FR2779977A1 - FLUID JET FOR CLEANING A VEHICLE WINDOW - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid nozzle projecting a jet of liquid allowing, on its own, a good distribution of the windshield washer liquid on the vehicle window and which is little influenced by the aerodynamic effects, in particular at high speed, and by the temperature-related variations in the viscosity of the washer fluid. It is characterized in that it comprises a fluid distribution wheel (26) mounted to pivot about a fixed axis of rotation (27) in a fixed body (16) and cooperating with a calibrated orifice (20). This wheel comprises several projection channels (30), the upstream end of which has an inlet (31) arranged to communicate cyclically with the calibrated orifice (20). The projection channels (30) are curved divergent from said fixed axis of rotation (27) from their entrance (31) and are angled so that the distribution wheel (26) is automatically rotated by the fluid propelled at high speed.

Description

FLUID JET FOR CLEANING A VEHICLE WINDOW

  The present invention relates to a fluid nozzle, in particular a windshield washer fluid for cleaning a window of a vehicle, comprising a fixed body linked to bodywork elements of the vehicle and provided at its base with a nozzle. connection ensuring connection of this fluid nozzle to a pressurized fluid inlet pipe, the connection nozzle comprising at least one fluid passage whose downstream end comprises a

calibrated orifice.

  Fluid nozzles are already known as defined above. Conventionally, the fluid nozzle comprises a nozzle housed in the fixed body and comprising one or two fluid projection channels each projecting a jet of linear and stationary windshield washer fluid. Each jet of liquid wets the vehicle window at a fixed point or in a very small area. To optimize

  wetting the glass, two fluid nozzles are commonly mounted.

  Fluid sprinklers are also known comprising a nozzle housed in the fixed body, the design of which makes it possible to project a jet of flat liquid and

spread out in the shape of a fan.

  There are also astable fluid nozzles adapted to generate a jet of flat oscillating fluid, alternately sweeping an angular sector between

two extreme positions.

  The prior art fluid nozzles have various drawbacks. Fluid sprinklers, projecting a stationary linear jet, locally create a heavily wetted area. It is necessary to use at least two nozzles to cover the entire window, moreover the spreading of the liquid on the window by the movement of the wiper blades is not satisfactory. It is necessary to adjust, when stationary, the point of impact of the jet of liquid on the window to obtain correct cleaning, essentially in the visibility zone of the driver of the vehicle. When the vehicle is moving, the aerodynamic effects on this type of liquid jet are very significant and the disturbances generated require a greater supply of windshield washer fluid to compensate for the loss of efficiency. The flat and spread liquid jet nozzles allow a better distribution of the liquid on the glass essentially when stopped. The aerodynamic effects on this type of liquid jet are particularly important because the liquid is divided and distributed in fine droplets on the angular sector

  covered by the jet, at high speed cleaning is poor or even ineffective.

  Astable fluid nozzles projecting a flat oscillating liquid jet have the same disadvantages as flat and spread liquid jet nozzles. In addition, the operation of these astable fluid nozzles is strongly affected at low temperatures, due to the change in the

viscosity of windshield washer fluid.

  The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a fluid nozzle projecting a jet of liquid allowing, by itself, a good distribution of the windshield washer fluid on the vehicle window and which is little influenced by the effects. aerodynamics, especially at high speed, and

  by the variations in the viscosity of the windshield washer fluid linked to the temperature.

  This object is achieved by a fluid nozzle as described in the preamble, characterized in that it comprises a fluid distribution wheel housed in said fixed body, pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation fixed relative to this fixed body. and cooperating with said calibrated orifice, said distribution wheel being arranged to project at least one substantially linear fluid jet, said fluid jet sweeping approximately cyclically and in the same direction a determined angular sector between a

  defined initial extreme position and final extreme position.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the calibrated orifice is eccentric relative to said fixed axis of rotation and said fluid distribution wheel comprises several fluid projection channels, the upstream end of each projection channel having an inlet arranged to communicate cyclically with the calibrated orifice and the downstream end of each projection channel being distant from said fixed axis of rotation and disposed at the periphery

of said distribution wheel.

  Said projection channels are preferably curved divergently from said fixed axis of rotation from their upstream end. In an entirely advantageous manner, at least the downstream end zone of each projection channel is inclined by an angle T defined by its median plane and the plane passing through the axis and the center of the corresponding entry , so that said distribution wheel is rotated around said

  axis of rotation fixed by the fluid propelled at high speed.

  Preferably, each projection channel has an upstream inlet zone having an evolving shape substantially in a frustoconical shape and comprising said inlet. The wall separating two consecutive entrance zones, at the level of said entrances, advantageously has a

sharp edge.

