Lidarvorrichtung

Abstract

The invention relates to a lidar device (10a-10l) having a cleaning unit (12a-12l) which has at least one wiper unit (14a-14l) having at least one wiper blade (16a-16l) for mechanically cleaning a cover element (18a-18l) of a lidar unit (20a-20l), and having at least one pressing element (22a-22l) which in a mounted state provides a pressing force for the wiper blade (16a-16l).

Claims

1. A lidar device (10a-10l) having a cleaning unit (12a-12l) which has at least one wiper unit (14a-14l) having at least one wiper blade (16a-16l) for mechanically cleaning a cover element (18a-18l) of a lidar unit (20a-20l), and having at least one pressing element (22a-22l) which in a mounted state provides a pressing force for the wiper blade (16a-16l).

2. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper unit (14a-14l) has the pressing element (22a-22l).

3. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing element (22a-22l) is in the form of an elastic element.

4. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressing element (22a-22l) is formed at least in part of a flexurally elastic plastics material.

5. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing element (22a-22l) has a substantially higher stiffness than the wiper blade (16a-16l).

6. The lidar device (10a) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressing element (22a) is provided for providing a degressive pressing force curve (46a) in respect of a distance (50a) of the wiper unit (14a) from the cover element (18a), wherein the distance (50a) between the wiper unit (14a) and the cover element (18a) is so chosen that the pressing force, lies in an approximately linear part-region (48a) of the degressive pressing force curve (46a).

7. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing element (22a-22l) is connected integrally to the wiper blade (16a-16l).

8. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper blade (16a-16l) is connected to the pressing element (22a-22l) in a middle region (24a-241) of the pressing element.

9. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing element (22a-22l) delimits at least in part at least one cavity (26a-26l).

10. The lidar device (10a-10l) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper unit (14a-14l) has a housing unit (28a-28l) which supports the pressing element (22a-22l) at least in one direction.

11. The lidar device (10a-10j) according to claim 10, characterized in that the pressing element (22a-22j) is connected by positive engagement to the housing element (28a-28j).

12. The lidar device (10e) according to claim 10, characterized by a slide unit (30e) which is provided for reducing friction between the housing unit (28e) and the pressing element (22e).

13. The lidar device (10e) according to claim 12, characterized in that the slide unit (30e) comprises at least one recess (66e) arranged at the pressing element (22e) for reducing a contact surface between the pressing element (22e) and the housing unit (28e).

14. The lidar device (10e) according to claim 12, characterized in that the slide unit (30e) has in at least a part-region of the pressing element (22e) and of the housing unit (28e) at least one material pairing which has low friction.

15. The lidar device (10a-10d) according to claim 1, characterized by the cover element (18a-18d) and at least one relieving element (32a-32d), adjoining the cover element (18a-18d) and in particular arranged spaced apart from the cover element (18a-18d), for relieving the wiper unit (14a-14d), in a parking position (34a-34d) of the wiper unit (14a-14d).

16. The lidar device (10a-10d) according to claim 9, characterized in that the relieving element (32a-32d) is additionally provided for dissipating liquid.

17. The lidar device (10a-10c) according to claim 9, characterized in that the relieving element (32a-32c) is formed integrally with the cover element (18a-18c).

18. The lidar device (10a-10d) according to claim 9, characterized in that the relieving element (32a-32d) is set back relative to a surface (36a-36d) of the cover element (18a-18d) that is to be wiped.

19. The lidar device (10a) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover element (18a) has at least one tangential transition (38a) to the relieving element (32a).

20. A vehicle (40a-40i) having a lidar device (10a-10i) according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing, twelve exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them to form expedient further combinations.

