Mobile deflected jet surface cleaning device

Abstract

A cleaning device (100) for projecting a cleaning fluid (16) onto a surface (12) of an optical sensor (14), comprising a hollow body (102) having an orifice (110) for inlet of the cleaning fluid (16) and a nozzle (112) for ejecting the cleaning fluid in the form of a jet (10), the hollow body (102) being pierced by a conduit (114) for distributing the cleaning fluid, and a deflection element (104) arranged downstream of the ejection nozzle (112) and configured to obstruct the jet of fluid (10) ejected by the ejection nozzle (112) so as to modify the orientation of the fluid jet (10) relative to the surface to be cleaned (12). The deflection element (104) is capable of moving, depending on the pressure exerted on it by the fluid jet (10), between a close position, in which the deflection element (104) is close to the ejection nozzle (112), and a distant position (Pe), in which the deflection element (104) is away from the ejection nozzle (112).Figure from the summary: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for cleaning surfaces using a mobile deflected jet Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device, intended to project a jet of cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, such as an optical surface of a sensor of an optical detection system, the cleaning device comprising a hollow body having an upstream side provided with an inlet orifice for the cleaning fluid and a downstream side provided with a nozzle for ejecting the cleaning fluid in the form of a jet towards the surface to be cleaned, the hollow body being pierced with a conduit for distributing the cleaning fluid from the inlet orifice to the ejection nozzle, and a cleaning fluid jet deflection element arranged downstream of the ejection nozzle and configured to obstruct the jet of fluid ejected by the ejection nozzle so as to modify the orientation of the jet of fluid relative to the surface to be cleaned. Prior art

[0002] Such a cleaning device is known from document FR 3 056 517 A1, see in particular figures 1 to 3.

[0003] In this known cleaning device, the ejection nozzle is formed in a telescopic movable element which, during cleaning, is extended out of a hollow receiving body. By extending the movable element, the ejection nozzle is brought to a position above the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the jet of cleaning fluid ejected by the nozzle reaches the entire surface to be cleaned. This ensures proper cleaning of the entire surface.

[0004] However, this type of telescopic cleaning device is expensive, complex and fragile, due to its kinematics and the large number of parts.

[0005] Document DE 41 09 443 A1 shows another example of a telescopic cleaning device. Summary

[0006] An aim of the present disclosure is therefore to propose a cleaning device which is simpler, more reliable and less expensive, while ensuring effective cleaning of the entire surface to be cleaned.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, this object is achieved by a cleaning device as defined in paragraph

[0001] above, which is characterized in that the deflection element is able to move, depending on the pressure it undergoes from the fluid jet, between a close position, in which the deflection element is close of the ejection nozzle, and a remote position, in which the deflecting element is spaced from the ejection nozzle.

[0008] Thanks to the movable deflection element, the orientation of the liquid jet relative to the surface to be cleaned can modify the impact area of ​​the fluid jet on the surface to be cleaned. It is sufficient to vary the pressure of the fluid jet at its nozzle outlet. Thus, the fluid jet is caused to sweep the surface to be cleaned, which ensures effective cleaning. At the same time, with the cleaning device according to the present disclosure, a telescopic mechanism can be dispensed with, which reduces cost and complexity.

[0009] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0010] The ejection nozzle is stationary relative to the surface to be cleaned;

[0011] The deflection element is a lamella;

[0012] The deflection element closes the ejection nozzle in the close position;

[0013] A stop which limits the movement of the deflection element, the deflection element being supported on the stop in the remote position;

[0014] The stop and the hollow body are in one piece;

[0015] The deflection element has a first end by which it is fixed to the hollow body, and a second free end opposite the first end;

[0016] The deflection element is a flexible element which deforms elastically under the pressure exerted by the fluid jet;

[0017] The movement of the deflection element is a pivoting around a pivot connection;

[0018] A means for returning the deflection element to its close position, such as a spring;

[0019] The deflection element (104) is made of carbon, stainless steel, elastomer or plastic.

[0020] The present disclosure also relates to an optical detection system for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor provided with an optical surface, and a device for cleaning the optical surface as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0022] [Fig.l] is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure with a deflection element in a close position. Fig. 2

[0023] [Fig.2] is a sectional view of the first embodiment of [Fig. 1] with the deflection element in the remote position. Fig. 3

[0024] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure with a deflection element in a close position. Fig. 4

[0025] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of the second embodiment of [Fig.3] with the deflection element in a first intermediate position. Fig. 5

[0026] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the second embodiment of [Fig.3] with the deflection element in a second intermediate position. Fig. 6

[0027] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the second embodiment of [Fig.3] with the deflection element in the remote position. Description of the embodiments

[0028] The cleaning devices 100, 200 illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 6 are intended to project a jet 10 of cleaning fluid towards a surface 12 to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, such as an optical surface of a sensor 14 of an optical detection system. Typically, these cleaning devices 100, 200 are mounted on a motor vehicle in proximity to an associated sensor 14 to be cleaned.