  Each projection channel can comprise, after its evolving upstream entry zone, a curved upstream section substantially in the form of an arc of a circle and extending along a plane containing the fixed axis of rotation and a substantially straight downstream section and s '' extending in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation

  fixed and making an angle 'P with the plane containing the upstream section.

  According to one embodiment, the downstream end zone of each projection channel forms an angle 0 with a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation, said angle 0 being either identical for all the projection channels or

  different for at least two projection channels.

  The entrances to the projection channels are preferably identical and are arranged regularly on a first circle centered on the fixed axis of rotation, each inlet having its inner edge merged with a second circle

centered on the fixed axis of rotation.

  The dimension of the calibrated orifice may be smaller than that of the inputs. The inner edge of this calibrated orifice is preferably merged with said

second circle.

  Said projection channels may have a substantially tubular shape.

  According to a particular embodiment, said projection channels have a profile open downwards in a substantially U-shape forming a gutter. According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid distribution wheel

has six projection channels.

  The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the

  following description of different embodiments of the invention, in

  reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a view of a fluid nozzle according to the invention mounted on bodywork elements of a vehicle opposite the windshield, - Figure 2 is a view axial section of the fluid nozzle according to the invention, - Figure 3 is a top view in section of the nozzle of Figure 2, - Figure 4 is a bottom view of the distribution wheel in the plane A of Figure 2, - Figure 4a is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the distribution wheel in the plane A of Figure 2, Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e illustrate the operation of the fluid nozzle 1o according to the invention, - Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the fluid nozzle according to the invention, - Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show the fluid nozzle of Figures 6 and 7 in three different angular positions, and - Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7 of another embodiment

  of the fluid nozzle according to the invention.

  Referring to Figure 1, the fluid nozzle 10 of the invention is mounted on body elements 11 of a road vehicle (not shown). These bodywork elements 11 may be, for example, the body, the hood of the vehicle. The fluid nozzle 10 is disposed substantially in the middle and near the edge of the hood 11, opposite the windshield 12 of this vehicle which further comprises one or two conventional wipers (not shown). The fluid nozzle 10 of the invention projects a jet of fluid, such as windshield washer fluid for cleaning the windshield 12, arranged to wet an impact zone 13, forming a transverse band, delimited by two half -right 14, 15 originating from the fluid nozzle 10 and extending symmetrically from one side

  and on the other side of the longitudinal axis of the windscreen 12.

  The fluid nozzle 10 of the invention is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2 to 4. It comprises a fixed body 16 provided at its base with a connection end piece 17 of generally elongated cylindrical shape. The latter is eccentric with respect to the fixed body 16. The connection endpiece 17 comprises a fitting end section 18 provided with an anchoring device having a substantially frustoconical shape and allowing the attachment of this fluid nozzle. 10 on a fluid inlet pipe (not shown)

  connected by means of a pump to a washer fluid reservoir.

  The connecting piece 17 has a fluid passage 19 passing through it axially and into which the pressurized fluid is introduced in the direction

  indicated by arrow L (figure 2).

  The fluid passage 19 communicates at its downstream end (direction of travel

  washer fluid) with a 20-gauge hole.

  The fixed body 16 comprises a lower wall 21 and an upper wall 22, substantially circular, flat and approximately parallel to each other, connected by a side wall 23 in the form of approximately an open tubular cylinder defining a chamber 24 in communication with the outside by a liquid jet passage 25 on the left side (Figure 2). The liquid jet passage 25 is arranged opposite the windshield 12 of the

vehicle (Figure 1).

  The fluid nozzle 10 comprises a fluid distribution wheel 26, housed inside the chamber 24. The lower wall 21 and the upper wall 22, of the chamber 24, each have a cylindrical positioning stud, respectively 21 ' and 22 ', projecting perpendicularly inside the chamber 24. The distribution wheel 26 has two recesses 26', 26 "of shapes complementary to the positioning studs 21 'and 22', respectively. The distribution wheel 26 is pivotally mounted around a fixed axis of rotation 27 passing through the two positioning pins 21 ′, 22 ′. It has a lower face 28 and an upper face 29 approximately parallel to each other, the face

  lower 28 being adjacent to the lower wall 21 of the fixed body 16.

