Dispensing device and liquid dispensing actuator

Abstract

The invention relates to a distribution device D for supplying pressurized liquid to individual cleaning locations of a vehicle. The distribution device comprises a housing 8, a distributor 16 arranged in the housing, which can be driven by an electric motor, and liquid receiving and liquid guiding devices 18, 20, 22, 26, 28. The distributor 16 is here adjusted in a rotationally fixed manner into individual defined positions, in which the input connection AZ, which is loaded with liquid pressure, is fluidically connected to one of a plurality of output connections ARSi, ARSi+1,... ARSi+n for supplying the corresponding cleaning location. The distributor (16), which is essentially configured in the form of a cylinder, controls the liquid via the liquid receiving and liquid guiding devices on the radial circumference side in order to flow it to one of the output connections ARSi, ARSi+1,... ARSi+n in accordance with the rotational adjustment. Furthermore, a liquid distribution executor 2 with such a distribution device D is proposed, as well as a cleaning device with such a liquid distribution executor 2, a vehicle with such a cleaning device and a method of operation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing device for a liquid dispensing actuator, and a liquid dispensing actuator having such a dispensing device.

[0002] The purpose of this invention is to improve the water distribution for vehicle cleaning, especially considering the increasing number of vehicle sensors.

[0003] This objective is achieved by the dispensing device claimed in claim 1. A liquid dispensing actuator having such a dispensing device is also claimed (see claim 8). Furthermore, a cleaning device, a vehicle, and a method of operation are also claimed (see claims 13, 14, and 15). Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0004] This application discloses a distribution device for supplying pressurized fluid to various cleaning locations of a vehicle. The distribution device includes a housing, a motor-driven distributor disposed within the housing, and fluid receiving and guiding devices. The distributor is rotatable relative to the housing and adjustable to a defined position in which an input port, pressurized with fluid, is fluidly connected to one of a plurality of output ports for supplying the corresponding cleaning location.

[0005] The dispenser is essentially constructed as a cylinder and controls or guides the liquid to a desired location or one of these locations via a radially circumferential liquid receiving and guiding device (adjusted according to the orientation or rotation of the dispenser relative to the housing space containing it), or controls or guides the liquid to one of the output interfaces of the dispensing device and then controls or guides it to the desired cleaning location of the vehicle or one of these cleaning locations.

[0006] Here, the liquid receiving and guiding device on the dispenser can be configured, for example, as an annular groove on the radial periphery and a longitudinal groove on the radial periphery, wherein the longitudinal groove extends laterally (and here, for example, orthogonally) from the annular groove and is thus in fluid connection with the annular groove. Therefore, the annular groove and the longitudinal groove are provided or arranged on the periphery of the dispenser, or on the radial periphery of the dispenser, and opposite to the corresponding housing sections.

[0007] The proposed water distribution mechanism simplifies vehicle cleaning equipment or systems, thereby reducing associated costs by eliminating the need for multiple infusion pumps. This also results in weight reduction. Furthermore, the elimination of multiple delivery pumps simplifies the corresponding pump control unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the proposed water distribution mechanism reduces cleaning fluid consumption. This, in turn, leads to an increase in vehicle range, achieved by filling the cleaning fluid container or tank. This is particularly relevant for future fully autonomous vehicles, which will have a significantly greater number of sensors (including safety-related sensors) than previous vehicles, and their functionality must be ensured.

[0009] Furthermore, eliminating necessary equipment or system components also contributes to the corresponding compactness of the equipment or system, thus requiring less structural space overall.

[0010] The cleaning location can be understood here as the cleaning location corresponding to a vehicle sensor. This cleaning location is not necessarily part of the sensor itself, and it can also be spaced apart from the sensor, such as a location on the windshield or a similar location. However, the cleaning location can also be part of a vehicle sensor, such as the cleaning location corresponding to a camera. Furthermore, the cleaning location can also be other locations on the vehicle itself that do not correspond to a vehicle sensor, such as other locations on the windshield, on the headlights, or similar locations.

