Cleaning device comprising a nozzle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (2) for cleaning an optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular an optical surface of an optical device for a vehicle. The device (2) comprises a main nozzle (8) arranged to dispense a first fluid. The main nozzle (8) comprises: a main fluid outlet (10) arranged to eject a main jet of a first fluid towards an optical surface (4) of the optical device (6); and an internal channel (12) of the main nozzle (8), which leads to the main outlet (10). The device (2) further comprises a secondary nozzle (14) arranged to dispense a second fluid. The secondary nozzle (14) comprises: a secondary fluid outlet (20) arranged to eject a secondary jet of a second fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6); and a distribution channel (22) of the secondary nozzle (14) configured to deliver fluid to the secondary outlet (20). The primary outlet (10) and the secondary outlet (20) are configured such that the secondary outlet (20) is placed on a path of travel of the first fluid.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular to cleaning an optical surface of an optical device for a vehicle.

[0002] Optical devices, such as optical sensors, are used to assist the driver of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, in driving. Optical sensors are often placed in strategic areas outside the vehicle to improve the driver's visibility, for example to compensate for blind spots. A plurality of optical devices may be placed outside the vehicle for autonomous driving. These devices, when subjected to prolonged exposure to bad weather and dust, become coated with a layer of dirt on the optical surface. It is then necessary to regularly clean the optical surface so that the optical device can function properly.

[0003] In this regard, a cleaning device including a nozzle may be used to periodically clean the optical surface.

[0004] The present invention aims to reduce the space occupied by a cleaning device including a fluid nozzle.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular an optical surface of an optical device for a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising:

[0006] - a primary nozzle arranged to dispense a first fluid and comprising:

[0007] a primary fluid outlet arranged to eject a primary jet of a first fluid towards an optical surface of the optical device; and

[0008] an internal passage of the primary nozzle, the internal passage leading to a primary outlet;

[0009] a secondary nozzle arranged to dispense a second fluid and comprising:

[0010] a secondary fluid outlet arranged to eject a secondary jet of a second fluid towards an optical surface of the optical device; and

[0011] a distribution channel of the secondary nozzle, the distribution channel being configured to deliver the fluid to the secondary outlet,

[0012] The primary outlet and the secondary outlet are configured such that the secondary outlet is placed in a path traveled by the first fluid.

[0013] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the cleaning device by virtue of the fact that the path taken by the first fluid is shared between the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

[0014] In this way, the device according to the invention is more compact than conventional cleaning devices which comprise, for example, air and water nozzles with two separate channels, so that water flushes on one side and air blows on the other side.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet, at least at the outlet for the secondary jet, over at least half of its circumference.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet over its entire circumference.

[0017] "Jet" means the fluid flow leaving each nozzle. In other words, the main "jet" and the secondary "jet" refer to the fluid flow leaving the main outlet and the secondary outlet, respectively.

[0018] The term "path" is used for the entire fluid path, whether inside or outside the nozzle. The path outside the nozzle forms a "jet" of fluid.

[0019] As a reminder, hereinafter, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of flow of a fluid in an apparatus for cleaning an optical device. The term "upstream" refers to the side of the cleaning apparatus through which the fluid is allowed to enter the apparatus, and the term "downstream" refers to the side of the apparatus through which the fluid is ejected from the apparatus toward the surface of the optical device.

[0020] A path is "internal" when it is "inside" the nozzle or "upstream" of the nozzle outlet, and is "external" or "outside" when it is "downstream" of the nozzle outlet.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged in the inner passage of the primary nozzle.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlets are located in a common section of the internal passage of the primary nozzle leading to the primary outlet.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet is located upstream of the primary nozzle. This feature has the advantage that the cleaning device is more compact.

[0024] According to one aspect, the second fluid is mixed with the first fluid upstream of the main nozzle. Note that the secondary outlet is arranged sufficiently upstream of the primary outlet so that the first fluid and the second fluid can be uniformly mixed. The advantage of this feature is that a uniform mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid is sprayed onto the optical surface, thereby improving the performance in terms of cleaning of the optical surface. With this feature, the rinsing time and the amount of the first fluid and the second fluid are reduced.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary nozzle comprises a housing designed to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the main nozzle comprises a front portion arranged facing the optical device, the housing being at least partially formed by the front portion and the main outlet being produced on the front portion.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing extends adjacent to the ramp.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion is located on the cover of the main nozzle.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary outlet comprises a primary slot.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet comprises a secondary slot.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the main groove has an oval shape.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary groove has a crescent shape.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the main groove is wider than the sub-groove.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the sub-groove faces the main groove.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, the sub-nozzle is provided with a hollow head and a bottom, and the sub-outlet is formed at the end of the hollow head.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, the secondary nozzle comprises a cylindrical body to which the hollow head is connected.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the housing of the primary nozzle has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the secondary nozzle.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow head and / or the cylindrical body of the secondary nozzle is at least partially accommodated in the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the length of the common section is preferably one fifth, more particularly one half, of the diameter of the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged downstream of the primary outlet.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a fluid tank located upstream of the internal channel of the primary nozzle or the distribution channel of the secondary nozzle.

