Device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera

Abstract

Device (A) for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera (C), comprising: a suction section (6) for the fluid; an output section (7) for the fluid; a flow path (8) to connect the suction section (6) with the output section (7); a cylinder (11) for connecting a pressure chamber (10) in front of a piston (9) to the flow path (8); a drive mechanism (12) comprising a motor (12a) for the piston (9); a first valve (14) which is arranged between the suction section (6) and a connecting section (13) between the pressure chamber (10) and the flow path (8) and which functions such that the first valve (14) opens when the piston (9) moves backwards and closes when the piston (9) moves forwards; a second valve (15) which is arranged between the connecting section (13) between the pressure chamber (10) and the flow path (8) and the output section (7) and which functions such that the second valve (15) opens when the pressure in the pressure chamber (10) reaches a specified value by a forward movement of the piston (9); a housing (17) for receiving the suction section (6), the output section (7) and the flow path (8), the cylinder (11), the drive mechanism (12), the first valve (14) and the second valve (15), wherein the housing (17) is combined with the vehicle camera (C) such that fluid discharged via the output section (7) is sprayed onto a light incidence section (1) of the vehicle camera (C), characterized in that the second valve (15) comprises: a body section (15') comprising a large-diameter chamber (15a) located on the side of the output section (7) and a small-diameter chamber (15b) located on the side of the pressure chamber (10), wherein the body section (15') has a connecting section to the small-diameter chamber (15b) inside the large-diameter chamber (15a) as a valve seat (15c); a valve part (15h) that positions a valve head section (15i) inside the large-diameter chamber (15a) and a shaft section (15j) that extends from the valve head section (15i) into the small-diameter chamber (15b); and a holding device (16) which holds the valve part (15h) in a closed valve position, wherein the valve head section (15i) is close to the valve seat (15c) until the pressure in the pressure chamber (10) reaches the specified value by the forward movement of the piston (9), and wherein an outer diameter of the shaft section (15j) of the valve part (15h) and the diameter of the small-diameter chamber (15b) are essentially the same, and wherein a groove (15k) is formed along the longitudinal direction of the shaft section (15j) on a side section of the shaft section (15j).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for spraying a fluid having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Background of the invention

[0002] JP 2015-83 830 A describes a device for cleaning a lens by spraying compressed air onto the lens of a camera mounted in a vehicle. The cleaning device of JP 2015-83 830 A comprises a structure in which a nozzle unit, connectable to the vehicle-mounted camera, is connected by means of a hose to an air pump, which is a separate component from the nozzle unit. When the cleaning device of JP 2015-83 830 A is mounted on a vehicle, additional space is required to accommodate the air pump, as well as the nozzle unit.

[0003] A generic device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera is known from DE 10 2014 115 670 A1.

[0004] DE 10 2015 121 434 A1 and DE 10 2014 113 402 A1 also describe cameras for vehicles with a cleaning device. Summary of the invention Problem solved by the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for spraying the fluid (cleaning device) which, as a unit, has all functions for spraying the fluid onto a light incidence section of the vehicle camera and in which the function of removing water droplets, dust or the like that are located on the light incidence section can be added simply and reliably to the vehicle camera or the vehicle having the vehicle camera simply by combining it with the vehicle camera. Means to solve the problem

[0006] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous further training is the subject of the sub-claims.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is that the drive mechanism for the piston comprises a device exerting a pressure force to push the piston in a backward direction of movement; and a rotating part having a cam section against which a rear end section of the piston abuts by the pressure force, wherein the rotating part can be driven to rotate by the motor, and wherein, when the rotating part rotates, the piston moves forward and backward according to the shape of the cam section.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a circumferential groove is formed on a side section of the piston, and a sealing ring is attached by means of the circumferential groove. Another aspect of the invention is that a connecting path is formed between a front end section, which is opposite the pressure chamber of the piston, and a section which is arranged in the circumferential groove in the sealing ring.

[0010] One aspect of the invention is that the piston comprises a front end section facing the pressure chamber; a neck section arranged behind the front end section; and a body section arranged behind the neck section. Another aspect of the invention is that a sealing ring is attached to the piston by means of the neck section, and a connecting path is formed between the front end section and a section arranged in the sealing ring.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, an inclined surface is formed in a front end section of the piston, and an inlet of the connecting path is formed on the inclined surface.

