Nozzle, nozzle assembly and cleaner device

Abstract

A nozzle (20) of a cleaner device (10) cleans a second camera (12) having a second convex curved surface (14). The nozzle (20) includes a second spray port (24) configured outside the second convex curved surface (14) to fan-shapedly spray a cleaning fluid toward the second convex curved surface (14). The second spray port (24) is shaped to have a shape in which a layer (28) of the fan-shapedly sprayed cleaning fluid is convexly curved in the same direction as the second convex curved surface (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle and a cleaner device equipped with the nozzle. In addition, the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly and a cleaner device equipped with the nozzle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various cleaning devices, such as window washers for cleaning the front windows of vehicles and headlight cleaners, have been installed on vehicles. Furthermore, a vehicle cleaning device system has been proposed that integrates, in addition to such cleaning devices, a sensor cleaner for cleaning vehicle-mounted sensors such as cameras and LiDAR (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 230558 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted research on the above-mentioned vehicle washer system and identified the following problem. The object being cleaned often has a convexly curved surface, such as a spherical surface, like the lens surface of a camera. While placing the nozzle in front of the object makes it easier and more reliable to spray the cleaning fluid, the nozzle can obstruct the view of the object. To avoid this, the nozzle is sometimes placed, for example, to the side of the object, spraying the cleaning fluid laterally or obliquely toward the convexly curved surface. In this case, some of the cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle may deviate and miss the convexly curved surface of the object being cleaned, passing close to the object. The cleaning fluid that misses the object does not contribute to cleaning and is wasted. This cleaning fluid is simply sprayed into the surrounding area, so if the cleaning fluid is liquid, there is a concern that it may scatter. This same problem can occur not only in vehicle washer systems but also in general-purpose cleaning devices.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one exemplary object thereof is to provide a nozzle capable of blowing more cleaning fluid onto an object to be cleaned, and a cleaning device including the nozzle.

[0009] During assembly, if an external force is applied to the nozzle of the cleaning device, such as an accidental bump by the operator's hand, the nozzle may shift out of position depending on how it is fixed. If this misalignment alters the direction of the cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle, the cleaning fluid may have difficulty reaching the object being cleaned, resulting in inadequate cleaning.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and one of its exemplary objects is to provide a nozzle assembly having a structure for maintaining a spray port of a cleaning fluid at a correct position.

[0011] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a nozzle for a cleaning device used to clean an object having a convexly curved surface. The nozzle includes a jet port disposed outside the convexly curved surface and spraying cleaning fluid in a fan-shaped pattern onto the convexly curved surface. The jet port is shaped so that the fan-shaped layer of cleaning fluid sprayed is convexly curved in the same direction as the convexly curved surface.

[0013] According to this scheme, the layer of the fan-shaped cleaning fluid that is ejected is suitable for the convex curved surface of the object to be cleaned, thus, can blow cleaning fluid more to the object to be cleaned.In addition, can reduce the cleaning fluid that scatters to surrounding without running into the object to be cleaned.

[0014] Alternatively, the upper and lower edges of the injection port may be convexly curved toward the front end of the nozzle. This makes it easy to impart a convexly curved shape to the fan-shaped layer of the injected cleaning fluid.

[0015] Alternatively, the jet nozzle may be configured so that the fan-shaped layer of cleaning fluid injected strikes the convex curved surface on one side relative to the center of the convex curved surface and flows along the convex curved surface, past the center of the convex curved surface, to the other side. This allows the cleaning fluid to flow over a relatively large area of ​​the convex curved surface, resulting in better cleaning of the object being cleaned.

[0016] Alternatively, the injection port may be configured so that both ends of the fan-shaped layer of the injected cleaning fluid are directed toward the periphery of the convex curved surface. This can reduce the amount of cleaning fluid that scatters outside the periphery of the convex curved surface.

[0017] Alternatively, the nozzle includes a plurality of injection ports, and the plurality of injection ports are configured to spray cleaning fluid in a fan-shaped manner toward corresponding convex curved surfaces among a plurality of convex curved surfaces configured around the nozzle. Alternatively, the shape of each injection port is determined to have a shape in which the layer of fan-shaped cleaning fluid ejected from the injection port is convexly curved in the same direction as the convex curved surface corresponding to the injection port. In this way, multiple objects to be cleaned (or multiple parts of the same object to be cleaned) can be cleaned through the plurality of injection ports. For each injection port, the layer of fan-shaped cleaning fluid to be ejected is adapted to the corresponding convex curved surface, thereby allowing more cleaning fluid to be blown toward the object to be cleaned. In addition, the amount of cleaning fluid scattered around can be reduced without hitting the object to be cleaned.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device. The cleaning device may also include the nozzle of any of the above embodiments. The convex curved surface may also be the surface of an optical element.

[0019] The cleaning device can also be installed in a vehicle. The optical element can also constitute a part of the vehicle-mounted equipment as the object to be cleaned.

[0020] A nozzle assembly of a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention is supported by a bracket on which an object to be cleaned is mounted. The bracket has a recessed or raised portion. The nozzle assembly includes a fixing portion secured to the bracket at a location different from the recessed or raised portion of the bracket; and a raised or recessed portion that, in combination with the recessed or raised portion of the bracket, restricts displacement of the nozzle assembly relative to the object to be cleaned.

[0021] According to this solution, the nozzle assembly is not only fixed to the bracket on which the object to be cleaned is mounted, but also engages with the bracket's recessed portion (or convex portion) at its convex portion (or concave portion), thereby limiting the movement of the nozzle assembly relative to the object to be cleaned. Therefore, positional displacement of the nozzle caused by accidental external forces is prevented or sufficiently suppressed, and the nozzle can be maintained in the correct position.

[0022] Alternatively, the fixing portion may be a first nozzle portion having a first nozzle port for ejecting the cleaning fluid, a second nozzle portion having a second nozzle port for ejecting the cleaning fluid connected to the first nozzle portion, and a convex portion or a concave portion formed in the second nozzle portion. In this manner, the first nozzle portion is fixed to the bracket, and the second nozzle portion engages with the concave portion (or convex portion) of the bracket at the convex portion (or concave portion), thereby maintaining both the first and second nozzle portions in their correct positions.

[0023] Alternatively, the nozzle assembly includes: a nozzle having a first jet port and a second jet port, each jetting a cleaning fluid in different directions; and a nozzle holder, to which the nozzle is mounted, having a fixing portion and a convex portion or a concave portion. In this manner, the nozzle holder is fixed to a bracket, and the convex portion (or concave portion) engages with the concave portion (or convex portion) of the bracket. Because the nozzle having the first jet port and the second jet port is mounted to such a nozzle holder, each jet port can be maintained in the correct position relative to the corresponding object to be cleaned.

[0024] Alternatively, the convex or concave portion of the nozzle assembly and the concave or convex portion of the bracket are not fixed to each other. In this way, it is not necessary to fix the convex portion (or concave portion) and the concave portion (or convex portion) to each other, but only to combine them, so that the assembly operation becomes easy.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device, which may also include the nozzle assembly of any of the above embodiments.

[0026] The cleaning device can also be installed on a vehicle. The object to be cleaned can also be a vehicle-mounted device.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, more cleaning fluid can be blown toward an object to be cleaned. According to one aspect of the present invention, a nozzle assembly having a structure for maintaining a jetting port of the cleaning fluid at a correct position can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a front view schematically showing the cleaner device according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A perspective view of the nozzle assembly of the cleaner device in an installed state is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) is a perspective view schematically showing the first ejection port of the nozzle and a fan-shaped layer of the cleaning liquid ejected therefrom onto the first convex curved surface of the first camera.

