FR3139778A1 - Cleaning device with multiple orientations - Google Patents

Abstract

Cleaning device with multiple orientations The invention relates to a device for cleaning (2) an optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular for a vehicle. The device (2) comprises a nozzle (8) arranged to distribute a fluid. The nozzle (8) has a base (36) and a cover (38). The cover (38) has a fluid outlet configured to direct fluid toward the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6). The base (36) and the cover (38) each having a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Cleaning device with multiple orientations

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for cleaning the optical surface of the optical device, in particular for a vehicle.

The optical device such as an optical sensor is used to assist the driver of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in his driving. The optical sensor, generally speaking, placed outside the vehicle in strategic areas to improve the driver's visibility, for example to compensate for blind spots. A plurality of the optical devices can be placed outside the vehicle in the context of autonomous driving. These devices, when subjected to prolonged exposure to weather and dust, become covered with a layer of dirt on the optical surface. It is then necessary to regularly clean this optical surface so that the optical device can function correctly.

The cleaning fluid can be brought in different possible directions depending on the vehicle range. The placement of the cleaning device in relation to the sensor may also vary depending on the vehicle range. It would then be necessary to provide a specific cleaning device for each range of vehicles.

The invention aims in particular to make it possible to easily adapt the cleaning device to its environment on different ranges of vehicles but also to adapt its arrangement on the same vehicle.

• une buse agencée pour distribuer un fluide, et comportant une embase et un couvercle ;

• le couvercle comportant une sortie de fluide configurée pour orienter le fluide vers la surface optique du dispositif optique ;
• l’embase et le couvercle présentant chacun une ligne de contact configurée pour venir en contact totalement l’une à l’autre, les lignes de contact étant tangentes à un plan commun et présentant au moins une symétrie de rotation autour d’un axe de rotation perpendiculaire au plan commun.

The present invention thus relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising:

• a nozzle arranged to distribute a fluid, and comprising a base and a cover;

• the cover having a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device;
• the base and the cover each having a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

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

Thus, with the same base and the same cover, it is possible to form cleaning devices with different orientations between the fluid outlet and the base.

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

For example, it may be necessary to have a 90° angle between fluid inlet and fluid outlet for some sensors, and a 0° or 270° angle between inlet and outlet for others. sensors.

When several sensors are necessary on a vehicle, but with variable orientations, it is possible to produce these different sensors from the same covers and bases which are assembled in different orientations.

Among all the orientations permitted by the cover and the base, the orientation is chosen which makes it possible to direct the fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device.

In this way, the invention makes it possible to choose an orientation of the cleaning device so that this orientation is adapted to an arrangement and a geometry of optical devices of a vehicle, without changing the initial design of the cleaning device.

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

The invention may also have one of the following characteristics, alone or in combination with one or more other characteristics below.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the base and the cover each have a perimeter having the same shape.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the perimeters of the base and the cover have the same shapes as the contact lines.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the contact lines are adjacent to the perimeters of the base and the cover.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover is fixed on the base.

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

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover or the base comprises a groove configured to receive the welding strip.

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

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

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover and the base have a substantially square shape with rounded corners.

In this way, the cleaning device can be oriented in 4 possible orientations with an angle between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet which varies in steps of 90°. In other words, the device remains invariant by a rotation of a multiple of 90° around its center.

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

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover is mounted on the base so that the cover can be rotated relative to the base.

Thus, the cleaning device can be oriented at a plurality of angles between 0 and 360° between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The device remains invariant by rotation at any angle between 0 and 360°.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover and the base have a circular shape.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover and the base are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a determined step between two successive positions, for example, at a step of between 1 - 10°, more particularly at a pitch between 1 – 5°.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the optical device is a camera, in particular an infrared camera, preferably arranged to assist autonomous driving, advantageously arranged to detect the presence of drops of water on glass.