[0012] According to the present invention, the second valve comprises a body section comprising a large-diameter chamber arranged on an outlet side and a small-diameter chamber arranged on a pressure chamber side, wherein the body section has a connecting section to the small-diameter chamber inside the large-diameter chamber as a valve seat; a valve part positioning a valve head section inside the large-diameter chamber and a shaft section extending from the valve head section into the small-diameter chamber; and a holding device holding the valve part in a closed valve position, wherein the valve head section is positioned closer to the valve seat until the pressure in the pressure chamber reaches a predetermined value by a forward movement of the piston.Another aspect of the present invention is that the outer diameter of the shaft section of the valve part and the diameter of the small-diameter chamber are essentially the same, and a groove along the longitudinal direction of the shaft section is formed on a side section of the shaft section.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the holding device on one side of the valve part comprises a magnetic material and / or a ferromagnetic material to which the magnetic material is attached, and a further magnetic material or ferromagnetic material on one side of the body section.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid is air. Effect of the invention

[0015] Since the device for spraying the fluid according to the present invention is a unit that has all the functions for spraying the fluid onto the light incidence section of the vehicle camera simply by combining it with the vehicle camera, the function of removing water droplets, dust or the like located on the light incidence section can be added easily and reliably to the vehicle camera or to the vehicle having the vehicle camera. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective structural view and shows a state in which a device for spraying a fluid is combined with a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective structural view of the device for spraying the fluid. Fig. Figure 3 is a partially cropped perspective structural view of essential parts in the [structure / building]. Fig. 1 shown state, where a piston is in the position moved back to its maximum extent. Fig. 4 is a partially sectioned internal structural view of essential parts of the device for spraying the fluid in the Fig. 3 shown condition. Fig. Figure 5 is a partially cropped perspective structural view of essential parts of the in Fig. 1 shown state, where the piston is in the position moved maximally forward. Fig. 6 is a partially sectioned internal structural view of essential parts of the device for spraying the fluid in the Fig. 5 shown condition. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective structural view of the piston that forms the device for spraying the fluid. Fig. Figure 8 is a cutaway structural view of the piston. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective structural view of a rotating part that forms the drive mechanism of the piston. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective structural view of the rotating part and shows the rotating part seen from the underside. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective exploded view of the structure of a second valve that forms the device for spraying the fluid. Fig. Figure 12 is a partially cut-away exploded view of the structure of essential parts of the second valve. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective structural view of a main section that forms the second valve. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective structural view of a piston of a second embodiment, wherein the structure of the piston is shown in the Fig. 1 to Fig. The device shown in Figure 13 is modified for spraying the fluid. Fig. Figure 15 is a cutaway perspective view of essential parts of the piston of the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective view of essential parts of the piston of the second embodiment in the disassembled state. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective structural view of a piston of a third embodiment, wherein the structure of the piston is shown in the Fig. 1 to Fig. The device shown in Figure 13 is modified for spraying the fluid. Fig. Figure 18 is a cutaway perspective view of essential parts of the piston of the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 19 is a perspective view of essential parts of the piston of the third embodiment in the disassembled state. Best embodiments of the invention

[0016] The following are, with reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 19 typical embodiments of the invention are explained.

[0017] A device A for spraying a fluid according to the present embodiment is combined with a vehicle camera C, which is present in a vehicle such as a passenger car and the like, to spray a fluid onto a light incidence section 1 of the vehicle camera C in order to remove water droplets, dust or the like present on the light incidence section 1 by means of such a fluid.

[0018] Typically, such a device A for spraying a fluid is combined with the vehicle camera C having the light incidence section 1 outside a vehicle interior.

[0019] In one illustrated example, a device A for spraying a fluid has a structure suitable for combination with the vehicle camera C, which forms an electronic mirror for monitoring the rear of the vehicle instead of a conventional door mirror and the like.

