Patent Description:
Cameras or imagers may be disposed on exterior surfaces of vehicles to provide information both to drivers and to the vehicle itself. For example, imagers configured to capture a view of a scene to the rear of the vehicle may display the captured images on a display element within the vehicle to allow the driver to see what is behind the vehicle.

Some vehicle imagers may be disposed on arms extending from a surface of the vehicle. Due to precipitation, dirt, road salt, driving conditions, and other factors, the lenses or lens covers of cameras or imagers on the exterior of vehicles can become dirty or blocked so that the captured images are blurry or indistinct. In some cases, the lenses or lens covers may become so dirty or blocked that the imagers are unable to function as intended.

Document <CIT> describes a camera with a washer nozzle. The camera is provided with a lens and the washer nozzle has a window jet port for jetting a washer liquid fed from a pump to a window of the vehicle. On the washer nozzle, a window conduit is provided for leading the washer liquid fed from the pump to the window jet port. A camera conduit for leading the washer liquid fed from the pump to a camera jet port for jetting it to the lens of the camera are formed.

Document <CIT> describes an apparatus for cleaning a tail gate glass for a vehicle including a spoiler door rotatably installed on a rear spoiler, an outlet formed at a position of the rear spoiler facing the spoiler door, an air duct installed in an internal space of the rear spoiler and guiding external air introduced through the spoiler door to the outlet, a nozzle fixed to the rear spoiler and spraying a cleaning liquid to the tail gate glass, and a door opening and closing device fixed to the rear spoiler, having a first end connected to the spoiler door and a second end fluid-connected to a cleaning liquid hose, and operated to open and close the spoiler door depending on a change in a pressure of the cleaning liquid hose. <CIT> discloses a system comprising an imager having a lens according to the state of the art.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of a monitoring system <NUM>. Monitoring system <NUM> may be disposed on an exterior surface of a vehicle (not shown). Monitoring system <NUM> comprises a mounting plate <NUM> and an arm <NUM> extending from the mounting plate <NUM>. Arm <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Mounting plate <NUM> is secured to first end <NUM> of arm <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> may be configured to be secured to a surface such as an exterior surface of the vehicle. The vehicle surface may comprise, for example, a side panel, a door panel, or a roof.

As shown in <FIG>, arm <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and housing <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM>. A camera or other imager <NUM> having a lens <NUM> is disposed within cavity <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, housing <NUM> may further define a first opening <NUM> to cavity <NUM>. At least one segment <NUM> may be disposed in first opening <NUM> and may partially occlude first opening <NUM>. The at least one segment <NUM> may define a second opening <NUM>.

Imager <NUM> may be configured to capture image data of a scene to the exterior of the vehicle. Imager <NUM> may be disposed in proximity to second end <NUM> of arm <NUM> and within cavity <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Monitoring system <NUM> may be oriented such that lens <NUM> of imager <NUM> is positioned to capture a view toward the rear of the vehicle through second opening <NUM>. Arm <NUM> may serve to hold imager <NUM> in a spaced apart relationship with a side of the vehicle, thereby allowing imager <NUM> to get a better view of the scene to the rear of the vehicle. Lens <NUM> of imager <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially align with second opening <NUM>, thereby allowing lens <NUM> to capture image data through second opening <NUM>. Data acquired by imager <NUM> may be relayed to a controller <NUM> for additional processing. Controller <NUM> may be in communication with a display element (not shown) disposed within the vehicle. Images generated from image data processed by controller <NUM> may be displayed on the display element.

In some embodiments, a lens cover <NUM> may be supported by housing <NUM>. Lens cover <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially cover second opening <NUM> to cavity <NUM>, and may extend between second opening <NUM> and lens <NUM> of imager <NUM>. Lens cover <NUM> may comprise a transparent substrate. Lens cover <NUM> may be generally flat, or may be curved. In some embodiments, lens cover <NUM> may be configured to have a profile similar to the profile of the lens <NUM>, and may be generally parallel to lens <NUM>. Lens <NUM> may be disposed proximate to lens cover <NUM>. In use, lens cover <NUM> may be exposed to conditions such as snow, rain, dirt, or dust. If precipitation, dirt, or dust become deposited on lens cover <NUM>, imager <NUM> may not be able to properly capture images with the required clarity. This, in turn, may make it difficult or impossible for monitoring system <NUM> to function properly.

