FR3089262A1 - Fluid distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) for distributing a fluid of the type comprising a stack formed by a plurality of modules (100, 200) each provided with at least one manifold (20) for distributing the fluid, each unit module (100, 200) comprising a tubular hydraulic fluid conduction part configured to be removably mounted end to end by respective male and female hydraulic communication ends, characterized in that each module comprises at least one pump means configured to propel the circulating fluid in the tubular hydraulic part in the fluid distribution manifold and in that each module (100, 200) comprises at least one means of electric motorization of the pump means and at least one electronic means of control of the electric motor means for activating or not the pump means FIGURE SHORT 1.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid distribution device.

Technical area.

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid, in particular a fluid for cleaning a surface of a vision device or a sensor of a motor vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a fluid distribution device connected to washing liquid supply means such as a reservoir and capable of distributing cleaning fluid to members for cleaning the various surfaces of the motor vehicle.

Hitherto, the surfaces to be cleaned in a motor vehicle have been relatively limited in number and generally have included a front windshield, a rear window and front headlights. In this case, such fluid distribution devices can be simply designed and are presented for example in the form of bidirectional pumps which make it possible to supply two cleaning members sequentially. As the number of cleaning devices is currently limited to a maximum of four (windshield, rear window and headlamps), the use of two pumps proves to be the best solution in terms of simplicity, robustness and cost.

[0003] However, with the development of various driving assistance systems, sensors are increasingly used to assist the driver of a motor vehicle in his driving. For example, an optical sensor can be placed at the rear of the vehicle to allow the driver to have an easier view of the obstacles behind the vehicle when running a slot. Optical sensors are thus generally placed outside the vehicle, and are therefore particularly exposed to weather and dust. Over time, a layer of dirt forms on the optical surface of the sensor, partially or completely obstructing the detection field of the sensor. It then becomes necessary to also regularly clean the optical surface of the sensor to allow it to fulfill its function.

Current fluid distribution devices are not suitable for cleaning so many surfaces, namely not only the conventional vision optical surfaces but also the surfaces of the various sensors, cameras or LIDAR, etc. likely to be installed in current or future motor vehicles.

A solution consisting simply in multiplying the cleaning members for motor vehicles is difficult to envisage. Indeed, the space generated by the multiplication of pumps associated with each of the cleaning members, the assembly complexity of a large number of pumps are not compatible with the current requirements of construction of new motor vehicles.

[0006] Thus, the drawback of simply multiplying the pumps lies mainly in the size and the mounting on the vehicle. Indeed, there are already today difficulties in installing two pumps on a tank due to an increasingly reduced environment.

Prior art.

The major drawback of the distribution solutions presented in the prior art is their limited number of combinations. Indeed, it would be necessary to be able to supply up to three cleaning organs, therefore three liquid distribution outlets simultaneously, without any notion of preset combination and with a reaction time of the order of 0.5 seconds. Therefore, it is easily understood that each output must be able to be controlled independently.

The solutions with drawer, turntable, cam or barrel known in the prior art do not meet these requirements. They do not allow all combinations of three outputs to be made without arriving at unacceptable dimensions (for example for nine outputs this represents one hundred and thirty combinations). Nor are they able to guarantee a response time of 0.5 seconds for switching from one combination to another. Finally, when changing the combination (movement of the drawer, disc, cam or barrel), it is necessary to temporarily stop the pump so as not to have projection on an unwanted outlet. However, it is not acceptable to stop the pump when the driver is washing his windshield, for example, and a camera requires cleaning to remain functional.

The invention particularly aims to provide a device to overcome these drawbacks, namely to provide a fluid delivery device for feeding multiple cleaning members simultaneously or independently of each other while having a low impact on overall dimensions.

