The disclosed embodiments relate to an automobile system and more specifically to a self-contained motor vehicle camera cleaning system.
Motor vehicle (“vehicle”) rear-view cameras, which improve rearward visibility, represent a safety improvement in the automotive industry. Using an interior video display screen (for example, dashboard mounted), the vehicle operator may be able to see obstacles that are close to the vehicle, which otherwise may be hidden from view. Also, vehicle camera systems may provide assistance in rearward navigation by displaying vehicle proximity to nearby objects, and in some vehicles, a trajectory zone using data from the vehicle's steering system to alert the operator to objects that may reside within the operator's intended path.
There is a worldwide utilization of automotive camera technology. This is the result of consumer demand for improved vehicle safety and ease of vehicle operation, as well as new laws intended to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
However, the current motor vehicle camera technology may be less reliable when operating in adverse weather or dirty driving conditions. A camera may become less effective when the lens is covered in ice, salt or dirt. Water droplets that may reside on the exterior surface of the camera lens may also impair the operator's ability to view people or objects located behind the vehicle.
Motor vehicle camera systems, which are intended to improve automotive safety and operator convenience, may not consistently provide clear rearward visibility due to such foreign matter accumulation. An operator may become aware of a rearward visibility issue only when he or she is already in the driver's seat and shifts the motor vehicle into reverse. Instead of viewing a clear rear image on the interior video display screen of the motor vehicle, the operator may be presented with a cloudy, impaired image that may be unsuitable to safely provide the expected assistance.
Factory-installed integrated automotive camera wash systems, which may offer an immediate camera lens cleaning capability to the operator, have not been incorporated into all motor vehicles equipped with rear-view cameras. Automotive manufacturers may advise operators to manually clean a camera lens using a cleaning solution and a soft cloth on a periodic basis, which may be inconvenient for the operator. As a result, an operator may fail to clean a camera lens when the rear view becomes impaired by foreign matter accumulation on the lens. In such situations, an operator may attempt to navigate a backup using an impaired video image. This may create a safety hazard by increasing the risk of collision with a nearby vehicle or pedestrian.
The growing dependency of motor vehicle operators on rear-view cameras, which may be unable to deliver a clear rear view, may represent an increasing liability for both operators and pedestrians.
There is a wide variety of vehicle designs, body shapes and styles in the marketplace today. A rear-view camera may be installed in an inconspicuous location on a vehicle, such as somewhere above the license plate or near the release mechanism for the lift-gate, trunk or tail-gate. The specific position, shape, and size of a camera body may vary significantly from one vehicle model to the next.
The above factors may present a challenge for the creation of an effective camera cleaning system that can be retrofitted to a wide variety of motor vehicle models. In addition, vehicle owners may be technically incapable of retrofitting their vehicles with such systems, or reluctant to make permanent alterations to their vehicles, such as drilling holes into body panels that may be visible after removing such systems.
Thus, there is a need for an effective camera cleaning system that is readily adaptable to multiple motor vehicle models, and can be installed onto a vehicle without the need for special skills, expertise, or complex modifications to the vehicle.
An embodiment of the system for cleaning a lens of a camera or image sensor may include a frame configured to be mounted to an exterior surface of a motor vehicle, a nozzle secured to the frame and configured to direct fluid to the lens for cleaning the lens, wherein the aim of the nozzle is adjustable, a pump secured to the frame and connected to the nozzle to direct fluid to the nozzle, a fluid container secured to, or integrated with, the frame, and connected to the pump, wherein the fluid container includes a container wall defining an internal chamber and an aperture that exposes the internal chamber to atmospheric pressure so that, in operation, the internal chamber is configured to remain unpressurized, and wherein the pump is configured to transfer fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle, and a controller configured for electrical connection to the pump wherein the controller transfers power to operate the pump in response to reception of a control signal by the controller.
An embodiment of the system may include a nozzle that is configured to direct a substantially solid stream of fluid to the lens.
