EP4208374A1

EP4208374A1 - Device for forming a foam from a cleaning fluid for a cleaning system

Info

Publication number: EP4208374A1
Application number: EP21766624.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frederic Bretagnol; Adrien PERET; Vincent Izabel
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes dEssuyage SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Systemes dEssuyage SAS
Priority date: 2020-09-02
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2023-07-12
Also published as: FR3113614A1; US20230338907A1; CN116323340A; WO2022048944A1; FR3113614B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for forming a foam from a cleaning fluid for a wiping system (3) for wiping at least one glazed surface (1) of a vehicle, the device (10) for forming a foam comprising at least one cleaning liquid inlet (11), a chamber intended to receive the cleaning fluid and delimited by a housing (15), an agitator configured to turn in the chamber about an axis of rotation, a device for driving the agitator, and at least one foam outlet (13).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of the invention: Device for forming a foam from a cleaning fluid for a cleaning system

The present invention relates to the field of vehicle cleaning systems. More particularly, the invention relates to devices for forming foam intended to clean in particular a glazed surface of a vehicle.

Visibility through the glazed surfaces of a vehicle, in particular the front windshield or the rear window, is an essential element for a user to be able to drive the vehicle in complete safety. Depending on the environmental conditions, these glazed surfaces get dirty more or less quickly, resulting in a deterioration of visibility through these glazed surfaces. It is therefore important to be able to clean them even when the vehicle is in use.

To this end, the vehicles have wiper systems. The cleaning systems may include one or more fitting devices comprising glass surface wipers. In order to facilitate the cleaning of these glass surfaces by the wiper blades, windscreen washer fluid can be sprayed on the glass surface using nozzles. This is particularly useful in the absence of rainwater on these glazed surfaces. The sprinklers are generally arranged on the lower part of the glazed surfaces.

The nozzles can also be positioned directly on the wiper blades to improve the distribution of the washer fluid on the glass surface to be cleaned. The windscreen washer fluid is thus better distributed over the areas of the glass surface to be cleaned and the quantity used is reduced.

In order to reduce the quantity of windscreen washer fluid used, it is also possible to add air to the windscreen washer fluid to form a foam which will then be sprayed onto the glass surface. This addition is made by a cleaning system pump from the washer fluid reservoir. However, the addition of air to the windshield washer fluid by the pump reduces its longevity. On the other hand, the circulation of the foam in the wiper system up to the nozzle increases the phenomenon of cavitation within the windscreen washer fluid which can then cause malfunctions of the pump.

The object of the present invention is to respond at least in part to the above problems and also to lead to other advantages by proposing a device for forming a foam from a cleaning fluid for a vehicle cleaning system.

The present invention proposes a device for forming a foam from a cleaning fluid for a system for wiping at least one glazed surface of a vehicle, the device for forming a foam comprising at least one inlet of cleaning liquid, a chamber intended to receive the cleaning fluid and delimited by a casing, an agitator configured to rotate in the chamber around an axis of rotation, an agitator driving device and at least one foam outlet .

Thus when the cleaning fluid circulates in the device for forming a foam and while the agitator is driven by the drive device, the agitator given its speed of rotation within the cleaning fluid subjected to a cavitation effect within the cleaning fluid. This cavitation releases the air dissolved in the cleaning fluid. This release then makes it possible to form air bubbles within the cleaning fluid which will amalgamate to form a foam. Since the foam occupies a larger volume than the cleaning fluid, less cleaning fluid is used while maintaining an optimal quality of cleaning of the glass surface.

According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises at least one electric motor and a shaft connecting the electric motor to the stirrer.

According to one embodiment, the device for driving the agitator comprises at least one device for circulating the cleaning fluid and a shaft connecting a rotating part of the device for circulating the cleaning fluid to the agitator. According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises at least one turbine configured to be driven by the cleaning fluid circulating in the cleaning system and a shaft connecting the turbine to the agitator.

According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises a cavity in which the turbine is arranged, a wall delimiting the cavity, the cavity and the chamber being in hydraulic communication, the cleaning fluid inlet being arranged on the wall delimiting the cavity, and the fluid outlet being arranged on the housing.