Summary of the invention For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid of the type comprising a stack formed of a plurality of unit modules each provided with at least one manifold for dispensing the fluid, each unit module comprising a tubular hydraulic fluid conduction part configured to be removably mounted end to end by respective male and female hydraulic communication ends, characterized in that each module comprises at least one pump means configured to propel the fluid flowing in the tubular hydraulic part in the manifold for distributing the fluid and in that each unit module comprises an electric motor means of the pump means and electronic means for controlling the electric motor means to activate or not the pump.

The invention describes a pump module comprising a hydraulic and electrical connection as well as a hydraulic outlet. The pump modules are intended to be assembled together, so as to form a pump unit making it possible to supply a multitude of washing devices. A basic module receives the vehicle's power supply and the hydraulic connection with the tank. The other additional modules are connected to obtain the right number of hydraulic outputs.

A device according to the invention may also include one or more of the following characteristics.

In another embodiment of the invention, each module comprises an electrical connection part comprising male and female ends of respective electrical conductivity configured to be electrically connected by means of electric motorization and by electronic control means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection part comprises a male electrical connector tip and a complementary female electrical connector tip forming the respectively male and female ends of electrical conduction.

In another embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic part comprises a tubular hollow body provided with at least one axial tubular male end piece and at least one complementary female tubular axial end piece forming the male and female ends respectively hydraulic communication.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular hydraulic part comprises at least one hydraulic chamber configured to receive the pump means and being configured to be in hydraulic communication with the fluid distribution manifold.

In another embodiment of the invention, the pump means comprises a propulsion turbine driven in rotation by a shaft of the electric motor means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular hydraulic part comprises a member delimiting an upper shell-shaped part forming the hydraulic chamber provided in the lower part with a nozzle-shaped extension configured to receive a seal ensuring sealing around a shaft of the electric motor means.

In another embodiment of the invention, each module comprises an on-board electronic card forming the electronic control means of the electric motor means.

In another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a basic unitary module and at least one additional unitary module, the basic module comprising a plurality of distribution manifolds connected to as many pump means and means of electric motorization.

In another embodiment of the invention, the basic unit module and the additional modules are configured electronically according to a master-slave mode

Brief description of the drawings [0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig.l [fig.l] illustrates a fluid distribution device according to the invention in the assembled state;

Fig.2 [0024] [fig.2] illustrates the device of Figure 1 in the disassembled state;

Fig.3 [0025] [fig.3] illustrates a basic module of the device in exploded view and in perspective;

Fig.4 [fig.4] illustrates the basic module of Figure 3;

Fig.5 [fig.5] illustrates an additional module of the device in exploded view and in perspective;

Fig.6 [fig.6] is a sectional and perspective view of the complementary module of Figure 5;

Fig.7 [0029] [fig.7] is a perspective view of a plug of the device of Figure 1.

Description of the embodiments FIG. 1 shows a device for distributing a fluid for supplying washing devices to a motor vehicle. This device 10 is designated by the general reference 10. This device 10 comprises, as is visible, a plurality of manifolds 20 for distributing the fluid.

According to the invention, the device 10 is formed by a stack of a base module 100 and at least one complementary module 200 as illustrated in Figure 2 showing the stack in the disassembled state.

The complementary modules 200 are fitted onto the base module 100 until the number of hydraulic or feeder outlets 20 is obtained corresponding to the number of cleaning members (not shown) of the motor vehicle in question. In the example, a plug 60 allows the last additional module 200 or the base module 100 to be closed off. Each module 100 or 200 comprises a body formed in the example in two parts, a cover part respectively 102 or 202 and a part housing respectively 104 or 204.

The base module 100 comprises, as shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, an electrical connection part 40 and a tubular hydraulic part 50. In the example described, the base module 100 comprises at least a manifold 20 intended to supply at least one hydraulic chamber 120 in which a turbine 36 is driven in rotation. The turbine 36 propels the liquid towards the dispensing orifice 20 forming the manifold. The turbine 36 is rotated by an electric motor or motor means 30. In the example described, the base module 100 comprises a plurality of feeders 20 and as many pump means 36 and motors 30 electrically connected to the means pump 36.