An embodiment of the system may include a power supply that is secured to the frame and connected to the controller, wherein the controller transfers power to the pump that is configured to transfer fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may include a receiver that is connected to, or integrated with, the controller, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a remotely generated signal and relay a control signal to the controller which transfers power to the pump, whereby the pump transfers fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may include a transmitter that is selectively actuable to transmit the remotely generated signal for reception by the receiver.
An embodiment of the system may include a sensor that is connected to, or integrated with, the controller, and wherein the sensor is configured to automatically relay a control signal to the controller upon sensing predefined conditions, whereby the controller transfers power to the pump that transfers fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may be configured wherein the frame includes a back surface that is configured for being mounted to the vehicle, the frame includes support features extending away from the back surface and including seating surfaces for positioning a license plate, the frame is configured for seating the license plate, offset from the back surface, to create a storage volume, the storage volume being the volume of space between the back surface of the frame and the license plate when the license plate is secured to the frame, and one or more of the fluid container, the controller, and the pump are disposed within the storage volume of the frame.
An embodiment of the system may include a frame including a back surface that is configured for being mounted to a motor vehicle, wherein the frame includes a seating surface defining a first area, the first area including a top end and an opposing bottom end, the seating surface in the first area of the frame being configured for seating a license plate and displaying license plate indicia so that the indicia is displayed between the top end of the first area and the bottom end of the first area, and a nozzle mounted proximate the bottom end of the first area, and configured to direct fluid upwardly to engage the lens for cleaning the lens, wherein the aim of the nozzle is adjustable.
An embodiment of the system may include a nozzle configured to direct a substantially solid stream of wash fluid to the lens.
An embodiment of the system may include a bracket that is mounted to the frame and supports the nozzle proximate the bottom end of the first area of the frame.
An embodiment of the system may include a fluid container secured to, or integrated with, the frame, and connected to the pump, wherein the fluid container includes a container wall defining an internal chamber and an aperture that exposes the internal chamber to atmospheric pressure so that, in operation, the internal chamber is configured to remain unpressurized, and wherein the pump is configured to transfer fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may include a pump that is secured to the frame, the pump connected to the fluid container and configured to pressurize the fluid, whereby the fluid is transferred to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may include a controller that is configured for electrical connection to the pump wherein the controller transfers power to operate the pump in response to reception of a control signal by the controller.
An embodiment of the system may include a power supply that is secured to the frame and connected to the controller, wherein the controller transfers power to the pump that is configured to transfer fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may include a receiver that is connected to, or integrated with, the controller, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a remotely generated signal and relay a control signal to the controller which transfers power to the pump, whereby the pump transfers fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may include a transmitter that is selectively actuable to transmit the remotely generated signal for reception by the receiver.
An embodiment of the system may include a sensor that is connected to, or integrated with, the controller, and wherein the sensor is configured to automatically relay a control signal to the controller upon sensing predefined conditions, whereby the controller transfers power to the pump that transfers fluid from the fluid container to the nozzle.
An embodiment of the system may be configured wherein the frame is configured to offset the license plate from the back surface of the frame, thereby defining a storage volume at the first area of the frame between the back surface of the frame and the license plate when the license plate is secured to the frame, and one or more of the fluid container, the controller, and the pump are disposed within the storage volume of the frame.
An embodiment of the system may include a plurality of support features that offset the license plate from the back surface of the frame so that the bottom of the license plate is further away from the back surface of the frame than the top of the license plate, to thereby define a trapezoidal cross section for the storage volume.
A method of cleaning a lens includes receiving a signal to clean the lens, and transmitting fluid from a nozzle supported proximate a bottom end of a first area of a frame, upwardly, to engage the lens for cleaning the lens, the first area of the frame being configured for seating a license plate so that license plate indicia is displayed between the top end and the bottom end of the first area of the frame.