  The distribution wheel 26, shown in more detail in FIG. 3, comprises six identical fluid projection channels 30 and regularly arranged around the fixed axis of rotation 27 inside the distribution wheel 26. The distribution channels projection 30 have an approximately tubular general shape. Each projection channel 30 comprises, at its upstream end on the lower face 28 of the distribution wheel 26, a 1o inlet 31 in the form of a portion of circular ring followed by an upstream inlet area 38 of truncated shape cone up to the substantially circular entry 31 'of the projection channel. The six inlets 31 of the six projection channels 30 are regularly arranged on a first circle 32 (FIG. 4) centered on the fixed axis of rotation 27, each inlet 31 having its inner edge merged with a second circle 33 also centered on the fixed axis of rotation 27. The dimension of the calibrated orifice 20 is less than that of the inlets 31. The inner edge of the calibrated orifice 20 is also coincident with said second circle 33 (this characteristic is very clearly visible in FIG. 2 ). The inputs 31 are arranged to communicate

  cyclically with this orifice calibrated 20.

  For this, the upstream entry zones 38 of evolutive form end at

  level of the inputs 31 by an axial wall 36, illustrated by FIG. 3, it

  even terminated by a radial sharp edge 37. This sharp edge 37 splits the jet of windshield washer fluid with a minimum of disturbance when an axial wall 36 passes above the calibrated orifice 20. In addition, the sharp edges 37 make it possible to establish, in all the angular positions of the distribution wheel 26, a communication between the calibrated orifice 20 and at least

an entry 31.

  The projection channels 30 are each curved so that they are divergent from the fixed axis of rotation 27 from their upstream end comprising the inlet 31. They each comprise, after said scalable upstream inlet area 38, a upstream section 34 curved substantially in the shape of an arc of a circle. The

  upstream section 34 extends along a plane containing the fixed axis of rotation 27.

  Each projection channel 30 further comprises a substantially straight downstream section 35. The end of the downstream section 35 communicates with the outside at the periphery of the distribution wheel 26, substantially in its upper part. Referring to Figure 3, the downstream section 35 is inclined by an angle T defined by its median plane and the plane containing the upstream section 34 that is to say passing through the fixed axis of rotation 27 and the center of the corresponding entry 31 1o. The projection channels 30 are thus bent so that the distribution wheel 26 is rotated about the fixed axis of rotation 27 in the direction of arrow R by the windscreen washer fluid propelled to

great speed.

  It is possible to improve the rotational drive of the distribution wheel 26 by playing on the inclination of the axial walls 36 of the upstream entry zones 38 of progressive shape, and in particular by producing these entry zones asymmetrically. as in the example illustrated in FIG. 4a. In this case and for each inlet 31, the axial wall 36 on the left has an inclination such that the liquid coming from the calibrated orifice 20 exerts a thrust which tends to rotate said distribution wheel 26 in the direction of the arrow R then that the axial wall 36 on the right is substantially in the

  extension of the sharp edge 37 so as not to influence said liquid.

  With reference to FIG. 2, each downstream section 35, in particular the upper surface thereof, forms an angle 0 with a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation 27. This angle can be positive, negative or equal to 0 . All

  projection channels 30 can have the same angle 0.

  We will describe the operation of the fluid nozzle in reference, more

  in particular, in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e.

  When the driver of the vehicle actuates the pump control, the windshield washer fluid arrives under pressure in the fluid passage 19 of the connection piece 17, the distribution wheel then being stopped. The liquid crosses the calibrated orifice 20 and penetrates through at least one inlet

  31 in at least one projection channel 30.

  We assume, for example, that the timing wheel 26 is initially in the position illustrated in Figure 5a. The windshield washer fluid enters 0o an inlet 31 arranged between two sharp edges 37 consecutive, then is guided by the upstream upstream inlet area 38 towards the upstream section 34

  extending along a plane containing the fixed axis of rotation 27. The washing liquid

  ice then enters the downstream section 35 forming an angle 'with the plane containing the upstream section 34. The distribution wheel 26 is rotated by the reaction linked to the deflection' Y of the liquid, in the direction indicated by the arrow R of Figure 5a. The liquid jet projected by the corresponding projection channel 30 is of substantially linear shape and extends in a plane making an angle 0 (FIG. 2) relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of

fixed rotation 27.

  With reference to FIG. 5a, the angle 3 is defined by two half-lines having

  for origin the fixed axis of rotation 27 and being tangent to the calibrated orifice 20.

  The angle a is the angle formed by two half-lines originating from the axis of

  fixed rotation 27 and passing through two consecutive sharp edges 37.

  In the position of FIG. 5a, a jet is projected 1. A sharp edge 37 being tangent to the edge of the orifice 20, a jet 2 will appear in the next projection channel 30. When the distribution wheel 26 rotates to the position illustrated in FIG. 5b, two jets are projected simultaneously,

  i.e. jet 1 and jet 2, i.e. at an angle equal to 13.