According to one embodiment, the chamber is delimited at least in part by a cylindrical casing in which the agitator is arranged, the cleaning fluid inlet and the foam outlet being arranged circumferentially to the cylindrical casing.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning fluid inlet extends along a main direction of extension substantially perpendicular, preferably strictly perpendicular, to the axis of rotation of the agitator and the foam outlet extends along a general direction of extension substantially perpendicular, preferably strictly perpendicular, to the axis of rotation of the stirrer, the main direction of extension and the general direction of extension are substantially parallel.

It should be understood here, as well as in all that follows, by "substantially", that the manufacturing tolerances, as well as any assembly tolerances, must be taken into account.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning fluid inlet extends along a main direction of extension substantially perpendicular, preferably strictly perpendicular, to the axis of rotation of the agitator and the foam outlet extends along a general direction of extension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the stirrer.

According to one embodiment, the foam outlet is placed vertically above the cleaning fluid inlet. In other words, the distance between the foam outlet and the cleaning fluid inlet is not zero, the distance being a length separating the projection of the foam outlet on a vertical axis and the projection of the cleaning liquid inlet on the same vertical axis.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning fluid inlet is arranged vertically above the foam outlet. In other words, the distance between the foam outlet and the cleaning fluid inlet is non-zero, the distance being a length separating the projection of the foam outlet on a vertical axis and the projection of the liquid inlet cleaner on the same vertical axis.

According to one embodiment, the chamber does not have an air inlet.

According to one embodiment, the stirrer comprises at its periphery a toroidal coil.

According to one embodiment, the drive device is configured to generate a speed of rotation of the agitator of between 9000 and 1000 revolutions/min, preferably substantially equal to 1000 revolutions/min.

According to one embodiment, the invention further provides a system for wiping at least one glazed surface of a vehicle comprising at least one device for forming a foam according to the invention, a reservoir, a cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir, a network of pipes for channeling the cleaning fluid and/or the foam to at least one projection device and a device for circulating the fluid within the network of pipes.

Advantageously, the device for forming a foam can be arranged close to the projection device. It is to be understood here, as well as in all that follows, by "near" that the distance between the projection device and the device of foam is less than or equal to 50mm, preferably 20mm.

Thus it is possible to project low stability foams. In other words, foams can be projected even if the bubbles constituting the foam burst quickly after their formation. This also makes it possible to avoid excessive pressure drops in the pipe network. As the foam-forming device has a closed structure apart from said at least one cleaning liquid inlet and said at least one foam outlet, said foam-forming device is not exposed to possible problems of fruitiness or discharge and can therefore also be arranged in a location remote from the projection device so as to advantageously obtain more design flexibility.

According to one embodiment, the foam is formed by the agitator from the cleaning fluid and air bubbles from the air dissolved in the cleaning fluid.

According to one embodiment, the cleaning fluid comprises at least one surfactant.

According to one embodiment, a proportion of the surfactant in the cleaning fluid is less than or equal to 0.3% by weight relative to the total weight of the cleaning fluid.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a vehicle comprising at least one glazed surface and a wiper system according to the invention, the wiper system being configured to clean the glazed surface.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent through the description which follows on the one hand, and several embodiments given by way of indication and not limiting with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings on the other hand, on which :

[fig 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a wiping system comprising a device for forming a foam according to a first embodiment.

[fig 2] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the foam-forming device of Figure 1.

[fig 3] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view along the plane XZ of a device for forming a foam according to a second embodiment.

[fig 4] Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view along the XZ plane of a device for forming a foam according to a third embodiment. It should first be noted that if the figures expose the invention in detail for its implementation, they can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary. It should also be noted that, in all of the figures, similar elements and/or fulfilling the same function are indicated by the same numbering.