[0034] In the drawing:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle having a lidar device in a simplified perspective view,

[0036] FIG. 2 shows the lidar device having a lidar unit and having a cover element in a simplified perspective view,

[0037] FIG. 3 shows the lidar device having a cleaning unit in a simplified side view,

[0038] FIG. 4 shows part of the cleaning device having a wiper unit in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0039] FIG. 5 shows the wiper unit having a wiper blade and having a pressing element which provides a pressing force for the wiper blade, and an exemplary pressing force curve,

[0040] FIG. 6 shows the cover element and a relieving element of the lidar device in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0041] FIG. 7a-e show the relieving element with possible tangential transitions to the cover element,

[0042] FIG. 8 shows the relieving element in a simplified perspective view,

[0043] FIG. 9 shows part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a cover element and having a relieving element in a simplified perspective view,

[0044] FIG. 10 shows part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a cover element and having a relieving element in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0045] FIG. 11-12 show part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a cover element and having a relieving element in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0046] FIG. 13-14 show part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a slide unit in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0047] FIG. 15-16 show part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a pressing element in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0048] FIG. 17-18 show part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a pressing element in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0049] FIG. 19-20 show part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a pressing element in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0050] FIG. 21-22 show part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a pressing element in a simplified cross-sectional view,

[0051] FIG. 23 shows part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a cleaning unit which has a pressing element which forms a fluid channel,

[0052] FIG. 24 shows part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a pressing element in a simplified cross-sectional view, and

[0053] FIG. 25 shows part of a lidar device of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention having a pressing element in a simplified cross-sectional view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 40a. The vehicle 40a comprises a lidar device 10a. The vehicle 40a is in the form of a road vehicle, in particular in the form of a passenger car. The lidar device 10a is arranged in a front region of the vehicle 40a. The lidar device 10a is in particular connected to the vehicle 40a in the front region.

[0055] The lidar device 10a has a lidar unit 20a, which is shown in simplified form in FIG. 2. The lidar unit 20a comprises at least one lidar sensor (not shown). The lidar device 10a in the exemplary embodiment shown additionally comprises a cover element 18a.

[0056] The cover element 18a covers the lidar unit 20a. The cover element 18a is provided for protecting the lidar unit 20a from environmental influences and in particular from dirt and/or moisture. The lidar device 10a has a cleaning unit 12a. The cleaning unit 12a is configured to clean the cover element 18a.

[0057] The cleaning unit 12a is provided for cleaning the cover element 18a at least mechanically. For mechanically cleaning the cover element 18a, the cleaning unit 12a has a wiper unit 14. The cleaning unit 12a additionally has a transport unit 44a (see also FIG. 3). The transport unit 44a moves the wiper unit 14a linearly over the cover element 18a for cleaning the cover element 18a. Specifically, the transport unit 44a moves the wiper unit 14a bidirectionally over the cover element 18a for cleaning the cover element 18a.

[0058] The wiper unit 14a has a wiper blade 16a for mechanically cleaning the cover element 18a. The transport unit 44a moves the wiper blade 16a bidirectionally over the cover element 18a for cleaning the cover element 18a.

[0059] The lidar device 10a has a pressing element 22a. In a mounted state, the pressing element 22a provides a pressing force for the wiper blade 16a. In the mounted state, the pressing element 22a presses the wiper blade 16a against the cover element 18a.

[0060] The pressing element 22a is in the form of an elastic element. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing element 22a is formed entirely of a flexurally elastic plastics material. The pressing element 22a has a substantially higher stiffness than the wiper blade 16a.

[0061] In the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing element 22a is part of the wiper unit 14a (see also FIG. 4). Specifically, the pressing element 22a is connected integrally to the wiper blade 16a. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wiper blade 16a is connected to the pressing element 22a in a middle region 24a of the pressing element 22a.

[0062] The pressing element 22a has a cavity 26a. When seen in cross-section, the pressing element 22a encloses the cavity 26a completely. The cavity 26a forms a hollow channel through the pressing element 22a.

[0063] The wiper unit 14a has a housing unit 28a. The housing unit 28a supports the pressing element 22a in at least one direction. The pressing element 22a is connected by positive engagement to the housing unit 28a. The pressing element 22a has, at least in a part-region, an outer form which corresponds at least in a part-region to an inner form of the housing unit 28a.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows, in simplified form, the pressing element 22a in a cross-sectional view in a preloaded state, which corresponds to the mounted state. FIG. 5 additionally shows by way of example the pressing element 22a in a cross-sectional view in a relieved state, which is present in particular when the wiper unit 14a is at a sufficient distance 50a from the cover element 18a but is shown in FIG. 5 only by way of example for explanatory purposes. FIG. 5 additionally shows by way of example a pressing force curve 46a, in particular a preload force curve, in dependence on a deflection of the elastic pressing element 22a, which corresponds substantially to the distance 50a.