[0020] In Fig. Reference numeral C represents the vehicle camera, and reference numeral A represents the device for spraying a fluid. In the illustrated example, the vehicle camera C has a structure, wherein a main camera part, which is in Fig. 3, designated with reference numeral 2, is housed in a casing designated with reference numeral 3 (otherwise, components included in each drawing, apart from the main camera part 2 in the vehicle camera C, are omitted from the drawings). The vehicle camera C has a length extending in a forward-backward direction x, a thickness z in the upward and downward directions, and a width that gradually increases to the right and left in the y-direction as it moves towards a rear surface B, and includes the circular light-incidence section 1 on a rear surface 4. The light-incidence section 1 is located behind a lens section 2a of the main camera part 2 and has a structure wherein a circular hole 1a is closed by a cover 1b, which allows light to pass through it (see Fig. 3) The rear surface 4 comprises a first surface 4a, which is arranged on an inside of the vehicle, and a second surface 4b, which is arranged outside the first surface 4a and in front of the first surface 4a, and the light incidence section 1 is formed on the second surface 4b. A stepped surface 4c is formed between the first surface 4a and the second surface 4b. In a section where the stepped surface 4c and the second surface 4b touch each other, a blowout hole 4d is formed, which is connected to an output section 7 of the device A for spraying a fluid through the tube 5, and the fluid discharged from the output section 7 of the device A for spraying a fluid is sprayed through the blowout hole 4d onto the light incidence section 1 (see Fig. 3) In the case where the cover 1b shown in the drawings is not present and the lens section 2a of the camera main part forming the vehicle camera C is exposed on the outside of the housing, the light incidence section 1 itself is the lens section 2a.

[0021] As in Fig. 1 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the device A for spraying a fluid comprises: (1) a suction section 6 for the fluid; (2) an output section 7 for the fluid; (3) a flow path 8 for connecting the suction section 6 with the output section 7; (4) a cylinder 11 for connecting a pressure chamber 10 (a space within the cylinder 11 to change a volume by moving a piston 9) in front of the piston 9 with the flow path 8; (5) a drive mechanism 12 comprising a motor 12a for the piston 9; (6) a first valve 14 arranged between the suction section 6 and a connecting section 13 between the pressure chamber 10 and the flow path 8, and functioning such that the first valve 14 opens when the piston 9 moves backward to open the flow path 8, and the first valve 14 closes when the piston 9 moves forward to close the flow path 8; (7) a second valve 15 arranged between the connecting section 13 between the pressure chamber 10 and the flow path 8 and the outlet section 7, and functioning such that the second valve 15 opens when the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 reaches a specified value by a forward movement of the piston 9 to open the flow path 8; and (8) a housing 17 for receiving the above-mentioned components, wherein the housing 17 can be combined with the vehicle camera so that fluid dispensed via the output section 7 is sprayed onto a light incidence section 1 of the vehicle camera C.

[0022] The illustrated example has a structure for drawing air as a fluid from the suction section 6 and spraying it from the output section 7 onto the light incidence section 1. The fluid can be a cleaning fluid, or it can be a fluid in which the cleaning fluid is also mixed with air.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the device A for spraying a fluid is formed by incorporating the previously mentioned components (1) to (7) into the flat housing 17, which has a length extending in a forward-backward direction x, is short in the y-direction to the right and left and has a thickness upwards and downwards in the z-direction.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the device A for spraying a fluid is combined with the vehicle camera C, such that a side surface 17a in the thickness direction, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 17, comes into contact with a side surface 3a, which is arranged on the side of the vehicle interior in the housing of the vehicle camera C (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0025] In the illustrated example, the housing 17 of the device A for spraying a fluid is formed by connecting a lower section 17b with an upper section 17c, which are approximately separable at a central position in the thickness direction.

[0026] Piston 9 moves forward and backward along the x-direction.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the suction section 6 is provided on a side opposite a side on which the vehicle camera C is located by enclosing a virtual center line L1 comprising a center shaft of the piston 9, and in a surface which, rather than a virtual straight line L2 orthogonal to the center line L1, connects the rear B and the connecting section 13 between the pressure chamber 10 and the flow path 8.

[0028] Output section 7 is located on the side where the vehicle camera C is combined by enclosing the center line L1, and in the area which is more like the rear B than the straight line L2.

[0029] Flow path 8 includes a mean flow path 8a along the centerline L1. A sectioned area of ​​mean flow path 8a is smaller than a sectioned area of ​​pressure chamber 10, and mean flow path 8a is connected to pressure chamber 10 at its front end. The front end of mean flow path 8a is the connecting section 13 between pressure chamber 10 and flow path 8.

[0030] The suction section 6 is formed in a rear end surface 17d of the housing 17 (see Fig. 1) The suction section 6 and the middle flow path 8a are connected to each other via a first lateral flow path 8b (see Fig. 4) In the first lateral flow path 8b, its rear end becomes the suction section 6, and a front end 8c of it is connected to the central flow path 8a in a position that is slightly more on the rear side B than on the front end (connection section 13) of the central flow path 8a (see Fig. 4).

