Cleaning device comprising nozzles

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (2) for cleaning the optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular for a vehicle. The device (2) comprises a primary nozzle (8) arranged to dispense a first fluid. The primary nozzle (8) comprises a primary fluid outlet (10) arranged to project a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6), and an inner channel (12) of the primary nozzle (8) which opens onto the primary outlet (10). The device (2) further comprises a secondary nozzle (14) arranged to dispense a second fluid. The secondary nozzle (14) comprises a secondary fluid outlet (20) arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6), and a distribution channel (22) of the secondary nozzle (14) configured to convey the fluid to the secondary outlet (20). The primary (10) and secondary (20) outlets are configured such that the secondary outlet (20) is placed on the path travelled by the first fluid.

Description

Cleaning device comprising nozzles

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

[0002] The optical device such as an optical sensor is used to assist the driver of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in driving. The optical sensor is generally placed outside the vehicle in strategic areas to improve the driver's visibility, for example to compensate for blind spots. A plurality of optical devices can be placed outside the vehicle in the context of autonomous driving. These devices, when subjected to prolonged exposure to bad weather and dust, become covered with a layer of dirt on the optical surface. Regular cleaning of this optical surface is then necessary so that the optical device can function correctly.

[0003] In this context, the cleaning device comprising a nozzle can be used to regularly clean the optical surface.

[0004] The invention aims to reduce the size of a cleaning device comprising fluid nozzles.

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

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

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

[0008] o an internal channel of the primary nozzle which opens onto the primary outlet;

[0009] - a secondary nozzle arranged to dispense a second fluid, and comprising:a secondary fluid outlet arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; anda distribution channel of the secondary nozzle configured to convey the fluid to the secondary outlet,the primary and secondary outlets being configured so that the secondary outlet is placed on the path traveled by the first fluid.

[0010] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the size of the cleaning device thanks to the fact that the path taken by the first fluid is shared between the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

[0011] In this way, the device according to the invention has better compactness than a conventional cleaning device comprising, for example, an air nozzle and a water nozzle with two separate channels so that there is water washing on one side and air blowing on the other.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet at least at the outlet of the secondary jet, at least over half of the perimeter of the secondary jet.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet around the entire perimeter of the secondary jet.

[0014] The term "jet" refers to the fluid flow at the outlet of each nozzle. In other words, the primary and secondary "jets" refer to the fluid flow at the primary and secondary outlets, respectively.

[0015] The term "path" is used for the entire fluid path, whether inside the nozzle or outside the nozzle. The path outside the nozzle forms the fluid "jet."

[0016] It is recalled in the following that the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of flow of the fluid in the cleaning device of the optical device. The term "upstream" refers to the side of the cleaning device through which this fluid is admitted into the device, and the term "downstream" refers to the side of the device through which the fluid is projected outside of it, towards a surface of an optical device.

[0017] The path is "internal" when it is "inside" the nozzle or "upstream of" the nozzle outlet while the path is "external" or is "outside" when it is "downstream of" the nozzle outlet.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the secondary nozzle is disposed in the inner channel of the primary nozzle.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet is in a common section of the inner channel of the primary nozzle opening onto the primary outlet.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet is located upstream of the primary nozzle. This feature is advantageous in that the cleaning device is more compact.

[0021] In one aspect, the second fluid is mixed with the first fluid upstream of the primary nozzle. It is understood that the secondary outlet is disposed sufficiently upstream of the primary outlet so that the first fluid and the second fluid can be homogeneously mixed. This feature is advantageous in that a uniform mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid is projected onto the optical surface, thereby increasing the cleaning performance of the optical surface. Due to this feature, the washing time and the quantity of first fluid and second fluid are reduced.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary nozzle comprises a housing arranged to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary nozzle comprises a front portion arranged to face the optical device, and the housing is at least partially formed by this front portion and the primary outlet is produced on this front portion.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing extends adjacent to the ramp.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part is located on the cover of the primary nozzle.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary output comprises a primary slot.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet comprises a secondary slot.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary slot has an oblong shape.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary slot has a crescent moon shape.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary slot is wider than the secondary slot.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary slot is opposite the primary slot.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle is provided with a hollow head at the end of which the secondary outlet is made and a base.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle comprises a cylindrical body to which the hollow head is connected.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing of the primary nozzle has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the secondary nozzle.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow head and / or the cylindrical body of the secondary nozzle are at least partially housed in the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the length of the common section is preferably five times, more particularly two times smaller than the diameter of the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged downstream of the primary outlet.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a fluid reservoir located upstream of an internal channel of the primary nozzle or a distribution channel of the secondary nozzle.