[0065] The pressing element 22a is designed to provide a degressive pressing force curve 46a. The pressing element 22a is provided for providing a degressive pressing force curve 46a with respect to the distance 50a of the wiper unit 14a from the cover element 18a. Specifically, the distance 50a between the wiper unit 14a and the cover element 18a in the mounted state is so chosen that the pressing force, in particular a preload force, lies in an approximately linear part-region 48a of the degressive pressing force curve 46a.

[0066] The lidar device 10a additionally has a relieving element 32a. The relieving element 32a is arranged adjoining the cover element 18a. The relieving element 32a is provided for relieving the wiper unit 14a. Specifically, the relieving element 32a relieves the wiper blade 16a and the pressing element 22a of the wiper unit 14a in a parking position 34a, which additionally constitutes a change-of-direction position.

[0067] The relieving element 32a is at a greater distance 50a from the wiper unit 14a than is the cover element 18a, whereby the wiper unit 14a is relieved when it passes over the relieving element 32a.

[0068] The relieving element 32a provides a parking position 34a for the wiper unit 14a. The parking position 34a is additionally a change-of-direction position for the wiper unit 14a. The wiper unit 14a is provided for parking above the relieving element 32a, that is to say above the parking position 34a provided by the relieving element 32a, in a parked state.

[0069] In wiping operation, which in the present exemplary embodiment is bidirectional wiping operation, the wiper unit 14a is provided for travelling beyond the cover element 18a on both sides and for changing direction above each relieving element 32a.

[0070] The relieving element 32a is formed integrally with the cover element 18a. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cover element 18a is formed in one piece with the relieving element 32a. The relieving element 32a is set back relative to a surface 36a of the cover element 18a that is to be wiped.

[0071] In principle, in particular a rectangular transition of the cover element 18a to the relieving element 32a would be conceivable. Preferably, the cover element 18a has at least one tangential transition 38a to the relieving element 32a.

[0072] FIGS. 7a to 7e show a selection of conceivable tangential transitions 38a of the cover element 18a to the relieving element 32a. By way of example, the cover element 18a could have a chamfer as the transition 38a to the relieving element 32a (see FIG. 7a). By way of example, the cover element 18a could have a radius and an adjoining chamfer as the transition 38a to the relieving element 32a (see FIG. 7b). By way of example, the cover element 18a could have a chamfer and an adjoining radius as the transition 38a to the relieving element 32a (see FIG. 7c). By way of example, the cover element 18a could have a radius as the transition 38a to the relieving element 32a (see FIG. 7d). By way of example, the cover element 18a could have at least two different radii as the transition 38a to the relieving element 32a (see FIG. 7e).

[0073] The relieving element 32a is additionally provided for dissipating liquid. In the present exemplary embodiment, the relieving element 32a has a plurality of openings 52a. The openings 52a are provided for dissipating liquid. Specifically, the openings 52a are provided for dissipating washing water (not shown) and/or rainwater (not shown) and/or dirty water (not shown).

[0074] In wiping operation, the wiper unit 14a wipes the liquid for cleaning the cover element 18a in particular bidirectionally to the side of the relieving element 32a. For example, a headwind during a journey additionally ensures that the liquid flows to the side of the cover element 18a. The liquid is able to flow away via the openings 52a.

[0075] FIGS. 9 to 25 show eleven further exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are limited substantially to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein reference may be made in respect of components that are referred to identically, in particular with regard to components having identical reference numerals, in principle also to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 8. In order to distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 8 are followed by the letter a. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 25, the letter a is replaced by the letters b to l.

[0076] FIG. 9 shows part of a lidar device 10b of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10b comprises a cover element 18b. For cleaning the cover element 18b, the lidar device 10b comprises a cleaning unit 12b having a wiper unit 14b, which in the present FIG. 9 is shown in highly simplified form.