In the following description, a longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientation will be adopted, without limitation, according to the orientation traditionally used in automobiles. A direction of a longitudinal axis X, a direction of a transverse axis Y and a direction of a vertical axis Z are represented by a trihedron (X, Y, Z) in the figures. We define a horizontal plane as being a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis Z and as comprising the direction of the longitudinal axis X and the direction of the transverse axis Y, a longitudinal plane as being a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and as comprising the direction of the longitudinal axis X and the direction of the vertical axis Z, and a transverse plane as being a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and as comprising the direction of the transverse axis Y and the direction of the vertical axis Z.

It should also be noted that the arrows F indicated in the drawing indicate an overall direction of flow of the cleaning fluid and/or of the foam in the wiping system and more particularly in the device for forming a foam according to the invention. .

FIG. i schematically illustrates a glazed surface i of a vehicle such as for example a windshield of a vehicle, on which is arranged a system 3 for wiping the glazed surface 1. The wiping system 3 comprises a device for wiper comprising an arm 5 and a wiper blade 7 attached to the arm 5. The wiper blade 7 is in contact with the glazed surface 1. The wiping device further comprises a motor (not shown) configured to put in movement of the wiper blade 7 via the arm 5 according to a command from a user of the vehicle or a command from a computing system (not shown) of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 1, the wiping system 3 further comprises a projection device 9 arranged on the lower part of the glazed surface 1. The projection device 9 makes it possible to project a foam 8 onto the glazed surface 1. The projection of the foam 8 makes it possible to facilitate the cleaning of the glazed surface 1 by the wiper blade 7. The projection device 9 can comprise a plurality nozzles in order to have a more homogeneous distribution of the foam on the glazed surface 1. The projection device 9 can for example be a nozzle.

In another embodiment not shown, the projection device 9 is arranged on a yoke of the wiping device. In another embodiment not shown, the projection device 9 is arranged on a projection ramp integrated in a structural element of the wiper blade 7-

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the wiping system 3 further comprises a device for forming a foam 10 configured to supply the foam 8 to the projection device 9 via a pipe 41 The pipe 41 connects a foam outlet 13 of the foam forming device 140 to the projection device 9. The foam forming device 10 makes it possible to produce a foam from a cleaning fluid and the air dissolved in it. the cleaning fluid.

The foam-forming device 10 is arranged close to the spraying device 9. Thus, a distance between the spraying device 9 and the foam-forming device 10 is small in comparison with the dimensions of the vehicle. The distance is substantially equal to 50 mm for example. It may be less than 50mm. It is preferably less than or equal to 20mm. The distance is measured as the length of pipe 41.

The wiping system 3 further comprises a device 31 for circulating the cleaning fluid stored in a reservoir 33 of the wiping system 3 towards a cleaning fluid inlet 11 of the device for forming a foam 10. The device for circulation 31 is for example a pump. The circulating device 31 is in hydraulic communication with the cleaning fluid inlet 11 through a pipe 43. The circulation device 31 is in hydraulic communication with the tank due to a pipe 45.

The pipe 41, the pipe 43 and the pipe 45 form a network of pipes of the cleaning system 3. The network of pipes makes it possible on the one hand to channel the cleaning fluid from the tank 33 to the device for forming a foam 10 , and on the other hand to channel the foam from the foam-forming device 10 to the projection device 9.

The cleaning liquid contained in reservoir 33 is a solution comprising 0.3% by mass of solution of a surfactant, that is to say an amphiphilic molecule capable of modifying the surface tension between two surfaces.

The cleaning liquid is an organic solution whose density is less than or equal to 97okg/m3 for a temperature between 0°C and 23°C. The organic solvent used for the organic solution is preferably ethanol. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid can be an aqueous solution whose density is greater than or equal to 970 kg/m3 for a temperature between 0°C and 23°C.

The device for forming a foam 10 according to a first embodiment will now be described in detail.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the device for forming a foam 10 comprises a housing 15 whose walls delimit a chamber 17. The cleaning fluid inlet 11 and the foam outlet 13 are arranged on a lower portion 15a of housing 15. Housing 15 has no air inlet that can bring air into chamber 17.

