FR3114818A1 - Washing assembly for a washing liquid projection system - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Washing assembly for a washing liquid jetting system The present invention relates to a washing assembly (100) for a washing liquid jetting system (200), the washing assembly (100) comprising at least a first component (110) and a second component (120), the first component (110) and the second component (120) being intended to be mixed to form the washing liquid, the first component (110) comprising a washing fluid and the second component (120) comprising microcapsules (121), the first component (110) being intended to represent between 50% and 80% of the volume of the washing liquid and the second component (120) being intended to represent between 20% and 50% of the washing liquid volume Figure 1

Description

Washing assembly for a washing liquid projection system

The present invention relates to the field of systems for cleaning the glass surfaces present on motor vehicles, and more particularly to the field of systems for spraying washing liquid integrated into these cleaning systems.

Motor vehicles include various glazed surfaces which it is necessary, for obvious safety reasons, to keep clean. The most classic are, for example, the front and rear windscreens, which must be kept clean to ensure perfect visibility for the driver. The most recent motor vehicles are also equipped with a set of driver assistance systems that include sensors and/or transmitters that allow the driver to be assisted or replaced for certain maneuvers. These driver assistance systems are most often triggered by the detection of a signal, whether this signal is optical, electrical or of any other type. In the case of systems triggered by an optical signal, the sensor arranged to record the signal must be perfectly clean, so as not to risk non-triggering or unexpected triggering of the system. Mention may also be made, by way of example, of the glass surfaces which protect the light projectors, otherwise known as "dipped beam" or "high beam", which must also be cleaned regularly for the same safety reasons as above. mentioned.

It is known to clean the aforementioned glass surfaces using a cleaning product projected by a spray device. The cleaning product partially dissolves the dirt on these glass surfaces and a mop can then be used to remove the cleaning product and the dissolved dirt. Nevertheless, the cleaning products currently used generally only dissolve the least encrusted dirt and other dirt which may prove to be a problem for the general visibility of the driver may remain on the various glass surfaces mentioned above. Mention may be made, for example, of insects which may be difficult to detach from these glazed surfaces.

The present invention falls within this context by proposing a set of two components which allow, once mixed and sprayed on the glazed surfaces concerned by a suitable spraying system, an optimized cleaning of said glazed surfaces.

An object of the present invention thus relates to a washing assembly for a system for spraying a washing liquid, the washing assembly comprising at least a first component and a second component intended to be mixed to form the washing liquid, the first component comprising a washing fluid and the second component comprising microcapsules, the first component being intended to represent between 50% and 80% of the volume of the washing liquid and the second component being intended to represent between 20% and 50% of the volume of washing liquid.

According to the invention, the terms “washing fluid” are understood to mean any composition making it possible to clean a glazed surface. For example, this washing fluid can thus comprise cleaning agents combined with an antifreeze solution without departing from the context of the present invention. The washing liquid generated by mixing the first component and the second component thus comprises at least one abrasive agent formed by the microcapsules which are adapted to be projected against a glazed surface to be cleaned and to come into contact with dirt present on this glazed surface. so as to cleanse this dirt which can then easily be evacuated from the glazed surface by evacuating the washing liquid.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the microcapsules of the second component have a diameter of between 1 μm and 100 μm. Advantageously, the microcapsules can have a diameter of between 1 μm and 10 μm. Even more advantageously, the microcapsules can have a diameter of between 1 μm and 5 μm.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the microcapsules comprise a solid wall which defines an internal volume filled with air. In other words, it is understood that these microcapsules make it possible to introduce a controlled volume of air into the washing fluid, which makes it possible to reduce the quantity of washing fluid used, that is to say the quantity of first component used , without reducing the quantity of washing liquid actually projected onto the glazed surface concerned. It is understood that the internal volume of these microcapsules could be filled with any other gas, other than air, without departing from the context of the present invention. In addition, the microcapsules, and more particularly the solid walls of these microcapsules, have an abrasive effect which makes it possible to clean more stubborn dirt, such as insects for example. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to obtain cleaning that is either faster or consumes less washing fluid compared to the cleanings permitted by the washing liquids of the prior art. In fact, the abrasive effect makes it possible to improve cleaning efficiency, and therefore reduce the total cleaning time required, while the fact of introducing a controlled quantity of air into the washing liquid makes it possible to reduce the amount of washing fluid used.