[0039] VARIABLE ORIENTATION NOZZLE

[0040] The invention also relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: a nozzle arranged to distribute a fluid, and comprising a base and a cover; the cover comprising a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; the base and the cover each having a contact line configured to come into total contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

[0041] Thanks to the rotational symmetry around a rotation axis perpendicular to the common plane, it is possible to assemble the cover with the base in different possible relative orientations. Thus, on the production line of the cleaning device for a given range of sensors, it is possible to choose one orientation for assembly from the different possible assembly orientations. For another given range of sensors, it is possible to choose another relative orientation allowed by the rotational symmetries.

[0042] Thus, with the same base and the same cover, it is possible to form cleaning devices with different orientations between the fluid outlet and the base.

[0043] This is particularly advantageous when the base includes a fluid inlet whose orientation is dictated by the sensor environment.

[0044] For example, it may be necessary to have a 90° angle between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet for some sensors, and a 0° or 270° angle between the inlet and outlet for other sensors.

[0045] When several sensors are required on a vehicle, but with varying orientations, it is possible to make these different sensors from the same covers and bases which are assembled in different orientations.

[0046] Among all the orientations permitted by the cover and the base, the orientation is chosen which allows the fluid to be directed towards the optical surface of the optical device.

[0047] In this way, the invention makes it possible to choose an orientation of the cleaning device so that this orientation is adapted to an arrangement and geometry of optical devices of a vehicle, without changing the initial design of the cleaning device.

[0048] Thus, the invention makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing and assembling the device.

[0049] The invention may also have one of the following characteristics, alone or in combination with one or more other characteristics below.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the base and the cover each have a circumference having the same shape.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the contours of the base and the cover have the same shapes as the contact lines.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the contact lines are adjacent to the peripheries of the base and the cover.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is fixed to the base.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base are fixed using a welding strip.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or base comprises a groove configured to receive the welding strip.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the welding strip and / or the groove run along the contact line.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the axis of rotation has a symmetry of order n, namely 2π / n (rad), with n being a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base have a substantially square-shaped perimeter with rounded corners.

[0059] In this way, the cleaning device can be oriented in any of the 4 possible orientations with an angle between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet that varies in 90° steps. In other words, the device remains invariant through a rotation of a multiple of 90° around its center.

[0060] Alternatively, the cleaning device can be oriented according to the 3 possible orientations among the 4 orientations permitted by the shape of the substantially square perimeter, except that corresponding to the direction of the fluid arrival.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is mounted on the base such that the cover can be rotated relative to the base.

[0062] Thus, the cleaning device can be oriented at a plurality of angles between 0 and 360° between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The device remains invariant by rotation at any angle between 0 and 360°.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base have a circular-shaped perimeter.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a determined pitch between two successive positions, for example, at a pitch between 1 - 10°, more particularly at a pitch between 1 - 5°.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical device is a camera, in particular an infrared camera, preferably arranged to assist autonomous driving, advantageously arranged to detect the presence of water drops on the window.

[0066] A plurality of such cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, may be located on the vehicle, particularly outside the vehicle.

[0067] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for cleaning the optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, the device comprising a nozzle arranged to distribute a fluid, and the method comprising the following steps:

[0068] - provide a base;

[0069] - providing a cover having a fluid outlet configured to direct fluid toward the optical surface of the optical device;

[0070] - providing the base and the cover each with a contact line configured to come into full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane, and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane; and

[0071] - assemble the base and the cover according to one position among a plurality of relative positions permitted by the rotational symmetry.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of ultrasonic welding of the base to the cover.

[0073] In the above, the nozzle is a steerable nozzle. The invention may relate to the device with a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle. The term "primary nozzle" means the steerable nozzle described above.

[0074] NOZZLE

[0075] The invention also relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising the fluid nozzle configured to be assembled with a support of the optical device, the nozzle comprising:

[0076] - at least one guide member arranged to cooperate with at least one complementary guide member of a support of the optical device, so as to allow the assembly of the nozzle with the support; and

[0077] - at least one retaining member configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with at least one complementary retaining member of the support, so as to allow the nozzle to be snap-fastened onto the support.

[0078] By snapping the nozzle onto the optical device holder, the invention simplifies the mounting of the optical device onto the fluid nozzle, as the mounting does not require any special tools or additional mechanical fastening elements such as screws.