[0042] Variable Orientation Nozzle

[0043] The present invention also relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular an optical surface of an optical device for a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising:

[0044] - a nozzle arranged to dispense a fluid and comprising a base and a cover;

[0045] The cover comprises a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards an optical surface of the optical device;

[0046] The base and the cover each have contact lines configured to be in full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangential to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

[0047] By virtue of the rotational symmetry about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane, the cover can be assembled with the base in various possible relative orientations. Thus, on a production line for producing cleaning devices for a given range of sensors, an orientation for assembly can be selected from among various possible assembly orientations. For another given range of sensors, another relative orientation allowed by the rotational symmetry can be selected.

[0048] Thus, with the same base and the same cover, cleaning devices with different orientations between the fluid outlet and the base can be formed.

[0049] This is particularly advantageous when the base comprises a fluid inlet, the orientation of which is determined by the environment of the sensor.

[0050] For example, for some sensors it may be desirable to have a 90° angle between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and for other sensors an angle of 0° or 270° between the inlet and outlet.

[0051] When several sensors are needed on a vehicle, but with different orientations, these different sensors can be produced from the same cover and base assembled in different orientations.

[0052] Of all the orientations permitted by the cover and base, an orientation is selected that allows fluid to be directed toward the optical surface of the optical device.

[0053] In this way, the invention makes it possible to select the orientation of the cleaning device so that it is adapted to the arrangement and geometry of the optical system of the vehicle without changing the original design of the cleaning device.

[0054] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing and assembly costs of the device.

[0055] The present invention may also have one of the following features alone or in combination with one or more of the following other features.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the base and the cover each have a perimeter having the same shape.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeters of the base and the cover have the same shape as the contact line.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the contact line is adjacent to the periphery of the base and the cover.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is attached to the base.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and base are attached using welding rods.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or base includes a recess configured to receive a welding rod.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the welding electrode and / or the groove extend along the contact line.

[0063] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rotation axis has an nth order symmetry, ie, 2π / n (radians), where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to two.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base have a perimeter that is substantially square in shape with rounded corners.

[0065] In this way, the cleaning device can be oriented in four possible orientations, wherein the angle between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet varies at 90° intervals. In other words, the device remains unchanged when rotated by a multiple of 90° around its center.

[0066] Alternatively, the cleaning device may be oriented in three possible orientations of the four orientations permitted by the shape of the substantially square perimeter, in addition to the orientation corresponding to the direction of arrival of the fluid.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is mounted on the base such that the cover can rotate relative to the base.

[0068] Thus, the cleaning device can be oriented at a plurality of angles between 0° and 360° between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The device remains unchanged when rotated at any angle between 0° and 360°.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base have a perimeter with a circular shape.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a predetermined interval between two consecutive positions, for example an interval between 1°-10°, more particularly an interval between 1°-5°.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical device is a camera, in particular an infrared camera, the optical device preferably being arranged to assist autonomous driving, advantageously being arranged to detect the presence of water drops on a window.

[0072] A plurality of such cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, may be located on the vehicle, in particular outside the vehicle.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cleaning device for cleaning optical surfaces of an optical device, in particular for cleaning optical surfaces of an optical device for a vehicle, the device comprising a nozzle arranged to dispense a fluid, and the method comprising the following steps:

[0074] - Provide a base;

[0075] - providing a cover, the cover comprising a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards an optical surface of the optical device;

[0076] - providing that the base and the cover each have contact lines arranged to be in full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangential to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane; and

[0077] - Assembling the base and the cover in one of a number of relative positions permitted by the rotational symmetry.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of ultrasonically welding the base to the cover.

[0079] In the above, the nozzle is an orientable nozzle. The present invention may relate to a device having a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle. "Primary nozzle" means the orientable nozzle described above.

[0080] nozzle

[0081] The invention also relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular an optical surface of an optical device for a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising a fluid nozzle configured to be assembled with a support of the optical device, the nozzle comprising:

[0082] at least one guiding member arranged to interact with at least one complementary guiding member of a support of the optical device in such a way as to allow the nozzle to be assembled with the support; and

[0083] - At least one retaining member configured to interact by snap-fastening with at least one complementary retaining member of the support in such a way as to allow the nozzle to be snapped onto the support.

[0084] The invention makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the optical device on the fluid nozzle by snapping the nozzle onto the support of the optical device, since the mounting does not require any special tools or additional mechanical attachment elements, such as screws.

[0085] In this way, installation can be performed accurately and quickly.

