Camera lens washing device

• US 10,268,038 B2
• Filed: 09/16/2016
• Issued: 04/23/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2016
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Methode Electronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Methode Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Karasik, Vladimir
• Primary Examiner(s): Kakalec, Kimberly N.
• Application Number:
  US15/267,938
• Publication Number:
  US 20180081169A1
• Time in Patent Office: 949 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/56 specially adapted for cleaning other parts or devices than front windows or windscreens rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior including cleaning devices B60R1/0602
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0006 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/026 using retaining rings or springs G02B7/027 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/02 Bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/56 Accessories carrying-cases A45C11/38

Abstract

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. The inner ring 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. The nozzles may be disposed at or near a top side of the main opening of the outer housing.

Claims

1. A camera lens washing device, comprising:

an outer housing having 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 said attachment end, said exposed end including an end face having a recessed area extending inwardly therefrom;

an inner ring received in said recessed area of said outer housing, said inner ring being configured to frame the camera lens; and

a plurality of nozzles defined between said outer housing and said inner ring, said plurality of nozzles being configured to discharge fluid radially inwardly towards the camera lens,

wherein said inner ring is substantially stationary with respect to said outer housing, and

wherein said outer housing includes a plurality of tabs extending inwardly into said main opening, said plurality of tabs defining fluid path slots of said plurality of nozzles therebetween.

2. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

said inner ring includes an inner diameter surface, said inner diameter surface having a plurality of channels, each of said plurality of channels substantially aligns with one of said fluid path slots of said outer housing to form one of said plurality of nozzles.

3. A camera lens washing device according to claim 2, wherein

said outer housing and said inner ring include corresponding alignment members for engaging one another and substantially aligning each of said fluid path slots with each of said plurality of channels, respectively.

4. A camera lens washing device according to claim 2, wherein

said inner ring includes a mounting face for engaging said outer housing and an exposed face opposite said mounting face, said inner diameter surface being between said mounting face and said exposed face.

5. A camera lens washing device according to claim 4, wherein

said plurality of channels extend into said mounting face of said inner ring.

6. A camera lens washing device according to claim 4, wherein

said exposed face of said inner ring is substantially flush with said end face of said housing.

7. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

a sealing member is disposed on said attachment end of said outer housing.

8. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

said inner ring is separate from said outer housing.

9. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

said inner ring is welded to said recessed area of said outer housing.

10. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

said outer housing includes a fluid source attachment in fluid communication with said fluid path slots.

11. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

one or more latching arms extend from said attachment end of said outer housing away from said exposed end for engaging the camera housing.

12. A camera lens washing device according to claim 1, wherein

said attachment end of said outer housing includes a shroud extension extending away from said exposed end.

13. A camera lens washing device, comprising:

an outer housing having a main opening for receiving a camera lens, said main opening having opposite top and bottom sides, said outer housing having an attachment end configured to mount to a camera housing of the camera lens and an exposed end remote from said attachment end, said exposed end including an end face having a recessed area extending inwardly therefrom;

an inner ring received in said recessed area of said outer housing, said inner ring being configured to frame the camera lens; and

a plurality of nozzles defined between said outer housing and said inner ring, said plurality of nozzles being disposed at or near said top side of said main opening of said outer housing such that said plurality of nozzles are configured to discharge fluid radially inwardly towards said bottom side of said main opening of said outer housing,

wherein said outer housing includes a plurality of tabs extending inwardly into said main opening, said plurality of tabs defining fluid path slots of said plurality of nozzles therebetween.

14. A camera lens washing system according to claim 13, wherein

none of said plurality of nozzles are located at or near said bottom side of said main opening of said outer housing.

15. A camera lens washing system according to claim 14, wherein

said plurality nozzles being evenly spaced and radially arranged with respect to the main opening.

16. A camera lens washing system according to claim 14, wherein

said inner ring includes an inner diameter surface, said inner diameter surface having a plurality of channels, each of said plurality of channels substantially aligns with one of said fluid path slots of said outer housing to form one of said plurality of nozzles.

17. A camera lens washing system according to claim 16 wherein

said outer housing and said inner ring include corresponding alignment members for engaging one another and substantially aligning each of said fluid path slots with each of said plurality of channels, respectively.

18. A camera lens washing device according to claim 16, wherein

said inner ring includes a mounting face for engaging said outer housing and an exposed face opposite said mounting face, said inner diameter surface being between said mounting face and said exposed face.

19. A camera lens washing device according to claim 18, wherein

said plurality of channels extend into said mounting face of said inner ring.

20. A camera lens washing device according to claim 19, wherein

said exposed face of said inner ring is substantially flush with said end face of said housing.

21. A camera lens washing device according to claim 13, wherein

said inner ring is separate from said outer housing.

22. A camera lens washing device according to claim 13, wherein

said outer housing includes a fluid source attachment in fluid communication with said fluid path slots.

23. A camera lens washing device according to claim 13, wherein

one or more latching arms extend from said attachment end of said outer housing away from said exposed end for engaging the camera housing.

24. A camera lens washing system according to claim 13, wherein

said inner ring is substantially stationary with respect to said outer housing.