Cleaning device assembled with a support

Abstract

Cleaning Device Assembled with a Support. The invention relates to a device for cleaning the optical surface of an optical device, particularly for a vehicle. The cleaning device comprises a fluid nozzle (8) configured to be assembled with a support (96) of the optical device. The nozzle (8) has at least one guide element (108) arranged to cooperate with at least one complementary guide element of a support (96) of the optical device, so as to allow the nozzle (8) to be assembled with the support (96). The nozzle (8) further comprises at least one retaining element (118) configured to cooperate by snap-fitting with at least one complementary retaining element (120) of the support (96), so as to allow the nozzle (8) to snap onto the support (96). Figure for the abstract: Figure 12A

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning device assembled with a support

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a fluid nozzle configured to be assembled with a support of the optical device.

[0002] The invention also relates to an optical device support, in particular for a vehicle, the support being configured to be assembled with a fluid nozzle.

[0003] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising the cleaning device and the support.

[0004] An optical device, such as an optical sensor, is used to assist the driver of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, in its operation. The optical sensor is generally placed on the exterior of the vehicle in strategic areas to improve the driver's visibility, for example, to compensate for blind spots. Multiple optical devices can be placed on the exterior of the vehicle for autonomous driving purposes. When these devices are subjected to prolonged exposure to weather and dust, a layer of dirt accumulates on their optical surface. Regular cleaning of this optical surface is therefore necessary for the optical device to function correctly.

[0005] In this context, the cleaning device comprising a nozzle can be used to regularly clean the optical surface. It is also necessary to provide a support for the optical device to which the nozzle can be attached.

[0006] US 2015 138 357 A discloses a system for cleaning a camera lens. The system includes a nozzle designed to be housed in a casing designed to receive the camera. The operator must access the interior of the casing and align the nozzle with an insertion axis in a dedicated housing before securing the nozzle by screwing it in place. This operation is complex and requires an additional tool such as a screwdriver.

[0007] The invention is notably intended to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, and to simplify the mounting of the optical device support on a cleaning device comprising a fluid nozzle.

[0008] NOZZLE

[0009] The present invention thus relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, particularly for a vehicle, comprising a fluid nozzle configured to be assembled with a support for the optical device, the nozzle comprising: - at least one guiding element arranged to cooperate with at least one complementary guiding element of a support for the optical device, so as to allow the nozzle to be assembled with the support; and - at least one retaining element configured to cooperate by snapping with at least one complementary retaining element of the support, so as to allow the nozzle to snap onto the support.

[0010] Thanks to the snap-fit ​​of the nozzle onto the support of the optical device, the invention simplifies the mounting of the optical device onto the fluid nozzle, as the mounting does not require special tools or additional mechanical fasteners such as screws.

[0011] In this way, the assembly can be done precisely and quickly.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises at least one slide arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises two slides which are opposite each other on the fluid nozzle.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the two slides are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (P) passing through the middle of the base of the fluid nozzle cover.

[0015] 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 cross member, so that the ramps and the cross member define a rail on which one of the walls of the support can slide.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the slide comprises at least two cross members connecting the ramps.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide member comprises, in addition to the slide, at least one end-of-stroke partition closing the end of the rail forming the slide, the partition being arranged to cooperate with a stop element of the support.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member comprises a retaining protuberance.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining protuberance is located parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0020] Alternatively, the cross member of the slide is arranged to cooperate with a snap-on tab for retaining the additional retaining member of the support.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In the foregoing, 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.

[0023] SUPPORT

[0024] The invention further relates to a support for an optical device, particularly 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 additional guiding element arranged to cooperate with at least one guiding element of the fluid nozzle, so as to allow the support to be assembled with the nozzle; and - at least one additional retaining element configured to cooperate by snapping with at least one nozzle retaining element, so as to allow the nozzle to snap onto the support.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guide member is arranged to cooperate with at least one slide of the guide member.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the complementary guiding member has a U-shaped form.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the support further comprises: - at least one stop element arranged to delimit the end of the stroke of the additional guide member of the support on the guide member of the nozzle.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the support stop element is arranged to cooperate with a limit switch partition closing the end of a rail forming the nozzle slide.

