CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/413,738, filed October 27, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a shield for a sensor assembly and more particularly to systems and methods for cleaning a shield for a sensor assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Many motor vehicles now come equipped with some variation of a camera and sensor system to provide real-time monitoring or viewing of an area near the motor vehicle. For example, cameras, sensors, or both are often positioned on the front of the vehicle and/or on the rear of the vehicle and/or on the side of the vehicle. The cameras and sensors can detect the areas surrounding the vehicle that are not otherwise viewable with conventional mirrors. Such cameras and sensors can be used to assist the vehicle operator in parking or maneuvering the vehicle during normal operation or to monitor conditions in the areas surrounding the vehicle, for example.

[0005] In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a camera or a sensor that is selectively exposed (e.g., visible) to the areas surrounding the vehicle. For example, considerations such as aesthetics and/or privacy may require that the camera or sensor be hidden (e.g., invisible) to the areas surrounding the vehicle when the camera or sensor is not in use. In this regard, some vehicles may utilize a deployable sensor system in which the camera or sensor is selectively deployable and/or stowable. Accordingly, such a camera or sensor can be deployed when it desirable to monitor the area surrounding the vehicle, and stowed when it is desirable to hide the camera or sensor relative to the area surrounding the vehicle.

[0006] Such cameras and sensors are often exposed to various environmental factors, such as rain, snow, ice, dirt, debris, etc. that can limit the ability of the camera or sensor to perform (e.g., capture an image or sense a condition) in the desired manner.

SUMMARY

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0008] According to some aspects, a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a sensor and a shield. The shield may include an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cleaning system. The outer surface may be opposite the inner surface. The inner surface may be disposed between the sensor and the outer surface. The cleaning system may be configured to remove debris from the outer surface. The sensor may be operable to sense a condition along a sensing line extending through the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0009] In some configurations, the cleaning system includes a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system may include a passage extending through the shield. In some examples, the passage defines an aperture in the outer surface. The aperture may define an oblong shape. In some implementations, the aperture extends along an axis defining an angle with the outer surface. The angle may be between ten degrees and forty degrees.

[0010] In some implementations, the cleaning system includes a vibration system configured to vibrate the shield. The vibration system may be configured to move the shield relative to the sensor. In some implementations, the vibration system includes at least one of a motor and a solenoid.

[0011] In some examples, the cleaning system includes a hydrophobic material disposed on the outer surface of the shield. The hydrophobic material may include at least one of a nanostructured surface and an inorganic coating.

[0012] In some implementations, the shield includes a two-way mirror material.

[0013] In some implementations, the shield is operable in a first state and a second state. The first state may permit the sensor to be visible through the shield. The second state may restrict visibility of the sensor through the shield.

[0014] In some implementations, the sensor includes a camera.

[0015] According to other aspects, a shield for a sensor assembly is provided. The shield may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a peripheral surface, and a passage. The inner surface may be opposite the outer surface. The outer surface may include a first aperture. The peripheral surface may extend in a direction transverse to the outer surface. The peripheral surface may include a second aperture. The passage may be in fluid communication with the first aperture and the second aperture.

[0016] In some implementations, the passage extends along an axis defining an angle relative to the outer surface. The angle may be between one degree and forty degrees. The first aperture may define an oblong shape. The second aperture may define a circular shape. [0017] In some implementations, the outer surface includes at least one of a two-way mirror material and a hydrophobic material

[0018] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a sensor assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 1 in a first mode of operation;

