Spray nozzle, wiper device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention proposes a nozzle (18) for spraying cleaning fluid for a device for wiping a surface, comprising a cleaning fluid inlet (22), orifices (26) for spraying fluid towards the surface, cannulas (24) for supplying the orifices (26) from the fluid inlet (22), at least one fluid stabilizing member (28) projecting towards the inside of at least one cannula (24), the at least one stabilizing member (28) having a cross section narrowing towards the inside of the cannula (24). The invention also relates to a device for wiping a surface and to a vehicle. The invention makes it possible to improve the spraying of the cleaning fluid onto the surface region to be cleaned.

Description

Description PROJECTION NOZZLE, WIPING DEVICE AND VEHICLE Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning fluid projection nozzle for a wiping device, a surface wiping device and a vehicle. State of the art

[0002] There are wiping devices available for cleaning and wiping vehicle windows to facilitate driving. A cleaning fluid is used to enhance the cleaning process. However, the fluid application may be inaccurate, meaning that some areas of the surface that need cleaning may not be properly reached.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to improve the projection of the cleaning fluid onto the area of ​​the surface to be cleaned. Description of the invention

[0004] For this purpose the invention proposes a cleaning fluid projection nozzle for a surface wiping device, comprising a cleaning fluid inlet, fluid projection orifices towards the surface, cannulas for supplying the orifices from the fluid inlet, at least one fluid stabilizing element projecting towards the inside of at least one cannula, at least one stabilizing element having a section narrowing towards the inside of the cannula.

[0005] According to one variant, at least one stabilizing element has a trapezoidal or triangular cross-section and / or a straight or involute profile.

[0006] According to one variant, the nozzle includes three stabilizing organs projecting inwards, at least one cannula.

[0007] According to one variant, the nozzle comprises a plurality of stabilizing organs and in which the stabilizing organs are angularly distributed around the circumference of the cannula.

[0008] According to one variant, the orifices are capable of projecting the fluid towards an area to be cleaned on the vehicle surface.

[0009] According to one variant, at least one stabilizing organ protrudes inwards from two cannulas.

[0010] According to one variant, the nozzle includes five projection orifices, each fed by a cannula.

[0011] According to one variant, one or more cannulas are suitable for being plugged.

[0012] According to one variant, the orifices are supported by a respective ball, the orientation of the balls at one end of the cannulas is adjustable.

[0013] According to one variant, the nozzle also includes a mounting interface to wiping device.

[0014] The invention also relates to a surface wiping device comprising a wiping brush, extending in a longitudinal direction between two ends, an arm driving the moving wiping brush, the cleaning fluid projection nozzle as described previously, some of the projection orifices being adapted to project the cleaning fluid towards the ends of the wiping brush.

[0015] According to one variant, orifices are in pairs one above the other with respect to the surface to be cleaned, the upper orifice is supplied by a cannula provided with at least one stabilizing member projecting inwards towards the inside of the cannula, said upper orifice being able to project the fluid towards one end of the brush.

[0016] According to one variant, the device comprises four orifices, preferably five orifices, two of which are supplied from the fluid inlet by a respective cannula provided with at least one stabilizing element projecting inwards towards the inside of the cannula.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle with a glazed surface and a device for wiping the glazed surface as described above.

[0018] All the preferred embodiments and advantages of the projection nozzle according to the invention are applicable mutatis mutandis to the present wiping device and vehicle. The various embodiments may be used in combination or considered individually. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying figures which show:

[0020] [Fig 1], figure 1 is a top view of a surface wiping device;

[0021] [Fig 2], figure 2 shows a nozzle in detail;

[0022] [Fig 3], figure 3 shows the nozzle in detail;

[0023] [Fig 4], figure 4 shows the nozzle in detail;

[0024] [Fig 5], Figure 5 shows stabilizing components in detail.

[0025] The drawings in the figures are not to scale. Similar features are generally denoted by similar reference numerals in the figures. Within the scope of this document, identical or analogous features may bear the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the presence of reference numerals or letters in the drawings shall not be considered limiting, even when such numerals or letters are specified in the claims. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0026] The invention relates to a cleaning fluid spray nozzle for a surface wiping device. The nozzle includes a fluid inlet The device includes cleaning and fluid projection orifices leading to the surface. It also includes cannulas for supplying fluid to these orifices from the inlet. At least one fluid stabilizing element projects inward from at least one cannula. This stabilizing element has a cross-section that narrows towards the inside of the cannula. This stabilizes the fluid flowing through the cannula as it directs towards the projection orifice. The stabilized fluid is projected with less diffusion and therefore with greater precision. This improves the projection of the cleaning fluid onto the area of ​​the surface to be cleaned.

