Cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10) configured to dispense two fluids respectively called first and second fluids, the cleaning device (10) comprising a series of first outlets (310) and a series of second outlets (320) alternately arranged along a main direction of a face called jetting face, each series of first outlets (310) comprising a first outlet (311) advantageously aligned along the main direction, the first outlet of the series of first outlets (310) comprising a main first outlet configured to jet the first fluid along a jetting direction perpendicular to the main direction and two lateral first outlets configured to jet the first fluid along a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction respectively, the first and second lateral directions facing away from each other in a plane formed by the jetting direction and the main direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of an exposed surface of a sensor.

[0002] It is worth noting that the present invention aims to provide a cleaning device configured to clean and dry large surfaces with reduced fluid consumption. Background Technology

[0003] Motor vehicles are now equipped with numerous sensors, cameras, lidar, or radar (hereinafter referred to as "sensors") for driver assistance purposes. These sensors can be located inside or outside the vehicle to provide the driver with complete visibility of the vehicle's surroundings. For example, sensors can be located in the bumper, side skirts, side mirrors, behind the windshield, under the hood, near the headlights, or on the roof.

[0004] However, when exposed to the environment, these sensors may become covered in dirt or dust, potentially leading to performance degradation. Therefore, frequent cleaning and drying of these sensors are necessary to maintain their performance.

[0005] In this regard, motor vehicles can be equipped with a cleaning system, specifically featuring cleaning fluid distribution pipes and nozzles. The nozzles are specifically positioned at the ends of the fluid distribution pipes and adjacent to the sensors. This arrangement allows cleaning fluid to be distributed onto the surface of each sensor, thus removing traces of dust or dirt.

[0006] To address this, a fluid distribution system known in the prior art is disclosed in document WO 2023 / 036383. However, the fluid distribution system disclosed in this document is not satisfactory. In fact, the arrangement of the liquid and gas outlets is inappropriate, failing to optimize the cleaning and drying of wide surfaces and liquid consumption. Furthermore, the system proposed in this document is not compact enough.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device that, compared with cleaning devices known in the prior art, enables optimized cleaning and drying of large surfaces and reduces liquid consumption.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cleaning device that improves cleaning efficiency compared to existing cleaning devices.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device that is more compact than fluid distribution systems known in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved at least in part by a cleaning device configured to dispense two fluids, referred to as a first fluid and a second fluid, respectively. The cleaning device includes a series of first outlets and second outlets alternately arranged along a main direction of a surface referred to as a jet surface. Each series of first outlets includes first outlets advantageously aligned along the main direction. The first outlets of the series of first outlets include a main first outlet and two lateral first outlets. The main first outlet is configured to jet the first fluid along a jet direction perpendicular to the main direction. The two lateral first outlets are configured to jet the first fluid along a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction, respectively, which are opposite to each other in a plane formed by the jet direction and the main direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device includes a first inlet and a first channel that connects the first inlet fluid to a first outlet. Advantageously, the first channel is sized to ensure that the first fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the first outlets in all series of first outlets.

[0012] According to one implementation, the second outlet is arranged as two sets of second outlets, referred to as even-numbered second outlets and odd-numbered second outlets respectively, and each set of second outlets is configured to eject the second fluid independently of the other set of second outlets.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device includes two second inlets, referred to as an even-numbered second inlet and an odd-numbered second inlet, respectively. The cleaning device also includes two sets of second channels, referred to as an even-numbered second channel and an odd-numbered second channel, respectively. The even-numbered second channel includes an even-numbered second distribution channel, connecting the even-numbered second inlet fluid to an even-numbered second outlet, while the odd-numbered second channel connects the odd-numbered second inlet fluid to an odd-numbered second outlet. Advantageously, the even-numbered second channel is sized to ensure that the second fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the second outlets in the even-numbered second outlet, and the odd-numbered second channel is sized to ensure that the second fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the second outlets in the odd-numbered second outlet.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device includes a stack of at least two plates, the stack including two main faces opposite each other.

[0015] According to one implementation, the stack of at least two plates contains plastic material.

[0016] According to one implementation, the plates are assembled such that the interface between the two plates is airtightly sealed.

