Nozzle for automatically cleaning sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a nozzle (2) for automatically cleaning a sensor, in particular a sensor of a motor vehicle, the nozzle (2) comprising an outlet (4) for outputting a fluid, the nozzle (2) comprising a flat surface (6), the flat surface (6) being arranged on an inner surface (8) of the nozzle (2), the outlet (4) being arranged in the flat surface (6), the flat surface (6) comprising two opposite sides (10), wherein the flat surface (6) comprises a top side (12), the top side (12) is arranged between the two opposite sides (10), the nozzle (2) comprises two curved surfaces (14) on the inner surface (8), one of the curved surfaces (14) is arranged on one of the two opposite sides (10) of the flat surface (6), and the curved surfaces (14) are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a nozzle for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Nozzles for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of motor vehicles, are generally used in vehicles. The nozzles are used for cleaning sensors. Alternatively, the nozzles can also be used for cleaning headlamps.

[0003] Sensors are becoming increasingly important in assisting the driver, partial autonomous driving or fully autonomous driving. For example, the sensors can be radar sensors, Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors or ultrasonic sensors. Through the sensors, a motor vehicle can, for example, collect environmental information and assist the driver or achieve autonomous operation based on this. For example, the sensors are used for autonomous driving, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance or automatic parking.

[0004] However, during the use of the sensors, for example during the driving of a motor vehicle, dirt accumulates on the sensors. The dirt can affect the function of the sensors, for example, distance measurement cannot be performed, which affects partial autonomous driving, fully autonomous driving or automatic parking. Therefore, due to the dirt on the sensors, the vehicle can no longer assist the driver and can no longer achieve autonomous operation.

[0005] Therefore, the dirt on the sensors must be removed regularly and as thoroughly as possible. The nozzles are used for this purpose. A fluid is applied to the sensors through the nozzles. In this way, the dirt can be softened with the fluid and washed away. However, this requires a large amount of fluid, such as water.

[0006] In addition, stubborn dirt (such as insects) on the sensors may not be softened and washed away by the fluid. Therefore, the stubborn dirt needs to be manually removed by the vehicle driver. For this purpose, the vehicle must first be driven to a cleaning location (such as a gas station) for cleaning. On the one hand, this is very time-consuming. On the other hand, if the sensors are already contaminated, the driver can no longer rely on the sensors to drive to the cleaning location.

[0007] Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle with which dirt, in particular stubborn dirt, can be removed reliably, simply and thoroughly, while the nozzle has low fluid consumption and is very efficient. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved by a nozzle for automatically cleaning a sensor, in particular a sensor of a motor vehicle, wherein the nozzle includes an outlet for outputting a fluid, wherein the nozzle includes a flat surface, wherein the flat surface is arranged on the inner surface of the nozzle, wherein the outlet is arranged in the flat surface, wherein the flat surface includes two opposite sides, wherein the flat surface includes a top side, wherein the top side is arranged between the two opposite sides, wherein the nozzle includes two curved surfaces on the inner surface, wherein one of these curved surfaces is respectively arranged at one of the two opposite sides of the flat surface, and wherein the curved surfaces are designed to approach each other in a direction towards the top side.

[0009] In this way, the nozzle can clean dirt, especially dirt on the sensor, particularly simply and reliably. Here, the nozzle can also easily remove stubborn dirt, thus ensuring simple, reliable, and thorough removal of dirt. Most importantly, due to the low fluid consumption, the nozzle is particularly efficient.

[0010] The nozzle can be designed to accelerate the fluid. The nozzle can be designed for jetting the fluid. The nozzle can include an inlet for receiving the fluid. The nozzle can be particularly designed to form at least three fluid jets. One fluid jet can have a greater fluid volume than the region between the at least three fluid jets. In this way, it can be ensured that dirt is removed particularly simply, reliably, and thoroughly.

[0011] The fluid can be a liquid and / or a gas. For example, the fluid can be air, water, water containing a cleaning agent, and / or water containing an antifreeze.

[0012] "For automatically cleaning a sensor" can mean that the cleaning of the sensor requires no manual intervention. Thus, the nozzle can clean the sensor by itself. The cleaning of the sensor can be triggered by the sensor itself and / or manually (for example, by the driver of a motor vehicle).

