US20190359178A1 - Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly - Google Patents
Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190359178A1 US20190359178A1 US16/418,660 US201916418660A US2019359178A1 US 20190359178 A1 US20190359178 A1 US 20190359178A1 US 201916418660 A US201916418660 A US 201916418660A US 2019359178 A1 US2019359178 A1 US 2019359178A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- manifold assembly
- injector
- manifold
- rail member
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/46—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using liquid; Windscreen washers
- B60S1/48—Liquid supply therefor
- B60S1/52—Arrangement of nozzles; Liquid spreading means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
- F16K27/003—Housing formed from a plurality of the same valve elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/46—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using liquid; Windscreen washers
- B60S1/48—Liquid supply therefor
- B60S1/481—Liquid supply therefor the operation of at least part of the liquid supply being controlled by electric means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/10—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit
- F16K11/20—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members
- F16K11/24—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members with an electromagnetically-operated valve, e.g. for washing machines
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
- F16K31/0644—One-way valve
- F16K31/0651—One-way valve the fluid passing through the solenoid coil
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/46—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using liquid; Windscreen washers
- B60S1/48—Liquid supply therefor
- B60S1/50—Arrangement of reservoir
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
- B60W10/30—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of auxiliary equipment, e.g. air-conditioning compressors or oil pumps
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a manifold assembly, and particularly to a manifold assembly of a system for washing the cameras and/or sensors of a motor vehicle, such as a vehicle having autonomous driving functionality.
- a manifold assembly for a camera wash system of an autonomous vehicle.
- the manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid injectors, each fluid injector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid injector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid injector.
- a block member is configured to hold the fluid injectors in a fixed position.
- a rail member includes a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing a cleaning fluid to each of the fluid injectors.
- the block member includes a plurality of apertures, each aperture receiving a portion of a fluid injector therein.
- the manifold assembly further includes a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid outlet extending from the block member and is in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture of the block member and fluid injector received therein.
- the fluid inlet, the rail member, the fluid injectors and the fluid outlets form a plurality of fluid paths through the manifold assembly.
- each fluid outlet may be integrally formed as a unitary member with the block member.
- each fluid outlet is mechanically attached to and forms part of a corresponding fluid injector.
- each fluid outlet is attached to and extends from the block member.
- the fluid inlet forms part of the rail member.
- the rail member further includes a plurality of cup members, each cup member receives therein a fluid inlet portion of a fluid injector.
- the fluid passage is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and each cup member.
- the manifold assembly further includes a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are formed as part of the rail member.
- the fluid passage is in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
- the manifold assembly further includes at least one fastener coupled to the rail member and the block member.
- the at least one fastener connects the rail member to the block member.
- the manifold assembly may further include at least one spacer disposed between the rail member and the block member and surrounding the at least one fastener. The rail member is attached to the block member at a predetermined distance therefrom.
- the manifold assembly further includes at least one through-hole defined in the block member.
- the at least one through-hole allows for attachment of the manifold assembly within a vehicle.
- FIGS. 1 is a cross sectional side view of a fluid injector for use in a vehicle camera/sensor washing system
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manifold assembly for a vehicle camera/sensor washing system using the fluid injector of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are elevational side views of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a block member of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the block member of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a supply rail member of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a manifold system according to an example embodiment
- FIGS. 11 and 12 are top and side views, respectively, of a manifold assembly in FIG. 10 ;
- FIGS. 13 and 14 are top and side views, respectively, of another manifold assembly depicted in FIG. 10 .
- example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a manifold assembly of a wash systems for camera and sensors of autonomous vehicles.
- the manifold assembly is disposed within the vehicle, such as under the vehicle's hood, and in fluid communication between a source of washing fluid and exit ports of the wash system which discharge the washing fluid towards a plurality of the vehicle's cameras and sensors.
- the fluid may be a liquid, such as water or a water-based solution, or a gas, such as air.
- the wash system may also include a reservoir for holding water or other wash fluid; a pump which pumps fluid from the reservoir under pressure to the manifold assembly; an electronics control unit which controls the manifold assembly to selectively discharge the pressurized fluid from the manifold assembly to any one of a plurality of exit ports in fluid communication with the fluid outlets of the manifold assembly, each of the exit ports being disposed in proximity with a camera or sensor of the vehicle.
- the manifold assembly serves to selectively provide and distribute washing fluid to the externally-facing cameras and sensors of a motor vehicle.