[0022] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 1 in a second mode of operation;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 1 taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 2 A;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a top view of a shield of the sensor assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0026] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another sensor assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [0027] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. [0030] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 is provided. The vehicle 10 may be any known variety of vehicle, such as a car, a truck, or a van, for example. The vehicle 10 may include one or more sensor assemblies 20 for monitoring various conditions in an area 22 surrounding and/or external to the vehicle 10. In some implementations, the vehicle 10 includes a sensor assembly 20 disposed on a trunk or tailgate portion 26 of the vehicle 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the sensor assembly 20 may be is disposed on, or proximate to, a handle assembly 28 (e.g., a handle area of the tailgate portion 26) of the vehicle 10. It will be appreciated, however, that the vehicle 10 may include various sensor assemblies 20 disposed in other locations on the vehicle 10 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 2A-3, the handle assembly 28 may include a bezel 30, a button paddle 32, a handle 34, a lock cylinder 36, and the sensor assembly 20. With reference to FIGS. 2A-4, the sensor assembly 20 may include a shield 38 and a sensor 40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the shield 38 may be coupled to the bezel 30, such that the shield 38 and/or the bezel 30 defines an inner chamber 44 (FIG. 3). In this regard, the shield 38 may be fixed (e.g., immovable) relative to the bezel 30. The sensor 40 may be disposed within the inner chamber 44 such that the sensor 40 and the shield 38 define a void 46 extending therebetween.

[0034] The shield 38 may include an inner surface 48, an outer surface 50, a peripheral surface 51, and a cleaning system 52. The inner surface 48 may define a concave profile, and the outer surface 50 may define a convex profile. In some implementations, the curvature of the concave inner surface 48 may be substantially concentric to the curvature of the convex outer surface 50. In this regard, the shield 38, including the inner surface 48 and the outer surface 50, may be disposed between the sensor 40 and the area 22 surrounding the vehicle 10, such that the inner surface 48 is exposed to the inner chamber 44, and the outer surface 50 is exposed to the area 22 surrounding the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the shield 38 (e.g., the outer surface 50) separates and protects the sensor 40 from the area 22 surrounding the vehicle 10, while also allowing the sensor 40 to sense the area 22 surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0035] The peripheral surface 51 may include an upper portion 51a, a lower portion 51b opposite the upper portion 51a, a first end portion 51c extending from the upper portion 51a to the lower portion 51b, and a second end portion 5 Id opposite the first end portion 51c and extending from the upper portion 51a to the lower portion 51b. In this regard, the peripheral surface 51 may surround the shield 38. In some implementations, the inner surface 48 and the outer surface 50 may define a first concave or convex profile, respectively, extending from the first end portion 51c to the second end portion 5 Id, and a second concave or convex profile, respectively, extending from the upper portion 51a to the lower portion 51b. The first concave and convex profile may each define a first radius of curvature, and the second concave and convex profile may each define a second radius of curvature. In some implementations, the first radii of curvature are greater than the second radii of curvature.

[0036] The shield 38 may be formed at least in part from a transparent and/or translucent material. For example, the shield 38 may be formed at least in part from a plastic, glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate material. As will be described in more detail below, in some implementations, the shield 38 includes a material(s) having selectively controllable light transmission properties. In particular, the shield 38 may include a material having light transmission properties that are modified when a stimulus (e.g., a voltage, light, heat, etc.) is applied to the shield 38.