[0032] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) is a perspective view schematically showing the second ejection port of the nozzle and a fan-shaped layer of the cleaning liquid ejected therefrom onto the second convex curved surface of the second camera.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a front view schematically showing a cleaner device according to another embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 It roughly indicates Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the second nozzle portion taken along line AA is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a front view schematically showing the cleaner device according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 (a) is a schematic representation of Figure 7 A perspective view of a nozzle assembly of a cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 , wherein the nozzle assembly of the cleaning device is mounted on a bracket. Figure 8 (b) is in Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of the second nozzle portion of the nozzle assembly cut away in (a).

[0037] Figure 9 The diagram is schematically shown without the nozzle assembly installed. Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the bracket shown.

[0038] Figure 10 It is schematically shown from the back side. Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly shown.

[0039] Figure 11 (a) indicates Figure 8 The F-F section shown in (a) is Figure 11 (b) indicates Figure 11 The G-G section shown in (a).

[0040] Figure 12 It is a front view schematically showing a cleaner device according to another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 13 (a) is a schematic representation of Figure 12 A perspective view of a nozzle assembly of a cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 , wherein the nozzle assembly of the cleaning device is mounted on a bracket. Figure 13 (b) is in Figure 13 A partial cross-sectional view obtained by cutting away a portion of the nozzle assembly in (a).

[0042] Figure 14 The nozzle assembly is not installed. Figure 13 (a) is a perspective view of the bracket shown.

[0043] Figure 15 It is schematically shown from the back side. Figure 13 (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly shown.

[0044] Figure 16 express Figure 13 The A-A section shown in (a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are merely illustrative, and all features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the substantive contents of the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are marked with the same figure numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, the scales or shapes of the various parts shown in the drawings are set for ease of description and will not be interpreted in a restrictive manner unless otherwise specified. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. used in this specification or claims do not indicate any order or importance, but are only used to distinguish a certain configuration from other configurations. In addition, in the drawings, a part of the components that are not important in describing the embodiments will be omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 It is a front view schematically showing the cleaner device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 The washer device 10 shown in this embodiment is a vehicle washer device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0047] The cleaning device 10 is configured to clean multiple objects to be cleaned, such as a first camera 11 and a second camera 12. As shown in the figure, the first camera 11 and the second camera 12 are arranged side by side, for example, in a horizontal arrangement. The first camera 11 and the second camera 12 are positioned in different positions to capture images from different directions, such as the front and rear of a vehicle. As shown in the figure, in this example, the first camera 11 and the second camera 12 have different outer shapes: the first camera 11 is circular, and the second camera 12 is square.

[0048] As surfaces to be cleaned by the cleaning device 10, the first camera 11 has a first convex curved surface 13, and the second camera 12 has a second convex curved surface 14. These convex curved surfaces are surfaces of optical elements exposed to the outside of the camera components. The optical element may be, for example, a lens, a light-transmitting lens cover for protecting the lens, or another optical element. The first convex curved surface 13 and the second convex curved surface 14 may have different shapes depending on the design and specifications of each camera.

[0049] The convex curved surface is, for example, a portion of a sphere. However, the convex curved surface may also be another quadratic surface such as a parabola, or another surface that curves convexly outward, such as an aspheric surface. Furthermore, the convex curved surface is not limited to being entirely curved; it may also appear to be convex as a whole, or may include a flat area in part.

[0050] The cleaning device 10 includes a nozzle 20. The nozzle 20 is provided with multiple jet ports, such as a first jet port 22 and a second jet port 24, that spray cleaning fluid in different directions. These jet ports are configured to spray cleaning fluid onto corresponding convex curved surfaces among a plurality of convex curved surfaces arranged around the nozzle 20. Specifically, the first jet port 22 is configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the first convex curved surface 13, and the second jet port 24 is configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the second convex curved surface 14.

[0051] The nozzle 20 is positioned outside the field of view of these cameras, for example, to the side of the first camera 11 and the second camera 12, so as not to obstruct or minimize the effect on the imaging of the first camera 11 and the second camera 12. The first injection port 22 is positioned outside the first convex curved surface 13, and the second injection port 24 is positioned outside the second convex curved surface 14.

[0052] In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 is provided between the first camera 11 and the second camera 12. Figure 1 As shown, the first camera 11 is located on the right side of the nozzle 20, and the second camera 12 is located on the left side of the nozzle 20. The first convex surface 13 is located on one side of the nozzle 20, and the second convex surface 14 is located on the other side of the nozzle 20. Therefore, the first jet port 22 and the second jet port 24 are arranged in the nozzle 20 so that they spray the cleaning fluid in substantially opposite directions. The front end of the nozzle 20 has a conical shape, and the first jet port 22 and the second jet port 24 open to the side of the cone. The first jet port 22 and the second jet port 24 are located on one side and the other side of the center of the nozzle 20.

[0053] The first jet port 22 is configured to jet the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the first convex curved surface 13, and the second jet port 24 is configured to jet the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the second convex curved surface 14. Figure 1 , a fan-shaped layer 26 of the cleaning liquid is ejected from the first ejection port 22 onto the first convex curved surface 13 , and a fan-shaped layer 28 of the cleaning liquid is ejected from the second ejection port 24 onto the second convex curved surface 14 .

[0054] Alternatively, one or both of the first jet port 22 and the second jet port 24 may be shaped so that the fan-shaped layer of cleaning liquid ejected curves convexly in the same direction as the convexly curved surface, as described in detail later. In this embodiment, for example, the second jet port 24 is shaped so that the fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid ejected curves convexly in the same direction as the second convexly curved surface 14.

[0055] like Figure 1As shown, the periphery of the first camera 11 , the second camera 12 , and the nozzle 20 is covered by the cover member 16 . Therefore, the portion of the cleaner device 10 other than the nozzle 20 is covered by the cover member 16 .

[0056] Figure 2 It is schematically represented Figure 1 The nozzle assembly 30 of the cleaning device 10 is shown in a perspective view of the installation state. Figure 2 In the figure, the Figure 1 The state of the cover member 16 shown. Figure 2 , the nozzle assembly 30 is shown together with a portion of the bracket 18 disposed behind the cover member 16 , as viewed from the second injection port 24 side of the nozzle 20 .

[0057] The nozzle assembly 30 includes a nozzle 20 and a nozzle holder 32. The nozzle 20 is mounted on the nozzle holder 32. The nozzle 20 and the nozzle holder 32 are formed of an appropriate synthetic resin material such as polyacetal resin, acrylic resin, or polycarbonate resin.

[0058] The nozzle holder 32 is fixed to the bracket 18, for example, by screws 34. Alternatively, the nozzle holder 32 may be fixed to the bracket 18 by other fixing means. As described above, in this embodiment, the washer device 10 is a vehicle washer device, and therefore the nozzle assembly 30 is supported on the vehicle body via the bracket 18. Although not shown in the figure, the bracket 18 may also be mounted with not only the nozzle assembly 30 but also the first camera 11 and the second camera 12.

[0059] A connecting hose 36 is connected to the nozzle holder 32. The connecting hose 36 is connected to the flow path of the cleaning liquid within the nozzle holder 32. Furthermore, the flow path within the nozzle holder 32 is connected to the first injection port 22 and the second injection port 24 via the internal flow path of the nozzle 20. Furthermore, the connecting hose 36 is connected to a cleaning liquid supply source, such as a cleaning liquid tank or a pump for delivering cleaning liquid from the tank.