[0086] According to an aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises at least one slide arranged to interact with a complementary guide member.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises two slides opposing each other on the fluid nozzle.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the two slides are symmetrical to each other with respect to a symmetry plane (P) passing through the middle of the platform of the cover of the fluid nozzle.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one slide comprises at least two parallel ramps connected to each other by at least one crosspiece, such that the ramps and the crosspiece define a track on which one of the walls of the support can slide.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the slide comprises at least two rungs connecting the ramps.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises, in addition to the slider, at least one end-of-travel partition closing the end of the track forming the slider, the partition being arranged to interact with a stop element of the support.

[0092] According to an aspect of the present invention, the holding member includes a holding protrusion.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining projections are positioned parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0094] Alternatively, the crosspieces of the slide are arranged to interact with retaining snap fastening tabs of complementary retaining members of the support.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide means of the nozzle comprise an outer slide arranged to interact with complementary guide means formed on the inner wall of the support.

[0096] In the above, the nozzle is a primary nozzle or an orientable nozzle. The invention may relate to an apparatus having a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle.

[0097] Support

[0098] The invention also relates to a support for an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, configured to be assembled with a fluid nozzle of a device according to the invention, comprising:

[0099] at least one complementary guide member arranged to interact with at least one guide member of the fluid nozzle in such a way as to allow assembly of the support with the nozzle; and

[0100] - at least one complementary retaining member configured to interact by snap-fastening with at least one retaining member of the nozzle in such a way as to allow the nozzle to be snapped onto the support.

[0101] According to an aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member is arranged to interact with at least one slide of the guide member.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, a complementary guide member arranged to interact with a slide of the guide member is formed on a wall of the support.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, complementary guide members arranged to interact with an outer slide of the guide members are formed on the inner wall of the support.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member has a U-shape.

[0105] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support member further comprises:

[0106] - At least one stop element arranged to delimit the end of travel of the complementary guide member of the support on the guide member of the nozzle.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the stop element of the support is arranged to interact with an end-of-travel partition closing the end of the track of the slide forming the nozzle.

[0108] Alternatively, the complementary retaining member further comprises at least one snap-fastening tab arranged to interact with a retaining protrusion of the retaining member of the nozzle.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least one snap-fastening tab arranged to interact with a crosspiece of a slide of the nozzle.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least two snap-fastening tabs arranged to interact with at least two crosspieces of the slide of the nozzle.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the snap fastening tabs are located on the inner wall of the support.

[0112] All features corresponding to the nozzle and the support also apply to the case where the device comprises a secondary nozzle in addition to the above-mentioned nozzle (which can be regarded as the above-mentioned main nozzle or orientable nozzle).

[0113] Components

[0114] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a cleaning device according to the invention and a support according to the invention, the device and the support being assembled together by the interaction of corresponding guide and retaining members.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle of the cleaning device includes a base and a cover, each of which has a contact line configured to be in full contact with each other, which contact lines are tangent to a common plane and have at least one rotational symmetry about a rotation axis perpendicular to the common plane, and the support is arranged to interact with the cover located on one of the half-spaces (i.e., the upper half-space or the lower half-space), which are located on either side relative to the common plane.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum dimension of the nozzle is greater than the maximum dimension of the support.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is an element set back from the fluid outlet. This feature means that the support does not surround the fluid outlet. In other words, the fluid outlet is outside the support.

[0118] Geometric features

[0119] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover comprises:

[0120] - a ridge extending from the platform of the cover; and

[0121] - At least one slope extending from the ridge.

[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover includes two slopes, such as an upper slope and a lower slope, that are parallel to each other and extend from the ridge.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, each slope is inclined relative to a plane parallel to the ridge, in particular substantially at 45° relative to the plane.

[0124] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the ridge has an elliptical shape.

[0125] According to one aspect of the present invention, the front part further comprises:

[0126] - the top of the ridge; and

[0127] - A raised portion located on the upper slope and adjacent to the top of the ridge.

[0128] According to one aspect of the invention, the main outlet is located at the top of the ridge.

[0129] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the top of the ridge substantially matches the perimeter of the primary outlet, both perimeters having an oval shape.

[0130] According to one aspect of the invention, the raised portion comprises a boss extending from a top of the ridge.

[0131] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises an inlet pipe, preferably in the shape of an elbow, comprising a fluid inlet, in particular a first fluid inlet, and designed to be connected to a pipe, in particular a flexible pipe, for supplying fluid.

[0132] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises a second fluid inlet.

[0133] According to one aspect of the invention, the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet are each configured to allow a fluid supply conduit to be connected to the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle, respectively.

[0134] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet pipe opens into a fluid opening having a diverging shape.

[0135] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one reinforcing rib to which the inlet pipe is attached.

[0136] According to one aspect of the invention, at least two reinforcing ribs extend perpendicularly to the fluid flow direction in the inlet pipe.

[0137] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises at least one reinforcing rib.

[0138] According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing ribs of the cover are positioned perpendicular to the crosspieces of the slide.

[0139] According to one aspect of the invention, the cap comprises an outlet channel designed to receive a hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

[0140] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet channel, in particular circular, is located on the wall of the inner channel of the main nozzle.