[0027] Figure 1 is a top view of a surface-wiping device 10. The device 10 allows for the wiping of a surface on a motor vehicle. The vehicle can be a light vehicle (car) or a heavy vehicle (truck, bus). The surface can be a window of the vehicle. This can be the front window (windshield) or the rear window (rear window) of the vehicle.

[0028] The device 10 includes a windshield wiper 14. For this purpose, the wiper 14 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned and wipes a specific area of ​​the surface – in relation to the visibility required for the driver. The wiper 14 extends in a longitudinal direction. The wiper 14 has an elongated shape. The length of the broom 14 may, among other things, depend on the surface area to be cleaned by the broom 14. The device 10 may also include an arm 12 supporting the broom 14 at one end 121. The arm 12 drives the broom 14 by its end 121. The broom 14 may be attached to the arm 12 by means of an adapter 16. The adapter 16 may provide a joint connection between the arm 12 and the broom 14. The arm 12 is driven at its other (non-visible) end by drive means, including a drive motor. The movement of the arm 12 may be rotational.Other possible movements include translational movement or a movement combining translation and rotation. The movement of the broom 14 consists of back-and-forth movements across the surface to be cleaned. This back-and-forth movement may occur from the broom's rest position and back to its rest position. Preferably, the movement occurs from the broom's rest position (shown in Figure 1) to an extreme position of the broom 14 relative to the surface, and then back to the rest position.

[0029] The device includes, in particular, a cleaning fluid spray nozzle 18. The cleaning fluid (a liquid) improves surface cleaning and wiping by the wiping device 10. The nozzle 18 precisely projects the fluid onto the surface to ensure high-quality cleaning by the brush 14. The nozzle 18 optimizes the use of the cleaning fluid and minimizes waste.

[0030] The nozzle 18 can be carried within the device 10 by the arm 12. The nozzle 18 can be fixed to one end 121 of the arm. At this end 121, the nozzle 18 can be fixed on a protrusion 20 of the arm 12 (according to figure 1). Other positions of the nozzle 18 can be considered, for example at the adapter 16.

[0031] Nozzle 18 can be supplied with pressurized cleaning fluid. A feed pump (not visible) can supply nozzle 18. The pressure can be set at the pump. The pump can be controlled with different pressure levels. The pump can supply nozzle 18 via a supply line, not visible in Figure 1. The supply line can extend along arm 12, for example, under arm 12, so as to be protected.

[0032] The nozzle 18 allows the cleaning fluid to be projected to various target positions along the brush 14. For example, the nozzle 18 projects a jet 181 near the nozzle itself, for example, towards the center of the brush 14. Since the nozzle 18 is supported by the protrusion 20 of the arm 12, the nozzle 18 can be offset from the brush 14. Thus, the jet 181 can be directed towards the center of the brush. The nozzle 18 can project jets 182, 183 towards positions between the center and the end of the brush. Finally, the nozzle 18 can project jets 184, 185 at the ends of the brush, at the points furthest from the center of the brush 14 (or distal ends). The nozzle 18 can thus project a plurality of jets along the brush 14, so as to ensure high-quality cleaning of the surface. Five jets are shown as an example in Figure 1. There may be more or fewer jets, depending on construction and usage considerations.The jets are for example on one of the longitudinal faces of the broom 14. This can be the front face of the broom 14 in the sense that it is the face opposite the extreme position of the broom, relative to a rest position illustrated in figure 1. This is the upstream face of the broom in the forward movement of the broom 14.

[0033] Figures 2 to 4 show nozzle 18 in detail. Nozzle 18 includes a cleaning fluid inlet 22. The inlet 22 is supplied with cleaning fluid via a connection to the supply line. Nozzle 18 includes fluid projection orifices 26. These orifices 26 are designed to project the fluid towards an area to be cleaned on the vehicle surface. These orifices ensure the projection of fluid jets, specifically according to jets 181 to 185. The orifices allow the jets to be projected to different positions along the wiper blade 14. These orifices 26 of nozzle 18 are supplied by supply nozzles 24 from the fluid inlet 22. The nozzles 24 connect the inlet 22 to the orifices 26.

