Apparatus for cleaning a surface with a movable deflected jet

Abstract

1. A cleaning device (100) for spraying a cleaning fluid (16) towards a surface (12) of an optical sensor (14), comprising: a hollow body (102) having an intake port (110) for the cleaning fluid (16) and an outlet nozzle (112) for outletting the cleaning fluid in the form of a jet (10) towards the surface (12) to be cleaned, the hollow body (102) having a conduit (114) for distributing the cleaning fluid therethrough; and a cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) arranged downstream of the outlet nozzle (112), the cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) configured to intercept the jet of fluid (10) discharged by the outlet nozzle (112) and thereby change the orientation of the jet of fluid (10) relative to the surface (12) to be cleaned. The deflection element (104) can be moved to a close position (Pe) in which the deflection element (104) is adjacent to the discharge nozzle (112) in response to a pressure from the jet of fluid (10), and a distant position (Pe) in which the deflection element (104) is away from the discharge nozzle (112). The signal is adapted to move between

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device intended to spray a jet of cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, for example an optical surface of a sensor of an optical detection system, comprising a hollow body with an upstream side provided with an intake port for the cleaning fluid and a downstream side provided with a discharge nozzle for discharging the cleaning fluid in the form of a jet towards the surface to be cleaned, the hollow body having a conduit passing therethrough for distributing the cleaning fluid from the intake port to the discharge nozzle, and a cleaning fluid jet deflection element arranged downstream of the discharge nozzle, configured to intercept the jet of fluid discharged by the discharge nozzle and thereby change the orientation of the jet of fluid with respect to the surface to be cleaned. [Background technology]

[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 discharge nozzle is formed in a telescopic mobile element that is deployed from a hollow receiver during cleaning. By deploying the mobile element, the discharge nozzle is moved to a position above the surface to be cleaned. The jet of cleaning fluid discharged by the nozzle thus reaches the entire surface to be cleaned. This ensures that the entire surface is properly cleaned.

[0004] However, this type of telescoping cleaning device is expensive, complex and prone to failure due to its kinematic characteristics and high part count.

[0005] The document DE 41 09 443 A1 discloses another example of a telescopic cleaning device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is therefore to propose a cleaning device which is simpler, more reliable and less expensive whilst still guaranteeing 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] , wherein the deflection element is adapted to move between a close position, in which the deflection element is adjacent to the discharge nozzle, and a spaced position, in which the deflection element is away from the discharge nozzle, depending on the pressure it receives from the jet of fluid.

[0008] Due to the movable deflection element, the orientation of the jet of liquid relative to the surface to be cleaned can change the impact zone of the jet of fluid on the surface to be cleaned. It is only necessary to change the pressure of the jet of fluid at the nozzle outlet. Thus, by making the jet of fluid wash the surface to be cleaned, effective cleaning is guaranteed. At the same time, the cleaning device according to the present disclosure does not require a telescopic mechanism, which reduces costs and complexity.

[0009] It should be noted that in the spaced position, the outlet opening of the discharge nozzle is completely unobstructed, in other words, the outlet opening of the nozzle is completely free of deflection elements, and in the spaced position, the deflection elements do not interfere with the jet of fluid at the outlet opening of the discharge nozzle.

[0010] It should be noted that in the spaced apart position, the deflection element is spaced apart from the discharge nozzle, specifically, in the spaced apart position, the deflection element is spaced apart from the outlet opening of the discharge nozzle.

[0011] For example, the deflection element is positioned at a predetermined distance from the discharge nozzle.

[0012] The features described in the following paragraphs may be realised independently of one another or in combination with one another, as desired.

[0013] The path of movement of the biasing element between the approximated position and the spaced position is curved.

[0014] The discharge nozzle is stationary relative to the surface to be cleaned.

[0015] The deflection element comprises a strip.

[0016] It should be noted that the deflection element comprises an elongated portion.

[0017] The deflecting element closes the discharge nozzle in the close position.

[0018] The cleaning device includes a stopper for limiting the movement of the deflection element, the deflection element abutting the stopper in the spaced position.

[0019] In the spaced position, the distance between the nozzle and the deflection element is determined by the position of the stopper.

[0020] In the spaced position, the strip abuts the stop.

[0021] The stopper and the hollow body are one part.

[0022] The biasing element has a first end and a free second end opposite the first end, the biasing element being fixed to the hollow body via the first end.

[0023] By second end of the deflection element what is meant is the end portion of the strip.

[0024] It should be noted that the elongated portion of the biasing element extends between the first end and the second end.

[0025] Note that in the proximate position, the second end is configured to close the discharge nozzle.

[0026] It should be noted that the second end is configured to move between a spaced position and an approximated position.