[0060] Therefore, when the cleaning device 10 is in operation, the cleaning liquid is ejected from the first ejection port 22 and the second ejection port 24 through the connecting hose 36, the nozzle holder 32 and the internal flow path of the nozzle 20. Figure 1 As shown, a fan-shaped layer 26 of the cleaning liquid is blown from the first jet port 22 to the first convex curved surface 13 , and a fan-shaped layer 28 of the cleaning liquid is blown from the second jet port 24 to the second convex curved surface 14 .

[0061] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view schematically showing the first ejection port 22 of the nozzle 20 and the fan-shaped layer 26 of the cleaning liquid ejected therefrom onto the first convex curved surface 13 of the first camera 11. Figure 3 In (a), the first convex curved surface 13 and the layer 26 of the cleaning liquid are enlarged to show the first ejection port 22 when viewed from the direction in front of the first convex curved surface 13 of the first camera 11 relative to the first ejection port 20. Figure 3 (b) shows the same direction from which Figure 3 (a) shows the shape of the cleaning liquid layer 26 when the nozzle 20 is viewed from a distant viewpoint. Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 In (b), for convenience, the central axis 21 of the nozzle 20 is shown in the up-down direction.

[0062] The first camera 11 is set to be slightly inclined relative to the central axis 21 of the nozzle 20, and the first convex surface 13 is also slightly inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the central axis 21. As shown in the figure, the first convex surface 13 is gently inclined to the lower right. The first convex surface 13 has a center 13a and a periphery 13b. As described above, the first convex surface 13 is outward (at Figure 3 In (a), the curve is convex (upward), so center 13a extends outward (upward) relative to periphery 13b. In this example, center 13a touches the vertex of the most outwardly extending first convex curved surface 13, and periphery 13b describes a circle centered on center 13a. First convex curved surface 13 is a gently curved surface, and the height of center 13a relative to periphery 13b is smaller than the radius of periphery 13b.

[0063] The first injection port 22 has a straight upper edge 22a, lower edge 22b, left edge 22c, and right edge 22d, and as a whole has a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners. The upper edge 22a and lower edge 22b are connected by the left edge 22c and right edge 22d. The upper edge 22a and lower edge 22b are slightly longer than the left edge 22c and right edge 22d, making the first injection port 22 elongated in the transverse direction.

[0064] In order to make the fan-shaped layer 26 of cleaning liquid from the first jet port 22 fit on the first convex curved surface 13 arranged at an angle as described above, the first jet port 22 has a similarly inclined shape. Therefore, the upper edge 22a and the lower edge 22b are gently inclined toward the lower right, similar to the first convex curved surface 13. The upper edge 22a and the lower edge 22b of the first jet port 22 extend substantially parallel to each other, so the fan-shaped layer 26 of cleaning liquid from the first jet port 22 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (b), a planar liquid layer is formed.

[0065] The first injection port 22 is arranged on the side of the first convex curved surface 13 (at Figure 3 (a), is located slightly above the first convex curved surface 13. The upper edge 22a and lower edge 22b of the first jet port 22 are located above the center 13a of the first convex curved surface 13. Therefore, the cleaning liquid layer 26 is jetted obliquely downward from the first jet port 22 toward the first convex curved surface 13.

[0066] Furthermore, the first injection port 22 is arranged so that the fan-shaped layer 26 of the cleaning liquid injected is on one side (at the center 13a of the first convex curved surface 13) with respect to the center 13a of the first convex curved surface 13. Figure 3 (a), the inner side) hits the first convex surface 13, and moves along the first convex surface 13 over the center 13a of the first convex surface 13 to the other side (at Figure 3 In this way, the cleaning liquid can flow over a relatively large area of ​​the first convex curved surface 13 (for example, substantially the entire area of ​​the first convex curved surface 13), thereby achieving good cleaning of the first convex curved surface 13.

[0067] Furthermore, the distance between the left edge 22c and the right edge 22d of the first jet port 22 gradually increases as one approaches the front from the back of the first jet port 22. Due to this lateral expansion of the first jet port 22, the layer 26 of the cleaning liquid ejected from the first jet port 22 expands in a lateral fan shape.

[0068] The first injection port 22 is configured such that both ends 26b of the fan-shaped layer 26 of the injected cleaning liquid are directed toward the peripheral edge 13b of the first convex curved surface 13. Figure 3 As shown in (a), both ends 26b of the fan-shaped layer 26 of cleaning liquid ejected from the first ejection port 22 are blown onto the first convex curved surface 13 from the left edge 22c and the right edge 22d, respectively, so as to pass through the peripheral edge 13b of the first convex curved surface 13 like tangents. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid that scatters outside the peripheral edge 13b of the first convex curved surface 13.

[0069] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) is a perspective view schematically showing the second ejection port 24 of the nozzle 20 and the fan-shaped layer 28 of the cleaning liquid ejected therefrom onto the second convex curved surface 14 of the second camera 12. Figure 4 In (a), the second convex curved surface 14 and the cleaning liquid layer 28 are enlarged to show the second ejection port 24 when viewed from the direction in front of the second convex curved surface 14 of the second camera 12 relative to the second ejection port 20. Figure 4 (b) shows the same direction from which Figure 4(a) shows the shape of the cleaning liquid layer 28 when the nozzle 20 is viewed from a distant viewpoint. Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 In (b), for convenience, the central axis 21 of the nozzle 20 is shown in the up-down direction.

[0070] The second camera 12 is arranged along the central axis 21 of the nozzle 20, and the second convex surface 14 is arranged along a plane perpendicular to the central axis 21. The second convex surface 14 has a center 14a and a periphery 14b. As described above, the second convex surface 14 is outward (at Figure 4 In (a), the curve is convex (upward), so center 14a extends outward (upward) relative to periphery 14b. In this example, center 14a touches the vertex of the second convex curved surface 14, which extends the most outward, and periphery 14b describes a circle centered on center 14a. Second convex curved surface 14 is a gently curved surface, and the height of center 14a relative to periphery 14b is smaller than the radius of periphery 14b.

[0071] The shape of the second jet port 24 is determined so that the fan-shaped layer 28 of the cleaning liquid being jetted is convexly curved in the same direction as the second convex curved surface 14. Therefore, the upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b of the second jet port 24 are convexly curved toward the front end of the nozzle 20. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), a convexly curved shape can be easily imparted to the fan-shaped layer 28 of the sprayed cleaning liquid.

[0072] The second injection port 24 has a linear left edge 24c and a right edge 24d, and the upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b are connected by the left edge 24c and the right edge 24d. The upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b are slightly longer than the left edge 24c and the right edge 24d, and the second injection port 24 is elongated in the transverse direction.

[0073] The second injection port 24 is arranged on the side of the second convex curved surface 14 (at Figure 4 (a), is located slightly above the second convex curved surface 14. The upper edge 24a and lower edge 24b of the second jet port 24 are located above the center 14a of the second convex curved surface 14. Therefore, a layer 28 of the cleaning liquid is jetted obliquely downward from the second jet port 24 toward the second convex curved surface 14.