[0034] The nozzle 18 further comprises at least one fluid stabilizing element 28 (or fins). The nozzle may comprise a plurality of fluid stabilizing elements 28 (or fins). In the following description, reference will be made to a plurality of stabilizing elements 28, but the invention also covers the presence of a single stabilizing element. The elements 28 project inward from at least one cannula 24. Figure 5 shows the stabilizing elements 28 in Detail. The components 28 protrude into at least one cannula 24. The components 28 are projecting into the fluid flow circulating in at least one cannula 24. The components 28 may be inward projections of the cannula. For example, the components 28 may be projections of the inner wall 30 of the cannula 24, extending inward toward the cannula 24. The cannula 24 may have its wall 30 shaped to accommodate the components 28 so as to protrude into the cleaning fluid flow. The cleaning fluid flows into the cannula 24 and encounters the components 28. This helps stabilize the cleaning flow. Indeed, between the inlet 22 and the ports 26, the fluid flow is disrupted by the path it must follow. In Figure 4 for example, the fluid arrives at the inlet 22, is diverted into a first cannula 24 (approximately vertical) then is diverted into another cannula 24 towards an orifice 26.These angles cause pressure losses within the fluid, creating turbulence. For this reason, the stabilizing elements 28 correct the fluid velocity vector within the respective cannula 24 leading to the orifice 26. This stabilizes the fluid flow and reduces or even eliminates turbulence. As a result, the fluid reaches the orifice 26 in a stabilized state, producing a clean jet at the nozzle 18. This prevents the jet from being diffuse. Thus, the nozzle 18 projects the fluid in a clean jet to a more distant position along the brush 14, with precision.

[0035] In particular, the stabilizing organ(s) 28 have a cross-section that narrows towards the inside of the cannula 24. In cross-section, the organ(s) 28 are wider towards the wall 30 and narrower further inside the cannula 24. As the organ(s) 28 extend towards the center of the cannula 24, it becomes narrower, and conversely, as the organ(s) 28 extend towards the wall 30, it becomes wider. This allows it to conform to the diameter of the cannula 24. The organ(s) 28 are wider where the cannula 24 has a larger diameter. Conversely, the organ(s) 28 are narrower where the cannula 24 has a smaller diameter. In cross-section, circumferentially, the organ 28 has a width adapted to the available space in the cannula 24. This further improves the stabilization of the fluid flow. This, in turn, allows for an even sharper jet. The jet can be projected more precisely to a greater distance along the brush 14.In particular, the section can be transverse to the fluid flow. More broadly, the section can be along a plane inclined at an angle of 90° to the fluid flow or at a different angle of 90° to the fluid flow - for example, an angle between 80° and 100° to the fluid flow.

[0036] The organ(s) 28 can extend a certain length along the respective cannula 24. This gives the organs a straight profile (or, in other words, an elongated shape), or, in other words, a finned or rib-like shape. The length may depend on the available space and the turbulence to be corrected within of the cannula 24 and the target position along the brush. Furthermore, the stabilizing organ(s) 28 may have an involute profile, spiraling within the cannula.

[0037] The stabilizing organ(s) 28 may have a trapezoidal or triangular cross-section. The longer base of the trapezoidal cross-section faces (or is supported by) the wall 30, and the shorter base is located further inside the cannula 24. The trapezoidal shape may be a regular trapezoid on the other two sides or an irregular trapezoid. The same applies to the triangular shape, with one apex located further inside the cannula 24 and the opposite side facing the wall 30.

[0038] The nozzle 18 may include one or more stabilizing elements 28. In the case of multiple elements 28, the elements 28 shape the fluid passage cross-section into a multi-lobed cloverleaf (as shown in Figure 5), depending on the number of elements 28. The cloverleaf shape of the fluid passage cross-section in the nozzle reduces the diffusion of the corresponding jet and improves its sharpness. A cloverleaf shape of the cross-section improves the projection of the corresponding jet of cleaning fluid onto the area to be cleaned on the surface. The number of lobes corresponds to the number of elements 28. The number of stabilizing elements 28 is determined according to the fluid turbulence (for example, depending on the fluid trajectory in the nozzle 18) and the desired jet length. For example, the nozzle may include a single stabilizing element 28 inwards at least one cannula 24. The nozzle may include more than one stabilizing element.For example, the nozzle may include between one and twenty stabilizing elements. For example, according to the figures, the nozzle may include three stabilizing elements 28 inwards towards at least one cannula 24. The three elements 28 are visible in Figures 4 and 5. The elements 28 – in particular, three in at least one cannula. - conform the fluid passage section to a multi-lobed, clover-shaped pattern - for example, three lobes.