[0027] It should be noted that the path of travel of the second end is curved and the deflection element is a flexible element that elastically deforms under the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid.

[0028] In the spaced position, the strip of biasing element comprises a curved portion.

[0029] During movement of the strips from the approximated position to the spaced position, a portion of the strips is configured to bend.

[0030] The movement of the biasing element is a pivot about the pivot connection.

[0031] The biasing element is provided with a return means, for example a spring, for returning it to the approximated position.

[0032] The strip is rigid.

[0033] The biasing element may be constructed from carbon, stainless steel, elastomer, or plastic.

[0034] 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 as described above for cleaning said optical surface.

[0035] Further features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure, with a deflection element in a proximate position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 with the biasing element in a separated position. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure, with a deflection element in a proximate position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of FIG. 3, with the biasing element in a first intermediate position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of FIG. 3 with the biasing element in a second intermediate position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of FIG. 3 with the biasing element in the spaced apart position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The cleaning devices 100, 200 shown in Figures 1 to 6 are intended to direct a jet 10 of cleaning fluid towards a surface to be cleaned (cleaning surface) 12 of a motor vehicle, for example an optical surface of a sensor 14 of an optical detection system. Typically, these cleaning devices 100, 200 are mounted on the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the associated sensor 14 to be cleaned.

[0038] In the present context, optical detection system is the name given to any system that includes one or more optical sensors, such as cameras, laser sensors (commonly called LIDAR) or other sensors based on emission and / or detection in the spectrum visible or invisible to humans, especially infrared. Such optical detection systems are being fitted to an increasing number of automobiles to assist the vehicle's driver in certain driving situations (parking assistance is a well-known example of such a situation). For such assistance to be as effective as possible, the data provided by the optical detection system must be of as good quality as possible. It is therefore essential to have clean, uncontaminated optical systems to carry out these data acquisitions.

[0039] For this purpose, the cleaning device 100, 200 according to the present disclosure may be instructed to spray cleaning fluid onto the surface 12 to be cleaned (e.g., the surface of the lens 13 of the camera 14 that takes the photograph), for example, immediately prior to performing detection (e.g., taking a photograph).

[0040] 1 and 2 show a first embodiment 100 of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

[0041] The cleaning device 100 comprises a hollow body 102 and a deflection element 104 mounted in the hollow body 102 .

[0042] The hollow body 102 has an upstream side 106 and a downstream side 108. The "upstream" and "downstream" positions are defined with respect to the direction F in which the fluid flows through the hollow body 102. The upstream side 106 of the hollow body 102 is provided with an intake port 110 for the cleaning fluid 16. The downstream side 108 is provided with an outlet nozzle 112 for the discharge of the cleaning fluid 16 in the form of a jet 10. A conduit 114 for distributing the cleaning fluid 16 from the intake port 110 to the outlet nozzle 112 passes through the hollow body 102. The outlet nozzle 112 is formed in the hollow body 102. A stopper 116 is arranged facing the outlet nozzle 112. Preferably, the stopper 116 and the hollow body 102 are in one piece. Alternatively, the stopper 116 and the hollow body 102 may take the form of two individual parts fixed to each other.

[0043] The deflecting element 104 is disposed downstream of the discharge nozzle 112 and configured to intercept the jet of fluid 10 discharged by the discharge nozzle 112, thereby changing the orientation of the jet of liquid relative to the surface to be cleaned 12. The deflecting element 104 is adapted to move between a close position Pr shown in Figure 1 and a distant position Pe shown in Figure 2 in response to the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid 10. In the close position Pr (see Figure 1), the deflecting element 104 is adjacent to the discharge nozzle 112. In the distant position Pe (see Figure 2), the deflecting element 104 is distant from the discharge nozzle 112.

[0044] 1 and 2, the deflection element 104 is configured in the form of a strip having a first end 118 and fixed via the first end 118 to the hollow body 102 and a free second end 120 opposite the first end 118.

[0045] The strip 104 may be constructed from carbon, stainless steel, elastomer, or plastic, among others. According to a first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the strip 104 is a flexible element that deforms elastically under the pressure exerted by the jet 10 of fluid. In other words, said strip 104 is adapted to move by elastic deformation between a close position Pr illustrated in figure 1 and a distant position Pe illustrated in figure 2 as a function of the pressure exerted by the jet 10 of fluid. The elastic deformation of the strip 104 consists, for example, in bending of a part of said strip as a function of the pressure exerted by the jet 10 of fluid. Thus, when the strip 104 is in the distant position Pe, at least a part of the strip is curved.