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
FIG. 11A1 is the sectional view A-A of the nozzle assembly as indicated in
FIG. 11A2 is the sectional view A-A of the nozzle assembly as indicated in
FIG. 11A3 is the sectional view A-A of the nozzle assembly as indicated in
FIG. 11A4 is the sectional view A-A of the nozzle assembly as indicated in
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. An advantage of some embodiments described herein may include a high degree of adaptability of the self-contained motor vehicle camera cleaning system to various motor vehicle models having a variety of body styles, camera positions and camera body shapes. A further advantage of some embodiments described herein may include ease of installation of the self-contained motor vehicle camera cleaning system, without the need for special skills or complex modifications to the motor vehicle. These and other benefits of one or more aspects will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
Motor Vehicle Features
More specifically,
The license plate 105 may be located in a recessed area within the trunk or lift gate 145 of the first vehicle 100A. As shown in
In addition, vehicles may be equipped a lamp 130, which may be placed above the license plate 105. The lamp 130 may illuminate an approximate range 135 on the vehicle 100 to ensure visibility of the license plate 105 in relatively dark conditions.
System Operation
Upon receipt of a remotely generated signal, the receiver 320 may then relay a control signal to the controller 325, which may then transfer power, which may be electric power, from a power supply 335, which may be an electric power supply, to a pump 305. The system may be configured to utilize the power supply 335 that may be secured to the frame 350 and may be independent of the vehicle 100. However, an embodiment of the lens cleaning system 400 may be configured to draw power directly from the vehicle 100. In addition, power may be provided by connecting the lens cleaning system 400 to the vehicle 100 power supply for the camera 110. A wash control signal may be synchronized with an actuation signal for the camera 110, which may be generated by the vehicle 100 when the vehicle 100 is initially operated in the rearward direction 13.
The pump 305, when activated, then transfers wash fluid from a fluid container 330 that is unpressurized, which may be integrated with the frame 350, to a nozzle 340 via flexible fluid tubing 345 or other conduit suitable for transporting fluid. The nozzle 340 then directs a stream or spray of fluid 200 to the lens 115 to remove foreign matter that may reside on the exterior surface of the lens 115.
The controller 325 may be configured to operate the pump 305 on a momentary basis. The pump 305 may operate for the duration that a button on the transmitter 315 is engaged by the operator (e.g., depressed). However, in order to minimize excessive wash fluid consumption by the operator, the controller 325 may be configured so that the press of a button on the transmitter 315 may cause a predetermined timed response by the pump 305. For example, engaging the transmitter 315 may result in a stream or spray of wash fluid 200 for one-half (0.5) second in duration, or may result in a limited set of quick bursts of wash fluid.
Mechanical Arrangement
The nozzle bracket 360 may be configured to be mounted to the left (first) or right (second) lower seating surfaces 353B1, 353B2, and the spacer may be mounted to the one of the lower seating surfaces 353B that is located opposite the nozzle bracket 360. The nozzle bracket 360 supports the nozzle assembly 530, which includes a nozzle 340 having an adjustable aim. The nozzle bracket 360 may be configured with first and second mounting apertures 360A1, 360A2 (
For the above embodiment, the lens cleaning system 400 is mounted to the vehicle 100 using the mounting features 365, including the first and second upper mounting features 365A1, 365A2 and the first and second lower mounting features 365B1, 365B2. The mounting features 365 may secure the lens cleaning system 400 to the vehicle 100 utilizing the first through fourth license plate mounting apertures 111A1, 111A2, 111B1, 111B2 of the vehicle 100 (
To simplify
Referring again to
There may be several advantages of an embodiment of the lens cleaning system 400 configured to form the trapezoidal cross section 354A as illustrated in
Nozzle Position and Configuration
For the embodiment of lens cleaning system 400 illustrated in
A substantially solid (uninterrupted) fluid stream 200 may enable the nozzle 340 to be positioned away from the lens 115 by a lens-nozzle separation distance of more than four hundred (400) millimeters. However, other fluid stream or spray patterns, as well as closer or further positioning of the nozzle 340 to the lens 115, may be suitable for other embodiments of the lens cleaning system 400. In addition, the nozzle assembly 530 may include a plurality of nozzles 340 (i.e. a showerhead configuration) for the generation of multiple fluid streams 200, which may be parallel fluid streams 200. Further, an embodiment of the lens cleaning system 400 may include a plurality of nozzle assemblies 530 so that a single lens 115 may be cleaned by multiple fluid streams 200, or so that multiple lenses 115 on the vehicle 100 may be cleaned.
