Integrated spraying and cleaning nozzle

Abstract

Disclosed is a shear-type fluid spray nozzle having a small size for use on a vehicle to create a desired shear spray, the fluid spray nozzle including a body made of a unitary material defining an inlet, a cavity, and an outlet. In one embodiment, the cavity may be aligned along an inlet axis, and the outlet may be aligned along an outlet axis generally transverse to the inlet axis. The geometry of the fluid spray nozzle may be used to separate the primary flow of fluid within the cavity to maintain the spray target and spray fan shape in a desired condition.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 340,961, filed on May 12, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fluid nozzle, and more particularly, to a fluid nozzle having a low-profile, one-piece design that can provide controlled spray performance. Background Art

[0004] Some vehicles include external sensors, including external view (e.g., front bumper, side view, rear view, or backup) cameras to enhance the driver's field of view and improve safety. For example, a rear view or "back up" camera system may be integrated into a vehicle to minimize the possibility of a "back up accident." A back up accident is a specifically defined type of accident in which a non-occupant of the vehicle (i.e., a pedestrian or bicyclist) or other object is struck by a vehicle moving in the opposite direction. The vehicle may include other cameras to view any other blind spots or desired areas around the periphery of the vehicle (rear, sides, front, top).

[0005] An increasing number of cars and SUVs include multiple integrated video cameras and sensors (e.g., infrared imaging, lidar, etc.) to generate images for display on the interior of the vehicle and allow the driver / operator to view the area around their vehicle for obstacles using, for example, a display mounted on a rearview mirror or mounted in a navigation system screen. As another example, outdoor security cameras and sensing devices (both fixed and mobile) are used for similar purposes and encounter problems similar to those encountered with vehicle sensors. Typically, these cameras and sensing devices include one or more external lens surfaces that may eventually become soiled by environmental debris, such as road grime, dust, water spots, etc., which may affect the use and function of the camera.

[0006] Many vehicles and safety systems now also use cameras and / or sensors in more complex automated assistance features, such as driver assistance systems, electronic power assisted steering, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, blind spot detection, parking assist, traction and brake control. Various types of automation also rely on sensor inputs to implement their control and functionality. As mentioned above, parts of the sensor may also become dirty with environmental debris, such as road grime, dust, water spots, etc., which may affect the control and function of the sensor.

[0007] When excessive debris accumulates on the lenses and / or other parts of cameras and sensors, it is difficult to manually access and clean them. This debris also distorts images, reduces the accuracy of automated systems, and in some cases even renders sensor outputs and automated systems that rely on these sensors unusable. Therefore, equipment for regular cleaning of lenses and other parts of sensors is critical to reducing and eliminating problems caused by debris accumulation, and, for this purpose, there are many nozzles and systems, such as those disclosed in International Patent Publication WO2017 / 070246A1 and U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0029566A1 and U.S. Patents 10,432,827, 10,350,647, 10,525,937 and 10,328,906, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] In order to obtain adequate coverage of the cleaning spray distributed by these and other prior art nozzles / systems, current practice relies on adding nozzles to increase the overall cleaning coverage and / or increase the range of the spray or the volume of its flow rate, which may result in overlapping spray outputs of multiple nozzles. In any case, the added nozzles generally result in increased costs.

[0009] The jet oscillator type of scrubber nozzle is a specific type of highly efficient spray performance (i.e., large coverage area and high exit velocity at low flow rates). Recent jet oscillator nozzles have improved performance with cold fluids (having viscosities up to twenty-five centipoise (25 cP)), which is especially desirable in facilities where outdoor temperatures approach or drop below the freezing point of the cleaning liquid. Typical low-flow, low-pressure jet nozzle assemblies are severely compromised when forced to spray cold, viscous fluids.

[0010] Most known jet nozzles, which have relatively small size / output spray fan patterns, are particularly ineffective if supplied with low-flow, low-pressure (e.g., 15 psi or less) fluids. Specifically, these prior art nozzles are unable to reliably generate an oscillating spray of droplets that provides satisfactory coverage and spray velocity to cover or clean a desired target surface. Thus, a significant limitation of existing jet nozzles is that the package size of the nozzle assembly needs to be large enough to handle the desired fluid flow; for example, the linear distance or front-to-back thickness from the fluid inlet or feed port to the outlet orifice is typically required to be at least 6 mm for most jet circuits, especially if the spraying application will include cold viscous fluids at low temperatures, such as automotive windshield washer fluids or camera washer fluids.

[0011] For certain assemblies (particularly in many vehicles), package size is an issue because available space is very limited. Jet spray nozzles (i.e., a directional fluid stream that does not oscillate or spread into a larger fan) are often used in such limited space applications because of their relatively small footprint and ability to be manufactured in a single piece (compared to current fluidic solutions, many of which rely on a two-piece construction that mates an insert into a housing), but due to their very narrow spray pattern, jet spray nozzles often must be combined with high fluid flow rates, or must operate for longer spray durations, to effectively clean large portions of the glass or exterior lens surface. That is, for many automotive cleaning applications (such as cleaning camera lenses, where the surface must be well cleaned and no mechanical scraper is required, etc.), jet spray nozzles do not have an effective spray pattern.

[0012] In addition, many applications (especially those in vehicles) prefer or require that the outlet be aligned vertically with respect to the inlet axis, for example, the outlet axis and the inlet axis are located within the same planar surface; therefore, due to the unbalanced streamlines between the inlet and the outlet, the spray fan and the spray target may be difficult to keep neat and stable. For example, current one-piece design shear-type nozzles do not have a neat spray fan or a stable spray target, and the design may be difficult to process. Other current nozzles (such as the nozzle disclosed in WO 2017 / 070246) are two-piece designs, which may increase the cost and complexity of design, manufacturing and assembly (for example, in a two-piece construction, the insert must perfectly fit and seal to the internal contour of the housing while ensuring that the outlet is properly aimed and aligned).