The chamber 17 is intended to receive the cleaning fluid sent by the circulation device 31 via the cleaning fluid inlet 11. The chamber 17 houses an agitator 19 of the device for forming a foam 10. The agitator 19 is configured to rotate in the chamber around an axis of rotation Ri. The axis of rotation Ri is parallel to the vertical axis V.

The lower portion 15a of the housing has the shape of a right cylinder with a circular base developing along the axis of rotation Ri of the stirrer 19, the lower portion is equipped with a bottom wall. The lower portion 15a houses the stirrer 19. The lower portion 15a is therefore hollow.

The cleaning fluid inlet 11 is arranged circumferentially to the lower portion 15a. In other words, the cleaning fluid inlet 11 develops from a radial end of the lower portion 15a along a main direction of extension, opposite to the chamber 17. The main direction of extension defines an axis El perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri.

The foam outlet 13 is arranged circumferentially to the lower portion 15a. In other words, the foam outlet 13 develops from a radial end of the lower portion 15a in a general direction of extension, opposite to the chamber. The general direction of extension defines an axis Si perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri.

In this first embodiment of the device for forming a foam 10, the axis El is parallel to and coincides with the axis Si. In other words, the cleaning fluid inlet 11 and the foam outlet 13 are located at the same level along the vertical axis V.

In addition, the agitator 19 is arranged between the cleaning fluid inlet 11 and the foam outlet 13. In other words, the cleaning fluid inlet 11, the agitator 19, and the foam outlet 13 are aligned along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri.

In an embodiment not shown, the axis El and the axis Si are distinct and secant; moreover, the axis El and the axis Si are contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the device for forming a foam 10 further comprises a drive device 20 comprising a cassette 21 in which is housed an electric motor configured to be supplied with electric current by a vehicle battery (not shown), and a shaft 23 projecting from a lower end of the cassette 21 and connecting the electric motor to the agitator 19. In the rest of the description, the reference 21 is used both for the cassette and for the electric motor contained in the cassette.

The cassette 21 has the shape of a cylinder with a circular base and develops along the axis of rotation Ri, that is to say along the vertical axis Z. The cassette 21 has an upper end 21a which comes flush an upper end 15b of the casing 15.

The electric motor 21 is configured to generate a speed of rotation of the stirrer 19 of between 9000 and 10000 revolutions/min. Preferably, the speed of rotation of the stirrer is substantially 1000 turns/min.

The shaft 23 is protected against twisting in an area where the cassette 21 is crossed by the shaft 23 by a reinforcing element 25.

The shaft 23 is also protected against too great a movement by a guide element 27 of the drive device 20. The guide element 27 is inserted around the shaft 23, and between the lower part of the cassette 21 and an upper part of the agitator 19. Preferably, the guide element 27 extends over an entire length of the shaft 23, the length being measured between the lower part of the cassette 21 and an upper part of the stirrer 19 along the axis of rotation Ri.

At the lower end of the shaft 23, the agitator 19 has the shape of a disc seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri and has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners seen in a plane containing the axis of rotation. Rotation Ri. The diameter of the disk is less than the dimensions of the chamber 17 seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri. The agitator 19 has no oriented elements that would allow it to rest on the cleaning fluid.

The device for forming a foam 10 further comprises an O-ring 29 in order to ensure the seal between the housing 15 and the drive device 20. Thus, all the foam 8 and all the cleaning fluid cannot pass through the foam outlet 13 when the foam forming device 10 is in operation. In order to project foam 8 onto the glazed surface i of the vehicle, the circulating device 31 pumps cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir 33 and sends it into the pipe network 41, 43, 45 with a given pressure. Cleaning fluid enters chamber 17 through cleaning fluid inlet 11. In chamber 17, agitator 19 is completely submerged in cleaning fluid. The speed of rotation given to stirrer 19 by drive device 20 is substantially equal to 1000 revolutions/min. At this speed, the outer surface of the agitator 19 placed in the trail of the movement of the cleaning fluid is subjected to a cavitation effect. Cavitation promotes the appearance of air bubbles from the air dissolved in the cleaning fluid. It should be noted that there is no addition of air from the ambient air since the chamber 17 has no air inlet and the stirrer 19 remains immersed in the fluid. cleaner while rotating in the cleaning fluid.