A plurality of these cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, can be located on the vehicle, in particular outside the vehicle.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for cleaning the optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, the device comprising a nozzle arranged to distribute a fluid, and the method comprising the following steps :

- provide a base;

- provide a cover comprising a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device;

- provide the base and the cover each with a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane, and having at least one rotational symmetry around 'an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane; And

- assemble the base and the cover according to a position among a plurality of relative positions authorized by the rotational symmetry.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the method comprises a step of ultrasonic welding of the base on the cover.

In the above, the nozzle is an adjustable nozzle. The invention may relate to the device with a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle. By the “primary nozzle” we mean the adjustable nozzle described above.

NOZZLE

The invention also relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising the fluid nozzle of the device according to the invention configured to be assembled with a support of the optical device, the nozzle comprising:

- at least one guide member arranged to cooperate with at least one guide member complementary to a support of the optical device, so as to allow the assembly of the nozzle with the support; And

- at least one retaining member configured to cooperate by snapping with at least one complementary retaining member of the support, so as to allow the nozzle to snap into place on the support.

Thanks to the snapping of the nozzle onto the support of the optical device, the invention makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the optical device on the fluid nozzle, because assembly does not require special tools or mechanical fixing elements. additional items such as screws.

In this way, assembly can be done precisely and quickly.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the guide member comprises at least one slide arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the guide member comprises two slides which face each other on the fluid nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the two slides are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry (P) passing through the middle of the base of the cover of the fluid nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least one slide comprises at least two parallel ramps and connected together by at least one crosspiece, so that the ramps and the crosspiece define a rail on which one of the walls of the support may slip.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the slide comprises at least two crosspieces connecting the ramps.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the guide member comprises, in addition to the slide, at least one end-of-travel partition closing the end of the rail forming the slide, the partition being arranged to cooperate with an element of support stop.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retaining member comprises a retaining protuberance.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the holding protuberance is located parallel to the plane of symmetry (P).

Alternatively, the crosspiece of the slide is arranged to cooperate with a latch tab for holding the complementary retaining member of the support.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the nozzle guide member comprises an external slide arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member formed on an internal wall of the support.

In the above, the nozzle is the primary nozzle or the adjustable nozzle. The invention may relate to the device with the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

SUPPORT

• au moins un organe de guidage complémentaire agencé pour coopérer avec au moins un organe de guidage de la buse de fluide, de sorte à permettre l’assemblage du support avec la buse ; et
• au moins un organe de retenue complémentaire configuré pour coopérer par encliquetage avec au moins un organe de retenue de la buse, de sorte à permettre l’encliquetage de la buse sur le support.

The invention also relates to an optical device support, in particular for a vehicle, the support being configured to be assembled with the fluid nozzle of the invention, the support comprising:

• at least one complementary guide member arranged to cooperate with at least one guide member of the fluid nozzle, so as to allow the assembly of the support with the nozzle; And
• at least one complementary retaining member configured to cooperate by snapping with at least one retaining member of the nozzle, so as to allow the nozzle to snap into place on the support.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the complementary guide member is arranged to cooperate with at least one slide of the guide member.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the complementary guide member, arranged to cooperate with a slide of the guide member, is formed on a wall of the support.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the complementary guide member, arranged to cooperate with an external slide of the guide member, is formed on the internal wall of the support.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the complementary guide member has a U shape.

• au moins un élément de butée agencé pour délimiter la fin de course de l’organe de guidage complémentaire du support sur l’organe de guidage de la buse.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the support further comprises:

• at least one stop element arranged to delimit the end of travel of the complementary guide member of the support on the guide member of the nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the support stop element is arranged to cooperate with an end-of-stroke partition closing the end of a rail forming the nozzle slide.

Alternatively, the complementary retaining member further comprises at least one latching tab arranged to cooperate with a retaining protuberance of the retaining member of the nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least one latching tab arranged to cooperate with a crosspiece of the nozzle slide.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least two latching tabs arranged to cooperate with at least two crosspieces of the nozzle slide.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the latching tab is located on an internal wall of the support.

