In particular, the toothing of the locking element is oriented to block the meshing of the locking pawl in the toothing only for the possibility of rotation of the wiper unit in the direction opposite to that of the cover element . In particular, the possibility of pivoting or rotating the wiper unit in a direction facing the cover element is always guaranteed, in particular to be able to provide the pushing force. This allows in particular a particularly simple assembly or disassembly of the wiper unit relative to the transport unit. In addition, it improves comfort in particular.

According to another characteristic, the wiping unit comprises at least one housing unit and one wiping blade; the wiping blade is interchangeable in the service position. In particular, the wiping unit comprises at least one wiping blade provided for wiping the cover element, particularly in operation. In particular, the wiping blade of the wiping unit is interchangeable. For example, the wiping blade of the wiping unit is interchangeable without the need for tools in the service position, for example, in case the wiping blade is worn. The expression "wiper blade" means, in the present context, a blade for wiping the cover element. Preferably, the wiping blade is made of a rubbery material. For example, the housing unit has at least one housing member with a receiving groove, and the wiper blade interchangeably slides into the receiving groove. In particular, in the service position, the wiping blade of the wiping unit can be removed from the housing unit.

Such an embodiment allows particularly simple assembly and/or disassembly of only the wiper blade. Particularly by such operation, there will be a particularly economical maintenance because, in particular, only the wiping blade will have to be changed when it is worn.

According to another characteristic, the wiping unit comprises an end cap which, in the installed state of the wiping blade, fixes the latter at least in the service position with respect to the housing unit. In particular, the end cap fixes the wiper blade in the installed state, moreover in its operating state, in particular in a position of the wiper unit relative to the cover element beyond from the service position. It could also be envisaged that the end cap, in the installed state, closes the receiving groove of the housing element, in particular, in the end region of the wiper unit not facing towards the transportation unit. The end cap secures the wiper blade in the housing unit, in particular, in the receiving groove of the housing member. It could be envisaged, for example, that the wiper unit comprises at least one housing element, and in particular, at least one end cap. For example, the housing member or end cap may be provided to receive the wiper blade when installed. Such a realization allows in particular to improve comfort. In particular, the wiping blade is prevented from coming off in the service position.

The particularly advantageous properties of a construction can be obtained with a vehicle equipped with at least one lidar device.

The invention also relates to a method for mounting a lidar device with a cleaning unit which comprises a wiping unit for mechanically cleaning the cover element of the lidar unit and the transport unit for the wiper unit drive.

According to another characteristic, the wiping unit is removably connected to the transport unit. This makes it possible to have better properties from the point of view of assembly and/or disassembly, in particular, for maintenance.

The present invention will be described below in more detail using embodiments of a lidar device shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

simplified schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with a lidar device according to the invention,

simplified representation of the lidar device equipped with a cleaning unit,

simplified representation of the lidar device equipped with a cleaning unit,

simplified representation of the lidar device equipped with a cleaning unit,

perspective view of a wiper unit and a transport unit of the cleaning unit and example of mounting the wiper unit on the transport unit,

perspective view of a wiper unit and a transport unit of the cleaning unit and example of mounting the wiper unit on the transport unit,

perspective view of a wiper unit and a transport unit of the cleaning unit and example of mounting the wiper unit on the transport unit,

perspective view of a wiper unit and a transport unit of the cleaning unit and example of mounting the wiper unit on the transport unit,

simplified top view of the cover element of the lidar device showing different operating positions of the wiper unit,

flowchart of a method of mounting the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

perspective view of the spring closure,

schematic view of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic view of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

perspective view of the spring closure,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a spring closure of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a rotating bearing unit of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a rotating bearing unit of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a rotating bearing unit of a cleaning unit of the lidar device,

schematic representation of a part of a lidar device of another embodiment of the invention with a rotating bearing unit of a cleaning unit of the lidar device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

There shows a 60a vehicle. The vehicle 60a includes a lidar device 10a. The vehicle 60a is a road vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle. The lidar device 10a is installed in the frontal area of the vehicle 60a. The lidar device 10a is in particular connected to the vehicle 60a in its frontal zone.

The lidar device includes a lidar unit 12a (see Figures 2-4). The lidar unit 12a includes at least one lidar sensor (not shown). In addition, the lidar device 10a of the example embodiment presented includes a cover element 14a.