[0037] In some configurations, the shield 38 may include a switchable privacy glass, such as POLYVISION™, manufactured by Polytronix, Inc. of Richardson, Texas. In this regard, the shield 38 may be transparent and/or translucent when the sensor assembly 20 is switched to the first state (FIG. 2 A), and opaque when the sensor assembly 20 is switched to the second state (FIG. 2B). In particular, the stimulus may be applied when the sensor assembly 20 is in the first state (FIG. 2A) and removed when the sensor assembly 20 is in the second state (FIG. 2B). Accordingly, when the sensor assembly 20 is in the second state, light may be inhibited from passing through the shield 38 such that the sensor 40 is concealed by, and/or not visible through, the shield 38. Conversely, when the sensor assembly 20 is in the first state, light may be allowed to pass through the shield 38 such that the sensor 40 is visible through the shield 38. In some implementations, the switchable privacy glass of the shield 38 may include a film applied (i) on the inner surface 48 of the shield 38, (ii) and/or on the outer surface 50 of the shield 38, and/or between the inner surface 48 and the outer surface 50 of the shield in a sandwiched or layered configuration. Applying the switchable privacy glass (e.g., the film) to the inner surface 48 or between the inner surface 48 and the outer surface 50 may protect the switchable privacy glass from damage that may be caused by dirt and other debris in the area 22 surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0038] The shield 38 may include liquid crystal molecules that are randomly oriented when a stimulus such as voltage is not applied to the shield 38. Accordingly, in this state, the liquid crystal molecules scatter incident light and provide the shield 38 with an opaque appearance (FIG. 2B). Conversely, when a stimulus such as voltage is applied to the shield 38, the liquid crystal molecules line up, thereby allowing incident light to pass through the shield 38 (FIG. 2 A). In this state, the shield 38 appears clear and permits use of the sensor 40 disposed within the housing 30. While the shield 38 is described as being opaque in the second state, the shield 38 may include a color that matches the color of the vehicle 10 and/or the bezel 30 surrounding the shield 38 when in the second state. For example, the shield 38 may be formed at least in part by a material such as glass having a color that is similar to the color of the surrounding vehicle structure and/or the bezel 30. Accordingly, when the shield 38 is in the second state (FIG. 2B) and the sensor 40 is not visible, the shield 38 blends into the vehicle structure and gives the appearance of being part of a painted, external surface of the vehicle 10. Namely, the shield 38 has the same or approximately the same color as the surrounding structure of the vehicle 10 when in the second state. [0039] In some configurations, the shield 38 may include a two-way mirror. In this regard, the shield 38 may be formed at least in part from a two-way mirror, such that light is permitted to pass through the shield 38 in a direction extending from the outer surface 50, and/or from the peripheral surface 51, to the inner surface 48. In some implementations, the outer surface 50 includes a reflective coating, such that the outer surface 50 and/or the peripheral surface 51 is partially reflective and partially transparent. Accordingly, when the area 22 surrounding the vehicle 10 is brightly lit relative to the chamber 44, the sensor 40 may be permitted to sense a condition in the area 22 while also being invisible within the chamber 44 from the area 22. In this regard, the sensor 40 may be invisible in a direction extending from the outer surface 50, and/or from the peripheral surface 51, to the inner surface 48, while being able to sense the area 22 in a direction extending from the inner surface 48 to the outer surface 50 and/or to the peripheral surface 51.

[0040] The cleaning system 52 may include a fluid delivery system 54, a debris-resistant material 56, and/or a vibration system 58 (FIG. 3). The vibration system 58 may include an actuator such as a piezoelectric actuator or a motor 60 that produces vibration that is applied to the shield 38. As will be explained in more detail below, the cleaning system 52 removes and/or otherwise prevents the adhesion of debris on one or both of the inner surface 48 and the outer surface 50 of the shield 38.

[0041] The fluid delivery system 54 may deliver a fluid (e.g., air) to the outer surface 50 of the shield 50. For example, in some implementations, the fluid delivery system 54 delivers a "clean" fluid from a fluid source (e.g., a cabin of the vehicle 10, the inner chamber 44 of the sensor assembly 20, etc.) to the outer surface 50 of the shield 38. [0042] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid delivery system 54 may include a plurality of passages 62 and a conduit 64. The plurality of passages 62 may extend through the peripheral surface 51 and the outer surface 50 of the shield 38. In this regard, the second end portion 5 Id of the peripheral surface 51 may include a plurality of apertures 68, and the outer surface 50 may include a plurality of apertures 70, such that the passages 62 are fluidly isolated from the chamber 44. Each passage 62 may be in fluid communication with, and define, a respective one of the apertures 68 and/or a respective one of the apertures 70, such that a fluid (e.g., air) may flow through the apertures 68 to the flow passages 62, and from the flow passages 62 through the apertures 70.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 5, each passage 62 may define, and extend along, a respective central axis Al through a respective inner aperture 68 and a respective outer aperture 70. In some implementations, the axis Al defines an angle a relative to the outer surface 50. The angle a may be between one degree (1°) and eighty-nine degrees (89°). In some implementations, the angle a may be substantially equal to twenty degrees (20°). Accordingly, each passage 62 may define a generally circular shape extending along the axis Al, while each aperture 70 may define an oblong (e.g., oval, ellipse, stadium-shaped, etc.) shape relative to the outer surface 50. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in some implementations, the passages 62, the apertures 68, and the apertures 70 are disposed in a linear arrangement (e.g., vertical arrangement, relative to the view in FIG. 2A) along an end 74 of the shield 38. In this regard, each axis Al may be substantially parallel to one or more of the other axes Al .