For example, the wall of at least one microcapsule can comprise a polymer. According to one characteristic of the invention, the microcapsules are configured to mechanically resist a pressure of between 2 bar and 5 bar. The term "configured to mechanically resist a pressure of between 2 bar and 5 bar" means the fact that the microcapsules are resistant to these pressures, that is to say that they are capable of withstanding such pressures, without suffer deterioration, and in particular without bursting. In other words, these microcapsules are made with a polymer whose structure is chosen for its mechanical properties. Also, the thickness of this polymer used to form the wall of the microcapsule is chosen so that it participates in giving this wall its mechanical properties. Advantageously, this mechanical resistance participates in giving the microcapsules their abrasive character.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the polymer chosen to produce the wall of each microcapsule is advantageously biodegradable.

According to an exemplary implementation of the invention, the washing liquid consists of the first component mixed with the second component. In other words, the first component and the second component together represent 100% of the washing liquid.

The present invention also relates to a system for spraying a washing liquid formed by a mixture of the first component and the second component of the washing assembly as mentioned above, the spraying system comprising at least one circulation suitable for circulating at least the first component, at least one mixing zone of the first component with the second component and at least one device for spraying the washing liquid onto a glazed surface to be cleaned. According to one characteristic of the invention, the projection member is configured to project the washing liquid onto the glazed surface to be cleaned with a pressure of between 2 bar and 5 bar. As mentioned above, the microcapsules that form the second component of the washing assembly are configured to mechanically resist such pressures, so that these microcapsules come whole into contact with the glass surface to be cleaned.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the spraying system comprises at least a first tank in which the first component is stored and at least a second tank in which the second component is stored, the first tank and the second tank being distinct from each other. According to a characteristic of this first embodiment, the first reservoir is arranged upstream of the circulating member and the second reservoir is arranged downstream of the circulating member with respect to a direction of circulation of the fluid washing between the first reservoir and the projection member, the mixing zone between the first component and the second component being formed downstream of the circulating member. In other words, the first component and the second component are mixed to form the washing liquid, between the circulating member and the projection member.

According to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the spraying system comprises a reservoir which forms the mixing zone between the first component and the second component, this reservoir being arranged upstream of the circulating member with respect to a direction of circulation of the washing liquid between the reservoir and the projection member. In other words, the first component and the second component are, according to this second embodiment of the invention, introduced simultaneously into a single reservoir.

According to a characteristic of this second embodiment of the invention, the spraying system may comprise at least one shearing member arranged between the circulating member and the spraying member and the washing fluid is a thixotropic fluid . In other words, the shearing member is arranged downstream of the circulating member and upstream of the projection member. A fluid or material is said to be thixotropic if under constant stress (or speed gradient), its apparent viscosity decreases over time. In other words, according to this second exemplary embodiment, the washing fluid is at least partially gelled in the reservoir, and its passage through the shearing member makes it possible to liquefy it in order to allow its projection by the projection.

The present invention also relates to a wiping system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade adapted to come into contact with a glazed surface of the motor vehicle, the wiper blade being adapted to be driven in rotation by a wiper arm and the wiping system comprising at least one projection system as mentioned above. The glazed surface mentioned here can for example be a front or rear windshield of the vehicle, or even a glazed surface protecting a sensor or a transmitter of a driving aid device. It is understood that the wiping system is given here by way of example and that provision may be made to use the washing liquid projection system according to the invention independently of this wiping system without departing from the context of the present invention. For example, this projection system can be used in combination with a system for drying the sprayed washing liquid. According to another example, the washing liquid can be evacuated by a centrifugal force generated by a rapid rotation of the glazed surface concerned.