[0141] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing comprises at its inlet at least one wing, preferably two wings symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0142] In this way, the stresses are optimally distributed.

[0143] According to one aspect of the invention, the wing comprises a hole arranged to interact with a snap-fastening tab of a retaining member of the secondary nozzle.

[0144] According to one aspect of the present invention, the housing further includes an extension portion located at the inlet of the housing.

[0145] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing includes a lip portion opposite the extension portion at the inlet of the housing.

[0146] According to one aspect of the invention, the bottom portion of the secondary nozzle further comprises at least one retaining member and at least one guiding member, each of which is arranged to interact with the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0147] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member of the secondary nozzle comprises an anti-mistake portion arranged to interact with a groove in the housing of the primary nozzle in such a way as to form a sliding connection through an axis (A) along the housing.

[0148] According to one aspect of the present invention, the error prevention portion is a tab.

[0149] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member of the secondary nozzle comprises at least one snap-fastening tab arranged to interact with a hole in the wing of the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0150] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member of the secondary nozzle comprises an upper protrusion arranged to interact with an extension of the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0151] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member of the secondary nozzle comprises a lower protrusion arranged to interact with a lip of the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0152] According to one aspect of the present invention, the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane which is parallel to a plane of the platform of the cover and passes through the middle of the housing.

[0153] In this way, the stresses are optimally distributed.

[0154] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing of the primary nozzle comprises an O-ring designed to wedge the secondary nozzle into the primary nozzle.

[0155] Divergent shape of the fluid outlet

[0156] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet has a diverging shape.

[0157] Thus, the fluid jet from the fluid outlet has a diverging shape, for example having a substantially triangular profile.

[0158] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet is formed by a facet configured to generate a diverging flow.

[0159] Among these facets, there are two flat facets facing each other and diverging towards the outside, which gives the jet its diverging shape.

[0160] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or the base is made in one piece.

[0161] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and / or the base are made of metal or plastic.

[0162] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or the base is produced by molding or machining.

[0163] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fluid is only air, or only liquid, or a mixture of liquid and air. This mixture of liquid and air can form a foam that is sprayed onto the optical surface to be cleaned.

[0164] According to one aspect of the invention, the air pressure is 0.1 bar to 0.3 bar per air outlet, preferably substantially equal to 0.2 bar per air outlet.

[0165] According to one aspect of the present invention, the water pressure is 0.5 bar to 3 bar per water outlet, preferably 1.5 bar to 2 bar per water outlet.

[0166] Note that the terms "primary" and "secondary" are used to rank the various jets and nozzles, particularly with respect to their size, whereas the terms "first" and "secondary" merely distinguish between them, but do not rank them.

[0167] Thus, the "first" fluid may refer to both water and air. The same applies to the "second" fluid.

[0168] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent upon reading the detailed description provided hereinafter, and also by reference to a number of exemplary embodiments provided by way of indication and not limitation, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0169] [ Figure 1 ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cleaning device and an optical device according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0170] [ Figure 2 ]yes[ Figure 1 ] is a three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning device,

[0171] [ Figure 3 ]yes[ Figure 1 ] is an enlarged view of the area marked by the dotted line in

[0172] [ Figure 4 ] is a top view of the outlets of the main nozzle and the auxiliary nozzle.

[0173] [ Figure 5A ]and[ Figure 5B ] show schematic partial views of a base and a cover forming a main nozzle or an orientable nozzle, respectively,

[0174] [ Fig. 6A ]and[ Figure 6B ] shows a schematic partial view of a perspective view of two main nozzles with different orientations,

[0175] [ Fig. 7A ]and[ Figure 7B ] shows a schematic partial view of a three-dimensional cleaning device in two different orientations,

[0176] [ Figure 8 ] is a schematic partial view showing a perspective view of a sub-nozzle and a base forming a main nozzle,

[0177] [ Fig. 9 ] shows the cover of the primary nozzle viewed from a housing designed to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle,

[0178] [ Fig. 10A ] shows a top view of a main nozzle according to an alternative embodiment, and [ Fig. 10B ] shows a three-dimensional side view of the main nozzle,

[0179] [ Fig.11 ] is a schematic partial view in section of a base of a main nozzle, the base comprising a fluid outlet having a diverging shape,

[0180] [ Fig. 12A ]and[ Fig. 12B ] show schematic partial views of a three-dimensional assembly of a cleaning device and a support for an optical device according to an embodiment before and after assembly, respectively,

[0181] [ Fig.13A ]and[ Fig. 13B ] shows in particular a schematic partial view of a three-dimensional view of a stop element interacting with a slide of [FIG. 12],

[0182] [ Fig.14A ]and[ Fig. 14B ] show schematic partial perspective views of an assembly comprising a cleaning device and a support for an optical device according to an alternative embodiment, before and after assembly, respectively,

[0183] [ Fig.15 ] is a schematic partial view of [FIG. 14], in particular showing a stop element interacting with a slide,

[0184] [ Fig.16 ] is a schematic partial view of a primary fluid nozzle according to an alternative embodiment, the primary fluid nozzle comprising a slide having two crosspieces,

[0185] [ Fig.17 ] is a schematic partial view of an alternative embodiment in which a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged downstream of the primary outlet.