[0031] Alternatively, the additional retaining member further comprises at least one snap-on tab arranged to cooperate with a protrusion for retaining the nozzle retaining member.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the additional retaining member comprises at least one snap-on tab arranged to cooperate with a cross member of the nozzle slide.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the additional retaining member comprises at least two snap-on tabs arranged to cooperate with at least two cross members of the nozzle slide.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the snap-on tab is located on an internal wall of the support.

[0035] All the characteristics corresponding to the nozzle and the support also apply in the case where the device includes a secondary nozzle in addition to the aforementioned nozzle, which can be considered as a primary nozzle or an adjustable nozzle described below.

[0036] ASSEMBLY

[0037] The invention further 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 guiding and retaining members.

[0038] 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 total contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry about 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 with respect to the common plane.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum dimension of the nozzle is greater than the maximum dimension of the support.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is a recessed element of the fluid outlet. This characteristic means that the support does not enclose the fluid outlet. In other words, the fluid outlet is outside the support.

[0041] NOZZLE WITH VARIABLE ORIENTATION

[0042] The invention also relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, particularly for a vehicle, comprising: - a nozzle arranged to distribute a fluid, and comprising a base and a cover; • the cover having 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 about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

[0043] Thanks to the rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane, it is possible to assemble the cover with the base in various possible relative orientations. Thus, on the production line of the cleaning device for a given range of sensors, it is possible to choose an assembly orientation from among the different assembly orientations. possible. For another given range of sensors, it is possible to choose another relative orientation permitted by rotational symmetries.

[0044] 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.

[0045] This is particularly advantageous when the base includes a fluid inlet whose orientation is imposed by the sensor environment.

[0046] For example, it may be necessary to have an angle of 90° between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet for some sensors, and an angle of 0° or 270° between the inlet and the outlet for other sensors.

[0047] When several sensors are needed on a vehicle, but with varying orientations, it is possible to make these different sensors from the same covers and bases which are assembled according to different orientations.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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, and this without changing the initial design of the cleaning device.

[0050] Thus, the invention makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing and assembling the device.

[0051] The invention may also have one of the following features, alone or in combination with one or more of the other features below.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the base and the cover each have a perimeter having the same shape.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the contours of the base and the cover have the same shapes as the contact lines.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the contact lines are adjacent to the peripheries of the base and the cover.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is fixed to the base.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover and the base are fixed using of a welding strip.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or base includes a groove configured to receive the welding strip.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the welding strip and / or the groove run along the contact line.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the axis of rotation has a symmetry of order n, namely 2ir / n (rad), with n a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid and the base have a substantially square-shaped perimeter with rounded corners.

[0061] In this way, the cleaning device can be oriented in any 4 possible directions with an angle between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet that varies in 90° increments. In other words, the device remains unchanged by a rotation of a multiple of 90° around its center.

[0062] Alternatively, the cleaning device can be oriented according to the 3 possible orientations among the 4 orientations allowed by the shape of the substantially square perimeter, except that corresponding to the direction of the fluid inlet.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid is mounted on the base so that the lid can be rotated relative to the base.

[0064] 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 under rotation at any angle between 0 and 360°.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid and the base have a circular perimeter.

[0066] 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, a pitch between 1-10°, more particularly a pitch between 1-5°.

[0067] 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 droplets on glass.

[0068] A plurality of these cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, may be located on the vehicle, in particular outside the vehicle.

[0069] The invention further 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: - provide a base; - provide a cover with a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; - equip the base and the cover each with a contact line configured to make full contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a plane common, and exhibiting at least one rotational symmetry about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane; and - assemble the base and the cover according to one position among a plurality of relative positions allowed by the rotational symmetry.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the process includes an ultrasonic welding step of the base onto the lid.

[0071] In the foregoing, the nozzle is a steerable nozzle. The invention may relate to the device with a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle. The "primary nozzle" is understood to be the steerable nozzle described above.

[0072] SECONDARY NOZZLE IN PRIMARY NOZZLE

[0073] The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the optical surface of an optical device, particularly for a vehicle, comprising: - a primary nozzle arranged to distribute a first fluid, and comprising: o a primary fluid outlet arranged to project a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; and o an internal channel of the primary nozzle which opens onto the primary outlet; - a secondary nozzle arranged to distribute a second fluid, and comprising: o a secondary fluid outlet arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; and o a secondary nozzle distribution channel 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 taken by the first fluid.

