Sensor washing device

Abstract

A sensor washing device that includes a washer housing that has a ring portion and a fluid source attachment. The fluid source attachment is configured to receive fluid. The ring portion has a main opening for receiving a detecting head of the sensor, an attachment side configured for mounting the washer housing, and a washing side configured to frame the detecting head of the sensor. The washing side is in fluid communication with the fluid source attachment. A plurality of nozzles are disposed in a transition portion of the washer housing between the ring portion and the fluid source attachment of the washer housing. The plurality of nozzles are configured to discharge fluid to the washer side radially inwardly towards the main opening for cleaning the detecting head of the sensor.

Claims

1. A sensor washing device, comprising: a washer housing including a ring portion and a fluid source attachment, said fluid source attachment being configured to receive fluid, and said ring portion having, a main opening for receiving a detecting head of the sensor, an attachment side configured for mounting said washer housing, and a washing side configured to frame the detecting head of the sensor, said washing side being in fluid communication with said fluid source attachment, and a plurality of nozzles being disposed in a transition portion of said washer housing between said ring portion and said fluid source attachment of said washer housing, said plurality of nozzles being configured to discharge fluid to said washer side radially inwardly towards said main opening for cleaning the detecting head of the sensor, and said plurality of nozzles being defined by a plurality of tabs extending from said transition portion toward said main opening of said ring portion, thereby forming fluid path slots of said plurality of nozzles therebetween, wherein said washer housing, said ring portion, and said transition portion are stationary with respect to one another.

2. A sensor washing device according to claim 1, wherein said fluid source attachment extends from said transition portion in a direction away from said washing side of said ring portion at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said ring portion.

3. A sensor washing device according to claim 2, wherein the angle is an acute angle.

4. A sensor washing device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles are located in said transition portion at a top of said ring portion; and a bottom of said ring portion is devoid of any nozzles.

5. A sensor washing device according to claim 1, wherein said attachment side of said ring portion includes at least one engagement member.

6. A sensor washing device according to claim 1, wherein said washer housing, said ring portion, and said transition portion form a unitary one-piece member.

7. A sensor washing device, comprising: a sensor having a detecting head; a shroud having a front wall, a rear wall opposite said front wall, and an inner receiving portion, said front wall having an opening that receives the detecting head of the sensor lens; and a washer housing coupled to a front face of said receiving portion of said shroud, said washer housing including a ring portion and a fluid source attachment, said fluid source attachment configured to receive fluid, and said ring portion having, a main opening generally aligned with said opening of said front wall of said shroud, an attachment side configured to mount said washer housing to said shroud, and a washing side that frames the detecting head of the sensor, said washing side being in fluid communication with said fluid source attachment, and a plurality of nozzles being disposed in a transition portion of said washer housing between said ring portion and said fluid source attachment of said washer housing, said plurality of nozzles being configured to discharge fluid to said washer side and radially inwardly towards said main opening that frames the detecting head of the sensor, wherein said washer housing, said ring portion, and said transition portion are stationary with respect to one another, and wherein an inner surface of said opening of said shroud includes at least one engagement member that engages a corresponding engagement member of said attachment side of said ring portion of said washer housing.

8. A sensor washing device according to claim 7, wherein said fluid source attachment extends from said transition portion in a direction away from said washing side of said ring portion at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said ring portion.

9. A sensor washing system according to claim 8, wherein said shroud includes sidewalls extending between said front wall and said rear wall, and top and bottom walls extending between said sidewalls, said top wall including a recessed cutout portion; and said fluid source attachment of said washer housing rests in said recessed cutout portion.

10. A sensor washing device according to claim 9, wherein the angle of said fluid source attachment is an acute angle.

11. A sensor washing device according to claim 7, wherein said opening of said shroud includes an extension that extends outwardly from said front wall of said shroud for receiving said transition and ring portions of said washer housing.

12. A sensor washing device according to claim 11, wherein said receiving portion includes a body section inside of said shroud, said body section is shaped to receive the sensor.

13. A sensor washing device according to claim 12, wherein a top wall of said shroud includes a recessed cutout portion that is above said body section of said receiving portion, said recessed cutout portion is configured to receive at least a portion of said fluid source attachment of said washer housing.