The present invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wiper system according to the invention.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent through the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given by way of indication and not limiting with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings on the other hand, on which ones :

is a schematic representation of a washing assembly according to the present invention, this washing assembly comprising a first component and a second component;

is a schematic representation of a system for projecting a washing liquid according to a first embodiment of the invention, the washing liquid comprising a mixture of the first component and the second component of the washing assembly illustrated in the figure 1 ;

is a schematic representation of a system for projecting a washing liquid according to a second embodiment of the invention, the washing liquid comprising a mixture of the first component and the second component of the washing assembly illustrated in the figure 1 ;

is a schematic view, in perspective, of a wiping system according to the present invention, this wiping system integrating a projection system as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In the rest of the description, the names "longitudinal", "transverse" and "vertical" refer to an orientation of a wiping system according to the invention, in a trihedron L, V, T, in which a direction longitudinal corresponds to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to the vertical axis V and a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to the transverse axis T, the axes of this trihedron L, V, T being perpendicular two by two. In addition, the designations "upstream" and "downstream" are understood according to a direction of circulation of a washing fluid in a projection system of the wiping system according to the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates, schematically, a washing assembly 100 according to the present invention. As shown, this washing assembly 100 comprises at least a first component 110 and at least a second component 120 intended to be mixed to form a washing liquid suitable for being sprayed against a glass surface of a vehicle.

The first component 110 comprises a washing fluid and the second component 120 comprises microcapsules 121. The term "washing fluid" here means any cleaning fluid, whether it comprises only cleaning agents, or whether it also comprises an antifreeze liquid or any other component likely to improve the use of this washing fluid. According to the invention, the first component 110 is intended to represent between 50% and 80% of the volume of final washing liquid and the second component 120 is intended to represent between 20% and 50% of the volume of washing liquid final. The term “final washing liquid” is understood to mean the washing liquid obtained after having mixed, at least, the first component 110 with the second component 120. Advantageously, the final washing liquid may consist solely of the first component 110 mixed to the second component 120, in the proportions given above. Optionally, provision may be made for other agents to be added to this washing liquid, without departing from the context of the invention, provided that the volume ratios of the first component and second component in the final washing liquid given above are respected. .

Here, the term "microcapsules" means capsules whose diameter is less than 100 μm and which contain air. In particular, these microcapsules 121 have a diameter comprised between 1 μm and 100 μm, advantageously between 1 μm and 10 μm, even more advantageously 1 μm and 5 μm. These microcapsules 121 each comprise a solid wall 122 which defines an internal volume 123 filled with air. For example, the solid wall 122 can be made of a polymer. Advantageously, these microcapsules 121 make it possible to integrate a controlled volume of air into the washing liquid. It is understood that the internal volume of these microcapsules could be filled with another type of gas, different from air, without departing from the context of the present invention. Also, the solid wall 122 which defines the internal volume 123 of these microcapsules 121 has an abrasive effect on dirt, and in particular on the most stubborn dirt, such as insects for example. This abrasive effect is particularly effective provided that the microcapsules 121 are projected whole and that they retain their integrity. In order to ensure the integrity of the microcapsules 121, the latter are configured to mechanically resist a pressure of between 2 bar and 5 bar. In other words, these microcapsules are made with a polymer whose structure is chosen for its mechanical properties. Also, the thickness of this polymer used to form the wall of the microcapsule is chosen so that it participates in giving this wall its mechanical properties. Advantageously, the polymer chosen to produce the wall of each microcapsule can be biodegradable.

It is therefore understood that the presence of these microcapsules 121 filled with air makes it possible to reduce the quantity of washing fluid projected, without reducing the quantity of total washing liquid projected, and while maintaining a level of cleaning efficiency at least equivalent to that achieved by the washing liquids of the prior art. In other words, the washing liquid according to the invention makes it possible either to reduce the quantity of total washing liquid used, or to shorten the necessary washing time.

The washing assembly 100 described above is intended for use in a washing liquid projection system as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a washing liquid projection system 200 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIG. 3 illustrates a system 200 for spraying washing liquid according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

According to any one of the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the washing liquid projection system 200 comprises at least one member 210 for circulating at least the first component 110, that is to say that this member circulation 210 is configured to ensure, at least, the circulation of the washing fluid, at least one reservoir 220 and at least one projection member 230 adapted to allow a projection of the washing liquid towards a glazed surface 301 to to clean. More particularly, the projection member 230 is configured to project the washing liquid at a pressure of between 2 bar and 5 bar.