[0074] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the size of the cleaning device thanks to the fact that the path traveled by the first fluid is shared between the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

[0075] In this way, the device according to the invention has a 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.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet at least at the exit of the secondary jet, at least on half of the circumference of the secondary jet.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet all around the perimeter of the secondary jet.

[0078] The term "jet" refers to the fluid flow at the outlet of each nozzle. In other words, the primary and secondary "jets" refer respectively to the fluid flow at the primary and secondary outlets.

[0079] The term "path" is used for the entire fluid path, whether inside or outside the nozzle. The path outside the nozzle forms the fluid "jet".

[0080] It is recalled in what follows that the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of fluid flow 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 out of it, towards a surface of an optical device.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet is in a common section of the internal channel of the primary nozzle opening onto the primary outlet.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary nozzle has a housing arranged to receive at least partially the secondary nozzle.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary nozzle comprises a front part arranged to face the optical device, and the housing is at least partially formed by this front part and the primary outlet is made on this front part.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing extends adjacently to the ramp.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part is located on the cover of the primary nozzle.

[0088] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary outlet comprises a primary slot.

[0089] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary outlet comprises a slot secondary.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary slot has an oblong shape.

[0091] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary slot has a crescent shape increasing.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary slot is wider than the secondary slot.

[0093] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary slot is opposite with respect to the primary slot.

[0094] 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.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle comprises a cylindrical body to which the hollow head is connected.

[0096] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing of the primary nozzle has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the secondary nozzle.

[0097] 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.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the length of the common section is preferably five times, more particularly twice as small as the diameter of the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

[0099] According to one aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the secondary nozzle is disposed downstream of the primary outlet.

[0100] 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 of a distribution channel of the secondary nozzle.

[0101] GEOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS

[0102] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid comprises: - a promontory extending from a base of the lid; and - at least one ramp extending from the promontory.

[0103] 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.

[0104] According to one aspect of the invention, each ramp is inclined with respect to the plane parallel to the promontory, in particular substantially inclined at 45° to the plane.

[0105] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the promontory has an oblong shape.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the front part further comprises: - the summit of the promontory; and - an elevated section located on the upper ramp and adjacent to the top of the promontory.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary outlet is located at the top of the promontory.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the top of the promontory substantially follows the perimeter of the primary outlet, these two perimeters having an oblong shape.

[0109] According to one aspect of the invention, the raised part has a bulge that extends from the top of the promontory.

[0110] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises an inlet tube, preferably angled, having a fluid inlet, in particular a first fluid inlet. This inlet tube is arranged to be connected to a fluid supply hose, in particular a flexible hose.

[0111] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid includes a second fluid inlet.

[0112] 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.

[0113] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet tube opens into a fluid opening of divergent shape.

[0114] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one reinforcing rib joining to the inlet tube.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, at least two reinforcing ribs extend perpendicularly with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the inlet tube.

[0116] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid has at least one reinforcing rib.

[0117] According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing rib of the cover is located perpendicular to the cross member of the slide.

[0118] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover has an outlet passage arranged to receive the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

[0119] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet passage, in particular circular, is located on a wall of the internal channel of the primary nozzle.

[0120] 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).

[0121] Thus, the constraints are distributed optimally.

[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, the wing has an orifice arranged to cooperate with a snap-on tab of the secondary nozzle retaining member.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, the dwelling further comprises an extension located at the entrance of the dwelling.

[0124] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing has a lip at the entrance of the housing opposite the extension.

[0125] According to one aspect of the invention, the base of the secondary nozzle further comprises at least one retaining member and at least one guiding member, these members each being arranged to cooperate with the housing of the primary nozzle.

[0126] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle guide member comprises a keying feature 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.

[0127] According to one aspect of the invention, the keying device is a tab.

[0128] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle retaining member includes at least one snap-on tab arranged to cooperate with the wing opening of the primary nozzle housing.

[0129] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle retaining member has a superior projection arranged to cooperate with the extension of the primary nozzle housing.

[0130] According to one aspect of the invention, the secondary nozzle retaining member has a lower projection arranged to cooperate with the lip of the primary nozzle housing.

[0131] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper and lower projections are symmetrical with respect to the plane parallel to the plane of the base of the lid and passing through the middle of the housing.

[0132] Thus, the constraints are distributed optimally.

[0133] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary nozzle housing includes an O-ring arranged to wedge the secondary nozzle into the primary nozzle.