[0074] The second injection port 24 is arranged so that the fan-shaped layer 28 of the cleaning liquid injected is located on one side (at the center 14a of the second convex curved surface 14). Figure 4 (a), the inner side) hits the second convex surface 14, and moves along the second convex surface 14 over the center 14a of the second convex surface 14 to the other side (at Figure 4In this way, the cleaning liquid can flow over a relatively large area of ​​the second convex curved surface 14 (for example, substantially the entire area of ​​the second convex curved surface 14), thereby achieving good cleaning of the second convex curved surface 14.

[0075] Furthermore, the distance between the left edge 24c and the right edge 24d of the second jet port 24 gradually increases as one approaches the front from the back of the second jet port 24. Due to the lateral expansion of the second jet port 24, the layer 28 of the cleaning liquid ejected from the second jet port 24 expands in a lateral fan shape.

[0076] The second injection port 24 is configured such that both ends 28b of the fan-shaped layer 28 of the injected cleaning liquid are directed toward the peripheral edge 14b of the second convex curved surface 14. Figure 4 As shown in (a), both ends 28b of the fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid ejected from the second ejection port 24 are blown onto the second convex curved surface 14 from the left edge 24c and the right edge 24d, respectively, so as to pass through the peripheral edge 14b of the second convex curved surface 14 like tangents. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid that scatters outside the peripheral edge 14b of the second convex curved surface 14.

[0077] As described above, the nozzle 20 of the cleaning device 10 of the embodiment includes the second jet port 24, which is arranged outside the second convex curved surface 14 and sprays cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the second convex curved surface 14. The shape of the second jet port 24 is determined so that the fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid sprayed is convexly curved in the same direction as the second convex curved surface 14. In this way, the fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid sprayed is adapted to the second convex curved surface 14 of the second camera 12, thereby allowing a larger amount of cleaning liquid to be blown toward the second convex curved surface 14. Furthermore, when the cleaning liquid is sprayed linearly from the jet port, it partially hits the convex curved surface. However, by spraying the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner, the cleaning liquid can be easily blown toward the entire convex curved surface.

[0078] Furthermore, if fan-shaped cleaning liquid layer 28 were planar, only the center of the liquid layer would directly impact the vicinity of center 14a of second convexly curved surface 14, and the end of the liquid layer would pass over periphery 14b of second convexly curved surface 14 without striking second convexly curved surface 14, potentially causing the liquid to easily scatter. However, in this embodiment, fan-shaped cleaning liquid layer 28 is actually convexly curved like second convexly curved surface 14, so the entire cleaning liquid layer 28 can directly impact second convexly curved surface 14, thereby reducing such scattering of the cleaning liquid.

[0079] The curved shape of the upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b of the second injection port 24 does not necessarily need to be directly visible. Depending on the design of the size and shape of the nozzle 20, the second injection port 24, and the corresponding second convex curved surface 14, the curved shape of the upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b of the second injection port 24 may be visually recognizable when magnified and observed through a magnifying glass.

[0080] Figure 5 It is a front view schematically showing a cleaner device 10 according to another embodiment. Figure 5 The cleaner device 10 shown is Figure 1 The cleaner devices 10 shown differ in nozzle configuration but are otherwise similar.

[0081] The cleaner device 10 includes a nozzle assembly 40, in which a first nozzle portion 42 having a first injection port 22 and a second nozzle portion 44 having a second injection port 24 are provided. The first nozzle portion 42 is fixed to a support member such as a bracket by a screw 46. Alternatively, the first nozzle portion 42 may be fixed to the support member by other fixing means. The second nozzle portion 44 is connected to the first nozzle portion 42. The cleaning liquid is supplied to the first nozzle portion 42 from a supply source such as a tank, and is supplied to the second nozzle portion 44 via the first nozzle portion 42. The cleaning liquid supplied to the first nozzle portion 42 is ejected from the first injection port 22, and the cleaning liquid supplied to the second nozzle portion 44 is ejected from the second injection port 24.

[0082] The first jet port 22 is configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the first convex curved surface 13 of the first camera 11, and the second jet port 24 is configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the second convex curved surface 14 of the second camera 12. The first nozzle unit 42 is positioned above the first camera 11, and the first jet port 22 sprays cleaning fluid downwardly toward the first convex curved surface 13. The second nozzle unit 44 is positioned between the first camera 11 and the second camera 12, and the second jet port 24 sprays cleaning fluid diagonally downward toward the second convex curved surface 14.

[0083] The first jet port 22 is configured to jet the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the first convex curved surface 13, and the second jet port 24 is configured to jet the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the second convex curved surface 14. Figure 5 , a fan-shaped layer 26 of the cleaning liquid is ejected from the first ejection port 22 onto the first convex curved surface 13 , and a fan-shaped layer 28 of the cleaning liquid is ejected from the second ejection port 24 onto the second convex curved surface 14 .

[0084] In addition, with reference Figure 1The same embodiment as described above, the shape of one or both of the first injection port 22 and the second injection port 24 is determined to have a shape such that the fan-shaped layer of cleaning liquid injected is convexly curved in the same direction as the convex curved surface, which will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, for example, the shape of the second injection port 24 is determined to have a shape such that the fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid injected is convexly curved in the same direction as the second convex curved surface 14. As an example, the shape of the second injection port 24 can be set to the same as the reference Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 The same as described in (b).

[0085] Figure 6 It roughly indicates Figure 5 The second nozzle portion 44 is shown in the cross section of the line A-A. The second nozzle portion 44 has an internal flow path 48 formed therein, the diameter of which decreases toward the nozzle tip. The second injection port 24 is provided so as to bend approximately at a right angle from the small diameter portion of the tip side of the internal flow path 48. However, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As described in (a), the second jetting port 24 is arranged slightly above the second convex curved surface 14 , and therefore is slightly inclined downward in order to jet the cleaning liquid toward the second convex curved surface 14 .

[0086] As described above, the second nozzle portion 44 of the cleaning device 10 of the embodiment includes the second jet port 24, which is positioned outside the second convexly curved surface 14 and sprays cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped pattern toward the second convexly curved surface 14. The second jet port 24 is shaped so that a fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid is convexly curved in the same direction as the second convexly curved surface 14. This allows the fan-shaped layer 28 of cleaning liquid to conform to the second convexly curved surface 14 of the second camera 12, thereby allowing a larger amount of cleaning liquid to be blown toward the second convexly curved surface 14. Furthermore, the amount of cleaning liquid that scatters around the second convexly curved surface 14 can be reduced without the cleaning liquid hitting the second convexly curved surface 14.

[0087] Figure 7 It is a front view schematically showing the cleaner device 110 according to the embodiment. Figure 7 The washer device 110 shown in this embodiment is a vehicle washer device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0088] The cleaner device 110 is configured to clean a plurality of objects to be cleaned, such as the first camera 111 and the second camera 112. The first camera 111 and the second camera 112 are, for example, arranged to be adjacent in a lateral row as shown in the figure. The first camera 111 and the second camera 112 are, for example, disposed in different attitudes to take pictures in different directions, such as the front and the rear of the vehicle. As shown in the figure, in this example, the first camera 111 and the second camera 112 have different outer shapes, the first camera 111 has a circular shape, and the second camera 112 has a square shape.

[0089] As surfaces to be cleaned by the cleaner device 110, the first camera 111 has a first surface 113, and the second camera 112 has a second surface 114. These surfaces to be cleaned are surfaces of optical elements exposed to the outside as constituent elements of the cameras. The optical elements are, for example, lenses, or can be lens covers having light-transmitting properties for protecting the lenses, or can be other optical elements. The first surface 113 and the second surface 114 can be, for example, curved surfaces curved convexly to the outside, such as spherical surfaces, or can be surfaces having planes and other shapes. The first surface 113 and the second surface 114 can have the same shape, but generally, different shapes from each other can be taken according to the designs and specifications of the respective cameras.

