FR3062366A1 - SYSTEM FOR RECOVERING LIQUID FOR A VEHICLE AND DISPENSING LIQUID ON A GLASS OF THE VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid recovery system for a vehicle, the system comprising at least a first reservoir (1, 7) adapted to be arranged at a roof (4) of a vehicle and for recovering and storing liquid, such as the rainwater, characterized in that it further comprises distribution means are designed to be arranged at said roof and which are configured to bring or project liquid contained in said first tank on a window of said vehicle.

Description

© Holder (s): VALEO WIPING SYSTEMS Simplified joint-stock company.

O Extension request (s):

© Agent (s): VALEO WIPING SYSTEMS INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY SERVICE.

FR 3 062 366 - A1 © LIQUID RECOVERY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND DISPENSING LIQUID ON A WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE.

©) Liquid recovery system for a vehicle, the system comprising at least a first tank (1,7) designed to be arranged at a roof (4) of a vehicle and for recovering and storing liquid, such that rainwater, characterized in that it further comprises distribution means are designed to be arranged at said roof and which are configured to bring or project liquid contained in said first tank onto a window of said vehicle .

i

Liquid recovery system for a vehicle and liquid distribution on a vehicle window

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the technical field of recovering liquid in a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a liquid recovery system integrated into the roof of a vehicle.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known from tanks arranged on the surface of a roof of a motor vehicle. These tanks allow the recovery of rainwater falling on the roof of the vehicle and are connected to a tank. This tank is located at another location in the motor vehicle, for example in an engine compartment.

Gutters which extend from the roof of the motor vehicle to the engine compartment of the motor vehicle are also known. These gutters are used to route rainwater to a reservoir. Rainwater can then be stored there and reused.

Filtration systems are also known, the purpose of which is to filter the recovered rainwater in order to allow its reuse, for example for washing windows of the motor vehicle.

A disadvantage of the aforementioned systems is that the recovered water must be conveyed to a remote tank or to a remote pump for the reuse of this liquid, which makes the systems complex and expensive to produce.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the art. To do this, the invention provides a liquid recovery system for a vehicle, the system comprising at least a first tank designed to be arranged at a roof of a vehicle and to recover and store liquid, such as rain water, characterized in that it further comprises distribution means which are designed to be arranged at said roof and which are configured to bring or project liquid contained in said first tank onto a window of said vehicle .

The reservoir and the distribution means are thus located as close as possible to one another, which simplifies the design of the system and therefore makes it less expensive. Due to the position on the roof, that is to say the high position, of the distribution means, the distribution of the liquid on the glass can be achieved in several ways, for example by spraying or gravity flow of the liquid.

According to other characteristics of the invention which can be taken together or separately:

- Said first tank is produced in a spoiler or a cap of said vehicle, said spoiler or said cap having an aerodynamic deflector function and / or a sun visor function;

- Said spoiler further comprises a housing for mounting a brake light;

- Said first tank is in fluid communication with a second tank designed to be arranged at said roof;

- Said second tank is designed to extend over a roof of said vehicle;

- Said first tank and / or said second tank comprises / include internal partitions defining a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other;

- Said first tank and / or said second tank a / have a generally rectangular, square, circular, Y, S or T shape;

- Said distribution means comprise nozzles oriented towards said window;

- The system further comprises at least one pump for supplying said distribution means with liquid contained in said reservoir, said pump being designed to be arranged at said roof;

- Said pump is connected by at least one electric cable to power supply means of said vehicle, said bundle being designed to extend along an inter-window upright of said vehicle.

The invention also relates to a vehicle roof provided with a system as described above.

The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a roof as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which will follow for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a liquid recovery system, according to an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a liquid recovery system, according to another embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a truck type vehicle equipped with a liquid recovery system, according to another embodiment according to the invention;

Figures 5a to 5i and 7 are views similar to those of Figures 1 and 2 and illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention; and Figures 6a to 6d are very schematic sectional views of a liquid tank for a system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a liquid recovery system for a vehicle, such as an automobile 100 (FIG. 1) or a truck 200 (FIG. 4). The following description relates to automobile 100 but is naturally applicable to truck 200.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the roof 4 of the automobile 100 is equipped with a system for recovering liquid which falls on this roof 4. The system can also be designed to allow the recovery of a liquid flowing on the roof 4 of the automobile 100, in particular under the effect of an air flow generated by the movement of the automobile 100.

The liquid to be recovered can be, for example, rainwater, a cleaning liquid or even a de-icing product. The liquid recovery system can also allow the recovery of a liquid used during washes, in particular of the automobile 100 as a whole or of the windshield thereof.