[0017] According to one embodiment, from one main surface referred to as the first surface to another main surface referred to as the second surface, at least two boards include a first board, a second board, and a third board, and the stack includes a first interface between the first board and the second board, and a second interface between the second board and the third board.

[0018] According to one implementation, the even-numbered second channel includes an even-numbered second allocation channel and an even-numbered second allocation pipeline, and the odd-numbered second channel includes an odd-numbered second allocation channel and an odd-numbered second allocation pipeline.

[0019] According to one implementation, an even-numbered second distribution line and an odd-numbered second distribution line are formed on one of the first interface and the second interface, while an even-numbered second distribution channel and an odd-numbered second distribution channel are formed on the other of the first interface and the second interface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, an even number of second through holes are formed in the second plate to fluidly connect an even number of second distribution channels to an even number of second distribution lines, and an odd number of second through holes are formed in the second plate to fluidly connect an odd number of second distribution channels to an odd number of second distribution lines.

[0021] According to one implementation, the first channel includes a first distribution channel and a first distribution line, the first distribution line being formed on one of a first interface and a second interface, while the first distribution channel is formed on the other of the first interface and the second interface.

[0022] According to one implementation, the first channel includes a first distribution channel and a first distribution line, which are formed on a first interface or a second interface.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a first through-hole is formed on the second plate to fluidly connect the first dispensing channel to the first dispensing line.

[0024] According to one implementation scheme, two second entrances and a first entrance are formed on one or the other of the first and second surfaces.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the second plate includes at least one passage that fluidly connects at least one of two second inlets and the first inlet to the second channel and the first channel, respectively.

[0026] According to one implementation, the thickness of the stack of three boards is less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, the length is less than 200 mm, advantageously less than 180 mm, and the width is less than 80 mm, advantageously less than 65 mm.

[0027] According to one implementation scheme, the first exit within the first exit of each series is arranged in a periodic manner along the main direction.

[0028] According to one implementation plan, the second exit is arranged periodically along the main direction.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a fluid delivery assembly comprising:

[0030] -At least one cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0031] -First fluid source;

[0032] -Second fluid source.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle including at least one sensor having an exposed surface referred to as a sensitive surface, the motor vehicle being provided with at least one fluid delivery assembly according to the present invention, wherein the at least one delivery assembly is arranged for cleaning and drying the sensitive surface. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other features and advantages will be better understood after reading the following description of a cleaning device for a surface sensor used in cleaning vehicles according to the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided only as non-limiting examples in the drawings:

[0035] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0036] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the cleaning device;

[0037] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0038] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a series of first outlets of the cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0039] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This represents a cross-section of a series of first outlets according to the present invention;

[0040] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 An example is illustrated by spraying a first fluid onto a surface S using a cleaning device, wherein a series of first outlets of the cleaning device do not meet the conditions specified in this invention;

[0041] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7An example is illustrated by spraying a first fluid onto a surface S using the cleaning device according to the invention;

[0042] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first plate of the cleaning device in perspective view form;

[0043] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second plate of the cleaning device in perspective view form, showing odd-numbered second distribution lines and even-numbered second distribution lines;

[0044] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second plate of the cleaning device in perspective view form, showing odd-numbered second dispensing channels and even-numbered second dispensing channels;

[0045] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the third plate of the cleaning device in perspective view form, showing the odd-numbered second distribution channel and the even-numbered second distribution channel. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention relates to a cleaning device configured to dispense two fluids, referred to as a first fluid and a second fluid, respectively. The cleaning device includes a series of first outlets and second outlets alternately arranged along a main direction of a surface referred to as a jet surface. Each series of first outlets includes first outlets advantageously aligned along the main direction. The first outlets of the series of first outlets include a main first outlet and two lateral first outlets. The main first outlet is configured to jet the first fluid along a jet direction perpendicular to the main direction. The two lateral first outlets are configured to jet the first fluid along a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction, respectively, which are opposite to each other in a plane formed by the jet direction and the main direction.

[0047] It should be understood that each second outlet is located between the first outlets of the two series.

[0048] The cleaning device can dispense two different types of fluids, referred to as a first fluid and a second fluid, independently and / or sequentially. The first fluid may include a dry gas, such as dry air, while the second fluid may include a liquid, such as water.

[0049] In this respect, liquid can be sprayed onto the surface sensor to remove particles or dust, while dry gas can be sprayed onto the surface sensor to remove droplets.