[0031] The first valve 14 is formed within the first lateral flow path 8b. A body section 14a, forming the first valve 14, is a chamber with an enlarged diameter that becomes a section of the first lateral flow path 8b, and a valve part 14c, forming the first valve 14, is accommodated inside the body section 14a so that it is movable forwards and backwards. A through-hole formed between a rear inner wall 14b in the body section 14a and the rear end face 17d of the housing 17 serves as the suction section 6, and the rear inner wall 14b in the body section 14a serves as the valve seat. The valve part 14c comprises a head section 14d shaped as a disc and a leg section 14e that projects forwards from the center of a front face of the head section 14d.In a state in which the head section 14d has a larger diameter than that of the through-hole, when the suction section 6 is positioned inside the body section 14a, and the leg section 14e is inserted into a small-diameter section 8d of the first lateral flow path 8b, which is arranged between the body section 14a and the front end 8c of the first lateral flow path 8b, the valve part 14c is arranged inside the first lateral flow path 8b.In the case where the piston 9 in the illustrated example is moved backwards, where the piston 9 moves towards the front F to increase the volume of the pressure chamber 10 by changing the pressure in the pressure chamber 10, the valve part 14c, which forms the first valve 14, moves towards the front F and separates from the rear inner wall 14b as the valve seat of the body section 14a to open the suction section 6, so that outside air is drawn into the pressure chamber 10 through the first lateral flow path 8b and the middle flow path 8a. On the other hand, when, in the illustrated example, the piston 9 is moved forward, when the piston 9 moves to the rear side B to reduce the volume of the pressure chamber 10 by the pressure change in the pressure chamber 10, the valve part 14c, which forms the first valve 14, moves to the rear B and is positioned close to the rear inner wall 14b as the valve seat of the body section 14a to close the suction section 6.The first valve, number 14, is a one-way valve.

[0032] Cylinder 11 is provided in a surface that is more like the front F than the straight line L2.

[0033] On the other hand, a circumferential groove 9b, which surrounds the central shaft x, is formed in a side section 9a of the piston 9, and a sealing ring 9c is attached there to seal between the piston 9 and the cylinder 11 by means of the circumferential groove 9b (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

[0034] This creates connecting paths 9f (ventilation paths) between a front end section 9d, which is opposite the pressure chamber 10 of the piston 9, and a section 9e, which is arranged in the sealing ring 9c in the circumferential groove 9b (see Fig. 8).

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 9 is formed by a short, column-shaped section 9h, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder 11 at its front end section 9d. The circumferential groove 9b is formed in a side section of the short, column-shaped section 9h. The outer diameter of the sealing ring 9c is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder 11, and the inner diameter of the sealing ring 9c is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the short, column-shaped section 9h.

[0036] Three connecting paths 9f are provided at equal intervals between adjacent connecting paths 9f in a direction surrounding the central shaft of the piston 9. All corresponding connecting paths 9f are through holes that are continued such that they are parallel to the center line L1.

[0037] When the piston 9 moves forward (forward), the pressure inside the circumferential groove 9b on the inside of the sealing ring 9c is increased, similar to the pressure chamber 10 through the connecting paths 9f, so that the sealing ring 9c is elastically deformed in the direction of the increase in the outer diameter to improve the sealing property between the piston 9 and an inner wall 11a of the cylinder 11.

[0038] On the other hand, when the piston 9 moves backward (retracts), the pressure inside the circumferential groove 9b on the inside of the sealing ring 9c decreases, similar to the pressure chamber 10 through the connecting paths 9f, so that the sealing ring 9c elastically returns in the direction of the reduction in outer diameter, and when the piston 9 moves backward, there is no resistance, which is as low as possible between the sealing ring 9c and the inner wall 11a of the cylinder 11. Therefore, no excessive force is required for a backward movement of the piston 9.

[0039] In the present embodiment, an inclined surface 9i is formed in the front end section 9d of the piston 9, and inlets 9g of the connecting paths 9f are formed in the inclined surface 9i. In the illustrated example, the front end section 9d comprises a top surface 9j orthogonal to the central shaft of the piston 9 at a center point, and the inclined surface 9i has a circumferential shape in which one side of the top surface 9j is arranged as a peak of inclination between the top surface 9j and the side section 9a of the piston 9. The area of ​​each inlet 9g of the connecting path 9f is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the other sections, so that when the piston 9 moves forward, the connecting paths 9f can effectively draw in the air.