Housing <NUM> defines an inlet opening <NUM>. Inlet opening <NUM> is disposed in proximity to second end <NUM> of arm <NUM>. A moveable vent cover <NUM> is disposed in or on and generally coplanar with housing <NUM>. Moveable vent cover <NUM> may be configured to at least partially cover inlet opening <NUM>. Moveable vent cover <NUM> is operable to move between a first position and a second position. For example, moveable vent cover <NUM> is operable to move between an open position as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and a closed position as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, moveable vent cover <NUM> may be operable to move to a partially open position intermediate between the open position and the closed position.

In some embodiments, an actuator <NUM> may be disposed within or on housing <NUM> and in contact with moveable vent cover <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> may be configured to cause moveable vent cover <NUM> to move from the first position to the second position. Actuator <NUM> may be in communication with controller and may receive inputs from controller directing actuator to cause moveable vent cover to move.

In some embodiments, controller <NUM> may be in communication with at least one vehicle system (not shown) such as the vehicle transmission, ignition, speed sensor or indicator or other sensor. For example, controller <NUM> may be in communication with a sensor (not shown) that indicates whether lens <NUM> or lens cover <NUM> is dirty. Controller <NUM> may be configured to, upon the receipt of an appropriate input from the at least one vehicle system, such as an input indicating that one of lens <NUM> and lens cover <NUM> is dirty, cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> from the first position to the second position, for example, from the open position to the closed position. Controller <NUM> may further be configured to, upon the receipt of a second appropriate input from the at least one vehicle system, cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> from the second position to one of a third position or back to the first position, for example, from a closed position to a partially open position or to a completely open position.

Controller <NUM> may be configured to cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> based on, for example, the speed of the vehicle, a speed of fluid flow past at least a portion of housing <NUM>, a combination of the speed of the vehicle and wind speed and direction, and/or the status of the vehicle ignition or transmission. For example, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> to an open position upon a determination that the vehicle speed is greater than a first predetermined threshold speed, and to cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> to a closed position upon a determination that the vehicle speed is less than a second predetermined threshold speed. In a further example, controller <NUM> may cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> to an open position upon receipt of an indication that the vehicle ignition has been turned on or an indication that the vehicle transmission has been placed into a driving condition. Conversely, controller <NUM> may cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> to a closed position upon receipt of an indication that the vehicle ignition has been turned off or that the vehicle transmission has been placed into a parked condition. In yet a further example, controller <NUM> may be configured to receive an input on the speed of the flow of air passing over at least a portion of housing <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> to an open position upon a determination that the speed of the flow of air passing over at least a portion of housing <NUM> is greater than a first predetermined speed and to cause actuator <NUM> to move moveable vent cover <NUM> to a closed position upon a determination that the speed of the flow of air passing over at least a portion of housing <NUM> is less than a second predetermined speed.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, a protruding member <NUM> may extend from or be secured to moveable vent cover <NUM>. Protruding member <NUM> may be configured to, when an airflow into protruding member <NUM> is sufficient, be moved from a first position to a second position by the force of the air. This movement, in turn, may cause moveable vent cover <NUM> to move to an open position. The airflow into protruding member <NUM> may be caused by vehicle speed, wind, or a combination of vehicle speed and wind. In some embodiments, a restraining mechanism such as, for example, a spring or an actuator <NUM>, may be disposed to pull moveable vent cover <NUM> toward a closed position using a certain amount of force. In order to move to an open position, protruding member <NUM> on moveable vent cover <NUM> must experience sufficient force to overcome the opposing force from the restraining mechanism. In some embodiments, gravity may cause moveable vent cover <NUM> to close when the force upon protruding member <NUM> is not sufficient to keep moveable vent cover <NUM> in an open position.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, a baffle <NUM> extends through a portion of cavity <NUM> defined by housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, baffle <NUM> may have a generally planar portion <NUM>. Baffle <NUM> is secured to an interior surface of housing <NUM>. Baffle <NUM> may be disposed in proximity to inlet opening <NUM>. Baffle <NUM> may be at least coextensive with inlet opening <NUM> defined by housing <NUM>. At least one side <NUM> of baffle <NUM> may be connected to housing <NUM>, defining a channel <NUM> therebetween. In some embodiments, baffle <NUM> may be generally parallel to moveable vent cover <NUM> when moveable vent cover <NUM> is in a closed position.