The system here comprises a tank 1, called the first tank, which is here integrated into the roof of the automobile 100. This tank 1 can comprise two substantially horizontal panels, respectively upper 2 and lower. The lower panel can form the roof of the automobile and thus define part of the passenger compartment of the automobile. The upper panel 2 extends above and at a distance from the lower panel and preferably comprises orifices 24 for the passage of liquid for the supply of liquid to the reservoir 1.

In the example shown, the first tank 1 may have dimensions, in particular horizontal, substantially identical to the roof 4, which allows a large storage capacity while not requiring a high height of the first tank, this height being measured substantially vertically . In other words, the first tank extends in the roof 4 so as to occupy most, if not all of it. The length I and the width L of the first tank are thus substantially equal respectively to a length and a width of the roof 4 of the motor vehicle 100, the length and the width of the roof 4 being measured parallel or substantially parallel respectively to the length and to the width of the motor vehicle 100. As a variant, the first tank extends only in only part of the roof 4.

In a variant, the tank could protrude from the roof 4 of the vehicle, in particular from the rear side to the vehicle 100, by approximately 10 cm more than the length I, to form a spoiler there.

The storage space of the first tank 1 has for example a storage capacity of several liters, in particular between 0 and 200 liters, preferably between 2 and 50 liters. By way of illustration, the volume of the storage space is approximately 10 liters.

The passage orifices 24 are small openings or small holes made in the upper panel 2. The passage orifices 24 are for example obtained during manufacture of the upper panel 2, or else produced by drilling subsequent to the manufacture of said panel. They are sized to allow water to infiltrate through the top panel 2.

More specifically, the passage openings 24 pass here on either side of the upper panel 2. In particular, the passage openings 24 extend from the external surface of the upper panel 2 to the internal surface of the latter. . The passage openings 24 extend, for example, between these surfaces in a substantially vertical manner.

The passage orifices 24 are here circular or substantially circular. For each passage orifice 24, it is possible to define a central axis (X) passing in the middle of said passage orifice 24 and extending orthogonally to the upper panel 2. It is noted that the passage orifices 24 have a diameter d measured along the axis (X) and a length measured along the axis (Z).

In the following, the term "center distance E" is used to denote the distance separating the central axes (X) of two passage orifices 24 adjacent to each other. Here the center distance is measured substantially horizontally, that is to say parallel to the plane (x, y).

In the illustrated embodiment, the spacing E is variable and depends in particular on the location of the through holes 24 on the upper panel 2. In particular, here the through holes 24 are arranged so that the center distance between the holes passage 24 decreases as one approaches the front windshield of the motor vehicle 100. This variability of the center distance E makes it possible in particular to influence the surface distribution of the penetration of the liquid into the storage space 15 of the first reservoir 1. As a variant, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the centers E are constant.

Here, the through holes 24 for example all have identical or substantially identical dimensions. In a variant not illustrated, the dimensions of the passage orifices 24 are variable. They then depend, for example, on the location of the passage orifices 24 on the upper panel 2.

It will be noted, in this regard, moreover, that it is possible, in order to modify the distribution of the penetration of the liquid in the storage space 15 of the first tank 1 from outside the motor vehicle 100, to vary a distance between the passage openings 24.

It is also noted that the passage openings 24 allow the penetration of the liquid, that it flows along the external surface of the upper panel towards the passage openings 24 or that the liquid falls directly into the storage space of the first reservoir 1 through the passage orifices 24.

In a variant not illustrated, all or part of the passage orifices 24 have a non-circular cross section, for example square or rectangular.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper panel may alternatively comprise a single opening 25 for the passage of liquid in the reservoir 1.

The main opening 25 here has a circular or substantially circular shape. However, it has a larger diameter than that of the passage openings 24 of the embodiment described above. Replacing the plurality of passage openings 24 with a main opening 25 makes it possible in particular to channel the entry of the liquid into the storage space into a limited number of entry points, here in particular a single entry point. This is particularly advantageous especially in the case where it is desired to filter the penetrating liquid or even manage the quantity of liquid already present in the reservoir 1.

This opening 25 may for example include a drain. The drain is for example an element serving to plug the main opening 25 in a removable manner, in the manner of what can be found in a sink.

The upper panel 2 can in this case comprise at least one channel 20, here two channels 20. Each of the channels 20 is a narrow channel designed here on the external surface of the upper panel 2. Each channel 20 is designed so as to collect the liquid present to the external surface of the upper panel 2 and to facilitate its flow towards the opening 25. In particular, here, each channel is here connected to the main opening 25.

Each channel 20 here has a longitudinal shape and extends between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. Advantageously, the second longitudinal end of each channel 20 is arranged in the vicinity, or even in the immediate vicinity, of the main opening 25. Here, in particular, the second longitudinal end of each of the two channels opens onto the main opening 25.

Advantageously, the external surface of the upper panel comprises at least one inclined part designed to accompany the flow of the liquid present on the upper panel 2 towards the main opening 25 of the channeling device.