Cover member 14a covers lidar unit 12a. The covering element 14a is provided to protect the lidar unit 12a against environmental influences and in particular against dirt and/or humidity. The lidar device 10a includes a cleaning unit 16a. The cleaning unit 16a is provided for cleaning the cover element 14a.

The cleaning unit 16a is provided to at least mechanically clean the cover element 14a. For the mechanical cleaning of the cover element 14a, the cleaning unit 156a has a wiping unit 18a.

It could also be envisaged that the cleaning unit 16a also ensures the cleaning of the cover element 14a using a cleaning liquid. For example, wiper unit 18a could have nozzles (not shown) for cleaning cover member 14a with cleaning fluid.

The cleaning unit 16a further comprises a transport unit 20a. Transport unit 20a moves wiper unit 18a to clean cover member 14a in a linear motion passing over cover member 14a. The transport unit 20a moves the wiping unit 18a to clean the cover member 14a in both directions passing over the cover member 14a.

The wiping unit 18a has a wiping blade 56a for mechanically cleaning the cover member 14a. The transport unit 20a moves the wiper blade 56a to clean the cover member 14a bidirectionally on the cover member 14a.

The wiping unit 18a is detachably connected to the transport unit 20a. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18a is detachably connected to the transport unit 20a. Thus, the wiping unit 18a is realized as an interchangeable module. This makes it possible to simply replace the wiper unit 18a, for example, if it is worn out.

The wiper unit 18a in the installed state is connected in an end region 22a of the wiper unit 18a to the transport unit 20a. The transport unit 20a in its installed state, is connected to the end zone 22a of the transport unit 20a to the wiper unit 18a.

The cleaning unit 16a has a hooking unit 24a with which the wiping unit 18a is hooked to the transport unit 20a. The hooking unit 24a includes a hooking member 26a of the wiping unit 18a and a hooking member receiver 28a of the transport unit 20a.

The cleaning unit 16a comprises an actuation unit 32a to be actuated by a user, allowing the wiping unit 18a to be unhooked from the transport unit 20a.

Actuation of actuation unit 32a to release wiper unit 18a from transport unit 20a requires elastic deformation of wiper unit 18a or transport unit 20a.

The cleaning unit 16a has a guide unit 36a for guiding the wiping unit 18a when mounting on the transport unit 20a in the mounting position.

The guide unit 22a comprises a ramp 38a of the wiping unit 18a and a fixing element 40a of the transport unit 20a which cooperate in assembly.

The wiping unit 18a comprises a housing 42a designed to receive a fixing element 44a of the transport unit 20a.

The wiping unit 18a, in the installed state, can only be removed in a service position 46a with respect to the cover element 14a. The wiping unit 18a includes at least a housing unit 54a and the wiping blade 56a. The wiping blade 56a is interchangeable in service position 46a.

There shows the flowchart of a mounting method 10 of a lidar device 10a. In method step 102a, the wiping unit 18a is provided for the mechanical cleaning of the cover element 14a of the lidar unit 12a and the transport unit 20a for driving the wiping unit 18a ; in the next step 104a of the method 100, the wiping unit 18a is removably connected to the transport unit 20a.

Figures 11 to 32 show eleven other embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are mainly limited to the differences between the embodiments; for the components having the same references, reference should in principle be made to the drawings or to the description of the other examples of embodiment, in particular, those of figures 1 to 10. To distinguish the examples of embodiment, the literal suffix (a) is applied to the references of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10. In the embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 32, the letter (a) is replaced by the letters (b)-(l).

Figures 11 to 13 show part of a lidar device 10b of another embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10b includes a cover element 14b. To clean cover element 14b; the lidar device 10b has a cleaning unit 16b having an angled area 18b which is shown in a greatly simplified manner in the present figures 11 to 13.

The cleaning unit 16b further comprises a transport unit 20b. The transport unit 20b moves the wiping unit 18b to clean the cover member 14b in a linear motion on the cover member 14b. The wiper unit 18b has a wiper blade 56b for mechanically cleaning the cover member 14b. The wiping unit 18b is detachably connected to the transport unit 20b. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18b is detachably connected to the transport unit 20b.