The motor 30 is maintained for example an engine support 34 and the cover 102 of the base module 100. The engine support 34 comprises a shell-shaped member flared in the upper part and extended in the lower part radially by a nozzle. This end piece is shaped in the example described to house in this example a seal 32 around an axis of the electric motor means 30 connected to the turbine 36. Such a seal 32 is designated as an axis seal. The shaft seal 32 seals between the hydraulic chamber 38 and a housing for the motor 30 formed in the housing part 204.

The device 10 further comprises a plurality of complementary modules designated by the reference 200 and shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6. The complementary modules 200 are constructed substantially according to the same architecture as the main base module 100. The difference is that these additional modules 200 have a single hydraulic part 50, a single hydraulic chamber 38, a single turbine 36, a single motor 30, a single motor support 34 and a single shaft seal 32. The complementary modules 200 also have complementary upstream and downstream electrical connection interfaces 52, 54 and complementary upstream and downstream hydraulic connection interfaces 42, 44. The interfaces are used for connection with the base module 100 or with one or more complementary modules 200 adjacent.

Preferably, the base module 100 and the complementary modules 200 operate in a master-slave configuration.

The slave modules 200 are also equipped with an electronic card 208 which is used for communication with the base module 100. This electronic card 208 receives the electrical connection from the motor 30 as well as the connection with tongues or pins 212 of electrical connection to male and female connectors 52, 54.

Preferably, the main module 100 also has an electronic card 108 which makes it possible to communicate both with the vehicle and with the slave pump modules 200. This card 108 receives the electrical connection of the motors 30 as well as the connection with the tabs 112 of the male 54 and female 52 electrical connector interfaces.

In illustration in Figure 7, the plug 60 comprises a body closed at one end and open at the other end and comprising an electrical female connector connector 64 complementary to the male connectors 44 of the modules 100 or 200 and a connector hydraulic connector 66 complementary to male ends 54 of modules 100 or 200.

The proposed solution allows to attach a multitude of pumps to each other. The distance between two pumps can therefore be reduced, and the overall dimensions are reduced.

The device 10 of the invention can be fixed directly to the vehicle and no longer to the tank as is currently the case (the tanks do not allow this type of component to be loaded due to lack of space). This new type of fixing will save space on the tanks and therefore a gain in volume, as well as tanks that are easier to make.

In addition, the device according to the invention has only a single electrical connection with the vehicle and a single hydraulic connection with the tank. Assembly is therefore easier on the vehicle assembly line compared to the connection of a large number of independent pumps. Likewise, all of the pumps form a single block, which will be fixed in the vehicle in a single operation instead of fixing all the pumps individually.

The proposed device allows modularity of the number of pumps. The number of hydraulic sub-assemblies (chamber 38, turbine 36, motor 30, manifold 20) of the base module 100 must be determined to cover the minimum needs of all vehicle configurations. For models with more options, 200 slave pump modules can then be added on request.

The fact of using several independent hydraulic sub-assemblies makes it possible to achieve all the possible combinations. Indeed, the hydraulic sub-assemblies have no influence on each other, and can be controlled independently thanks to the electronic cards of the base module 100 and of the complementary pump modules 200. It is then possible to activate and deactivate each pump when required.

The reaction time constraint can be optimized using the principle of the invention. It is in fact based on the use of pumps similar to those used for current cleaning devices. These pumps now guarantee a reaction time of around 0.5 seconds. The device of the proposed invention is therefore also able to ensure this response time.

State-of-the-art devices with a drawer, disc or barrel require temporarily stopping the pump when changing the combination so as not to create a projection onto an unwanted channel. The fact of using independent hydraulic sub-assemblies overcomes this constraint. To change the combination, it suffices to activate or deactivate the desired pump, without impacting the others (those which are already activated and those which are at rest). There is therefore no untimely interruption of washing which could displease the driver, or even cause a danger if cleaning is interrupted at a critical time. Likewise, there is no risk of inadvertent fluid splashes on any surface.