[0079] In this way, the assembly can be done precisely and quickly.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises at least one slide arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises two slides which are opposite each other on the fluid nozzle.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the two slides are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry (P) passing through the middle of the base of the cover of the fluid nozzle.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one slide comprises at least two parallel ramps connected to each other by at least one crosspiece, so that the ramps and the crosspiece define a rail on which one of the walls of the support can slide.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the slide comprises at least two crosspieces connecting the ramps.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises, in addition to the slide, at least one end-of-travel partition closing the end of the rail forming the slide, the partition being arranged to cooperate with a stop element of the support.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member comprises a retaining protrusion.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the holding protrusion is located parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0088] Alternatively, the crosspiece of the slide is arranged to cooperate with a snap-fastening tab for holding the complementary retaining member of the support.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle guide member comprises an external slide arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member formed on an internal wall of the support.

[0090] In the above, the nozzle is the primary nozzle or the steerable nozzle. The invention may relate to the device with the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

[0091] SUPPORT

[0092] The invention also relates to an optical device support, in particular for a vehicle, the support being configured to be assembled with the fluid nozzle of the device according to the invention, the support comprising: at least one complementary guide member arranged to cooperate with at least one guide member of the fluid nozzle, so as to allow the assembly of the support with the nozzle; and at least one complementary retaining member configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with at least one retaining member of the nozzle, so as to allow the nozzle to be snap-fastened onto the support.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member is arranged to cooperate with at least one slide of the guide member.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member, arranged to cooperate with a slide of the guide member, is formed on a wall of the support.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member, arranged to cooperate with an external slide of the guide member, is formed on the internal wall of the support.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member has a U shape.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the support further comprises: at least one stop element arranged to delimit the end of travel of the complementary guide member of the support on the guide member of the nozzle.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the support stop element is arranged to cooperate with an end-of-travel partition closing the end of a rail forming the slide of the nozzle.

[0099] Alternatively, the complementary retaining member further comprises at least one snap-fastening tab arranged to cooperate with a protrusion for holding the nozzle retaining member.

[0100] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least one snap-fastening tab arranged to cooperate with a crosspiece of the nozzle slide.

[0101] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least two snap-fastening tabs arranged to cooperate with at least two crosspieces of the nozzle slide.

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the snap-on tab is located on an internal wall of the support.

[0103] All the characteristics corresponding to the nozzle and the support also apply to the case where the device has a secondary nozzle in addition to the aforementioned nozzle, which can be considered as a primary nozzle or an orientable nozzle described above.

[0104] ASSEMBLY

[0105] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a cleaning device according to the invention and a support according to the invention, the device and the support being assembled together by cooperation of the respective guide and retaining members.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle of the cleaning device comprises a base and a cover each having a contact line configured to come into full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane, and the support being arranged to cooperate with the cover located on one of the half-spaces, namely an upper half-space or a lower half-space, located on either side relative to the common plane.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum dimension of the nozzle is larger than the maximum dimension of the support.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is an element set back from the fluid outlet. This characteristic means that the support does not envelop the fluid outlet. In other words, the fluid outlet is outside the support.

[0109] GEOMETRIC FEATURES

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises:a promontory extending from a base of the cover; andat least one ramp extending from the promontory.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises two ramps, for example an upper ramp and a lower ramp, parallel to each other extending from the promontory.

[0112] According to one aspect of the invention, each ramp is inclined relative to the plane parallel to the promontory, in particular substantially inclined at 45° to the plane.

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the promontory has an oblong shape.

[0114] According to one aspect of the invention, the front portion further comprises:the top of the promontory; anda raised portion located on the upper ramp and adjacent to the top of the promontory.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary outlet is located at the top of the promontory.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the top of the promontory substantially matches the perimeter of the primary outlet, these two perimeters having an oblong shape.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the raised portion comprises a bulge which extends from the top of the promontory.

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises an inlet tube, preferably in an angled shape, comprising a fluid inlet, in particular a first fluid inlet. This inlet tube is arranged to be connected to a pipe, in particular a flexible pipe, for supplying fluid.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises a second fluid inlet.

[0120] According to one aspect of the invention, the first fluid and second fluid inlets are each configured to allow the connection of a fluid supply pipe, respectively to the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

[0121] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet pipe opens into a fluid opening of divergent shape.

[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one reinforcing rib joining the inlet pipe.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, at least two reinforcing ribs extend perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the inlet pipe.

[0124] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises at least one reinforcing rib.

[0125] According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing rib of the cover is located perpendicular to the crosspiece of the slide.

