WO2025190819A1

WO2025190819A1 - Cleaning device for an environment detection device, and environment detection device, and method for operating the cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2025190819A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056348
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joerg DANKO
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes dEssuyage SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Systemes dEssuyage SAS
Priority date: 2024-03-11
Filing date: 2025-03-07
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-11
Also published as: DE102024106929A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device for an environment detection device of a vehicle, wherein the cleaning device is designed to clean the environment detection device in the region of a field of vision of a viewing pane, having a cleaning unit for treating the viewing pane by means of a cleaning fluid and/or a wiping element and/or compressed air, wherein the cleaning unit is coupled to a drive mechanism comprising a drive element in the form of a continuously revolving belt connected to the cleaning unit, wherein the belt on at least one peripheral region extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt, preferably on both opposite peripheral regions, is surrounded by at least one protective element while forming in each case one longitudinal duct on the upper side and/or lower side of the belt.

Description

Cleaning device for an environment detection device, and environment detection device, and method for operating the cleaning device

The invention relates to a cleaning device for an environment detection device of a vehicle, which is distinguished by a cleaning function in the region of a belt guide in order to enable particularly reliable operation of the cleaning device. The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating the cleaning device and to an environment detection device for a vehicle, having a cleaning device designed according to the invention.

Prior art

In the context of semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicles, environment detection devices are known, which serve to detect the environment of the vehicle, so that safe driving operation is made possible. An environment detection device of this type is typically disposed in the roof region of the vehicle and comprises at least one sensor, for example a camera or a lidar sensor, which is disposed behind a viewing pane. The viewing pane is used to protect the sensor while the vehicle is in motion. In addition, the viewing pane is typically susceptible to contamination due to its exposed position during driving, for example due to precipitation, insects, etc. In order to enable the operation of the vehicle or the detection of the environment by means of the sensor despite a contamination of the viewing pane, it is known to equip an environment detection device of this type with a cleaning device. The cleaning device can, for example, have a wiping element in the form of a wiper blade, as is also used in a similar way for cleaning vehicle windows. This wiper blade is moved so as to reciprocate along the viewing pane to clean the viewing pane or the field of vision. If necessary, the wiper blade can also be combined with a spray device to spray cleaning fluid onto the viewing pane. The elements used to clean the viewing pane are disposed on a cleaning unit attached to a continuously revolving belt. Because the belt is not fully protected from the outside environment, the belt can be contaminated. In order to reduce the effect of such contaminants, it is also known to enclose the peripheral regions of the belt which are disposed laterally in the longitudinal direction with cover elements or protective elements, for example in the type of labyrinth seals, in order to ideally keep away contaminants from movement-relevant regions of the belt.

Disclosure of the invention

The cleaning device according to the invention for an environment detection device of a vehicle having the features of Claim 1 has the advantage that it can remove contaminants or impurities that may occur in the area of lateral enclosures of the belt and thus enables ever reliable operation of the cleaning device over the operating time of the environment detection device.

The invention is based on the concept of cleaning the laterally enclosed peripheral regions of the belt by means of a cleaning medium, in particular a cleaning fluid and/or compressed air, wherein the cleaning medium is specifically introduced into a longitudinal duct which laterally surrounds the corresponding peripheral region of the belt.

Against the background of the above explanations, a cleaning device for an environment detection device of a vehicle having the features of Claim 1 is therefore designed in such a manner that it comprises a cleaning unit for treating a viewing pane by means of a cleaning fluid and/or a wiping element and/or compressed air, wherein the cleaning unit is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive element in the form of a continuously revolving belt that is connected to the cleaning unit. Furthermore, the belt on at least one peripheral region extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt, preferably on both opposite peripheral regions, is surrounded by at least one protective element while forming in each case one longitudinal duct on the upper side and/or lower side of the belt. Finally, a device for feeding cleaning medium, in particular a cleaning fluid, into the at least one longitudinal duct is provided. In addition, it is mentioned that a protective element that surrounds a peripheral region of the belt is either a protective element consisting of one part, or a protective element consisting of a plurality of parts which are, for example, connected to one another or adjoin one another.