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

ASSEMBLY

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a cleaning device according to the invention and a support according to the invention, the device and the support being assembled together by cooperation of the respective guide and retaining members.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the nozzle of the cleaning device comprises a base and a cover each having a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane, and the support being arranged to cooperate with the cover located on one of the half-spaces, namely an upper half-space or a lower half-space, located on either side of the common plane.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the maximum dimension of the nozzle is larger than the maximum dimension of the support.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the support is an element set back from the fluid outlet. By this characteristic we mean the fact that the support does not surround the fluid outlet. In other words, the fluid outlet is outside the support.

SECONDARY NOZZLE IN PRIMARY NOZZLE

The invention also relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising:

- a primary nozzle arranged to distribute a first fluid, and comprising:

o a primary fluid outlet arranged to project a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; And

o an interior channel of the primary nozzle which opens onto the primary outlet;

• une sortie secondaire de fluide agencée pour projeter un jet secondaire du second fluide vers la surface optique du dispositif optique ; et
• un canal de distribution de la buse secondaire configuré pour convoyer le fluide jusqu’à la sortie secondaire,

les sorties primaire et secondaire étant configurées de sorte que la sortie secondaire soit placée sur le chemin parcouru par le premier fluide.- a secondary nozzle arranged to distribute a second fluid, and comprising:

• a secondary fluid outlet arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface of the optical device; And
• a secondary nozzle distribution channel configured to convey the fluid to the secondary outlet,

the primary and secondary outlets being configured so that the secondary outlet is placed on the path traveled by the first fluid.

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

In this way, the device according to the invention has better compactness than a conventional cleaning device comprising, for example an air nozzle and a water nozzle with two distinct channels so that there is washing by water on one side and air blowing on the other.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet at least at the outlet of the secondary jet, at least on half of the circumference of the secondary jet.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary jet surrounds the secondary jet all around the secondary jet.

By the “jet” we mean the flow of fluid which is at the outlet of each nozzle. In other words, the primary and secondary “jets” refer to the flow of fluid at the primary and secondary outlets, respectively.

The term “path” is used for the entire fluid path, whether inside the nozzle or outside the nozzle. The path outside the nozzle forms the “jet” of fluid.

We recall in the following that the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the direction of flow of the fluid in the cleaning device of the optical device. The term "upstream" refers to the side of the cleaning device through which this fluid is admitted into the device, and the term "downstream" refers to the side of the device through which the fluid is projected outside of it, towards a surface of an optical device.

The path is "internal" when it is "inside" the nozzle or "upstream of" the nozzle outlet while the path is "external" or is "outside" when it is “downstream of” the nozzle outlet.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least one portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged in the internal channel of the primary nozzle.

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

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary nozzle comprises a housing arranged to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary nozzle comprises a front part arranged to face the optical device, and the housing being at least partially formed by this front part and the primary outlet is produced on this front part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing extends adjacent to the ramp.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the front part is located on the cover of the primary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary output comprises a primary slot.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the secondary outlet comprises a secondary slot.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary slot has an oblong shape.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the secondary slot has the shape of a growing moon.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary slot is wider than the secondary slot.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the secondary slot faces the primary slot.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the secondary nozzle is provided with a hollow head at the end of which the secondary outlet is produced and with a base.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the secondary nozzle comprises a cylindrical body to which the hollow head is connected.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing of the primary nozzle has a cylindrical shape capable of receiving the secondary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the hollow head and/or the cylindrical body of the secondary nozzle are at least partially housed in the housing of the primary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the length of the common section is preferably five times, more particularly two times smaller than the diameter of the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least one portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged downstream of the primary outlet.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a fluid reservoir located upstream of an internal channel of the primary nozzle or of a distribution channel of the secondary nozzle.