[0013] For example, the sensor can be a radar sensor, a Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, a camera, or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0014] The outlet for outputting the fluid can be a connection between the internal space of the nozzle and the surrounding environment of the nozzle. The outlet can be designed such that sufficient fluid can flow out through the outlet. The outlet can be an opening in the nozzle. For example, the outlet can be radially offset from the longitudinal axis or arranged along the longitudinal axis.

[0015] The flat surface can form a plane. The flat surface can be a surface described by two axes. In particular, the flat surface can have no curvature. The flat surface can have a two-dimensional extension dimension on the inner surface of the nozzle.

[0016] The flat surface is arranged on the inner surface of the nozzle. The inner surface of the nozzle can be a surface capable of defining a fluid. The inner surface can guide the fluid. The inner surface can form an enclosed space for guiding the fluid in the nozzle. The flat surface can be arranged radially with respect to the central axis of the nozzle. In particular, the flat surface can extend parallel to the central axis.

[0017] "The outlet is arranged in the flat surface" can mean that: the outlet can be an interruption (Unterbrechung) in the flat surface, which can extend from the inner surface of the nozzle to the outer surface. The outlet can be partially or completely surrounded by the flat surface.

[0018] The flat surface includes two opposite sides. The sides of the surface can be the boundaries of the flat surface. These opposite sides can be lines. The two opposite sides can define the flat surface along a straight line between the two opposite sides. These opposite sides can at least partially define the flat surface. In particular, the two opposite sides can be oriented parallel to each other. The two opposite sides can form an angle greater than 0° with each other. The two opposite sides can be mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane, where the plane passes through the flat surface and, in particular, extends perpendicular to the flat surface. The two opposite sides can be composed of multiple straight lines. Alternatively or additionally, the two opposite sides can have curvature.

[0019] The flat surface includes a top side. In the nozzle, the top side can be arranged behind the bottom side of the flat surface in the fluid flow direction. The top side can be at the same height as the bottom side. In particular, the top side can be the side that can be arranged closer to the outlet, where the fluid can turn. The top side can be located outside the deflected fluid along the fluid direction. The top side can be the side from which the fluid can deflect. The top side can be composed of multiple straight lines. Alternatively or additionally, the top side can have curvature.

[0020] The top side is arranged between the two opposite sides. The top side can connect the two opposite sides. The top side can be arranged at an interval from the two opposite sides such that the top side cannot contact the two opposite sides. The top side can be arranged, in particular, between the two ends of the two opposite sides.

[0021] The nozzle includes two curved surfaces on the inner surface. Each of the two curved surfaces can have curvature. The two curved surfaces can form part of the inner surface. The two curved surfaces can reduce the internal space of the nozzle. In particular, the two curved surfaces can be designed such that the two curved surfaces increase the static pressure of the fluid by reducing the space. In particular, the two curved surfaces can have the same curvature and / or the same orientation.

[0022] One of these curved surfaces is arranged at one of the two opposite sides of the flat surface respectively. For example, the curved surface can be connected to one of the two opposite sides of the flat surface respectively. The curved surface can be arranged on the flat surface, where the curved surface is connected to the flat surface at the two opposite sides.

[0023] The curved surfaces are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side. For example, the curved surfaces can cause the internal space of the nozzle to narrow in the direction towards the top side. For example, the distance between the two curved surfaces can become smaller in the direction towards the top side. In particular, the two curved surfaces can also be designed to approach each other outside the top side. Thus, for example, the distance between the two curved surfaces can become smaller in the direction towards the top side, where the distance between the two curved surfaces can become even smaller outside the top side.

[0024] According to the first embodiment, the two curved surfaces can be connected via a central plane, where the central plane can be arranged at the top side.

[0025] Via the central plane, the fluid flow profile can be particularly advantageously influenced. Thus, the nozzle can ensure a particularly reliable, simple, efficient and thorough removal of dirt and especially stubborn dirt.

[0026] The central plane can have a curvature. The central plane can be a surface described by two axes. In particular, the central plane can have no curvature. The central plane can have a two-dimensional extension dimension on the inner surface of the nozzle.

[0027] The two curved surfaces can be connected via the central plane. Thus, the central plane can be arranged between the two curved surfaces and connected to each of the two curved surfaces. The width of the central plane can vary. The width can especially be the extension dimension of the central plane between the two curved surfaces. For example, the width of the central plane can gradually decrease from the top side, where the two curved surfaces can gradually approach each other from the top side.