[0186] Figures 1 to 3 A cleaning device 2 is shown, which is used for cleaning an optical surface 4 of an optical device 6 , in particular an optical device for a vehicle (not shown).

[0187] The cleaning device 2 comprises a primary nozzle 8 arranged to dispense a first fluid. The primary nozzle 8 comprises a primary fluid outlet 10 arranged to eject a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 and an internal channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8 leading to the primary outlet 10.

[0188] The cleaning device 2 further comprises a secondary nozzle 14 arranged to dispense a second fluid.

[0189] like[ Figure 2 ] As shown in FIG. 1 , the main nozzle 8 includes a housing 16 which is designed to at least partially accommodate the secondary nozzle 14.

[0190] The main nozzle 8 comprises a front part 18 arranged facing the optical device 6. The housing 16 of the main nozzle 8 is partly formed by this front part 18 and the main outlet 10 is produced on this front part 18.

[0191] The secondary nozzle 14 comprises a secondary fluid outlet 20 arranged to eject a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 , and a distribution channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14 configured to deliver the fluid to the secondary outlet 20 .

[0192] The main outlet 10 and the sub-outlet 20 are configured such that the sub-outlet 20 is placed in a path where the first fluid travels.

[0193] like[ Figure 3 ] As shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is arranged in the internal channel 12 of the main nozzle 8.

[0194] More specifically, the secondary outlet 20 is located in a common section 24 of the internal passage 12 of the primary nozzle 8 leading to the primary outlet 20 .

[0195] In this case, the second fluid mixes with the first fluid upstream of the main nozzle 8 .

[0196] In this case, the first fluid is, for example, air, and the second liquid is, for example, a windshield washer liquid, so that a mixture of the air and the windshield washer liquid forms a foam to be sprayed onto the optical surface to be cleaned.

[0197] like[ Figure 4 ], the main outlet 10 includes a main groove 26, and the secondary outlet 20 includes a secondary groove 28. The main groove 26 is wider than the secondary groove 28.

[0198] The sub groove 28 faces the main groove 26. The main groove 26 has an elliptical shape, and the sub groove 28 has a crescent shape.

[0199] In this case, reference [ Figure 4 ], the arrangement of the primary outlet 10 and the secondary outlet 20 allows the primary jet to surround the secondary jet over the entire periphery of the secondary jet.

[0200] The sub-nozzle 14 is provided with a hollow head 30 at the end of which the sub-outlet 20 is formed, and a bottom 32 .

[0201] The secondary nozzle 14 comprises a cylindrical body 34 to which the hollow head 30 is connected.

[0202] The housing 16 of the main nozzle 8 has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the sub-nozzle 14 .

[0203] The hollow head 30 and the cylindrical body 34 of the secondary nozzle 20 are partially housed in the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0204] The length of the common section 24 is one-half the diameter of the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 20 .

[0205] like[ Figure 5A ]and Figure 5B As shown, a primary nozzle 8 arranged to dispense a first fluid 8 comprises a base 36 and a cap 38 .

[0206] The cover 38 comprises a primary fluid outlet 10 configured to direct fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 .

[0207] The base 36 and the cover 38 each have a contact line configured to be in full contact with each other.

[0208] refer to Fig. 6A , Figure 6B as well as Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , the contact line is tangent to the common plane and has four rotational symmetries about the rotation axis perpendicular to the common plane.

[0209] As shown in Figure 5, Fig. 6A , Figure 6B as well as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the base 36 and the cover 38 each have a perimeter that is identically shaped.

[0210] The front part 18 is located on a cover 38 of the main nozzle 8 .

[0211] The perimeter 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38 has the same shape as the contact line.

[0212] These contact lines are adjacent to the perimeter 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38 .

[0213] The cover 38 and base 36 are attached using welding rods 40 .

[0214] The cover 38 or base 36 includes a recess 42 configured to receive a welding rod 44 .

[0215] The welding rod 44 and the groove 42 extend along the contact line.

[0216] The cover 38 and base 36 have a perimeter that is substantially square in shape with rounded corners.

[0217] In this way, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented in four possible orientations, wherein the angle between the primary fluid inlet 46 and the fluid outlets 10, 20 varies at 90° intervals. In other words, the device 2 remains unchanged when rotated about its center by multiples of 90°.

[0218] Alternatively, the cleaning device 2 may be oriented in three possible orientations out of four permitted by the shape of the substantially square perimeter, in addition to the orientation corresponding to the direction of arrival of the fluid.

[0219] The cover 38 is mounted on the base 36 such that the cover 38 can rotate relative to the base 36 .

