Patent Application
20240416365
The present disclosure relates to a nozzle assembly for cleaning vehicle surface, for example a sensor, a camera, or a window.
Various cleaning devices for vehicles are known, including nozzles that clean windows, headlights, and other vehicle surfaces. Exterior cameras and driver assistance sensors are increasing in popularity, and many vehicle models have these as standard or optional equipment. Due to the impact of environmental elements to these cameras and sensors, these systems can experience a loss in effectiveness. Said nozzles can be used to clean the lenses of these systems. Self-driving or autonomous vehicles require an even greater number of cameras and sensors for navigation and guidance, driving and safety, and internal performance.
Unfortunately, however, conventional nozzles and related cleaning devices suffer from numerous drawbacks, including a requisite increase in manufacturing costs and labor, system weight, and number of individualized components needed (e.g. for new models/designs) associated with the solutions outlined above. Many conventional nozzle designs are tailored for a specific vehicle surface, limiting the usefulness of the nozzle on different vehicle surfaces. In newer vehicle designs requiring a greater number of cameras and sensors, such as for self-driving or autonomous vehicles, space and weight constraints make conventional nozzles undesirable and impractical.
A fluid nozzle assembly for cleaning a vehicle surface is provided. In one embodiment, the fluid nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head including a manifold comprising an internal cleaning media passage having a plurality of cleaning media passageways, a cleaning media inlet, and a plurality of nozzles carried by the nozzle head, each of the plurality of nozzles fed by one of the plurality of cleaning media passageways and having at least one outlet through which cleaning media is sprayed. At least one of the nozzles provides a different flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, or spray pattern of cleaning media, the nozzle assembly thereby collectively providing a multi-functional spray of cleaning media.
In these and other embodiments, the fluid nozzle assembly may be adapted to clean a vehicle window, a camera sensor, a LIDAR sensor, and a CMHSL, and the plurality of nozzles includes a window nozzle comprising at least one outlet orifice that is oriented to direct fluid toward the window, a camera sensor nozzle comprising at least one outlet orifice that is oriented to direct fluid toward the camera sensor, a LIDAR sensor nozzle comprising at least one outlet orifice that is oriented to direct fluid toward the LIDAR sensor, and a CMHSL nozzle comprising at least one outlet orifice that is oriented to direct fluid toward the CMHSL.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying description of the invention, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
In the drawings:
A fluid nozzle assembly for cleaning a vehicle surface, such as a sensor, a camera, or a window, or other surface is described below. As will be appreciated from the description here, the nozzle assembly has multiple applications, but is generally used as a device for delivering cleaning media to a vehicle surface or multiple vehicle surfaces, such as a sensor, a camera, a window, or any combination thereof. It is to be understood that the nozzle assembly may be used to deliver cleaning media to clean other surfaces, such as a headlight or headlamp, other vehicle surfaces, or other surfaces in non-automotive applications. The nozzle assembly is adapted to vary any one or more of the flow rate, flow type (e.g. laminar or turbulent flow), pressure, direction, or spray pattern of cleaning media delivered through one or more nozzles or nozzle outlets. The nozzle assembly can have a plurality of nozzles or nozzle outlets arranged to apply cleaning media to multiple surfaces and/or on multiple planes.
In
A cleaning media inlet 36 is fluidly coupled to the nozzle head 12 and a cleaning media is supplied to the nozzle head 12 from a cleaning media source (not shown) through the inlet 36. In general, the cleaning media inlet 36 is adapted for flow of cleaning media into the manifold from outside of the nozzle head 12. The cleaning media inlet 36 may be of any size and/or shape, and may be integral with, fixed to, and/or otherwise connected and/or fastened to the first nozzle body 14 or another portion of the nozzle head 12.
It is appreciated that the nozzle assembly 10 may be part of a system including a cleaning media source and any number of conduits, ducts, tubing, hoses, fluid connectors, valves, and/or controllers, utilized to fluidly couple the various components of the system together and/or other provide a controllable flow path from the cleaning media source to the nozzle assembly 10. Likewise, it is to be appreciated that the cleaning media is typically put under pressure via an external system, e.g. a pump or compressor (not shown), and the cleaning media flowing through the manifold will be under pressure as it passes through the internal passage and out of the nozzles 26, 28, 30, 32, 34. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a heating element (not shown) for heating the cleaning media before it is applied to a vehicle surface.