[0028] The central plane can be arranged at the top side. Thus, the central plane can be arranged on a flat surface, where the central plane can especially be connected to the top side of the flat surface. The central plane can be at least partially bounded by the two curved surfaces and the flat surface.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the central plane can be composed of at least two sub-planes.

[0030] If the central plane can be composed of at least two sub-planes, the outflow velocity of the fluid can be advantageously controlled. Thus, dirt and especially stubborn dirt can be removed particularly reliably, simply, efficiently and thoroughly with the nozzle.

[0031] The central plane can be composed of at least two sub-planes. The at least two sub-planes can be arranged directly adjacent to each other. For example, the at least two sub-planes can be arranged continuously in sequence from the top side. In particular, each of the at least two sub-planes can be connected to the two curved surfaces. The at least two sub-planes can have different sizes.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the curved surface can start from a flat surface region where the outlet can be arranged in the flat surface.

[0033] In this way, the pressure on the fluid can be affected over the entire height of the outlet, for example increased. This has a beneficial effect on the flow rate of the fluid, such that the nozzle can remove dirt, especially stubborn dirt, particularly reliably, simply, efficiently and thoroughly.

[0034] "The curved surface can start from a flat surface region where the outlet can be arranged in the flat surface" can mean that: the imaginary line between the two curved surfaces extends through the outlet. For example, the two ends of the two curved surfaces can be connected by an imaginary line, where the imaginary line extends through the outlet.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the outlet can be rectangular, oval or crescent-shaped.

[0036] In this way, the profile of the outflowing fluid can be designed advantageously, so that dirt, especially stubborn dirt, can be removed particularly reliably, simply, efficiently and thoroughly.

[0037] The crescent shape can be semi-circular and / or crescent-moon shaped.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the points on each of the two curved surfaces can be spaced from the outlet by a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm respectively.

[0039] In this way, the flow profile of the outflowing fluid can be particularly advantageously affected by the curved surfaces at the outlet, so that dirt, especially stubborn dirt, can be removed particularly reliably, simply, efficiently and thoroughly.

[0040] The points on each of the two curved surfaces can be spaced from the outlet by a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm respectively. The point on each of the two curved surfaces can be any part on each of these curved surfaces. The point can be the part of the curved surface that is arranged closest to the outlet. The point on each of the two curved surfaces is spaced from the outlet by only a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm due to the presence of the flat surface.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the nozzle can extend along a central axis, wherein the two curved surfaces can be arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror image, wherein the mirror can contain the central axis, and the mirror can extend through the outlet, especially through the center point of the outlet.

[0042] In this way, the outflowing fluid jet generated by the nozzle can be particularly uniform, so that the sensor can be cleaned particularly efficiently, thoroughly, reliably and simply. The cleaning is particularly effective when the mirror can extend through the center point of the outlet.

[0043] The central axis can be the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The central axis can extend through the center of the nozzle.

[0044] The center point of the outlet can be the point with the maximum distance from all edges of the outlet.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the nozzle can include a protrusion on the outer surface, wherein the protrusion can be arranged in the region of the outlet facing the top side.

[0046] In this way, at least one particularly strong jet can be generated with the nozzle. Therefore, the sensor can be cleaned particularly efficiently, thoroughly, reliably and simply.

[0047] The outer surface of the nozzle can be the outer side of the nozzle. The outer surface can, together with the inner surface of the nozzle, define the material thickness of the nozzle.

[0048] The protrusion can be a protruding part. The protrusion can extend radially away from the central axis on the outer surface. The protrusion can particularly form a shield above the outlet. The protrusion can be particularly mirror-symmetrical with respect to the plane extending through the center of the outlet.

[0049] The outlet is arranged in a flat plane, wherein the flat plane has a top side. Therefore, the outlet can be arranged in the region facing the top side. The region facing the top side can be the outlet boundary closest to the top side. The region facing the top side can extend from the inner surface to the outer surface, and the protrusion located in the region facing the top side can be arranged on the outer surface.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the nozzle can include at least one guiding element on the outer surface, wherein the at least one guiding element can be arranged in the region of the outlet facing one of the opposite sides.