The basic module 100 can be composed of a sufficient number of pumps to ensure the minimum cleaning functions required on a basic vehicle. It is shown here with four hydraulic sub-assemblies based on knowledge of current needs (windshield washing, rear window, headlights, a camera). One can of course imagine this basic module with a different number of hydraulic sub-assemblies. The additional pump modules will then be added as needed depending on the category of the vehicle.

The architecture of the hydraulic sub-assemblies is based on the current definition of washing pumps, namely turbine pumps. It is obvious that any other pump technology can be imagined, which does not change the concept of a pump unit consisting of a basic module and additional pump modules.

In order to limit the number of beams, the system has been defined with a single electrical connection with the vehicle at the input of the basic module. All connections are then managed inside the system, via internal three-pin connectors (power, ground and signal). The activation of the different pumps is then managed by an intelligence embedded on the different electronic cards.

Thus, it is conceivable to install a single electronic card in the base module 100, capable of controlling the activation of the complementary pump modules 200, for example by means of a direct connection by electrical harness or by a cadreguide (known by the English terminology, "lead frame"). Such an arrangement would save the installation of an electronic card in each pump module. On the other hand, in this case, it would be necessary to provide as many pins at the base module output as additional pump modules to be connected. This could limit the number of pump modules to be connected by the number of pins available.

The system would then become less modular and the connection of the pump modules would be more complex.

To summarize, the invention allows a reduced bulk, a simplified assembly thanks to a modularity while meeting the functional requirements.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments within the reach of the skilled person can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Device (10) for distributing a fluid of the type comprising a stack formed of a plurality of modules (100, 200) each provided with at least one manifold (20) for distributing the fluid, each unit module (100, 200 ) comprising a tubular hydraulic part (110, 210) for conduction of the fluid configured to be removably mounted end-to-end by respective male (58) and female (56) hydraulic communication ends characterized in that each module (100, 200) comprises at least one pump means (36) configured to propel the fluid circulating in the tubular hydraulic part (110, 210) in the fluid distribution manifold (20) and in that each module (100, 200) comprises at least one electric motor means (30) of the pump means (36) and at least one electronic means (108) for controlling the electric motor means (30) to activate or not activate the pump means (36). [Claim 2] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each module (100, 200) comprises an electrical connection part (40) comprising male (44) and female (42) ends of respective electrical conductivity configured to be electrically connected by means electric motor (30) and electronic control means (108). [Claim 3] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the electrical connection part (40) comprises a male electrical connector connector (44) and a complementary female electrical connector connector (42) forming the respectively male and female ends of electrical conduction . [Claim 4] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hydraulic part (50) comprises a tubular hollow body provided with at least one male tubular axial end piece (54) and at least one female tubular axial end piece ( 52) complementary forming respectively the male and female ends of hydraulic communication. [Claim 5] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubular hydraulic part (50) comprises at least one hydraulic chamber (38) configured to receive the pump means (36) and being configured to be in hydraulic communication with the fluid distribution manifold (20). [Claim 6] [Claim 7] [Claim 8] [Claim 9] [Claim 10] Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the pump means (36) comprises a propulsion turbine driven in rotation by a shaft of the electric motor means (30). Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the tubular hydraulic part (50) comprises a member (34) delimiting an upper shell-shaped part forming the hydraulic chamber (38) provided in the lower part with a d-shaped extension tip configured to receive a seal (32) sealing around a shaft of the electric motor means (30). Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each module (100, 200) comprises an on-board electronic card (108, 208) forming the electronic means for controlling the electric motor means (30). Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a basic unitary module (100) and at least one complementary unitary module (200), the basic module (100) comprising a plurality of feeders (20) connected to as many pump means (36) and electric motor means (30). Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the basic unit module (100) and the complementary modules (200) are configured electronically according to a master-slave mode.