[0090] The cleaner device 110 includes a nozzle assembly 120 in which a first nozzle portion 121 having a first spray port 122 and a second nozzle portion 123 having a second spray port 124 are provided. The nozzle assembly 120 has, for example, a substantially "L" shape in which the laterally long first nozzle portion 121 and the longitudinally long second nozzle portion 123 are connected to each other as shown in the figure. Figure 7 The cleaning liquid is supplied to the first nozzle portion 121 from a supply source such as a tank, and is supplied to the second nozzle portion 123 via the first nozzle portion 121. The cleaning liquid supplied to the first nozzle portion 121 is sprayed from the first spray port 122, and the cleaning liquid supplied to the second nozzle portion 123 is sprayed from the second spray port 124. The first spray port 122 is arranged to spray the cleaning liquid toward the first surface 113, and the second spray port 124 is arranged to spray the cleaning liquid toward the second surface 114.

[0091] The first spray port 122 is configured to fan the cleaning liquid toward the first surface 113, and the second spray port 124 is configured to fan the cleaning liquid toward the second surface 114. For ease of understanding, in the figure, a layer 126 of the cleaning liquid fanned toward the first surface 113 from the first spray port 122, and a layer 128 of the cleaning liquid fanned toward the second surface 114 from the second spray port 124 are shown. Figure 7 The first spray port 122 is configured to fan the cleaning liquid toward the first surface 113, and the second spray port 124 is configured to fan the cleaning liquid toward the second surface 114. For ease of understanding, in the figure, a layer 126 of the cleaning liquid fanned toward the first surface 113 from the first spray port 122, and a layer 128 of the cleaning liquid fanned toward the second surface 114 from the second spray port 124 are shown.

[0092] Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 120 is positioned outside the field of view of these cameras so as not to obstruct or minimize the effects on the imaging of the first and second cameras 111, 112. For example, the first nozzle 121 is positioned above the first camera 111, with the first jet port 122 spraying cleaning fluid downwardly toward the first surface 113. The second nozzle 123 is positioned between the first and second cameras 111, 112, with the second jet port 124 spraying cleaning fluid diagonally downward toward the second surface 114.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, the periphery of the first camera 111, the second camera 112 and the nozzle assembly 120 is covered by a cover member 116. Behind the cover member 116, a support member for supporting the first camera 111, the second camera 112 and the nozzle assembly 120 is provided, for example Figure 8 The bracket 118 shown in (a) is mounted on the bracket 118. The first camera 111, the second camera 112, and the nozzle assembly 120 are mounted on the bracket 118. As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaner device 110 is a vehicle cleaner device, so the first camera 111, the second camera 112, and the nozzle assembly 120 are supported on the vehicle body via the bracket 118.

[0094] Furthermore, the first nozzle unit 121 not only has the function of blowing the cleaning liquid toward the first surface 113 of the first camera 111, but also serves as a fixing portion for fixing the nozzle assembly 120 to the bracket 118. The first nozzle unit 121 is fixed to the bracket 118 by, for example, screws 130 as fixing members. Alternatively, the first nozzle unit 121 may be fixed to the bracket 118 or a supporting member by other fixing means.

[0095] The nozzle assembly 120 and the bracket 118 are formed of suitable synthetic resin materials such as polyacetal resin, acrylic resin, and polycarbonate resin. The nozzle assembly 120 and the bracket 118 are formed of the same material, but may be formed of different materials.

[0096] Reference Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 11(b) As described later, the nozzle assembly 120 is configured to restrict displacement of the nozzle assembly 120 relative to the object to be cleaned (i.e., the first camera 111 and the second camera 112) by combining with the bracket 118. The first nozzle portion 121 is fixed to the bracket 118, and the second nozzle portion 123 is connected to the first nozzle portion 121. The displacement restriction structure of the nozzle assembly 120 is formed by the second nozzle portion 123 and the bracket 118. The second nozzle portion 123 and the bracket 118 are not directly fixed to each other, but the second nozzle portion 123 and the bracket 118 are provided with a combination of concave and convex shapes as a displacement restriction structure to suppress movement of the nozzle assembly 120 relative to the bracket 118.

[0097] Figure 8 (a) is a schematic representation of Figure 7 The nozzle assembly 120 of the cleaning device 110 is shown in a perspective view in a state where it is mounted on the bracket 118. Figure 8 (b) is in Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view obtained by cutting away a portion of the second nozzle portion 123 of the nozzle assembly 120 in (a). Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) shows the removal of the bracket 118 together with a portion of the bracket 118. Figure 7 The nozzle assembly 120 is viewed from the second injection port 124 side of the second nozzle portion 123 in the state of the cover member 116 shown. Figure 8 (b) shows a longitudinal cross section of the second nozzle portion 123 .

[0098] also, Figure 9 The nozzle assembly 120 is not installed. Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the bracket 118 shown. Figure 10 It is schematically shown from the back side. Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly 120 shown. Figure 11 (a) indicates Figure 8 The F-F section shown in (a) is Figure 11 (b) indicates Figure 11 The G-G section shown in (a).

[0099] The first nozzle portion 121 is, for example, Figure 10 As shown, it has: a horizontally long substrate portion 132; an injection portion 134 formed in the center of the front surface of the plate portion 132; and an inlet portion 136 formed in the center of the back surface of the substrate portion 132. Figure 7 The first injection port 122 is shown. An internal flow path for guiding the cleaning liquid to the first injection port 122 and the second nozzle portion 123 is formed through the substrate portion 132 from the inlet portion 136 to the injection portion 134.

[0100] Furthermore, the substrate portion 132 of the first nozzle unit 121 has a screw hole 138 formed on one side facing the ejection portion 134, and a positioning pin 140 formed on the opposite side from the ejection portion 134. The screw hole 138 extends from the front surface to the back surface of the substrate portion 132. The positioning pin 140 is a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the back surface of the substrate portion 132.

[0101] The second nozzle unit 123 includes a nozzle 142 having a second ejection port 124 and a vertically long nozzle holder 144. The nozzle holder 144 includes a connecting portion 146 for connecting the second nozzle unit 123 to the first nozzle unit 121; and Figure 11 The nozzle holding portion 147 shown in (b) is shown. The connecting portion 146 is formed on, for example, the upper side of the nozzle holder 144, and is embedded in the injection portion 134 of the first nozzle portion 121, for example by press-fitting, whereby the second nozzle portion 123 is coupled to the first nozzle portion 121. The nozzle holding portion 147 is formed on, for example, the central portion of the front surface of the nozzle holder 144. The nozzle 142 is embedded in the nozzle holding portion 147, for example by press-fitting, whereby the nozzle 142 is attached to the nozzle holder 144. An internal flow path is formed in the nozzle holder 144, which is used to guide the cleaning liquid from the connecting portion 146 to the nozzle holding portion 147. Therefore, the cleaning liquid can flow from the injection portion 134 of the first nozzle portion 121 to the second injection port 124 of the nozzle 142 through the internal flow path of the nozzle holder 144. A cap 148 is attached to the lower end of the nozzle holder 144 to prevent the cleaning fluid flowing through the internal flow path of the nozzle holder 144 from flowing out of the opening at the lower end of the nozzle holder 144 , which is closed by the cap 148 .