[0051] In this way, the width of the jet can be controlled on the outlet side. Therefore, the jet can be better adapted to the surface to be cleaned with the nozzle. Thereby, the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

[0052] The at least one guiding element can be a protruding part. The at least one guiding element can extend radially away from the central axis on the outer surface. The at least one guiding element can particularly form the lateral boundary of the outlet.

[0053] The outlet is arranged in a flat plane, where the flat plane includes two opposite sides. The region of the outlet facing one of the opposite sides can be the boundary of the outlet that can be closest to one of the opposite sides. The region facing one of the opposite sides can extend from the inner surface to the outer surface, and the at least one guiding element located at the region facing one of the opposite sides can be arranged on the outer surface.

[0054] The at least one guiding element can be connected to a protrusion. For example, the outlet can be partially surrounded by the at least one guiding element and the protrusion, such as in an L-shape.

[0055] The at least one guiding element can be designed to define a fluid jet.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the nozzle can include two guiding elements on the outer surface, where the first guiding element of the two guiding elements can be arranged at the region of the outlet facing the first opposite side, and the second guiding element of the two guiding elements can be arranged at the region of the outlet facing the second opposite side.

[0057] In this way, the jet can be guided particularly well, so that the cleaning efficiency can be particularly good. In particular, the width of the jet can be controlled.

[0058] The two guiding elements can be protruding parts. The two guiding elements can extend radially away from the central axis on the outer surface. The two guiding elements can particularly form the lateral boundaries of the outlet. The two guiding elements can be arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane extending through the center of the outlet. The two guiding elements can be particularly arranged on opposite sides of the outlet.

[0059] The outlet is arranged in a flat plane, where the flat plane includes two opposite sides. The region of the outlet facing the first opposite side can be the boundary of the outlet that can be closest to the first opposite side. The region facing the first opposite side can extend from the inner surface to the outer surface, and the first guiding element of the two guiding elements located at the region facing the first opposite side can be arranged on the outer surface.

[0060] The region of the outlet facing the second opposite side can be the boundary of the outlet that is closest to the second opposite side. The region facing the second opposite side can extend from the inner surface to the outer surface, and the second guiding element of the two guiding elements located at the region facing the second opposite side can be arranged on the outer surface.

[0061] The two guiding elements can be arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane, where the plane can be particularly perpendicular to the outlet and can contain the center point of the outlet.

[0062] The two guiding elements can be connected to a protrusion. For example, the outlet can be partially surrounded by the two guiding elements and the protrusion, such as in a U-shape.

[0063] Two guiding elements can be designed to define a fluid jet.

[0064] The two guiding elements can extend from the outlet. The distance between the two guiding elements can increase as the distance from the outlet increases. The two guiding elements can form an angle of 20° to 70°, preferably 30° to 35°.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the radial distance from the flat surface to the central axis can decrease from the bottom side, which is especially opposite to the top side, towards the top side.

[0066] In this way, the pressure in the fluid can be increased, so that the fluid flows out of the nozzle at a faster speed. In this way, cleaning can be achieved more efficiently, thoroughly and reliably.

[0067] The radial distance to the central axis can be the radial distance to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The central axis can extend centrally through the nozzle. The central axis can extend inside the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

[0068] In the flow direction of the fluid, the top side can be arranged behind the bottom side. For example, the fluid can first flow through the bottom side and then through the top side. The bottom side can be arranged especially opposite to the top side along two opposite sides.

[0069] "The radial distance of the flat surface can decrease from the bottom side towards the top side with respect to the central axis" can mean that: the flat surface is inclined towards the central axis, so that the top side of the flat surface can be closer to the central axis radially than the bottom side of the flat surface.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the flat surface and the protrusion can form an angle less than 90°.

[0071] In this way, a particularly defined jet pattern can be generated with at least one jet, so that stubborn dirt can be removed particularly efficiently, thoroughly, reliably and simply.

[0072] The flat surface and the protrusion can form an angle less than 90°. The angle can be formed by a straight line extending through the flat surface and the surface of the protrusion arranged at the outlet. The surface of the protrusion for determining the angle can be the surface of the protrusion that can be in contact with the fluid.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the diameter of the nozzle can at least partially decrease along the central axis in the direction towards the top side.