The appearance of air bubbles in the cleaning fluid then causes the formation of the foam 8. The foam 8 is driven by the cleaning fluid towards the foam outlet due to the pressure imposed by the circulation device 31. The foam 8 and the cleaning fluid are then conveyed to the projection device 9 under the pressure imposed by the circulation device 31 in the pipe system. The projection device 9 then disperses the foam 8 and the cleaning fluid on the glazed surface 1 and the wiping device is actuated to clean the glazed surface 1 using the foam 8.

By way of non-limiting and non-illustrated example, the agitator drive device may comprise at least one device for circulating the cleaning fluid, here for example a water pump for circulating the cleaning liquid.

The water pump comprises a rotating part, here for example a turbine and a shaft connecting the turbine to the agitator. In other words, when the turbine of the device for circulating the cleaning fluid rotates, the stirrer connected to the turbine is advantageously put into operation systematically. FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the device for forming a foam according to the invention. The second embodiment of the foam forming device 100 is identical to the first embodiment of the foam forming device 10 described above and shown in Figure 2, with the exception of the agitator 19 and the positioning of the fluid inlet 11 and the fluid outlet 13 of the first embodiment. For identical elements, see the description of Figure 2. In addition, the second embodiment of the device for forming a foam 100 operates identically to the first embodiment of the foam forming device 10 described previously.

This second embodiment of the foam forming device has the advantage of increasing the amount of foam produced and improving the efficiency of the agitator.

Referring to Figure 3, the cleaning fluid inlet 11 is arranged circumferentially to the lower portion 15a. In other words, the cleaning fluid inlet 11 develops from a radial end of the lower portion 15a along a main direction of extension, opposite to the chamber 17. The main direction of extension defines an axis El perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri.

In this second embodiment, the axis El is parallel and distinct from the axis Si seen in a plane containing the radial axis Ri. In other words, the cleaning fluid inlet 11 and the foam outlet 13 are located at different heights measured from the wall of the lower portion 15a and along the vertical axis V, and seen in a plane containing the axis of rotation Ri. In other words, the foam outlet 13 is arranged vertically above the cleaning fluid inlet 11. In an embodiment not shown, the axis E2 and the axis S2 are secant and distinct seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation Ri, the foam outlet 13 being arranged vertically above the inlet of cleaning fluid 11.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the device for forming a foam 100 comprises an agitator 119 fixed to a lower end of the drive shaft 23. The agitator 119 is arranged opposite the inlet of cleaning fluid 11. The agitator 119 is generally aligned with the cleaning fluid inlet 11 along the axis El.

The agitator 119 is composed of a ring-shaped support element 119a and a toroidal coil 119b. The toroidal coil 119b is fixed to the support element 119a. Bearing element 119a is designed as a continuation of shaft 23 in that the lower end of the shaft has been bent into a ring. The agitator 119 therefore has no oriented elements which would allow it to rest on the cleaning fluid. In other words, the agitator is not a propeller.

This second embodiment of the stirrer has the advantage over the first embodiment of being more effective in forming the foam 8. The toroidal shape increases the outer surface of the stirrer and increases the cavitation effect on the agitator in the cleaning fluid when the agitator is rotating.

FIG. 4 represents a third embodiment of the device for forming a foam according to the invention for the wiping system 3. Thus the third embodiment of the device for forming a foam can replace the first mode of realization of the device for forming a foam in the wiping system 3. This third embodiment has the advantage of using the principle of energy recovery to set the drive device in motion.

Referring to Figure 4, the device for forming a foam 200 comprises a housing 215 whose walls delimit a chamber 217 intended to receive the cleaning fluid, the agitator 119 configured to rotate in the chamber 217 around an axis of rotation R2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and a device 220 for driving the stirrer 119. In an embodiment not shown, the stirrer 119 can be replaced by the stirrer 19, that is to say the stirrer used in the embodiment shown on Figure 2.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the housing 215 comprises a central portion 215b accommodating the stirrer 119. The central portion 215b has the shape of a right cylinder with a circular base developing along the longitudinal axis X. The central portion 215b comprises therefore a first end and a second end opposite the first end with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The central portion 215b is extended by a first portion 215a at the level of the first end and is extended by a second portion 215c at the level of the second end. The central portion 215b is therefore sandwiched by the first portion 215a and the second portion 215c.