[0126] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises an outlet passage arranged to receive the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

[0127] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet passage, in particular circular, is located on a wall of the inner channel of the primary nozzle.

[0128] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing comprises at its entrance at least one wing, preferably two wings symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0129] This way, the constraints are distributed optimally.

[0130] According to one aspect of the invention, the wing comprises an orifice arranged to cooperate with a snap-fastening tab of the secondary nozzle holding member.

[0131] According to one aspect of the invention, the accommodation further comprises an extension located at the entrance to the accommodation.

[0132] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing comprises a lip at the entrance to the housing opposite the extension.

[0133] According to one aspect of the invention, the base of the secondary nozzle further comprises at least one holding member and at least one guide member, these members each being arranged to cooperate with the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0134] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member of the secondary nozzle comprises a keying device arranged to cooperate with a groove in the housing of the primary nozzle so as to form a sliding connection through an axis (A) along the housing.

[0135] According to one aspect of the invention, the keying device is a tab.

[0136] According to one aspect of the invention, the member for holding the secondary nozzle comprises at least one snap-fastening tab arranged to cooperate with the orifice of the wing of the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0137] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle holding member comprises an upper projection arranged to cooperate with the extension of the primary nozzle housing.

[0138] According to one aspect of the invention, the member for holding the secondary nozzle comprises a lower projection arranged to cooperate with the lip of the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0139] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper and lower projections are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane parallel to the plane of the base of the cover and passing through the middle of the housing.

[0140] This way, the constraints are distributed optimally.

[0141] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing of the primary nozzle comprises an O-ring arranged to wedge the secondary nozzle in the primary nozzle.

[0142] DIVERGENT SHAPE OF THE FLUID OUTLET

[0143] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet has a divergent shape.

[0144] Thus, the fluid jet which comes from this fluid outlet has a divergent shape, for example with a substantially triangular profile.

[0145] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet is formed by facets configured to generate the diverging jet.

[0146] Among these facets, there are two flat facets facing each other and diverging towards the outside, which give the jet the divergent shape.

[0147] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or base is in one piece.

[0148] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and / or the base are made of metal or plastic.

[0149] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or base is produced by molding or machining.

[0150] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid is air alone, or a liquid alone, or a mixture of liquid and air. This mixture of liquid and air can form a foam projected onto the optical surface to be cleaned.

[0151] According to one aspect of the invention, the air pressure is 0.1 to 0.3 bar per air outlet, preferably substantially equal to 0.2 bar per air outlet.

[0152] According to one aspect of the invention, the water pressure is 0.5 to 3 bar per water outlet, preferably 1.5 to 2 bar per water outlet.

[0153] The terms "primary" and "secondary" are used to distinguish between the different jets and nozzles, particularly in terms of their size, while the terms "first" and "second" only distinguish between the terms without establishing a hierarchy.

[0154] So the "first" fluid can refer to both water and air. The same goes for the "second" fluid.

[0155] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0156] is a partial and schematic sectional view of the cleaning device and the optical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0157] represents a partial sectional view of the cleaning device, in perspective,

[0158] is an enlarged view of the dotted area of ​​the,

[0159] is a top view of the primary and secondary nozzle outlets.

[0160] and illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial view of the base and the cover forming the primary nozzle or the adjustable nozzle,

[0161] and illustrate a schematic and partial view, in perspective, of the primary nozzle according to the two different orientations,

[0162] and illustrate a schematic and partial perspective view of the cleaning device according to the two different orientations,

[0163] is a schematic and partial view, illustrating the secondary nozzle and the base forming the primary nozzle, in perspective,

[0164] represents the cover of the primary nozzle seen from the housing arranged to receive at least partially the secondary nozzle,

[0165] illustrates a top view and illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the primary nozzle according to an alternative embodiment,

[0166] is a schematic and partial view, in section, of the base of the primary nozzle comprising a fluid outlet having a divergent shape,

[0167] and illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial perspective view of the assembly comprising a cleaning device and a support for the optical device, before and after assembly according to one embodiment,

[0168] and illustrate in particular, a schematic and partial view of [Fig.12], in perspective, of the stop elements cooperating with the slides,

[0169] and illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial perspective view of the assembly comprising a cleaning device and a support for the optical device, before and after assembly according to an alternative embodiment,

[0170] is a schematic and partial view of [Fig.14], illustrating in particular stop elements cooperating with the slides,

[0171] is a schematic and partial view of a primary fluid nozzle comprising slides with two crosspieces according to an alternative embodiment,

[0172] is a schematic and partial view of an alternative embodiment in which a portion of the secondary nozzle is disposed downstream of the primary outlet.