[0074] In this way, the pressure on the fluid towards the outlet can be increased, so that the cleaning power can be enhanced. Therefore, stubborn dirt can be removed particularly efficiently, thoroughly, reliably and simply.

[0075] The diameter of the nozzle is the distance between two opposite sides of the inner surface of the nozzle. This diameter can be a straight line connecting the two sides of the inner surface and extending through the central axis.

[0076] "In the direction towards the top side" can mean that the diameter can narrow in the direction of the fluid flow. "Narrow" can mean decrease, reduce or become narrower.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the nozzle can have a side opposite the outlet on the inner surface, wherein the radial distance of this opposite side to the central axis can decrease towards the top side, and especially the radial distance can have decreased before the outlet when observed along the central axis in the direction from the bottom side towards the top side.

[0078] In this way, the pressure on the fluid can be increased while the flow profile at the outlet can remain unchanged. In this way, dirt can be reliably, simply, thoroughly and efficiently removed by a higher pressure. If the radial distance can have decreased before the outlet when observed along the central axis in the direction from the bottom side towards the top side, a greater pressure on the fluid can be achieved over the entire height of the outlet. Therefore, the cleaning can also be more reliable, simple, thorough and efficient.

[0079] The side of the inner surface opposite the outlet can be connected to the outlet via an imaginary straight line passing through the central axis. The side of the inner surface opposite the outlet can be the back surface of the nozzle.

[0080] The radial distance of this opposite side to the central axis can decrease towards the top side. For example, the nozzle diameter can be decreased by a continuously decreasing radial distance. Towards the top side can be along the opposite side towards the top side. Towards the top side can be the direction of the fluid flow.

[0081] The outlet can be arranged below the top side. For example, the outlet can be arranged in front of the top side along the central axis in the flow direction, and especially the outlet can be arranged radially spaced from the central axis. Therefore, when observed along the central axis in the direction from the bottom side towards the top side, the radial distance can have decreased before the outlet, such that the diameter of the nozzle can have decreased before the outlet.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the outlet can be arranged at one end of the nozzle.

[0083] In this way, the flow profile can be particularly adapted to the outlet because the fluid cannot bypass the outlet. Therefore, the sensor can be cleaned particularly reliably, thoroughly, simply and efficiently.

[0084] The end of the nozzle can be the tip of the nozzle. The end of the nozzle can be the end of the spatial extension dimension of the nozzle. "Arranged at one end of the nozzle" can mean that the outlet can be arranged closer to this end of the nozzle compared to the starting end of the nozzle or the central part of the nozzle. The outlet can be arranged at a distance from the end of the nozzle.

[0085] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a device comprising a sensor, in particular a camera, and a nozzle according to the invention, wherein the nozzle is designed for cleaning the sensor.

[0086] The device can remove dirt, in particular dirt on the sensor, particularly simply and reliably. Here, the device can also easily remove stubborn dirt, thus ensuring simple, reliable and thorough removal of dirt. Most importantly, due to the low fluid consumption, the device is particularly efficient.

[0087] According to a third aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a nozzle according to the invention or a device according to the invention.

[0088] The vehicle can remove dirt, in particular dirt on the sensor, particularly simply and reliably. Here, the vehicle can also easily remove stubborn dirt, thus ensuring simple, reliable and thorough removal of dirt. Most importantly, due to the low fluid consumption, the vehicle is particularly efficient. In addition, assistance for the driver, partial autonomous driving and fully autonomous driving can be ensured.

[0089] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by the use of a nozzle according to the invention for cleaning a sensor.

[0090] By using the nozzle according to the invention, dirt, in particular dirt on the sensor, can be removed particularly simply and reliably. Here, by using the nozzle according to the invention, stubborn dirt can also be easily removed, thus ensuring simple, reliable and thorough removal of dirt. Most importantly, due to the low fluid consumption, the use of the nozzle according to the invention is particularly effective.

[0091] For those skilled in the art, other objects, features, advantages and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. However, it should be understood that the following description, the appended claims and the specific embodiments are only for illustrating the preferred embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention can be easily conceived upon reading the following embodiments.

[0092] Definitions

[0093] Unless otherwise specified in the context of using the following expressions, these expressions generally preferably have the following meanings.