The wash fluid 215 may be automotive windshield washer fluid, which may be predominately methanol, that may be formulated for cold weather or all-season driving conditions. However, other cleaning fluids may also be suitable for the effective function of the lens cleaning system 400. The advantages of windshield washer fluid formulated for cold weather may include a low freezing point, which may be minus thirty degrees Celsius, and capabilities to dissolve ice and salt and to remove debris. In addition, methanol has a low liquid surface tension of approximately twenty-three (23) milliNewtons per meter (mN/m) at twenty (20) degrees Celsius, in comparison to water which has a greater surface tension of approximately seventy-three (73) mN/m. This low surface tension may enable a methanol-based windshield washer fluid to displace water droplets that may form on the lens 115, while potentially avoiding the formation of methanol droplets on the lens 115 when cleaning the lens 115, which may obscure the field of view of the camera 110. Therefore, windshield washer fluid may be formulated for a sheeting action, where the fluid glides off a surface as a sheet of liquid, rather than clinging to the surface as multiple droplets. Thus, a suitable wash fluid 215 may contribute to the overall cleaning effectiveness of the lens cleaning system 400.
As illustrated in
As shown in
A second spherical body aperture 510A2 may be defined on the spherical body 510, circumferentially spaced apart from the first spherical body aperture 510A1. A second spherical body passage 510F2 may extend from the second spherical body aperture 510A2 radially toward the center 510C of the spherical body 510 along a second spherical body passage axis 510D2 to fluidly couple with the first spherical body passage 510F1, e.g., at the center 510C of the spherical body 510. In one embodiment, the first and second spherical body passages 510F1, 510F2 are perpendicular to each other. The nozzle 340 is positioned within, or may be formed by, the second spherical body passage 510F2.
A third spherical body aperture 510A3 may be defined on the spherical body 510, circumferentially spaced apart from the first and second spherical body apertures 510A1, 510A2. A third spherical body passage 510F3, also referred to as an aiming pin bore 510F3, may extend from the third spherical body aperture 510A3 radially toward the center 510C of the spherical body 510 along a third spherical body passage axis 510D3. The aiming pin bore 510F3 is radially shallower than the first and second spherical body passages 510F1, 510F2 and therefore fluidly isolated from the first and second spherical body passages 510F1, 510F2 by an interior wall 510E defined therebetween. The aiming pin bore 510F3 is positioned substantially opposite the second spherical body aperture 510A2 for the nozzle 340, as shown. The second and third spherical body passage axes 510D2, 510D3 of the spherical body 510 may be coaxial with each other.
The spherical body 510 may be disposed within a nozzle housing assembly 500. For the embodiment illustrated in
As shown in FIG. 11A2, the nozzle housing cap 502 is generally cup shaped or frustoconical shaped. The nozzle housing cap 502 defines a first nozzle housing cap end 502A1 and a second nozzle housing cap end 502A2 that are spaced apart along a nozzle housing cap axis 502B. The second nozzle housing cap end 502A2 may be wider, e.g., having a larger diameter, than the first nozzle housing cap end 502A1 and may be larger than a diameter of the spherical body 510. The nozzle housing cap axis 502B may be coaxial with the first spherical body passage axis 510D1 (FIG. 11A1) in the spherical body 510 when the nozzle assembly 530 is assembled.
A nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C extends between the first and second nozzle housing cap ends 502A1, 502A2 to define the frustoconical shape. The first nozzle housing cap end 502A1 is sealed by a nozzle housing cap end wall 502D. The second nozzle housing cap end 502A2 defines a radially outwardly extending flange (or nozzle housing cap flange) 502E.