[0013] In view of this, there is a need in the art for one or more fluid spray nozzles that can produce a suitable spray pattern for cleaning a lens (such as a LiDAR lens) that provides adequate spraying and cleaning coverage of a target area of ​​a sensor surface. There is also a need for an integrated design fluid spray nozzle that provides one or more (or all) of the following advantages: low cost, compact design, easy-to-process manufacturing method, good thermal performance, good cold performance, adequate spraying under low flow and low pressure fluid conditions, balanced spraying, neat spraying, stable spraying, etc. Summary of the invention

[0014] The present disclosure relates to a shear-type fluid spray nozzle having a small size (OD (outer diameter) ≤ 5 mm, the outlet width in the horizontal plane is included between 10% and 25% of the diameter, for example 0.50 to 1.25 mm, more preferably, for a nozzle of OD 5 mm, the outlet width in the horizontal plane is about 0.70 to 1.00 mm). The nozzle produces a desired shear-type spray pattern, and the nozzle is formed entirely of a one-piece material. The resulting fluid spray pattern is suitable for cleaning lenses (such as LiDAR lenses) because it provides sufficient cleaning coverage of the target area. In addition, compared with existing solutions, this nozzle is lower in cost and has a more compact design, while its processing simplifies the manufacturing method, and it produces good results in a wide range of cold (i.e., ≤ 5°C or ≤ 10% of the freezing temperature of the cleaning fluid) and warm temperatures (i.e., the ambient atmospheric temperature in summer, typically between 25°C and 40°C), produces sufficient spraying (i.e., maintains the desired spraying pattern) under low flow and low pressure fluid conditions, produces balanced spraying, produces neat spraying, produces stable spraying, etc.

[0015] In general, the present invention contemplates a one-piece nozzle having a shell defining an internal tubular cavity. The inlet of the tubular cavity is arranged at the bottom of the shell, and the outlet is oriented to project a shear spray pattern at an angle relative to the inlet axis of the tubular cavity (i.e., the axis of the shell), preferably a 90° angle (+ / -≤20°). The upstream of the tubular cavity includes a transition region characterized by an arcuate slot and, in some aspects, also includes one or two axial shoulders. The arcuate slot itself can be subdivided by a rib member, and the slot can include a ceiling with rounded or straight corners. The size of the slot and the presence of ribs (which effectively provide two arcuate slots near the outlet) produce a desired spray pattern and target. Importantly, this arrangement allows the manufacture of nozzles of sufficiently small size (major diameter is less than 20.00 mm, more preferably less than 5.00 mm, and the outlet size is between 5% and 25% of the diameter) so that it can be used in systems where existing nozzles are proven to be effective (in terms of low temperature or high viscosity performance and in terms of producing a consistent and desired spray pattern), particularly vehicle cleaning systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1A is a perspective cross-sectional view, and Figure 1B are side plan views, both showing a prior art one-piece shear-type nozzle;

[0018] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C It is shown Figure 1APhotos of the spray pattern and output of the one-piece shear-type nozzle;

[0019] Figure 3A It is a perspective view. Figure 3B is a front plan view, and Figure 3C are side plan views, all showing external views of a housing according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4A It is a perspective view. Figure 4B is a front plan view, Figure 4C is a side plan view, Figure 4D are rear plan views, all showing external views of a housing according to another aspect of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E shows various features of the first aspect of the present invention, Figure 5A and Figure 5B A perspective cross-sectional top view along axial planes 5A-5A and 5B-5B is shown, as shown in FIG. Figure 5C Shown is a perspective cross-sectional side view taken along a diameter of the housing coinciding with the outlet axis. Figure 5D is a bottom plan view, and Figure 5E are perspective bottom views, both of which are shown to highlight certain features of the internal flow path.

[0022] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E shows various features of the second aspect of the invention, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A perspective cross-sectional top view along axial planes 6A-6A and 6B-6B is shown, as shown in FIG. Figure 6C Shown is a perspective cross-sectional side view taken along a diameter of the housing coinciding with the outlet axis. Fig.6D is a bottom plan view, and Fig. 6E are perspective bottom views, both of which are shown to highlight certain features of the internal flow path.

[0023] 7A to 7D is a photograph of a spray pattern achieved by a nozzle according to aspects of the invention disclosed herein, Fig. 7A shows a top view of a typical sprinkler fan, Figure 7B shows a side view of a spray target protruding approximately 15°, and Figure 7C and Fig.7D A comparative view of a fluid containing 50% ethanol at 0°F (10 CP) and 10-30 psi pressure is shown, demonstrating a clean and stable spray fan angle, with the spray target angle remaining perpendicular to the inlet axis (eg, perpendicular to the inlet axis).

[0024] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E The general direction of fluid flow from the nozzle.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third aspect of the invention having a plurality of shoulders to direct the flow path, with arrows showing the general direction of flow.

[0026] Fig.10 is with Figure 5A A similar view is shown, where the flow arrows indicate how the spray fan diverges in a radial direction from the outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Now will refer to the embodiment of this teaching in detail, its example is shown in the accompanying drawings.It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of this teaching, other embodiments can be utilized, and structural and functional changes can be made.In addition, without departing from the scope of this teaching, the features of the embodiments can be combined, exchanged or changed, for example, the features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined, exchanged or replaced with the features of other disclosed embodiments.Therefore, the following description is presented by way of illustration, and does not limit the various changes and modifications that can be made to the illustrated embodiment, and various changes and modifications are still within the spirit and scope of this teaching.

[0028] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" refer to an instance or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a critical or preferred aspect or embodiment. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the word "or" is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive. For example, the phrase "A employs B or C" includes any inclusive permutation and combination (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). On the other hand, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more," unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, an external sensor generally refers to a device that is exposed to the external environment of the vehicle to sense driving conditions, environmental conditions, or the overall surrounding environment of the vehicle. Such external sensors may include visible light sensors or cameras (e.g., charge coupled devices, complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices, etc.), radio detection and ranging (radar) sensors, light direction and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, and other types of sensors. Such sensors can be used to assist users in operating the vehicle (e.g., blind spot monitoring, reversing cameras, etc.). On the other hand, external sensors can be used for unmanned or autonomous driving vehicles. In addition, an embodiment may refer to an external sensor as being exposed to an external environment, wherein the external sensor may be disposed in a housing with a lens or in other protective devices that separate the external sensor from the environment so that the external sensor is not in direct contact with the environment. Therefore, the lens may be considered to be a part of an external sensor exposed to the external environment.

[0030] The described embodiments generally relate to a fluid nozzle or a vehicle sensor cleaning system used in spraying and cleaning applications. The vehicle sensor cleaning system can automatically or autonomously (e.g., without user actuation) clean one or more external sensors based on an algorithm. The algorithm can determine the cleaning parameters based on operating parameters associated with the operation of the vehicle, the external environment, or stored preferences. For example, the vehicle sensor cleaning system can use available data from the vehicle and other sources to clean the sensor in an appropriate manner during operating time. The sensors to be cleaned can be prioritized according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the vehicle sensor cleaning system can control the cleaning process to save cleaning fluid or power. Therefore, the various aspects related to the cleaning of the sensor disclosed herein can improve the safety, accuracy, and environmental impact associated with reducing the use of cleaning solutions of the sensor.