  In the position of FIG. 5b, the jet 1 stops. It is then projected only the jet 2 to the position of FIG. 5c, that is to say at an angle equal to

  a - 3. At this instant, a roll 3 appears.

  The two jets, that is to say the jet 2 and the jet 3, are projected together up to the position of the distribution wheel 26 illustrated in FIG. 5d, ie on a

  angle equal to P3. In this position, jet 2 stops.

  The total angle swept by each jet is therefore equal to a - + 3. Figure 5e summarizes

  io the operation of the fluid nozzle 10 of the invention.

  A liquid jet located in the angular sector A coexists with a liquid jet located in the angular sector C because a sharp edge 37 is located above the calibrated orifice 20. The flow of windshield washer fluid in each of the two projection channels 30 supplied is a function of the position of the sharp edge 37 separating them. Consequently, the flow rate of the nascent liquid jet in the angular sector A increases to a maximum flow rate when it is projected alone in the angular sector B then decreases progressively when it scans the angular sector C, another jet appearing in the angular sector A. The fluid nozzle 10 of the invention makes it possible to project at least one substantially linear fluid jet, this jet of liquid sweeping cyclically and in the same direction a determined angular sector between an initial extreme position and an extreme position final defined, forming the impact zone 13 on the

windshield 12 of FIG. 1.

  The scanning angle (a + P3) is a function of the number of projection channels and the diameter of the calibrated orifice 20. In the embodiment described above, the scanning angle is greater than 60 degrees, the wheel of

  distribution 26 comprising six projection channels 30. The wetting of the screen

  breeze is therefore excellent. In addition, the variation in the liquid jet flow rate, as defined above, increases the efficiency of this nozzle by limiting the losses of windshield washer fluid on the sides of the windshield 12. The height position of the zone d impact 13 on the windshield is defined by the angle 0 formed by each downstream section 35 of the projection channels 30 with a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation 27, illustrated by FIG. 2. In addition, the speed of the scanning can be chosen because it is determined by the value of the angle T. 1o Figures 6 and 7 show a variant of the embodiment described above. The difference between these two embodiments lies in particular in the shape of the projection channels 30 formed in the wheel.

  distribution 26 of the fluid nozzle 10 described above.

  The fluid nozzle 40 comprises a dispensing wheel 41 having a cylindrical positioning stud 41 'arranged in its upper part and a recess 41 "formed in its lower part, arranged to cooperate, respectively, with a recess 42' and a stud positioning 42 "arranged in the chamber 43 of the fixed body 42. The distribution wheel 41 has six projection channels 44 having a profile open downwards in a substantially U-shape forming a gutter, the high speed of propulsion of the washer fluid guiding the liquid at the bottom of the gutter. Each projection channel 44 comprises, as before, a progressive upstream entry zone 47, an upstream section 45 curved substantially in the shape of an arc of a circle and extending along a plane containing the fixed axis of rotation 27 and a section downstream 46 substantially straight and inclined at an angle 'I

  defined by its median plane and the plane containing the upstream section 45.

  FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate three different angles 0 formed by the upper surface of the downstream sections 46 of the projection channels 44 with a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation 27. This angle is determined during the molding of the wheel. distribution 41. All the projection channels 44 can have the same angle but can also have different angles. For example, two opposite downstream sections 35 form an angle 01. Two other pairs of opposite downstream sections 35 form an angle 02 and 03, respectively. The angle 01 is positive, the angle 02 is zero and the angle 03 is negative. Referring to Figure 1, the operation of this fluid nozzle 40 is identical to that described above, however, it allows to project at least one substantially linear fluid jet, this liquid jet sweeping cyclically and in the same direction a sector angular determined between a defined initial extreme position and a final extreme position, and this cyclically at three different inclinations, forming three impact zones 13, 13 'and 13 "on the windshield 12 (FIG. 1). This fluid nozzle 40 increases

  significantly the mooring area and optimizes the cleaning of the windshield.

  FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the nozzle 50 according to

  the invention. This figure 9 is similar to figure 7 described above.

  In this variant embodiment, a connection end piece 51 intended to receive a fluid inlet duct (not shown) is disposed in the fixed axis of rotation 27 and serves as a support for a distribution wheel 52. A calibrated orifice 53 , formed by a perforated ball, is positioned radially relative to this end piece 51, its axis making for example an angle between and 10 relative to a plane perpendicular to said fixed axis of rotation 27. The projection channels 54 are, in this case, substantially rectilinear and also inclined relative to said plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation 27 by an angle between 5 and 10 for example. We find, in each projection channel 54, a scalable upstream entry area 55 defining an entry 56 which communicates cyclically with said calibrated orifice 53 and separated from the adjacent upstream entry areas by a sharp edge

  57 cutting the fluid jet in half.