Advantageous refinements of the cleaning device according to the invention for an environment recognition device of a vehicle are specified in the dependent claims.

In order to achieve the best possible protection of the peripheral regions of the belt against contaminants, it is provided that the at least one protective element surrounds the belt in a U-shaped manner on the peripheral region.

In particular, when using a cleaning fluid as a cleaning medium, it is expedient or necessary to drain the cleaning medium from the region of the longitudinal duct or the cleaning device (to the environment). In order to enable this, it is provided that the cleaning device has a collection container which is disposed below the at least one protective element and is designed to collect cleaning medium escaping from the at least one protective element, and optionally contaminants.

In terms of supplying the cleaning medium into the longitudinal duct, two different variants are proposed according to the invention. In a first variant, it is provided that the device for feeding the cleaning medium into the longitudinal duct comprises a pump device for cleaning fluid, and that the pump device is connected to a supply line, in particular a hose, which opens directly into the longitudinal duct. In this instance, the location of the supply, or the mouth of the supply line in the longitudinal duct, can be selected at a different point, or else at a plurality of points simultaneously. It is only essential that all relevant points of the longitudinal duct that need to be cleaned can be impinged with the cleaning fluid by way of the supply line.

In a preferred second variant, it is provided that the cleaning unit is simultaneously designed as a device for supplying the cleaning medium into the longitudinal duct. Such a design allows a particularly compact construction of the cleaning device with few (additional) components, and avoids at least one separate supply line (or a hose) for supplying the cleaning fluid into the longitudinal duct.

In a refinement of the last proposal it is provided that the cleaning unit has at least one spray nozzle for supplying cleaning fluid as a cleaning medium, wherein the at least one spray nozzle and the longitudinal duct are able to be supplied with the cleaning liquid by way of at least one liquid duct formed in the cleaning unit.

In particular, it can moreover be provided that a valve element for blocking or releasing the cleaning fluid in the direction of the longitudinal duct is disposed in a supply duct that branches off from the liquid duct in the direction of the longitudinal duct. A valve element of this type serves to activate a cleaning mode for the longitudinal duct in a targeted manner, or to avoid that cleaning fluid enters the longitudinal duct in the event of undesired cleaning.

It is moreover very particularly preferred when the valve element in a parking position of the cleaning unit releases the supply duct and in a position outside the parking position closes the supply duct for cleaning the viewing pane. This is preferably carried out by a spring element in conjunction with a stationary detent, so that a mechanical forced opening is enabled and in a position outside the parking position for cleaning the viewing pane a mechanical forced closing of the supply duct is enabled. This means that the cleaning mode is carried out solely by activating the cleaning fluid supply (by a pump).

Irrespective of the specific construction mode of the device for supplying the cleaning medium into the longitudinal duct, it is advantageous when the cleaning unit in the parking position is covered by a cover element, wherein the cover element is disposed at a small spacing from the upper side of the cleaning unit and, when viewed in a direction of movement of the cleaning unit, is disposed laterally next to the field of view of the viewing pane. This protects elements (spray nozzle and compressed air nozzle) that serve to apply cleaning media from contamination when the cleaning unit is not in operation.

The invention also comprises a method for operating a cleaning device just described and distinguished in that, proceeding from a parking position of the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit for cleaning the longitudinal duct is moved in a first direction in order to release the supply duct, and in that, to clean the field of view of the viewing pane, the cleaning unit is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Furthermore, the invention also comprises an environment detection device for a vehicle, having a cleaning device described so far and designed according to the invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are derived from the description hereunder of preferred embodiments of the invention, and by means of the drawings.

Description of the drawings

shows a schematic illustration of a cleaning device for an environment detection device of a vehicle in a front view,

shows a simplified sectional illustration through the cleaning device and the environment detection device according to ,

shows a sectional illustration according to with a modified supply of cleaning fluid to the cleaning device,

, and show in simplified sectional illustrations a sub-region of a cleaning device designed according to Figs. 2 and 3, for explaining a cleaning function, and

shows a perspective illustration of an environment detection device having a cleaning device comprising a wiper blade.