[0011] In its simplest form, the liquid or cleaning solution may be water, but preferably an aqueous solution of cleaning agents, i.e., water incorporating cleaning agent additives. The cleaning solution may also advantageously contain antifreeze or antifreeze agents that lower the freezing point of the cleaning solution.

[0012] The distributor of the distribution device is implemented here as being unsealed relative to the housing of the distribution device. Therefore, it is proposed to provide a liquid return structure leading to the storage tank. For this purpose, during the operation of the distribution device, a continuous space filled with the delivered liquid between the distributor and the housing is fluidly connected to the return interface of the distribution device.

[0013] In operation of the dispensing device, the dispenser (which is essentially constructed in a cylindrical shape) forms a defined radial slit on its radial circumference with the corresponding housing portion or segment. Liquid delivered through this radial slit propagates within the housing and through the dispenser, simultaneously forming a liquid leakage film or flow on the radial circumference between the dispenser and the housing portion or segment, which separates the dispenser from the housing. Liquid receiving and guiding devices (e.g., shaped as the aforementioned annular and longitudinal grooves) provided on the radial circumference of the dispenser control or guide the liquid to a desired position on the dispensing device, more specifically, control or guide the liquid to the desired position on the dispensing device according to the orientation or rotation of the dispenser relative to the housing portion or segment.

[0014] Some of the liquid receiving and liquid guiding devices on and / or in the dispenser cause, facilitate, or support the return of liquid to the tank.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid receiving and liquid guiding device includes:

[0016] A first liquid channel, which is enclosed (in terms of its channel cross-section) within the housing, is fluidly connected to the input interface;

[0017] A second liquid channel, which is an open annular groove in shape, is provided on the dispenser (in terms of its channel cross-section), into which the first liquid channel enters;

[0018] A third liquid channel, shaped as a longitudinal groove, is provided on the dispenser (in terms of its channel cross-section) and leads out from the annular groove; and

[0019] Multiple additional fourth liquid channels are enclosed within the housing (in terms of their channel cross-section), each of which is fluidly connected (one-to-one) to a specific output port and is fluidly connected to the longitudinal groove of the distributor due to the corresponding rotational adjustment of the distributor.

[0020] In another embodiment, the liquid receiving and liquid guiding device further includes:

[0021] The first return channels of the liquid channels are closed in terms of their cross-section, and these first return channels are arranged in the distributor and distributed in its circumferential direction and extend between the two end sides of the distributor.

[0022] The second return channels of the liquid channels are open in terms of their cross-section. These second return channels are arranged on the hydraulic interface side of the distributor or in the region on the end side of the hydraulic interface side of the distributor and are distributed on the perimeter of the distributor in the form of longitudinal grooves (that is, grooves oriented along the longitudinal axis of the distributor).

[0023] In addition, a liquid dispensing actuator is proposed, which includes a dispensing device or feeding device of the type described above, and a motor for driving the dispensing device to rotate.

[0024] The actuator may also include a control unit for at least driving the motor, which is a component integrated within the housing section of the actuator.

[0025] Here, the control unit can be located on the end of the actuator's electrical interface side. Alternatively, the control unit and the motor can be arranged in a common housing section of the actuator.

[0026] The control unit can also be configured to control the corresponding infusion pump, which is itself fluidly connected to the actuator.

[0027] Furthermore, a vehicle cleaning device or system is proposed for cleaning multiple cleaning locations on a vehicle, wherein the cleaning device or system includes at least one liquid dispensing actuator of the type described above.

[0028] In addition, a vehicle with the aforementioned type of cleaning equipment has been proposed.

[0029] Vehicles are understood herein to be any type of vehicle that operates from an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor, particularly passenger vehicles and / or commercial vehicles. Vehicles are preferably semi-automatic, and especially fully automatic.