Here, in particular, the external surface of the upper panel 2 comprises several inclined parts arranged on either side of each of the channels 20 of the upper panel 2. It is noted that the parts inclined to the external surface of the upper panel 2 can be the result of an undulation of the upper panel 2.

In particular, each channel 20 is arranged between two surfaces inclined relative to one another. In other words, each channel 20 is bordered at least in part by inclined surfaces. The inclined parts are designed so that the liquid flows along the inclined parts, on the surface of these, towards the channel 20. In other words, the two inclined parts along each channel 20 substantially form a valley at bottom of which extends said channel 20.

Advantageously, the orifice or opening for passage of the upper panel can be provided with an opening / closing means, not illustrated. The opening / closing means is designed to move between an open position and a closed position. When the opening / closing means is in the closed position, the opening / closing means prevents the penetration of the liquid into the storage space of the first reservoir 1 through the passage means. When the opening / closing means is in its open position, the opening / closing means allow the liquid to penetrate into the storage space of the first reservoir 1 through the passage means. The opening / closing means is, for example, a closing valve allowing the main opening 25 to be closed.

The actuation of the opening / closing means between its closed position and its open position can be done manually. Thus, the opening / closing means is for example a removable plug which can be directly manipulated by the user of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the opening / closing means is triggered automatically. The opening / closing means is then connected, for example, to a control module designed to remotely trigger the opening or closing of the opening / closing means. The control module is for example itself connected to the dashboard of the automobile 100, which allows a user to trigger the remote opening / closing means, in particular from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. automobile 100.

The control module can also be connected to a sensor, in particular an outdoor temperature sensor or even to a rain detector. The control module then automatically triggers the opening / closing module, according to the information transmitted by the sensor.

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As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 2 and 4, the recovery system may possibly also comprise a second tank 7. The second tank 7 is here arranged in the vicinity of the first tank 1. In particular, the second tank 7 is here arranged in the spoiler 10 of the automobile 100 or in a cap 30 of the truck 200.

A spoiler 10 or a cap 30 generally has an aerodynamic profile to limit the disturbances in the air flow flowing around the vehicle 100, 200 during its movements. In general, the spoiler 10 is located behind the roof 4 and the cap is located in front of the roof of the vehicle. The spoiler 10 or the cap 30 can have at least one of the functions chosen from an aerodynamic deflector and a sun visor.

The second tank 7 is preferably connected to the first tank 1 by a connecting channel 5 visible in FIG. 3. In particular, the channel 5 extends between the first tank 1 and the second tank 2, from one to the 'other. The channel 5 is designed to allow the evacuation of the liquid stored in the first tank 1 towards the second tank 7.

The flow between the first tank 1 and the second tank 7 through the channel 5 is for example by gravity. As a variant or additionally, the liquid recovery system comprises a pump, for example arranged in the outlet channel 5, which makes it possible to entrain the liquid contained in the first tank 1 to the second tank 7.

The recovery system may further include a purification device. The purification device is designed to filter the liquid. The purification device is for example arranged in the channel 5. As a variant or cumulatively, in a manner not illustrated, the purification device is arranged in each orifice 24 or the opening 25. The purification device is provided for example with a filter cartridge . The purification device can also be designed so as to diffuse an additive for the treatment of the recovered liquid. The additive is for example a soap, an alcohol, a perfume or an antibacterial product.

As a variant, the vehicle, such as the automobile 100 or the truck 200, is equipped with a single tank 7, called the first tank, which is located in the spoiler 10 or the cap 30 of this vehicle.

At least one of the reservoirs, such as the reservoir 1, 7 of the roof 4, of the spoiler 10 or of the cap 30, comprises distribution means 15 which are configured to bring or project liquid contained in this reservoir onto a window of the vehicle . The vehicle window may be the windshield or another vehicle window, such as its rear window.

The reservoir is for example connected to spray nozzles for spraying a cleaning liquid, for example onto the vehicle windshield. Alternatively, the tank is connected to liquid flow orifices, for example by gravity, on the window such as the vehicle windshield.

The tank may be provided with one or more pieces of equipment chosen from lighting, a pump, means of electrical supply, etc.

In the case of a spoiler tank, for example, it can be fitted with a brake light. It can then include a housing 40 dedicated for receiving the brake light (see FIG. 3).

The reservoir may include a pump 80 dedicated to supplying liquid to the aforementioned nozzles (cf. FIG. 3). This pump can be supplied electrically by at least one electric cable 50, which can also be used for the electric supply of the aforementioned lighting or brake light. The electrical supply means, which may be in the form of a bundle of electrical cables 50, extend for example from the electrical equipment of the roof to an electrical source 60 of the vehicle or to a computer, along an inter-window amount of the vehicle.