Furthermore, the cleaning unit 16b has a spring-loaded closure 30b which locks the wiping unit 18b to the transport unit 20b (see figures 12 and 13).

The cleaning unit 16b is equipped with an actuating unit 32b to release the wiper unit 18b from the transport unit 20b. The actuation unit 32b allows the user to elastically deform the spring closure 30b by its actuation. Actuation of actuation unit 32b releases spring catch 32b and detaches wiper unit 18b from transport unit 20b.

The actuation unit 32b is made in one piece with the spring closure 30b. Thus, the actuation unit 32b is part of the spring closure 30b. The spring closure 30b is provided to be actuated by the user.

There shows an example of the shape of the spring closure 30b. At the front, the spring closure 30b has a grip zone 62b which is provided to lock the wiper unit 18b to the transport unit 20b in this transport unit 20b. The rear region part of the spring closure 30b corresponds to an actuation region 64b which, by elastic deformation of the spring closure 30b, releases the grip of the grip region 62b with respect to the transport unit 20b.

Figures 14 to 16 show part of a lidar device 10c of another embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10c includes a cover element 14c. To clean the cover element 14c, the lidar device 10c has a cleaning unit 16c with a wiping unit 18c shown in a greatly simplified manner in the present figures 14 to 19.

Further, the cleaning unit 16c includes a transport unit 20c. The transport unit 20c moves the wiping unit 18c linearly over the cover member 14c to clean this cover member 14c. The wiping unit 18c includes a wiping blade 56c for mechanically cleaning the cover member 14c. The wiping unit 18c is detachably connected to the transport unit 20c. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18b is detachably connected to the transport unit 20c.

The cleaning unit 16c further comprises a spring-loaded closure 30c which makes it possible to block the wiping unit 18c on the transport unit 20c (see FIGS. 14 and 15). The spring closure 30c differs from the spring closure of the previous embodiment of the invention at least in form. There shows an example of the shape of the spring closure 30c. The spring closure 30c of this exemplary embodiment comprises two opposite segments with respectively four partial regions forming an angle between them.

Figures 17 and 18 show part of a lidar device 10d of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10d includes a cover element 14d. To clean the cover element 14d, the lidar device 10d has a cleaning unit 16d provided with a wiping unit 18d which are represented in a greatly simplified manner in figures 17 and 18.

The cleaning unit 16d comprises a transport unit 20d. The transport unit 20d moves the wiping unit 18d to clean the cover element 14d, following a linear movement on the cover element 14d. The wiper unit 18d includes a wiper blade 56d for mechanically cleaning the cover member 14d. Wiper unit 18d is detachably connected to transport unit 20d. In the installed state, the wiping unit 18d is detachably connected to the transport unit 20d.

The cleaning unit 16d further comprises a spring closure 30d which makes it possible to lock the wiping unit 18d on the transport unit 20d (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The spring closure 30d differs at least in shape from the spring closure of the previous embodiments of the invention. There shows an exemplary shape for the spring closure 30d. The spring closure 30d of the present embodiment has two segments opposite each other with respectively two parallel partial regions and an arc-shaped connection zone between the mutually parallel partial regions.

Figures 19 and 20 show part of a lidar device 10e of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10e includes a cover element 14e. To clean the cover element 14e, the lidar device 10e has a cleaning unit 16e with a wiping unit 18e shown in a greatly simplified manner in the present figures 19 and 20.

The 16th cleaning unit has a 20th transport unit. The transport unit 20e moves the wiping unit 18e to clean the cover element 14e in a linear motion on the cover element 14e. The wiping unit 18e has a wiping blade 56e for mechanically cleaning the cover element 14e. The wiper unit 18e is detachably connected to the transport unit 20e. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18e is detachably connected to the transport unit 20e.

The cleaning unit 16e further comprises a spring-loaded closure 30e which makes it possible to block the wiping unit 18e on the transport unit 20e. The spring closure 30e differs from the spring closure of the previous embodiments of the invention at least in its shape. There shows, by way of example, a form of spring closure 30e. The spring closure 30e of the present embodiment has two partial regions, parallel to each other and a spiral connecting region between the two associated parallel regions.