14. A sensor washing device according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of nozzles are located in said transition portion at a top of said ring portion.

15. A sensor washing device according to claim 14, wherein a bottom of said ring portion is devoid of any nozzles.

16. A sensor washing device according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of nozzles being defined by a plurality of tabs extending from said transition portion toward said main opening of said ring portion, thereby forming fluid path slots of said plurality of nozzles therebetween.

17. A sensor washing device according to claim 7, wherein said washer housing, said ring portion, and said transition portion form a unitary one-piece member.

18. A sensor washing device, comprising: a sensor having a detecting head; a shroud having a front wall, a rear wall opposite said front wall, and an inner receiving portion, said front wall having an opening that receives the detecting head of the sensor lens, said shroud including sidewalls extending between said front wall and said rear wall, and top and bottom walls extending between said sidewalls, said top wall including a recessed cutout portion; and a washer housing coupled to a front face of said receiving portion of said shroud, said washer housing including a ring portion and a fluid source attachment, said fluid source attachment configured to receive fluid, said fluid source attachment rests in said recessed cutout portion, and said ring portion having, a main opening generally aligned with said opening of said front wall of said shroud, an attachment side configured to mount said washer housing to said shroud, and a washing side that frames the detecting head of the sensor, said washing side being in fluid communication with said fluid source attachment, and a plurality of nozzles being disposed in a transition portion of said washer housing between said ring portion and said fluid source attachment of said washer housing, said plurality of nozzles being configured to discharge fluid to said washer side and radially inwardly towards said main opening that frames the detecting head of the sensor.

19. A sensor washing device, comprising: a sensor having a detecting head; a shroud having a front wall, a rear wall opposite said front wall, and an inner receiving portion, said front wall having an opening that receives the detecting head of the sensor lens; and a washer housing coupled to a front face of said receiving portion of said shroud, said washer housing including a ring portion and a fluid source attachment, said fluid source attachment configured to receive fluid, and said ring portion having, a main opening generally aligned with said opening of said front wall of said shroud, an attachment side configured to mount said washer housing to said shroud, and a washing side that frames the detecting head of the sensor, said washing side being in fluid communication with said fluid source attachment, and a plurality of nozzles being disposed in a transition portion of said washer housing between said ring portion and said fluid source attachment of said washer housing, said plurality of nozzles being configured to discharge fluid to said washer side and radially inwardly towards said main opening that frames the detecting head of the sensor, and said plurality of nozzles being defined by a plurality of tabs extending from said transition portion toward said main opening of said ring portion, thereby forming fluid path slots of said plurality of nozzles therebetween.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing figures:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera lens washing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is side elevational cross-sectional view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a housing subassembly of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the housing subassembly illustrated in FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a camera lens washing device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 6;

(9) FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views a camera lens washing device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

(11) FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, showing the device without the camera for clarity;

(12) FIG. 11 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, showing the device supported by a vehicle camera module;

(13) FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of a washer housing of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

(14) FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a shroud of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, showing the device supported by the camera module;

(16) FIG. 15 is a exploded perspective view of a sensor washing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

(17) FIGS. 16A and 16B are front and rear perspective views of the assembly of the sensor washing device illustrated in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(18) Referring to the figures, the present invention relates to a washing device 100 (FIGS. 1-5), 100 (FIGS. 6 and 7), 100 (FIGS. 8A-14), and/or 100 (FIGS. 15, 16A, and 16B) for a camera lens 10 or a sensor 20, such as for a camera or sensor mounted on a vehicle. Both the washing device 100, 100, 100 for the camera lens and the washing device 100 for the sensor, have a simplified design while providing improved washing of the camera lens or sensor head without impeding that field of view of the camera lens or the detecting function of the sensor head.

(19) As seen in FIGS. 1-7, the camera lens washing device 100 and 100 generally includes an outer housing 102 and an inner ring 104 that cooperate with one another to form multiple nozzles 106 therebetween that are preferably disposed around a top side of the camera lens 10 for discharging fluid, such as water or other lens washing fluid, radially inwardly and toward the camera lens 10 for cleaning the same. The washing fluid is preferably under pressure to be distributed through the nozzles 106 creating multiple fluid jets from different locations toward the center of the camera lens 10. The camera lens washing device 100 and 100 has an improved compact design and camera field of view.