As appears from the different variants of FIGS. 5a to 5i, the first and / or the second reservoir may include internal partitions 90 defining a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. This avoids the formation of an imbalance due to the movement of a large amount of water, when moving the vehicle (in particular when cornering, braking, accelerating, etc.). The effects of unbalance are schematically represented by arrows in FIG. 7. These displacements of liquid can generate noise when it abuts on the side walls of the tank. This noise will be all the more perceptible as it can be located and generated near and above the heads of the occupants of the vehicle.

The quantity of water contained in the tank is thus distributed in several rooms, which makes it possible to better distribute its mass on the roof and to limit the effects of unbalance of the whole.

The partitions 90 can make it possible to promote mixing of the liquid and its mixing, in particular when the rainwater recovered is mixed with another liquid, such as windshield washer fluid. Rainwater can also be mixed with a soluble powder.

The partitions 90 can be of various shapes. In the case of FIGS. 5a and 5c, these are inclined partitions forming a pair of rafters, and which are independent (FIG. 5a) or linked together (FIG. 5b). In the case of FIG. 5c, these are perpendicular partitions forming a grid or a grid. In the case of FIG. 5d, these are two perpendicular partitions which form a cross. In the case of FIGS. 5e and 5f, these are circular or cylindrical partitions defining cylindrical chambers spaced from one another. The space extending between the cylindrical partitions can be empty and also form an additional liquid storage chamber (cf. FIG. 5e) or be full (FIG. 5f).

In the variant embodiments of FIGS. 5g to 5i, in addition to having internal partitions, the reservoirs have a complex shape, for example in S (FIG. 5g), Y (FIG. 5h) or T (FIG. 5i).

Figures 6a to 6d show sections of the tank 1, 7 containing such partitions 90. The partitions 90 can be attached and fixed to one of the panels, lower or upper, of the tank or be distributed over both. Alternatively, they can be formed in one piece with one of the panels or distributed and formed in one piece with the two panels.

In FIG. 6a, a part of the partitions is connected to the lower surface of the upper panel 2 and the other part of the partitions is connected to the upper surface of the lower panel 3. During assembly, that is to say, during stacking the upper panel 2 on the lower panel 3, the partitions do not interfere and are positioned one next to the other. In FIG. 6b, the partitions are all integral with one of the panels, here the lower panel 3. When the panels 2, 3 are sealed, the free ends of the partitions 90 can be separated or joined to the panel which does not carry them. not. In Figures 6c and 6d, the partitions 90 are connected together by a transverse wall 92 extending substantially parallel to the panels. This wall 92 can be full (FIG. 6c) or pierced with orifices for fluid communication between the chambers situated respectively above and below this wall 92 (FIG. 6d).

When the tank is closed, the panels can delimit between them, at their periphery, orifices 94 for the passage of liquid, for example for the entry or exit of liquid and in particular for the flow of liquid towards a window of the vehicle. .

The reservoir 1, 7 can be made of plastic material or any other suitable material. The spoiler 10 or the cap 30 is for example obtained by molding or thermoforming.

Claims (12)

1. Liquid recovery system for a vehicle (100, 200), the system comprising at least a first tank (1, 7) designed to be arranged at a roof (4) of a vehicle and for recovering and storing liquid, such as rainwater, characterized in that it further comprises distribution means (15) which are designed to be arranged at said roof and which are configured to bring or project contained liquid in said first tank on a window of said vehicle. 2. System according to the preceding claim wherein said first tank (7) is produced in a spoiler (10) or a cap (70) of said vehicle, said spoiler or said cap having an aerodynamic deflector function and / or a barrier function -Sun. 3. System according to the preceding claim wherein said spoiler (10) further comprises a housing (40) for mounting a brake light. 4. System according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said first tank (1, 7) is in fluid communication with a second tank (7, 1) designed to be arranged at said roof. 5. System according to the preceding claim wherein said second tank (1) is designed to extend over a roof of said vehicle. 6. The system of claim 4 or 5 wherein said first tank and / or said second tank (1, 7) comprises / comprise internal partitions (90) defining a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other. 7. System according to one of claims 4 to 6 wherein said first tank and / or said second tank (1, 7) has / have a generally rectangular, square, circular, Y, S or T shape. 8. System according to one of the preceding claims wherein said distribution means (15) comprise nozzles oriented towards said window. 9. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which it further comprises at least one pump (80) for supplying said distribution means (15) with contained liquid. 5 in said tank (1, 7), said pump being designed to be arranged at said roof. 10. The system as claimed in the preceding claim, in which said pump is connected by at least one electric cable (50) to means (60) for supplying power to said vehicle, said beam being designed to extend along an inter- windows (70) of said vehicle. 11. Roof (4) of vehicle (100, 200) provided with a system according to any one of claims Previous 10. 12. Vehicle (100, 200) comprising a roof (4) according to the preceding claim.