A nozzle housing cap outlet aperture 502F1 is defined in the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C axially between the first and second nozzle housing cap ends 502A1, 502A2 of the nozzle housing cap 502. A nozzle housing cap outlet passage 502G1 extends into the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C from the nozzle housing cap outlet aperture 502F1. As shown in
As shown in FIGS. 11A2 and 11A4, a secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2 may be defined in the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C, axially aligned with and circumferentially offset from the nozzle housing cap outlet aperture 502F1. A secondary nozzle housing cap passage 502G2 may extend into the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C from the secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2. This is for inserting an aiming pin tool 526 into the aiming pin bore 510F3 of the spherical body 510 when the spherical body 510 is seated within the nozzle housing assembly 500. The secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2 may have a non-circular shape, and more specifically a generally rectangular shape (though other shapes such as oval are within the scope of the disclosure), that is sufficiently large to allow the adjustment in the direction of the nozzle 340 by the aiming pin tool 526 when the spherical body 510 is seated within the nozzle housing assembly 500. Specifically, the first angular range 201 (
In addition, as shown in
As shown in FIG. 11A2, nozzle housing cap bottom aperture 502H is defined in the second nozzle housing cap end 502A2 of the nozzle housing cap 502. A diameter of the nozzle housing cap bottom aperture 502H is smaller than an outer diameter of the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C and larger than or equal to an outer diameter of the spherical body 510. A nozzle housing cap seating passage 502J in the nozzle housing cap 502 is formed along the nozzle housing cap axis 502B, extending into the nozzle housing cap 502 from the nozzle housing cap bottom aperture 502H toward the first nozzle housing cap end 502A1 to define a nozzle wall thickness along its length, wherein the wall thickness may vary along its length.
The nozzle housing cap seating passage 502J in the nozzle housing cap 502 extends long enough so that when the spherical body 510 is seated therein, the second spherical body passage 510F2 for the nozzle 340 of the spherical body 510 is axially aligned with the nozzle housing cap outlet aperture 502F1, and the aiming pin bore 510F3 of the spherical body 510 is axially aligned with the secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2 to enable both spraying of fluid and control of the spherical body 510 for directing the spraying of fluid. A top internal end 502K of the nozzle housing cap seating passage 502J may be hemispherical shaped to allow rotation of the spherical body 510 against it.
As shown in FIG. 11A3, the nozzle housing body 501 defines a plurality of nozzle housing body segments generally referenced as 501A, including a first nozzle housing body segment 501A1, a second nozzle housing body segment 501A2, a third nozzle housing body segment 501A3, and a fourth nozzle housing body segment 501A4, that are successively adjacent along a nozzle housing body axis 501B. The nozzle housing body axis 501B is along the first spherical body passage axis 510D1 (FIG. 11A1).
The spherical body 510 is supported at a first axial outer end 501C (or axial top end) of the first nozzle housing body segment 501A1. Thus, the first axial outer end 501C of the first nozzle housing body segment 501A1 has an arcuate profile that enables seating and rotation of the spherical body 510 against it.
The second nozzle housing body segment 501A2 has a larger diameter than the first nozzle housing body segment 501A1 to define a nozzle housing body platform 501D, which is used for receiving the nozzle housing cap flange 502E of the nozzle housing cap 502. The second nozzle housing body segment 501A2 has a diameter that is as large (or larger) than the diameter of the nozzle housing cap flange 502E.
As shown in
Referring back to FIG. 11A3, the second nozzle housing body segment 501A2 defines an axially extending, radial outer second nozzle housing body segment wall 501F that includes an externally threaded surface 501F1 to engage the nozzle housing outer lock ring 503. The second nozzle housing body segment 501A2 is long enough to provide for locking engagement with the nozzle housing outer lock ring 503.
The third nozzle housing body segment 501A3 defines an axially extending, radial outer third nozzle housing body segment wall 501G that includes an externally threaded surface 501G1 to engage the nozzle assembly fastener 520 through the nozzle bracket 360.
The fourth nozzle housing body segment 501A4 defines an axially extending, radial outer fourth nozzle housing body segment wall 501H that is configured to engage an end of the flexible fluid tubing 345. The fourth nozzle housing body segment 501A4 may have a barbed outer surface 501H1 for engaging the fluid tubing 345.