[0029] In the present context, an optical detection system is any system comprising one or more optical sensors such as cameras, laser sensors (commonly called LIDAR) or other sensors based on the emission and / or detection of light in the spectrum visible or invisible to humans, in particular infrared. Such optical detection systems are being fitted to an increasing number of motor vehicles in order to assist the driver of the vehicle in certain driving situations, one of which, well known, is parking assistance. For this assistance to be as effective as possible, the data provided by the optical detection system must be of the best possible quality, and it is therefore essential to have clean optics to carry out these data acquisitions.

[0030] To do this, the cleaning devices 100, 200 according to the present disclosure can be controlled to spray the surface 12 to be cleaned (for example the surface of a lens 13 of a camera 14 for taking pictures) with a cleaning fluid, for example just before the detection is carried out (for example the taking of the picture).

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment 100 of the device of cleaning according to this disclosure.

[0032] The cleaning device 100 comprises a hollow body 102, as well as a deflection element 104 mounted on the hollow body 102.

[0033] The hollow body 102 has an upstream side 106 and a downstream side 108. The “upstream” and “downstream” positions are defined relative to the direction F of fluid flow within the hollow body 102. The upstream side 106 of the hollow body 102 is provided with an orifice 110 for admitting cleaning fluid 16. The downstream side 108 is provided with a nozzle 112 for ejecting the cleaning fluid 16 in the form of a jet 10. The hollow body 102 is pierced with a conduit 114 for distributing the cleaning fluid 16 from the inlet orifice 110 to the ejection nozzle 112. The ejection nozzle 112 is formed in the hollow body 102. A stop 116 is arranged opposite the ejection nozzle 112. Preferably, the stop 116 and the hollow body 102 are integral. Alternatively, the stop 116 and the hollow body 102 may take the form of two individual pieces, one attached to the other.

[0034] The deflection element 104 is arranged downstream of the ejection nozzle 112 and configured to obstruct the fluid jet 10 ejected by the ejection nozzle 112 so as to modify the orientation of the liquid jet relative to the surface to be cleaned 12. The deflection element 104 is able to move, depending on the pressure to which it is subjected by the fluid jet 10, between a close position Pr shown in [Fig. 1], and a distant position Pe shown in [Fig. 2]. In the close position Pr, see [Fig. 1], the deflection element 104 is close to the ejection nozzle 112. In the distant position Pe, see [Fig. 2], the deflection element 104 is spaced from the ejection nozzle 112.

[0035] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the deflection element 104 is produced in the form of a strip. This strip 104 has a first end 118, by which it is fixed to the hollow body 102. It also has a second free end 120 opposite the first end 118.

[0036] The strip 104 can be made, among other things, of carbon, stainless steel, elastomer or plastic.

[0037] According to the first embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the strip 104 is a flexible element which deforms elastically under the pressure exerted by the fluid jet 10.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 show not only the cleaning device 100 but also an optical sensor 14 to be cleaned by the cleaning device 100. Typically, the cleaning device 100 and the optical sensor 14 are both mounted together in a motor vehicle, close to each other. The cleaning device 100 and the optical sensor 14 thus form an optical detection system S.

[0039] The optical sensor 14 is for example a camera which has a lens 13. Here, it is the convex surface 12 of the lens 13 which is cleaned by the cleaning device 100.

[0040] The operation of the cleaning device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be described.

[0041] When the cleaning device 100 is at rest, the blade 104 is in the close position Pr (see [Fig.l]) and closes the ejection nozzle 112. When the cleaning device 100 is started by pumping cleaning fluid 16 towards the ejection nozzle 112, the hydraulic pressure within the distribution conduit 114 increases. This pressure is experienced by the blade 104. Consequently, as the pressure increases, the blade 104 deforms elastically and its free end 120 moves away from the ejection nozzle 112.

[0042] The opening of the ejection nozzle 112 is therefore released and a jet 10 of cleaning fluid is ejected from the nozzle 112, strikes against the free end 120 of the strip 104, and is deflected towards the optical surface 12.

[0043] The free end 120 of the strip 104 continues to deform until it comes to bear against the stop 116. The stop 116 limits the deformation of the strip 104, which is then in the distant position Pe (see [Fig. 2]). When the strip 104 is moved from the close position Pr to the distant position Pe, the deflection angle a (see [Fig. 2]) of the fluid jet 10 varies from a minimum value to a maximum value. Consequently, the point of impact I of the fluid jet 10 on the optical surface 12 changes. In other words, during cleaning, the fluid jet 10 sweeps an area Z of the optical surface 12 to be cleaned. Also, the cleaning of the optical surface 12 is improved.

[0044] It will therefore be understood that the movable deflection element 104 makes it possible to modify the orientation of the fluid jet 10 relative to the surface 12 to be cleaned and thus to spray an entire zone Z of the surface 12 to be cleaned.

[0045] By providing different modes of control of a pump conveying the cleaning fluid 16 to the hollow body 102, it will be possible to carry out different cleaning programs. For example, it will be possible to provide a cleaning program with intermittent pumping of the pump which results in a back-and-forth or beating movement of the blade 104 between these two extreme positions Pr and Pe and thus in a multiple sweeping of the cleaning zone Z by the fluid jet 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the flexibility of the strip 104 can be adapted according to the specific application desired. Thus, by giving it a determined flexibility, the behavior of the strip 104 can be adjusted according to the pressure exerted by the fluid jet 10. In this way, it is possible to modify the sweeping effected by the strip 104.