[0046] 1 and 2 show not only the washing device 100 but also the optical sensor 14 to be cleaned by the washing device 100. Typically, both the washing device 100 and the optical sensor 14 are mounted close to each other in a vehicle. Thus, the washing device 100 and the optical sensor 14 form an optical detection system S.

[0047] The optical sensor 14 is, for example, a camera having a lens 13. In this example, it is the convex surface 12 of the lens 13 that the cleaning device 100 cleans.

[0048] The operation of the cleaning apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.

[0049] When the cleaning device 100 is at rest, the strip 104 is in a close position Pr (see FIG. 1 ) and closes the discharge nozzle 112. When the cleaning device 100 is activated by pumping the cleaning fluid 16 through the discharge nozzle 112, the fluid pressure in the delivery conduit 114 increases. The strip 104 is subjected to this pressure. Thus, as the pressure increases, the strip 104 elastically deforms and its free end 120 moves away from the discharge nozzle 112.

[0050] Thus, the exit opening of the discharge nozzle 112 is opened and a jet 10 of cleaning fluid discharges from the nozzle 112 , impacts the free end 120 of the strip 104 and is deflected towards the optical surface 12 .

[0051] The strip 104 continues to deform until the free end 120 abuts against the stopper 116, which thus limits the deformation of the strip 104 in the distant position Pe (see FIG. 2). As the strip 104 moves from the close position Pr to the distant position Pe, the deflection angle a (see FIG. 2) of the jet of fluid 10 changes from a minimum to a maximum value. This changes the impact point I of the jet of fluid 10 on the optical surface 12. In other words, during cleaning, the jet of fluid 10 washes over a zone Z of the optical surface 12 to be cleaned. The cleaning of the optical surface 12 is also improved.

[0052] It will thus be appreciated that the movable deflection element 104 allows the orientation of the jet 10 of fluid relative to the surface 12 to be cleaned to be varied and allows the entire zone Z of the surface 12 to be sprayed.

[0053] Different cleaning programs can be implemented by providing different control modes of the pump which conveys the cleaning fluid 16 to the hollow body 102. For example, it is possible to provide a cleaning program with an intermittent pumping action of the pump, so that the cleaning zone Z is repeatedly flushed with the jet 10 of fluid by the strip 104 oscillating back and forth between the two end positions Pr and Pe.

[0054] Furthermore, the flexibility of the strip 104 can be adapted to the particular application desired: by providing a particular flexibility, the behavior of the strip 104 can thus be adjusted depending on the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid 10. In this way, the flushing performed by the strip 104 can be varied.

[0055] It should be noted that unlike known telescopic cleaning devices, in accordance with the present disclosure, when the cleaning device is in operation, the discharge nozzle 112 remains stationary relative to the surface 12 being cleaned, just as when the cleaning device 100 is at rest.

[0056] A second embodiment 200 of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 3-6. We will focus only on the differences found in the second embodiment 200 compared to the first embodiment 100. For similar elements, please refer to the above description and Figures 1 and 2.

[0057] 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 separate position Pe shown in FIG. 6 by pivoting about a pivot connection 222. The rigid strip 204 is fixed to the hollow body 202 by the pivot connection 222 arranged at a first end 218 of the rigid strip 204. A return means 224 (a spring in this example) is provided between the strip 204 and the hollow body 202 for returning the strip 204 to the close position Pe. A first end of the return means 224 abuts against the hollow body 202 and a second end of the return means 224 abuts against the rigid strip 204. It should be noted that in this second embodiment, the deflection element comprises the rigid strip 204, the pivot connection 222 and the return means 224.

[0058] The second embodiment 200 operates as follows.

[0059] At rest, as shown in FIG. 3, the rigid strip 204 is in a close position Pr and closes the discharge nozzle 212. When cleaning of the optical surface 12 is required, the cleaning fluid 16 is pumped to the discharge nozzle 212. The resulting increased pressure acts on the strip 204, which starts to move away from the discharge nozzle 212. The strip 204 thus pivots from its close position Pr (see FIG. 3) to a distant position Pe (see FIG. 6) until it finally presses against the stopper 216. On this path, the strip 204 passes through intermediate positions. Two of these intermediate positions, P1 and P2, are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The strip 204 thus pivots from position Pr to position P1 and then to position P2, until it reaches the end of its path at position Pe. This results in a reduced deflection of the jet 10 of fluid, and therefore the entire zone Z of the optical surface 12 is washed out. The change in the deflection angle of the jet of fluid 10 is indicated by the reference character a in Figures 4 to 6. When cleaning is finished, the pumping of the cleaning fluid 16 stops and the strip 204 returns under the action of the return spring 224 to its close position Pr.