[0030] In addition, a method for operating a dispensing device or liquid dispensing actuator of the above type is proposed, wherein, before the dispenser is rotated to a defined position for supplying liquid to a liquid passage corresponding to one of the clean positions, the liquid pressure present in the dispensing device is reduced by, for example, by correspondingly reducing or decreasing the rotational speed of the infusion pump that provides the pressure value of the liquid pressure source. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Furthermore, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further advantageous improvements of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. Wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 The proposed liquid dispensing actuator is shown in a first perspective view;

[0033] Figure 2 Shown in second perspective Figure 1 The actuator shown;

[0034] Figure 3 Shown in the first sectional view Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuator shown;

[0035] Figure 4 Shown in the second sectional view (slightly from a perspective angle) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuator shown;

[0036] Figure 5 Shown in perspective exploded view Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuator shown;

[0037] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the distribution section of the actuator shown in the preceding figures is shown; and

[0038] Figure 7 Show Figure 3 and Figure 4 Perspective view of the dispenser shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The proposed liquid dispensing actuator 2 has a generally cylindrical body shape, with a first end 4 on the hydraulic interface side, the first end having multiple hydraulic interfaces A. z (Z = Input), A R (R = reflux), A RSi A RSi+ 1...A RSi+n (RS = Clean position), and the body has a second end 6 on the electrical interface side, the second end having an interface socket B.

[0040] The actuator 2 is divided into three parts, including a dispensing device or supply device or dispensing section D, a motor or drive section E that drives the dispensing device D, and a control device or control unit or control section C for operating the motor E.

[0041] The dispensing device D includes a housing or housing section 8 in which a motor-driven or electrically driven dispenser 16 is rotatably housed, and the dispensing device also includes liquid receiving and liquid guiding devices 18, 20, 22, and 24. i ,twenty four i+1 ,...,twenty four i+n 26, 28. Here, the distributor 16 can be adjusted to various defined positions in a manner that allows rotation relative to the housing 8, so that the input interface A, which is subjected to liquid pressure, can be adjusted accordingly. z Selectably compatible with multiple output interfaces A RSi A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n A fluid connection, all these output interfaces are in input interface A z It is formed on the shell cover 12.

[0042] Here, input interface A z A first input channel 18, which is closed in terms of its cross-section, is introduced into the housing protrusion V of the dispensing device D, wherein the input channel 18 extends along the longitudinal direction XX of the dispensing device D or the actuator 2.

[0043] The input channel 18 leads to a second liquid channel that is open in terms of its cross-section, which is a closed annular groove 20. From the second liquid channel, a third liquid channel that is open in terms of its cross-section, which is a longitudinal groove 22, extends transversely to the annular groove 20 or, for example, orthogonal to the annular groove. The longitudinal groove also extends in the longitudinal direction XX toward the end 4 on the hydraulic interface side.

[0044] Here, when the distributor 16 is rotated accordingly, the longitudinal groove 22 can connect with a plurality of fourth liquid channels A provided in the housing 8, which are closed in terms of their channel cross-section. RSi A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n Fluid connections, each of these fourth liquid channels corresponds to one of the output ports A. RSi A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n This is to supply pressurized liquid or cleaning fluid to various cleaning locations on the vehicle.

[0045] The housing section 8 is fully sealed relative to the housing cover 12 on the hydraulic interface side and on the electrical interface side relative to the housing section 10 and the separator / isolation tank ST extending into the drive section E, by means of O-rings. However, the distributor 16 itself is implemented without a seal relative to the housing section 8. Advantageously, this helps reduce friction because there is no seal to impede the rotational movement of the distributor 16. Therefore, the energy consumption for operating the distributor 16 is minimized as much as possible. The reduction in friction also enables faster operation of the distributor 16, i.e., a shorter switching time for adjusting its rotation.

[0046] Therefore, the dispensing section D is implemented to allow liquid to flow back into the storage tank. For this purpose, the dispenser 16 includes a first return channel shaped as a closed liquid passage 26 in terms of its cross-sectional area—for example, shaped as a drilled channel or hole—arranged in the dispenser 16 and distributed circumferentially, and located at both ends S of the dispenser 16. I S II Extending between (see) Figure 3 The distributor includes a second return channel shaped as an open liquid passage in terms of its cross-section—shaped as a longitudinal groove 28—which is arranged on the hydraulic interface side of the distributor 18 or on its end side S. I These longitudinal grooves 28 are formed here from the end side S and distributed in their circumferential direction within the region. I Slots extending into distributor 16 (see) Figure 3 and Figure 7 ).