  It can be seen from the preceding description that the fluid nozzle of the invention

  achieves a better distribution of windshield washer fluid on the windshield of a vehicle and limits unnecessary splashes of liquid. In addition, the liquid jet is linear and has a substantial flow, therefore it is little affected by

  aerodynamic effects and by varying the viscosity of the washing liquid

  temperature-related ice. The fluid nozzle of the invention is effective in

all circumstances.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to all obvious modifications and variants

for the skilled person.

  For example, the number, shape and arrangement of the projection channels may be different. The nozzle of the invention may have several calibrated orifices. The fluid nozzle of the invention is also suitable for a rear window of a vehicle. In addition, the number of fluid nozzles is

  adapted to the surface of the glass to be cleaned.

Claims (13)

  1. Fluid nozzle, in particular of a windshield washer fluid for cleaning a window of a vehicle, comprising a fixed body linked to bodywork elements of the vehicle and provided at its base with a connection nozzle ensuring a connection of this fluid nozzle to a pressurized fluid inlet pipe, the connection nozzle comprising at least one fluid passage, the downstream end of which has a calibrated orifice, characterized in that it comprises a wheel distribution (26; 41, 52) of fluid housed in said fixed body (16; 42), pivotally mounted about a fixed axis of rotation (27) relative to this fixed body (16; 42) and cooperating with said orifice calibrated (20, 53), said distribution wheel (26; 41, 52) being arranged to project at least one substantially linear fluid jet, said fluid jet sweeping approximately cyclically and in the same direction a determined angular sector between a position extreme initial and a position extreme final defined. 2. Fluid nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that the calibrated orifice (20, 53) is eccentric relative to said fixed axis of rotation (27) and in that said distribution wheel (26; 41, 52) of fluid has several projection channels (30; 44, 54) of fluid, the upstream end of each projection channel (30; 44, 54) having an inlet (31, 56) arranged to communicate cyclically with the calibrated orifice (20, 53) and the downstream end of each projection channel (30, 44, 54) being distant from said axis of rotation   fixed (27) and disposed on the periphery of said distribution wheel (26, 41, 52).   3. Fluid nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that said projection channels (30; 44) are curved in a diverging manner relative to said fixed axis of rotation (27) from their upstream end 4. Fluid nozzle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least the downstream end zone of each projection channel (30; 44, 54) is inclined by an angle 'Y defined by its median plane and the plane passing through the axis (27) and the center of the corresponding inlet (31), so that said distribution wheel (26; 41, 52) is rotated about said axis of rotation   fixed (27) by the fluid propelled at high speed.   5. Fluid nozzle according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each projection channel (30; 44, 54) has an upstream inlet zone (38, 47, 55) having an evolutive shape substantially in a truncated cone and comprising said entry (31, 56) and in that the wall separating two consecutive entry areas, at the level of said entries, has a sharp edge (37, 57).   6. Fluid nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that each projection channel (30, 44) comprises, after its evolving upstream inlet zone, an upstream section (34; 45) curved substantially in the form of an arc of circle and extending along a plane containing the fixed axis of rotation (27) and a downstream section (35; 46) substantially rectilinear and extending in a plane parallel to the fixed axis of rotation (27) and forming a angle 'Y with the plane   containing the upstream section (34; 45).   7. Fluid nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that the downstream end zone of each projection channel (30) forms an angle 0 with a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation (27), said angle 0 being identical   for each projection channel (30).   8. Fluid nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that the downstream end zone of each projection channel (44) forms an angle 0 with a plane perpendicular to the fixed axis of rotation (27), said angle 0 being different   for at least two projection channels.   9. Fluid nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that said inlets (31) are identical and are arranged regularly on a first circle (32) centered on the fixed axis of rotation (27), each inlet (31) having its inner edge merged with a second circle (33) centered on the axis of fixed rotation (27).   10. Fluid nozzle according to claim 9, characterized in that the dimension of the calibrated orifice (20) is less than that of the inlets (31), and in that the inner edge of the calibrated orifice (20) is confused with said second circle (33).   11. Fluid nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that said   projection channels (30) have a substantially tubular shape.   12. Nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that said projection channels (44) have a profile open downwards in a substantially U-shape forming a gutter.   13. Fluid nozzle according to any one of claims 2 to 12,   characterized in that the fluid distribution wheel (26; 41, 52) has   six projection channels (30; 44, 54).