WO2021260300A1

WO2021260300A1 - Flexible windscreen washer tank provided with a level sensor

Info

Publication number: WO2021260300A1
Application number: PCT/FR2021/051096
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurent Drouot; Lucien Stee; Frederic Guidez; Geoffroy Meyer; Thierry BREIL; Christophe Bondran; Christophe Besse
Original assignee: Psa Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2020-06-23
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2021-12-30
Also published as: FR3111600B1; FR3111600A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a windscreen washer tank (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet (2, 3) which are superimposed on each other and which are joined in a fluid-tight manner along the periphery thereof so as to define between them a pocket (P) which can receive a liquid, two hollow inserts (5, 8) being in fluid communication with the pocket (P) and each being provided with a end piece connecting to a filling spout and an electric pump, respectively; characterised in that it also comprises a level sensor for the liquid contained in the pocket (P), the sensor comprising a housing (21) which is held by one (21A) of the ends thereof against the first flexible sheet (2) and which receives a magnetic control switch (24) biased by a magnet (28) which is held against the second flexible sheet (3).

Description

Title of the invention: Flexible type windscreen washer reservoir fitted with a level sensor

[1] [Technical field]

[2] The present invention claims the priority of the French application 2006579 filed on June 23, 2020, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated here by reference.

[3] The present invention relates generally to windshield washer reservoirs for motor vehicles. It relates in particular to flexible type windscreen washer reservoirs.

[4] [Prior art]

[5] The windshield washer reservoirs are filled with a washing liquid such as water or an alcohol-based anti-freeze liquid intended for supplying nozzles associated with sweeping means for cleaning the glass surfaces of a motor vehicle, in particular those of the front windshield and / or of its rear window.

[6] These tanks which have conventionally come from molding in rigid plastic material from an injection or blow molding process, generally have a substantial size due to their capacity which must be sufficient to allow use for a long time. between two fillings, this capacity being able to reach commonly three to five liters and being especially limited by the space available to house it usually near the engine compartment of this vehicle.

[7] Due to their large volume, windshield washer reservoirs induce particularly high logistical transport costs between their manufacturing sites and the assembly sites where these reservoirs are installed on motor vehicles.

[8] In order to overcome this drawback, French patent application FR 2935 121 A1 describes a windscreen washer reservoir comprising two flexible plastic sheets superimposed on one another and assembled in a sealed manner. along their periphery so as to define between them a pocket suitable for receiving a washing liquid.

[9] This reservoir also comprises a first and a second rigid hollow plastic inserts attached to this bag so as to be in fluid communication with it, and each comprising a connection nozzle respectively to a filler neck and to an electric pump .

[10] Such a reservoir made from two flexible plastic sheets has the advantage of being relatively flat when empty (only the two inserts projecting slightly from these sheets) and therefore of small bulk, which makes it possible to Significantly reduce logistics transport costs as well as polluting emissions during this transport phase.

[11] In addition, some windshield washer reservoirs are fitted with a level sensor that can alert a user of the vehicle when the level of washing liquid is too low.

[12] Level sensors of the "crocodile" type are traditionally used comprising a body housing a magnetically operated switch such as a reed switch (also commonly referred to as

"Reed bulb") forming a dipole connected between two conductive terminals for connection to a connector of an electrical circuit for signaling the lack of washing liquid, this switch being controlled by a permanent magnet housed in a float pivotally mounted on the housing around a horizontal axis.

[13] The decrease in the volume of washing liquid in the tank causes the float to lower, which approaches this magnetic switch.

[14] When the washing liquid level reaches a predetermined minimum threshold, the float becomes sufficiently close to this magnetic switch to cause its change of state and cause the emission of a warning signal via the electrical signaling circuit. lack of washing liquid.

[15] Unfortunately, these level sensors cannot be installed inside a flexible type tank, due to the gradual approach of its two leaves as it is emptied, which would prevent the float from moving from a certain point.