GEOMETRIC FEATURES

• un promontoire s’étendant depuis un socle du couvercle ; et
• l’au moins une rampe s’étendant du promontoire.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover comprises:

• a promontory extending from a base of the lid; And
• the at least one ramp extending from the promontory.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover comprises two ramps, for example an upper ramp and a lower ramp, parallel to each other extending from the promontory.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, each ramp is inclined relative to the plane parallel to the promontory, in particular substantially inclined at 45° from the plane.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the periphery of the promontory has an oblong shape.

• le sommet du promontoire ; et
• une partie surélevée située sur la rampe supérieure et adjacente au sommet du promontoire.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the front part further comprises:

• the top of the promontory; And
• a raised part located on the upper ramp and adjacent to the top of the promontory.

According to one aspect of the invention, the primary exit is located at the top of the promontory.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the periphery of the summit of the promontory substantially matches the periphery of the primary outlet, these two peripheries having an oblong shape.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the raised part includes a bulge which extends from the top of the promontory.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the base comprises an inlet tube, preferably in an elbow shape, comprising a fluid inlet, in particular a first fluid inlet. This inlet pipe is arranged to be connected to a pipe, in particular a flexible pipe, for supplying fluid.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover comprises a second fluid inlet.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first fluid and second fluid inlets are each configured to allow the connection of a fluid supply pipe, respectively to the primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the inlet pipe opens onto a fluid opening of divergent shape.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the base comprises at least one reinforcing rib joining the inlet pipe.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least two reinforcing ribs extend perpendicular to the direction of fluid circulation in the inlet tubing.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover comprises at least one reinforcing rib.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the reinforcing rib of the cover is located perpendicular to the crosspiece of the slide.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover comprises an outlet passage arranged to receive the hollow head of the secondary nozzle.

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

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing comprises at its entrance at least one wing, preferably two wings symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (P).

Thus, the constraints are distributed optimally.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the wing comprises an orifice arranged to cooperate with a latching tab of the member holding the secondary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing further comprises an extension located at the entrance to the housing.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing comprises a lip at the entrance to the housing facing the extension.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the base of the secondary nozzle further comprises at least one holding member and at least one guiding member, these members each being arranged to cooperate with the housing of the primary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the guide member of the secondary nozzle comprises a keying device arranged to cooperate with a groove in the housing of the primary nozzle so as to form a sliding connection through an axis (A) the along the length of the accommodation.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the keying device is a tab.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the member for holding the secondary nozzle comprises at least one latching tab arranged to cooperate with the orifice in the wing of the housing of the primary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the member for holding the secondary nozzle comprises an upper projection arranged to cooperate with the extension of the housing of the primary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the member for holding the secondary nozzle comprises a lower projection arranged to cooperate with the lip of the housing of the primary nozzle.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the upper and lower projections are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane parallel to the plane of the base of the cover and passing through the middle of the housing.

Thus, the constraints are distributed optimally.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the housing of the primary nozzle comprises an O-ring arranged to wedge the secondary nozzle in the primary nozzle.

DIVERGENT SHAPE OF FLUID OUTLET

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the primary fluid outlet or the secondary fluid outlet has a divergent shape.

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

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

Among these facets, there are two plane facets facing each other and diverging towards the outside, which give the jet the divergent shape.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover or the base is in one piece.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover and/or the base are made of metal or plastic.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover or the base is produced by molding or machining.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the fluid is air alone, or a liquid alone, or a mixture of liquid and air. This mixture of liquid and air can form a foam projected onto the optical surface to be cleaned.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the air pressure is 0.1 to 0.3 bar per air outlet, preferably substantially equal to 0.2 bar per air outlet.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the water pressure is 0.5 to 3 bar per water outlet, preferably 1.5 to 2 bar per water outlet.

By the terms “primary” and “secondary” we mean what makes it possible to prioritize between the different jets, nozzles, particularly in terms of their size, while the terms “first” and “second” only make it possible to distinguish only the terms between them without prioritizing them.