[0077] The lidar device 10b additionally has a relieving element 32b. The relieving element 32b is arranged adjoining the cover element 18b. The relieving element 32b is provided for relieving the wiper unit 14b.

[0078] The lidar device 10b of this exemplary embodiment differs from the lidar device of the preceding exemplary embodiment substantially in particular by a configuration of the relieving element 32b.

[0079] The relieving element 32b is provided for dissipating liquid. In the present exemplary embodiment, the relieving element 32b has a plurality of guide elements 54b. In the example shown, the guide elements 54b are in the form of guide ribs. The guide elements 54b in the form of guide ribs extend parallel to a wiping direction. It would be conceivable that the guide elements 54b are so arranged that they slope downwards to the outside.

[0080] During wiping operation, the wiper unit 14b wipes the liquid for cleaning the cover element 18b in particular bidirectionally to the side of the relieving element 32b. For example, headwind during a journey additionally ensures that the liquid flows to the side of the cover element 18b. The guide elements 54b conduct the liquid away to the side in the operating state. The guide elements 54b are provided for guiding the liquid. Specifically, the guide elements 54b are provided for conducting liquid away from the cover element 18b, in particular in the direction of a recess 56b of the lidar device 10b, during a journey and/or during washing operation.

[0081] In particular, the guide elements 54b of the relieving element 32b of the present exemplary embodiment can be combined with the openings 52a of the relieving element 32a of the preceding exemplary embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 10 shows part of a lidar device 10c of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lidar device 10c comprises a cover element 18c.

[0083] The lidar device 10c additionally has a relieving element 32c. The relieving element 32c is arranged adjoining the cover element 18c. The relieving element 32c is provided for relieving a wiping unit of a cleaning unit (not shown) of the lidar device 10c.

[0084] The lidar device 10c of this exemplary embodiment differs from the lidar devices of the preceding exemplary embodiments substantially in particular by a configuration of the relieving element 32c.

[0085] The relieving element 32c is provided for dissipating liquid. The relieving element 32c of the present exemplary embodiment has a channel 58c. The relieving element 32c defines the channel 58c and delimits it on three sides. In the example shown, the channel 58c extends perpendicular to a wiping direction. The channel 58c is provided for conducting liquid away. Specifically, the channel 58c is provided for conducting liquid downwards, when viewed in the installation position.

[0086] FIG. 10 shows only a simplified cross-sectional view of the channel 58c. It would be conceivable that a channel 58c is arranged on each side of the cover element 18c. For example, the channel 58c could be arranged in particular so that it surrounds the cover element 18c completely.

[0087] The channel 58c has a ratio of a width 60c of the channel 58c to a depth 62c of the channel 58c which has a value of not more than 1.

[0088] In particular, the channel 58c of the relieving element 32c of the present exemplary embodiment can be combined at least with the openings 52a of the relieving element 32a of the first exemplary embodiment and/or with the guide elements 54c of the relieving element 32b of the preceding exemplary embodiment.

[0089] FIGS. 11 and 12 show part of a lidar device 10d of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, in each case in a simplified cross-sectional view. The lidar device 10d comprises a cover element 18d.

[0090] The lidar device 10d additionally has a relieving element 32d. The relieving element 32d is arranged adjoining the cover element 18d. The relieving element 32d is provided for relieving a wiper unit of a cleaning unit (not shown) of the lidar device 10d.

[0091] The lidar device 10d of this exemplary embodiment differs from the lidar devices of the preceding exemplary embodiments substantially in particular by a configuration of the relieving element 32d.

[0092] The relieving element 32d of the present exemplary embodiment of the invention is part of a frame 64d of the lidar device 10d. The frame 64d is arranged around the cover element 18d, in particular behind the cover element 18d.

[0093] FIGS. 13 and 14 show part of a lidar device 10e of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view.

[0094] The lidar device 10e has a cover element 18e and a cleaning unit 12e. The cleaning unit 12e is configured to clean the cover element 18e. For mechanically cleaning the cover element 18e, the cleaning unit 12e has a wiper unit 14e. The wiper unit 14e has a wiper blade 16e for mechanically cleaning the cover element 18e.