[0173] Figures 1 to 3 show a device 2 for cleaning the optical surface 4 of an optical device 6, in particular for a vehicle (not shown).

[0174] The cleaning device 2 comprises a primary nozzle 8 arranged to dispense a first fluid. The primary nozzle 8 comprises a primary fluid outlet 10 arranged to project a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 and an internal channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8 which opens onto the primary outlet 10.

[0175] The cleaning device 2 further comprises a secondary nozzle 14 arranged to distribute a second fluid.

[0176] As illustrated in the, the primary nozzle 8 comprises a housing 16 arranged to partially receive the secondary nozzle 14.

[0177] The primary nozzle 8 comprises a front part 18 arranged to face the optical device 6. The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 is partially formed by this front part 18 and the primary outlet 10 is produced on this front part 18.

[0178] The secondary nozzle 14 comprises a secondary fluid outlet 20 arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 and a distribution channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14 configured to convey the fluid to the secondary outlet 20.

[0179] The primary 10 and secondary 20 outlets are configured so that the secondary outlet 20 is placed in the path traveled by the first fluid.

[0180] As illustrated in the, a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is disposed in the inner channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0181] More precisely, the secondary outlet 20 is in a common section 24 of the internal channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8 opening onto the primary outlet 20.

[0182] Here, the second fluid is mixed with the first fluid upstream of the primary nozzle 8.

[0183] Here, the first fluid is for example air and the second liquid is for example a windshield washer fluid so that the mixture of air and windshield washer fluid forms a foam to be projected onto the optical surface to be cleaned.

[0184] As illustrated in the, the primary outlet 10 has a primary slot 26 and the secondary outlet 20 has a secondary slot 28. The primary slot 26 is wider than the secondary slot 28.

[0185] The secondary slot 28 is opposite the primary slot 26. The primary slot 26 has an oblong shape while the secondary slot 28 has a crescent moon shape.

[0186] In this case, with reference to the arrangement of the primary 10 and secondary 20 outlets, the primary jet is allowed to surround the secondary jet around the entire perimeter of the secondary jet.

[0187] The secondary nozzle 14 is provided with a hollow head 30 at the end of which the secondary outlet 20 is made and a base 32.

[0188] The secondary nozzle 14 comprises a cylindrical body 34 to which the hollow head 30 is connected.

[0189] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the secondary nozzle 14.

[0190] The hollow head 30 and the cylindrical body 34 of the secondary nozzle 20 are partially housed in the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0191] The length of the common section 24 is twice smaller than the diameter of the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 20.

[0192] As illustrated in set 5B, the primary nozzle 8 arranged to distribute a first fluid 8 comprises a base 36 and a cover 38.

[0193] The cover 38 comprising a primary fluid outlet 10 configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6;

[0194] The base 36 and the cover 38 each having a contact line configured to come into full contact with each other.

[0195] Referring to Figures 6A, 6B and 7A, 7B, the contact lines are tangent to a common plane and have four rotational symmetries about a rotation axis perpendicular to the common plane.

[0196] As seen in Figures 5, 6A, 6B and 7A and 7B, the base 36 and the cover 38 each have a circumference having the same shape.

[0197] The front part 18 is located on the cover 38 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0198] The contours 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38 have the same shapes as the contact lines.

[0199] The contact lines are adjacent to the edges 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38.

[0200] The cover 38 and the base 36 are fixed using a welding strip 40.

[0201] The cover 38 or the base 36 includes a groove 42 configured to receive the welding strip 44.

[0202] The welding strip 44 and the groove 42 run along the contact line.

[0203] The cover 38 and the base 36 have a substantially square-shaped perimeter with rounded corners.

[0204] In this way, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented according to the 4 possible orientations with an angle between the primary fluid inlet 46 and the fluid outlet 10, 20 which varies in steps of 90°. In other words, the device 2 remains invariant by a rotation of a multiple of 90° around its center.

[0205] Alternatively, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented according to the 3 possible orientations among the 4 orientations permitted by the shape of the substantially square perimeter, except that corresponding to the direction of the fluid arrival.

[0206] The cover 38 is mounted on the base 36 so that the cover 38 can be rotated relative to the base 36.

[0207] Thus, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented at a plurality of angles between 0 and 360° between the fluid inlet 46 and the fluid outlet 48. The device 2 remains invariant by rotation at any angle between 0 and 360°.