The outlets 26A, 28A, 30A, 32A, 34A of the nozzles 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 can be any type of cleaning media outlets, suitable for the purposes described herein, including the spraying or dispensing of cleaning media to a vehicle surface. The outlets 26A, 28A, 30A, 32A, 34A can be configured to produce various spray patterns, e.g. a fan spray, a jet spray, etc. For example, in certain embodiments, a spray-building element (e.g. an insert, limiter, director, rotator, etc. can be provided at one of the outlets to achieving or otherwise configure/produce particular spray patterns (e.g. focused/directed jet sprays, oscillating sprays, combinations of jet and fan sprays, etc.). The outlets 26A, 28A, 30A, 32A, 34A can be arranged to apply cleaning media to multiple surfaces, which may comprise different vehicle surfaces or surfaces oriented on different planes.
The nozzles 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 can be any type of cleaning media nozzles, suitable for the purposes described herein, including the spraying or dispensing of cleaning media to a vehicle surface through one or more outlets. Some non-limiting examples of nozzles include: an in-mold static fan nozzle to produce a static fan spray pattern; a static fan nozzle tip to produce a static fan spray pattern; an adjustable eye ball-type nozzle tip to produce a conical spray pattern; an oscillating fan chip to produce an oscillating fan spray pattern; and an in-mold oscillating fan nozzle to produce an oscillating fan spray pattern. The nozzles 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 can be arranged to apply cleaning media to multiple surfaces, which may comprise different vehicle surfaces or surfaces oriented on different planes. In generally, an “in-mold” nozzle is integrally formed with the nozzle head 12 whereas a “tip” is formed separately from the nozzle head 12 and mounted, attached, coupled, or otherwise joined to the nozzle head 12.
The nozzles 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 may be integrally formed with the nozzle head 12, or separately formed and attached to the nozzle head 12. Examples of nozzles that may be attached to the nozzle head 12 include a chip or a nozzle tip. With integral or separate, one or more of the nozzles can comprise a spray building element, such as a chip or eyeball, for achieving spray patterns, such as a jet spray, an oscillating fan spray or a combination jet and fan spray.
In the embodiment of the nozzle assembly 10 shown, the nozzle assembly 10 includes five nozzles carried by the nozzle head 12 and supplied with cleaning media from a common inlet 36 via the manifold and its internal passage 22. It is understood that with regard to the nozzle assembly 10, the number and type of nozzles is not particularly limited, and may be implemented in various configurations. In general, multiple varied nozzles are preferred in order to apply cleaning media to multiple surfaces and/or on multiple planes. The embodiment of the nozzle assembly 10 shown in
In the embodiment shown, the cleaning media inlet 36 is formed on the first nozzle body 14. The cleaning media inlet 36 can be a supply conduit 38 extending from a first side 40 of the nozzle body 14, where the nozzle cap 16 is attached to a second side 42 of the nozzle body 14 opposite the first side 40. The first side 40 of the nozzle body 14, which may be an exterior side, can face away from a side of the first nozzle body 14 which defines the manifold. An inner surface 44 of the nozzle cap 16 may be disposed in opposition to an outlet 46 of the supply conduit 38, the outlet 46 of the supply conduit 38 supplying cleaning media to the internal cleaning media passage 22.
In general, the first and second nozzle bodies 14, 16 are attached or joined in a fluid-tight manner such that the manifold and internal cleaning media passageway 22 is enclosed, save for the cleaning media inlet 36 and plurality of outlets 26A, 28A, 30A, 32A, 34A. The nozzle bodies 14, 16 may be attached or joined via any technique or combination of techniques known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the first nozzle body 14 and the second nozzle body 16 are each separately integrally formed (e.g. via injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc.) and then are subsequently attached together. In certain embodiments, attaching the nozzle bodies 14, 16 comprises snap-fitting them together. Of course, various other methods and/or combinations of methods of attachment may also be utilized.