Embodiments of the invention

Identical elements or elements with equivalent function are denoted by the same reference numbers in the figures.

Illustrated in a highly simplified manner in Figs. 1 and 2 is a cleaning device 10 for an environment detection device 100 of a vehicle not shown. The environment detection device 100 serves to enable partially autonomous or autonomous operation of the vehicle. For this purpose, the environment detection device 100, which is typically disposed in a roof region of the vehicle, has a housing 101 for receiving a merely schematically illustrated sensor 102, for example a lidar sensor 103. The housing 101 has in the direction of the detection range of the lidar sensor 103 a viewing pane 104 with a field of vision 105 for the sensor 102. The rectangular field of vision 105 is transparent to the wavelength of the sensor 102 in order to allow the detection of the environment of the vehicle by the sensor 102.

An environment detection device 100 designed in this way is known per se from the prior art. Moreover, it is mentioned that the environment detection device 100, for example in place of the lidar sensor 103, additionally or alternatively has an image-recording camera or another sensor element to detect the environment.

When viewed in the direction of travel in front of the housing 101, the cleaning device 10 is disposed below a cover element 12 and at a small horizontal spacing from the viewing pane 104 or from the viewing window 105.

The cleaning device 10 can in particular also be disposed within a housing not illustrated. The cleaning device 10 has a drive mechanism 14. The drive mechanism 14 comprises a drive element 16 in the form of a belt 20 guided continuously about two idler pulleys 17, 18. The one idler pulley 17 is coupled to a rotationally reversible drive motor in the form of an electric motor 22 for driving the belt 20. Disposed between the upper lead 23 and the lower lead 24 of the belt 20, in the region between the two idler pulleys 17, 18, is a cleaning unit 26 which is movable in a reciprocating manner in the direction of the double arrow 25. The belt 20 not only serves to drive or move the cleaning unit 26, but also protects the interior of the drive mechanism 14 from the ingress of dirt, foliage, etc., to ensure the mechanical function of the drive mechanism 14. The cleaning unit 26 is connected to the belt 20 on the lower side of the upper lead 23. The belt 20 has at least one clearance 27 on the side facing the cleaning unit 26 in order to be able to dispense compressed air DL and cleaning fluid RF to the viewing pane 104.

Disposed or formed within the cleaning unit 26, which by way of example is block-shaped, are at least one compressed air nozzle 28 for impinging the viewing pane 104 at least in the region of the field of vision 105 with the compressed air DL, and at least one spray nozzle 30 for spraying the cleaning fluid RF on the viewing pane 104. The compressed air nozzle 28 and/or the spray nozzle 30 can be formed either as separate components, or else preferably by bores in the cleaning unit 26, as will yet be explained in the context of Figs. 4 and 5. The supply with the compressed air DL and the cleaning fluid RF takes place by means of in each case a (flexible) hose 32, 34 which connects the cleaning unit 26 to a compressed air source 36 or a pump device 38, which in turn conveys the cleaning fluid RF under increased pressure from a storage container not illustrated.

Shown in is a parking position of the cleaning unit 26 in which the cleaning unit 26 is disposed near the idler pulley 17 and laterally next to the field of vision 105 of the viewing pane 104. In the parking position, the cleaning unit 26 is covered by the cover element 12 which extends at a small spacing above the cleaning unit 26. In particular in the parking position, the outlet regions of the compressed air nozzle 28 and the spray nozzle 30 as well as the cleaning unit 26 are also disposed so as to be overall protected in relation to contaminants.

In , the cleaning unit 26 is shown while cleaning of the field of vision 105. During cleaning, the cleaning unit 26 is moved in a reciprocating manner in the region of the field of vision 105 of the viewing pane 104, in order to be able to impinge the field of vision 105 with the compressed air DL or the cleaning fluid RF. For this purpose, the cover element 12 has a slot-shaped clearance 40 which is formed along the field of vision 105. The rectangular clearance 40 covers the upper side of the upper lead 23 of the belt 20 on the two mutually opposite peripheral regions 42, 44 extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt 20. The lower sides of the two peripheral regions 42, 44 are covered by profile strips 46, 48. The profile strips 46, 48 are formed, for example, as extruded plastics-material components and have a three-quarter circular cross section outside the peripheral regions 42, 44. The profile strips 46, 48 are connected, for example adhesively bonded, to the lower side of the cover element 12. The cover element 12, conjointly with the profile strips 46, 48, forms a common protective element 50 in the region of the clearance 40.