The first portion 215a has a frustoconical shape developing from the central portion 215b towards the side opposite the central portion 215b along the longitudinal axis X. The first portion 215a comprises a large base whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the central portion 215b, and a small base whose diameter is less than the diameter of the large base, the large base and the small base being opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The diameters are seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis longitudinal X.

The second portion 215c has a frustoconical shape developing from the central portion 215b towards the side opposite the central portion 215b along the longitudinal axis X. The second portion 215c comprises a large base whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the central portion 215b, and a small base whose diameter is less than the diameter of the large base, the large base and the small base being opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The diameters are seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis longitudinal X.

The device for forming a foam 200 further comprises a foam outlet 213. The foam outlet 213 extends the second portion 215c at the level of the small base of the second portion 215c. The foam outlet 13 develops from the small base of the second portion 215c in a general direction of extension, opposite to the central portion 215b. The general direction of extension defines an axis S2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The central portion 215a, the first portion 215b, and the second portion 215c are hollow and form the walls of the casing delimiting the chamber 217.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the drive device 220 of the stirrer 119 comprises a turbine 221 housed in a cavity 225 delimited by the walls of a box 222, and a shaft 223 connecting the turbine to the stirrer 219. The shaft 223 develops parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The walls of the box 222 include a first transverse wall 222a and a second transverse wall 222b, and a side wall 222c connecting the first transverse wall 222a to the second transverse wall 222b. The first transverse wall 222a develops in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

The second transverse wall 222b develops in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The second transverse wall 222b comprises an orifice making it possible to place the cavity 225 and the chamber 217 in hydraulic communication. The orifice of the second transverse wall 222b is connected to the small base of the first portion 215a of the casing 215 via a connecting element 226.

The turbine 221 housed in the cavity 225 is configured to be driven by the cleaning fluid circulating in the pipe network of the cleaning system 3. Thus the turbine recovers the energy from the cleaning fluid circulating in the pipe system. The turbine 221 is configured to generate a speed of rotation of the agitator 119 of between 9000 and 10000 revolutions/min. Preferably, the speed of rotation of the stirrer 119 is substantially 1000 turns/min.

The turbine is a propeller comprising a hub linked to the shaft 223 and a plurality of blades. Each blade extends radially outward from the hub and are placed equidistant around the hub. The blades are oriented such that the cleaning fluid entering the foam forming device 200 pushes on the blades in order to set the impeller 221 in motion.

The agitator 119 is connected to the hub of the turbine 221 by the shaft 223. To connect the hub of the turbine 221 to the agitator 119, the shaft passes through the second transverse wall 222b of the box 222, the element of connection 226 and the first portion 215a of the housing 215.

The foam forming device 200 comprises a cleaning fluid inlet 211 The cleaning fluid inlet 211 is disposed vertically above the foam outlet 213. The cleaning fluid inlet 211 is arranged on the side wall 222c of the box 222. More specifically, the cleaning fluid inlet 11 develops along a main direction of extension which defines an axis E2 substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation R2, from the side wall 222c of the box 222 towards an exterior of the box 222. The axis E2 is substantially perpendicular to the axis S2. In an embodiment not shown, the axis E2 is strictly perpendicular to the axis S2.

We will now describe the operation of the cleaning system 3 using the third embodiment of the device for forming a foam

220.

In order to project foam 8 onto the glazed surface 1 of the vehicle, the circulating device 31 pumps cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir 33 and sends it into the pipe network with a given pressure. The cleaning fluid enters the cavity 225 pushes on the blades and drives the turbine

221. The turbine 222 can then give a speed of rotation to the agitator 119 substantially equal to iooootours/min via the shaft 223.