[0040] The drive mechanism 12 for the piston 9 comprises a device 12b exerting a pressure force which pushes the piston 9 in a reverse direction of movement; and a rotating part 12c which includes a cam section 12d against which a rear end section 9k of the piston 9 abuts by the pressure force, so that it is driven to rotate by the motor 12a (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) Then, when the rotating part 12c rotates, the piston 9 is driven so that it is moved forwards and backwards according to the shape of the cam section 12d.

[0041] In the example shown, the motor 12a, which forms the drive mechanism 12, is arranged such that it is positioned in a row with the piston 9 on the side opposite the side on which the vehicle camera C is combined by forcing the center line L1 (see Fig. 4).

[0042] The rotating part 12c is arranged such that its rotating shaft S extends along the vertical z-direction on the center line L1 between the rear end section 9k, which projects towards the front side F of the cylinder 11 in the piston 9 and a front end surface 17e of the housing 17 (see Fig. 2 to Fig. 4).

[0043] By engaging a gear 12k of the illustrated example with a worm gear 12j, which is integrated with an output shaft of the motor 12a with a gear 12m that engages with a gear section 12h formed on the outer circumference of the rotating part 12c, the rotating part 12c rotates through the drive of the motor 12a (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0044] On a surface of the rotating part 12c, on a lower surface 12i of the illustrated example, the cam section 12d is formed. The cam section 12d is designed to extend away from the lower surface 12i of the rotating part 12c, and a cam surface 12e is formed as a circumferentially extending step surface between the cam section 12d and the lower surface 12i of the rotating part 12c. The cam surface 12e comprises a first section 12f, which has a maximum distance from the rotating shaft S of the rotating part 12c; and a second section 12g, which is arranged on a side opposite the first section 12f by clamping the rotating shaft of the rotating part 12c.

[0045] In the example shown, the device 12b exerting a compressive force is a spiral compression spring (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) Obviously, it is sufficient that such a compressive force-exerting device 12b can force the piston 9 in the reverse direction, and different types of springs, in addition to the spiral compression spring, or an elastic component that provides a restoring force in a similar manner to the springs, can be used. One end of the spring is pressed against a step 11b formed in a section surrounding an opening opposite the side of the pressure chamber 10 of the cylinder 11, and the other end of the spring is pressed against a flange section 9m between the front end section 9d and the rear end section 9k of the piston 9 (see Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

[0046] In the illustrated example, the rear end section 9k of the piston 9 has a plate shape which has a thickness in the vertical z-direction and it extends below the lower surface 12i of the rotating part 12c, so that it is always pressed against the cam surface 12e of the cam section 12d by the pressure force of the device 12b exerting the pressure force (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 7).

[0047] When the rotating part 12c is in a rotational position where the second section 12g of the cam surface 12e presses against the rear end section 9k of the piston 9, the piston 9 reaches a position where it is moved backward, predominantly by the compressive force of the coil spring. Conversely, when the rotating part 12c is in a rotational position where the first section 12f of the cam surface 12e presses against the rear end section 9k of the piston 9, the piston 9 reaches a position where it is moved maximally forward, thus bringing the coil spring into a state of maximum compression.

[0048] The forward movement of piston 9 is effected by actuating cam section 12d through rotation of the rotating part 12c, and the backward movement of piston 9 is effected by actuating cam section 12d, accompanied by rotation of the rotating part 12c. As piston 9 moves back and forth, there are no top and bottom dead centers as with a crankshaft, and even when the rotating part 12c is in any rotational position, piston 9 can be easily operated while the motor 12a is being driven. Furthermore, since no excessive force is required for the backward movement of piston 9 due to the connecting paths 9f of piston 9, the compressive force of the device 12b exerting the compressive force can be minimized. Accordingly, the load acting on the motor 12a when piston 9 moves forward can also be minimized.

[0049] The second valve 15 is formed within the middle flow path 8a (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

[0050] As in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second valve 15 comprises a body section 15', comprising a large-diameter chamber 15a located on the side of the output section 7 and a small-diameter chamber 15b located on the side of the pressure chamber 10, wherein a connecting section with the small-diameter chamber 15b within the large-diameter chamber 15a is a valve seat 15c; a valve part 15h positions a valve head section 15i within the large-diameter chamber 15a and sets a shaft section 15j extending from the valve head section 15i into the small-diameter chamber 15b; and a holding device 16 that holds the valve part 15h in a position in which the valve is closed, wherein the valve head section 15i is close to the valve seat 15c until the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 reaches the set value by the forward movement of the piston 9.