[0031] Fully autonomous vehicles (Level 4 and 5) and vehicles with driver assistance systems (ADAS, Levels 1-3) use sensors that can be cleaned by the described embodiments to improve safety, reliability, and functionality. When the vehicle is exposed to debris and other environmental factors (e.g., temperature, etc.), different environmental conditions, vehicle conditions, vehicle hardware, and debris types are a few examples of real-world variables or operating parameters that the disclosed embodiments can utilize to determine an effective cleaning time, method of cleaning, duration of cleaning, type of fluid (liquid or air), or other parameters of a cleaning event. The described vehicle sensor cleaning system can eliminate the opportunity for human error and can achieve more effective cleaning.

[0032] It is understood that many of the nozzles described herein (in the background technology and the description of the present invention) are formed within a cylindrical housing, and in some cases, the terms height and axial will be used synonymously, and the term length (or width) will be understood to extend radially away from the axis. In most cases, the radial plane will extend orthogonally away from the central axis. In this way, references to horizontal may be synonymous with radial, and references to vertical may be synonymous with axial. Finally, top and bottom should be understood in the context of the accompanying drawings, where the inlet (when depicted) is shown as being located at the bottom of the image and the top is set opposite to the inlet.

[0033] Figure 1A-1B The prior art one-piece shear-type nozzle 5 is shown. Figure 2A-2C A fluid spray 50 produced by such a nozzle is shown. The fluid spray 50 can be distributed by the nozzle 5 of the prior art and can be applied to a lens or sensor surface on a vehicle. Here, the design of the nozzle 5 produces a messy spray due to unbalanced feed and flash at the closing surface. In addition, the spray fan and target of the fluid spray 50 from the nozzle 5 may change undesirably under different pressures and viscosities of the fluid. In addition, the nozzle 5 may not be able to achieve a 0 degree spray target (e.g., a flat spray fan perpendicular to the inlet axis). In addition, Figure 1B The shape and machining of the outlet surface 9 shown may be difficult to achieve in manufacturing and may cause flashing at the shut-off line.

[0034] In terms of structure, prior art nozzles tend to be formed as cup-shaped cylinders, with the hollow interior lumen / fluid passage 8 following the cylindrical shape presented on the outside (e.g., as in Figure 1A This results in an unbalanced feed flow line, for example due to the outlet surface 9 as it relates to the fluid passage 8 therein, which causes the fluid spray 50 to have a conical shape (e.g., not a 0 degree spray target) and increases the spray target, such as Figure 2A-2C In addition, the unbalanced feed and large outlet openings at the outlet surface 9 may result in undesirable and varying spray fans and spray targets for the fluid spray 50 at different pressures and viscosities. For example, Figure 2C A fluid spray 50 of a 50% methanol fluid at 0° F. and 13-30 psi is shown, which produces a three-dimensional cone shape in the fluid spray pattern, which may not be ideal when trying to clean fixed surfaces (as is the case in most vehicle applications).

[0035] Based on the inconsistent and messy fluid spray 50 pattern caused by the design of the nozzle 5, parts of the lens or sensor surface are still located outside the range of the fluid spray 50 of the fluid nozzle 5. In particular, Figure 2A-2C The fluid spray 50 shown (by Figure 1A-1BThe geometry of the nozzle 5 shown produces a variable and asymmetric cleaning pattern of the nozzle 5 on the lens or sensor surface, in which case overspray may leave large unimpacted, dry or incompletely cleaned areas at the bottom or outer edges of the target (particularly when the fluid spray 50 is conical in shape).

[0036] These missed areas that remain outside the fluid spray 50 of the nozzle 5 may remain uncleaned and may be a common problem with traditional shear, fan or distributed spraying. Such spray patterns typically result in reduced cleaning efficiency of the lens or sensor surface, which in turn results in suboptimal and obstructed / impaired function of the sensor and system. It is worth noting that this problem may exist with a single fluid nozzle or cleaning device and systems that include two or more fluid nozzles for spraying a common surface. This problem may also exist at various pressures and temperatures of the fluid and may become worse or more exaggerated at certain pressures and temperatures. Therefore, to the extent that these sensors are critical to the safe operation of the vehicle, improper cleaning may result in malfunction and risky / dangerous operation of the vehicle.

[0037] To overcome these and other deficiencies, a shear-type fluid spray nozzle having a small size (i.e., ≤20.00 mm, more preferably ≤5.00 mm) is contemplated. The nozzle produces a shear-type spray by relying on an inlet having an axis along which the fluid flows therethrough, the axis being generally transverse, and possibly orthogonal, to an axis bisecting the outlet. In some aspects, the internal geometry of the fluid spray nozzle divides the fluid flow within the cavity to maintain the spray target and spray fan shape in an ideal state.

[0038] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B A first embodiment of a housing 100 for a fluid spray nozzle is shown, and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D An alternative arrangement is shown. Both nozzles are capable of producing 7A to 7D The spray patterns shown, and throughout the drawings, it will be understood that the arrows within the interior lumens defined by the nozzles / housings indicate the flow pattern of the cleaning fluid through the nozzles (e.g., FIG. 8A to FIG. 9 ). Generally speaking, 5A to 6E is drawn to scale such that (as an example) the width of the outlet in the stepped region (i.e., outside the interior lumen) is greater than the width at the edge / start of the outlet and / or the width of the outlet may be substantially similar to the width of the protrusion. Other similar comparative spatial relationships may be inferred.

[0039] While the prior art nozzles formed as a single unitary component suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages, the inventors have discovered that providing additional features within the lumen produces beneficial results compared to the prior art. In particular, while the inlet region may generally follow the cylindrical shape presented by the housing (more desirably, a curved cylinder or a cylindrical body), providing features that redirect flow within the transition region (where the lumen redirects fluid from the outlet) appears to impart unique and desirable characteristics to the spray pattern, particularly in cold weather and / or high viscosity conditions (it is understood in the art that the range of ambient temperatures in which most vehicles operate is wide enough to induce viscosity changes in most alcohol-based and / or water-based cleaning solutions, i.e., between about -20°C and about 40°C).