Thus the “first” fluid can refer to both water and air. The same goes for the “second” fluid.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the schematic drawings annexed on the other hand. , on which ones :

is a partial and schematic sectional view of the cleaning device and the optical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

represents a partial sectional view of the cleaning device of the , in perspective,

is an enlarged view of the dotted area of the ,

is a top view of the primary nozzle and secondary nozzle outlets.

And illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial view of the base and the cover forming the primary nozzle or the adjustable nozzle,

And illustrate a schematic and partial perspective view of the primary nozzle in the two different orientations,

And illustrate a schematic and partial view, in perspective, of the cleaning device in the two different orientations,

is a schematic and partial view, illustrating the secondary nozzle and the base forming the primary nozzle, in perspective,

represents the cover of the primary nozzle seen from the housing arranged to at least partially receive the secondary nozzle,

illustrates a top view and illustrates a side view, in perspective, of the primary nozzle according to an alternative embodiment,

is a schematic and partial view, in section, of the base of the primary nozzle comprising a fluid outlet having a divergent shape,

And illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial view, in perspective, of the assembly comprising a cleaning device and a support of the optical device, before and after the assembly according to one embodiment,

And illustrate in particular, a schematic and partial view of [Fig.12], in perspective, of the stop elements cooperating with the slides,

And illustrate, respectively, a schematic and partial view, in perspective, of the assembly comprising a cleaning device and a support of the optical device, before and after the assembly according to an alternative embodiment,

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

is a schematic and partial view of a primary fluid nozzle comprising slides with two crosspieces according to an alternative embodiment,

is a schematic and partial view of an alternative embodiment in which a portion of the secondary nozzle is arranged downstream of the primary outlet.

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

The cleaning device 2 comprises a primary nozzle 8 arranged to distribute a first fluid. The primary nozzle 8 comprises a primary fluid outlet 10 arranged to project a primary jet of the first fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 and an internal channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8 which opens onto the primary outlet 10.

The cleaning device 2 further comprises a secondary nozzle 14 arranged to distribute a second fluid.

As illustrated on the , the primary nozzle 8 comprises a housing 16 arranged to partially receive the secondary nozzle 14.

The primary nozzle 8 has a front part 18 arranged to face the optical device 6. The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 is partially formed by this front part 18 and the primary outlet 10 is produced on this front part 18.

The secondary nozzle 14 comprises a secondary fluid outlet 20 arranged to project a secondary jet of the second fluid towards the optical surface 4 of the optical device 6 and a distribution channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14 configured to convey the fluid to the outlet secondary 20.

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

As illustrated on the , a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is arranged in the internal channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8.

More precisely, the secondary outlet 20 is in a common section 24 of the interior channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8 opening onto the primary outlet 20.

As illustrated on the , the primary outlet 10 has a primary slot 26 and the secondary outlet 20 has a secondary slot 28. The primary slot 26 is wider than the secondary slot 28.

The secondary slot 28 faces the primary slot 26. The primary slot 26 has an oblong shape while the secondary slot 28 has the shape of a growing moon.

In this case, with reference to the the arrangement of the primary 10 and secondary 20 outlets allows the primary jet to surround the secondary jet all around the secondary jet.

The secondary nozzle 14 is provided with a hollow head 30 at the end of which the secondary outlet 20 is made and with a base 32.

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

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

The hollow head 30 and the cylindrical body 34 of the secondary nozzle 20 are partially housed in the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

The length of the common section 24 is twice as small as the diameter of the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 20.

As illustrated on the and 5B, the primary nozzle 8 arranged to distribute a first fluid 8 comprises a base 36 and a cover 38.

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

The base 36 and the cover 38 each having a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the contact lines are tangent to a common plane and have four rotational symmetries around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

As visible in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the base 36 and the cover 38 each have a perimeter having the same shape.

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

The perimeters 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38 have the same shapes as the contact lines.