[0044] The conduit 64 may include a first end 72 (e.g., an inlet) in fluid communication with the fluid source, and one or more second ends 73-1, 73-2, ...73-n (e.g., an outlet) coupled to, and/or in fluid communication with, the passages 62. Accordingly, as will be explained in more detail below, the conduit 64 may deliver a fluid (e.g., air) from the fluid source to the passages 62 in an effort to remove debris from the outer surface 50 of the shield 38.

[0045] The debris-resistant material 56 may include a hydrophobic material. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the debris-resistant material 56 may be disposed as a coating or layer on the inner surface 48 and/or the outer surface 50 of the shield 38. Accordingly, the shield 38 (e.g., the inner and/or outer surfaces 48, 50) may exhibit self-cleaning properties (e.g., the lotus effect), causing dirt, water, and other debris to repel from the inner and/or outer surfaces 48, 50. It will be appreciated that the debris-resistant material 56 is shown for illustrative purposes only, and that the debris-resistant material 56 may not be visible when the shield 38 is in the first state or the second state. In some implementations, the debris-resistant material 56 includes or otherwise defines a nanostructured surface associated with the inner surface 48 and/or the outer surface 50 of the shield 38. For example, the debris-resistant material 56 may include a laser-etch on the inner surface 48 and/or the outer surface 50, along with or in place of an inorganic coating on the inner surface 48 and/or the outer surface 50.

[0046] The vibration system 58 may include a vibrator 76, such as a motor, a solenoid, or other suitable device, for example, for moving at least a portion of the sensor assembly 20 relative to another portion of the sensor assembly 20 and/or relative to another portion of the vehicle 10. The vibration system 58 could also include a piezoelectric actuator, as described above. In some implementations, the shield 38 may be moveable relative to the vehicle 10 and/or a portion (e.g., the handle assembly 28) thereof. In particular, in some implementations, the shield 38 and/or the bezel 30 may be moveable relative to the sensor 40. In this regard, the shield 38 may be coupled to the vibrator 76 for moving the shield 38 relative to another portion of the vehicle 10. [0047] The sensor 40 may include any variety of sensing device that can monitor a condition(s) in the area 22 external to the vehicle 10. For example, the sensor 40 may include a motion sensing device (e.g., a camera, a radar gun, etc.), an acoustic sensing device (e.g., a microphone), a temperature sensing device (e.g., a thermometer), etc., that can sense a condition(s) along one or more sensing lines X (FIG. 4) in the area 22 external to the vehicle 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some implementations, the sensor 40 is disposed within the handle assembly 28 such that the shield 38 is disposed between the sensor 40 and the area 22 external to the vehicle 10. In this regard, the sensing lines X may intersect the shield 38. In particular, the sensing lines X may intersect the outer surface 50 of the shield 38. Accordingly, when the sensor assembly 20 is in the first state (FIG. 2A), as previously described, the sensor 40 may be visible, and able to sense a condition, along the sensing lines X. Conversely, when the sensor assembly 20 is in the second state (FIG. 2B), the sensor 40 may be invisible, and unable to sense a condition, along the sensing lines X.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 3, the bezel 30 may include, and/or otherwise define, a sensor window 80 (e.g., an aperture), a lock window 82 (e.g., an aperture), and a handle dock 84. The sensor window 80 and the lock window 82 may each be in fluid communication with the chamber 44. The sensor window 80 may be defined by a peripheral surface 86. In some configurations, the bezel 30 may include a color that matches the color of the vehicle 10 surrounding the bezel 30. For example, the bezel 30 may be formed at least in part by a material having a color that is similar to the color of the surrounding vehicle structure.