The nozzle head 12 can include a perimeter edge including at least one peripheral surface 50, 52, 54, 56. The perimeter edge of the nozzle head 12 may be formed by mating surfaces of the first and second nozzle bodies 14, 16, or one of the nozzle bodies 14, 16. The peripheral surface 50, 52, 54, 56 may be a surface that is exposed to a vehicle surface, such that a nozzle disposed at the peripheral surface 50, 52, 54, 56 can spray cleaning media onto the vehicle surface. In the embodiment illustrated, the nozzle head 12 has multiple peripheral surfaces 50, 52, 54, 56 and has nozzles on more than one of the peripheral surfaces 50, 52, 54, 56.
The nozzle head 12 can carry a variety of different nozzles on different areas of the nozzle head 12. Each nozzle may have a particular flow requirements in order to deliver cleaning media from its outlet in a predetermined flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, or pattern type. Accordingly, the passageways 24 may have different (e.g. unequal) fluid volumes, lengths, widths, depths, and/or other passageway characteristics, in order to properly distribute cleaning media to each nozzle and ensure the flow requirements of each nozzle is met. It is noted that the fluid volume of a cleaning media passageway which feeds a nozzle can be defined by the amount of space, measured in cubic units, that a cleaning media can occupy between an inlet to the passageway and an inlet to the nozzle which is fed by the passageway. The length of a cleaning media passageway can be defined by the distance between the inlet to the passageway and the inlet to the nozzle which is fed by the passageway.
The nozzle head 12 can have internal features forming the manifold 20, including the internal cleaning media passage 22 and passageways 24. The internal features can be varied among the different passageways 24 to impact and/or change the outlet characteristics of each outlet 26A, 28A, 30A, 32A, 34A, including one or more of the flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, or pattern type of cleaning media delivered by the outlet. The internal features can, for example, include channels, diverters, baffles, vanes, and the like, which direct cleaning fluid through the passageways 24 and impart outlet characteristics that result in the cleaning fluid sprayed from each outlet 26A, 28A, 30A, 32A, 34A to have a particular flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, and/or spray pattern. It is to be understood that that the structure of the nozzle itself can also imparts outlet characteristics that impacts flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, and/or spray pattern.
In certain embodiments, the manifold 20, including the internal cleaning media passage 22 and passageways 24, is integrally formed with one or both of the nozzle bodies 14, 16 during manufacturing of these components (e.g. via injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc.). Producing the manifold 20 with the nozzle bodies 14, 16 as injection-molded or additive-manufactured parts increases geometric freedom compared to other manufacturing methods. In this way, almost any geometry can be realized with the manifold 20 in the region of each nozzle or nozzle outlet, and accordingly the flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, and/or spray pattern of cleaning media delivered through each nozzles or nozzle outlet can be varied to effectively clean different vehicle surfaces from a single nozzle head 12.
Referring to
The depth of the channels and the width of the channels, including the width of an inlet to the channels 58, and the width at the outlet of the channels, can be optimized to meet specific flow rates and/or pressures for each nozzle.
The channels are formed as recessed areas in internal surfaces 68, 70 the nozzle bodies 14, 16. The internal surfaces 68, 70 may be substantially planar or flat in areas where channels or nozzle receivers are not formed. Such internal surfaces 68, 70 may mate together in a fluid-tight manner such that fluid leakage outside the channels is substantially minimized or eliminated.
In certain embodiments, the manifold 20 comprises a plurality of flow diverters dividing the internal cleaning media passage 22 into the passageways 24. The flow diverters may be integrally formed with the first nozzle body 14, the second nozzle body 16, or both the first and second nozzle bodies 14, 16.
Referring to
In other configurations, flow diverters may differ, or may be provided in one nozzle body 14, 16 and not the other. For example, a flow diverter 76 dividing the channels 60, 66 supplying the second nozzle 28 from the fifth nozzle 34 may be formed in the first nozzle body 14.
One or more of the flow diverters 72, 74, 76 can include a divider surface 72D, 74D, 76D, respectively, separating an entrance to a first cleaning media passageway or channel from an entrance to a second cleaning media passageway or channel. Cleaning media flowing through the internal passage 22 encounters the divider surface 72D, 74D, 76D and separates into flows on either side of the divider surface 72D, 74D, 76D to continue into separate passageways or channels. The divider surface 72D, 74D, 76D may be configured to direct more cleaning media into one passageway than the other. The divider surface 72D, 74D, 76D may be configured to impart a laminar or turbulent flow to the cleaning media.