[0208] The base 36 comprises an inlet pipe 50, in an angled shape, comprising a first fluid inlet 46.

[0209] The cover 38 includes a second fluid inlet 48.

[0210] The first fluid 46 and second fluid 48 inlets are each configured to allow the connection of a fluid supply pipe (not shown), respectively to the primary nozzle x and the secondary nozzle x.

[0211] As illustrated in Figures 5A and 8, the inlet tubing 50 opens into a fluid opening 52 of divergent shape.

[0212] The base 36 comprises at least one reinforcing rib 54 joining the inlet pipe 50.

[0213] Two reinforcing ribs 54 extend perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the inlet pipe 50.

[0214] Alternatively, as illustrated in the, the cover 38 and the base 36 have a circumference 40 of circular shape.

[0215] The cover 38 and the base 36 are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a determined pitch between two successive positions, for example, at a pitch between 1 - 10°, more particularly at a pitch between 1 - 5°.

[0216] The optical device 6 is a camera, in particular an infrared camera, preferably arranged to assist autonomous driving, advantageously arranged to detect the presence of drops of water on a window (not shown).

[0217] A plurality of such cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, may be located on the vehicle, particularly outside the vehicle.

[0218] The device 2 may comprise a secondary nozzle 14 in addition to the orientable nozzle 8, or the aforementioned primary nozzle 8.

[0219] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 comprises an O-ring 56 arranged to wedge the secondary nozzle 14 in the primary nozzle 8.

[0220] With reference to the, an alternative embodiment in which the secondary fluid outlet 20 having a divergent shape is shown.

[0221] Thus, the jet 58 of fluid which comes from this fluid outlet 20 has a divergent shape, with a substantially triangular profile.

[0222] The secondary fluid outlet 20 is formed by facets 60 configured to generate the diverging jet 58.

[0223] Among these facets 60, there are two facets 60 which are plane and diverge towards the outside, which give the jet 58 the divergent shape.

[0224] The cleaning device 2 comprises a fluid reservoir 62 located upstream of a distribution channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14.

[0225] Referring to Figures 6A-6B, and 7A-7B, the cover 38 comprises a promontory 64 extending from a base 66 of the cover 38, and two ramps 68 extending from the promontory 64, namely an upper ramp 68 and a lower ramp 68, parallel to each other.

[0226] Each ramp 68 is inclined relative to the plane parallel to the promontory 64, in particular substantially inclined at 45° to the plane.

[0227] The perimeter of promontory 64 has an oblong shape.

[0228] The front portion 18 comprises the top 70 of the promontory 64 and a raised portion 72 located on the upper ramp 68 and adjacent to the top 70 of the promontory 64.

[0229] Primary exit 10 is located at summit 70 of promontory 64.

[0230] The perimeter of the summit 70 of the promontory 64 roughly matches the perimeter of the primary exit 10. These two perimeters have an oblong shape.

[0231] The raised portion 72 includes a bulge 73 which extends from the summit 70 of the promontory 64.

[0232] With reference to Figures 3, 5B and 8, the cover 38 has an outlet passage 76, arranged to receive the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 14.

[0233] The outlet passage 76 is circular and located on a wall of the inner channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0234] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 extends adjacent to the two ramps 68.

[0235] The housing 16 has at its entrance two wings 74 symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (P) passing through the middle of the base 66 of the cover 38 of the primary fluid nozzle 8.

[0236] Thus, the stresses experienced by the wings 74 are distributed optimally.

[0237] The base 32 of the secondary nozzle 14 further comprises a holding member 76 and at least one guide member 78, these members 76, 78 each being arranged to cooperate with the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0238] The holding member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises two snap-fastening tabs 80 each arranged to cooperate with an orifice 82 of the wing 74 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0239] Housing 16 includes an extension 84 located at entrance 17 of housing 16.

[0240] The housing 16 further comprises a lip 86 at the entrance 17 of the housing 16 opposite the extension 84.

[0241] The guide member 78 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises a key 88 arranged to cooperate with a groove 90 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 so as to form a sliding connection through an axis (A) along the housing 16.

[0242] Advantageously, the key 88 is a tab.

[0243] The holding member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises an upper projection 92 arranged to cooperate with the extension 84 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0244] The holding member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises a lower projection 94 arranged to cooperate with the lip 86 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0245] The upper 92 and lower 94 projections are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane parallel to the plane of the base 66 of the cover 38 and passing through the middle of the housing 16.

[0246] Thus, the stresses undergone by the projections 92, 94 are distributed optimally.