(20) Outer housing 102 generally includes a main body 110 that may be substantially ring shaped and includes a main opening 112 therein for receiving the camera lens 10. One end of main body 110 is an attachment end 114 configured to mount to a camera housing 12 of the lens 10. The other end of main body 110 is an exposed end 116, as best seen in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, attachment end 114 includes one or more latching arms 118 that extend from main body 110 in a direction away from exposed end 116 for snap fitting onto the camera housing 12. Alternatively, attachment end 114 may include other known methods of attachment, such as screw fastening or adhesive. Main opening 112 of outer housing 102 includes a top side 120 and an opposite bottom side 122. A fluid source attachment 124 is provided in the outer housing 102 that is configured for engagement with a fluid source, such as a water hose or line. Fluid source attachment 124 may be an extension with an inner bore 126 in fluid communication with the nozzles 106. Fluid source attachment 124 is preferably located at the top side 120 of main opening 112 in outer housing 102 to allow the fluid to flow downwardly towards the nozzles 106.

(21) Exposed end 116 of outer housing 102 includes an end face 130. A recessed area 132 extends inwardly from end face 130 for accepting inner ring 104. Extending inwardly from main opening 112 are spaced tabs 134 which define fluid path slots 136 therebetween, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, which are in fluid communication with fluid source attachment 124. Spaces tabs 134 may be located adjacent to recessed area 132. Remote from the spaced tabs 134 on main body 110 is an alignment member 138 for aligning inner ring 104 with respect to outer housing 102.

(22) Inner ring 104 is configured and sized to frame the camera lens 10, as best seen in FIG. 1. Inner ring 104 is preferably formed separately from outer housing 102 and is received in recessed area 132 of outer housing 102. Inner ring 104 may be fixed to outer housing 102, such as by laser welding inner ring 104 in recessed area 132 or by other known attachments. Inner ring 104 includes a mounting face 140 (FIG. 5) that engages recessed area 132 and an opposite exposed face (FIG. 1) 142. An inner diameter surface 144 of inner ring 104 is between mounting face 140 and exposed face 142. In a preferred embodiment, exposed face 142 of inner ring 104 does not extend beyond and is substantially flush with end face 130 of outer housing 102, as seen in FIG. 2, thereby not negatively impacting the camera's field of view.

(23) A plurality of channels 150 are provided in inner diameter surface 144 of inner ring 104, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Channels 150 substantially align with fluid path slots 136 of outer housing 102 to form the nozzles 106. Each channel 150 substantially aligns with one of the fluid path slots 136 to form one of the nozzles 106. Each channel 150 preferably extends into mounting face 140 of inner ring 104 and may include a step 152 to facilitate fluid flow through nozzles 106.

(24) Remote from channels 150 is an alignment member 154 that corresponds to alignment member 138 of outer housing 102 to ensure proper alignment between inner ring 104 and outer housing 104 to form the nozzles 106. In one embodiment, alignment member 154 may be a protruding flange (FIG. 5), for example, and alignment member 138 may be a cut-out in main body 110 sized to accept flange 154, or vice versa. The alignment member 138 preferably includes a channel that allows the fluid or water from the fluid source attachment 126 to pass therethrough to the channels 150 and slots 136 of nozzles 106.

(25) Other alignment or keying methods may be used as long as channels 150 and slots 136 are substantially aligned in order to form the nozzles 106. Nozzles 106, including tabs 134 and channels 150, are preferably located at or near the top side 120 of main opening 112 such that fluid from fluid source attachment 124 can flow downwardly through slots 136 and channels 150 so that nozzles 106 discharge the fluid directly onto the camera lens 10. And because nozzles 106 are on the top of the lens 10, gravity will subsequently wash away the fluid from the lens 10. In a preferred embodiment, none of the nozzles 106 are located at the bottom, that is the bottom side 122 of the main opening 112 such that the nozzles 106 are only provided near or at top side 120. The nozzles 106 may be evenly spaced from one another and radially arranged with respect to the lens 10, as best seen in FIG. 4.