[16] [Disclosure of the invention]

[17] The present invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

[18] For this purpose, it proposes a windscreen washer reservoir for a motor vehicle comprising a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet superimposed on one another and assembled in a sealed manner along their periphery so as to define between them a bag adapted to receive a washing liquid, a first hollow insert in fluid communication with said bag and provided with a nozzle for connection to a filling spout, and a second hollow insert in fluid communication with said bag and provided with a connector for connection to an electric pump; characterized in that it also comprises a level sensor for the liquid contained in said pocket, said sensor comprising a housing held together by one of its ends against said first flexible sheet and housing a magnetically actuated switch actuated by a magnet kept pressed against said second flexible sheet.

[19] This particular arrangement of the level sensor makes it possible to measure the level in the flexible bag while preventing its operation from being disturbed during the gradual approach of the two sheets during the emptying of this bag.

[20] According to preferred characteristics of said tank according to the invention:

- said magnetically operated switch is configured to change state when the spacing between said sheets reaches a minimum threshold value reflecting the presence of an insufficient volume of liquid in said pocket;

- Said magnetically operated switch consists of a reed switch;

- Said magnetically operated switch consists of a Hall effect switch;

- said magnet is a permanent magnet;

- Said end of the housing has a flange projecting radially outwards, the maintenance of this end of the housing against the first sheet flexible being produced by means of a flexible patch threaded onto the housing so as to cover said collar and the peripheral periphery of which surrounding this collar is fixed by gluing or heat-welding against the external face of this first flexible sheet so that this collar is sandwiched between this same sheet and this patch;

- Said collar and the peripheral periphery of said patch have complementary shapes with dissymmetry of revolution, so as to allow indexing of said housing and to prevent the latter from rotating on itself;

- Said end of the case is glued to the outer face of the first flexible sheet;

- Maintaining said magnet against the second flexible sheet is achieved by means of a flexible patch covering it and the peripheral periphery of which surrounding this magnet is fixed by gluing or heat-welding against the outer face of this second flexible sheet so that this magnet be sandwiched between this same sheet and this patch; and or

- Said magnet is bonded to the outer face of the second flexible sheet.

[21] [Brief description of the drawings]

[22] The description of the invention will now be continued with the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, given below by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[23] [Fig 1] is a schematic elevational view in the longitudinal direction of a windshield washer reservoir according to the invention filled with washing liquid;

[24] [Fig 2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reservoir according to the invention taken along the plane II-II of Figure 1; and

[25] [Fig 3] shows a view similar to Figure 2 of the tank according to the invention but illustrating a configuration in which the volume of washing liquid has reached an insufficient level.

[26] [Detailed description]

[27] Figures 1 to 3 show a washer reservoir 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. [28] As is clearly visible in these figures, the reservoir 1 comprises two flexible plastic sheets 2, 3 of the same dimensions, the latter being superimposed on one another and assembled in a sealed manner along their periphery. by a joining bead 4 shown in broken lines and advantageously produced by heat-welding.

[29] Made from a thermoplastic polymer such as advantageously polyurethane (PU), these two flexible plastic sheets 2, 3 define between them a pocket P capable of receiving a washing liquid such as water or an anti-freeze liquid.

[30] The reservoir 1 also comprises a first hollow tubular insert 5 of rigid plastic material, a first end of which is fixedly attached by gluing or heat-welding on the external face of the first flexible sheet 2, at the periphery of a first corresponding opening. 6 formed in the latter in the upper part of the pocket P, so that this insert 5 is in fluid communication with this pocket.

[31] This first insert 5 of elongated shape has at its second end a tubular end piece 7 arranged to allow the connection of a filler neck, not shown and conventionally in the form of a pipe provided at its free end with an orifice closed by a plug.

[32] The reservoir 1 also comprises a second hollow tubular insert 8 made of rigid plastic material, a first end of which is fixedly attached by gluing or heat-welding on the external face of the first flexible sheet 2, at the periphery of a corresponding second opening 9 formed in the latter near one of the lower corners of the pocket P, so that this insert 8 is in fluid communication with this pocket.

[33] This second insert 8 in the form of an elbow has at its second end a tubular end piece 10 arranged to allow the connection of an electric pump, not shown.

[34] The two inserts 5, 8 are advantageously molded from a thermoplastic polymer such as Polypropylene (PP) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), optionally reinforced with natural and / or synthetic fibers. [35] The tank 1 also comprises means for fixing the tank 1 to a support, not shown, provided for example near the engine compartment of the vehicle.

[36] These fixing means comprise a first strip 11 of rigid plastic material extending horizontally above the pocket P being trapped between two upper bands of the flexible sheets 2, 3 by a heat-welded joint bead 12 produced between these two sheets 2, 3 and bordering it peripherally.

[37] Two T-profile fasteners 13 extend spaced above the strip 11 from its upper edge, each at the level of two superimposed notches made in the upper bands of the flexible sheets 2, 3.

[38] These fastening members 13 are each designed to cooperate slidingly with an elongated slot formed in a corresponding fixing lug located in the engine compartment of the vehicle and integral with the structure of this vehicle.

[39] These fixing means also comprise a second rigid plastic strip 14 extending vertically on a lateral side of the pocket P being trapped between two lateral bands of the flexible sheets 2, 3 by a thermo-joining bead. weld 15 made between these two sheets 2, 3 and bordering it peripherally.

[40] This second strip 14 has an eyelet 16 superimposed with two orifices made in the lateral bands of the flexible sheets 2, 3; this eyelet 16 making it possible to lock by screwing the position of the tank 1 after its sliding installation in the engine compartment of the vehicle via the fasteners 13.

[41] The reservoir 1 further comprises means for maintaining the pump against one of its lateral sides. These holding means are constituted by a C-shaped clamp 17 extending laterally on the outer side of the second strip 14 from its outer edge, at the level of two superimposed notches made in the lateral bands of the flexible sheets 2, 3, and being able to cooperate by snap-fastening with the body of the pump. [42] The reservoir 1 also comprises guide means for at least one washing liquid supply pipe connecting the pump to one or more nozzles. These guide means consist of a plurality of hooks 18 extending spaced apart transversely to the first strip 11, each at an orifice made in the upper strip of the flexible sheet 2.

[43] According to the invention, the tank 1 finally comprises a liquid level sensor making it possible to alert a user of the vehicle when the volume of washing liquid contained in the pocket P becomes insufficient.

[44] The level sensor comprises a cylindrical housing 21 held joined by one 21 A of its ends against the outer face of the flexible sheet 2 and defining an internal housing opening onto this end.

[45] Closed by a cap 23, this housing accommodates, near this end 21 A, a magnetically operated switch constituted in this case by a reed switch 24 (also commonly referred to as the “reed bulb”) forming a dipole connected between two conductive terminals 25 for connection to a connector of an electrical circuit for signaling the lack of washing liquid, not shown.

[46] Such a reed switch generally consists of a protective glass bulb containing a non-oxidizing atmosphere (without oxygen or water vapor) and two flexible magnetizable contacts spaced from each other by a few micrometers in the absence of a magnetic field.

[47] The housing 21 further comprises, at its end 21A contiguous against the outer face of the flexible sheet 2, an annular peripheral flange 26 projecting radially outwardly.

[48] Maintaining the end 21 A of the housing 21 against the outer face of the flexible sheet 2 is here achieved by means of a flexible annular patch 27 of plastic threaded onto the housing 21 so as to cover the flange 26 and whose peripheral periphery surrounding this flange 26 is fixed by gluing or heat-welding against the external face of the flexible sheet 2, so that this flange 26 is sandwiched between the sheet 2 and this annular patch 27. [49] The collar 26 and the peripheral periphery of the flexible patch 27 have complementary shapes with an asymmetry of revolution (in this case thanks to the flats 26A, 27A), so as to allow indexing of the housing 21 and to prevent this the latter cannot turn on itself.

[50] The level sensor also comprises a permanent magnet in the form of a pellet 28, held together by one 28A of its faces against the outer face of the flexible sheet 3 facing the housing 21.

[51] The maintenance of this permanent magnet 28 against the outer face of the flexible sheet 3 is here achieved by means of a second flexible patch 29 of plastic material covering it and the peripheral periphery of which surrounding this magnet 28 is fixed by bonding or heat-sealing against the external face of the flexible sheet 3, so that this magnet 28 is sandwiched between the sheet 3 and this patch 29.

[52] The distance between the two flexible sheets 2, 3 decreasing along with the decrease in the volume of washing liquid contained in the tank 1, it is easily understood that the distance between the permanent magnet 28 and the reed switch flexible 24 will gradually be reduced as the pocket P of the reservoir 1 is emptied.

[53] With reference to FIG. 2 and as long as the distance between the two flexible sheets 2, 3 is greater than a minimum threshold value reflecting the presence of a still sufficient volume of washing liquid in the pocket P, the force magnetic exerted by the magnet 28 on the reed switch 24 remains insufficient to cause its change of state.

[54] When this distance between the two flexible sheets 2, 3 reaches this minimum threshold value indicating the presence of an insufficient volume of washing liquid in the pocket P (figure 3), the magnetic force exerted by the permanent magnet 28 on the reed switch 24 which it has approached then becomes sufficiently large to actuate its change of state and cause the emission of a warning signal via the electrical circuit for signaling the lack of washing liquid.

[55] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the end 21 A of the housing 21 is directly glued to the outer face of the flexible sheet 2. From the Likewise, the face 28A of the permanent magnet 28 can also be glued directly to the external face of the flexible sheet 3.

[56] According to other variant embodiments, the magnetic switch can be of a different type, for example hall effect. [57] According to yet other variant embodiments:

- The inserts can be made of a flexible thermoplastic polymer advantageously identical to that constituting the flexible sheets (for example, in polyurethane (PU)), which makes it possible to facilitate the welding of these elements on these flexible sheets as well as their connection to a filler neck or pump avoiding the need for gaskets;

- the housing is shaped differently (for example with a square or rectangular section);

- the peripheral collar and / or the flexible patch have different shapes (for example, square or rectangular); and / or - the number and / or shape of the fasteners may vary.

Claims

[Claim 1] Windscreen washer reservoir (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a first flexible sheet (2) and a second flexible sheet (3) superimposed on one another and assembled in a sealed manner along their periphery so in defining between them a pocket (P) capable of receiving a washing liquid, a first hollow insert (5) in fluid communication with said pocket (P) and provided with a connection end piece (7) to a filling spout, and a second hollow insert (8) in fluid communication with said pocket (P) and provided with a connection nozzle (10) to an electric pump; characterized in that it also comprises a level sensor for the liquid contained in said pocket (P), said sensor comprising a housing (21) held joined by one (21 A) of its ends against said first flexible sheet ( 2) and housing a magnetically actuated switch (24) actuated by a magnet (28) held against said second flexible sheet (3).

[Claim 2] Tank (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said magnetically actuated switch (24) is configured to change state when the spacing between said sheets (2, 3) reaches a minimum threshold value reflecting the presence of an insufficient volume of liquid in said pocket (P).

[Claim 3] Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said magnetically operated switch is constituted by a reed switch (24). [Claim 4] Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said magnetically operated switch is constituted by a Hall effect switch.

[Claim 5] Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said magnet is a permanent magnet (28). [Claim 6] Reservoir (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said end (21 A) of the housing (21) has a flange (26) projecting radially outwards, maintaining this end (21 A) of the housing (21) against the first flexible sheet (2) being produced by means of a flexible patch (27) threaded onto the housing (21) so as to cover said flange (26) and whose peripheral periphery surrounding this flange (26) is fixed by gluing or heat-welding against the outer face of this first flexible sheet (2) so that this collar (26) is sandwiched between this same sheet (2) and this patch

(27).

[Claim 7] Reservoir (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said collar (26) and the peripheral periphery of said patch (27) have complementary shapes with dissymmetry of revolution, so as to allow indexing of said housing ( 21) and to prevent the latter from turning on itself.

[Claim 8] Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said end (21 A) of the housing (21) is glued to the outer face of the first flexible sheet (2). [Claim 9] Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the maintenance of said magnet (28) against the second flexible sheet (3) is produced by means of a flexible patch (29 ) covering it and whose peripheral periphery surrounding this magnet (28) is fixed by gluing or heat-welding against the external face of this second flexible sheet (3) so that this magnet (28) is sandwiched between this same sheet (3) and this patch (29).

[Claim 10] Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said magnet (28) is bonded to the outer face of the second flexible sheet (3).