Figures 21 and 22 show part of a 10f lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10f includes a cover element 14f. To clean the cover element 14f, the lidar device 10f has a cleaning unit 16f with a wiping unit 18f which is shown in a greatly simplified manner in the present figures 21 and 22.

The cleaning unit 16f further includes a transport unit 20f. The transport unit 20f moves the wiper unit 18f linearly over the cover member 14f to clean this cover member 14f. The wiper unit 18f has a wiper blade 56f for mechanically cleaning the cover member 14f. The wiper unit 18f is detachably connected to the transport unit 20f. In the installed state, the wiping unit 18f is detachably connected to the transport unit 20f.

The cleaning unit 16f further comprises a spring-loaded closure 30f which locks the wiping unit 18f to the transport unit 20f. The spring closure 30f differs from the spring closure of previous embodiments of the invention at least in shape. There shows an example of the shape of the spring closure 30f. the spring closure 30f of the present embodiment has two partial regions parallel to each other and a spiral-shaped connecting region between the parallel partial regions. The spring closure 30f has an actuation unit 32f formed by two branches perpendicular to the parallel partial regions of the spring closure 30f.

Figures 23 and 24 show part of a lidar device 10g of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10g includes a cover element 14g. To clean the covering element 14g, the lidar device 10g comprises a cleaning unit 16g provided with a wiping unit 18g which are represented in a highly simplified manner in figures 23 and 24.

Also, the 16g cleaning unit has a 20g transport unit. Transport unit 20g moves wiper unit 18g to clean cover element 14g, linearly over cover element 14g. The 18g wiping unit has a 56g wiping blade to mechanically clean the 14g cover element. the 18g wiping unit is detachably connected to the 20g carrying unit. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18g is detachably connected to the transport unit 20g.

The cleaning unit 16g further comprises a spring-loaded closure 30g which locks the wiping unit 18g to the transport unit 20g. The spring closure 30g differs from the spring closure of the previous embodiments of the invention at least in shape. There shows, by way of example, a form of the spring closure 30g.

The spring closure 30g of the present embodiment has two partial regions forming an angle between them as well as a connecting region in the form of a spiral between the mutually parallel partial regions. The 30g spring catch has an actuating unit 32g which, in the installed state, is located in the area of the transport unit 20g. The 30g spring-loaded closure provides a thrust force acting on the 18g wiper unit when installed. The 30g spring catch pushes the 18g wiping blade in the installed state, against the 14g cover element. In the example presented, this is done with a spiral connection area between the partial regions associated in parallel.

Figures 25 and 26 show part of a 10h lidar device of another embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10h includes a covering element 14h. To clean this cover element 14h, the lidar device 10h has a cleaning unit 16h with a wiping unit 18h which are represented in a greatly simplified way in figures 25 and 26.

The 16h cleaning unit also includes a 20h transport unit. The transport unit 20 o'clock moves the wiping unit 18 o'clock to clean the cover element 14 o'clock in a linear motion passing over the cover element 14 o'clock. The 18h wiping unit features a 56h wiping blade to mechanically clean the 14h cover element. The wiper unit 18h is detachably connected to the transport unit 20h. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18h is detachably connected to the transport unit 20h.

The cleaning unit 16 o'clock further comprises a spring closure 30 o'clock which locks the wiping unit 18 o'clock to the transport unit 20 o'clock. The spring closure 30h differs from the spring closure of the previous embodiments of the invention at least in its shape. There shows an example of the shape of the 30h spring closure.

The spring closure 30h of this embodiment has two part springs which are produced separately from each other. These partial springs made separately from each other are installed at least practically parallel.

The 30h spring catch has a 32h actuation unit. The 32h actuation unit is a part of the partial springs made separately from each other.

There shows part of a lidar device of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10i includes a cover element 14i. To clean the cover element 14i, the lidar device 10i has a cleaning unit 16i with a wiping unit 18i which are shown in a highly simplified manner in the present example according to the .

In addition, the 16i cleaning unit has a 20i transport unit. Transport unit 20i moves wiper unit 18i to clean cover member 14i linearly over cover member 14i. The wiper unit 18i includes a wiper blade 56i for mechanically cleaning the cover member 14i. The wiper unit 18i is detachably connected to the transport unit 20i. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18i is detachably connected to the transport unit 20i.