[0220] Thus, cleaning device 2 may be oriented at a plurality of angles between 0° and 360° between fluid inlet 46 and fluid outlet 48. Device 2 remains unchanged when rotated through any angle between 0° and 360°.

[0221] The base 36 includes an inlet tube 50 in the shape of an elbow, which includes the first fluid inlet 46 .

[0222] The cover 38 includes a second fluid inlet 48 .

[0223] The first fluid inlet 46 and the second fluid inlet 48 are each configured to allow a fluid supply tube (not shown) to be connected to the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle, respectively.

[0224] like Figure 5A and Figure 8 As shown, the inlet tube 50 opens into a fluid opening 52 having a diverging shape.

[0225] The base 36 includes at least one reinforcing rib 54 to which the inlet tube 50 is attached.

[0226] The two reinforcing ribs 54 extend perpendicularly to the direction of fluid flow in the inlet pipe 50 .

[0227] Alternatively, as [ Fig. 10B ] As shown, the cover 38 and the base 36 have a periphery 40 of a circular shape.

[0228] The cover 38 and the base 36 are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a predetermined interval between two consecutive positions, for example an interval between 1°-10°, more particularly an interval between 1°-5°.

[0229] The optical device 6 is a camera, in particular an infrared camera, preferably arranged to assist autonomous driving, advantageously arranged to detect the presence of water drops on a window (not shown).

[0230] A plurality of such cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, may be located on the vehicle, in particular outside the vehicle.

[0231] In addition to the above-described orientable nozzle 8 or main nozzle 8 , the device 2 may also comprise a secondary nozzle 14 .

[0232] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 includes an O-ring 56 designed to wedge the secondary nozzle 14 into the primary nozzle 8 .

[0233] refer to[ Fig.11 ], which shows an alternative embodiment in which the secondary fluid outlet 20 has a diverging shape.

[0234] Thus, the jet 58 of fluid from the fluid outlet 20 has a diverging shape, having a substantially triangular profile.

[0235] The secondary fluid outlet 20 is formed by a facet 60 configured to produce a diverging flow 58 .

[0236] Among these facets 60 , there are two flat facets 60 facing each other and diverging towards the outside, which give the jet 58 its diverging shape.

[0237] The cleaning device 2 comprises a fluid tank 62 situated upstream of the dispensing channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14 .

[0238] refer to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B as well as FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B , the cover 38 includes a ridge 64 extending from a platform 66 of the cover 38, and two slopes 68 extending from the ridge 64, namely, an upper slope 68 and a lower slope 68 that are parallel to each other.

[0239] Each slope 68 is inclined relative to a plane parallel to the ridge 64 , in particular substantially at 45° relative to this plane.

[0240] The periphery of the ridge 64 has an oval shape.

[0241] The front portion 18 includes a top portion 70 of the ridge 64 and a raised portion 72 located on the upper slope 68 and adjacent to the top portion 70 of the ridge 64 .

[0242] The main outlet 10 is located at the top 70 of the ridge 64 .

[0243] The perimeter of the top 70 of the ridge 64 substantially matches the perimeter of the primary outlet 10. Both perimeters have an oval shape.

[0244] The raised portion 72 includes a boss 73 extending from the top 70 of the ridge 64 .

[0245] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5B and Figure 8 The cover 38 comprises an outlet passage 76 designed to receive the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 14 .

[0246] The outlet channel 76 is circular and is located on the wall of the inner channel 12 of the main nozzle 8 .

[0247] The housing 16 of the main nozzle 8 extends adjacent to the two ramps 68 .

[0248] The housing 16 comprises, at its inlet, two wings 74 which are symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane (P) passing through the middle of the platform 66 of the cover 38 of the primary fluid nozzle 8 .

[0249] The stresses to which the wing portions 74 are subjected are therefore optimally distributed.

[0250] The bottom 32 of the secondary nozzle 14 further comprises a retaining member 76 and at least one guide member 78 , these members 76 , 78 being each arranged to interact with the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0251] The retaining member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises two snap-fastening tabs 80 , each of which is arranged to interact with a hole 82 in the wing 74 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0252] The housing 16 includes an extension 84 located at the inlet 17 of the housing 16 .

[0253] The housing 16 further includes a lip 86 opposite the extension 84 at the inlet 17 of the housing 16 .

[0254] The guide member 78 of the secondary nozzle 14 includes an anti-misalignment portion 88 arranged to interact with a groove 90 in the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 in such a way as to form a sliding connection through an axis (A) along the housing 16 .

[0255] Advantageously, the anti-mistake portion 88 is a tab.

[0256] The retaining member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises an upper protrusion 92 arranged to interact with the extension 84 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0257] The retaining member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises a lower protrusion 94 arranged to interact with the lip 86 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0258] The upper protrusion 92 and the lower protrusion 94 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane that is parallel to the plane of the platform 66 of the cover 38 and passes through the middle of the housing 16 .

[0259] Therefore, the stresses experienced by the projections 92 , 94 are optimally distributed.