[0051] An outer diameter of the shaft section 15j of the valve part 15h and a small diameter chamber 15b are essentially the same, and a groove 15k (ventilation groove) is formed transversely to its entire length in the longitudinal direction of the shaft section 15j on a side section of the shaft section 15j.

[0052] As in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in the illustrated example 12, the body section 15' is formed by combining a main section 15d with a cap 15e. The main section 15d comprises the small-diameter chamber 15b, which is formed along the center line L1 at the front F, and the large-diameter chamber 15a at its rear B. Furthermore, a tube section 15f is connected to a side section of the large-diameter chamber 15a, extending in a direction perpendicular to the center line L1, and a tip of the tube section 15f serves as the output section 7.The valve seat 15c forms a stepped surface within the main section 15d, which is formed by a size difference between the large-diameter chamber 15a and the small-diameter chamber 15b. It surrounds an opening that encloses the large-diameter chamber 15a, thus connecting the two chambers. After the valve part 15h is received within the main section 15d such that it forms the large-diameter chamber 15a between the valve part 15h and the valve seat 15c, the cap 15e is connected to the main section 15d.

[0053] The valve part 15h comprises a valve head section 15i, which is disc-shaped, and a shaft section 15j, which is cylindrical and projects towards the front F from a center point on a surface of the valve head section 15i. The outer diameter of the valve head section 15i is such that it can be accommodated in the large-diameter chamber 15a, but not in the small-diameter chamber 15b. In a state where the valve head section 15i is accommodated in the large-diameter chamber 15a and the shaft section 15j is inserted into the small-diameter chamber 15b, the valve part 15h is held within the body section 15', allowing it to move forwards and backwards.In a basic section of the shaft section 15j of the illustrated example, a sealing ring 15m, which forms a section of the valve head section 15i, is inserted and the sealing ring 15m touches the valve seat 15c.

[0054] Until the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 reaches the specified value by the forward movement of the piston 9, the valve part 15h in the present embodiment is held in the position in which the valve is closed by the holding device 16, with the valve head section 15i being located close to the valve seat 15c.

[0055] When the pressure in pressure chamber 10 reaches the specified value, the retaining device 16 releases the clamp, the valve part 15h moves to a position where the valve is open (in the illustrated example, to the rear B), and compressed air is expelled through the outlet section 7. In this open state, a small-diameter section of chamber 15b of body section 15' is essentially confined to a line of the groove 15k formed in the shaft section of valve part 15h, thus effectively improving the flow velocity of the expelled air.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the holding device 16 comprises a magnetic material and / or a ferromagnetic material to which the magnetic material is attached, on the side of the valve part 15h, and the other magnetic material or ferromagnetic material on the side of the body section 15'.

[0057] In the example shown, a first column-like part 16a fits into the shaft section 15j of the valve part 15h such that an end surface of the first column-like part 16a becomes the same surface with a tip on the shaft section 15j.

[0058] Within the small-diameter chamber 15b of body section 15', a second column-like part 16b is attached. In the illustrated example, three ribs 15g are formed within the small-diameter chamber 15b, which continue along the midline L1 in such a way that they become a connecting path forming a section of the mean flow path 8a between adjacent ribs 15g in a direction surrounding the midline L1 (see Fig. 13) By using the tips of the three ribs 15g, the second column-like part 16b fits into the small-diameter chamber 15b. An end face of the second column-like part 16b is arranged on a section where the tip of the shaft section 15j of the valve part 15h is positioned in the closed position.

[0059] Either the first column-like part 16a or the second column-like part 16b is the magnet and the other part is the ferromagnetic material.

[0060] Until the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 reaches the predetermined value due to the forward movement of the piston 9 in the present embodiment, the valve part 15h is held in the closed valve position by the holding device 16, with the valve head section 15i positioned close to the valve seat 15c. Then, the moment the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds the predetermined value, the valve part 15h moves to the open valve position to expel the air from the pressure chamber 10 through the outlet section 7 at a predetermined flow rate. Once the initial expulsion of air is complete, the valve part 15h can immediately move back to the closed valve position by the attractive force of the magnet.

[0061] The device A for spraying a fluid according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the load on the motor 12a is minimized when the piston 9 moves forward, and the flow velocity of the blown air is effectively improved, as described above, so that the piston 9, the cylinder 11, and the motor 12a can be reduced in size as much as possible without any difficulty. Accordingly, the device A for spraying a fluid according to the present embodiment has properties that allow for the overall miniaturization of the device A for spraying a fluid.