[0047] For example, a motor E shaped like a brushless DC motor includes a stator S with windings and a rotor R with permanent magnets PM located inside the stator and operating in a wet configuration. Here, the permanent magnets PM are supported at the end of the distributor 16 facing the control section C. These permanent magnets are distributed circumferentially at that end, thus forming the rotor R extending into the stator S. The rotor R then enters the separator ST until near its bottom. The separator ST here separates the wet cavity of the rotor R from the dry cavity of the stator S.

[0048] The control device C is located at end 6 on the electrical interface side and is an integrated component of the actuator 2. The control device and the motor E are arranged adjacent to each other within a common housing section 10. A housing cover 14, on which an interface socket B is formed, fully seals the housing section 10. Here, the housing cover 14 also supports, for example, one of two arranged printed circuit boards (PCBs). The other PCB is housed by other supporting structures inside the housing section 10, which are arranged slightly spaced from the motor E. Here, the housing section 10 is, for example, a (metal) sheet shell connected to and clamped or pressed against housing section 8. In contrast, housing section 8, like the dispenser 16 and the two housing covers 12 and 14, is preferably made of plastic or injection molded.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control device C is used to operate both the motor E and the infusion pump (not shown), which is connected via input interface A. z Provides pressurized liquid.

[0050] The working method of the proposed allocation mechanism will be described below.

[0051] Input interface A of housing cover 12 via (not shown) wiring z The connected delivery pump feeds liquid to actuator 2, generating a liquid delivery pressure of approximately 5 to 8 bar (the so-called pressure source pressure value). The delivered liquid is then transported via input interface A. z The liquid flows into the input channel 18 in the housing section 8, and through this input channel into the surrounding annular groove 20 until it flows into the longitudinal groove 22. Then, depending on the orientation or rotation adjustment of the distributor 16, the liquid flows through the liquid channels 24, 24 in the housing section 8. i+1 ,...twenty four i+n One of the corresponding output interfaces A on the housing cover 12 RSi A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n And an additional line (not shown) leading to the cleaning location. The volumetric flow rate provided by the transfer pump is, for example, 200 l / h.

[0052] It is proposed here that, with the transfer pump de-energized, the liquid pressure in actuator 2 will not drop to 0 bar. More precisely, the liquid pressure is maintained at the minimum pressure level (0 bar). <p<p O On, for example, slightly below 2 bar (p) O =2 bar). To achieve this, a spring-preloaded locking body that functions as a valve is provided on the hydraulic interface side of actuator 2. Here, at each output interface A RSi A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n Corresponding liquid channels 24, 24 i+1 ,...twenty four i+n A locking body, for example, shaped like a spring-loaded valve disc or spring-loaded valve plate, is arranged between them. As long as the liquid pressure loaded on the valve plate or valve disc is less than the minimum pressure, for example, p = 2 bar, the spring-loaded valve disc or spring-loaded valve plate will sufficiently seal or liquid-tightly block the corresponding liquid passages 24, 24. i+1 ,...twenty four i+n The outlet. These locking bodies or valves also prevent the cleaning passage from passing through the output interface A. R (R = reflux) is emptied into the storage tank.

[0053] When the delivery pump is energized, the liquid channels 24, 24 are controlled via the longitudinal groove 22. i+1 ,...twenty four i+n The liquid pressure present in the channel is high enough to overcome the pressure spring of the corresponding locking body, allowing the liquid to flow out or through. In the other uncontrolled channels, the corresponding liquid pressure is lower than the minimum pressure, for example, p = 2 bar. Therefore, the liquid flows only through the liquid channels 24, 24, which are actually controlled by the longitudinal groove 22. i+1 ,...twenty four i+n And the corresponding (not shown) cleaning path flows to the corresponding (not shown) cleaning location.