- Manifold assembly 60 is configured to be part of the camera/sensor wash system for a motor vehicle, between a source of washing fluid and the exit ports of the wash system, and particularly between a fluid pump on an upstream side and the exit ports on a downstream side of the wash system.
- Manifold assembly 60 includes an inlet 62 disposed at one longitudinal end of the assembly and configured to receive, either directly or indirectly, fluid from a source of washing fluid to be used to wash exterior-facing cameras and sensors of a motor vehicle, such as the cameras and sensors which provide autonomous control functionality. Manifold assembly 60 further includes a plurality of outlets 63 which selectively provide washing fluid received at inlet 62 .
- manifold assembly 60 includes a plurality of fluid injectors 10 .
- Fluid injectors 10 seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , may each be any fluid injector, such as a fuel injector, a fluid injector for a reductant or diesel dosing unit, etc.
- each fluid injector 10 is a solenoid-activated injector in which the solenoid is controlled to open and close the injector valve of the fluid injector.
- manifold assembly 60 by selectively opening and closing the valves of fluid injectors 10 , allow for autonomous vehicle was system to provide washing fluid to the lens or other assembly of a chosen camera or sensor in precisely controlled amounts.
- Fluid injectors 10 may be individually controlled, i.e., opened and closed, by an electronics unit of the autonomous vehicle, or may be collectively controlled.
- FIG. 1 illustrates fluid injector 10 according to an example embodiment.
- Fluid injector includes an actuator unit 20 including a coil 22 , stationary pole piece 26 , spring 27 and movable armature 24 . Passing an electric current through coil 22 creates an electromagnetic force which causes armature 24 to move towards pole piece 26 , against the bias force presented by spring 27 . Removal of the electric current causes armature 24 to move away from pole piece 26 due to the spring force from spring 27 .
- Fluid injector further includes a valve assembly 30 .
- Armature 24 is connected to a valve needle 34 of the valve assembly having a closing element 36 disposed at an end portion of the needle.
- a valve seat 38 is disposed in fluid injector 10 at a downstream end portion thereof. Movement of armature 24 in a direction towards pole piece 26 , due to passing current through coil 22 , moves valve needle 34 so that closing element 36 becomes spaced apart from valve seat 38 , thereby opening the valve assembly 30 of fluid injector 10 and allowing fluid to pass from a fluid inlet 39 of fluid injector 10 to a fluid outlet 37 thereof.
- manifold assembly 60 includes a block member 72 which supports each fluid injector 10 in a fixed position.
- Block member 72 may be constructed from plastic, such as molded plastic, metal, fiberglass or the like.
- Block member 72 includes a plurality of apertures 72 A defined therein. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , each aperture 72 A is sized and shaped for receiving at least partly therein a fluid injector 10 .
- Each aperture 72 A receives a downstream portion of a fluid injector 10 , relative to a direction of fluid flow through the injector.
- block member 72 includes eight apertures 72 A for holding up to eight fluid injectors 10 , but it is understood that block member 72 may be configured to hold a different number of apertures 72 A.
- block member 72 further includes a plurality of fluid outlets 63 which extend or protrude from block member 72 .
- Each fluid outlet 63 includes a through-hole for passing fluid discharged from a corresponding fluid injector 10 .
- FIGS. 1-6 illustrate the positioning of fluid injectors 10 relative to a corresponding fluid outlet 63 .
- each fluid outlet 63 is formed from a metal and is welded or otherwise secured to the outlet port of a corresponding fluid injector 10 , as shown if FIG. 1 .
- each fluid outlet 63 is integrally formed with block member 72 so as to form a unitary member therewith, such as by being formed with block member 72 as part of the same plastic molding process.
- each fluid outlet is attached or secured to block member 72 .
- block member 72 includes a plurality of through-holes 67 .
- a through-hole 67 is defined at and extends from the longitudinal end portions of block member 72 .
- Through-holes 67 are sized for receiving a bolt or other fastener therein (not shown), for securing manifold assembly 60 within a vehicle.
- Block member 72 may also include apertures 72 B ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) defined at least partly therein. Apertures 72 B are illustrated as being defined through block member 72 , but it is understood that apertures 72 B may be defined only partly through the block member. Apertures 72 B may be defined along the longitudinal length of block member 72 and spaced apart from each other. Apertures 72 A include a threaded inner surface for receiving a bolt or other fastener, as explained in greater detail below.