[0134] DIVERGENT FORM OF FLUID OUTLET

[0135] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet has a divergent shape.

[0136] Thus, the fluid jet which comes out of this fluid outlet has a divergent shape, for example with a substantially triangular profile.

[0137] According to one aspect of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet is formed by facets configured to generate the divergent jet.

[0138] Among these facets are two flat facets facing each other and diverging outwards, which give the jet its divergent shape.

[0139] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid or base is in one piece.

[0140] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid and / or the base are made of metal or of plastic.

[0141] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover or base is produced by molding or machining.

[0142] 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 that is projected onto the optical surface to be cleaned.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] The terms "primary" and "secondary" are used to classify the different jets and nozzles, particularly in terms of their size, while the terms "first" and "second" only allow the terms to be distinguished from each other without classifying them.

[0146] Thus the "first" fluid can refer to either water or air. The same applies to the "second" fluid.

[0147] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the detailed description given below, and several exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, on the other hand, in which:

[0148] [Fig-1] is a partial and schematic cross-sectional view of the cleaning device and the optical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0149] [Fig.2] represents a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of the [Fig.1], in perspective,

[0150] [Fig.3] is an enlarged view of the dotted area of ​​[Fig.1],

[0151] [Fig.4] is a top view of the outlets of the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

[0152] [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial view of the base and the cover forming the primary nozzle or the orientable nozzle,

[0153] [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B] illustrate a schematic and partial perspective view of the primary nozzle in both different orientations,

[0154] [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] illustrate a schematic and partial perspective view of the cleaning device in both different orientations,

[0155] [Fig.8] is a schematic and partial view, illustrating the secondary nozzle and the base forming the primary nozzle, in perspective,

[0156] [Fig.9] represents the primary nozzle cover seen from the housing arranged for to receive at least part of the secondary nozzle,

[0157] [Fig.1OA] illustrates a top view and [Fig.1OB] illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the primary nozzle according to an alternative embodiment,

[0158] [Fig. 11] is a schematic and partial cross-sectional view of the base of the primary nozzle having a fluid outlet with a divergent shape,

[0159] [Fig.12A] and [Fig.12B] 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,

[0160] [Fig.13A] and [Fig.13B] illustrate in particular, a schematic and partial view of [Fig.12A] and [Fig.12B] respectively, in perspective, of the stop elements cooperating with the slides,

[0161] [Fig. 14A] and [Fig. 14B] 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,

[0162] [Fig.15] is a schematic and partial view of [Fig.14A], illustrating in particular stop elements cooperating with the slides,

[0163] [Fig. 16] is a schematic and partial view of a primary fluid nozzle comprising slides with two cross members according to an alternative embodiment,

[0164] [Fig. 17] 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.

[0165] Figures 1 to 3 show a cleaning device 2 for the optical surface 4 of an optical device 6, in particular for a vehicle (not shown).

[0166] The optical device 6 is fixed to the support 96 of the optical device, for example by snapping, welding, gluing, crimping, form complementarity, or any other means deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.

[0167] The cleaning device 2 includes a primary nozzle 8 arranged to distribute a first fluid. The primary nozzle 8 has 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.

[0168] The cleaning device 2 further includes a secondary nozzle 14 arranged to distribute a second fluid.

[0169] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the primary nozzle 8 has a housing 16 arranged to partially receive the secondary nozzle 14.

[0170] The primary nozzle 8 has 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 made on this front part 18.

[0171] The secondary nozzle 14 has 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.

[0172] The primary 10 and secondary 20 outlets are configured so that the secondary 10 outlet is placed on the path taken by the first fluid.

[0173] As illustrated in [Fig.3], a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is disposed in the inner channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0174] More specifically, 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.

[0175] As illustrated in [Fig.4], 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.

[0176] The secondary slit 28 is opposite the primary slit 26. The primary slit 26 has an oblong shape while the secondary slit 28 has a crescent moon shape.

[0177] In this case, with reference to [Fig.4] the arrangement of the primary 10 and secondary 20 outlets allows the primary jet to surround the secondary jet all around the perimeter of the secondary jet.

[0178] 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.

[0179] The secondary nozzle 14 comprises a cylindrical body 34 to which the hollow head 30 is connected.

[0180] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the secondary nozzle 14.

[0181] 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.

[0182] The length of the common section 24 is, twice smaller than the diameter of the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 20.