(26) A sealing member 160 (FIG. 3), such as a seal ring, may be provided on attachment end 114 to seal the plurality of channels 150 and slots 136 between inner ring 104 and outer housing 102.

(27) FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the camera lens washing device 100. Camera lens washing device 100 is substantially the same as the camera lens washing device 100 of the first embodiment, except that the outer housing 102 thereof includes shroud extension 200 for attaching to a camera module 14 that supports the camera lens 10. Shroud extension 200 replaces latch arms 118 and may include an engagement member 202, such as a plurality of teeth, for engaging the camera module 14. Shroud extension 200 is extends away from the exposed end 116 of outer housing 102 and is preferably sized to substantially surround the camera lens.

(28) FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9-11, 12A, 12B, 13 and 14 illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a camera lens washing device 100 in accordance with the present invention. Camera lens washing device 100 has fewer components and provides a fluid source attachment that is positioned inside of the shroud 200 (FIG. 10) resulting in a more compact design overall. The shroud 200 is configured to mount to the camera module 14 that is in turn mounted to the vehicle, such as at the tailgate of the vehicle. By providing a more compact camera lens washing device 100 with the fluid source attachment inside of the shroud 200, the existing vehicle structure, such as the tailgate structure, is not affected and requires no modification to mount device 100. For example, no additional holes are needed in the tailgate structure, which is typically sheet metal, to mount the compact camera lens washing device 100, as seen in FIG. 14. By eliminating the need for additional holes in the tailgate structure, integrity problems associated with holes located too close to the welds of the tailgate structure can be avoided. Additionally, this compact design also avoids the difficultly in punching holes in the tailgate structure due to the welds thereof have hardening the structure and the limited space for the holes.

(29) Camera lens washing device 100 comprises a washer housing 800 that includes a ring portion 802, a fluid source attachment 804, and a transition portion 806 therebetween. As seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the washer housing 800, its ring portion 802, and its transition portion 806 are preferably stationary with respect to one another. In a preferred embodiment, washer housing 800 is a unitary one-piece member. The unitary one-piece washer housing 800 may be formed by a molding process, for example. Ring portion 802 generally includes a main opening 810 for receiving the camera lens 10, an attachment side 812 for mounting housing 800 to shroud 200, and a washing side 814 that frames the camera lens 10 and is in fluid communication with fluid source attachment 804 through transition portion 806. The attachment side 812 preferably includes one or more engagement members 830 for engaging shroud 200. The engagement members 830 may be snap legs, for example, that extend from attachment side 812. A sealing member 840, such as a rubber gasket, may be provided on the inner surface 842 of ring portion 802 around main opening 810 to seal the area behind washing side 814.

(30) Fluid source attachment 804 of washer housing 800 extends from transition portion 806 in a direction away from washing side 814 and toward the direction in which attachment side 812 faces, as best seen in FIG. 12A. Fluid source attachment 804 may be, for example, a hose portion of washer housing 800 that extends from transition portion 806 and accepts the fluid for washing the camera lens 10.

(31) One or more nozzles 820 are disposed on transition portion 806 at the top 816 of ring portion 802 on the washing side 814 thereof. Each nozzle 820 is designed to discharge fluid received from fluid source attachment 804 generally radially inwardly and downwardly towards main opening 810 and the camera lens 10, in a similar manner as the above embodiments. The bottom 818 of the ring portion 802 does not include any nozzles 820. That is, the nozzles 820 are disposed only at or near the top 816 of ring portion 802. Bottom 818 may include a lateral slot 822 (FIG. 12B) that facilitates the molding process when forming washer housing 800.

(32) As seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the one or more nozzles 820 are defined by one or more tabs 824 extending from transition portion 806 toward main opening 810. The tabs 824 define fluids path slots 826 therebetween of nozzles 820 which direct the fluid towards camera lens 10 (FIG. 11). A recessed area 828 may be provided at the top 816 of ring portion 802 adjacent or near the tabs 824 to facilitate fluid flow to main opening 810.

(33) Shroud 200 generally includes a front face 900, a rear opening 902 opposite the front face 900, an inner receiving area 906, opposite sidewalls 910 and 912 extending between front face 900 and rear opening 902, and top and bottom walls 914 and 916 extending between sidewalls 910 and 912, as best seen in FIG. 13.