- Manifold assembly 60 includes a rail member 64 which provides fluid communication between inlet 62 of the manifold assembly and the fluid inlet 39 of each fluid injector 10 .
- Rail member 64 is constructed from a rigid material, such as plastic, metal, fiberglass or the like.
- Inlet 62 of manifold assembly 60 extends from an end portion, such as a longitudinal end portion, of rail member 64 .
- a plurality of cup members 66 extend outwardly and are sized and shaped for receiving therein the inlet portion of a fluid injector 10 . Cup member 66 forms a sealed engagement with a corresponding fluid injector 10 when the inlet port thereof is inserted in cup member 66 .
- Passage 68 may be formed from a plurality of interconnected passage segments 68 A- 68 D.
- a first passage segment 68 A extends from inlet 62 at a first longitudinal end of rail member 64 and a second longitudinal end thereof, and provides fluid communication to a first group of cup members 66 (four cup members 66 , as illustrated).
- a second passage segment 68 B extends from first passage segment 68 A in a lateral direction along rail member 64 .
- a third passage segment 68 C extends in parallel with first passage segment 68 A between longitudinal end portions of rail member 64 , and is in fluid communication with a second group of (four) cup members 66 .
- Second passage segment 68 B is disposed between and is fluidly connected to first passage segment 68 A and third passage segment 68 C. As shown, second passage segment 68 B is disposed along a middle section of rail member 64 , resulting in fluid passage 68 forming an H-shape. It is understood, however, that fluid passage 68 may have other shapes. For example, second passage segment 64 B may extend in a lateral direction along a longitudinal end portion of rail member 64 , resulting in fluid passage 68 have a largely C-shape.
- Rail member 64 may further include one or more through-bores 69 .
- through-bores 69 are spaced apart from each other and disposed substantially evenly along rail member 64 in a longitudinal direction.
- Through-bores 69 are sized for allowing a bolt 70 or other fastener to be inserted therein and to threadingly engage with an aperture 72 B so that rail member 64 may be secured to block member and thereby hold fluid injectors 10 in a stable, fixed position within manifold assembly 60 .
- spacers 61 surround bolts 70 and are disposed between block member 72 and rail member 64 to provide a fixed spacing therebetween.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of manifold assembly 60 along one group of fluid injectors 10 .
- the fluid inlet of each fluid injector 10 is disposed within the inner cavity of a corresponding cup member 66 and forms a sealed connection therewith using an O-ring or the like.
- each cup member 66 includes an additional (fourth) passage segment 68 D that extends from first passage segment 68 A (or third passage segment 68 C) to the cup inner cavity so as to provide fluid communication in between.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an expanded manifold assembly or system 100 according to another example embodiment.
- manifold system 100 is a modular assembly in which a plurality of manifold assemblies 60 are in fluid communication with each other.
- each manifold assembly 60 includes a rail member 64 having a fluid inlet 62 , as discussed above, and also includes a fluid outlet 65 which allows for manifold assemblies 60 to be in fluidly connected to each other in a cascaded arrangement.
- Tubing 118 which in this case is flexible tubing of a rubber composition or the like, is connected between manifold assemblies 60 , with each tubing or tube member 118 being coupled between the fluid outlet 65 of one manifold assembly 60 and the fluid inlet 62 of the next manifold assembly 60 in the cascaded chain of manifold assemblies 60 .
- This manifold system 100 advantageously allows for manifold assemblies 60 to be spaced apart in the motor vehicle as needed in order to effectively provide wash fluid to cameras and/or sensors disposed around the vehicle.
- the one manifold assembly 60 appearing at the end of the cascaded chain of manifold assemblies 60 may include a fluid outlet 65 having a plug sealingly engaged therewith or may optionally not include a fluid outlet 65 .
- Expanded manifold system 100 illustrated in FIG. 10 shows manifold assemblies 60 with different numbers of fluid injectors 10 associated therewith.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate top and side plan views, respectively, of the four-injector manifold assembly 60 appearing in FIG. 10 .
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate top and side plan views, respectively, of a two-injector manifold assembly appearing in FIG. 10 .
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Abstract
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
provisional patent application 62/675,156, filed on May 22, 2018 and titled, “Vehicle Sensor Cleaning System and Method,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - The present invention is directed to a manifold assembly, and particularly to a manifold assembly of a system for washing the cameras and/or sensors of a motor vehicle, such as a vehicle having autonomous driving functionality.