The contact lines are adjacent to the perimeters 40 of the base 36 and the cover 38.

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

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

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

The cover 38 and the base 36 have a substantially square shape with rounded corners.

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

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

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

Thus, the cleaning device 2 can be oriented at a plurality of angles between 0 and 360° between the fluid inlet 46 and the fluid outlet 48. The device 2 remains invariant by rotation at any angle including 0 and 360°.

The base 36 comprises an inlet tube 50, in an elbow shape, comprising a first fluid inlet 46.

The cover 38 includes a second fluid inlet 48.

The first fluid 46 and second fluid 48 inlets are each configured to allow the connection of a fluid supply pipe (not shown), respectively to the primary nozzle x and the secondary nozzle x.

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

The base 36 includes at least one reinforcing rib 54 joining the inlet pipe 50.

Two reinforcing ribs 54 extend perpendicular to the direction of fluid circulation in the inlet pipe 50.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 10, the cover 38 and the base 36 have a circumference 40 of circular shape.

The cover 38 and the base 36 are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a determined step between two successive positions, for example, at a step between 1 - 10°, more particularly at a step between 1 - 5 °.

The optical device 6 is a camera, in particular an infrared camera, preferably arranged to assist autonomous driving, advantageously arranged to detect the presence of drops of water on a window (not shown).

A plurality of these cameras, preferably at least ten cameras, can be located on the vehicle, in particular outside the vehicle.

The device 2 may include a secondary nozzle 14 in addition to the adjustable nozzle 8, or the primary nozzle 8 mentioned above.

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

In reference to the , an alternative embodiment in which the secondary fluid outlet 20 having a divergent shape is shown.

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

The secondary fluid outlet 20 is formed by facets 60 configured to generate the divergent jet 58.

Among these facets 60, there are two plane facets 60 facing each other and diverging towards the outside, which give the jet 58 the divergent shape.

The cleaning device 2 comprises a fluid reservoir 62 located upstream of a distribution channel 22 of the secondary nozzle 14.

With reference to Figures 6A-6B, and 7A-7B, the cover 38 comprises a promontory 64 extending from a base 66 of the cover 38, and two ramps 68 extending from the promontory 64, namely an upper ramp 68 and a lower ramp 68, parallel to each other.

Each ramp 68 is inclined relative to the plane parallel to the promontory 64, in particular substantially inclined at 45° from the plane.

The perimeter of promontory 64 has an oblong shape.

The frontal part 18 comprises the summit 70 of the promontory 64 and a raised part 72 located on the upper ramp 68 and adjacent to the summit 70 of the promontory 64.

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

The periphery of the summit 70 of the promontory 64 substantially matches the periphery of the primary outlet 10. These two peripheries have an oblong shape.

The raised part 72 includes a bulge 73 which extends from the summit 70 of the promontory 64.

With reference to Figures 3, 5B and 8, the cover 38 includes an outlet passage 76, arranged to receive the hollow head 30 of the secondary nozzle 14.

The outlet passage 76 is circular and located on a wall of the interior channel 12 of the primary nozzle 8.

The housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 extends adjacent to the two ramps 68.

The housing 16 comprises at its entrance two wings 74 symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (P) passing through the middle of the base 66 of the cover 38 of the primary fluid nozzle 8.

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

The base 32 of the secondary nozzle 14 further comprises a holding member 76 and at least one guide member 78, these members 76, 78 each being arranged to cooperate with the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

The holding member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises two latching tabs 80 each arranged to cooperate with an orifice 82 of the wing 74 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

Housing 16 includes an extension 84 located at the entrance 17 of housing 16.

The housing 16 further comprises a lip 86 at the entrance 17 of the housing 16 facing the extension 84.

The guide member 78 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises a keying device 88 arranged to cooperate with a groove 90 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8 so as to form a sliding connection through an axis (A) along the housing 16.

Advantageously, the key 88 is a tab.