One or more of the flow diverters 72, 74 can include a deflector wall 72W. 74W, extending into an associated passageway or channel and positioned in opposing relationship to a flow direction of cleaning media through the passageway or channel to deflect cleaning media from its flow direction. The deflector wall 72W, 74W may be configured to impart a turbulent flow to the cleaning media traveling through the passageway or channel.
One or more passageways of the internal passage 22 can be configured as a low pressure, high flow passageway 24A. The embodiment shown herein employs one or more structural features for providing low pressure and high flow. For example, the width and/or depth of the passageway 24A can be larger.
One or more passageways of the internal passage 22 can be configured as a high pressure, low flow passageway 24B. The embodiment shown herein employs one or more structural features for providing high pressure and low flow. For example, the width and/or depth of the passageway 24B can be smaller.
In certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly 10 can have a combination of high pressure, low flow and low pressure, high flow passageways 24A, 24B. Some vehicle surfaces may be cleaned better with high pressure, and others with low pressure. Likewise, some vehicle surfaces may be cleaned better with high flow, and others with low flow. In the embodiment shown, for example, the first nozzle 26 comprises at least one low pressure, high flow passageway 24A and at least one high pressure, low flow passageway 24B.
One or more passageways of the internal passage 22 can be configured as a turbulent flow passageway 24T. The embodiment shown herein employs one or more structural features for providing turbulent flow. For example, the flow dividers 72, 74 forming the turbulent flow passageway 24T can be configured with sharp transitions to encourage turbulent flow in the passageway 24T. One or more deflector walls 72W, 74W can projecting into the turbulent flow passageway 24T normal to or oblique to the flow direction.
One or more passageways of the internal passage 22 can be configured as a laminar flow passageway 24L. The embodiment shown herein employs one or more structural features for providing laminar flow. For example, the flow dividers 72, 74 forming the laminar flow passageways 24L can be configured with smooth transitions (e.g., to lack any sharp transitions) to reduce or eliminate any areas of turbulent flow in the passageway 24L.
In certain embodiments, the nozzle assembly 10 can have a combination of laminar and turbulent flow passageways 24L, 24T. Some vehicle surfaces may be cleaned better with laminar flow, and others with turbulent flow. For example, a laminar flow of cleaning media may be optimal for a window, and a turbulent flow of cleaning media may be optimal for a camera or sensor. In the embodiment shown, for example, the first nozzle 26 comprises at least one laminar flow passageway 24L and at least one turbulent flow passageway 24T.
As noted above, the nozzles can be any type of cleaning media nozzles, suitable for the purposes described herein. Referring to
The outlet openings 78, 80 can have varied shapes, widths, orientations, at the like to vary one or more of the flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, or pattern type of cleaning media delivered therethrough. For example, the outlet openings 78, 80 can have varying widths, including one outlet opening 78 having a width that the greater than the width of another outlet opening 80. A wider exit point for cleaning media provides a spray of cleaning media at a lower pressure and higher flow rate, which may be desired for cleaning particular vehicle surfaces. Other vehicle surfaces may be cleaned more efficiently by the narrower outlet openings, which provide a spray of cleaning media at higher pressure and lower flow rate.
As another example, the spray pattern provided by one outlet opening 78 can be different than another outlet opening 80. In one embodiment, at least one outlet opening is a horizontal nozzle opening or orifice 78 for providing a horizontal spray pattern and at least one outlet opening is a vertical nozzle opening or orifice 80 for providing a vertical spray pattern that is transverse to the horizontal spray pattern. The horizontal nozzle orifice 78 has a width that is greater than its height, and the vertical nozzle orifice 80 has a height that is greater than its width. The horizontal nozzle orifices 78 can have unequal widths.