The nozzle housing body 501 defines a nozzle housing body axial top aperture 501K centered on the nozzle housing body axis 501B, and a nozzle housing body bottom aperture 501L, which may also be centered on the nozzle housing body axis 501B. A nozzle housing body passage 501M, formed in the nozzle housing body 501, extends between the nozzle housing body axial top aperture 501K and the nozzle housing body bottom aperture 501L. With this configuration, the nozzle housing body passage 501M is fluidly coupled with the first spherical body passage 510F1 when the nozzle housing body axis 501B is aligned with the first spherical body passage axis 510D1 (FIG. 11A1).
The nozzle housing body passage 501M receives wash fluid 215 via the nozzle housing body bottom aperture 501L, which is directed into the nozzle housing body passage 501M for transporting wash fluid 215 from the nozzle housing body bottom aperture 501L to the nozzle housing body axial top aperture 501K, which is fluidly coupled to the first spherical body aperture 510A1.
The nozzle housing outer lock ring 503 is generally cup-shaped having a radial base portion 503A and an axially extending outer wall portion 503B that extends axially downwardly from the radial base portion 503A. The radial base portion 503A defines a nozzle housing outer lock ring aperture 503C so that the nozzle housing outer lock ring 503 may be positioned over the nozzle housing cap 502 to engage the nozzle housing cap flange 502E without frictionally engaging the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C. The axially extending outer wall portion 503B of the nozzle housing outer lock ring 503 includes an internally threaded surface 503D to engage the externally threaded surface 501F1 of the second nozzle housing body segment 501A2.
For the embodiment of the nozzle assembly 530 illustrated in FIG. 11A3, as the nozzle housing outer lock ring 503 is turned (i.e. tightened) relative to the nozzle housing body 501, the nozzle housing assembly 500 is configured to compress the spherical body 510 against the nozzle housing body 501 so that a nozzle fluid seal 511 is formed around the fluid coupling jointly defined by the first spherical body aperture 510A1 and the nozzle housing body axial top aperture 501K. A nozzle housing gap 541, which may be one (1) to three (3) millimeters for example, may enable adequate contact pressure at the nozzle fluid seal 511 when the nozzle housing outer lock ring 503 is turned (i.e. tightened). This configuration also fluidly couples therethrough the nozzle 340 and thereby allows a flow of wash fluid 215 to pass through the nozzle assembly 530.
As shown in FIG. 11A4, the nozzle housing assembly 500, via the secondary nozzle housing cap passage 502G2 proximate the aiming pin bore 510F3, is configured to allow a shaft (or pin) 526A of the aiming pin tool 526 to enter into the aiming pin bore 510F3 of the spherical body 510. The aiming pin tool 526 may be inserted into the aiming pin bore 510F3 to enable the rotation of the spherical body 510 about the center 510C of the spherical body 510 and within the nozzle housing assembly 500 in order to adjust the aim of the nozzle 340 within the first angular range 201 and within a portion of the second angular range 202 (
As shown in FIG. 11A4, the nozzle housing assembly 500 may be configured such that the fluid coupling between first spherical body aperture 510A1 and the nozzle housing body axial top aperture 501K is maintained, allowing wash fluid 215 to pass, such as when the aiming pin tool 526 is inserted into the aiming pin bore 510F3 and moved in a direction that is perpendicular to the shaft (or pin) 526A (for example, in the direction toward the bracket as illustrated) such that the shaft (or pin) 526A contacts the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C, for example, along a bottom edge 502L of the secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2. In such circumstance, the first spherical body aperture 510A1 is no longer concentric with the nozzle housing body axial top aperture 501K, but the fluid coupling may be maintained as illustrated. Thus, interference between the shaft (or pin) 526A of the aiming pin tool 526 and the nozzle housing cap outer wall 502C at the secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2 may limit the rotation of the spherical body 510 when seated in the nozzle housing assembly 500, and may also ensure that fluid communication within the nozzle assembly 530 is maintained.