[0040] Reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E In a first aspect of the internal features highlighted in FIG. 1 , the fluid spray nozzle 100 may include a body 110 that defines an inlet 120, a cavity 130, and an outlet 140. In one embodiment, the cavity 130 may be aligned along a central inlet axis 120A, and the outlet 140 may be aligned along the outlet axis 140A. The outlet axis 140A intersects the inlet axis 120A within the cavity 130. In one embodiment, the outlet axis 140A may be generally offset to the inlet axis 120A or the cavity 130, and more specifically, the outlet axis 140A may be generally perpendicular to the inlet axis 120A or the cavity 130. In another embodiment, the outlet axis 140A may be approximately 60° to 120° to the inlet axis 120A or the cavity 130, and more specifically, between 80° and 100°. It should be noted that other ranges not specified may also be contemplated and disclosed.

[0041] Fluid can flow from the inlet 120 through the cavity 130 and out of the fluid spray nozzle 100 through the outlet 140 to provide a spray pattern 190. Generally, the surface area at the inlet 120 is greater than the surface area at the outlet 140, and, in one embodiment, it is two to five times greater. The relative size of the outlet 140 can also be expressed as a function of the major diameter of the body 110, with the length of the outlet being 10% to 20% of the diameter and / or as a function of the height of the body 110, with the height of the outlet being 10% or less of the total height of the body 110 or fluid passage 8.

[0042] The cavity 130 may include a transition portion 132 between the inlet 120 and the outlet 140 of the fluid spray nozzle 100. The transition portion 132 may include a shoulder member 134 located below the outlet and an arcuate slot 136 located above and opposite the shoulder member 134. The slot 136 is laterally spaced apart from / located behind the outlet 140, and the transition portion 132 is disposed adjacent to the outlet 140. In one embodiment, the diameter of the transition portion 132 is narrowed to have a smaller size than the inlet 120.

[0043] As an additional aspect, one or both of the ceiling of the shoulder member 134 and the slot 136 (i.e., the topmost boundary of the internal lumen / fluid passage) can present a flat, planar surface that is angled or generally perpendicular to the cavity and inlet axis 120A. In one embodiment, one or both of the shoulder member 134 and the slot 136 can be generally horizontal or aligned along a plane parallel to the outlet axis 140A. Alternatively, the ceiling of the shoulder member 134 and the slot 136 can be generally perpendicular to the cavity and inlet axis 120A, and generally parallel to the outlet axis 140A.

[0044] The shoulder member 134 can begin at or be positioned entirely at a different elevation relative to the axial height or elevation of the internal lumen than the top and bottom of the slot 136. In one embodiment, one or both of the shoulder member 134 and the slot 136 can be the top surface of the cavity 130 or can stop or redirect fluid flow at that location. In one embodiment, the cavity 130 can narrow at the shoulder member 134 and / or at the bottom of the slot 136. In one embodiment, the cavity 130 can taper at the shoulder member 134 and the slot 136. In particular, as shown in FIG. FIG. 8A to FIG. 9 As shown, the shoulder 134 may be interrupted by a slot 136, wherein one segment (e.g., below the outlet) is partially or fully angled, while the segment on the opposite side of the slot 136 (i.e., radially away from the outlet) may be horizontal / flat. A series of angled segments 134, 134a and flat portions may be formed on one or both sides.

[0045] It is noteworthy that the ceiling of the slot 136 may include a curved or rounded section 136a located on the opposite side relative to the outlet 140. In addition, in a radial cross section (such as in Figure 5A or Figure 5B ), the slot has a triangular shape, preferably with a curved or arcuate wall that is disposed opposite the location where the fluid can approach the outlet 140. It should also be noted that a vertical wall section can be disposed within the slot 136 just above the outlet.

[0046] Throughout the figure, the redirection of the fluid flow 190 at the shoulder member 134 and at the slot 136 can be seen by arrows 50, changing the direction in which the fluid contacts the shoulder member 134 and the slot 136, respectively. In one example, the spray target angle (e.g., the fluid spray exiting the outlet 140) may depend on the vector of the main flow line exiting the cavity 130 or throat (e.g., through the outlet 140). The stronger the vertical streamline flow (e.g., from the inlet 120 and through the cavity 130 in a generally vertical direction), the higher the spray target. The feed hole (e.g., at or near outlet 140) is intentionally biased to a large inlet feed hole (e.g., inlet 120) to have a vortex region (e.g., at shoulder member 134 and / or slot 136 and its corresponding chambers 135, 137) to separate the mainstream flow (e.g., from inlet 120 into cavity 130) into various flows (e.g., at chamber 135 of shoulder member 134 and / or at chamber 137 defined by slot 136) so that the spray fan (e.g., the fluid spray leaving outlet 140) can be flat and uniform (e.g., rather than an undesirable conical shape).

[0047] In one example, the shoulder member 134 can interact with the fluid entering the cavity 130 from the inlet 120 to interrupt or redirect the fluid flow by acting as a stop point in the cavity 130. The shoulder member 134 can form a chamber area 135 in which fluid flow occurs in more than one direction, in opposite directions (e.g., away from and toward the inlet 120), in a vertical and / or horizontal direction, in a circular or vortex-like direction, or in a similar direction. The shoulder member 134 can be closer to the inlet 120 than the slot 136 and can be located on the outlet 140 side of the cavity 130. It should be noted that the opposite configuration is also contemplated and disclosed, wherein the shoulder member 134 can be farther away from the inlet 120 than the slot 136 and / or can be located opposite the outlet 140 side of the cavity 130. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the positioning of the shoulder 134 , the size of the chamber 137 , and / or the shape and elevation of the slot 134 and shoulder 134 may help promote vortex formation which should stabilize and shape the spray pattern of the nozzle 100 .

[0048] The slot 136 helps define the upper boundary of the cavity 130 between the inlet 120 and the offset outlet 140. Fluid entering the cavity 130 from the inlet 120 and / or from the shoulder member 134 is redirected so that flow in the transition region 132 and / or chamber 137 can occur in more than one direction, in opposite directions (e.g., away from and toward the inlet 120), in vertical and / or horizontal directions, in circular or vortex-like directions, or in the like. In addition, the radial "depth" (i.e., the distance 191 from the outlet 140 to the rear wall) of the slot 136 can be greater than the distance from the inlet 120 to the shoulder member 134 and / or can be opposite the outlet 140 side of the cavity 130. It should be noted that the opposite configuration is also contemplated and disclosed, wherein the slot 136 can be closer to the inlet 120 than the shoulder member 134 and / or can be located on the outlet 140 side of the cavity 130. The slot 136 and the shoulder member 134 may also be positioned at relatively the same axial height within the cavity 130 or on the same side of the cavity 130 opposite the outlet 140 or on the side of the outlet 140 .