[0047] It will be noted that, unlike known tele-deployment cleaning devices telescopic, according to the present disclosure, the ejection nozzle 112 remains stationary relative to the surface to be cleaned 12 when the cleaning device is activated as well as when the cleaning device 100 is at rest.

[0048] With reference to Figures 3 to 6, a second embodiment 200 of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure will now be described. Here, emphasis will only be placed on the differences of the second embodiment 200 compared to the first embodiment 100. For similar elements, reference is made to the description above and to Figures 1 and 2.

[0049] In this second embodiment, the strip 204 is a rigid element. The rigid strip 204 moves, between a close position Pr shown in [Fig. 3] and a distant position Pe shown in [Fig. 6], by pivoting about a pivot connection 222. The rigid strip 204 is fixed to the hollow body 202 using the pivot connection 222 which is located at the first end 218 of the rigid strip 204. A return means 224 (here, a spring) of the strip 204 towards the close position Pe is provided between the strip 204 and the hollow body 202. A first end of the return means 224 bears against the hollow body 202, and a second end of the return means 224 bears against the rigid strip 204.

[0050] The second embodiment 200 operates as follows:

[0051] In the rest situation, shown in [Fig. 3], the rigid blade 204 is in the close position Pr and closes the ejection nozzle 212. When the optical surface 12 must be cleaned, cleaning fluid 16 is pumped towards the ejection nozzle 212. The resulting increased pressure acts on the blade 204 which then begins to move away from the ejection nozzle 212. Thus, the blade 204 pivots from its close position Pr (see [Fig. 3]) to its separated position Pe (see [Fig. 6]), to finally press against the stop 216. During this stroke, the blade 204 passes through intermediate positions. Two of its intermediate positions PI and P2 are shown in Figures 4 and 5. The blade 204 therefore pivots from position Pr to position PI, then to position P2, and ends its travel in position Pe. This results in a decreasing deflection of the fluid jet 10 which, consequently, sweeps an entire zone Z of the optical surface 12.The changing deflection angle of the fluid jet 10 is indicated in Figures 4 to 6 by the reference a. At the end of cleaning, the pumping of cleaning fluid 16 is stopped and the blade 204 returns to its close position Pr by the action of the return spring 224.

[0052] The stiffness of the return spring 224 can be adapted according to the specific application desired. Thus, by choosing a determined spring stiffness, the behavior of the blade 204 can be adjusted according to the pressure exerted by the fluid jet 10. In this way, it is possible to modify the sweeping effected by the blade 204.

[0053] The cleaning device 100, 200 according to the present disclosure is advantageous, particularly in that it has few components and few moving parts. In addition, it is inexpensive, space-saving and easy to integrate.

Claims

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5. Claims Cleaning device (100), intended to project a jet (10) of cleaning fluid (16) towards a surface to be cleaned (12) of a motor vehicle, such as an optical surface of a sensor (14) of an optical detection system (S), the cleaning device (100) comprising: a. a hollow body (102) comprising an upstream side (106) provided with an orifice (110) for admitting the cleaning fluid (16) and a downstream side (108) provided with a nozzle (112) for ejecting the cleaning fluid in the form of a jet (10) towards the surface to be cleaned (12), the hollow body (102) being pierced with a conduit (114) for distributing the cleaning fluid from the inlet orifice (110) to the ejection nozzle (112); and b. a cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) arranged downstream of the ejection nozzle (112) and configured to obstruct the fluid jet (10) ejected by the ejection nozzle (112) so as to modify the orientation of the fluid jet (10) relative to the surface to be cleaned (12), the deflection element (104) being able to move, depending on the pressure it is subjected to by the fluid jet (10), between: - a close position (Pr), in which the deflection element (104) is close to the ejection nozzle (112); and - a remote position (Pe), in which the deflection element (104) is spaced from the ejection nozzle (112), characterized in that the ejection nozzle (112) is stationary relative to the surface to be cleaned (12). Cleaning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deflection element (104) closes the ejection nozzle (112) in the close position (Pr). Cleaning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stop (116) which limits the movement of the deflection element (104), the deflection element bearing on the stop (116) in the remote position (Pe). Cleaning device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the stop (116) and the hollow body (102) are in one piece. A cleaning device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflection element (104) has a first end (118) by which it is fixed to the hollow body (102), and a second free end (120) opposite the first end (118).

6. A cleaning device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflection element (104) is a flexible element which elastically deforms under the pressure exerted by the fluid jet (10).

7. Cleaning device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means (224) for returning the deflection element (204) to its close position (Pr), such as a spring.

8. A cleaning device (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflection element (104) is made of carbon, stainless steel, elastomer or plastic.

9. Optical detection system (S) for a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor (14) provided with an optical surface (12), and a device (100) for cleaning the optical surface (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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