RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a PCT International application claiming priority to U.S. patent application serial no. 15/491,551, entitled Sensor Washing Device, filed on April 19, 2017, U.S. patent application serial no. 15/428,706, entitled Camera Lens Washing Device, filed on February 9, 2017, and U.S. patent application serial no. 15/267,938, entitled Camera Lens Washing Device, filed on September 16, 2016, the subject matter of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for effectively and efficiently washing a vehicle component or instrument, such as a sensor, mounted on the vehicle, where the device has a simplified design with no impact on the detecting function of the sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Instruments associated with vehicles, such as sensors and cameras, often become dirty due to environmental and weather conditions, thereby impacting safe driving. Cleaning devices exists to address this problem. See, for example, U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2016/0103316 to Rousseau, 2016/0101735 to Trebouet, 2016/0001330 to Romack et al, 2015/0344001 to Lopez Galera et al., 2015/0343999 to Lopez Galera et al., 2015/0203077 to Gokan, and 2011/0292212 to Tanabe et al., the subject matter of each of which is herein incorporated by reference. However, such conventional cleaning devices are often ineffective, bulky, and obstruct the sensor's head or camera's field of view. [0004] Therefore, a need exists for a washing device that effectively and efficiently cleans the detecting head of a vehicle sensor that also has a compact profile and does not obstruct the detection function of the sensor's head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention may provide a camera lens washing device that includes an outer housing that has a main opening for receiving a camera lens, an attachment end configured to mount to a camera housing of the camera lens, and an exposed end remote from the attachment end. The exposed end includes an end face that has a recessed area extending inwardly therefrom. An inner ring is received in the recessed area of the outer housing which is configured to frame the camera lens. A plurality of nozzles are defined between the outer housing and the inner ring. The plurality of nozzles are configured to discharge fluid radially inwardly towards the camera lens. The inner ring may be substantially stationary with respect to the outer housing.

[0006] The present invention may also provide a camera lens washing device that includes an outer housing that has a main opening for receiving a camera lens. The main opening has opposite top and bottom sides. The outer housing also has an attachment end configured to mount to a camera housing of the camera lens and an exposed end remote from the attachment end. The exposed end includes an end face that has a recessed area extending inwardly therefrom. An inner ring is received in the recessed area of the outer housing which is configured to frame the camera lens. A plurality of nozzles are defined between the outer housing and the inner ring. The plurality of nozzles may be disposed at or near the top side of the main opening of the outer housing such that the plurality of nozzles are configured to discharge fluid radially inwardly towards the bottom side of the main opening of the outer housing. [0007] The present invention may further provide a camera lens washing device that comprises a unitary one-piece washer housing that includes a ring portion and a fluid source attachment. The ring portion has a main opening for receiving a camera lens, an attachment side configured for mounting the washer housing, such as in a shroud, and a washing side configured to frame the camera lens. 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 receiving the camera lens. In a preferred embodiment, the washer housing is a compact design.

[0008] The present invention may yet further provide camera lens washing device that comprises a shroud that has a front face, a rear opening opposite the front face, and an inner receiving area therebetween. The front face has a lens opening for receiving a camera lens. A washer housing is disposed in the receiving area of the shroud. The washer housing includes a ring portion and a fluid source attachment. The ring portion has a main opening that is generally aligned with the lens opening of the shroud for receiving the camera lens, an attachment side that is configured to mount the washer housing to the shroud, and a washing side that is configured to frame the camera lens. The washing side is in fluid communication with said 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 and radially inwardly towards the main opening for receiving the camera lens. In a preferred embodiment, the washer housing is a compact design such that when received in the shroud, the top wall of the shroud covers the fluid source attachment which extends through the rear opening of the shroud.

[0009] The present invention may still yet further provide 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 preferably 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 may be 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 may be configured to discharge fluid to the washer side radially inwardly towards the main opening for cleaning the detecting head of the sensor.

[0010] The present invention may also provide a sensor washing device that comprises a sensor that has a detecting head; a shroud that has a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, and an inner receiving portion, where the front wall preferably has an opening that receives the detecting head of the sensor lens; and a washer housing that is coupled to a front face of the receiving portion of the shroud. The washer housing includes a ring portion and a fluid source attachment. The fluid source attachment is configured to receive fluid. The ring portion preferably has a main opening generally aligned with the opening of the front wall of the shroud, an attachment side configured to mount the washer housing to the shroud, and a washing side that frames the detecting head of the sensor where the washing side is in fluid communication with said fluid source attachment. A plurality of nozzles may be 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 may be configured to discharge fluid to the washer side and radially inwardly towards the main opening that frames the detecting head of the sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[001 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:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera lens washing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is side elevational cross-sectional view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a housing subassembly of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the housing subassembly illustrated in FIG.

4;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a camera lens washing device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0019] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views a camera lens washing device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8 A and 8B, showing the device without the camera for clarity;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8 A and 8B, showing the device supported by a vehicle camera module;

[0023] FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of a washer housing of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a shroud of the camera lens washing device illustrated in FIGS. 8 A and 8B;

[0025] 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;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a exploded perspective view of a sensor washing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] 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

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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. [0033] 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.

[0034] 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 1 10 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.

[0035] 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 1 12 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 1 12 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.

[0036] A sealing member 160 (FIG. 3), such as a seal ring, may be provided on attachment end 1 14 to seal the plurality of channels 150 and slots 136 between inner ring 104 and outer housing 102.

[0037] 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 1 18 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 1 16 of outer housing 102' and is preferably sized to substantially surround the camera lens.

[0038] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9-1 1, 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.

[0039] 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. 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.

[0040] 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. [0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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".

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 a 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 a 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.

[0049] 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. [0050] 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 a 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.

[0051] 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.