[0050] Considering the first lateral outlet as defined above, the entire surface of the sensor can be effectively dried. It is worth noting that this first lateral outlet reduces the impact of the gap between the first outlets of two adjacent series.

[0051] The cleaning device according to the present invention provides an effective solution for cleaning sensor devices, particularly sensor devices of motor vehicles.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning device 10 according to a non-limiting example of the present invention.

[0053] The cleaning device 10 is specifically configured to deliver two fluids, referred to as the first fluid and the second fluid, respectively.

[0054] For example, the first fluid may include a liquid, while the second fluid may include a dry gas, such as dry air. It is noteworthy that the cleaning device can be connected to a first pressure tank and a second pressure tank, configured to continuously supply the first fluid and the second fluid to the cleaning device, respectively. Each of these tanks can deliver pressurized fluid, and in particular, the pressure can be up to 8 bar.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning device 10 may have a flat shape and may include two main surfaces (opposite to each other), referred to as a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, respectively. More specifically, the cleaning device 10 may include a stack of at least two plates, the stack comprising, for example, a plastic material.

[0056] Advantageously, the plates can be assembled such that the interface between the two plates is airtight.

[0057] More specifically, and as Figure 2 As shown, this figure is Figure 1 An exploded view of a cleaning device 10, which may include a stack of three plates from a first surface 11 to a second surface 12, referred to as a first plate 100, a second plate 200, and a third plate 300. The stack may include a first interface between the first plate and the second plate, and a second interface between the second plate and the third plate.

[0058] It should be understood that, according to the present invention, the plate has a generally flat shape and comprises two main surfaces connected by edges.

[0059] In addition, the thickness of the stack of three plates is less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, the length is less than 200 mm, advantageously less than 180 mm, and the width is less than 80 mm, advantageously less than 65 mm.

[0060] The cleaning device 10 includes a series of first outlets 310 and a series of second outlets 320 alternately arranged along the main direction XX' of a surface called the spray surface. Figure 3 It should be understood that the sprayed surface can be any surface or contour of the plate stack.

[0061] The first outlet 310 of each series includes a first outlet advantageously aligned along the main direction XX' ( Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The first outlets in a series of first outlets 310 include a main first outlet 311a and two lateral first outlets 311b and 311c. The main first outlet is configured to eject the first fluid along a jet direction perpendicular to the main direction XX'. The two lateral first outlets are configured to eject the first fluid along a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction, respectively, which are opposite to each other in the plane formed by the jet direction and the main direction XX'.

[0062] Each second outlet 320 is positioned between two adjacent series of first outlets 310. In other words, a series of first outlets 310 and second outlets 320 are alternately positioned along the main direction.

[0063] The first outlet within the first outlet 310 of each series can be arranged periodically along the main direction XX'.

[0064] The second exit 320 can be arranged periodically along the main direction XX'.

[0065] The first outlet 311 may have a circular shape, and the second outlet 320 may have a circular shape or an elongated shape.

[0066] This configuration allows the first fluid to be sprayed across the entire surface without dead zones, particularly in the area between the outlets of the first series. This aspect is especially advantageous when it involves drying the surface with a first fluid that includes a drying gas (e.g., dry air).

[0067] in this regard, Figure 6 An example is illustrated using a cleaning device to spray a first fluid onto a surface S, for which a series of first outlets do not meet the conditions specified in this invention. Notably, the lateral first outlets and the main first outlet are configured to spray the first fluid along the spray direction. A transparent region C, separated by a dark region D, is clearly visible on surface S. The transparent region C and the dark region D correspond to the areas reached and unreached by the first fluid, respectively. In other words, the dark region D is a dead zone that cannot be effectively dried.

[0068] Figure 7 An example is illustrated by spraying a first fluid onto a surface S using a cleaning device according to the invention. Figure 7In the middle, the dark area D almost disappeared, which indicates that drying is more effective when the lateral first outlets 311b and 311c are taken into account.

[0069] During use, the second outlet 320 can spray a second fluid (such as water) onto the surface for cleaning, while a series of first outlets spray a first fluid (such as dry air) onto the surface for drying.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning device includes a first inlet 120 and a first channel 220, the first channel 220 connecting the first inlet 120 to a series of first outlets 310. Advantageously, the first channel 220 is sized to ensure that the first fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the first outlets in the series of first outlets. This latter aspect can be achieved by adjusting the length and / or cross-section of the first channel.