[0183] As illustrated in [Fig.5A] and 5B, the primary nozzle 8 arranged to distribute a first fluid 8 comprises a base 36 and a cover 38.

[0184] The cover 38 having a primary fluid outlet 10 configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6;

[0185] The base 36 and the cover 38 each having a contact line configured to come into total contact with each other.

[0186] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the contact lines are tangent to a common plane and exhibit four rotational symmetries about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

[0187] As can be seen in figures 5, 6 and 7, the base 36 and the cover 38 each have a perimeter having the same shape.

[0188] The front part 18 is located on the cover 38 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0189] The contours 40 of the base 36 and of the cover 38 have the same shapes as the contact lines.

[0190] The contact lines are adjacent to the peripheries 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38.

[0191] The cover 38 and the base 36 are fixed using a welding strip 40.

[0192] The cover 38 or the base 36 includes a groove 42 configured to receive the welding strip 44.

[0193] The welding strip 44 and the groove 42 run along the contact line.

[0194] The cover 38 and the base 36 have a perimeter of substantially square shape with rounded corners.

[0195] In this way, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented in the 4 possible orientations with an angle between the primary fluid inlet 46 and the fluid outlet 10, 20 which varies in 90° increments. In other words, the device 2 remains invariant under a rotation of a multiple of 90° around its center.

[0196] Alternatively, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented according to the 3 possible orientations among the 4 orientations allowed by the shape of the substantially square perimeter, except that corresponding to the direction of the fluid inlet.

[0197] The cover 38 is mounted on the base 36 so that the cover 38 can be rotated relative to the base 36.

[0198] 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 under a rotation at any angle between 0 and 360°.

[0199] The base 36 includes an inlet tube 50, in an angled shape, having a first fluid inlet 46.

[0200] The cover 38 includes a second fluid inlet 48.

[0201] The first fluid inlets 46 and second fluid inlets 48 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.

[0202] As illustrated in Figures 5A and 8, the inlet tube 50 opens into a fluid opening 52 of divergent shape.

[0203] The base 36 has at least one reinforcing rib 54 joining to the inlet tube 50.

[0204] Two reinforcing ribs 54 extend perpendicularly with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the inlet tube 50.

[0205] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, the cover 38 and the base 36 have a circumference 40 of circular shape.

[0206] 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, a pitch between 1 - 10°, more particularly a pitch between 1 - 5°.

[0207] 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 water droplets on a window (not shown).

[0208] A plurality of these cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, may be located on the vehicle, in particular outside the vehicle.

[0209] The device 2 may include a secondary nozzle 14 in addition to the steerable nozzle 8, or the aforementioned primary nozzle 8.

[0210] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 has an O-ring 56 arranged to wedge the secondary nozzle 14 in the primary nozzle 8.

[0211] With reference to [Fig. 11], an alternative embodiment in which the secondary fluid outlet 20 having a divergent shape is shown.

[0212] Thus, the fluid jet 58 which comes from this fluid outlet 20 has a divergent shape, with a substantially triangular profile.

[0213] The secondary fluid outlet 20 is formed by facets 60 configured to generate the diverging jet 58.

[0214] Among these facets 60, there are two facets 60 that are flat opposite and diverge outwards, which give the jet 58 the divergent shape.

[0215] The cleaning device 2 includes a fluid reservoir 62 located upstream of a distribution channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14.

[0216] With reference 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.

[0217] Each ramp 68 is inclined with respect to the plane parallel to the promontory 64, in particular substantially inclined at 45° to the plane.

[0218] The perimeter of promontory 64 has an oblong shape.

[0219] The front part 18 comprises the summit 70 of the promontory 64 and an elevated part 72 situated on the upper ramp 68 and adjacent to the summit 70 of the promontory 64.

[0220] Primary exit 10 is located at summit 70 of promontory 64.

[0221] The perimeter of summit 70 of promontory 64 closely follows the perimeter of the primary outlet 10. These two contours have an oblong shape.

[0222] The raised part 72 has a bulge 73 which extends from the summit 70 of the promontory 64.

[0223] 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.

[0224] The outlet passage 76 is circular and located on a wall of the inner channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0225] The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 extends adjacently to the two ramps 68.

[0226] 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.

[0227] Thus, the stresses experienced by the wings 74 are distributed optimally.