It is understood that the representations made in Figures 2 and 3 of the projection system 200 according to the invention are schematic. In particular, the distances shown between the reservoir(s) 220 and the projection member 230 are not drawn to scale. According to different examples of implementation of the invention, provision may be made to position the projection member 230 on a wiper blade, at the level of a bonnet of the vehicle, or even immediately near a sensor or a transmitter protected, or not, by a glazed surface to be cleaned while the tanks could for example be positioned close to the engine block. It is understood that these are only examples of positions that these different elements can take, which do not limit the present invention.

According to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the projection system 200 more particularly comprises at least a first reservoir 221 which receives the first component 110 and at least a second reservoir 222 which receives the second component 120. In other words, the washing fluid is stored in the first tank 221 and the microcapsules 121 are stored in the second tank 222. As shown, the first tank 221 and the second tank 222 are distributed on either side of the organ 210. The first reservoir 221 is arranged upstream of this circulation member 210 while the second reservoir 222 is arranged downstream of this circulation member 210. In other words, according to this first embodiment , the projection system 200 comprises a mixing zone 240 at the level of which the mixing takes place between the first component 110 and the second component 120 of the set of e washing, this mixing zone 240 being located between the circulating member 210 and the projection member 230.

Thus, according to the first exemplary embodiment, when a projection of washing liquid is requested, the circulating member 210, which can for example be a pump or a solenoid valve, is placed in the operational position, that is that is to say a position which makes it possible to circulate the washing fluid stored in the first tank 221. As shown, the second tank 222 can be in direct communication with a pipe 201 which fluidically connects the circulating member 210 and the projection member 230, so that when the washing fluid passes close to this second reservoir 222, it carries with it the microcapsules 121 stored in the second reservoir 222. By defining an opening section of this second reservoir 222 as well as an appropriate flow rate of the washing fluid, it is then possible to control the volume ratio between the washing fluid and the microcapsules in the washing liquid formed by the mixture of these two components.

Alternatively, the second tank 222 can be connected to the pipe 201 mentioned above, by an additional pipe - not illustrated here - on which can then be arranged a flow control device adapted to be controlled simultaneously with the setting member. circulating so as to allow mixing between the first component 110 and the second component 120 within the mixing zone 240.

The spraying system 200 according to the second example embodiment differs from the spraying system 200 according to the first example embodiment, in particular in that it comprises a single tank 223 in which the washing liquid is directly stored, i.e. to say that this single reservoir 223 forms the mixing zone 240 between the washing fluid 110 and the microcapsules 120. Such an arrangement is notably permitted by the fact that, according to this second embodiment, the first component 110 is a thixotropic fluid . A fluid or material is said to be thixotropic if under constant stress (or speed gradient), its apparent viscosity decreases over time. In other words, the first component 110 has, in the single reservoir 223, a sufficient viscosity to allow the microcapsules 121 to be distributed homogeneously throughout the volume of washing fluid present in this single reservoir 223. Indeed, these microcapsules 110 being filled with air, a mixture of these microcapsules 110 in a so-called "conventional" washing fluid, that is to say a fluid having a constant viscosity regardless of the constraints that could be applied to it, would result in microcapsules 110 grouped together, floating on the surface of the volume of washing fluid.

It is understood that to obtain a washing liquid which can be projected by the projection member 230, it is necessary to modify the viscosity of this washing fluid. To this end, the spraying system 200 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises at least one shearing member 250 configured to apply a significant mechanical stress, in a short period of time, so as to allow this liquefaction of the fluid of washing, and thus allow the projection of the washing liquid obtained by the projection member 230. For example this shearing member 250 can take the form of a fixed plate and a movable plate between which passes the washing fluid , the movable plate being configured to operate a back and forth movement continuous and fast enough to allow a sufficient reduction in the viscosity of the washing fluid, and therefore of the washing liquid which comprises this washing fluid.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of integration of the projection system 200 which has just been described with a wiper system 300 of a motor vehicle. It is understood that this is only an example of implementation of the invention and that the projection system 200 could be used alone or in combination with other known cleaning systems without departing from the context of the present invention.