[0102] Furthermore, the nozzle holder 144 has a convex portion 150 as the displacement limiting structure. The convex portion 150 is formed at, for example, the center portion of the back surface of the nozzle holder 144. In this embodiment, the convex portion 150 is formed as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, it has an "H" shape, and has two first longitudinal ribs 150a and a transverse rib 150b connecting these first longitudinal ribs 150a at the center.

[0103] Bracket 118 Figure 9 As shown, the mounting portion 152 extends toward the front. The mounting portion 152 has a mounting surface 153 that contacts the back surface of the substrate 132 of the first nozzle unit 121 when the first nozzle unit 121 is mounted. A flow path 154 opens toward the center of the mounting surface 153. A screw hole 156 is formed on one side of the flow path 154, and a positioning hole 158 is formed on the opposite side of the flow path 154. The flow path 154 is connected to a cleaning liquid supply source (not shown), which includes a cleaning liquid tank and a pump for delivering the cleaning liquid from the tank.

[0104] Furthermore, the bracket 118 has a second longitudinal rib 160 protruding toward the near-front side. When the nozzle assembly 120 is mounted on the bracket 118, the second longitudinal rib 160 is formed at a position corresponding to the rear face of the second nozzle unit 123. The second longitudinal rib 160 is provided with a recessed portion 162, which serves as the aforementioned displacement limiting structure. The recessed portion 162 is formed on the front end surface 160a of the second longitudinal rib 160 by combining with the protruding portion 150 of the nozzle holder 144, thereby limiting the displacement of the second nozzle unit 123 in at least one direction.

[0105] The nozzle assembly 120 is fixed to the bracket 118 by fixing the first nozzle unit 121 to the mounting portion 152 of the bracket 118. At this time, the positioning pin 140 of the first nozzle unit 121 is inserted into the positioning hole 158 of the bracket 118, and the inlet portion 136 of the first nozzle unit 121 is embedded in the flow path 154 of the bracket 118. In addition, the screw 130 (see FIG. 1 ) is screwed into the screw hole 138 of the first nozzle unit 121 and the screw hole 156 of the bracket 118. Figure 7 ), the first nozzle unit 121 is fixed to the mounting portion 152 of the bracket 118. In this way, the nozzle assembly 120 is fixed to the bracket 118 by one screw 130, so the assembly operation is relatively easy.

[0106] When the nozzle assembly 120 is fixed to the bracket 118, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 (b) Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 As shown in (b), the convex portion 150 of the second nozzle portion 123 enters the concave portion 162 of the bracket 118. In this way, the convex portion 150 and the concave portion 162 are combined. The concave portion 162 is a cutout formed in the second longitudinal rib 160, so the convex portion 150 is clamped up and down by the second longitudinal rib 160 in the concave portion 162. At this time, there may be a small gap between the convex portion 150 and the concave portion 162, or the convex portion 150 and the concave portion 162 may contact each other in at least a portion of their surfaces. Therefore, when an external force acts on the nozzle assembly 120 (for example, the second nozzle portion 123) in the up and down direction, the convex portion 150 of the second nozzle portion 123 abuts against the second longitudinal rib 160 in the concave portion 162, thereby restricting the displacement or movement of the second nozzle portion 123 in the up and down direction relative to the bracket 118.

[0107] The convex portion 150 of the nozzle assembly 120 and the concave portion 162 of the bracket 118 are not fixed to each other. In this way, since the convex portion 150 and the concave portion 162 do not need to be fixed to each other and can simply be combined, the assembly operation becomes easy.

[0108] The front end surface 160a of the second longitudinal rib 160, which has the recess 162, faces the back surface of the second nozzle unit 123 below the recess 162. A slight gap may exist between the front end surface 160a of the second longitudinal rib 160 and the back surface of the second nozzle unit 123, or the two may be in contact with each other. When the nozzle assembly 120 (e.g., the second nozzle unit 123) is pressed from front to back, the second nozzle unit 123 contacts the front end surface 160a of the second longitudinal rib 160, thereby restricting the displacement or movement of the second nozzle unit 123 in the front-to-back direction relative to the bracket 118.

[0109] The two first longitudinal ribs 150a of the convex portion 150 are as follows Figure 11 As shown in (a), the two first longitudinal ribs 150a are separately arranged on both sides of the second longitudinal rib 160 of the bracket 118, and the two first longitudinal ribs 150a are not in contact with the second longitudinal rib 160. Therefore, displacement of the second nozzle unit 123 in the left-right direction relative to the bracket 118 is permitted. However, instead, the convex portion 150 and the concave portion 162 may be in contact with or sufficiently close to each other in such a manner that the second longitudinal rib 160 is sandwiched between the two first longitudinal ribs 150a, thereby restricting displacement or movement of the second nozzle unit 123 in the left-right direction relative to the bracket 118.

[0110] Since the nozzle assembly 120 is fixed to the bracket 118, the flow path 154 of the bracket 118 is connected to the first injection port 122 through the internal flow path of the first nozzle unit 121. Together with this, the flow path 154 is connected to the second injection port 124 through the internal flow paths of the first nozzle unit 121 and the second nozzle unit 123. Therefore, when the cleaning device 110 is in operation, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source flow path 154, passes through the first nozzle unit 121 and the second nozzle unit 123, and is ejected from the first injection port 122 and the second injection port 124 (at Figure 8 In (b), the flow of the cleaning liquid is schematically indicated by arrows). A fan-shaped layer 126 of the cleaning liquid is blown from the first nozzle 122 to the first surface 113 of the first camera 111, and a fan-shaped layer 128 of the cleaning liquid is blown from the second nozzle 124 to the second surface 114 of the second camera 112. In this way, the cleaning device 110 can be as Figure 7 As shown, the first camera 111 and the second camera 112 are cleaned with a cleaning fluid.

[0111] However, during assembly of the nozzle assembly 120 or equipment near it, an operator's hand may accidentally touch the nozzle assembly 120, causing external forces to be applied to the nozzle assembly 120. If such an accidental external force is large, the nozzle assembly 120 may be unintentionally moved or displaced. Alternatively, if the portion of the nozzle assembly 120 subjected to such an accidental external force is relatively far from the first nozzle portion 121, which is the portion where the nozzle assembly 120 is fixed to the bracket 118, such as the second nozzle portion 123, the torque applied by the external force may be increased, resulting in the nozzle assembly 120 being unintentionally moved or displaced. This may cause the first injection port 122 or the second injection port 124 (particularly the second injection port) to deviate from the correct position. If the nozzle's positional deviation changes the direction of the cleaning fluid ejected from the nozzle, the cleaning fluid may have difficulty reaching the first camera 111 or the second camera 112, potentially preventing proper cleaning.

[0112] To address this issue, the nozzle assembly 120 of the cleaning device 110 of the embodiment includes: a first nozzle unit 121, which is a fixed portion, fixed to the bracket 118 at a location different from the recessed portion 162 of the bracket 118; and a protrusion 150, which, by combining with the recessed portion 162 of the bracket 118, restricts the displacement of the nozzle assembly 120 relative to the first camera 111 and the second camera 112. The protrusion 150 is formed on the second nozzle unit 123.

[0113] In this manner, the nozzle assembly is not only fixed to the bracket 118 on which the first and second cameras 111, 112 are mounted, but is also combined with the recessed portion 162 of the bracket 118 at the convex portion 150. This restricts the displacement of the nozzle assembly 120 relative to the first and second cameras 111, 112. Consequently, positional displacement of the first and second injection ports 122, 124 caused by accidental external forces is prevented or substantially suppressed. With this simple structure, combining the convex portion 150 with the recessed portion 162, the first and second injection ports 122, 124 can be maintained in their correct positions.