[0071] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first channel 220 may include a first distribution channel 220b and a first distribution line 220a, the first distribution line being formed on one of a first interface and a second interface, while the first distribution channel is formed on the other of the first interface and the second interface. A first through-hole may be formed on the second plate to fluidly connect the first distribution channel to the first distribution line.

[0072] In one specific implementation, the first distribution line may be molded at a first interface on one of the first plate and the second plate, while the first distribution channel may be molded at a second interface on one of the second plate and the third plate.

[0073] The second outlet 320 can be arranged as two sets of second outlets, referred to as even-numbered second outlets 320a and odd-numbered second outlets 320b, respectively, each set of second outlets being configured to eject the second fluid independently of the other set of second outlets. Advantageously, the second outlets of even-numbered second outlets 320a and odd-numbered second outlets 320b are alternately arranged along the main direction XX'.

[0074] Advantageously, the cleaning device may include two second inlets referred to as even-numbered second inlets 110a and odd-numbered second inlets 110b, respectively, and the cleaning device may also include two sets of second channels referred to as even-numbered second channels 210 and odd-numbered second channels 211, respectively, the even-numbered second channels connecting even-numbered second inlets 110a to even-numbered second outlets 320a, and the odd-numbered second channels connecting odd-numbered second inlets 110b to odd-numbered second outlets 320b.

[0075] The dimensions of the even-numbered second channels are set to ensure that the second fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the second outlets in the even-numbered second outlets, and the dimensions of the odd-numbered second channels are set to ensure that the second fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the second outlets in the odd-numbered second outlets.

[0076] For example, an even-numbered second channel may include an even-numbered second allocation channel 210a and an even-numbered second allocation pipeline 210b, and an odd-numbered second channel may include an odd-numbered second allocation channel 211a and an odd-numbered second allocation pipeline 211b. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 ).

[0077] For example, an even-numbered second distribution line 210b and an odd-numbered second distribution line 211b are formed on one of the first interface and the second interface, while an even-numbered second distribution channel 210a and an odd-numbered second distribution channel 211a are formed on the other of the first interface and the second interface.

[0078] Even-numbered second distribution lines 210b and odd-numbered second distribution lines 211b may be molded on the surface of one and / or the other of the first plate and the second plate forming the first interface, while even-numbered second distribution channels 210a and odd-numbered second distribution channels 211a may be molded on the surface of one and / or the other of the second plate and the third plate forming the second interface.

[0079] An even-numbered second through-hole may be formed in the second plate to fluidly connect the even-numbered second distribution channel to the even-numbered second distribution line, and an odd-numbered second through-hole may be formed in the second plate to fluidly connect the odd-numbered second distribution channel to the odd-numbered second distribution line.

[0080] Regardless of the implementation scheme considered, both second entrances and the first entrance are formed on one or the other of the first and second surfaces. Alternatively, both second entrances and the first entrance may be formed on the contour connecting the first and second surfaces.

[0081] The second plate may include at least one passage that fluidly connects at least one of the two second inlets and the first inlet to the second channel and the first channel, respectively.

[0082] The present invention also relates to a fluid delivery assembly comprising:

[0083] - A cleaning device according to the present invention;

[0084] - Gas source connected to the first inlet;

[0085] - A liquid source connected to at least one second inlet;

[0086] - A valve arranged to selectively supply liquid from a liquid source to at least one second inlet and gas from a gas source to a first inlet.

[0087] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle including at least one sensor having an exposed surface referred to as a sensitive surface, the motor vehicle being provided with at least one fluid delivery assembly according to the present invention, wherein the at least one delivery assembly is arranged for cleaning and drying the sensitive surface.

Claims

1. A cleaning device (10) configured to dispense two fluids, referred to as a first fluid and a second fluid, respectively, the cleaning device (10) comprising a series of first outlets (310) and second outlets (320) alternately arranged along a main direction of a surface referred to as a jet surface, each series of first outlets (310) comprising a first outlet (311) advantageously aligned along the main direction, the first outlet (310) of the series of first outlets (311) comprising a main first outlet (311a) and two lateral first outlets (311b, 311c), the main first outlet being configured to jet the first fluid along a jet direction perpendicular to the main direction, the two lateral first outlets being configured to jet the first fluid along a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction, respectively, the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction being opposite to each other in a plane formed by the jet direction and the main direction.