[0247] Figures 12A-12B, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, and 15 show a primary fluid nozzle 8 configured to be assembled with a support 96 of the optical device 6, as well as an assembly 98 comprising the cleaning device 2 and the support 98, the device 2 and the support 98 being assembled together by cooperation of the respective guide members 100, 102 and retaining members 104, 106.

[0248] The primary nozzle 8 comprises a base 36 and a cover 38 each having a contact line configured to come into full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane.

[0249] The support 96 is arranged to cooperate with the cover 38 located on a half-space higher than the common plane.

[0250] The maximum dimension of the primary nozzle 8 is larger than the maximum dimension of the support 96.

[0251] The primary nozzle 8 comprises the guide member 100 arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member 102 of the support 96 of the optical device 6, so as to allow the assembly of the primary nozzle 8 with the support 96.

[0252] The primary nozzle 8 further comprises the retaining member 104 configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with the complementary retaining member 106 of the support 96, so as to allow the primary nozzle 8 to be snap-fastened onto the support 96.

[0253] By snap-fastening the primary nozzle 8 onto the support 96 of the optical device 6, the invention makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the optical device 6 onto the primary fluid nozzle 8, since the mounting does not require any particular tools or additional mechanical fixing elements such as screws (not shown).

[0254] In this way, the assembly can be done precisely and quickly.

[0255] The guide member 100 of the primary nozzle 8 comprises two external slides 108 symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane of symmetry (P), arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member 102 formed on an internal wall 110 of the support 96.

[0256] As illustrated in Figures 12A and 14A, the slide 108 comprises two parallel ramps 68 connected to each other by a cross member 112, so that the ramps 68 and the cross member 112 define a rail on which one of the internal walls 110 of the support 96 can slide.

[0257] As illustrated in the, the slide 108 may comprise two parallel ramps 68 connected to each other by two crosspieces 112 defining a rail on which one of the internal walls 110 of the support 96 can slide.

[0258] As illustrated in Figures 6A-6B, the cover 38 has two reinforcing ribs 54 which are located perpendicular to the cross member 112 of the slide 108.

[0259] As visible in Figures 12A-12B, the guide member x comprises, in addition to the slides 108, end-of-travel partitions 114 closing the end of the rails forming the slides 108, the partitions 114 being arranged to cooperate with stop elements 116 of the support 96.

[0260] In this example, the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8 comprises a holding protrusion 118 located parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0261] As visible in the, alternatively, the crosspiece 112 of the slide 108 is arranged to cooperate with a snap-fastening tab 120 for holding the complementary retaining member 106 of the support 96.

[0262] 12A-12B, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, and 15 show the support 96 configured to be assembled with the primary fluid nozzle 8.

[0263] The support 96 comprises the complementary guide member 102 arranged to cooperate by snap-fastening with the guide member 100 of the primary fluid nozzle 8, so as to allow the assembly of the support 96 with the primary nozzle 8.

[0264] The support 96 further comprises the complementary retaining member 106 configured to cooperate with the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8, so as to allow the primary nozzle 8 to be snapped onto the support 96.

[0265] The complementary guide member 102, arranged to cooperate with two external slides 108 of the guide member 100, is formed on the internal wall 110 of the support 96. The two external slides 108 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0266] The guide member has a U shape.

[0267] The support 96 further comprises two stop elements 116 arranged to delimit the end of travel of the complementary guide member 102 of the support 96 on the guide member 100 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0268] As illustrated in Figures 12A-12B, the complementary retaining member 106 further comprises a snap-fastening tab 120 arranged to cooperate with a protrusion 118 for holding the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0269] As illustrated in the, the support 96 stop elements 116 are arranged to cooperate with end-of-travel partitions 114 closing each end of the rail forming the slide 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0270] As illustrated in Figures 14A-14B, as a variant, the complementary retaining member 106 comprises two snap-fastening tabs 120 arranged to cooperate with each crosspiece 112 of the two slides 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0271] Still in this example of figures 14A-14B, the retaining snap-fastening tabs 120 are located on an internal wall 110 of the support 96.

[0272] With reference to the, in an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the complementary retaining member (not shown) comprises two snap-fastening tabs 120 arranged to cooperate with two crosspieces 112 of the slide 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0273] All the characteristics corresponding to the primary nozzle 8 and the support 96 also apply to the case where the device 2 comprises a secondary nozzle 14 in addition to the primary nozzle 8.

[0274] As illustrated in the, in an alternative embodiment, a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is disposed downstream of the primary outlet 10.