[0049] Shoulder member 134 directs fluid flow back into shoulder chamber 135, back into cavity 130 toward inlet 120, and / or back into cavity 130 toward slot 136 and chamber 137 (e.g., in a vortex-like manner or by further contact with the cavity 130 wall and with the mainstream flow of fluid from inlet 120). In one embodiment, slot 136 (by virtue of its wedge-like shape and / or its axial profile) can direct fluid flow back into rib chamber 137, back into cavity 130 toward inlet 120, and / or into and through outlet 140. In one embodiment, the primary fluid flow (e.g., in a vertical direction within cavity 130 from inlet 120) can strike the top surface of the lumen, which then generates various streamlines (highly turbulent flow) within that small area (e.g., chamber 137). In one embodiment, the primary fluid flow (e.g., in a vertical direction from the inlet 120 within the cavity 130) may impact the top surface (e.g., the shoulder member 134), which then generates various streamlines (high turbulence flow) within the small area (e.g., the shoulder chamber 135).

[0050] The chamber 137 leads to an outlet 140. In one embodiment, the outlet 140 can be reduced at a point 142 where the fluid flow exits the body 110 of the fluid spray nozzle 100 from the chamber 137, and can then open wider through the outlet 140. The outlet 140 can be recessed from the outer surface of the body 120 and include a stepped outer geometry (i.e., outside the interior lumen), for example, having a first step 144 and a second step 146, wherein the first step 144 opens wider than the exit point 142, and the second step 146 opens wider than the first step 144. While these features are nominally located outside the lumen, they can still help influence and shape the spray patterns contemplated herein, particularly with respect to the top and bottom surfaces in the first stepped region 144.

[0051] The ability to change the flow of fluid at or within the slot 136, shoulder member 134 and its corresponding chambers 137, 135 can affect the spray target, angle and fan shape as the fluid subsequently continues to exit the fluid spray nozzle 100 through the outlet 140 / 142. In one embodiment, as the various streamlines from the compression of the cavity 130 or rib chamber 137 exit the spray fluid nozzle 100 through the outlet point or throat 142, a shear spray fan is formed by releasing the flow on both sides, such as Fig.10 As shown. Figure 5C As shown, the distance shown as 191 (e.g., the radial length of the slot 136) can be increased or decreased based on the desired spray target. In one embodiment, reducing the distance 191 can reduce or improve the spray target. In one embodiment, the stepped geometry 144, 146 of the outlet 140 with the outlet length and outlet width can be modified to change the characteristics of the spray pattern 190. The stepped geometry 144, 146 can be used to separate the main flow of fluid within the cavity 130 and chambers 135, 137 to maintain the spray target and spray fan shape in a desired state.

[0052] Fig.10 An example of a spray fan is shown as the fluid flow 190 exits the exit point 142 , enters the stepped geometry 144 , 146 of the outlet 140 , and exits the body 110 of the fluid spray nozzle 100 . 7A to 7D The images in FIG. 1 similarly illustrate examples of spray fans of various disclosed aspects of the fluid spray nozzle 100 . Figure 7BThe spray target of the fluid flow 190 using the fluid spray nozzle 100 is shown, and the spray target of approximately 15° is shown. As disclosed and described, by changing one or more (or all) of the geometries of the slots 136, chambers 137, shoulders 134, shoulder chambers 135, exit points 142, and / or the stepped geometries 144, 146 of the outlet 140, or any other aspects disclosed and described herein, and by using one or more ribs 236 (thereby effectively providing multiple slots 136) or additional shoulders 134a, as described below, the spray target and spray fan of the fluid flow 190 of the fluid spray nozzle 100 can be adjusted as desired.

[0053] Compared to the spray pattern 50 for the nozzle 5 shown in FIGS. 1-2 , the spray pattern 190 produced by the fluid spray nozzle 100 can permit full, uniform coverage on the lens or sensor surface, regardless of the location or packaging of the nozzle. This can produce the largest affected area of ​​the lens or sensor surface, while avoiding the shortcomings of the prior art spray patterns while using the same volume of fluid. The spray fan and spray target of the fluid spray nozzle 100 can also have an improved spray fan and spray target to optimize one or more (or all) of neatness, sensor coverage, fluid waste, etc.

[0054] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E A second embodiment of a fluid spray nozzle 200 is shown, it being understood that certain reference numerals may be carried over from the first embodiment (or similar elements introduced as the 200 series rather than the 100 series). Importantly, the fluid spray nozzle 200 is provided with ribs or protrusions 238 within the slot 136 to create two chambers 237, 239 for redirecting the mainstream fluid flow 190 from the inlet 220 in the cavity 230. This additional structure enables further adjustment of the spray target and spray fan as desired.

[0055] As described above, the shoulder member 234 in the fluid spray nozzle 200 can be angled, flat, separated, etc. In addition, the fluid spray nozzle 200 can include a body 210 that defines an inlet 220, a cavity 230, and an outlet 240. The cavity 230 can be aligned along the inlet axis 220A, and the outlet 240 can be aligned along the outlet axis 240A. All variations (as described above) on these elements can be set and relatively adjusted.

[0056] Similarly, the cavity 230 can include a transition portion 232 between the inlet 220 and the outlet 240 of the fluid spray nozzle 200, including a shoulder member 234 located below the outlet 240. However, the rib member 238 is disposed opposite the shoulder member 234. Thus, the rib 238 forms an opposing shoulder member 234 below it. The rib member 238 preferably divides the slot 136 into two identically shaped and spaced-apart chambers 237, 239. The rib 238 is also spaced a distance 292 from the outlet 240 because the transition portion 232 can be adjacent to the outlet 240.