[0060] The stiffness of the return spring 224 can be adapted to the particular application desired. Thus, by selecting a given spring stiffness, the behavior of the strip 204 can be adjusted in response to the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid 10. In this way, the flushing performed by the strip 204 can be varied.

[0061] The cleaning apparatus 100, 200 according to the present disclosure is particularly advantageous in that it has few components and few moving parts, and is inexpensive, compact, and easy to install.

Claims

1. A cleaning device (100) intended to project a jet (10) of cleaning fluid (16) towards a surface (12) to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, said cleaning device (100) comprising: a. a hollow body (102) having an upstream side (106) provided with an intake port (110) for said cleaning fluid (16) and a downstream side (108) provided with a discharge nozzle (112) for discharging said cleaning fluid in the form of a jet (10) towards said surface (12) to be cleaned, said hollow body (102) having a conduit (114) passing therethrough for distributing said cleaning fluid from said intake port (110) to said discharge nozzle (112); a cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) disposed downstream of the discharge nozzle (112), the cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) configured to intercept the jet of fluid (10) discharged by the discharge nozzle (112) and thereby change the orientation of the jet of fluid (10) relative to the surface to be cleaned (12); Including, The deflection element (104) responds to the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid (10) by: a close position (Pr) where said deflection element (104) is adjacent to said discharge nozzle (112); a separation position (Pe) in which said deflection element (104) is separated from said discharge nozzle (112); adapted to move between The deflection element (104) closes the discharge nozzle (112) in the close position (Pr). A cleaning device (100).

2. A cleaning device (100) intended to project a jet (10) of cleaning fluid (16) towards a surface (12) to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, said cleaning device (100) comprising: a. a hollow body (102) having an upstream side (106) provided with an intake port (110) for said cleaning fluid (16) and a downstream side (108) provided with a discharge nozzle (112) for discharging said cleaning fluid in the form of a jet (10) towards said surface (12) to be cleaned, said hollow body (102) having a conduit (114) passing therethrough for distributing said cleaning fluid from said intake port (110) to said discharge nozzle (112); a cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) disposed downstream of the discharge nozzle (112), the cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) configured to intercept the jet of fluid (10) discharged by the discharge nozzle (112) and thereby change the orientation of the jet of fluid (10) relative to the surface to be cleaned (12); Including, The deflection element (104) responds to the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid (10) by: a close position (Pr) where said deflection element (104) is adjacent to said discharge nozzle (112); a separation position (Pe) in which said deflection element (104) is separated from said discharge nozzle (112); adapted to move between The cleaning device (100) further comprises a stop (116) for limiting the movement of the biasing element (104); The biasing element abuts against the stopper (116) in the spaced position (Pe). A cleaning device (100).

3. A cleaning device (100) intended to project a jet (10) of cleaning fluid (16) towards a surface (12) to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, said cleaning device (100) comprising: a. a hollow body (102) having an upstream side (106) provided with an intake port (110) for said cleaning fluid (16) and a downstream side (108) provided with a discharge nozzle (112) for discharging said cleaning fluid in the form of a jet (10) towards said surface (12) to be cleaned, said hollow body (102) having a conduit (114) passing therethrough for distributing said cleaning fluid from said intake port (110) to said discharge nozzle (112); a cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) disposed downstream of the discharge nozzle (112), the cleaning fluid jet deflection element (104) configured to intercept the jet of fluid (10) discharged by the discharge nozzle (112) and thereby change the orientation of the jet of fluid (10) relative to the surface to be cleaned (12); Including, The deflection element (104) responds to the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid (10) by: a close position (Pr) where said deflection element (104) is adjacent to said discharge nozzle (112); a separation position (Pe) in which said deflection element (104) is separated from said discharge nozzle (112); adapted to move between the surface of the deflection element (104) intercepting the jet of fluid (10) is flat at least when located in a close position (Pr); A cleaning device (100).

4. The deflection element (104) comprises an elongated portion. A cleaning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. The deflection element (104) is spaced from the outlet opening of the discharge nozzle (112). A cleaning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. the path of movement of the biasing element (104) between the approximated position and the spaced position is curved; A cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The discharge nozzle (112) is stationary relative to the surface to be cleaned (12). A cleaning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. The stopper (116) and the hollow body (102) are one piece. The cleaning apparatus (100) of claim 2.

9. The biasing element (104) has a first end (118) and a free second end (120) opposite the first end (118); The deflection element (104) is fixed to the hollow body (102) via the first end (118). A cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. the deflection element (104) being a flexible element that elastically deforms under the pressure exerted by the jet of fluid (10); A cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. a return means (224) for returning the biasing element (204) to its approximated position (Pr); A cleaning apparatus (200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The deflection element (104) is constructed from carbon, stainless steel, elastomer, or plastic. A cleaning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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

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