[0054] The proposed distribution mechanism is combined with a reflux mechanism, through which a portion of the delivered liquid is returned to a storage tank (not shown) and then re-delivered by a delivery pump.

[0055] Here, a portion of the liquid delivered to the annular groove 20 and the longitudinal groove 22 flows into the intermediate space or gap or radial slit formed by the distributor 16 and the housing section 8 on the radial circumference.

[0056] The overflowing liquid flows into the wet chamber of rotor R, thus flushing and cooling the rotor, and also flows into the collection chamber in the end region of the hydraulic interface side of distributor 16, at the end of distributor S. I Together they define or form the collection chamber, and return from the collection chamber to the storage tank.

[0057] Here, the liquid overflowing from the surrounding annular groove 20 into the radial gap reaches the wet chamber of the rotor R on one side, which is connected to the end side S of the distributor 16. II Together they are confined or constructed, reaching the described collection cavity on the other side, as described above, the collection cavity being formed by the end side S of the dispenser 16. I Together they define or constitute a boundary.

[0058] Here, the liquid overflowing from the longitudinal channel 22 into the radial slit, especially from the longitudinal channel 22 into the liquid channels 24, 24 i+1 ,...twenty four i+n The liquid flows into the collection chamber at the transition section. However, after flowing out of the longitudinal groove 22, the liquid also flows into the radial slit in the circumferential direction of the distributor 16, that is, clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0059] Therefore, during the operation of the dispensing device D, the delivered liquid washes over or flows around the distributor 16 radially and laterally, thereby separating the distributor from its surrounding peripheral components. These peripheral components include the housing 8 and the drive section E or a separating tank ST extending into the drive section E, in which the rotor R is washed by the liquid and is spaced apart from the separating tank ST (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 ).

[0060] The continuous space filled by the liquid transported between the distributor 16 and its peripheral components is connected to the return interface A of the distribution device D. R Fluid connection.

[0061] At the bottom of the annular trough 20 and the longitudinal trough 22, there is a liquid source pressure (pressure source pressure value = 5 bar to 8 bar) generated by the transfer pump. The liquid pressure in the aforementioned liquid overflow section is affected by different pressure gradients and is adjusted towards the return port AR to the tank pressure level, for example, the tank pressure value is the ambient pressure.

[0062] At the end S I The various longitudinal grooves 28 in the region support the outflow of liquid into the collection chamber, through which the liquid flows via, for example, a return channel centrally formed on the housing cover 12 or an output interface A having the return channel. R (R = return) flows out through a line (not shown here) connected to it back into the storage tank.

[0063] The liquid flows from the wet chamber of the rotor into the collection chamber through each liquid channel 26, and from the collection chamber (as described above) via the output interface A R (R = reflux) Returns to the aforementioned storage tank.

[0064] Distributor 16 only needs to overcome dry friction when actuator 2 is activated. After that, distributor 16 only needs to overcome fluid friction.

[0065] Recommendations for the operation of actuator 2: Temporarily, that is, before rotating distributor 16 to one of the desired or defined positions, for example by correspondingly reducing the speed of the delivery pump, i.e., by speed control, reducing the liquid pressure supplied by the delivery pump to 0. <p<p Q A lower pressure level (Q = source pressure value or pressure source pressure value). This allows for a higher adjustment speed of the distributor 16.

[0066] Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the foregoing description, it should be noted that various modifications are also possible. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and should not in any way limit the scope, application, or structure of the invention. Specifically, the foregoing description provides guidance to those skilled in the art in implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes can be made without departing from the scope of protection obtained by the claims and the combination of these equivalent features, particularly changes to the function and arrangement of the described components.