As yet another example, the direction of cleaning media sprayed by one outlet opening can be different than another outlet opening. In
Referring to
Referring to
The second nozzle 28 can have a different flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, and/or pattern type than the first nozzle 26. For example, the direction of cleaning media sprayed by the outlet 28A and the spray pattern 88 can be different. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The static fan nozzle tip 30 can be snap-fit to the nozzle receiver 94. The nozzle tip 30 and nozzle receiver 94 can have snap-fit parts which are pushed together to interlock the static fan nozzle tip 30 to the nozzle head 12. Providing the snap-fit parts as integral attachment features on the nozzle tip 30 and nozzle head 12 provides rapid assembly, without the need for tools, and avoids loose parts as found with assembly methods using separate screws or fasteners. Where the nozzle tip 30 and nozzle head 12 are plastic, the snap-fit parts can be integrally formed therewith. Other attachment structures are possible. When installed, the nozzle tip 30 can project outwardly from the third peripheral surface 54.
The third nozzle 30 can have a different flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, and/or pattern type than the first and/or second nozzle 26, 28. For example, the direction of cleaning media sprayed by the outlet 30A and the spray pattern can be different. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The jet insert 106 can be fixed within the nozzle housing 104 to direct the jet spray pattern 102 in a predetermined orientation, or can be adjustably mounted in the nozzle housing 104 to adjust the orientation of the jet spray. For example, the jet insert 106 can be rotationally mounted within the nozzle housing 104 via the spherical body 110, and rotating the spherical body 110 within the accommodation space 108 permits the orientation of the jet spray to be adjusted.
The eye ball-type nozzle tip 32 can be snap-fit to the nozzle receiver 100. The nozzle tip 32 and nozzle receiver 100 can have snap-fit parts which are pushed together to interlock the eye-ball type nozzle tip 32 to the nozzle head 12. Providing the snap-fit parts as integral attachment features on the nozzle tip 32 and nozzle head 12 provides rapid assembly, without the need for tools, and avoids loose parts as found with assembly methods using separate screws or fasteners. Where the nozzle tip 32 and nozzle head 12 are plastic, the snap-fit parts can be integrally formed therewith. Other attachment structures are possible. When installed, the nozzle tip 32 can project outwardly from the nozzle cap 16.
The fourth nozzle 32 can have a different flow rate, flow type, pressure, direction, and/or pattern type than the first, second and/or third nozzle 26, 28, 30. For example, the direction of cleaning media sprayed by the outlet and the spray pattern can be different. As shown in
Referring to
In
Various flow control means can aid in connecting the nozzle assembly 10 and its components with each other to establish a flow path for cleaning media. For example, one or more flow control valves (not shown) can control the flow of cleaning media through the nozzle assembly 10, or through a nozzle of the nozzle assembly 10. In one configuration, a check valve can be incorporated or integrated with the nozzle assembly 10 and is configured for unidirectional flow into or through the nozzle. Aside from this function, the check valve is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a check valve known in the art.
Various connection means can aid in connecting the nozzle assembly 10 and its components with each other to establish a flow path for cleaning media. For example, a quick connector can be provided to connect the cleaning media inlet with a source of cleaning media. In one configuration, the quick connector can comprise a female connector configured to receive a male connector, and a locking member slidable in a transverse direction to lock the connectors together. The quick connector may also take on forms different from what is disclosed in the aforementioned references. Aside from the function of quick connection, the quick connector is not particularly limited, and may comprise any components and/or configurations suitable for use in/as a quick connector known in the art.
As used wherein, the term “cleaning media” encompasses fluid substances that are capable of flowing, including liquid, air, and mixtures thereof. The term “air” encompasses air and any other gas or mixtures of gasses, unless otherwise noted.
The terms “connected” or “connect” are used herein in their broadest sense to mean and encompass the notions of being formed or integrated with, mounted or attached to, coupled, or otherwise joined.
Directional terms, such as “vertical.” “horizontal,” “top.” “bottom,” “upper.” “lower.” “inner.” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientations.
The terms “comprising” or “comprise” are used herein in their broadest sense to mean and encompass the notions of “including,” “include,” “consist(ing) essentially of,” and “consist(ing) of. The use of “for example,” “e.g.,” “such as,” and “including” to list illustrative examples does not limit to only the listed examples. Thus, “for example” or “such as” means “for example, but not limited to” or “such as, but not limited to” and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples.
It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular apparatus or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, it is to be appreciated that different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims, both single and multiple dependent, is herein expressly contemplated.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/252,307, filed Oct. 5, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2022/059457 | 10/4/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63252307 | Oct 2021 | US |