[0039] Regardless of their number, provided the nozzle comprises a plurality of organs 28, the organs 28 are angularly distributed around the circumference of the cannula. The organs are arranged within the cannula in a manner distributed around the circumference of the cannula 24 (or its wall 30). This allows for good flow stabilization. In a three-organ construction 28, the organs 28 are positioned at 120° angles to each other (for example, the centers of the organs 28 at the wall 30 are angularly spaced 120° apart). This is a compromise between reducing the flow passage diameter and achieving the desired fluid stabilization.

[0040] The stabilizing organ(s) 28 may be present in a cannula 24 or in any cannula 24 for which it is desirable to stabilize the fluid flow. This can be in all cannulas 24. According to Figures 2 and 3, the Stabilizing elements project inward from two cannulas 24. These cannulas supply the orifices 26 intended to produce the jets 184, 185. In other words, the elements 28 can be located in the cannulas 24 of the orifices 26 designed to project a jet toward positions distant from the brush 14 relative to the nozzle 18. These positions can be located at the distal ends of the brush 14, where the jet's precision allows for accurate targeting. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, some of the orifices are superimposed, in a direction transverse to the plane of the surface to be cleaned. The two uppermost orifices are each designed to project a jet toward the distal ends of the brush 14. It is therefore advantageous to position the elements 28 in the supply cannulas of these upper orifices 26.Conversely, it may not be necessary to include components 28 for cannulas intended to direct a jet towards a position of the brush closer to the nozzle, since a diffuse jet characteristic is not detrimental to reaching this position. This simplifies the nozzle manufacturing process.

[0041] The nozzle 18 may have a plurality of orifices 26 for projecting fluid to different positions along the brush 14. For example, the nozzle 18 may have five projection orifices 26, each supplied by a cannula 24. In Figures 2 and 3, the nozzle 18 has two pairs of orifices 26 (i.e., two groups of two orifices). The orifices 26 within each pair may be superimposed in a direction transverse to the surface to be cleaned. For example, a pair of orifices 26 on the left of Figure 2 allows targeting positions located on the right of Figure 1. The upper orifice 26 of the pair sends jet 184 and the lower orifice 26 of the pair sends jet 182. The pair of orifices 26 on the right of Figure 2 allows targeting positions located on the left of Figure 1. The upper orifice 26 of the pair sends jet 185 and the lower orifice 26 of the pair sends jet 183.Furthermore, Figure 3 shows an orifice 26 located at the bottom of the nozzle 18, with this orifice allowing it to be aimed towards the center of the brush. This orifice can project the jet 181. It can be seen that this orifice 26 is inclined. This is to aim for a position towards the center of the brush, while the nozzle is supported by the protrusion 20 of the arm 12, which is not at the center of the brush 14. This jet could similarly be vertical, directly above the nozzle 18.

[0042] It is also possible for one or more cannulas 24 to be capped. No jet is sent from the tip of these cannulas. This simplifies the production of the nozzle 18. Indeed, this allows the same nozzle 18 to be manufactured for use with different types of surface wiping devices. For example, the nozzle 18 may have five orifice feed cannulas 24, one or more of the cannulas 24 being capped to allow fewer than five jets. One of the cannulas 24 may be capped to allow four fluid jets. Any configuration of the total number of cannulas and capped cannulas is possible. This allows adaptation to the The wiping system can be configured with a single type of nozzle, without changing the supply pump or supply line. This reduces the number of spare parts required.

[0043] The orifices 26 can be formed at the open end of the cannulas 24 in various ways. As shown in Figure 3, the orifices 26 can be supported by a respective ball 32. The orifices 26 are formed within a ball 32. The balls 32 are assembled at the end of the cannulas 24. The orientation of the balls 32 at one end of the cannulas 24 is adjustable. This simplifies the manufacturing of the nozzle 18 to obtain jets with adjustable orientation. The adjustment is typically made at the factory, but it can also be performed during maintenance. The orientation of the balls allows adaptation to the configuration of the wiping device, the target position of the fluid jets, and the vehicle. The balls 32 can be recessed into the open end of the cannulas 24 (as seen on the two cannulas 24 on the right in Figure 3).Furthermore, a ball 32 without an orifice 26 can be assembled to plug the respective cannula 24. For example, in Figure 3, the ball 32 at the top right of the nozzle 18 lacks an orifice 26. This is a nozzle 18 with five cannulas 24, four of which are functional and one inoperative. Also, the cannula 24 at the bottom of Figure 3 can be fitted with a ball 32 or any other means for adjusting or fixing its orientation. Moreover, the nozzle can have dispersion cones 34 at the open end of the cannulas 24 to help direct the respective jet.