Such shaft (or pin) 526A interference with the bottom edge 502L or a top edge 502M of the secondary nozzle housing cap aperture 502F2 may set the limits for the first angular range 201 of the stream or spray of fluid 200, as indicated in FIG. 11A4. Such shaft (or pin) 526A interference with a first or second side edge 502N, 502P (
As shown in FIG. 11A4, the nozzle assembly 530 includes the nozzle assembly fastener 520, which may secure the nozzle housing assembly 500 to the nozzle bracket 360 via an internally threaded surface 520A of the nozzle assembly fastener 520, which engages the externally threaded surface 501G1 of the third nozzle housing body segment 501A3.
For the embodiment of the nozzle assembly 530 illustrated in
As described above, the nozzle assembly 530 may include interlock features 540 on the mating surfaces of the nozzle housing body 501 and the nozzle housing cap 502.
The final directional adjustment of the nozzle 340 may be performed by initially inserting the aiming pin tool 526 into the aiming pin bore 510F3.
An advantage of the above embodiment of the nozzle assembly 530, which is directionally adjustable while wash fluid 215 is flowing, is that it may facilitate the directing of the stream or spray of fluid 200 while avoiding a series of trial and error adjustments. This may enable a convenient installation of the lens cleaning system 400 for the user. The above embodiment of the nozzle assembly 530 may also be resistant to an accidental change in the aim of the nozzle 340 after installation of the lens cleaning system 400 because the nozzle 340 is housed within and protected by the nozzle housing assembly 500. Such a protective feature, e.g., the nozzle housing assembly 500, may be useful for preserving the intended aim of the nozzle 340 during an automatic car wash of the vehicle 100, where large rotating brushes may strike the nozzle assembly 530.
Further Detail of the Fluid System Operation
Fluid system features of the disclosed embodiments will now be provided in further detail. A small amount of wash fluid 215 may be effective in removing foreign matter from the lens 115 of a camera 110. For example, approximately three (3) milliliters, or a stream or spray of fluid 200 flowing at approximately three hundred (300) milliliters per minute and lasting approximately six tenths (0.6) of a second, may effectively clean a lens 115 having a diameter of approximately twelve (12) millimeters. Several factors, including the fluid pressure generated by the pump 305, which may be in the range of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) pounds per square inch (psi), and the diameter of the nozzle 340, which may be less than one (1) millimeter (mm), may influence the flow rate and useful range of the stream or spray of fluid 200. It should be noted that a flow rate in the range of two hundred (200) to three hundred (300) milliliters per minute, and a duration of flow in the range of one-half (0.5) to one (1) second, are identified herein, though other flow rates and durations are within the scope of the disclosure. The volumetric capacity of the fluid container 330 may influence the capacity for the number of lens 115 cleanings between refills of the fluid container 330. The lens cleaning system 400 may be configured for a high fluid capacity, over four hundred (400) milliliters for example, using an unpressurized fluid container 330 that is shaped to conform to the available storage volume 354. Such a configuration may result in a capacity, for example, for up to two hundred fifty (250) cleanings of the lens 115 between refills of the fluid container 330.
Referring back to
The lens cleaning system 400 may contain features that prevent or limit leakage of the wash fluid 215 when the pump 305 is not in operation. Turning back to
The nozzle check valve 380, configured with a cracking pressure that exceeds a static pressure head at the inlet of the nozzle check valve 380, may be incorporated into the lens cleaning system 400 in order to prevent such leakage of the wash fluid 215. Cracking pressure is the minimum differential upstream pressure between the inlet and outlet of a check valve, at which a check valve will open. An embodiment of the nozzle check valve 380 of the lens cleaning system 400 illustrated in
The lens cleaning system 400 may also contain features that prevent or limit leakage of the wash fluid 215 when the lens cleaning system 400 is partially inverted, such as when the trunk or lift gate 145 of the vehicle 100 is raised. Referring again back to
A description of alternate embodiments of the lens cleaning system 400 is included below, with references to accompanying drawings. Certain parts and features of the lens cleaning system 400 having like reference numbers to features identified above, such as in
Method
Additional Details
An advantage of embodiments described herein may include a relatively high degree of lens cleaning system 400 adaptability to various vehicle 100 models having a variety of body styles, camera 110 positions and camera 110 body shapes. A further advantage may include relative ease of installation of the lens cleaning system 400, without the need for special skills or complex modifications to the vehicle 100. Such adaptability and ease of installation to the vehicle 100 may be enabled by the position of the nozzle 340 relative to the lens 115, and the configuration of the nozzle assembly 530. As described herein, the nozzle 340 may be positioned proximate to or distant (spaced apart) from the lens 115. The nozzle 340 may also be positioned outside or within the field of view of the camera 110. Further, the nozzle assembly 530 is configured for adjustable aim in order to target a wide range of lens 115 positions for cleaning the lens 115 on the vehicle 100.