[0228] The base 32 of the secondary nozzle 14 further includes a retaining member 76 and at least one guiding member 78, these members 76, 78 being arranged each to cooperate with the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0229] The retaining member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 has two snap-on tabs 80 arranged each to cooperate with an orifice 82 of the wing 74 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0230] Dwelling 16 includes an extension 84 located at the entrance 17 of dwelling 16.

[0231] Housing unit 16 further includes a lip 86 at the entrance 17 of housing unit 16 in regarding extension 84.

[0232] The guide member 78 of the secondary nozzle 14 has 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.

[0233] Advantageously, the 88 anti-missing device is a tab.

[0234] The retaining member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 has a superior projection 92 arranged to cooperate with the extension 84 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0235] The retaining member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 has a lower projection 94 arranged to cooperate with the lip 86 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0236] The upper projections 92 and lower projections 94 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.

[0237] Thus, the stresses experienced by the projections 92, 94 are distributed optimally.

[0238] 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 guiding members 100, 102 and retaining members 104, 106.

[0239] The primary nozzle 8 comprises a base 36 and a cover 38, each having a contact line configured to come into total contact with each other, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane.

[0240] The support 96 is arranged to cooperate with the cover 38 located on a higher half-space relative to the common plane.

[0241] The maximum dimension of the primary nozzle 8 is greater than the maximum dimension of the support 96.

[0242] The primary nozzle 8 includes 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.

[0243] The primary nozzle 8 further includes the retaining member 104 configured to cooperate by snapping with the additional retaining member 106 of the support 96, so as to allow snapping of the primary nozzle 8 onto the support 96.

[0244] Thanks to the snap-fitting of the primary nozzle 8 onto the support 96 of the optical device 6, the invention simplifies the mounting of the optical device 6 onto the primary fluid nozzle 8, as the mounting does not require special tools or additional mechanical fasteners such as screws (not shown).

[0245] In this way, the assembly can be done precisely and quickly.

[0246] The primary nozzle guide 100 has two external slides 108 symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane of symmetry (P), arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide 102 formed on an internal wall 110 of the support 96.

[0247] As illustrated in Figures 12 and 14, the slide 108 has 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.

[0248] As illustrated in [Fig.16], the slide 108 may include two parallel ramps 68 connected to each other by two crossbeams 112 defining a rail on which one of the internal walls 110 of the support 96 can slide.

[0249] 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.

[0250] As seen in Figures 12A-12B, the guide member x comprises, in addition to the slides 108, end-of-stroke 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.

[0251] In this example, the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8 includes a retaining protuberance 118 located parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0252] As seen in [Fig.14B], alternatively, the cross member 112 of the slide 108 is arranged to cooperate with a snap-on tab 120 for retaining the additional retaining member 106 of the support 96.

[0253] Figures 12A-12B, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, and 15 show the support 96 configured to be assembled with the primary fluid nozzle 8.

[0254] The support 96 includes the complementary guide member 102 arranged to cooperate by snap-fit ​​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.

[0255] The support 96 further includes the additional 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.

[0256] The complementary guide member 102, arranged to cooperate with two external slides 108 of the guide member 100, is formed on the inner wall 110 of the support 96. The two external slides 108 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane of symmetry (P).

[0257] The guiding element has a U-shaped form.

[0258] The support 96 further includes two stop elements 116 arranged to delimit the end of the stroke of the additional guide member 102 of the support 96 on the guide member 100 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0259] As illustrated in Figures 12A-12B, the additional retaining member 106 further includes a snap-on tab 120 arranged to cooperate with a protrusion 118 for retaining the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0260] As illustrated in [Fig. 13A], the support stop elements 116 of support 96 are arranged to cooperate with end-of-stroke partitions 114 closing each end of the rail forming the slide 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0261] As illustrated in Figures 14A-14B, alternatively, the additional retaining member 106 has two snap-on tabs 120 arranged to cooperate with each cross member 112 of the two slides 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0262] Still in this example of figures 14A-14B, the retaining snap-in tabs 120 are located on an internal wall 110 of the support 96.

[0263] With reference to [Fig. 16], in an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the additional retaining member (not shown) has two snap-on tabs 120 arranged to cooperate with two cross members 112 of the slide 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

[0264] All the characteristics corresponding to the primary nozzle 8 and the support 96 also apply in the case where the device 2 includes a secondary nozzle 14 in addition to the primary nozzle 8.