[0275] Nomenclature

[0276] 2: cleaning device

[0277] 4: optical surface

[0278] 6: optical device

[0279] 8: primary nozzle

[0280] 10: primary fluid outlet

[0281] 12: inner channel of the primary nozzle

[0282] 14: secondary nozzle

[0283] 16: primary nozzle housing arranged to receive the secondary nozzle

[0284] 17: entrance to the accommodation

[0285] 18: front part

[0286] 20: secondary fluid outlet

[0287] 22: secondary nozzle distribution channel

[0288] 24: section

[0289] 26: primary cleft

[0290] 28: secondary slit

[0291] 30: hollow head of the secondary nozzle

[0292] 32: base

[0293] 34: cylindrical body

[0294] 36: base

[0295] 38: cover

[0296] 40: perimeter of the base and the cover

[0297] 42: groove

[0298] 44: welding strip

[0299] 46: first fluid inlet

[0300] 48: second fluid inlet

[0301] 50: inlet pipe

[0302] 52: divergent fluid opening

[0303] 54: reinforcing rib

[0304] 56: O-ring

[0305] 58: fluid jet

[0306] 60: facet

[0307] 62: fluid reservoir

[0308] 64: promontory

[0309] 66: base of the cover

[0310] 68: ramp

[0311] 70: summit of the promontory

[0312] 72: raised part

[0313] 73: bulge

[0314] 74: wing

[0315] 76: secondary nozzle base holding member

[0316] 78: secondary nozzle base guide member

[0317] 80: snap-on tab of the secondary nozzle base retaining member

[0318] 82: primary nozzle housing wing hole

[0319] 84: primary nozzle housing extension

[0320] 86: lip of the primary nozzle housing

[0321] 88: foolproof

[0322] 90: primary nozzle housing groove

[0323] 92: upper projection arranged to cooperate with the extension

[0324] 94: lower projection arranged to cooperate with the lip

[0325] 96: optical device support

[0326] 98: assembly comprising the cleaning device and the support

[0327] 100: primary nozzle guide member

[0328] 102: complementary guide member of the optical device support

[0329] 104: primary nozzle retaining member

[0330] 106: additional retaining member for the optical device support

[0331] 108: slide

[0332] 110: internal wall of the support

[0333] 112: crosspiece connecting the ramps

[0334] 114: end-of-travel partition closing the end of the rail forming the slide

[0335] 116: optical device support stop element

[0336] 118: protrusion for holding the primary nozzle retaining member

[0337] 120: snap-on tab for holding the additional retaining member

Claims

A cleaning device (2) for the optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular for a vehicle, comprising:- a primary nozzle (8) arranged to dispense a first fluid, and comprising:o a primary fluid outlet (10) arranged to project a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6); ando an internal channel (12) of the primary nozzle (8) which opens onto the primary outlet (10);- a secondary nozzle (14) arranged to dispense a second fluid, and comprising:a secondary fluid outlet (20) arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6); anda distribution channel (22) of the secondary nozzle (14) configured to convey the fluid to the secondary outlet (20),the primary (10) and secondary (20) outlets being configured so that the secondary outlet (20) is placed on the path traveled by the first fluid. Device according to claim 1, in which the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet at least at the outlet (20) of the secondary jet, at least over half of the perimeter of the secondary jet. Device according to claim 2, in which the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet around the entire periphery of the secondary jet. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least a portion of the secondary nozzle (14) is arranged downstream of the primary outlet (10). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged in the inner channel (12) of the primary nozzle (8). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the primary nozzle comprises a housing (16) arranged to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle (14). Device according to claim 5, wherein the primary nozzle (8) comprises a front part (18) arranged to face the optical device (6), and the housing (14) being at least partially formed by this front part (18) and the primary outlet (10) is produced on this front part (18). A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the primary outlet (10) comprises a primary slot (26). A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the secondary outlet (20) comprises a secondary slot (28). A device according to claim 8, wherein the primary slot (26) is wider than the secondary slot (28). Device according to claim 9, in which the secondary slot (28) is opposite the primary slot (26). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary nozzle (14) is provided with a hollow head (30) at the end of which the secondary outlet (20) is formed and a base (32). Device according to claim 11, in which the secondary nozzle (14) comprises a cylindrical body (34) to which the hollow head (30) is connected. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary fluid outlet (10) or the secondary fluid outlet (20) has a divergent shape. Device according to claim 14, wherein the primary fluid outlet (10) or the secondary fluid outlet (20) is formed by facets (60) configured to generate the diverging jet (58).

Images