Claims

1. A distribution device for supplying pressurized fluid to various cleaning locations of a vehicle, wherein, The dispensing device (D) includes a housing (8), a motor-driven dispenser (16) disposed within the housing, and liquid receiving and guiding devices (18, 20, 22, 26, 28), wherein the dispenser (16) can be adjusted to a defined position in a rotatable manner relative to the housing (8), in which a liquid pressure input interface (A) is applied. z ) and multiple output interfaces (A RSi A RSi+1 ...A RSi+n One of the output interfaces is fluidly connected for supplying the corresponding cleaning location, wherein the dispenser (16), which is substantially cylindrical in construction, controls the flow of liquid to the output interface (A) by rotational adjustment via a liquid receiving and liquid guiding device on the radial periphery. RSi A RSi+1 ...A RSi+n One of the output interfaces in ) The liquid receiving and liquid guiding device includes: A first liquid channel (18) is provided in the housing (8) and is closed in terms of the channel cross-section, the first liquid channel being fluidly connected to the input interface (Az); The second liquid channel, which is an open annular groove (20) in terms of the channel cross-section, is provided on the distributor (16), and the first liquid channel (18) enters the second liquid channel; A third liquid channel, shaped as a longitudinal groove (22) and extending transversely to and from the annular groove (20), is provided on the dispenser (16) in terms of its cross-section; and A plurality of additional fourth liquid channels (24, 24i+1, ... 24i+n) are provided in the housing (8) in terms of the channel cross-section, which are fluidly connected to one of the fluid output interfaces (ARSi, ARSi+1, ... ARSi+n) and can be fluidly connected to the longitudinal groove (22) due to the corresponding rotational adjustment of the distributor (16).

2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser (16) is implemented without a seal relative to the housing (8).

3. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distribution device (D) is configured with a liquid return structure leading to the storage tank. For this purpose, during the operation of the distribution device (D), a continuous space filled with the delivered liquid between the distributor (16) and the housing (8) and the return interface (A) of the distribution device (D) are provided. R Fluid connection.

4. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, During the operation of the dispensing device (D), the dispenser (16) forms a defined radial slit together with the corresponding housing section on the radial circumference. The liquid delivered through the radial slit propagates in the housing (8) and on the dispenser (16). At this time, the delivered liquid forms a liquid leakage film on the radial circumference between the dispenser (16) and the housing section, and the liquid leakage film separates the dispenser (16) from the housing section.

5. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid receiving and liquid guiding device includes: The first return channel of the liquid channel (26) with a closed shape in terms of the channel cross-section, the first return channel is arranged in the distributor (16) and distributed in the circumferential direction of the distributor, and on both ends (S) of the distributor (16). I S II Extending between ).

6. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid receiving and liquid guiding device includes: The second return channel is an open-shaped liquid channel in terms of the channel cross-section. The second return channel is arranged on the distributor (16) on the hydraulic interface side and distributed in the circumferential direction of the distributor in the shape of another longitudinal groove (28).

7. A liquid dispensing actuator, the liquid dispensing actuator comprising: The dispensing device (D) according to any one of claims 1-6, and the motor (E) for driving the rotatable dispenser (16) of the dispensing device (D).

8. The liquid dispensing actuator according to claim 7, wherein, The actuator (2) also includes a control unit (C) for at least driving the motor (E), which is a component integrated within the housing section (10) of the actuator (2).

9. The liquid dispensing actuator according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit (C) is arranged on the end (6) of the actuator (2) on the electrical interface side.

10. The liquid dispensing actuator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The control unit (C) and the motor (E) are arranged in the common housing section (10) of the actuator (2).

11. The liquid dispensing actuator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The control unit (C) is also configured to control the corresponding infusion pump.

12. A vehicle cleaning device for cleaning multiple cleaning locations on a vehicle, wherein, The cleaning equipment includes at least one liquid dispensing actuator according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A vehicle having the cleaning equipment according to claim 12.

14. A method for operating a dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a liquid dispensing actuator according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, Before rotating the dispenser (16) to one of the defined positions for supplying liquid to the liquid passage corresponding to one of the clean positions, reduce the liquid pressure present in the dispensing device (D).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Pressure reduction is achieved by reducing the rotational speed of the infusion pump that provides the pressure value of the liquid pressure source.

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