- As autonomous vehicle development continues to progress with various sensors and cameras around the exterior of the vehicle, a need has arisen for keeping the lenses of these sensors and cameras clean in order to function properly. Accordingly, there is an increased need for a washing system that effectively and robustly provides a desired amount of fluid to any of the sensors and cameras of the autonomous vehicle.
- According to an example embodiment, there is disclosed a manifold assembly for a camera wash system of an autonomous vehicle. The manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid injectors, each fluid injector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid injector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid injector. A block member is configured to hold the fluid injectors in a fixed position. A rail member includes a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing a cleaning fluid to each of the fluid injectors.
- The block member includes a plurality of apertures, each aperture receiving a portion of a fluid injector therein. The manifold assembly further includes a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid outlet extending from the block member and is in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture of the block member and fluid injector received therein. The fluid inlet, the rail member, the fluid injectors and the fluid outlets form a plurality of fluid paths through the manifold assembly.
- The fluid outlets may be integrally formed as a unitary member with the block member. Alternatively, each fluid outlet is mechanically attached to and forms part of a corresponding fluid injector. In another alternative embodiment, each fluid outlet is attached to and extends from the block member.
- The fluid inlet forms part of the rail member. The rail member further includes a plurality of cup members, each cup member receives therein a fluid inlet portion of a fluid injector. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and each cup member.
- The manifold assembly further includes a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are formed as part of the rail member. The fluid passage is in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.
- The manifold assembly further includes at least one fastener coupled to the rail member and the block member. The at least one fastener connects the rail member to the block member. The manifold assembly may further include at least one spacer disposed between the rail member and the block member and surrounding the at least one fastener. The rail member is attached to the block member at a predetermined distance therefrom.
- The manifold assembly further includes at least one through-hole defined in the block member. The at least one through-hole allows for attachment of the manifold assembly within a vehicle.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIGS. 1 is a cross sectional side view of a fluid injector for use in a vehicle camera/sensor washing system; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manifold assembly for a vehicle camera/sensor washing system using the fluid injector ofFIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the manifold assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are elevational side views of the manifold assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the manifold assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a block member of the manifold assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the block member ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a supply rail member of the manifold assembly ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a manifold system according to an example embodiment; -
FIGS. 11 and 12 are top and side views, respectively, of a manifold assembly inFIG. 10 ; and -
FIGS. 13 and 14 are top and side views, respectively, of another manifold assembly depicted inFIG. 10 . - In the figures and throughout the detailed description, the same reference numbers are used to identify identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, the elements are not shown to scale unless otherwise specified.
- In general terms, example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a manifold assembly of a wash systems for camera and sensors of autonomous vehicles. The manifold assembly is disposed within the vehicle, such as under the vehicle's hood, and in fluid communication between a source of washing fluid and exit ports of the wash system which discharge the washing fluid towards a plurality of the vehicle's cameras and sensors. The fluid may be a liquid, such as water or a water-based solution, or a gas, such as air. The wash system may also include a reservoir for holding water or other wash fluid; a pump which pumps fluid from the reservoir under pressure to the manifold assembly; an electronics control unit which controls the manifold assembly to selectively discharge the pressurized fluid from the manifold assembly to any one of a plurality of exit ports in fluid communication with the fluid outlets of the manifold assembly, each of the exit ports being disposed in proximity with a camera or sensor of the vehicle. In this way, the manifold assembly serves to selectively provide and distribute washing fluid to the externally-facing cameras and sensors of a motor vehicle.