The holding member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises an upper projection 92 arranged to cooperate with the extension 84 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

The holding member 76 of the secondary nozzle 14 comprises a lower projection 94 arranged to cooperate with the lip 86 of the housing 16 of the primary nozzle 8.

The upper 92 and lower 94 projections are symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane parallel to the plane of the base 66 of the cover 38 and passing through the middle of the housing 16.

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

12A-12B, 13A-13B, 14A-14B, and 15 show a primary fluid nozzle 8 configured to be assembled with a support 96 of the optical device 6, as well as an assembly 98 comprising the device 2 of cleaning and the support 98, the device 2 and the support 98 being assembled together by cooperation of the respective guide members 100, 102 and retaining members 104, 106.

The primary nozzle 8 comprises a base 36 and a cover 38 each having a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane.

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

The maximum dimension of the primary nozzle 8 is larger than the maximum dimension of the support 96.

The primary nozzle 8 comprises the guide member 100 arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member 102 of the support 96 of the optical device 6, so as to allow the assembly of the primary nozzle 8 with the support 96.

The primary nozzle 8 further comprises the retaining member 104 configured to cooperate by snapping with the complementary retaining member 106 of the support 96, so as to allow the snapping of the primary nozzle 8 on the support 96.

Thanks to the snap-fastening of the primary nozzle 8 on the support 96 of the optical device 6, the invention makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the optical device 6 on the primary fluid nozzle 8, because the assembly does not require special tools, nor additional mechanical fastening elements such as screws (not shown).

In this way, assembly can be done precisely and quickly.

The guide member 100 of the primary nozzle 8 comprises two external slides 108 symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane of symmetry (P), arranged to cooperate with the complementary guide member 102 formed on an internal wall 110 of the support 96.

As illustrated in Figures 12 and 14, the slide 108 comprises two parallel ramps 68 and connected together by a crosspiece 112, so that the ramps 68 and the crosspiece 112 define a rail on which one of the internal walls 110 of the support 96 can slip.

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

As illustrated in Figures 6A-6B, the cover 38 has two reinforcing ribs 54 which are located perpendicular to the crosspiece 112 of the slide 108.

As visible in Figures 12A-12B, the guide member x comprises, in addition to the slides 108, end-of-stroke partitions 114 closing the end of the rails forming the slides 108, the partitions 114 being arranged to cooperate with elements of stop 116 of support 96.

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

As visible on the , as a variant, the crosspiece 112 of the slide 108 is arranged to cooperate with a latch tab 120 for holding the complementary retaining member 106 of the support 96.

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

The support 96 comprises the complementary guide member 102 arranged to cooperate by snap-fastening with the guide member 100 of the primary fluid nozzle 8, so as to allow the assembly of the support 96 with the primary nozzle 8.

The support 96 further comprises the complementary retaining member 106 configured to cooperate with the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8, so as to allow the primary nozzle 8 to snap into place on the support 96.

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

The guide member has a U shape.

The support 96 further comprises two stop elements 116 arranged to delimit the end of travel of the complementary guide member 102 of the support 96 on the guide member 100 of the primary nozzle 8.

As illustrated in Figures 12A-12B, the complementary retaining member 106 further comprises a latching tab 120 arranged to cooperate with a protuberance 118 for holding the retaining member 104 of the primary nozzle 8.

As illustrated on the , the stop elements 116 of support 96 are arranged to cooperate with end-of-stroke partitions 114 closing each end of the rail forming the slide 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

As illustrated in Figures 14A-14B, as a variant, the complementary retaining member 106 comprises two latching tabs 120 arranged to cooperate with each crosspiece 112 of the two slides 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

Still in this example of Figures 14A-14B, the retaining latch tabs 120 are located on an internal wall 110 of the support 96.

In reference to the , in an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the complementary retaining member (not shown) comprises two latching tabs 120 arranged to cooperate with two crosspieces 112 of the slide 108 of the primary nozzle 8.