[0094] In addition to its literal meaning, the expression "comprising" as used herein also encompasses the expressions "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of", and particularly refers to these expressions. Thus, the expression "comprising" refers both to embodiments in which the subject "comprises" the specifically listed elements and no other elements, and to embodiments in which the subject "comprises" the specifically listed elements and may include and / or actually includes other elements. Similarly, the expression "having" can be understood as the expression "comprising", which also encompasses "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of" and refers to these expressions. Where possible, the expression "consisting essentially of" particularly refers to embodiments in which the subject thereof, in addition to the specifically listed elements that essentially constitute the subject, also includes other elements that are 20% or less, particularly 15% or less, 10% or less or particularly 5% or less. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the nozzle;

[0096] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view showing the nozzle;

[0097] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view showing the nozzle;

[0098] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing the nozzle;

[0099] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view showing the nozzle;

[0100] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing the nozzle;

[0101] Figure 7 Cross-sectional view showing the nozzle;

[0102] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the nozzle;

[0103] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view showing the nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing nozzle 2.

[0105] The nozzle 2 is for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of motor vehicles, and comprises an outlet 4 for outputting a fluid. The nozzle 2 comprises a flat surface 6, where the flat surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6. The flat surface 6 comprises two opposite sides 10. The flat surface 6 comprises a top side 12, where the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 comprises two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is arranged at each of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat surface 6, where the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0106] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A sectional view of the nozzle 2 shown.

[0107] The nozzle 2 is for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of motor vehicles, and comprises an outlet 4 for outputting a fluid. The nozzle 2 comprises a flat surface 6, where the flat surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6. The flat surface 6 comprises two opposite sides 10. The flat surface 6 comprises a top side 12, where the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 comprises two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is arranged at each of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat surface 6, where the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0108] The outlet 4 of the nozzle 2 and the flat surface 6 are arranged to be radially spaced apart with respect to the central axis M.

[0109] The two curved surfaces 14 are connected via a central plane 16, where the central plane 16 is arranged at the top side 12. The central plane 16 is composed of at least two sub - planes 18. The curved surfaces 14 start from the region of the flat surface 6 where the outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6.

[0110] The outlet 4 is rectangular. Alternatively, the outlet 4 can be oval or crescent - shaped.

[0111] Points on each of the two curved surfaces 14 are spaced from the outlet 4 by at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.1 mm and particularly preferably at most 0.05 mm.

[0112] The nozzle 2 extends along the central axis M, where the two curved surfaces 14 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror image. The mirror plane contains the central axis M and extends through the center point of the outlet 4.

[0113] The nozzle 2 comprises a protrusion 22 on the outer surface 20, where the protrusion 22 is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 towards the top side 12.

[0114] The nozzle 2 is designed to form at least three fluid jets.

[0115] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 A sectional view of the nozzle 2 shown.

[0116] The nozzle 2 is used for automatically cleaning sensors, especially sensors of motor vehicles, and includes an outlet 4 for outputting fluid. The nozzle 2 includes a flat surface 6, where the flat surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6. The flat surface 6 includes two opposite sides 10. The flat surface 6 includes a top side 12, where the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 includes two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is respectively arranged at one of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat surface 6, and the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0117] Figure 3 The shown embodiment of the nozzle 2 corresponds to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the embodiment of the nozzle 2 in. Therefore, only the newly shown features will be discussed.

[0118] The nozzle 2 includes a protrusion 22 on the outer surface 20, where the protrusion 22 is arranged in the area of the outlet 4 towards the top side 12.

[0119] The radial distance from the flat surface 6 to the central axis M decreases from the bottom side 24 opposite to the top side 12 towards the top side 12.

[0120] The flat surface 6 and the protrusion 22 form an angle α less than 90°.

[0121] The diameter of the nozzle 2 at least partially shrinks in the direction towards the top side 12 along the central axis M.

[0122] The nozzle 2 has an opposite side 26 to the outlet 4 on the inner surface 8, where the radial distance from the opposite side 26 to the central axis M decreases towards the top side 12. When observed along the central axis M in the direction from the bottom side 24 towards the top side 12, the radial distance has already decreased before the outlet 4.

[0123] The outlet 4 is located at the end 28 of the nozzle 2.