[0049] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the handle 34 may include, and/or otherwise define, a button aperture 88. In an assembled configuration (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2B), (i) the sensor assembly 20 may be disposed within the sensor window 80, (ii) the lock cylinder 36 may be disposed within the lock window 82, (iii) the handle 34 may be coupled to the handle dock 84, and (iv) the button paddle 32 may be actuatably (e.g., translatably) disposed within the button aperture 88. For example, the sensor assembly 20 may be disposed within the sensor window 80 such that the sensor 40 is at least partially disposed within the chamber 44, and the shield 38 is disposed within the sensor window 80. In some implementations, the peripheral surface 51 of the shield 38 may sealingly engage the peripheral surface 86 defining the sensor window 80, such that the camera 40 is hermetically sealed within the chamber 44.

[0050] In operation, a user may engage the handle assembly 28 to access a portion of the vehicle 10. For example, the user may press the button paddle 32 and engage the handle 34 to open the tailgate, or other door or access location, of the vehicle 10. In this regard, as the user pulls the handle 34 to open the tailgate, for example, the sensor 20 may move (e.g., rotate, pivot, translate, etc.) to maintain a sensing line X extending through the outer surface 50 and/or the peripheral surface 51 of the shield 38.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 6, another handle assembly 28a is provided. The structure and function of the handle assembly 28a may be substantially similar to that of the handle assembly 28, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures. Accordingly, the structure and function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., "a") are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the handle assembly 28a may include a sensor assembly 20a, a bezel 30a, the button paddle 32, the handle 34, and the lock cylinder 36. The sensor assembly 20a may include a shield 38a and the sensor 40. The bezel 30a may include, and/or otherwise define, a sensor window 80a (e.g., an aperture) and a handle recess 86. The sensor window 80a may be disposed proximate a lateral edge 90 of the bezel 30a, and the lock window 82 may be disposed proximate a medial edge 92 (opposite the lateral edge 90) of the bezel 30a, such that the handle recess 86 is disposed between the sensor window 80a and the lock window 82. The handle recess 86 may be defined by a surface 94 having a generally U-shaped profile extending from the handle dock 84.

[0053] During operation of the sensor assembly 20, 20a, the cleaning system 52 may operate to remove dirt, water, and other debris from shield 38, 38a. In one example, upon activation of the cleaning system 52, the fluid delivery system 54 may deliver a fluid (e.g., clean air) through the passages 62 and the apertures 70 to the outer surface 50, 50a of the shield. In some implementations, the fluid may flow through the fluid delivery system 54 once a driver starts, or otherwise begins driving, the vehicle 10. In this regard, during operation, the fluid may exit the apertures 70 along the axis Al, such that the fluid removes the dirt, water, and other debris as it flows over the surface 50, 50a in order to maintain the sensing lines X through the outer surface 50, 50a and/or the peripheral surface 51. In some implementations, the fluid may exit the apertures 70 in a direction substantially tangent to the outer surface 50, 50a of the shield 38, 38a.

[0054] In another example, upon activation of the cleaning system 52, the debris-resistant material 56 may operate to prevent the adhesion of dirt, water, and other debris on the inner and/or outer surfaces 48, 50. In particular, as dirt, water, and other debris strike the shield 38, 38a, the debris-resistant material 56 may prevent the dirt, water, and other debris from adhering to the shield 38, 38a in order to maintain the sensing lines X through the outer surface 50 and/or the peripheral surface 51. [0055] In yet another example, upon activation of the cleaning system 52, the vibration system 58 may cause at least a portion of the sensor assembly 20, 20a and/or the handle assembly 28, 28a to vibrate in order to remove any dirt, water, and other debris from the shield 38, 38a. Vibration of the shield 38, 38a may cause dirt, water, and other debris, which may otherwise be disposed on the inner and/or outer surface 48, 50 of the shield 38, 38a to fall off in order to maintain the sensing lines X through the outer surface 50 and/or the peripheral surface 51 of the shield 38, 38a.

[0056] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.