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

As illustrated on the , in an alternative embodiment, a portion of the secondary nozzle 14 is arranged downstream of the primary outlet 10.

Nomenclature

2: cleaning device

4: optical surface

6: optical device

8: primary nozzle

10: primary fluid outlet

12: inner channel of the primary nozzle

14: secondary nozzle

16: housing of the primary nozzle arranged to receive the secondary nozzle

17: entrance to the accommodation

18: front part

20: secondary fluid outlet

22: secondary nozzle distribution channel

24: section

26: primary slot

28: secondary slot

30: hollow head of the secondary nozzle

32: base

34: cylindrical body

36: base

38: cover

40: perimeter of the base and cover

42: groove

44: welding strip

46: first fluid entry

48: second fluid inlet

50: inlet pipe

52: fluid opening of divergent shape

54: reinforcing rib

56: O-ring

58: fluid jet

60: facet

62: fluid reservoir

64: promontory

66: cover base

68: ramp

70: summit of the promontory

72: raised part

73: bulge

74: wing

76: member for maintaining the base of the secondary nozzle

78: guide member of the base of the secondary nozzle

80: latching tab of the member holding the base of the secondary nozzle

82: orifice of the wing of the primary nozzle housing

84: extension of the primary nozzle housing

86: lip of the primary nozzle housing

88: key

90: primary nozzle housing groove

92: upper projection arranged to cooperate with the extension

94: lower projection arranged to cooperate with the lip

96: optical device support

98: assembly comprising the cleaning device and the support

100: guide member of the primary nozzle

102: complementary guide member of the optical device support

104: retaining member of the primary nozzle

106: complementary retaining member of the optical device support

108: slide

110: internal wall of the support

112: crossbar connecting the ramps

114: end of travel partition closing the end of the rail forming the slide

116: stop element of the optical device support

118: protuberance for holding the retaining member of the primary nozzle

120: snap tab for holding the complementary retaining member

Claims (12)

Device for cleaning (2) an optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular for a vehicle, comprising:

• a nozzle (8) arranged to distribute a fluid, and comprising a base (36) and a cover (38);

• the cover (38) having a fluid outlet (10) configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6);
• the base (36) and the cover (38) each having a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane and having at least one rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane.

Device according to claim 1, in which the peripheries (40) of the base (36) and the cover (38) have the same shapes as the contact lines. Device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the cover (38) and the base (36) are fixed using a welding strip (44). Device according to claim 3, wherein the cover (38) or the base (36) comprises a groove (42) configured to receive the welding strip (44). Device according to claim 4, in which the welding strip (44) and/or the groove (42) run along the contact line. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the axis of rotation has a symmetry of order n, namely 2π/n (rad), with n positive integer greater than or equal to 2. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the cover (38) and the base (36) have a periphery (40) of substantially square shape with rounded corners. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the cover (38) is mounted on the base (36) so that the cover (38) can be rotated relative to the base (36). Device according to claim 8, in which the cover (38) and the base (36) have a circumference (40) of circular shape. Device according to claim 9, in which the cover (38) and the base (36) are configured to allow a plurality of relative positions with a determined step between two successive positions, for example, at a step between 1 - 10 °, more particularly at a step between 1 – 5°. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (36) comprises an inlet tube (50), preferably in an elbow shape, comprising a fluid inlet (46). Method of manufacturing a device (2) for cleaning the optical surface (4) of an optical device (6), in particular for a vehicle, the device (6) comprising a nozzle (8) arranged to distribute a fluid, and the process comprising the following steps:
- provide a base (36);
- provide a cover (38) comprising a fluid outlet configured to direct the fluid towards the optical surface (4) of the optical device (6);
- provide the base (36) and the cover (27) each with a contact line configured to come into complete contact with one another, the contact lines being tangent to a common plane, and having at least rotational symmetry around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane; And
- assemble the base (36) and the cover (38) according to a position among a plurality of relative positions authorized by the rotational symmetry.