[0260] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B , FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B , FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B as well as Fig.15 Shown is a primary fluid nozzle 8 configured to be assembled with a support 96 of an optical device 6 , and an assembly 98 comprising a cleaning device 2 and the support 98 assembled together by interaction of respective guides 100 , 102 and retaining members 104 , 106 .

[0261] The main nozzle 8 includes a base 36 and a cover 38 , each of which has contact lines arranged to be in full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangential to a common plane.

[0262] The support 96 is arranged to interact with the cover 38 located on the upper half space relative to the common plane.

[0263] The maximum dimension of the main nozzle 8 is greater than the maximum dimension of the support 96 .

[0264] The main nozzle 8 comprises a guide member 100 arranged to interact with a complementary guide member 102 of the support 96 of the optical device 6 in such a way as to allow the main nozzle 8 to be assembled with the support 96 .

[0265] The primary nozzle 8 further comprises a retaining member 104 configured to interact by snap-fastening with a complementary retaining member 106 of the support 96 in such a way as to allow the primary nozzle 8 to be snap-fastened on the support 96 .

[0266] By snapping the primary nozzle 8 onto the support 96 of the optical device 6 , the invention makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the optical device 6 on the primary fluid nozzle 8 , since the mounting does not require any special tools or additional mechanical attachment elements, such as screws (not shown).

[0267] In this way, installation can be performed accurately and quickly.

[0268] The guide member 100 of the primary nozzle 8 comprises two outer slides 108 symmetrical to one another with respect to a plane of symmetry (P) and arranged to interact with complementary guide members 102 formed on an inner wall 110 of the support 96 .

[0269] like Fig. 12A and Fig.14A As shown, the slide 108 includes two parallel ramps 68 connected to each other by a crosspiece 112, such that the ramps 68 and the crosspiece 112 define a track on which one of the inner walls 110 of the support 96 can slide.

[0270] like[ Fig.16 ] As shown, the slide 108 may include two parallel ramps 68 connected to each other by two crosspieces 112, which define a track on which one of the inner walls 110 of the support member 96 can slide.

[0271] like FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B As shown, the cover 38 includes two reinforcing ribs 54 that are positioned perpendicular to the crosspiece 112 of the slide 108 .

[0272] As in FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B As can be seen in FIG. 8 , in addition to the slide 108 , the guide member comprises an end-of-travel partition 114 which closes the end of the track forming the slide 108 , the partition 114 being arranged to interact with a stop element 116 of the support 96 .

[0273] In this example, the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8 comprises a retaining protrusion 118 positioned parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0274] As in [ Fig. 14B ], alternatively, the crosspiece 112 of the slide 108 is arranged to interact with the retaining snap fastening tab 120 of the complementary retaining member 106 of the support member 96.

[0275] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B , FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B , FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B as well as Fig.15 A support 96 configured to be assembled with the primary fluid nozzle 8 is shown.

[0276] The support 96 comprises complementary guide members 102 arranged to interact with the guide members 100 of the primary fluid nozzle 8 by snap-fastening in such a way as to allow the support 96 to be assembled with the primary nozzle 8 .

[0277] The support 96 further comprises complementary retaining members 106 configured to interact with the retaining members 104 of the primary nozzle 8 in such a way as to allow the primary nozzle 8 to be snapped onto the support 96 .

[0278] Complementary guide members 102, arranged to interact with two outer slides 108 of the guide member 100, are formed on an inner wall 110 of the support 96. The two outer slides 108 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the symmetry plane (P).

[0279] The guide member has a U-shape.

[0280] The support 96 further comprises two stop elements 116 arranged to define the end of travel of the complementary guide member 102 of the support 96 on the guide member 100 of the main nozzle 8 .

[0281] like FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B As shown, the complementary retaining member 106 further comprises a snap-fit ​​fastening tab 120 which is arranged to interact with the retaining protrusion 118 of the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0282] like[ Fig.13A ] As shown, the stop elements 116 of the support 96 are arranged to interact with end-of-travel dividers 114 which close each end of the track of the slide 108 forming the main nozzle 8.

[0283] like FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B As shown, alternatively, the complementary retaining member 106 comprises two snap-fastening tabs 120 arranged to interact with each crosspiece 112 of the two slides 108 of the primary nozzle 8 .

[0284] Again, in FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B In this example, the retaining snap fastening tab 120 is located on the inner wall 110 of the support member 96.

[0285] refer to[ Fig.16 ], in an alternative embodiment, provision may be made that the complementary retaining member (not shown) comprises two snap-in fastening tabs 120 which are arranged to interact with two crosspieces 112 of the slide 108 of the main nozzle 8.

[0286] All features corresponding to the main nozzle 8 and the support 96 also apply to the case where the device 2 includes a secondary nozzle 14 in addition to the main nozzle 8.

[0287] like[ Fig.17 ] As shown in FIG. 1 , in an alternative embodiment, a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is arranged downstream of the main outlet 10.