[0124] Figure 4 A schematic view of the nozzle 2 is shown, where the central axis M extends through the flat surface 6 and the outlet 4, and the flat surface 6 and the outlet 4 are perpendicular to the central axis M.

[0125] Figure 5 shows Figure 4 A sectional view of the nozzle 2 shown.

[0126] The nozzle 2 is used for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of motor vehicles, and comprises an outlet 4 for outputting a fluid. The nozzle 2 comprises a flat surface 6, wherein the flat surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6. The flat surface 6 comprises two opposite sides 10. The flat surface 6 comprises a top side 12, wherein the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 comprises two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is respectively arranged at one of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat surface 6, wherein the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0127] The two curved surfaces 14 are connected via a central plane 16, wherein the central plane 16 is arranged at the top side 12. The central plane 16 is composed of at least two sub-planes 18. The curved surfaces 14 start from the region of the flat surface 6 where the outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6.

[0128] The outlet 4 is rectangular. The points on each of the two curved surfaces 14 are spaced from the outlet 4 by a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm.

[0129] The nozzle 2 extends along a central axis M, wherein the two curved surfaces 14 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane. The mirror plane contains the central axis M and extends through the center point of the outlet 4.

[0130] The nozzle 2 comprises a protrusion 22 on the outer surface 20, wherein the protrusion 22 is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 towards the top side 12.

[0131] Figure 6 A schematic view of the nozzle 2 is shown. The outlet 4 and the flat surface 6 are spaced apart with respect to the central axis M, wherein the flat surface 6 forms an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with the central axis M.

[0132] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 A sectional view of the shown nozzle 2.

[0133] The nozzle 2 is used for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of motor vehicles, and comprises an outlet 4 for outputting a fluid. The nozzle 2 comprises a flat surface 6, wherein the flat surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6. The flat surface 6 comprises two opposite sides 10. The flat surface 6 comprises a top side 12, wherein the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 comprises two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is respectively arranged at one of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat surface 6, wherein the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0134] Two curved surfaces 14 are connected via a central plane 16, where the central plane 16 is arranged at the top side 12. The central plane 16 consists of at least two sub-planes 18. The curved surfaces 14 start in the region of the flat straight surface 6 where the outlet 4 is arranged in the flat straight surface 6.

[0135] The outlet 4 is rectangular. Points on each of the two curved surfaces 14 are spaced from the outlet 4 by a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm.

[0136] The nozzle 2 extends along a central axis M, where the two curved surfaces 14 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane. The mirror plane contains the central axis M and extends through the center point of the outlet 4.

[0137] The nozzle 2 includes a protrusion 22 on the outer surface 20, where the protrusion 22 is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 facing the top side 12.

[0138] Figure 8 Schematic view showing the nozzle 2.

[0139] The nozzle 2 is for automatically cleaning sensors, especially sensors of motor vehicles, and includes an outlet 4 for outputting fluid. The nozzle 2 includes a flat straight surface 6, where the flat straight surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat straight surface 6. The flat straight surface 6 includes two opposite sides 10. The flat straight surface 6 includes a top side 12, where the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 includes two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is arranged at one of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat straight surface 6 respectively, where the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0140] The nozzle 2 includes a protrusion 22 on the outer surface 20, where the protrusion 22 is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 facing the top side 12.

[0141] The nozzle 2 includes two guiding elements 23a, 23b on the outer surface 20, where the first guiding element of the two guiding elements 23a is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 facing the first opposite side 10. The second guiding element 23b of the two guiding elements is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 facing the second opposite side 10.

[0142] The two guiding elements 23a, 23b are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane mirror, where the plane is perpendicular to the outlet 4 and contains the center point of the outlet 4.

[0143] The two guiding elements 23a, 23b are connected to the protrusion 22. The two guiding elements 23a, 23b are designed to define a fluid jet.

[0144] The nozzle 2 is designed to form at least three fluid jets.

[0145] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 A sectional view of the nozzle 2 shown.