In addition, it is mentioned that the cover element 12, conjointly with the profile strips 46, 48, can also be formed by a single, monolithically formed component.

Longitudinal ducts 52, 54 which extend in each case perpendicularly to the drawing plane of are formed by the cover element 12 conjointly with the profile strips 46, 48 in the peripheral regions 42, 44, in which longitudinal ducts contaminants (or liquid) introduced from the upper side of the upper lead 23 by way of the peripheral regions 42, 44 can accumulate. Such contaminants may negatively affect the safe operation of the cleaning device 10 or the drive mechanism 14.

In order to remove such contaminants from the region of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54, two different solutions are described below, which are distinguished in that the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 can be cleaned by introducing a cleaning medium, in particular a cleaning fluid RF (alternatively or additionally compressed air DL).

In the embodiment of the cleaning device 10 shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the cleaning unit 26 is simultaneously formed as a device 60 for supplying a cleaning medium, presently using the example of the cleaning fluid RF, into the two longitudinal ducts 52, 54. For this purpose, the cleaning unit 26 has on the one hand an air duct 62 for the compressed air DL and on the other hand a liquid duct 64 for the cleaning fluid RF. The outlet of the air duct 62 facing the viewing pane 104 forms the compressed air nozzle 28, while an insert 66 is used in the outlet of the liquid duct 64 for forming the spray nozzle 30. At least one supply duct 68 branches off from the liquid duct 64 below the insert 66. The supply duct 68 is designed to convey the cleaning fluid RF into the region of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 extending parallel to the drawing plane of Figs. 4 and 5. For this purpose, the longitudinal ducts 52, 53 have on the side facing the outlet of the supply duct 68, for example, a supply port 70 which in a cleaning position of the cleaning unit 26 ( ) has a connection to the supply duct 68.

In order to introduce the cleaning fluid RF as a function of the position of the cleaning unit 26 either into the longitudinal ducts 52, 53 ( ) or else for cleaning the field of vision 105 into the spray nozzle 30 ( ), a transverse bore 72, which is formed as a blind bore and traverses both the liquid duct 64 above the branch to the supply duct 68 and the supply duct 68, is provided in the cleaning unit 26. Inserted into the transverse bore 72 is a valve element 74 which is impinged with the force of a compression spring 76. An end side of the valve element 74, formed on the side facing away from the compression spring 76, interacts in the parking position of the cleaning unit 26 counter to the spring force of the compression spring 76 with a stationary detent 78 which blocks the liquid duct 64 in the direction of the spray nozzle 30 and simultaneously releases a passage for the cleaning fluid RF in the direction of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 ( ).

Shown in is the position of the cleaning unit 26 in a parking position in which the cleaning unit 26 is moved to the right from the position shown in for introducing the cleaning fluid RF in the direction of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54, such that the valve element 74 due to the spring force of the compression spring 76 closes the supply duct 68 and the valve element 74 is disposed at a (small) spacing from, and without abutting contact on, the detent 78. In the parking position, the cleaning unit 26 is covered by the cover element 12 at least in the region of the spray nozzle 30.

shows a cleaning position of the cleaning unit 26 for supplying the compressed air DL or the cleaning fluid RF onto the field of vision 105 of the viewing window 104. The cleaning position is distinguished in comparison to the parking position of the cleaning unit 26 in in that the cleaning unit 26 has been moved further to the right, so that the spray nozzle 30 and the air duct 62 are no longer protected or covered by the cover element 12. In the cleaning position as well as in the parking position, the compression spring 76 pushes the valve element 74 to a position in which the supply duct 68 to the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 is blocked, and the liquid duct 64 in the direction of the spray nozzle 30 is released. The configuration of the cleaning unit 26, described so far, having the valve element 74 and the compression spring 76 thus, as a function of the position of the cleaning unit 26, causes a mechanical forced opening or forced closing of the supply duct 68 in the direction of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54, wherein three positions of the cleaning unit 26 are provided: a (first) cleaning position for the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 ( ), a parking position ( ), and a (second) cleaning position ( ) for the field of vision 105 of the viewing window 104, wherein the three positions differ by their different positions relative to the detent 78 and to the cover element 12.