[0062] The device A for spraying a fluid according to the present embodiment is a unit that has all functions for spraying air onto the light incidence section 1 of the vehicle camera C within the housing, and by combining the vehicle camera, the function for removing water droplets, dust and the like accumulated on the light incidence section 1 can be easily and reliably added to the vehicle camera C or to the vehicle having the vehicle camera C.

[0063] A in Fig. 14 to Fig. The example shown in Figure 16 is a modified example with respect to its construction, which is subsequently referred to as the second example, of piston 9, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 13 is shown. In the second example, four connection paths 9f' correspond to the connection paths 9f of the one shown in the Fig. 1 to Fig. In the example shown, connection paths 9f' are present at equal intervals between adjacent connecting paths in the direction surrounding the central shaft of piston 9. All corresponding connecting paths 9f' are through holes that continue such that they are parallel to the center line L1.

[0064] In the second example, the piston 9 comprises the front end section 9d, which faces the pressure chamber 10; a neck section 9o, which is arranged between the front end section 9d; and a body section 9p, which is arranged behind the neck section 9o. By means of the neck section 9o, the sealing ring 9c is attached to a side section of the piston 9.

[0065] In the second example, the neck section 9o connects the front end section 9d to the body section 9p and comprises four retaining sections 9q of the sealing ring 9c, which is arranged on a circular arc of a virtual circle r whose diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the front end section 9d and the body section 9p at intervals between adjacent retaining sections 9q in the direction surrounding the central shaft of the piston 9. The corresponding retaining sections 9q are formed by outer ends 9s of the rib-shaped sections 9r, which project radially from the center of the neck section 9o, and a clearance 9u is formed between each adjacent retaining section 9q between the sealing ring 9c and the center of the neck section 9o. Four clearances 9u are formed, and each clearance 9u has the same width.

[0066] In the second example, the connecting paths 9f' are shaped such that they extend between the front end section 9d and the free space 9u, and the four free spaces 9u are each connected to the pressure chamber 10 by the connecting paths 9f'.

[0067] When the piston 9 moves forward in the second example, the pressure in the free space 9u on the inside of the sealing ring 9c increases through the connecting paths 9f' with slight inequality at each position in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring 9c, and the outer diameter of the sealing ring 9c can be increased with the slight inequality at each position in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring 9c.

[0068] A in Fig. 17 to Fig. The example shown in Figure 19 is a further modified example (hereinafter referred to as a third example) of the structure of piston 9, which in the example of the Fig. 1 to Fig.Figure 13 shows that in the third example, the connecting path 9f', which corresponds to the connecting path 9f of the first example, is formed in a position in the middle of the shaft of piston 9.

[0069] In the third example, the piston 9 comprises the front end section 9d, which faces the pressure chamber 10; the neck section 9o, which is positioned behind the front end section 9d; and the body section 9p, which is positioned behind the neck section 9o. The sealing ring 9c is then mounted to the side section of the piston 9 using the neck section 9o.

[0070] In the third example, a column-shaped section 9v is arranged within the connecting path 9f', its outer diameter being smaller than the diameter of the connecting path 9f'. The column-shaped section 9v is shaped such that it integrates a base section 9w with the body section 9p and projects towards the side of the pressure chamber 10 along the central shaft of the piston 9. The column-shaped section 9v has the shape of a needle, with a circular cross-section and an outer diameter that gradually narrows as it approaches a tip 9x. An interval of approximately equal size is formed between the column-shaped section 9v and an inner surface of the connecting path 9f' at each position surrounding the central shaft of the piston 9.

[0071] In the third example, the neck section 9o connects the front end section 9d with the body section 9p and comprises four retaining sections 9q of the sealing ring 9c, which are arranged on the circular arc of the virtual circle r. This circle has a slightly smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the front end section 9d and the body section 9p at the intervals between the adjacent retaining sections 9q in the direction surrounding the central shaft of the piston 9. The corresponding retaining sections 9q are formed by the outer ends 9s of the rib-shaped sections 9r, which extend radially from the side of the column-like section 9v.

[0072] A gap is formed between an inner end 9t of each rib-shaped section 9r and the column-like section 9v. Between adjacent rib-shaped sections 9r, a free space 9u is formed between the sealing ring 9c and the column-like section 9v. Four free spaces 9u are formed, and each free space 9u has the same width.