(34) Front face 900 has a lens opening 906 sized to accept ring portion 802 of washer housing 800 and the camera lens 10. As seen in FIG. 11, ring portion 802 is positioned in lens opening 906 such that washer side 814 of ring portion 802 is generally flush, that is flush or nearly flush, with front face 900 of shroud 200. Lens opening 906 includes an open extension 922 adapted to receive transition portion 806 of washer housing 800. The inner surface 920 of lens opening 906 includes one or more engagement members 930 corresponding to the one or more engagement members 830 of washer housing 800. Engagement members 930 of shroud 200 may be one or more tongues on which the snap legs of the engagement members 830 of ring portion 802 can snap to secure housing 800 to shroud 200. It will be appreciated that engagement members 830 and 930 may be either one of a tongue or snap leg and may be any other known engagement, as long as housing 800 is attached to shroud 200.

(35) Washer housing 800 is compact in nature such that it can be received inside shroud 200, that is in inner receiving area 904, such that fluid source attachment 804 does not extend through or from any walls, including front face 900, sidewalls 910 and 912, and top and bottom walls 914 and 916 of shroud 200 and instead only extends through rear opening 902. In other words, as best seen in FIG. 10, fluid source attachment 804 can extend through the shroud's rear opening 902 for attachment to a fluid source with the top wall 914 of shroud 200 covering fluid source attachment 804. When installing the camera into the shroud's receiving area 904, the camera abuts the attachment side 812 of washer housing 800 such that the camera lens 10 is received in the main opening 810 of washer housing 800. Once the camera is installed, a locking bracket may be used to secure the camera in place in the overall camera module 14.

(36) FIGS. 15, 16A and 16B illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a washing device 100 of the present invention in which washer housing 800 may be used for cleaning a vehicle component, other than a camera lens, such as sensor 20, namely an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and the like. Washing device 100 may include a shroud 200 that supports washer housing 800 and facilitates mounting of the washing device 100 on a vehicle.

(37) The main opening 810 of the ring portion 802 of washer housing 800 is configured to receive a portion of sensor 20, such as the detecting head 22 of sensor 20. A protective lens 24 may be provided around the sensor head 22. The attachment side 812 of ring portion 802 is configured for mounting washer housing 800 to shroud 200, in a manner similar to that described above with regard to engagement members 830 (FIG. 12A). The washing side 814 of washer housing 800, which is in fluid communication with fluid source attachment 804, frames the sensor head 22.

(38) As seen in FIG. 15, fluid source attachment 804 extends from transition portion 806 in a direction away from the washing side 814 of ring portion 802 (and toward shroud 200). Fluid source attachment 804 is angled with respect to ring portion 802, thereby defining an angle between a central longitudinal axis A of ring portion 802 and the longitudinal axis B of fluid source attachment 804. In a preferred embodiment, the angle is an acute angle to provide a compact washing device 100. Nozzles 820 (FIGS. 12A and 12B) of washer housing 800 are positioned and function the same as described in the embodiment above. That is nozzles 820 are designed to discharge fluid received from fluid source attachment 804 generally radially inwardly and downwardly towards main opening 810 and the sensor head 22.

(39) Shroud 200 generally includes a front wall 1000, a rear wall 1002, an inner receiving portion 1004, sidewalls 1010 and 1012 extending between front wall 1000 and rear wall 1002, and top and bottom walls 1014 and 1016. Front wall 1000 has an opening 1006 that receives the detecting head 22 of sensor 20. Opening 1006 preferably includes an extension 1008 that extends from an outer surface of front wall 1000. Extension 1008 may receive the ring and transition portions 802 and 806 of washer housing 800. A body section 1009 inside of shroud 200 is shaped to receive the body 26 of sensor 20.

(40) When washer housing 800 is assembled with shroud 200, fluid source attachment 804 rests in a recessed cutout portion 1018 of the shroud's top wall 1014, as best seen in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The angle of fluid source attachment 804 along with recessed cutout portion 1018 provides a compact design of washing device 100. Recessed cutout portion 1018 is preferably above the body section 1009, as best seen in FIG. 15.

(41) While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.