[0057] In one embodiment, the transition portion 232 has a smaller dimension than the inlet 220. In one embodiment, one, more, or all of the shoulder member 234, rib member 238, and the ceiling (i.e., the topmost portion of the internal lumen / fluid chamber) in the chambers 237, 239 can be horizontal / radially aligned planar surfaces. One, more, or all of the shoulder member 234, rib member 236, and protrusion 238 can be substantially perpendicular to the inlet axis 120A and / or substantially parallel to the outlet axis 140A. Figure 6C As shown, the shoulder member 234 can be angled (e.g., neither perpendicular nor parallel to the inlet axis 220A or the outlet axis 240A), the shoulder member 234 and the rib / protrusion 238 are positioned at different axial heights along the cavity 230, and regardless of the relative heights, these structures can otherwise stop or redirect fluid flow for the purpose of producing a specific spray pattern based on the same principles described above. In one embodiment, the cavity 230 can be narrowed at one, more, or all of the shoulder member 234 and the protrusion 238. The protrusion has a wedge-like or triangular shape in the radial plane, preferably so as to form mirror-image chambers 237, 239 on both sides thereof. Therefore, the rib 238 should extend all the way to the ceiling in both chambers 237, 239. As described above, the side walls of the chambers 237, 239 opposite the outlet 240 can and preferably do have a curved appearance, while the main space of these chambers is triangular. Because the rib 238 is offset a distance 296 from the wall defining the outlet 240, the narrow slot 136 has a shape as in Fig. 6E Furthermore, in this arrangement, a portion of the fluid flow may proceed vertically upward parallel to the inlet axis 240A until it contacts the ceiling of the chambers 237, 239.

[0058] The redirection of fluid flow at the shoulder member 234 and the protrusion 238 can be seen by the arrows, changing the direction in which the fluid contacts the shoulder member 234 and the protrusion 238, respectively. In one example, the spray target angle (e.g., the fluid spray exiting the outlet 240) may depend on the vector of the main flow line exiting the cavity 230 or throat (e.g., through the outlet 240). The stronger the vertical streamline flow (e.g., from the inlet 220 and through the cavity 230 in a generally vertical direction), the higher the spray target. The feed hole (e.g., at or near outlet 240) is intentionally biased to a large inlet feed hole (e.g., inlet 220) to have a vortex region (e.g., at shoulder member 234 and / or protrusion 238 and chambers 235, 237, 239) to separate the mainstream flow (e.g., from inlet 220 into cavity 230) into various flows (e.g., at chamber 235 of shoulder member 234, at chambers 237, 239 of rib member 238) so that the spray fan (e.g., the fluid spray leaving outlet 240) can be flat and uniform (e.g., rather than an undesirable conical shape).

[0059] In one example, the shoulder member 234 can interact with the fluid entering the cavity 230 from the inlet 220 and / or from the protrusion 238, and interrupt or redirect the fluid flow by acting as a stop point in the cavity 230. The shoulder member 234 defines a portion of the chamber area 235 (which bridges and connects the chambers 237, 239 to form a C-shape), where fluid flow occurs in more than one direction, in opposite directions (e.g., away from and toward the inlet 220), in vertical and / or horizontal directions, in circular or vortex-like directions, or in similar directions. The shoulder member 234 can be closer to the inlet 220 than the rib member 238, or the shoulder member can be located on the outlet 240 side of the cavity 230, or both. It should be noted that the opposite configuration can also be envisioned and disclosed, wherein the shoulder member 234 can be farther away from the inlet 220, and so on.

[0060] The projection 238 interacts with fluid entering the cavity 230 from the inlet 220, from the shoulder member 234 and / or from the underside of the rib 238 (i.e., the portion of the shoulder 234 opposite to the outlet 240), thereby interrupting or redirecting the fluid flow by acting as a stop point in the cavity 230. The projection 238 defines a chamber area 237, 239 where fluid flow occurs in more than one direction, in opposite directions (e.g., away from and toward the inlet 220), in a vertical and / or horizontal direction, in a circular or vortex-like direction, or in a similar direction. The projection 238 can be further away from the inlet 220 than the shoulder member 234, or the projection can be opposite to the outlet 240 side of the cavity 230. It should be noted that the opposite configuration is also envisioned and disclosed. The projection 238 and the shoulder member 234 can also be positioned at the same axial height within the cavity 230 or positioned on the same side of the cavity 230 opposite to the outlet 240 or positioned on the outlet 240 side. It should be noted that one or both of the protrusion 238 and the shoulder member 234 can be generally horizontal or angled (e.g., parallel to the outlet axis 240A and perpendicular to the inlet axis 220A), generally angled (e.g., not parallel to or perpendicular to the outlet axis 240A or the inlet axis 220A), or a combination of both.

[0061] In one example, the rib member 238 can be considered to be the top surface of the cavity between the inlet 220 and the offset outlet 240. In one example, the rib member 238 can interact with fluid entering the cavity 230 from the inlet 220, from the shoulder member 234, and / or from the protrusion 238, and can interrupt or redirect the fluid flow by acting as a stopping point in the cavity 230. As previously described, the rib member 238 and the shoulder 24, individually and in combination, are used to effectively form fluid flow in more than one direction, in opposite directions (e.g., away from and toward the inlet 220), in vertical and / or horizontal directions, in circular or vortex-like directions, or in the like.

[0062] In one embodiment, chambers 235, 237, 239 feed into outlet 240, although the outlet is directly fed only by chamber 235 (instead, all three chambers can be considered part of slot 136, with only divider rib 238 located therein). In one embodiment, outlet 240 can be reduced at point 242 where fluid flow exits body 210 of fluid spray nozzle 200 from rib chamber 237, and can then open wider through outlet 240. Outlet 240 can be recessed from the outer surface of body 220 and include a stepped geometry, for example, having a first step 244 and a second step 246, wherein first step 244 opens wider than outlet point 242, and second step 246 opens wider than first step 244.

[0063] In one embodiment, the above-described changing fluid flow is used to change the spray target and spray fan as the fluid subsequently continues to exit the fluid spray nozzle 100 through the outlet 240 / 242. In one embodiment, when the compressed various streamlines from the cavity 230 or rib chamber 237 exit the spray fluid nozzle 200 through the outlet point or throat 242, a shear spray fan can be formed by releasing the flow on both sides, similar to Fig.10 In one embodiment, the size or length of the protrusion 238 can be increased or decreased based on the desired spray target. In one embodiment, increasing the size or length of the protrusion 238 can reduce or improve the spray target, i.e., by changing the rib width 293, the radial offset 292, etc. In one embodiment, the stepped geometry 244, 246 of the outlet 240 with the outlet length and outlet width can be modified to change the characteristics of the spray pattern. The stepped geometry 244, 246 can be used to separate the main flow of the fluid in the cavity 230 and the protrusion / rib / shoulder chamber 238 / 236 / 234 from the inlet 230 to keep the spray target and the spray fan shape in an ideal state. Although these features 244, 246 are nominally located outside the lumen, they can still help to influence and shape the spray pattern contemplated herein, especially with respect to the top and bottom surfaces in the first stepped region 244.