2. The cleaning device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (10) includes a first inlet (120) and a first channel (220) that fluidly connects the first inlet (120) to the first outlet, and advantageously, the first channel (220) is sized to ensure that the first fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the first outlets in all the series of first outlets (310).

3. The cleaning device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second outlet (320) is arranged as two sets of second outlets (320) respectively referred to as an even set of second outlets (320a) and an odd set of second outlets (320b), each set of second outlets (320) being configured to spray the second fluid independently of the other set of second outlets (320).

4. The cleaning device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises two second inlets referred to as an even-numbered second inlet (110a) and an odd-numbered second inlet (110b), respectively, and the cleaning device (10) further comprises two sets of second channels referred to as an even-numbered second channel (210) and an odd-numbered second channel (211), respectively, the even-numbered second channel (210) fluidly connecting the even-numbered second inlet (110a) to the even-numbered second outlet (320a), and the odd-numbered second channel (211) fluidly connecting the odd-numbered second inlet (110b) to the odd-numbered second outlet (320b), advantageously, the even-numbered second channel (210) is sized to ensure that the second fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the second outlets of the even-numbered second outlet (320a), and the odd-numbered second channel (211) is sized to ensure that the second fluid flow is substantially the same at each of the second outlets of the odd-numbered second outlet (320b).

5. The cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a stack of at least two plates, the stack comprising two main surfaces opposite each other, the stack comprising at least two plates comprising a plastic material.

6. The cleaning device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the plates are assembled such that the interface between the two plates is hermetically sealed.

7. The cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least two plates from one main surface referred to as the first surface (11) to another main surface referred to as the second surface (12) comprise a first plate (100), a second plate (200) and a third plate (300), and the stack comprises a first interface between the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) and a second interface between the second plate (200) and the third plate (300).

8. The cleaning apparatus (10) according to claim 7 in conjunction with claims 2 and 4, wherein the even-numbered second channels (210) include an even-numbered second distribution channel (210a) and an even-numbered second distribution line (210b), and the odd-numbered second channels (211) include an odd-numbered second distribution channel (211a) and an odd-numbered second distribution line (211b). The even-numbered second distribution line (210b) and the odd-numbered second distribution line (211b) are formed on one of the first interface and the second interface, while the even-numbered second distribution channel (210a) and the odd-numbered second distribution channel (211a) are formed on the other of the first interface and the second interface.

9. The cleaning device (10) according to claim 8, wherein an even number of second through holes are formed on the second plate (200) to fluidly connect the even number of second distribution channels (210a) to the even number of second distribution lines (210b), and an odd number of second through holes are formed in the second plate (200) to fluidly connect the odd number of second distribution channels (211a) to the odd number of second distribution lines (211b).

10. The cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the first channel (220) comprises a first dispensing channel (220b) and a first dispensing line (220a), the first dispensing line (220a) being formed on one of the first interface and the second interface, and the first dispensing channel (220b) being formed on the other of the first interface and the second interface, and a first through hole being formed on the second plate (200) to fluidly connect the first dispensing channel (220b) to the first dispensing line (220a).

11. The cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the first channel (220) includes a first dispensing channel (220b) and a first dispensing line (220a), the first dispensing line (220a) and the first dispensing channel (220b) being formed on the first interface or the second interface.

12. The cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the two second inlets and the first inlet (120) are formed on one or the other of the first surface (11) and the second surface (12).

13. The cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in conjunction with claim 8, wherein the thickness of the stack of the three plates is less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, the length is less than 200 mm, advantageously less than 180 mm, and the width is less than 80 mm, advantageously less than 65 mm.

14. A fluid delivery assembly, the fluid delivery assembly comprising: - At least one cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; -First fluid source; - Second fluid source.

15. A motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor having an exposed surface referred to as a sensitive surface, the motor vehicle being provided with at least one fluid delivery assembly according to claim 14, wherein the at least one delivery assembly is arranged for cleaning and drying the sensitive surface.

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