Illustrated in is a cleaning device 10a which is modified in comparison to Figs. 1, 2 and 4 to 6 and has a cleaning unit 26a only symbolically illustrated. The cleaning device 10a is distinguished by a device 60a. The device 60a comprises at least one hose 80 which is connected to a pump device 82 preferably separate from the pump device 38, in order to convey the cleaning fluid RF directly into the region of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54. In the embodiment according to , cleaning of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 can also take place during the cleaning of the viewing pane 104 or the field of vision 105.

In order that the cleaning fluid RF and contaminants or the like located in the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 are discharged from the region of the cleaning device 10, 10a, a collection container 84, which is illustrated only in and by way of example is tub-shaped, is provided below the protective element 50, said collection container being able to discharge the cleaning liquid RF, or contaminants, at a defined location by way of a drain 86.

The operation of the cleaning device 10, 10a is explained as follows: During cleaning of the viewing pane 104 or the field of vision 105, the cleaning unit 26, 26a in the region of the clearance 40 of the cover element 12 is moved in a reciprocating manner between two positions, in which the field of vision 105 of the viewing pane 104 can be impinged with the cleaning fluid RF or the compressed air DL. When the cleaning of the viewing pane 104 or the field of vision 105 is completed, the cleaning unit 26 is moved to its parking position according to the illustration of Figs. 1 and 5. If cleaning of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 is to take place, the cleaning unit 26 is adjusted to the position shown in . The cleaning medium conveyed under pressure in the region of the longitudinal ducts 52, 54 then, conjointly with contaminants or the like, subsequently makes its way through the collection container 84 and the drain 86 out of the region of the cleaning device 10. In the case of the cleaning device 26a, the cleaning fluid RF, on the other hand, can be introduced at any time into the longitudinal ducts 52, 54. Preferably, however, this does not take place while cleaning the viewing window 104, but in a position in which the cleaning device 26a is protected by the cover element 12.

Finally, an environment detection device 100a having a cleaning device 10b is illustrated in , in which a continuously revolving belt 20a is guided about four idler pulleys 88 to 91. Fastened to the belt 20a is a cleaning unit 95 which on the side facing the field of vision 105 supports a wiper arm having a wiping element 96. The belt 20a disposed above the field of vision 105, when viewed in the direction of travel, is surrounded at its opposite peripheral regions by two protective elements 97, 98 in the form of profile strips, each having a U-shaped cross section. Here, too, the supply of the cleaning fluid RF to the protective elements 97, 98 can take place either by way of the cleaning unit 95, or by way of a separate supply directly into the region of the protective elements 97, 98.

The cleaning device 10, 10a, 10b described so far, or the environment detection device 100, 100a can be altered or modified in a variety of ways without deviating from the concept of the invention.