[0288] Parts List

[0289] 2: Cleaning device

[0290] 4: Optical surface

[0291] 6: Optical device

[0292] 8: Main nozzle

[0293] 10: Main fluid outlet

[0294] 12: Internal channel of the main nozzle

[0295] 14: Auxiliary nozzle

[0296] 16: The housing of the main nozzle is arranged to receive the secondary nozzle

[0297] 17: Shell inlet

[0298] 18: Front

[0299] 20: Auxiliary fluid outlet

[0300] 22: Distribution channel of auxiliary nozzle

[0301] 24: Segment

[0302] 26: Main Slot

[0303] 28: Secondary slot

[0304] 30: Hollow head of auxiliary nozzle

[0305] 32: Bottom

[0306] 34: Cylindrical body

[0307] 36: Pedestal

[0308] 38: Cover

[0309] 40: Periphery of base and cover

[0310] 42: Groove

[0311] 44: Welding rod

[0312] 46: First fluid inlet

[0313] 48: Second fluid inlet

[0314] 50: Inlet pipe

[0315] 52: Fluid opening with diverging shape

[0316] 54: Strengthening ribs

[0317] 56: O-ring

[0318] 58: Fluid jet

[0319] 60: Small noodles

[0320] 62: Fluid tank

[0321] 64: Spine

[0322] 66: Covered Platform

[0323] 68: Slope

[0324] 70: Top of the ridge

[0325] 72: Raised part

[0326] 73: Boss

[0327] 74: Wing

[0328] 76: A retaining member at the bottom of the auxiliary nozzle

[0329] 78: Guide member at the bottom of the auxiliary nozzle

[0330] 80: snap fastening tab of the retaining member at the bottom of the secondary nozzle

[0331] 82: Holes in the wings of the main nozzle housing

[0332] 84: Extension of the housing of the main nozzle

[0333] 86: Lip of the main nozzle housing

[0334] 88: Error prevention department

[0335] 90: Groove in the housing of the main nozzle

[0336] 92: Upper protrusion arranged to interact with the extension

[0337] 94: Lower projection arranged to interact with the lip

[0338] 96: Optical device support

[0339] 98: Assembly comprising a cleaning device and a support

[0340] 100: Guide member of the main nozzle

[0341] 102: Complementary guide member of a support of an optical device

[0342] 104: Main nozzle holding member

[0343] 106: Complementary retaining member for a support of an optical device

[0344] 108: Sliding parts

[0345] 110: Inner wall of support

[0346] 112: Connecting ramp crossbars

[0347] 114: End of travel partition that closes the end of the track forming the slide

[0348] 116: Stop element for a support of an optical device

[0349] 118: Retaining protrusion of the retaining member of the main nozzle

[0350] 120: Retention snap fastening tab of complementary retention member

Claims

1. A cleaning device (2) for cleaning an optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular an optical surface of an optical device for a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising: - a main nozzle (8) arranged to dispense a first fluid and comprising: o a primary fluid outlet (10) arranged to eject a primary jet of the first fluid towards an optical surface (4) of the optical device (6); and o an internal passage (12) of the main nozzle (8), the internal passage leading to the main outlet (10); - a secondary nozzle (14) arranged to dispense a second fluid and comprising: a secondary fluid outlet (20) arranged to eject a secondary jet of the second fluid towards an optical surface (4) of the optical device (6); and a distribution channel (22) of the secondary nozzle (14), the distribution channel being configured to deliver fluid to the secondary outlet (20), The main outlet (10) and the secondary outlet (20) are configured such that the secondary outlet (20) is placed in a path along which the first fluid travels.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The main jet surrounds the secondary jet at least at the outlet (20) for the secondary jet, at least over half of its circumference.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The primary jet surrounds the secondary jet over its entire circumference.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least a portion of the secondary nozzle (14) is arranged downstream of the primary outlet (10).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged in an internal passage (12) of the primary nozzle (8).

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The primary nozzle comprises a housing (16) designed to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle (14).

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The main nozzle (8) comprises a front part (18) arranged to face the optical device (6), the housing (16) being at least partially formed by the front part (18) and the main outlet (10) being produced on the front part (18).

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The main outlet (10) comprises a main groove (26).

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The secondary outlet (20) includes a secondary groove (28).

10. The device of claim 8, wherein: The main groove (26) is wider than the auxiliary groove (28).

11. The device of claim 9, wherein: The auxiliary groove (28) faces the main groove (26).

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The secondary nozzle (14) is provided with a hollow head (30) and a bottom (32), and the secondary outlet (20) is formed at the end of the hollow head.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein: The secondary nozzle (14) comprises a cylindrical body (34) to which the hollow head (30) is connected.

14. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The primary fluid outlet (10) or the secondary fluid outlet (20) has a diverging shape.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein: The primary fluid outlet (10) or the secondary fluid outlet (20) is formed by a facet (60) configured to generate the divergent flow (58).

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