The cleaning unit 16i further comprises a spring-loaded closure 30i which locks the wiping unit 18i to the transport unit 20i. The spring closure 30i differs from the spring closure of the previous embodiments of the invention at least in its shape. There shows an example of the shape of the spring closure 30i.

The spring closure 30i of the present embodiment has two spring parts which are produced separately from each other. The spring parts made separately from each other overlap in the installed state. In this example, the spring parts separated from each other cross each other.

There shows part of a lidar device 10j of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10j includes a cover element 14j. To clean the cover member 14j, the lidar device 10j has a cleaning unit 16j with a wiping unit 18j which are shown in a greatly simplified manner herein. .

The 16d cleaning unit has a 20d transport unit. The transport unit 20j moves the wiping unit 18j in a linear motion over the cover element 14j to clean this cover element 14j. The 18j wiping unit has a 56j wiping blade to mechanically clean the 14j cover element. Wiper unit 18j is detachably connected to transport unit 20j. In the installed state, the wiping unit 18j is detachably connected to the transport unit 20j.

The cleaning unit 16j has a spring-loaded closure 30j which locks the wiping unit 18j to the transport unit 20j. The spring closure 30j differs from the spring closure of the previous embodiments of the invention at least in form. There shows an example of the shape of the spring closure 30j. The spring closure 30j of the present embodiment has two partial regions installed parallel to each other and a spiral-shaped connecting region between the two partial regions. The link region is in one piece with the two partial regions parallel to each other.

Figures 29 and 30 show part of a 10k lidar device corresponding to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The 10k lidar device includes a 14k cover element. To clean the cover element 14k, the lidar device 10k has a cleaning unit 16k with a wiping unit 18k which, in the present example embodiment, is shown very simplified in figures 29 and 30.

The 16k cleaning unit has a 20k transport unit. Transport unit 20k moves wiper unit 18k to clean cover element 14k linearly over cover element 14k. The 18k wiping unit features a 56k wiping blade to mechanically clean the 14k cover element. The 18k wiper unit is detachably connected to the 20k transport unit. In the installed state, the wiper unit 18k is detachably connected to the transport unit 20k.

The 18k wiper unit has a 58k end cap that secures the 56k wiper blade when installed at least in a 46k service position relative to the 54k housing unit.

The cleaning unit 16k comprises a rotating bearing unit 48k rotatably receiving the wiping unit 18k in the installed state; the wiper unit 18k can be rotated by the bearing unit 48k between an operating position 50k and the service position 46k; the cleaning unit 16k comprises at least one blocking element 52k intended to block the possibility of pivoting of the wiper unit 18k by the bearing element 48k in at least one position and to release it in at least another position.

Figures 31 and 32 show part of a lidar device 101 of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10l includes a cover element 14l. To clean the cover element 14l, the lidar device 10l has a cleaning unit 16l with a wiping unit 18l which is shown in a greatly simplified manner in the present figures 31 and 32.

The cleaning unit 16l has a rotational bearing unit 48l which rotatably receives the wiping unit 18l in an installed state. The rotation bearing unit 48l of the present embodiment receives the wiper unit 18l with a rotation axis according to the main extension plane of the wiper unit 18l.

NOMENCLATURE OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS

(without alphabetical suffixes)

10 Lidar device

12 Lidar unit

14 Cover element

16 Cleaning unit

18 Wiper unit

20 Transport unit

22 Wiper unit end region

24 Rigging unit

26 Hanging element

28 Rigging element receiver

30 Spring closure

32 Actuation unit

36 Guide unit

38 Ramp

42 Housing

44 Fixing element

46 Service Position

48 Bearing of rotation

50 Operating position

52 Blocking element

54 Housing unit

56 Wiper Blade

60 Vehicle

62 Grip region

64 Actuation region

100 Assembly process

101 Lidar device

141 Cover element

161 Cleaning unit

181 Wiper unit

481 Bearing of rotation

Claims (21)