[0265] As illustrated in [Fig. 17], in an alternative embodiment, a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is disposed downstream of the primary outlet 10.

[0266] Nomenclature 2: Cleaning device 4: optical surface 6: optical device 8: Primary nozzle 10: Primary fluid outlet 12: Internal channel of the primary nozzle 14: secondary nozzle 16: Housing for the primary nozzle arranged to receive the secondary nozzle 17: Entrance to the apartment Front section, secondary fluid outlet, secondary nozzle distribution channel, primary slot section, secondary slot, hollow head of the secondary nozzle, base cylindrical body base lid perimeter of the base and the grooved lid welding strip, first fluid inlet, second fluid inlet, inlet pipe fluid opening with divergent shape, reinforcing rib O-ring fluid jet facet fluid reservoir promontory base of the lid ramp summit of the promontory, raised part, bulge, wing secondary nozzle base retaining element, secondary nozzle base guide element, secondary nozzle base retaining element locking tab, primary nozzle housing wing orifice, primary nozzle housing extension, primary nozzle housing lip, keying device primary nozzle housing groove 92: upper projection arranged to cooperate with the extension 94: lower projection arranged to cooperate with the lip 96: Optical device support 98: assembly comprising the cleaning device and the support 100: primary nozzle guide element 102: Additional guiding element for the optical device support 104: Primary nozzle retaining device 106: Additional retaining element for the optical device support 108: slide 110: inner wall of the support 112: traverse connecting the ramps 114: end-of-travel partition closing the end of the rail forming the slide 116: Stop element of the optical device support 118: protrusion for retaining the primary nozzle retaining element 120: Snap-on tab for securing the additional retaining device

Claims

Demands

1. Cleaning device (2) for an optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular for a vehicle, comprising a fluid nozzle (8) configured to be assembled with a support (96) of the optical device (6), the nozzle (8) comprising: - at least one guide member (100) arranged to cooperate with at least one complementary guide member (102) of a support (96) of the optical device (6), so as to allow the assembly of the nozzle (8) with the support (96);and - at least one retaining member (104) configured to cooperate by snapping with at least one additional retaining member (106) of the support (96), so as to allow the nozzle (8) to snap onto the support (96), and the guide member (100) comprises at least one slide (108) arranged to cooperate with the additional guide member (102), and said slide (108) comprises at least two parallel ramps (68) connected to each other by at least one cross member (112), so that the ramps (68) and the cross member (112) define a rail on which one of the walls (110) of the support (96) can slide.;

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the guide member (100) comprises two slides (108) which are opposite each other on the fluid nozzle (8).

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the guide member (100) comprises, in addition to the slide (108), at least one end-of-travel partition (114) closing the end of the rail forming the slide (108), the partition (114) being arranged to cooperate with a stop element (116) of the support (96).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (104) includes a retaining protrusion (118).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross member (112) of the slide (108) is arranged to cooperate with a snap-on tab (120) for retaining the retaining member (106) complementary to the support (96).

6. Optical device (6) support (96), in particular for a vehicle, the support (96) being configured to be assembled with the nozzle (8) of fluid of the device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the support (96) comprising: - At least one additional guide member (102) having a U-shape arranged to cooperate with at least one guide member (100) of the fluid nozzle (8), so as to allow the assembly of the support (96) with the nozzle (8); and - at least one additional retaining member (106) configured to cooperate by snap-fitting with at least one retaining member (104) of the nozzle (8), so as to allow the snap-fitting of the nozzle (8) onto the support (96).

7. Support according to claim 6, wherein the additional retaining member (106) further comprises at least one snap-on tab (120) arranged to cooperate with a protrusion (118) for retaining the retaining member (104) of the nozzle (8).

8. Support according to claim 6, wherein the additional retaining member (106) comprises at least one snap-in tab (120) arranged to cooperate with a cross member (112) of the slide (108) of the nozzle (8).

9. Support according to claim 8, wherein the additional retaining member (106) has at least two snap-in tabs (120) arranged to cooperate with at least two cross members (112) of the slide (108) of the nozzle (8).

10. Support according to claim 9, wherein the snap-on tab (120) is located on an internal wall (110) of the support (96).

11. Assembly comprising a cleaning device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a support (96) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, the device (2) and the support (96) being assembled together by cooperation of the respective guiding (100; 102) and retaining (104; 106) members.

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