[0044] The nozzle 18 may further include an interface 36 for attaching to the wiping device. The interface 36 may consist of two guide rails enclosing the protrusion 20 of the arm 12. The nozzle 18 is fitted onto the protrusion 20 until the inlet 22 is ready to be connected to the supply conduit.

[0045] In general, the 18 nozzle is a nozzle easily adaptable for use on different types of wiping devices.

[0046] The invention also relates to a surface-wiping device 10 comprising a wiping brush 14 extending longitudinally between two ends (called distal ends). The device 10 includes an arm 12 that drives the moving wiping brush 14 and a cleaning fluid projection nozzle 18 as described previously. Some of the projection orifices 26 are adapted to project the cleaning fluid towards the two distal ends of the wiping brush. By means of the component(s) 28, turbulence within the nozzle's cannulas 24 is corrected, resulting in a cleaner jet. This allows for precise targeting of positions along the brush that are further from the nozzle. Surface wiping and cleaning are improved.

[0047] Some of the 26 orifices are in pairs one above the other with respect to the surface to be cleaned (in a direction transverse to the surface to be cleaned). The upper orifice 26 is supplied by a cannula 24 equipped with at least one stabilizing element 28 projecting inwards towards the cannula, said upper orifice 26 being capable of projecting the fluid towards one end of the brush 14. Such an orifice allows the jet 184 or 185 to be projected. This makes it possible to precisely reach distant positions and thus better manage the use of the fluid. The fluid projection is clean, so that all parts of the area to be cleaned on the surface are adequately reached by the fluid. It is possible to provide the nozzle 18 with four orifices, preferably five orifices, two of the orifices 26 being supplied from the fluid inlet 22 by a respective cannula 24 equipped with the stabilizing element(s) 28 projecting inwards towards the cannula. The presence of organs 28 in the cannulas 24 is preferred, as they are intended to project a jet towards a target position far from the nozzle.

[0048] The invention also relates to a vehicle with a glass surface to be cleaned and a device for wiping the glass surface. The invention allows for better wiping and cleaning of the glass, and therefore easier driving of the vehicle. Fluid usage is also better managed.

[0049] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the achievements and examples illustrated and / or described above, but that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims introduced below.

Claims

Demands

1. A cleaning fluid projection nozzle (18) for a surface wiping device, comprising • An inlet (22) of cleaning fluid, • Fluid projection orifices (26) towards the surface, • Cannulas (24) supplying the orifices (26) from the fluid inlet (22), • At least one fluid stabilizing element (28) projecting inwards from at least one cannula (24), the at least one stabilizing element (28) having a cross-section narrowing towards the inside of the cannula (24).

2. The nozzle (18) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one stabilizing member (28) has a trapezoidal or triangular cross-section and / or a straight or involute profile.

3. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising three stabilizing members (28) projecting inwards from at least one cannula (24).

4. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of stabilizing members (28) and wherein the stabilizing members (28) are angularly distributed around the circumference of the cannula.

5. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orifices (26) are adapted to project the fluid towards an area to be cleaned of the vehicle surface.

6. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one stabilizing member (28) is projecting inwards from two cannulas (24).

7. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising five projection orifices (26) each supplied by a cannula (24).

8. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more cannulas (24) are capable of being plugged.

9. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orifices (26) are supported by a respective ball (32), the orientation of the balls (32) at one end of the cannulas (24) is adjustable.

10. The nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interface (36) for attachment to the wiping device.

11. A device (10) for wiping a surface comprising • A wiping mop (14), extending in a longitudinal direction between two ends, • An arm (12) driving the moving wiping brush, • The cleaning fluid projection nozzle (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, some of the projection orifices (26) being adapted to project the cleaning fluid towards the ends of the wiping brush (14).

12. The device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which orifices (26) are in pairs one above the other with respect to the surface to be cleaned, the upper orifice (26) is supplied by a cannula (24) provided with at least one stabilizing member (28) projecting inwards towards the cannula (24), said upper orifice (26) being able to project the fluid towards one end of the brush.

13. The device (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, comprising four orifices (26), preferably five orifices (26), two orifices (26) being supplied from the fluid inlet (22) by a respective cannula (24) provided with at least one stabilizing member (28) projecting into the inside of the cannula (24).

14. A vehicle with a glazed surface and a device (10) for wiping the glazed surface according to one of the three preceding claims.

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