[0064] In one embodiment, adding a protrusion 238 to separate the main flow (e.g., from the inlet 220 into the cavity 230) and increase the level of turbulence (e.g., by forming additional turbulence within the protrusion chamber 239) can help increase the spray fan and keep the spray target about 4° upward. The geometry can also allow for better processing conditions (e.g., thicker steel blade tips). The spray pattern and target can be defined by the inlet / outlet width 292 and the protrusion width 293. The higher the flow rate directly out of the center (larger inlet / outlet width or smaller protrusion width), the higher the spray target and the heavier the center spray. The spray pattern of the fluid spray nozzle 200 can be center-heavy and spray edge-light. A natural spray without an exit edge (exit length = 0) may exceed 60°. In one embodiment, the function of the exit edge is to converge the scattered side spray to a neat spray edge. The spray fan can be reduced by increasing the exit length 294 or reducing the exit width 295 (see Fig. 6A , note that the same dynamics can apply to outlet 140 and nozzle 100).

[0065] In one embodiment, since there may be a 90° turn between the inlet axis 220A and the outlet axis 240A, the fluid flow exiting through the throat may tend to spray upward (high target). Reducing the inlet / outlet width 292 can reduce the high target. In one embodiment, reducing the inlet / outlet width 292 may be limited for certain processing purposes. In one embodiment, the minimum gap or minimum passage size 296 is ≥0.6 mm. The throat wall thickness 297 may affect the spray fan. In one embodiment, reducing the throat wall thickness 297 can help the spray fan expand larger. In one embodiment, for processing purposes, the throat wall thickness 297 may be ≥0.4 mm. A direct way to reduce the spray target may be to add a downward outlet slot angle or change the angle of the first step 244 of the outlet 240. For example, the outlet slot angle of the first step 244 = 0° may correspond to a spray target = 4°, and changing the outlet slot angle of the first step 244 to -4° may reduce the spray target angle to 0°. The downward outlet slot angle may increase the difficulty of processing. For machining difficulty, it may be desirable to form the fluid spray nozzle from plastic, such as injection molding, or to make the geometry of the fluid spray nozzle 200 to optimize ease of manufacture or machining of, for example, metal fluid spray nozzles. As previously mentioned, these concepts and teachings can also be applied to the nozzle 100.

[0066] 7A to 7D Examples of spray patterns and fluid flows of fluid spray nozzles 100, 200 are shown. By way of example and not limitation, the following criteria produce an acceptable spray pattern: spray fan = 35°, spray target = 0°, FR (flow rate) at 25 psi = 300 ml / min, minimum passage size = 0.6 mm, nozzle outer diameter = 5 mm. In this manner, the spray pattern is acceptable over a fluid viscosity range of 1-25 CP (e.g., Fig. 7A and Figure 7B shows 25 psi water, while Figure 7C and Fig.7D The nozzles are shown to work well at 0°F (25 CP) and 50% methanol at 10-30 psi. All of these photos show a clean and stable spray fan angle and a spray target angle that remains perpendicular to the inlet axis (eg, perpendicular to the inlet axis).

[0067] As disclosed and described, by changing one or more (or all) of the geometries of the protrusion 238, the chambers 235, 237, 239, the shoulder 234, the exit point 242 and / or the stepped geometries 244, 246 of the outlet 240, or any other aspects disclosed and described herein (such as aspects 191, 292-297, 244), the spray target and spray fan of the fluid flow of the fluid spray nozzle 200 can be adjusted as desired.

[0068] 7A to 7D The spray pattern in the embodiment of the present invention is contrasted with the spray pattern for the prior art nozzle 5 shown in FIGS. 1-2 . In particular, the spray pattern from the novel nozzles 100, 200 permits full, uniform coverage on the lens or sensor surface regardless of the location or packaging of the nozzle, thereby maximizing the affected area of ​​the lens or sensor surface and avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art when using the same volume of fluid. The spray fan and spray target of the fluid spray nozzle 200 may also have an improved spray fan and spray target to optimize one or more (or all) of cleaning, sensor coverage, fluid waste, etc.

[0069] In one embodiment, the exit throat (e.g., exit point 142, stepped geometry 144, 146 in body 110, or outlet 140) may be formed in the same plane or may be generally aligned. In one embodiment, the exit throat (e.g., exit point 142, stepped geometry 144, 146 in body 110, or outlet 140) may not be offset. In one embodiment, the exit throat (e.g., exit point 142 or outlet 140) may have more than one inlet area, such as Figure 7B The fluid flow 190 is shown. This applies to all fluid spray nozzles disclosed herein, including nozzles 200, 300, and combinations of 100, 200, 300, and the like.

[0070] In one embodiment, a fluid nozzle includes a structure for distributing a fluid through a channel formed by a small, one-piece shear-type nozzle assembly. The fluid nozzle introduces a fluid from the bottom of the nozzle along the nozzle axis and then distributes the fluid at an angle of about 90 degrees to the inlet. The fluid nozzle includes a nozzle body that can be very small. In one embodiment, a one-piece nozzle body is disclosed, which defines: a cavity having an inlet and an outlet with an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm; a rib member and / or protrusion positioned adjacent to the outlet, a shoulder member positioned adjacent to the outlet, and an outlet geometry having a stepped orientation aligned with the outlet and the rib (and / or protrusion) member. In one embodiment, the fluid spray nozzle may include one or more shelves located between the inlet and the outlet and within the cavity to guide the flow of the fluid. For example, the fluid spray nozzle may include: a shelf or deflection surface (e.g., shoulder member 134) located between the inlet and outlet and within the cavity to guide fluid flow; two such surfaces (e.g., any combination of shoulder members 234 and 234a) located between the inlet and outlet and within the cavity to guide fluid flow; or three surfaces (e.g., all of shoulder members 134, 134a and slot 134b) located between the inlet and outlet and within the cavity to guide fluid flow.