[0095] The wiper unit 14e has a pressing element 22e. The pressing element 22e provides a pressing force for the wiper blade 16e in a mounted state. The pressing element 22e presses the wiper blade against the cover element 18e in the mounted state.

[0096] In the mounted state, the pressing element 22e is so mounted inside a housing unit 28e of the wiper unit 14e that the pressing element 22e is able to deform elastically in order to provide the pressing force. In particular, the pressing element 22e is displaceable at least in a part-region relative to the housing unit 28e.

[0097] The lidar device 10e has a slide unit 30e. The slide unit 30e is provided for reducing friction between the housing unit 28e and the pressing element 22e in the mounted state.

[0098] The slide unit 30e comprises at least one recess 66e, arranged at the pressing element 22e, for reducing a contact surface between the pressing element 22e and the housing unit 28a. By way of example, the slide unit 30e comprises two recesses 66e arranged at the pressing element 22e for reducing a contact surface between the pressing element 22e and the housing unit 28e.

[0099] The slide unit 30e additionally comprises, in at least a part-region of the pressing element 22e and of the housing unit 28e, a material pairing which has low friction. In particular, the housing unit 28e is produced from a plastics material, for example. The slide unit 30e has a slide region 68e, which in the present example is arranged on the pressing element 22e. In the present example, the slide region 68e of the pressing element 22e has material which together with the housing unit 28e has low friction, for example PTFE.

[0100] It would be conceivable that the slide unit 30e comprises only the at least one recess 66e or the material pairing, in particular the slide region 68e. The slide unit 30e can of course be combined with the configurations of the other exemplary embodiments.

[0101] FIGS. 15 and 16 show part of a lidar device 10f of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view.

[0102] The lidar device 10f has a cover element 18f and a cleaning unit 12f The cleaning unit 12f is configured to clean the cover element 18f. For cleaning the cover element 18f, the cleaning unit 12f has a wiper unit 14f. The wiper unit 14f has a wiper blade 16f for cleaning the cover element 18f.

[0103] The wiper unit 14f has a pressing element 22f. In a mounted state, the pressing element 22f provides a pressing force for the wiper blade 16f. In the mounted state, the pressing element 22f presses the wiper blade against the cover element 18f.

[0104] FIG. 15 shows the pressing element 22f by way of example in a preloaded mounted state, in which the pressing element 22f provides the pressing force. FIG. 16 shows the pressing element 22f by way of example in an unloaded state, for example in a premounted state.

[0105] The pressing element 22f differs from the pressing elements of the preceding exemplary embodiments at least in respect of a shaping. The pressing element 22f has a shaping with a plurality of at least substantially triangular part-regions. The pressing element 22f in the present exemplary embodiment delimits by way of example two cavities 26f.

[0106] The pressing element 22f is connected by positive engagement to a housing unit 28f of the wiper unit 14f Specifically, the pressing element 22f in the mounted state, when seen in cross-section, is held by positive engagement in a holding groove 70f of the housing unit 28f.

[0107] FIGS. 17 and 18 show part of a lidar device 10g of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view.

[0108] The lidar device 10g has a cover element 18g and a cleaning unit 12g. The cleaning unit 12g is configured to clean the cover element 18g. For cleaning the cover element 18g, the cleaning unit 12g has a wiper unit 14g. The wiper unit 14g has a wiper blade 16g for cleaning the cover element 18g.

[0109] The wiper unit 14g has a pressing element 22g. The pressing element 22g of the lidar device 10g of the present exemplary embodiment is separate from a wiper blade 16g of the wiper unit 14g. In the mounted state, the wiper blade 16g in the example shown is connected by positive engagement to the pressing element 22g.

[0110] FIG. 17 shows the pressing element 22g by way of example in a preloaded, mounted state, in which the pressing element 22g provides the pressing force. FIG. 18 shows the pressing element 22g by way of example in an unloaded state, for example in a premounted state.

[0111] The pressing element 22g additionally differs from the pressing elements of the preceding exemplary embodiments at least in respect of a shaping. The pressing element 22g has a shaping with a plurality of at least substantially semi-circular part-regions 72g. In the preloaded, mounted state, the semi-circular part-regions 72g are elastically deflected in order to provide a pressing force for the wiper blade 16g. The semi-circular part-regions 72g overlap in the preloaded, mounted state.