[0114] Next, refer to Figures 12 to 16 , a cleaning device 170 according to another embodiment will be described. This cleaning device 170 is similar to the first camera 111 and the second camera 112 in that it is used to clean the first camera 111 and the second camera 112. Figure 7 The above-described cleaner devices 110 shown are common, but differ in nozzle configuration and displacement limiting structure.

[0115] Figure 12 It is a front view schematically showing a cleaner device 170 according to another embodiment. Figure 13 (a) is a schematic representation of Figure 12The nozzle assembly 171 of the cleaning device 170 is shown in a perspective view mounted on the bracket 175. Figure 13 (b) is in Figure 13 A partial cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly 171 is obtained by cutting away a portion of the nozzle assembly 171 in (a). Figure 13 (a) and Figure 13 In (b), after removing Figure 12 In the illustrated state of the cover member 174 , the nozzle assembly 171 is shown along with a portion of the bracket 175 .

[0116] also, Figure 14 The state in which the nozzle assembly 171 is not installed is shown. Figure 13 (a) is a perspective view of the bracket 175 shown. Figure 15 It is schematically shown from the back side. Figure 13 (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly 171 shown. Figure 16 express Figure 13 The A-A section shown in (a).

[0117] Cleaning device 170 includes a nozzle 172. Nozzle 172 is provided with a plurality of jet ports that spray cleaning fluid in different directions, for example, first jet port 122 and second jet port 124. First jet port 122 is configured to spray cleaning fluid toward first surface 113 of first camera 111, and second jet port 124 is configured to spray cleaning fluid toward second surface 114 of second camera 112.

[0118] In this embodiment, the nozzle 172 is provided between the first camera 111 and the second camera 112. Figure 12 As shown, the first camera 111 is positioned to the right of the nozzle 172, and the second camera 112 is positioned to the left of the nozzle 172. Therefore, the first and second jet ports 122, 124 are positioned on the nozzle 172 so that they spray the cleaning fluid in substantially opposite directions. The tip of the nozzle 172 has a conical shape, with the first and second jet ports 122, 124 opening toward the sides of the cone. The first and second jet ports 122, 124 are positioned on one side and the other side of the center of the nozzle 172.

[0119] The first jet port 122 is configured to jet the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the first surface 113, and the second jet port 124 is configured to jet the cleaning liquid in a fan-shaped manner toward the second surface 114. Figure 12 , a fan-shaped layer 126 of the cleaning liquid is ejected from the first ejection port 122 onto the first surface 113 , and a fan-shaped layer 128 of the cleaning liquid is ejected from the second ejection port 124 onto the second surface 114 .

[0120] like Figure 12 As shown, the periphery of the first camera 111, the second camera 112 and the nozzle 172 is covered by a cover member 174. Behind the cover member 174, a support member for supporting the first camera 111, the second camera 112 and the nozzle assembly 171 is provided, for example Figure 13 The bracket 175 shown in (a) is mounted on the bracket 175. The first camera 111, the second camera 112, and the nozzle assembly 171 are mounted on the bracket 175. As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaner device 170 is a vehicle cleaner device, so the first camera 111, the second camera 112, and the nozzle assembly 171 are supported on the vehicle body via the bracket 175.

[0121] like Figure 13 (a) and Figure 13 As shown in (b), the nozzle assembly 171 includes a nozzle 172 and a nozzle holder 173. The nozzle 172 is mounted on the front surface of the nozzle holder 173. The nozzle 172 and the nozzle holder 173 are formed of a suitable synthetic resin material, such as polyacetal resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, etc. In addition, a connecting hose 176 is connected to the lower end of the nozzle holder 173. The connecting hose 176 is connected to the flow path of the cleaning liquid in the nozzle holder 173, and the flow path in the nozzle holder 173 is connected to the first injection port 122 and the second injection port 124 through the internal flow path of the nozzle 172. In addition, the connecting hose 176 is connected to a cleaning liquid supply source, which includes a cleaning liquid tank or a pump for sending the cleaning liquid from the tank.

[0122] Therefore, when the cleaning device 170 is in operation, the cleaning liquid is ejected from the first ejection port 122 and the second ejection port 124 through the internal flow path of the connecting hose 176, the nozzle holder 173 and the nozzle 172. Figure 12 As shown, a fan-shaped layer 126 of cleaning liquid is blown from the first jet port 122 onto the first surface 113, and a fan-shaped layer 128 of cleaning liquid is blown from the second jet port 124 onto the second surface 114. In this way, the cleaning device 170 can clean the first camera 111 and the second camera 112 with the cleaning liquid.

[0123] In addition, the nozzle holder 173 is as follows Figure 15 As shown, it has a fixing portion 177 and a recessed portion 178 serving as a displacement limiting structure. Fixing portion 177 is formed at the upper end of nozzle holder 173, and screw holes 179 extend through it from the front to the back. Recessed portion 178 is formed on the back of nozzle holder 173, on the side opposite nozzle 172.

[0124] Bracket 175 Figure 14As shown, it has: a mounting portion 181 having a screw hole 180 formed therein; and a convex portion 182 as a displacement limiting structure. The convex portion 182 is provided to protrude toward the front side relative to the mounting portion 181. The convex portion 182 is configured to limit the displacement of the nozzle assembly 171 in at least one direction by being combined with the concave portion 178 of the nozzle holder 173. Figure 9 The bracket 118 shown is different and is not provided with a flow path for the cleaning fluid.

[0125] Screws 183, for example, serving as fixing members, are screwed into screw holes 179 of fixing portion 177 and screw holes 180 of mounting portion 181, securing fixing portion 177 of nozzle holder 173 to mounting portion 181 of bracket 175. At this point, recess 178 of nozzle holder 173 is inserted into protrusion 182 of bracket 175, and protrusion 182 and recess 178 are assembled. This secures nozzle assembly 171 to bracket 175. A slight gap may exist between protrusion 182 and recess 178, or the protrusion 182 and recess 178 may contact each other at least partially on their surfaces. When an external force acts vertically on nozzle assembly 171, nozzle holder 173 abuts against protrusion 182 of bracket 175 within recess 178, thereby restricting vertical displacement or movement of nozzle assembly 171 relative to bracket 175. Likewise, the displacement of the nozzle assembly 171 relative to the bracket 175 in the left-right direction and the front-back direction is also restricted.

[0126] In addition, the convex portion 182 is as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown, when disposed in the recess 178, the protrusion 184 formed in the recess 178 comes into contact with the protrusion 184 in the recess 178. The contact between the protrusion 182 and the protrusion 184 in the recess 178 positions the nozzle assembly 171 relative to the bracket 175, thereby accurately positioning the first injection port 122 and the second injection port 124 relative to the first camera 111 and the second camera 112, respectively.

[0127] As described above, nozzle assembly 171 of cleaner device 170 of the embodiment includes: fixing portion 177 fixed to bracket 175 at a location different from protrusion 182 of bracket 175; and recessed portion 178, which, in combination with protrusion 182 of bracket 175, restricts displacement of nozzle assembly 171 relative to first camera 111 and second camera 112. Recessed portion 178 is formed in nozzle holder 173.