- Referring to
FIGS. 2-9 , there is shown amanifold assembly 60 according to an example embodiment. Manifoldassembly 60 is configured to be part of the camera/sensor wash system for a motor vehicle, between a source of washing fluid and the exit ports of the wash system, and particularly between a fluid pump on an upstream side and the exit ports on a downstream side of the wash system. - Manifold
assembly 60 includes aninlet 62 disposed at one longitudinal end of the assembly and configured to receive, either directly or indirectly, fluid from a source of washing fluid to be used to wash exterior-facing cameras and sensors of a motor vehicle, such as the cameras and sensors which provide autonomous control functionality. Manifoldassembly 60 further includes a plurality ofoutlets 63 which selectively provide washing fluid received atinlet 62. - In an example embodiment,
manifold assembly 60 includes a plurality offluid injectors 10.Fluid injectors 10, seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 , may each be any fluid injector, such as a fuel injector, a fluid injector for a reductant or diesel dosing unit, etc. In the example embodiments, eachfluid injector 10 is a solenoid-activated injector in which the solenoid is controlled to open and close the injector valve of the fluid injector. In this way,manifold assembly 60, by selectively opening and closing the valves offluid injectors 10, allow for autonomous vehicle was system to provide washing fluid to the lens or other assembly of a chosen camera or sensor in precisely controlled amounts.Fluid injectors 10 may be individually controlled, i.e., opened and closed, by an electronics unit of the autonomous vehicle, or may be collectively controlled. -
FIG. 1 illustratesfluid injector 10 according to an example embodiment. Fluid injector includes anactuator unit 20 including acoil 22,stationary pole piece 26,spring 27 andmovable armature 24. Passing an electric current throughcoil 22 creates an electromagnetic force which causesarmature 24 to move towardspole piece 26, against the bias force presented byspring 27. Removal of the electric current causesarmature 24 to move away frompole piece 26 due to the spring force fromspring 27. - Fluid injector further includes a
valve assembly 30.Armature 24 is connected to avalve needle 34 of the valve assembly having aclosing element 36 disposed at an end portion of the needle. Avalve seat 38 is disposed influid injector 10 at a downstream end portion thereof. Movement ofarmature 24 in a direction towardspole piece 26, due to passing current throughcoil 22, movesvalve needle 34 so that closingelement 36 becomes spaced apart fromvalve seat 38, thereby opening thevalve assembly 30 offluid injector 10 and allowing fluid to pass from afluid inlet 39 offluid injector 10 to afluid outlet 37 thereof. Movement ofarmature 24 in a direction away frompole piece 26, due to the removal of current throughcoil 22 and responsive to the spring bias fromspring 27, causesvalve needle 34 to move so that closingelement 36 sealingly engages withvalve seat 38, thereby closing thevalve assembly 30 and preventing fluid from flowing fromfluid inlet 39 offluid injector 10 tofluid outlet 37 thereof. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 2-9 ,manifold assembly 60 includes ablock member 72 which supports eachfluid injector 10 in a fixed position.Block member 72 may be constructed from plastic, such as molded plastic, metal, fiberglass or the like.Block member 72 includes a plurality ofapertures 72A defined therein. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8 , eachaperture 72A is sized and shaped for receiving at least partly therein afluid injector 10. Eachaperture 72A receives a downstream portion of afluid injector 10, relative to a direction of fluid flow through the injector. In the illustrated example embodiment,block member 72 includes eightapertures 72A for holding up to eightfluid injectors 10, but it is understood thatblock member 72 may be configured to hold a different number ofapertures 72A. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-8 ,block member 72 further includes a plurality offluid outlets 63 which extend or protrude fromblock member 72. Eachfluid outlet 63 includes a through-hole for passing fluid discharged from a correspondingfluid injector 10.FIGS. 1-6 illustrate the positioning offluid injectors 10 relative to a correspondingfluid outlet 63. In one example embodiment, eachfluid outlet 63 is formed from a metal and is welded or otherwise secured to the outlet port of a correspondingfluid injector 10, as shown ifFIG. 1 . In another example embodiment, eachfluid outlet 63 is integrally formed withblock member 72 so as to form a unitary member therewith, such as by being formed withblock member 72 as part of the same plastic molding process. In another example embodiment, each fluid outlet is attached or secured to blockmember 72. - Further,
block member 72 includes a plurality of through-holes 67. In the illustrated example embodiment, a through-hole 67 is defined at and extends from the longitudinal end portions ofblock member 72. Through-holes 67 are sized for receiving a bolt or other fastener therein (not shown), for securingmanifold assembly 60 within a vehicle. -
Block member 72 may also includeapertures 72B (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) defined at least partly therein.Apertures 72B are illustrated as being defined throughblock member 72, but it is understood thatapertures 72B may be defined only partly through the block member.Apertures 72B may be defined along the longitudinal length ofblock member 72 and spaced apart from each other.Apertures 72A include a threaded inner surface for receiving a bolt or other fastener, as explained in greater detail below. -