The wiping system 300 illustrated in FIG. 4 comprises at least one wiper blade 310 adapted to come into contact with the glazed surface 301 to be cleaned. This wiper blade 310 is configured to be driven in rotation by a wiper arm 320 for its part connected to an electric motor carried by the vehicle. Specifically, the wiper arm 320 is connected to the wiper blade via a connection device 330. The wiper blade itself comprises at least one wiper blade 311 which forms the part of this wiper blade adapted to come into contact with the glazed surface 301, this wiper blade 311 being carried by a support 312 which may for example comprise an air deflector and/or a member for stiffening the wiper blade wiping 310 – not visible in Figure 4.

As shown, the projection system 200 is connected, for example by the pipe 201 mentioned above, to a distribution channel 321 of the wiping system 300. According to the example illustrated, the distribution channel 321 runs along of the wiper arm 320 and allows the windscreen washer fluid formed by the mixture of the first and second components as mentioned above to be routed to the projection member to allow the projection of the washing liquid against the glazed surface 301. According to the example illustrated here, the projection member comprises a plurality of projection nozzles distributed along the wiper blade 310.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the projection system can be used alone, i.e. without a glass surface wiping system. Alternatively, this projection system can for example be used in combination with drying means which can take the form of a fan, or even a motor which makes it possible to rotate the glazed surface to be dried quickly enough to evacuate the liquid. washing by centrifugal force.

The invention, as it has just been described, achieves the goal that it had set itself, and makes it possible to propose a system for spraying a washing liquid that is more effective than the washing liquids of the prior art.

The present invention cannot be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically effective combination of such means. In particular, the projection system can be modified without departing from the context of the present invention, insofar as it allows a projection of the washing liquid according to the invention without the microcapsules being damaged.

Claims (10)

Washing assembly (100) for a washing liquid spraying system (200), the washing assembly (100) comprising at least a first component (110) and a second component (120), the first component ( 110) and the second component (120) being intended to be mixed to form the washing liquid, the first component (110) comprising a washing fluid and the second component (120) comprising microcapsules (121), the first component ( 110) being intended to represent between 50% and 80% of the volume of the washing liquid and the second component (120) being intended to represent between 20% and 50% of the volume of the washing liquid. Washing assembly (100) according to the preceding claim, in which the microcapsules (121) of the second component (120) have a diameter of between 1 µm and 100 µm. A washing assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the microcapsules (121) comprise a solid wall (122) which defines an internal volume (123) filled with air. A washing assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the washing liquid consists of the first component (110) mixed with the second component (120). Projection system (200) of a washing liquid formed by a mixture of the first component (110) and the second component (120) of the washing assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the system of projection (200) comprising at least one circulating member (210) suitable for circulating at least the first component (110), at least one mixing zone (240) of the first component (110) with the second component ( 120) and at least one projection member (230) of the washing liquid on a glazed surface (301) to be cleaned. Projection system (200) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least a first tank (221) in which the first component (110) is stored and at least a second tank (222) in which the second component (120) is stored, the first reservoir (221) and the second reservoir (222) being separate from each other. Projection system (200) according to the preceding claim, in which the first tank (221) is arranged upstream of the circulating member (210) and the second tank (222) is arranged downstream of the put into circulation (210) with respect to a direction of circulation of the washing fluid between the first reservoir (221) and the projection member (230), the mixing zone (240) between the first component (110) and the second component (120) being formed downstream of the circulating member (210). Projection system (200) according to claim 5, comprising a tank (223) which forms the mixing zone (240) between the first component (110) and the second component (120), this tank (223) being arranged upstream of the circulating member (210) with respect to a direction of circulation of the washing liquid between the reservoir (223) and the projection member (230). Projection system (200) according to one of Claims 5 or 8, comprising at least one shearing member (250) arranged between the circulation member (210) and the projection member (230) and in which the washing fluid is a thixotropic fluid. Wiper system (300) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade (310) adapted to come into contact with a glazed surface (301) of the motor vehicle, the wiper blade (310) being adapted to be driven in rotation by a windscreen wiper arm (320) and the wiping system (300) comprising at least one projection system (200) according to any one of Claims 5 to 9.