Channel <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, and may extend through a portion of cavity <NUM>. First end <NUM> of channel <NUM> is in fluid communication with inlet opening <NUM>.

An angled panel <NUM> may extend from an end <NUM> of baffle <NUM>. Angled panel <NUM> may extend from the end of generally planar portion <NUM> that is closest to second end <NUM> of channel <NUM>. Angled panel <NUM> may be configured to extend between the end <NUM> of baffle <NUM> and lens cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, angled panel <NUM> may contact lens cover <NUM>.

A diverter <NUM> extends from housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, diverter <NUM> may extend from housing <NUM> a sufficient amount to partially define a portion of channel <NUM>. Diverter <NUM> may be disposed in proximity to second end <NUM> of arm and is configured to direct fluid flowing from second end <NUM> of channel <NUM> toward lens cover <NUM>.

When vehicle is moving in a forward direction and moveable vent cover <NUM> is in an open or partially open position, moveable vent cover <NUM> may direct a fluid such as air into inlet opening <NUM>. Fluid may flow into inlet opening <NUM> and from there into first end <NUM> of channel <NUM>, pass through channel <NUM>, and exit through second end <NUM> of channel <NUM>. Upon exiting through second end <NUM> of channel <NUM>, fluid may be redirected by diverter <NUM> toward lens cover <NUM>. Fluid may contact lens cover <NUM> with sufficient force to cause precipitation, dust, or dirt that has been deposited on lens cover <NUM> to be blown away and removed from lens cover <NUM>. When moveable vent cover <NUM> is in the closed position, little or no fluid may flow through channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a user interface (not shown) may be provided, and may be in communication with controller <NUM>. User interface may allow a user to manually override automatic positioning by controller <NUM>. Upon the receipt of a particular user input at the user interface, actuator <NUM> may cause moveable vent cover <NUM> to move to one of an open or a closed position based on the user input.

In some embodiments, a filter <NUM> may be disposed within or in proximity to channel <NUM>. In some embodiments, filter <NUM> may be configured to extend across at least a portion of a cross-section of channel <NUM> or across at least a portion of inlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, filter <NUM> may be configured to extend between moveable vent cover <NUM> and inlet opening <NUM> when moveable vent cover <NUM> is in the open position. Filter <NUM> may be configured to prevent solid particles such as dust or dirt from entering channel <NUM> and impinging on lens cover <NUM> while allowing fluid to flow through channel <NUM>.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, front and back, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship, order, or number of such entities or actions. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) comprising:
an arm (<NUM>) having a housing (<NUM>), a first end (<NUM>), and a second end (<NUM>);
a mounting plate (<NUM>) secured to the first end (<NUM>) of the arm (<NUM>);
an inlet opening (<NUM>) defined by the housing (<NUM>) and in proximity to the second end (<NUM>) of the arm (<NUM>);
an imager (<NUM>) having a lens (<NUM>), the imager (<NUM>) and the lens (<NUM>) both disposed within the housing (<NUM>) at the second end (<NUM>) of the arm (<NUM>); the system being characterised in that it further comprises:
a moveable vent cover (<NUM>) moveable between an open position and a closed position;
a baffle (<NUM>) interior to the housing (<NUM>) and disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the moveable vent cover (<NUM>) when the moveable vent cover (<NUM>) is in the closed position;
a channel (<NUM>) defined by a portion of the housing (<NUM>) and the baffle (<NUM>), having a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), and in fluid communication with the inlet opening (<NUM>); and
a diverter (<NUM>) extending from the housing (<NUM>) and configured to redirect a flow of fluid exiting the second end (<NUM>) of the channel (<NUM>);
wherein the channel (<NUM>) is configured to, in cooperation with the diverter (<NUM>), selectively direct an incoming fluid from the inlet opening (<NUM>) toward the lens (<NUM>); and
wherein the moveable vent cover (<NUM>) is configured to at least partially cover the inlet opening (<NUM>) when the moveable vent cover (<NUM>) is in the closed position.