Manifold assembly 60 includes arail member 64 which provides fluid communication betweeninlet 62 of the manifold assembly and thefluid inlet 39 of eachfluid injector 10.Rail member 64 is constructed from a rigid material, such as plastic, metal, fiberglass or the like.Inlet 62 ofmanifold assembly 60 extends from an end portion, such as a longitudinal end portion, ofrail member 64. A plurality ofcup members 66 extend outwardly and are sized and shaped for receiving therein the inlet portion of afluid injector 10.Cup member 66 forms a sealed engagement with a correspondingfluid injector 10 when the inlet port thereof is inserted incup member 66. - In fluid communication between
inlet 62 andcup members 66 ofrail member 64 is afluid passage 68.Passage 68 may be formed from a plurality ofinterconnected passage segments 68A-68D. In an example embodiment, afirst passage segment 68A extends frominlet 62 at a first longitudinal end ofrail member 64 and a second longitudinal end thereof, and provides fluid communication to a first group of cup members 66 (fourcup members 66, as illustrated). Asecond passage segment 68B extends fromfirst passage segment 68A in a lateral direction alongrail member 64. Athird passage segment 68C extends in parallel withfirst passage segment 68A between longitudinal end portions ofrail member 64, and is in fluid communication with a second group of (four)cup members 66.Second passage segment 68B is disposed between and is fluidly connected tofirst passage segment 68A andthird passage segment 68C. As shown,second passage segment 68B is disposed along a middle section ofrail member 64, resulting influid passage 68 forming an H-shape. It is understood, however, thatfluid passage 68 may have other shapes. For example, second passage segment 64B may extend in a lateral direction along a longitudinal end portion ofrail member 64, resulting influid passage 68 have a largely C-shape. -
Rail member 64 may further include one or more through-bores 69. Best seen inFIG. 9 , through-bores 69 are spaced apart from each other and disposed substantially evenly alongrail member 64 in a longitudinal direction. Through-bores 69 are sized for allowing abolt 70 or other fastener to be inserted therein and to threadingly engage with anaperture 72B so thatrail member 64 may be secured to block member and thereby holdfluid injectors 10 in a stable, fixed position withinmanifold assembly 60. As shown,spacers 61surround bolts 70 and are disposed betweenblock member 72 andrail member 64 to provide a fixed spacing therebetween. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section ofmanifold assembly 60 along one group offluid injectors 10. Here, the fluid inlet of eachfluid injector 10 is disposed within the inner cavity of acorresponding cup member 66 and forms a sealed connection therewith using an O-ring or the like. As shown, eachcup member 66 includes an additional (fourth) passage segment 68D that extends fromfirst passage segment 68A (orthird passage segment 68C) to the cup inner cavity so as to provide fluid communication in between. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an expanded manifold assembly orsystem 100 according to another example embodiment. In this embodiment,manifold system 100 is a modular assembly in which a plurality ofmanifold assemblies 60 are in fluid communication with each other. Depicted inFIGS. 7-12 , eachmanifold assembly 60 includes arail member 64 having afluid inlet 62, as discussed above, and also includes afluid outlet 65 which allows formanifold assemblies 60 to be in fluidly connected to each other in a cascaded arrangement.Tubing 118, which in this case is flexible tubing of a rubber composition or the like, is connected betweenmanifold assemblies 60, with each tubing ortube member 118 being coupled between thefluid outlet 65 of onemanifold assembly 60 and thefluid inlet 62 of thenext manifold assembly 60 in the cascaded chain ofmanifold assemblies 60. Thismanifold system 100 advantageously allows formanifold assemblies 60 to be spaced apart in the motor vehicle as needed in order to effectively provide wash fluid to cameras and/or sensors disposed around the vehicle. The onemanifold assembly 60 appearing at the end of the cascaded chain ofmanifold assemblies 60 may include afluid outlet 65 having a plug sealingly engaged therewith or may optionally not include afluid outlet 65. -
Expanded manifold system 100 illustrated inFIG. 10 showsmanifold assemblies 60 with different numbers offluid injectors 10 associated therewith.FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate top and side plan views, respectively, of the four-injector manifold assembly 60 appearing inFIG. 10 .FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate top and side plan views, respectively, of a two-injector manifold assembly appearing inFIG. 10 . - The example embodiments have been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The description above is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/418,660 US20190359178A1 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2019-05-21 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
CN201980034143.5A CN112639342B (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2019-05-22 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
PCT/US2019/033508 WO2019226763A1 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2019-05-22 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
EP19730033.8A EP3797237A1 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2019-05-22 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
US17/719,094 US11851031B2 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2022-04-12 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862675156P | 2018-05-22 | 2018-05-22 | |