The cavity 225 and the chamber 217 being in hydraulic communication, the cleaning fluid then enters the chamber 217 via the connecting element 226. In the chamber 217, the agitator 119 therefore has a speed of rotation substantially equal at iooooturns/min. At this speed, the outer surface of the agitator 119 placed in the trail of the movement of the cleaning fluid is subjected to a cavitation effect. Cavitation promotes the appearance of air bubbles from the air dissolved in the cleaning fluid. It should be noted that there is no addition of air from the ambient air since the chamber 217 has no air inlet and the stirrer 119 remains immersed in the fluid. cleaner while rotating in the cleaning fluid. The appearance of air bubbles in the cleaning fluid then causes the formation of the foam 8. The foam 8 is driven by the cleaning fluid towards the foam outlet due to the pressure imposed by the circulation device 31. The foam 8 and the cleaning fluid are then conveyed to the projection device 9 under the pressure imposed by the circulation device 31 in the pipe system. The projection device 9 then disperses the foam 8 and the cleaning fluid on the glazed surface 1 and the wiping device is actuated to clean the glazed surface 1 using the foam 8.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many arrangements, in particular in the orientations of the various elements relative to each other, can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. 'invention.

Claims

1- Device for forming a foam (io, 100, 200) from a cleaning fluid for a wiping system (3) of at least one glazed surface (1) of a vehicle, the device for formation of a foam (10, 100, 200) comprising at least one cleaning liquid inlet (11, 211), a chamber (17, 217) intended to receive the cleaning fluid and delimited by a housing (15, 215), an agitator (19, 119) configured to rotate in the chamber (17, 217) around an axis of rotation (Ri, R2), a device for driving (20, 220) the agitator (19, 119) and at least one foam outlet (13, 213).

2- Device for forming a foam (10, 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive device (20) comprises at least one electric motor (21) and a shaft (23) connecting the electric motor (21 ) to the agitator (19, 119).

3- Device for forming a foam according to claim 1, wherein the agitator drive device comprises at least one device for circulating the cleaning fluid and a shaft connecting a rotating part of the circulating device cleaning fluid to the agitator.

4- Device for forming a foam (200) according to claim 1, wherein the drive device (220) comprises at least one turbine (221) configured to be driven by the cleaning fluid circulating in the wiping system (3) and a shaft (223) connecting the turbine (221) to the agitator (119).

5- Device for forming a foam (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive device (200) comprises a cavity (225) in which is arranged the turbine (221), a wall (222a, 222b, 222c) delimiting the cavity (225), the cavity (225) and the chamber (217) being in hydraulic communication, the cleaning fluid inlet (211) being arranged on the wall (222a, 222b, 222c) delimiting the cavity, and the fluid outlet (213) being arranged on the housing (217).

6- Device for forming a foam (10,100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the chamber (17) is delimited at least partly by a cylindrical casing (15a) in which the agitator (19, 119) is arranged, the cleaning fluid inlet (11) and the foam outlet (13) being arranged circumferentially to the cylindrical casing (15a).

7- Device for forming a foam (10,100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cleaning fluid inlet (11) extends along a main direction of extension (El) substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the agitator (19, 119) and the foam outlet (13) extends along a general direction of extension (Si) substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Ri) of the stirrer (19, 119), the main direction of extension (El) and the general direction of extension (Si) are substantially parallel.

8- Device for forming a foam (200) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning fluid inlet (211) extends along a main direction of extension (E2) substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (R2) of the agitator (119) and the foam outlet (13) extends along a general direction of extension (S2) substantially parallel to the axis of rotation ( R2) of the agitator (119).

9- Device for forming a foam (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam outlet (13) is arranged vertically above the cleaning fluid inlet (11).

10- System for wiping (3) at least one glazed surface (1) of the vehicle comprising at least one device for forming a foam (10, 100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, a reservoir (33), a cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir (33), a network of pipes (41, 43, 45) for channeling the cleaning fluid and/or the foam (8) to at least one projection device (9 ) and a fluid circulation device (31) within the pipe network (41, 43, 45).