[0146] The nozzle 2 is used for automatically cleaning sensors, especially sensors of motor vehicles, and includes an outlet 4 for outputting fluid. The nozzle 2 includes a flat surface 6, where the flat surface 6 is arranged on the inner surface 8 of the nozzle 2. The outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6. The flat surface 6 includes two opposite sides 10. The flat surface 6 includes a top side 12, where the top side 12 is arranged between the two opposite sides 10. The nozzle 2 includes two curved surfaces 14 on the inner surface 8. One of the curved surfaces 14 is respectively arranged at one of the two opposite sides 10 of the flat surface 6, where the curved surfaces 14 are designed to approach each other in the direction towards the top side 12.

[0147] The outlet 4 of the nozzle 2 and the flat surface 6 are arranged to be radially spaced apart with respect to the central axis M.

[0148] The two curved surfaces 14 are connected via a central plane 16, where the central plane 16 is arranged at the top side 12. The curved surfaces 14 start from the region of the flat surface 6 where the outlet 4 is arranged in the flat surface 6.

[0149] The outlet 4 is rectangular. Alternatively, the outlet 4 can be oval or crescent-shaped.

[0150] The nozzle 2 includes a protrusion 22 on the outer surface 20, where the protrusion 22 is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 towards the top side 12.

[0151] The nozzle 2 includes two guiding elements 23a, 23b on the outer surface 20, where the first guiding element of the two guiding elements 23a is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 towards the first opposite side 10. The second guiding element 23b of the two guiding elements is arranged in the region of the outlet 4 towards the second opposite side 10.

[0152] The two guiding elements 23a, 23b are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of mirror symmetry, where the plane is perpendicular to the outlet 4 and contains the center point of the outlet 4.

[0153] The two guiding elements 23a, 23b are connected to the protrusion 22. The two guiding elements 23a, 23b are designed to define a fluid jet.

Claims

1. A nozzle (2) for automatically cleaning sensors, in particular sensors of a motor vehicle, Among them, said nozzle (2) comprising an outlet (4) for outputting a fluid, characterized in that said nozzle (2) comprises a flat surface (6), wherein the flat surface (6) is arranged on the inner surface (8) of the nozzle (2), wherein the outlet (4) is arranged in the flat surface (6), wherein the flat surface (6) comprises two opposite sides (10), wherein the flat surface (6) comprises a top side (12), wherein the top side (12) is arranged between the two opposite sides (10), wherein the nozzle (2) comprises two curved surfaces (14) on the inner surface (8), wherein one of the curved surfaces (14) is respectively arranged at one of the two opposite sides (10) of the flat surface (6), and wherein the curved surfaces (14) are designed to approach each other in a direction towards the top side (12).

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that the two curved surfaces (14) are connected via a central plane (16), wherein the central plane (16) is arranged at the top side (12).

3. The nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that the central plane (16) is composed of at least two sub - planes (18).

4. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the curved surfaces (14) start from the region of the flat surface (6) where the outlet (4) is arranged in the flat surface (6).

5. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the outlet (4) is rectangular, oval or crescent - shaped.

6. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that points on each of the two curved surfaces (14) are spaced from the outlet (4) by a maximum of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum of 0.1 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.05 mm.

7. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the nozzle (2) extends along a central axis (M), wherein the two curved surfaces (14) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror image, wherein the mirror plane contains the central axis (M) and the mirror plane extends through the outlet (4), in particular through the center point of the outlet (4).

8. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the nozzle (2) comprises a protrusion (22) on the outer surface (20), wherein the protrusion (22) is arranged in the region of the outlet (4) facing the top side (12).

9. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the radial distance of the flat surface (6) from the central axis (M) decreases from the bottom side (24) towards the top side (12), in particular from the bottom side (24) opposite the top side (12) towards the top side (12).

10. The nozzle according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the flat surface (6) and the protrusion (22) form an angle (α) of less than 90°.

11. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, the diameter of the nozzle (2) is at least partially reduced in the direction towards the top side (12) along the central axis (M).

12. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, the nozzle (2) has an opposite side (26) on the inner surface (8) to the outlet (4), wherein the radial distance of the opposite side (26) to the central axis (M) decreases towards the top side (12), wherein, in particular, when observed along the central axis (M) in the direction from the bottom side (24) towards the top side (12), the radial distance has already decreased before the outlet (4).

13. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, the outlet (4) is arranged at the end (28) of the nozzle (2).

14. A device comprising a sensor, in particular a camera, and a nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Among them, the nozzle (2) being designed to clean the sensor.

15. A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a device according to claim 14.

Images