A lidar device (10a-10l) comprising a lidar unit (12a-12l) and at least one cover member (14a-14l) covering the lidar unit (12a-12l) and a cleaning unit (16a-16l) for cleaning the cover element (14a-14l),
lidar device characterized in that
the cleaning unit (16a-16l) comprises at least one wiping unit (18a-18l) for cleaning the cover element (14a-14l) as well as a conveying unit (20a-20l) for driving the the wiper unit (18a-18l) in the installed state, and the wiper unit (18a-18l) being detachably connected to the transport unit (20a-20l). A lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the wiping unit (18a-18l) is an interchangeable module. Lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the wiping unit (18a-18l) is connected to the conveying unit (20a-20l), to the end region (22a-22l) of the wiping unit (18a-18l) to the installed state. Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
in the installed state the transport unit (20a-20l) at an end region (22a-22l) of the transport unit (20a-20l) is connected to the wiper unit (18a-18l ). Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cleaning unit (16a-16l) has a hooking unit (24a-24l) connecting the wiping unit (18a-18l) by hooking to the transport unit (20a-20l). A lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the hooking unit (24a-24l) comprises at least one hooking element (26a-26l) of the wiper unit (18a-18l) and at least one hooking element receiver (28a- 28l) of the transport unit (20a-20l). Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cleaning unit (16a-16l) has a spring-loaded closure (30a-30l) which locks the wiping unit (18a-18l) to the transport unit (20a-20l). A lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the spring closure (30g) provides a pushing force to the wiping unit (18g) in the installed state. Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cleaning unit (16a-16l) has an operating unit (32a-32l) to be operated by a user and which releases the wiping unit (18a-18l) from the carrying unit (20a- 20l). A lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the actuation of the actuation unit (32a-32l) produces the release of the wiping unit (18a-18l) with respect to the transport unit (20a-20l) with an elastic deformation of the wiping unit (18a-18l) and/or transport unit (20a-20l). Lidar device (10a-10l) according to claims 7 and 9,
characterized in that
the actuation unit (32a-32l) is made at least partially in one piece with the spring closure (30a-30l). A lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 11,
characterized in that
actuation of the actuation unit (32a-32l) to release the wiping unit (18a-18l) relative to the transport unit (20a-20l) triggers elastic deformation of a spring (34a-34l) of the spring closure (32a-32l). Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the cleaning unit (16a-16l) has at least one guide unit (36a-36l) for guiding the wiping unit (18a-18l) when mounting on the transport unit (20a-20l) in position disassembly. A lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 13,
characterized in that
the guide unit (22a-22l) comprises at least one ramp (38a-38l) of the wiper unit (18a-18l) and a fixing element (40a-40l) of the transport unit (20a -20l) which cooperate in the assembly. Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the wiping unit (18a-18l) comprises at least one housing (42a-42l) designed to receive at least one fastening element (44a-44l) of the transport unit (20a-20l). Lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
in the installed state the wiper unit (18a-18l) is removable only in at least one service position (46a-46l) relative to the cover element (14a-14l). Lidar device (10k;10l) according to claim 16,
characterized in that
the cleaning unit (16k; 16l) has at least one swivel bearing unit (48k; 48l) which rotatably receives the wiper unit (18k; 18l) in the installed state,
- the wiper unit (18k; 18l) being rotatable by the swivel bearing unit (48k; 48l) between an operating position (50k; 50l) and a service position (46k; 46l), and
- the cleaning unit (16k; 16l) comprising at least one blocking element (52k; 52l) for blocking the possibility of rotation of the wiper unit (18k; 18l) by the rotation bearing element ( 48k; 48l) in at least one position and to release in at least one other position. Lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 16 or 17,
characterized in that
the wiping unit (18k; 18l) comprises at least a housing unit (54k; 54l) and a wiping blade (56k; 56l), the wiping blade (56k; 56l) being interchangeable in the position of department (46k; 46l). A lidar device (10k) according to claim 18,
characterized in that
the wiper unit (18k) has at least one end cap (58k) which secures the wiper blade (56k) when installed at least in the service position (46k) relative to the unit case (54k). Vehicle (60a) comprising a lidar device (10a-10l) according to one of the preceding claims. Method (100) for mounting a lidar device (10a-10l) in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 19 with a cleaning unit (16a-16l) comprising a wiper unit (18a-18l) for cleaning mechanism of a cover element (14a-14l) of a lidar unit (12a-12l) and a transport unit (20a-20l) for driving the wiper unit (18a-18l),
process characterized in that
the wiping unit (18a-18l) is detachably connected to the transport unit (20a-20l).