[0128] In this manner, nozzle assembly 171 is not only fixed to bracket 175, to which first camera 111 and second camera 112 are mounted, but is also combined with protrusion 182 of bracket 175 at recess 178. This restricts displacement of nozzle assembly 171 relative to first camera 111 and second camera 112. Consequently, positional displacement of first and second nozzles 122, 124 caused by accidental external forces is prevented or substantially suppressed. With this simple structure, combining protrusion 182 with recess 178, first and second nozzles 122, 124 can be maintained in their correct positions.

[0129] The concave portion 178 of the nozzle assembly 171 and the convex portion 182 of the bracket 175 are not fixed to each other. In this way, since the convex portion 182 and the concave portion 178 do not need to be fixed to each other and can simply be combined, the assembly operation becomes easy.

[0130] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations. The embodiments and variations can be combined or further modified, such as by various design changes, based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Such combined or further modified embodiments or variations are also within the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments or variations, as well as new embodiments resulting from combinations of the above-described embodiments or variations with the following variations, have the effects of the combined embodiments, variations, and further variations.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b of the second injection port 24 are convexly curved in the same direction as the second convexly curved surface 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, at least one of the upper edge 24a and the lower edge 24b of the second injection port 24, for example, at least the upper edge 24a, may be convexly curved to match the second convexly curved surface 14.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, one of the first and second jet ports 22 and 24, specifically the second jet port 24, is convexly curved to match the second convexly curved surface 14. However, it is also possible that both the first and second jet ports 22 and 24 are convexly curved. Therefore, the nozzle may include a plurality of jet ports, each of which is configured to eject cleaning fluid in a fan-shaped manner toward a corresponding convexly curved surface among a plurality of convexly curved surfaces arranged around the nozzle. Alternatively, each jet port may be shaped so that the fan-shaped layer of cleaning fluid ejected from the jet port curves convexly in the same direction as the convexly curved surface corresponding to the jet port.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the plurality of nozzles are respectively configured to spray cleaning liquid onto different objects to be cleaned. However, instead, the plurality of nozzles may be respectively configured to spray cleaning liquid from different directions onto different parts of the same object to be cleaned, or onto the same part of the same object to be cleaned.

[0134] The number of injection ports is not particularly limited, and three or more injection ports may be provided, or only one injection port may be provided.

[0135] The configuration and shape of the convex and concave portions of the displacement limiting structure are not limited to the above-mentioned specific configurations, and various other configurations are possible. Figures 7 to 11 In the embodiment described in (b), an H-shaped protrusion 150 having two first longitudinal ribs 150a and one transverse rib 150b is used. However, for example, the protrusion 150 may have only transverse ribs 150b and not first longitudinal ribs 150a. Furthermore, the protrusion 150 is formed on the back surface of the nozzle holder 144. Alternatively, for example, a protrusion may be formed on a side surface of the nozzle holder 144 (on the same side as the connecting portion 146 or on the opposite side), and a recessed portion formed in conjunction with the protrusion may be formed in the bracket 118.

[0136] In addition, it is also possible to provide a concave portion instead of a convex portion. Conversely, it is also possible to provide a convex portion instead of a concave portion. For example, it is also possible to provide a convex portion in reference to Figures 7 to 11 In the cleaner device 110 of the embodiment described in (b), a recess is formed in the nozzle assembly 120, a convex portion is formed in the bracket 118, and a displacement limiting structure is formed by combining these recesses and convex portions. Figures 12 to 16 In the cleaner device 170 of the embodiment described, a convex portion is formed on the nozzle assembly 171 and a concave portion is formed on the bracket 175 , and the displacement limiting structure is formed by combining these convex portions and concave portions.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the nozzle having the ejection port and the nozzle holder are prepared as separate components, and the nozzle is attached to the nozzle holder. However, instead, a single nozzle component in which the nozzle and the nozzle holder are integrally formed may be used.

[0138] It can also be, in reference to Figures 7 to 16 In the embodiment described, also with reference to Figure 1 Similarly to the described embodiment, the shape of one or both of the first jet port 122 and the second jet port 124 is determined so that the fan-shaped layer of the jetted cleaning liquid is convexly curved in the same direction as the convex surface of the object to be cleaned.

[0139] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the cleaning fluid is a cleaning liquid has been described as an example, but the cleaning fluid can also be a gas such as air.

[0140] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the vehicle cleaner device that cleans the vehicle-mounted camera has been described as an example, but the object to be cleaned by the cleaner devices 10, 110 can also be a ranging sensor such as a LiDAR, or a vehicle-mounted sensor other than a vehicle-mounted camera, or other vehicle-mounted equipment. It can also be that the optical element to be cleaned constitutes a part of the vehicle-mounted equipment to be cleaned. Furthermore, the cleaner devices 10, 110 are not limited to being for vehicles. The cleaner devices of the embodiments can be mounted on, for example, outdoor lighting equipment such as streetlights, sensor equipment, or other various equipment, and can be used to clean various objects to be cleaned provided to such equipment.

[0141] Although the present application has been described based on the embodiments using specific language, the embodiments merely represent one aspect of the principles, applications of the present application, and in the embodiments, many modifications or configurations are allowed within the scope of the idea of the present application defined by the claims.

[0142] [Industrial applicability]

[0143] The present application can be utilized for a nozzle and a cleaner device equipped therewith.

[0144] [Explanation of reference numerals]

[0145] 10 cleaner device, 13 first convex curved surface, 14 second convex curved surface, 20 nozzle, 22 first injection port, 22a upper edge, 22b lower edge, 24 second injection port, 26 layer of cleaning liquid, 26b both ends, 28 layer of cleaning liquid, 28b both ends, 110 cleaner device, 111 first camera, 112 second camera, 113 first surface, 114 second surface, 118 bracket, 120 nozzle assembly, 121 first nozzle portion, 122 first injection port, 123 second nozzle portion, 124 second injection port, 142 nozzle, 144 nozzle holder, 150 convex portion, 150a first longitudinal rib, 150b transverse rib, 160 second longitudinal rib, 162 concave portion.

Claims

1. A nozzle of a cleaning device, the cleaning device being used to clean an object having a convex surface; The nozzle is characterized in that The cleaning device comprises a spray port, the spray port being arranged outside the convex curved surface and spraying the cleaning fluid in a fan shape toward the convex curved surface; The shape of the injection port is determined so that the fan-shaped layer of the injected cleaning fluid is convexly curved in the same direction as the convex curved surface. The upper edge and the lower edge of the injection port are curved convexly toward the front end of the nozzle.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The injection port is arranged so that the fan-shaped layer of the injected cleaning fluid hits the convex curved surface on one side relative to the center of the convex curved surface and flows along the convex curved surface to the other side across the center of the convex curved surface.

3. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The injection port is configured so that both ends of the fan-shaped layer of the injected cleaning fluid are directed toward the peripheral edge of the convex curved surface.

4. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The nozzle includes a plurality of injection ports, and the plurality of injection ports are arranged to respectively inject the cleaning fluid in a fan shape toward corresponding convex curved surfaces among a plurality of convex curved surfaces arranged around the nozzle; The shape of each injection port is determined so that a fan-shaped layer of cleaning fluid injected from the injection port is convexly curved in the same direction as the convexly curved surface corresponding to the injection port.

5. A cleaning device, characterized in that comprising a nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2; The convex curved surface is the surface of the optical element.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein The cleaning device is mounted on a vehicle, and the optical element constitutes a part of vehicle-mounted equipment serving as an object to be cleaned.

Images