The controller identified herein may be an electronic controller including a processor and an associated memory comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The processor may be, but is not limited to, a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.
Wireless connections may apply protocols that include local area network (LAN, or WLAN for wireless LAN) protocols and/or a private area network (PAN) protocols. LAN protocols include WiFi technology, based on the Section 802.11 standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). PAN protocols include, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), which is a wireless technology standard designed and marketed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) for exchanging data over short distances using short-wavelength radio waves. PAN protocols also include Zigbee, a technology based on Section 802.15.4 protocols from the IEEE, representing a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios for low-power low-bandwidth needs. Such protocols also include Z-Wave, which is a wireless communications protocol supported by the Z-Wave Alliance that uses a mesh network, applying low-energy radio waves to communicate between devices such as appliances, allowing for wireless control of the same.
Other applicable protocols include Low Power WAN (LPWAN), which is a wireless wide area network (WAN) designed to allow long-range communications at a low bit rates, to enable end devices to operate for extended periods of time (years) using battery power. Long Range WAN (LoRaWAN) is one type of LPWAN maintained by the LoRa Alliance, and is a media access control (MAC) layer protocol for transferring management and application messages between a network server and application server, respectively. Such wireless connections may also include radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, used for communicating with an integrated chip (IC), e.g., on an RFID smartcard. In addition, Sub-1 Ghz RF equipment operates in the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) spectrum bands below Sub 1 Ghz—typically in the 769-935 MHz, 315 Mhz and the 468 Mhz frequency range. This spectrum band below 1 Ghz is particularly useful for RF IOT (internet of things) applications. Other LPWAN-IOT technologies include narrowband internet of things (NB-IOT) and Category M1 internet of things (Cat M1-IOT). Wireless communications for the disclosed systems may include cellular, e.g. 2G/3G/4G (etc.). The above is not intended on limiting the scope of applicable wireless technologies.
Wired connections may include connections (cables/interfaces) under RS (recommended standard)-422, also known as the TIA/EIA-422, which is a technical standard supported by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and which originated by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) that specifies electrical characteristics of a digital signaling circuit. Wired connections may also include (cables/interfaces) under the RS-232 standard for serial communication transmission of data, which formally defines signals connecting between a DTE (data terminal equipment) such as a computer terminal, and a DCE (data circuit-terminating equipment or data communication equipment), such as a modem. Wired connections may also include connections (cables/interfaces) under the Modbus serial communications protocol, managed by the Modbus Organization. Modbus is a master/slave protocol designed for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and which is a commonly available means of connecting industrial electronic devices. Wireless connections may also include connectors (cables/interfaces) under the PROFibus (Process Field Bus) standard managed by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). PROFibus which is a standard for fieldbus communication in automation technology, openly published as part of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 61158. Wired communications may also be over a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. A CAN is a vehicle bus standard that allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without a host computer. CAN is a message-based protocol released by the International Organization for Standards (ISO). The above is not intended on limiting the scope of applicable wired technologies.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
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This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2020/042777, filed Jul. 20, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/875,908, filed Jul. 18, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2020/042777 | 7/20/2020 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62875908 | Jul 2019 | US |