Device for keeping optical elements clean, in particular covers for sensors or cameras, in motor vehicles
First Claim
1. A device for keeping clean an optical element in a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a cover for the optical element;
a means for delivering a stream of gas under pressure to the cover of the optical element, the means for delivering a stream of gas under pressure adapted to deliver a stream of gas to the cover to prevent ambient atmosphere from reaching a surface of the cover when the cover moves toward ambient atmosphere, the stream of gas being directed substantially parallel to the surface of the cover;
a means for at least one of monitoring and regulating the pressure of the stream of gas; and
a molded part positioned in front of at least one of the cover and the means for delivering the stream of gas, wherein the molded part redirects a flow of ambient atmosphere impacting the cover essentially perpendicularly, in a direction of the stream of gas flowing substantially parallel to the surface of the cover, when the cover is moved in a direction of ambient atmosphere.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for keeping optical elements clean in motor vehicles, especially sensor or camera covers. This is done according to the present invention by applying a directed stream of gas, for example a stream of air, to the transparent cover in such a way that when the cover moves relative to the surroundings no ambient atmosphere, e.g., no ambient air, reaches the surface of the cover. According to one embodiment, by using a nozzle pressurized air is blown in, producing a transverse air stream. It is also possible, using a cover, to form a buffer space in front of the cover in addition to the transverse air stream. In a further refinement, a cleaning nozzle and a heater for the cover can be provided, in order to also be able to perform cleaning when soiling has occurred during stationary operation and to remove icing at low temperatures. To this end the cleaning fluid and/or the supplied air may also be pre-heated.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for keeping clean an optical element in a motor vehicle, comprising:
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a cover for the optical element;
a means for delivering a stream of gas under pressure to the cover of the optical element, the means for delivering a stream of gas under pressure adapted to deliver a stream of gas to the cover to prevent ambient atmosphere from reaching a surface of the cover when the cover moves toward ambient atmosphere, the stream of gas being directed substantially parallel to the surface of the cover;
a means for at least one of monitoring and regulating the pressure of the stream of gas; and
a molded part positioned in front of at least one of the cover and the means for delivering the stream of gas, wherein the molded part redirects a flow of ambient atmosphere impacting the cover essentially perpendicularly, in a direction of the stream of gas flowing substantially parallel to the surface of the cover, when the cover is moved in a direction of ambient atmosphere. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification