Fluid distributor for a vehicle fluid distribution system and process of ejection of a fluid using such a system

A fluid distributor comprising: a fluid inlet, a first outlet connected to the inlet by a first fluid communication channel, a second outlet connected to the inlet by a second fluid communication channel, an actuator comprising a movable piston capable of moving between an initial position and a switched position; a first deformable diaphragm, in contact with the first end of the piston, and configured to close the first channel when the piston is in its switched position; a second deformable diaphragm, in contact with the second end of the piston, and configured to close the second channel when the piston is in its initial position.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of French Patent Application Serial No. FR1905174, filed May 17, 2019, for “Fluid Distributor for a Fluid Distribution System for a Vehicle and Method for Ejecting a Fluid Using Such a System,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid distributor particularly suitable for a system for distributing a fluid, for example a cleaning product, in a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

With the development of autonomous motor vehicles, an increasing number of cameras and sensors are being incorporated into vehicles to analyze their environment and assist driving. These cameras and sensors are placed at multiple points around the perimeter of the vehicle and must be cleaned regularly to guarantee the assistance remains reliable. It is important for the cleaning to be able to be activated on demand and independently for each camera or sensor, so as not to jeopardize the assistance and to maintain good control of the vehicle.

From the prior art, the document WO2018188823 is known, which proposes a line for distributing cleaning liquid in a vehicle, the line being intended to feed a plurality of nozzles for ejecting the liquid. The distribution line is equipped with a plurality of valves, each being associated with a nozzle and electrically set to an open or closed state by a control unit so as to supply the nozzle or alternatively to block the supply of liquid to the nozzle. Such a distribution line configuration allows for an individualized and independent supply to each nozzle. However, it requires a long linear length of distribution line to conduct the liquid to each nozzle in the vehicle.

To limit the length of the distribution line, document WO2019029915 proposes a single liquid distribution line, positioned along all the points of the vehicle requiring an ejection nozzle. Each nozzle comprises hydraulic connection members on the distribution line and an actuating device, such as a solenoid valve, which is electrically set to an open or closed state so as to open or, respectively, shut off the fluid communication between the distribution line and the nozzle. The disadvantage of this solution is that each nozzle must be combined with an actuating device, which is not economical. In addition, the space occupied by each nozzle is relatively significant due to the associated actuation device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an alternative solution to the solutions of the state of the art, aiming to limit the length of the fluid distribution line and to simplify the actuation of the ejection devices. It relates, in particular, to a fluid distributor that makes it possible to simplify the actuation of the ejection devices and that is, in particular, suitable for a fluid distribution system for a vehicle, the architecture of which system makes it possible to limit the length of the distribution line. The present disclosure also relates to a method for ejecting a fluid using such a distribution system.

The present disclosure relates to a fluid distributor, comprising:a fluid inlet,a first outlet and a first fluid communication channel between the inlet and the first outlet,a second outlet and a second fluid communication channel between the inlet and the second outlet,an actuator comprising a movable piston able to move between an initial position and a switched position, the piston being disposed between a first and a second deformable diaphragm;the first diaphragm one side of which is in contact with a first end of the piston and the other side of which is intended to be in contact with the fluid, configured to close the first channel when the piston is in its switched position, the first channel being open when the piston is in its initial position;the second diaphragm, one side of which is in contact with a second end of the piston and the other side of which is intended to be in contact with the fluid, configured to close the second channel when the piston is in its initial position; the second channel being open when the piston is in its switched position.

According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

The fluid distributor comprises a return element for returning the piston to its initial position when the actuator is inactive and when the pressure of the fluid at the inlet of the distributor is lower than a predetermined pressure;the predetermined pressure is between 1 bar and 15 bar;the fluid-contact surface area of the first diaphragm is smaller than that of the second diaphragm when the piston is in the switched position, and the fluid-contact surface area of the second diaphragm is smaller than that of the first diaphragm when the piston is in the initial position;the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator connected to an electrical connector of the distributor and adapted to control the movement of the piston into its switched position;the first and second diaphragms seal, respectively, between a central body of the distributor and the first fluid communication channel and between the central body and the second fluid communication channel;the fluid distributor comprises:a central body in which the actuator and an electrical connector are disposed,a first body comprising the first outlet and all or part of the first fluid communication channel,a second body comprising the second outlet and all or part of the second fluid communication channel; the inlet of the distributor forming a part of the first body, the second body or the central body;the inlet and the two outlets each have a central axis, the central axes of the inlet and of the two outlets are disposed in the same plane;the electrical connector is disposed in the same plane as the central axes of the inlets and outlets;the first body and the second body are identical;the central body, the first body and the second body are made of molded plastic material;the inlet and the two outlets each have a male or female fluid quick-connect end piece.

The present disclosure also relates to a system for distributing a fluid in a vehicle comprising:a plurality n of independent fluid ejection devices;a plurality n−1 of fluid distributors, such as those mentioned above, each being configured to establish a fluid connection either between the inlet and the first outlet, or between the inlet and the second outlet, respectively, in an initial state and in a switched state;means for conducting fluid to connect a fluid reservoir to the n ejection devices, via the n−1 fluid distributors.

According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:the means for conducting fluid comprise:a main fluid supply conduit for connecting the inlet of a first distributor to a pump connected to a fluid reservoir;a plurality of fluid outlet conduits for connecting each ejection device to an outlet of a distributor;at least one intermediate conduit for connecting at least one outlet of a distributor and the inlet of a subsequent distributor;the ejection devices are jet nozzles, telescopic nozzles or oscillating nozzles.

Lastly, the present disclosure relates to a method for ejecting a fluid through an ejection device, using the fluid distribution system as above, comprising the following steps:activating the actuator of at least one distributor to set the distributor to its switched state, so as to put the main fluid supply conduit and the ejection device in fluid communication;activating the pump to pressurize the fluid in the distribution system and to eject it through the ejection device;deactivating the actuator during the ejection of the fluid.

The method for ejecting a fluid through an ejection device advantageously comprises the following step:stopping the pump so that the pressure of the fluid in the distribution system is lower than a predetermined pressure, to stop the ejection of fluid through the ejection device and to return the plurality n−1 of distributors to their initial state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the descriptive part, the same references in the drawings may be used for elements of the same type. The drawings are schematic representations which, for the sake of readability, are not necessarily to scale.

The present disclosure relates to a fluid distributor100comprising a fluid inlet1and two outlets2,3and is able to be in two distinct states: a designated “initial state” and a designated “switched state”. It is called a “distributor” due to the fact that it is configured to establish a fluid connection either between the inlet1and the first outlet2, or between the inlet1and the second outlet3, in its initial state and in its switched state, respectively.

As shown inFIG.1, the fluid distributor100comprises a first fluid communication channel21connecting the first outlet2and the inlet1. It also comprises a second fluid communication channel31connecting the second outlet3and the inlet1.

The fluid distributor100further comprises an actuator4including a movable piston41able to move between an initial position (which corresponds to the initial state of the distributor100) and a switched position (which corresponds to the switched state of the distributor100).

Lastly, the fluid distributor100comprises two deformable diaphragms22,32disposed on either side of the movable piston41. Without this being limiting, the diaphragms22,32may be formed from a material of the elastomer family, for example, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), EPDM reinforced with glass fibers or silicone EPDM.

A first diaphragm22has a face22ain contact with the first end of the piston41and another face22bintended to be in contact with the fluid. The first diaphragm22is configured to close the first fluid communication channel21when the piston41is in its switched position and to allow fluid communication between the inlet1and the first outlet2via the first channel21when the piston41is in its initial position.

A second diaphragm32has a face32ain contact with the second end of the piston41and another face32bintended to be in contact with the fluid. The second diaphragm32is configured to close the second fluid communication channel31when the piston41is in its initial position and to allow fluid communication between the inlet1and the second outlet3via the second channel31when the piston41is in its switched position.

It is thus understood that, when the distributor100is in its initial state, with the piston41of the actuator4in its initial position, the fluid may pass from the inlet1to the first outlet2through the first fluid communication channel21, but cannot reach the second outlet3, and, when the distributor100is in its switched state, with the piston41in its switched position, the fluid may pass from the inlet1to the second outlet3through the second fluid communication channel31, but cannot reach the first outlet2.

Advantageously, the fluid-contact surface area Sfof the second diaphragm32is smaller than the fluid-contact surface area Soof the first diaphragm22when the piston41is in the initial position (as, for example, illustrated inFIG.1). Similarly, the fluid-contact surface area of the first diaphragm22is smaller than that of the second diaphragm32when the piston41is in the switched position.

To this end, the example distributor100shown inFIG.1proposes a particular configuration of the fluid communication channels21,31. The configuration of the first channel21will be described here, the configuration applying in the same way to the second channel31. The first channel21comprises:an upstream segment, establishing fluid communication from the inlet1to an intermediate housing in which the movable diaphragm22is disposed,a downstream segment, establishing fluid communication from the intermediate housing to the first outlet2,the intermediate housing, the cross-section of which in the plane (x,y) (according to the reference (x,y,z) used inFIG.1) is greater than the cross-sections, in this same plane, of the upstream and downstream segments opening into the intermediate housing.

The upstream segment, at its end opening into the intermediate housing, forms a conduit of which the central axis is substantially aligned with the center of the first diaphragm22and substantially normal to the face22bof the diaphragm22. The downstream segment, at its end opening into the intermediate housing, forms a conduit offset from the center of the first diaphragm22and substantially normal to the face22bof the diaphragm22(FIG.1).

When the distributor100is in its initial state (corresponding to the initial position of the piston41of the actuator4), the first diaphragm22is “at rest,” not deformed, as it is not pushed by the piston41: it therefore allows the fluid to pass from the upstream segment into the intermediate housing and into the downstream segment. Fluid communication is thus established from the inlet1to the first outlet2via the first fluid communication channel21. The surface area Soof the face22bof the first diaphragm22that is in contact with the fluid is typically equal to the cross-section, in the plane (x,y), of the intermediate housing. At the same time, the second diaphragm32is pushed and deformed by the piston41: it is thus pressed against the end of the upstream segment (of the second channel31) opening into the intermediate housing (of the second channel31) and closes the fluid communication between the upstream segment and the intermediate housing (FIG.1); in other words, it closes the second channel31and cuts off the fluid communication between the inlet1and the second outlet3. In the initial state, the surface area Sfof the face32bof the second diaphragm32that is in contact with the fluid is typically equal to the cross-section, in the plane (x,y), of the conduit at the end of the upstream segment of the second channel31that opens into the intermediate housing. As stated previously, when the distributor100is in its initial state, the surface area Soof the face22bof the first diaphragm22that is in contact with the fluid is larger than the surface area Sfof the face32bof the second diaphragm32that is in contact with the fluid.

When the distributor100is in its switched state (corresponding to the switched position of the piston41), the first diaphragm22is pushed and deformed by the piston41and is pressed against the end of the upstream segment (of the first channel21) opening into the intermediate housing (of the first channel21) and thus closing the fluid communication between the upstream segment and the intermediate housing; in other words, it closes the first channel21and cuts off the fluid communication between the inlet1and the first outlet2. In this switched state, the surface area of the face22bof the first diaphragm22that is in contact with the fluid is typically equal to the cross-section, in the plane (x,y), of the conduit at the end of the upstream segment of the first channel21that opens into the intermediate housing. At the same time, the second diaphragm32is “at rest,” not deformed, as it is not pushed by the piston41: it therefore lets the fluid pass from the upstream segment into the intermediate housing and into the downstream segment (of the second channel31). Fluid communication is thus established from the inlet1to the second outlet3via the second fluid communication channel31.

As stated previously, when the distributor100is in its switched state, the surface area of the face22bof the first diaphragm22that is in contact with the fluid is smaller than the surface area of the face32bof the second diaphragm32that is in contact with the fluid.

Advantageously, the actuator4is connected to an electrical connector5included in the distributor100. When it is electrically energized or, in other words, when it is activated, the actuator4makes it possible to control the movement of the movable piston41into its switched position.

Preferably, the actuator4is an electromagnetic actuator comprising a coil43disposed around the piston41: the magnetic field that is established when the actuator4is electrically energized causes the movement of the piston41into its switched position.

Note that other types of actuators could be used, such as linear motor actuators. The advantage of an electromagnetic actuator compared with other types of actuators is that it constitutes a simple and economical solution.

In the example distributor100inFIG.1, the switched position of the piston41(not shown) is that in which it pushes and deforms the first diaphragm22, so as to close the first communication channel21.

When the distributor100is in its switched state and the fluid arrives under pressure at the inlet1of the distributor100, the force applied by the fluid to the face32bof the second diaphragm32is greater than the force applied to the face22bof the first diaphragm22because the surface area of the face32bthat is in contact with the fluid is greater than the surface area of the face22bthat is in contact with the fluid. It is thus possible to deactivate the actuator4as soon as the fluid pressure is established at the inlet of the distributor100, the difference in the fluid-contact surface areas between the two diaphragms22,32being able to hold the piston41in its switched position (and thus hold the distributor100in its switched state). This provides a simple and economical solution for actuating the distributor100, requiring only a one-time activation of the actuator4.

Also advantageously, the fluid distributor100comprises a return element42, such as, for example, a spring, to return the piston41to its initial position when the actuator4is inactive and when the pressure of the fluid at the inlet of the distributor100is lower than a predetermined pressure. As mentioned above, when the actuator4is inactive and the fluid pressure is established at the inlet1of the distributor100, the difference in the fluid-contact surface areas between the two diaphragms22,32makes it possible to hold the piston41in its switched state. “Established fluid pressure” means a fluid pressure greater than a predetermined pressure, which may, for example, be between 1 bar and 15 bar.

Below this predetermined pressure, the force applied by the fluid to the first diaphragm22will no longer be sufficient to counteract the sum of the force applied by the fluid to the second diaphragm32and the force of the return element42. Thus, when the fluid pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure, the piston41returns to its initial position (corresponding to the initial state of the distributor100): in the example distributor100inFIG.1, the initial position of the piston41(illustrated) is that in which it pushes and deforms the second diaphragm32, so as to close the second communication channel31, while the first diaphragm22is “at rest,” not deformed, allowing fluid communication in the first channel21.

When the distributor100is in its initial state, if the pressure of the fluid established is greater than the predetermined pressure, the distributor100naturally remains in its initial state due to the difference in fluid-contact surface areas between the two diaphragms22,32: the fluid thus passes through the first channel21, between the inlet1and the first outlet2of the distributor100.

The fluid distributor100as described thus offers a simple and economical solution for actuation between the initial state and the switched state and vice versa. The actuator4is activated once to switch to the switched state, such state then being maintained, without electrical power, by the pressure of the fluid established at the inlet1of the distributor100being greater than a predetermined pressure. The return to the initial state may be achieved by reducing the fluid pressure to below a predetermined pressure.

Advantageously, the first diaphragm22seals between a central body6of the distributor100and the first fluid communication channel21, and the second diaphragm32seals between the central body6and the second fluid communication channel31. In particular, the periphery of each diaphragm22,32is configured to constitute a stationary seal between the central body6and, respectively, the first21and the second31fluid communication channels. The central body6preferably contains the actuator4and the electrical connector5.

The configuration of the diaphragms22,32makes it possible to guarantee, without a movable seal, that the fluid does not reach the components of the actuator4. The reliability and service life of the actuator4are thus greatly increased.

Advantageously, the distributor100is formed of three separate bodies6,7,8(FIGS.1,2a,2b,2c). The central body6is disposed in the central part of the distributor100and houses the actuator4and the electrical connector5. A first body7comprises the first outlet2and all or part of the first fluid communication channel21. A second body8comprises the second outlet3and all or part of the second fluid communication channel31. The inlet1of the distributor100may form a part of the first body7(FIGS.1,2a,2b), the second body8or the central body6(FIG.2c). In the latter case, the fluid inlet1and the parts of the first and second fluid communication channels contained in the central body6are of course isolated from the region of the central body6housing the actuator4and the electrical connector5. At least one seal9is used to ensure a seal around the junction with a fluid communication channel (for example, the second channel31, as illustrated inFIG.1) between the first body7and the second body8.

The inlet1and the two outlets2,3of the distributor100each have a central axis.

According to a first embodiment, the central axes of the two outlets2,3are disposed in the same plane (x,y) and the central axis of the inlet1is disposed in a different parallel plane, as illustrated inFIG.2a. The electrical connector5may be disposed in the same plane (x,y) as the central axes of the outlets2,3, or in a different parallel or orthogonal plane.

According to another embodiment of the distributor100, the central axes of the inlet1and of the two outlets2,3are disposed in the same plane (x,y), as illustrated inFIGS.1,2b,2c. The electrical connector5may be disposed in the same plane (x,y) as the central axes of the inlets1and the outlets2,3(FIG.2c), or in a different plane, for example, an orthogonal plane (x,z) (FIG.2b).

According to yet another embodiment of the distributor100, the first body7and the second body8are identical (FIG.2c). Advantageously, in this embodiment, the central body6includes the inlet1of the distributor and part of the first21and second31fluid communication channels.

In one or the other of the embodiments described above, the inlet1and the two outlets2,3of the distributor100advantageously each have a male or female fluid quick-connect end piece so as to facilitate their connection to a fluid distribution system.

The choice of one or the other of the embodiments for the distributors100that will be incorporated in the fluid distribution system depends on the space available for each distributor and/or the orientations and arrangements of the fluid conduits or electrical wires to be connected to the distributor to form the distribution system.

The present disclosure also relates to a fluid distribution system200, particularly suitable for a vehicle.

The distribution system200comprises a plurality n of independent fluid ejection devices210(FIGS.3a,3b). “Fluid ejection device” means any type of device through which the fluid can exit. The independent nature of each device210corresponds to the fact that the ejection of fluid through this device210can be controlled independently of the others. As mentioned in the introduction, each of these devices210is aimed, for example, at cleaning the outer surface of a sensor, the measurements from which are used to assist in driving the vehicle.

The ejection devices210could, for example, be jet nozzles, telescopic nozzles or oscillating nozzles. It should be noted that each ejection device will advantageously be provided with a valve, for example, formed of a silicone membrane, capable of deforming to allow pressurized fluid to pass and retracting to close the device when the fluid is not pressurized.

The distribution system200also comprises a plurality n−1 of fluid distributors100in accordance with the preceding description. Each distributor100is configured to establish a fluid connection either between the inlet1and the first outlet2, or between the inlet1and the second outlet3, in its initial state or its switched state, respectively.

Lastly, the distribution system200comprises means for conducting fluid to connect a fluid reservoir300to the n ejection devices, via the n−1 fluid distributors100.

The distribution system200according to the present disclosure implements n−1 distributors100for n independent ejection devices210. The distributors100are not necessarily attached to the nozzles of independent fluid ejection devices210, which makes it possible to limit the size of the ejection devices210.

According to an advantageous embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.3aand3b, the means for supplying the fluid comprise:a main fluid supply conduit221for connecting the inlet1of a first distributor100ato a pump310connected to a fluid reservoir300;a plurality of fluid outlet conduits223for connecting each ejection device210to an outlet2,3of a distributor100;at least one intermediate conduit222for connecting at least one outlet2,3of a distributor100aand the inlet1of a subsequent distributor100b,100c.

The main supply conduit221, the plurality of outlet conduits223and the at least one intermediate conduit222form a fluid distribution line.

The main supply conduit221and the at least one intermediate conduit222advantageously form the “skeleton” of the distribution line, for example, extending around the periphery of the vehicle so as to conduct the fluid to each of the required fluid ejection points. The outlet conduits223form the branches supplying each independent fluid ejection device210. The distribution system200according to the present disclosure thus makes it possible to reduce the length of the distribution line.

In the example illustrated inFIG.4, the distribution system200comprises six distributors100, seven independent ejection devices210and a dependent ejection device211; the fluid ejection through the dependent ejection device211will be simultaneous with the ejection of one of the independent devices210, the two devices210,211being connected to the same outlet2of a distributor100.

Lastly, the present disclosure relates to a method for ejecting a fluid through an ejection device210, using the fluid distribution system200described above.

When it is necessary to eject fluid, for example, through a device210c′ illustrated inFIG.3b, the ejection method comprises a first step of activating the actuator4of the first distributor100aand the actuator4of a second adjacent distributor100cto set the distributors100a,100cto their switched state. In its switched state, the first distributor100awill establish a fluid connection between its inlet1and its second outlet3; and in its switched state, the adjacent distributor100cwill establish a fluid connection between its inlet1and its second outlet3. Thus, the distribution system200is in a configuration enabling fluid communication between the main fluid supply conduit221and the ejection device210c′.

The ejection method according to the present disclosure then comprises a second step of actuating the pump310to pressurize the fluid in the distribution line221,222,223and eject it through the device210c′. As stated previously, the fluid pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure.

Lastly, the ejection method comprises a third step of deactivating the actuator4, during the ejection of the fluid through the device210c′. As stated previously, it is not necessary to keep the actuator4active because from the moment the fluid pressure is greater than the predetermined pressure, the distributor100is configured to remain in the switched state.

To stop the ejection of fluid through the device210c′ and return the distributors100aand100cto their initial state, the ejection method further comprises a fourth step of stopping the pump310so that the pressure of the fluid in the distribution line221,222,223is lower than the predetermined pressure. The distributors100a,100cthen return to their initial state.

This same method may then be implemented to eject the fluid through another device210c,210b′,210bamong the plurality n of ejection devices210.

The actuators4of the plurality n−1 of distributors100and the pump may be controlled by the on-board computer.

The distributor100, the fluid distribution system200and the ejection method according to the present disclosure may advantageously be used in a vehicle for distributing and supplying devices for ejecting cleaning fluid, for example.

They may also be used for the distribution of other types of fluids, for example, air, gasoline or oil, in other systems, for example, in the automotive field.

It goes without saying that, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and it is possible to achieve alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.