[0071] While any combination of the various aspects of the invention can be seen from the above disclosure, specific embodiments contemplate an integrated shear spray nozzle for a sensor cleaning system. The nozzle is formed by a hollow cylindrical housing including an inlet for feeding the cavity and an outlet for projecting a spray pattern at an angle relative to the inlet flow axis. The cavity inside the housing includes a shoulder positioned proximate to the arcuate slot, the outlet being formed in a sidewall defining a portion of the arcuate slot and such that the outlet is positioned axially above the shoulder. Notably, the small size of the nozzle is a consideration, and thus the housing has a major diameter of less than 20.00 mm, more preferably less than 5.00 mm, and the outlet has a width between 5% and 25% of the major diameter. Additional embodiments include any combination or arrangement of the following features:

[0072] Wherein, the angle is perpendicular to the inlet flow axis;

[0073] wherein the shoulder comprises a first flat planar surface formed at an angle relative to the inlet flow axis;

[0074] wherein the shoulder comprises a second flat planar surface perpendicular to the inlet flow axis;

[0075] wherein the slot is disposed between the first planar surface and the second planar surface and above the first planar surface and the second planar surface;

[0076] wherein the outlet comprises a stepped region formed outside the cavity;

[0077] wherein the top planar surface and the bottom planar surface: i) are connected to an outlet located outside the cavity, ii) define a portion of the stepped region, and iii) are positioned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the inlet flow axis;

[0078] Wherein, the width of the stepped area is greater than the width of the outlet;

[0079] wherein the arcuate slot comprises a curved transition to a top wall, the curved transition being provided at an opposite end of the arcuate slot compared to the outlet;

[0080] wherein the arcuate slot has a generally triangular cross-sectional profile, the outlet is disposed at a corner of the triangular profile, and the opposing walls are disposed at a distance from the corner, which produces a flat shear spray pattern in the fluid discharged through the outlet;

[0081] wherein the arcuate slot comprises a protrusion dividing the arcuate slot into two separate chambers;

[0082] wherein the two separate chambers have the same size;

[0083] wherein the width of the protrusion is substantially similar to the width of the outlet;

[0084] wherein the protrusion is radially spaced a distance from the outlet which produces a flat shear spray pattern in the fluid discharged through the outlet;

[0085] wherein the shoulder is formed by a flat planar surface that is entirely perpendicular to the inlet flow axis;

[0086] wherein all top faces of the arcuate slots consist of flat planar surfaces perpendicular to the inlet flow axis; and

[0087] • wherein a top face of the arcuate slot is positioned axially above a top edge of the outlet.

[0088] While not wishing to be bound by any one benefit, one or more (or all) of the following benefits may be achieved: reduced messiness in spraying; more predictable and controllable spraying regardless of fluid viscosity and pressure (e.g., under various hot and cold conditions); more balanced feed and overflow at closing surfaces; neater and more stable spray targets and spray fans; providing spray targets close to or at 0 degrees; such spraying avoids missing areas of the target surface; such spraying avoids overspraying; such spraying avoids overlapping spraying; and a uniform spray distribution means is achieved, including per unit surface area of ​​the target. equal and optimized fluid density; adequate cleaning of the sensor to provide the desired function and purpose in the overall system; less fluid being wasted fluid (that is, fewer high-density areas being over-cleaned in order to achieve the desired minimum cleaning level in one or more low-density areas); and / or potentially shorter cleaning cycles, which means the sensor performs its function longer and has fewer sensor blind spots (both of which can maximize the refill interval of the scrubber fluid reservoir or minimize the size of the bottle from the beginning); lower production costs and easier processing of the design, etc.

[0089] The inventors initially demonstrated all of the above benefits of the disclosed embodiments for nozzles with large diameters up to 5.00 mm. Subsequent testing showed that internal lumen geometries could be expanded up to at least two and a half times larger while maintaining good performance. It is worth noting that this expansion is related to features that affect fluid flow patterns (as described above), and that it may not be necessary to scale up selected features (such as wall thickness) except where sufficient structural strength may be required. Thus, the above aspects need not be limited to extremely small sizes.

[0090] The fluid spray nozzle may be made of any suitable material, including plastic, metal, etc. The fluid spray nozzle may be made by any suitable method, including machining, injection molding, etc. Importantly, the housing must be formed as a single piece to avoid unnecessary and unexpected turbulence that may be caused by joints, seams, etc. (although injection molded articles may be configured so that any welds are accounted for by positioning them externally and / or aligned with the expected fluid flow).

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments detailed herein, other embodiments may achieve the same or similar results. Variations and modifications of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated shear spray nozzle for a sensor cleaning system, the nozzle comprising: a hollow cylindrical housing including an inlet for feeding the cavity and an outlet projecting a shear spray pattern at an angle relative to the inlet flow axis, wherein the cavity includes a shoulder positioned proximate to the arcuate slot, the outlet is formed in a side wall defining a portion of the arcuate slot, and, Wherein, the outlet is positioned above the shoulder.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The housing has a major diameter less than or equal to 5.00 mm, and the outlet has a width between 5% and 25% of the major diameter.

3. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein: The certain angle is perpendicular to the inlet flow axis.

4. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein: The shoulder includes a first flat planar surface formed at an angle relative to the inlet flow axis.

5. The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein: The shoulder includes a second flat planar surface perpendicular to the inlet flow axis.

6. The nozzle according to claim 5, wherein: The arcuate slot is disposed radially between the first planar surface and the second planar surface and axially above the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

7. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein: The outlet includes a stepped region formed outside the cavity.

8. The nozzle according to claim 7, wherein: A top planar surface and a bottom planar surface: i) are connected to an outlet located outside of the cavity, ii) define a portion of the stepped region, and iii) are positioned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the inlet flow axis.

9. The nozzle according to claim 7, wherein: The width of the stepped area is greater than the width of the outlet.

10. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The arcuate slot includes a curved transition to a top wall disposed at an opposite end of the arcuate slot from the outlet.

11. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The arcuate slot has a generally triangular cross-sectional profile, the outlet being disposed at a corner of the triangular profile, and the opposing walls being disposed at a distance from the corner, which produces a flat shearing spray pattern in the fluid discharged through the outlet.

12. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The arcuate slot includes a protrusion that divides the arcuate slot into two separate chambers.

13. The nozzle according to claim 12, wherein: The two separate chambers have the same dimensions.

14. The nozzle according to claim 12, wherein: The width of the protrusion is substantially similar to the width of the outlet.

15. The nozzle according to claim 12, wherein: The protrusion is radially spaced a distance from the outlet, which produces a flat shear spray pattern in the fluid discharged through the outlet.

16. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: The shoulder is located at a different axial height than both the outlet and the arcuate slot.

17. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: The shoulder is comprised of a flat planar surface that is entirely perpendicular to the inlet flow axis.

18. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: All top faces of the arcuate slots consist of flat planar surfaces that are perpendicular to the inlet flow axis.

19. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: A top surface of the arcuate slot is positioned axially above a top edge of the outlet.

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