[0073] In the third example, the four free spaces 9u are each connected to the pressure chamber 10 by the connecting paths 9f', which are formed as described above.

[0074] When the piston 9 moves forward in the third example, the pressure in the free space 9u on the inside of the sealing ring 9c can be increased by the connecting paths 9f' with the small inequality at each position in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring 9c, and the outer diameter of the sealing ring 9c can be increased with the small inequality at each position in the circumferential direction of the sealing ring.

[0075] The present invention is obviously not limited to the embodiments described above and includes all embodiments with which the objective of the present invention can be achieved.

Claims

[1] Device (A) for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera (C), comprising: a suction section (6) for the fluid; an output section (7) for the fluid; a flow path (8) to connect the suction section (6) with the output section (7); a cylinder (11) for connecting a pressure chamber (10) in front of a piston (9) to the flow path (8); a drive mechanism (12) comprising a motor (12a) for the piston (9); a first valve (14) which is arranged between the suction section (6) and a connecting section (13) between the pressure chamber (10) and the flow path (8) and which functions such that the first valve (14) opens when the piston (9) moves backwards and closes when the piston (9) moves forwards; a second valve (15) which is arranged between the connecting section (13) between the pressure chamber (10) and the flow path (8) and the output section (7) and which functions such that the second valve (15) opens when the pressure in the pressure chamber (10) reaches a specified value by a forward movement of the piston (9); a housing (17) for receiving the suction section (6), the output section (7) and the flow path (8), the cylinder (11), the drive mechanism (12), the first valve (14) and the second valve (15), wherein the housing (17) is combined with the vehicle camera (C) such that fluid discharged via the output section (7) is sprayed onto a light incidence section (1) of the vehicle camera (C), characterized by , that the second valve (15) includes: a body section (15') comprising a large-diameter chamber (15a) located on the side of the output section (7) and a small-diameter chamber (15b) located on the side of the pressure chamber (10), wherein the body section (15') has a connecting section to the small-diameter chamber (15b) inside the large-diameter chamber (15a) as a valve seat (15c); a valve part (15h) that positions a valve head section (15i) inside the large-diameter chamber (15a) and a shaft section (15j) that extends from the valve head section (15i) into the small-diameter chamber (15b); and a holding device (16) which holds the valve part (15h) in a closed valve position, wherein the valve head section (15i) is close to the valve seat (15c) until the pressure in the pressure chamber (10) reaches the specified value by the forward movement of the piston (9), and wherein an outer diameter of the shaft section (15j) of the valve part (15h) and the diameter of the small-diameter chamber (15b) are essentially the same, and wherein a groove (15k) is formed along the longitudinal direction of the shaft section (15j) on a side section of the shaft section (15j). [2] Device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism (12) for the piston (9) comprises a pressure-exerting device (12b) for pushing the piston (9) in a backward direction of movement and a rotating part (12c) having a cam section (12d) against which a rear end section (9k) of the piston (9) abuts by the pressure force, wherein the rotating part (12c) can be driven to rotate by the motor (12a), and when the rotating part (12c) rotates, the piston (9) moves forward and backward according to the shape of the cam section (12d). [3] Device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a circumferential groove (9b) is formed on a side section of the piston (9), and a sealing ring (9c) is attached by means of the circumferential groove (9b), and a connecting path (9f) is formed between a front end section (9d) opposite the pressure chamber (10) of the piston (9) and a section (9e) arranged in the sealing ring (9c) in the circumferential groove (9b). [4] Device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the piston (9) comprises a front end section (9d) opposite the pressure chamber (10); a neck section (9o) arranged behind the front end section (9d); and a body section (9p) arranged behind the neck section (9o), and a sealing ring (9c) is attached to the piston (9) by means of the neck section (9o), and a connecting path (9f) is formed between the front end section (9d) and a section (9e) arranged in the sealing ring (9c). [5] Device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera according to claim 3 or 4, wherein an inclined surface (9i) is formed in the front end section (9d) of the piston (9) and an inlet of the connecting path (9f) is formed on the inclined surface (9i). [6] Device for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (16) has a magnetic material and / or a ferromagnetic material on one side of the valve part (15h) to which the magnetic material is attached, and a further magnetic material or ferromagnetic material on one side of the body section (15'). [7] Device (A) for spraying a fluid onto a vehicle camera (C) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid is air.

Images