US16/418,660 US20190359178A1 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2019-05-21 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/719,094 Continuation US11851031B2 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2022-04-12 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190359178A1 true US20190359178A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/418,660 Abandoned US20190359178A1 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2019-05-21 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
US17/719,094 Active US11851031B2 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2022-04-12 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
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US17/719,094 Active US11851031B2 (en) | 2018-05-22 | 2022-04-12 | Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly |
Country Status (4)
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US (2) | US20190359178A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3797237A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN112639342B (en) |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210001811A1 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2021-01-07 | Continental Powertrain USA, LLC | Vehicle camera and sensor wash valve assembly |
US20210024038A1 (en) * | 2019-07-26 | 2021-01-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Manifold for vehicle sensor cleaning |
US20210080013A1 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2021-03-18 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Flow control valve and system for cleaning a vehicle surface |
US20210261097A1 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2021-08-26 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Flow control valve and system for cleaning a vehicle surface |
WO2021254784A3 (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2022-04-07 | Kendrion (Villingen) Gmbh | Valve block and method for supplying cleaning medium, and use of a valve block |
FR3115344A1 (en) * | 2020-10-20 | 2022-04-22 | Valeo Systemes D'essuyage | Solenoid valve for motor vehicle liquid distribution circuit |
US11318914B2 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2022-05-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Manifold for vehicle sensor cleaning |
US20220307619A1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-09-29 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Autonomous sensor cleaning solenoid |
US20230167920A1 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2023-06-01 | Valeo Systemes D'essuyage | Valve for a spray system |
FR3135532A1 (en) * | 2022-05-11 | 2023-11-17 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | AUTONOMOUS SENSOR CLEANING SOLENOID |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR3106508B1 (en) * | 2020-01-28 | 2022-01-21 | Valeo Systemes Dessuyage | LIQUID PROJECTION SYSTEM |
WO2024091934A2 (en) * | 2022-10-25 | 2024-05-02 | Stanadyne Operating Company Llc | Harsh environment sensor enclosure and cleaning system |
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- 2019-05-21 US US16/418,660 patent/US20190359178A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-05-22 CN CN201980034143.5A patent/CN112639342B/en active Active
- 2019-05-22 EP EP19730033.8A patent/EP3797237A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2019-05-22 WO PCT/US2019/033508 patent/WO2019226763A1/en unknown
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US3552436A (en) * | 1967-10-06 | 1971-01-05 | Weldon R Stewart | Valve controlled fluid programmer |
US20150183404A1 (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2015-07-02 | Bowles Fluidics Corporation | Adaptive, multi-mode washer system and control method |
CN105443807A (en) * | 2014-07-24 | 2016-03-30 | 惠州市唐群电子有限公司 | Combined-type distributing valve group |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210001811A1 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2021-01-07 | Continental Powertrain USA, LLC | Vehicle camera and sensor wash valve assembly |
US11814016B2 (en) * | 2019-07-03 | 2023-11-14 | Continental Powertrain USA, LLC | Vehicle camera and sensor wash valve assembly |
US20210024038A1 (en) * | 2019-07-26 | 2021-01-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Manifold for vehicle sensor cleaning |
US20210080013A1 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2021-03-18 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Flow control valve and system for cleaning a vehicle surface |
US20210261097A1 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2021-08-26 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Flow control valve and system for cleaning a vehicle surface |
US11318914B2 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2022-05-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Manifold for vehicle sensor cleaning |
US20230167920A1 (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2023-06-01 | Valeo Systemes D'essuyage | Valve for a spray system |
WO2021254784A3 (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2022-04-07 | Kendrion (Villingen) Gmbh | Valve block and method for supplying cleaning medium, and use of a valve block |
FR3115344A1 (en) * | 2020-10-20 | 2022-04-22 | Valeo Systemes D'essuyage | Solenoid valve for motor vehicle liquid distribution circuit |
US20220307619A1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-09-29 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Autonomous sensor cleaning solenoid |
FR3135532A1 (en) * | 2022-05-11 | 2023-11-17 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | AUTONOMOUS SENSOR CLEANING SOLENOID |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11851031B2 (en) | 2023-12-26 |
US20220234544A1 (en) | 2022-07-28 |
EP3797237A1 (en) | 2021-03-31 |
WO2019226763A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
CN112639342A (en) | 2021-04-09 |
CN112639342B (en) | 2023-03-28 |
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