[0112] FIGS. 19 and 20 show part of a lidar device 10h of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view.

[0113] The lidar device 10h has a cover element 18h and a cleaning unit 12h. The cleaning unit 12h is configured to clean the cover element 18h. For cleaning the cover element 18h, the cleaning unit 12h has a wiper unit 14h. The wiper unit 14h has a wiper blade 16h for cleaning the cover element 18h.

[0114] The wiper unit 14h has a pressing element 22h. In a mounted state, the pressing element 22h provides a pressing force for the wiper blade 16h. FIG. 19 shows the pressing element 22h by way of example in a preloaded mounted state, in which the pressing element 22h provides the pressing force. FIG. 20 shows the pressing element 22h by way of example in an unloaded state, for example in a premounted state.

[0115] At least in the unloaded state shown, the pressing element 22h is connected by positive engagement to a housing unit 28h of the wiper unit 14h. The pressing element 22h of the present exemplary embodiment is formed in one piece with the wiper blade 16h.

[0116] FIGS. 21 and 22 show part of a lidar device 10i of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view.

[0117] The lidar device 10i has a cover element 18i and a cleaning unit 12i. The cleaning unit 12i is configured to clean the cover element 18i. For cleaning the cover element 18i, the cleaning unit 12i has a wiper unit 14i. The wiper unit 14i has a wiper blade 16i for cleaning the cover element 18i.

[0118] The wiper unit 14i has a pressing element 22i. In a mounted state, the pressing element 22i provides a pressing force for the wiper blade 16i. FIGS. 21 and 22 show by way of example a further possible shaping of the pressing element 22i, specifically in a preloaded mounted state and by way of example in an unloaded state. In addition, a further possible shaping of a cavity 26i enclosed by the pressing element 22i is shown by way of example.

[0119] FIG. 23 shows part of a lidar device 10j of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view.

[0120] The lidar device 10j has a cover element 18j and a cleaning unit 12j. The cleaning unit 12j is configured to clean the cover element 18j. For cleaning the cover element 18j, the cleaning unit 12j has a wiper unit 14j. The wiper unit 14j has a wiper blade 16j for cleaning the cover element 18j.

[0121] The cleaning unit 18j is additionally provided for cleaning the cover element 18j by means of a cleaning fluid. For applying the cleaning fluid to the cover element 18j, the cleaning unit 18j has fluid nozzles 74j. In the example shown, the fluid nozzles 74j are part of the wiper unit 14j.

[0122] For supplying the fluid nozzles 74j with cleaning fluid, the wiper unit 14j has a fluid channel 76j. It would be conceivable that the wiper unit 14j has a plurality of fluid channels 76j. The fluid channel 76j is part of the pressing element 22j. Specifically, a cavity 26j defined by the pressing element 22j, that is to say enclosed by the pressing element 22j, forms the fluid channel 76j.

[0123] The configuration of the invention shown in FIG. 23 can of course be combined with the configurations of the other exemplary embodiments.

[0124] FIG. 24 shows part of a lidar device 10k of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view. The lidar device 10k has a wiper unit 14k of a cleaning unit 12k having a pressing element 22k for providing a pressing force for a wiper blade 16k of the wiper unit 14k.

[0125] FIG. 24 shows by way of example a further possible shaping of the pressing element 22k. In addition, a further possible shaping of a cavity 26k enclosed by the pressing element 22k and a housing unit 28k of the wiper unit 14k is shown by way of example.

[0126] FIG. 25 shows part of a lidar device 10l of a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in simplified form in a cross-sectional view. The lidar device 10l has a wiper unit 14l of a cleaning unit 121 having a pressing element 22l for providing a pressing force for a wiper blade 16l of the wiper unit 14l.

[0127] FIG. 25 shows by way of example a further possible shaping of the pressing element 22l. In addition, a further possible shaping of a cavity 26l enclosed by the pressing element 22l and a housing unit 281 of the wiper unit 14l is shown by way of example.