List of reference signs

10, a, b Cleaning device

12 Cover element

14 Drive mechanism

16 Drive element

17 Idler pulley

18 Idler pulley

20, a Belt

22 Electric motor

23 Upper lead

24 Lower lead

25 Double arrow

26, a Cleaning unit

27 Clearance

28 Compressed air nozzle

30 Spray nozzle

32 Hose

34 Hose

36 Compressed air source

38 Pump device

40 Clearance

42 Peripheral region

44 Peripheral region

46 Profile strip

48 Profile strip

50 Protective element

52 Longitudinal duct

54 Longitudinal duct

60, a Device

62 Air duct

64 Fluid duct

66 Insert

68 Supply duct

70 Supply port

72 Transverse bore

74 Valve element

76 Compression spring

78 Detent

80 Hose

82 Pump device

84 Collection container

86 Drain

88 Idler pulley

89 Idler pulley

90 Idler pulley

91 Idler pulley

95 Cleaning unit

96 Wiping element

97 Protective element

98 Protective element

100, a Environment detection device

101 Housing

102 Sensor

103 Lidar sensor

104 Viewing pane

105 Field of vision

DL Compressed air

RF Cleaning fluid

Claims

Cleaning device (10; 10a; 10b) for an environment detection device (100; 100a) of a vehicle, wherein the cleaning device (10; 10a; 10b) is designed to clean the environment detection device (100; 100a) in the region of a field of vision (105) of a viewing pane (104), having a cleaning unit (26; 26a; 95) for treating the viewing pane (104) by means of a cleaning fluid (RF) and/or a wiping element (96) and/or compressed air (DL), wherein the cleaning unit (26; 26a; 95) is coupled to a drive mechanism (14) comprising a drive element (16) in the form of a continuously revolving belt (20; 20a) connected to the cleaning unit (26; 26a; 95), wherein the belt (20; 20a) on at least one peripheral region (42, 44) extending in the longitudinal direction of the belt (20; 20a), preferably on both opposite peripheral regions (42, 44), is surrounded by at least one protective element (50; 97, 98) while forming in each case one longitudinal duct (52, 54) on the upper side and/or lower side of the belt (20; 20a), and having a device (60; 60a) for supplying cleaning medium, in particular cleaning fluid (RF), into the at least one longitudinal duct (52, 54).
Cleaning device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one protective element (50; 97, 98) surrounds the belt (20; 20a) in a U-shaped manner on the peripheral region (42, 44).
Cleaning device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning device (10; 10a; 10b) has a collection container (84) which is disposed below the at least one protective element (50; 97, 98) and is designed to collect cleaning medium escaping from the at least one protective element (50; 97, 98), and optionally contaminants.
Cleaning device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterizedin that the device (60a) for supplying the cleaning medium into the longitudinal duct (52, 54) comprises a pump device (82) for cleaning fluid (RF) as the cleaning medium, and in that the pump device (82) is connected to a supply line, in particular a hose (80), which opens directly into the longitudinal duct (52, 54).
Cleaning device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cleaning unit (26) is simultaneously designed as a device (60) for supplying the cleaning medium into the longitudinal duct (52, 54).
Cleaning device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the cleaning unit (26) has at least one spray nozzle (30) for supplying cleaning fluid (RF) as a cleaning medium, wherein the at least one spray nozzle (30) and the longitudinal duct (52, 54) are able to be supplied with the cleaning liquid (RF) by way of at least one liquid duct (64) formed in the cleaning unit (26).
Cleaning device according to Claim 6, characterized in that a valve element (74) for blocking or releasing the cleaning fluid (RF) in the direction of the longitudinal duct (52, 54) is disposed in a supply duct (68) that branches off from the liquid duct (64) in the direction of the longitudinal duct (52, 54).
Cleaning device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the valve element (74) in a cleaning position of the cleaning unit (26) releases the supply duct (68) for the longitudinal duct (52, 54) and in a parking position and in an additional cleaning position for cleaning the field of vision (105) of the viewing pane (104) closes the supply duct (68).
Cleaning device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning unit (26; 26a) in the parking position and in the cleaning position for the longitudinal duct (52, 54) is covered by a cover element (12), and in that the cover element (12) is disposed at a small spacing from the upper side of the cleaning unit (26; 26a) and, when viewed in a direction of movement of the cleaning unit (26; 26a), is disposed laterally next to the field of vision (105) of the viewing pane (104).
Method for operating a cleaning device which is designed according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, proceeding from a parking position of the cleaning unit (26), the cleaning unit (26) for cleaning the longitudinal duct (52, 54) is moved in a first direction in order to release the supply duct (68), and in that, to clean the field of vision (105) of the viewing pane (104), the cleaning unit (26) is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Environment detection device (100; 100a) for a vehicle, having a cleaning device (10; 10a; 10b) which is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 9.