DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR A SENSOR

Abstract

A de-icing system for a sensor is provided. The de-icing system has a heating element for tempering a fluid, a flow generator for driving a fluid, and a cover element, which separates an external area from an internal area. The cover element is configured in such a way that a fluid driven by the flow generator flows along the cover element, in order to heat the cover element up.

Claims

1. A de-icing system for a sensor, comprising a heating element for tempering a fluid; a flow generator for driving a fluid; and a cover element, which separates an external area from an internal area, wherein the cover element is configured such that a fluid driven by the flow generator flows along the cover element, in order to heat the cover element.

2. The de-icing system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flows along an inner side of the cover element.

3. The de-icing system according to claim 1, wherein the cover element comprises a flow channel for the fluid.

4. The de-icing system according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is arranged within the internal area or is connected via a feed line to the internal area.

5. The de-icing system according to claim 1, wherein the flow generator is arranged within the internal area or is connected via a feed line to the internal area.

6. The de-icing system according to claim 1, wherein a Nano coating is formed on the outer side of the cover element.

7. The de-icing system according to claim 1, wherein the de-icing system comprises a de-icing nozzle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 displays a sensor and an associated de-icing system 12 which are schematically shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The sensor 10 and the de-icing system 12 are provided for realisation in a motor vehicle. The sensor 10 includes a housing 14, which at the same time also constitutes the housing of the de-icing system 12. The housing 14 is of multi-part construction for assembly and presented here by way of example as a housing part 14a and a housing part 14b.

[0040] The components of the sensor 10 are arranged completely within the housing 14, which hermetically seals the sensor 10 against an external area A. The sensor 10, which in this example is a LIDAR sensor, includes among others a circuit board 16, a transmitting chip 18 and a receiving chip 20 also called a detection element. The transmitting chip 18 emits electromagnetic waves in form of laser rays, which can be reflected in an object 22 within the field of vision. The reflected radiation can be detected by the detection element. The electromagnetic radiation passes among others through a transmitting optics 24 and a receiving optics 26 shown by way of example. The optics 24, 26 are shown merely as an example. In addition the electromagnetic radiation passes through a cover element 28, which is arranged on and attached to, the housing part 14a.

[0041] The cover element 28 is permeable to the electromagnetic radiation of the sensor 10. The LIDAR sensor is merely chosen as an example. The de-icing system 12 is in particular also suitable for a RADAR sensor, an imaging camera sensor or for sensors of another type. In particular the sensor is an optical sensor or a sensor which utilises electromagnetic radiation. The LIDAR sensor 10 ascertains a distance and a movement of the object 22.

[0042] The de-icing system 12 includes a cover element, a fan 30 which represents the flow generator, as well as a heating spiral 32, which represents the heating element. The cover element 28, which is also part of the de-icing system 12, separates an internal area I from an external area A. The external area is in direct contact with environmental influences. The internal area here is a hermetically sealed space, within which at least the individual components of the sensor are arranged. The cover element 28 therefore comprises an outer side 28a as well as an inner side 28c. In respective weather conditions a snow or ice layer may form on the outer side 28a of the cover sheet, which cannot be penetrated by the radiation of the sensor 10. Such a layer is defrosted by the de-icing system.

[0043] To this end the fan 30 drives the fluid along the depicted arrows 34. The fluid used here is air, wherein the use of liquids is also possible. Initially the fluid passes or flows through the heating wire 32 and is heated accordingly. Subsequently the fluid continues to flow further onto the cover element 28 and along the inner side of same along the cover element 28. The thermal energy previously absorbed by the heating element is thus passed onto the cover element 28, as a result of which the covering layer is detached or defrosted. In particular an initial thawing is of advantage, so that the ice layer can drop off as required.

[0044] The cover element 28 forms a flow channel 28b for the fluid, which is part of the internal space I. The fluid thus flows through the flow channel 28b, whereby the fluid is guided along the furthest distance along the cover element, in particular inside of the outer side 28a. The flow channel extends through the cover element 28/is formed by the cover element 28. The cover element 28 is made up of two parts, wherein the two discs, which are arranged and fastened at a distance from each other together with their in-between space, provide the flow channel. The discs of the cover element may for example be made from Makrolon, Plexiglas or glass.

[0045] The cover element 28 may also be constructed as a simple disc, wherein the fluid is directed onto the cover element. This, however, does not provide for a defined guidance of the fluid. The use of a flow channel by contrast permits a more efficient heat transfer along the entire surface of the cover element 28.

[0046] The heating element 32 is in this case realised as a heating wire 32. Alternatively the heating element may also be realised by a component of the main circuit board 16. The heating element may be formed on the main circuit board of sensor 10 or separately. The heating element 32 formed on the de-icing system and the flow generator 30 are both formed within the internal area.

[0047] In order to support the de-icing process the cover element 28 is optionally provided with a Nano coating 36. The Nano coating makes it easier for the ice layer to detach itself and thereby accelerates the de-icing process. In addition the Nano coating offers advantages during cleaning.

[0048] Furthermore provision may also be made for a de-icing nozzle 38. On demand the optional de-icing nozzle 38 sprays a de-icing liquid, which is distributed over the outer side of the cover element 28. The de-icing nozzle can also be used for a cleaning operation of a cleaning system.

[0049] In addition or as an alternative to the heating element 32 arranged in the internal space and the flow generator 30 provision may be made for a heating element E and a flow generator S. The flow generator S and the heater E are connected here via a feed line 40 for example to the internal space I. The feed line 40 is indicated merely by way of example. In addition a discharge line may be provided, which is not shown here. In particular the heating element E is a combustion engine or another heat source of a motor vehicle. The flow generator S may be realised as a separately formed fan or as a ventilation system of the motor vehicle. The flow generator S ensures that the fluid flows from the heating element E via the feed line 40 into the internal space and to the inner side 28c of the cover element 28.

[0050] Depending on how the de-icing system 12 is designed, various scenarios are possible for the operation of the heating elements 32 and E as well as for their associated flow generators, which however have already been discussed in the general description part. For example the heating element 32 may be switched off, as soon as the heating element E, for example said combustion engine, provides sufficient waste heat.