Integrated fluid dispenser

Abstract

An integrated fluid dispenser includes a single housing in which a plurality of flow paths for different fluids are independently disposed. The integrated fluid dispenser is also capable of dispensing and discharging corresponding fluids. The integrated fluid dispenser includes a housing and a first flow path disposed within the housing. The first flow path has a first inlet for a first fluid, a plurality of first outlets, and a plurality of first valves. The integrated fluid dispenser also includes a second flow path disposed within the housing independent of the first flow path. The second flow path has a second inlet for a second fluid, a plurality of second outlets, and a plurality of second valves.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0117277, filed on September 4, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an integrated fluid dispenser, which includes a single housing in which a plurality of flow paths for different fluids are independently arranged. The integrated fluid dispenser is capable of dispensing and discharging corresponding fluids. Background Art

[0004] The vehicle is equipped with various types of sensors (camera, radar, lidar, etc.) to increase safety and convenience. If there is foreign matter on the sensor surface, the sensor may not operate properly. Sensors that do not operate properly as described above may impair driving safety, so it is necessary to clean the sensor.

[0005] In order to clean the sensor mounted on the vehicle, a cleaning system for spraying high-pressure fluids (such as air and cleaning liquid) using a nozzle has been applied to the vehicle. However, since the device for spraying air and the device for spraying the cleaning liquid are configured to be separated from each other, the entire cleaning system requires a large number of components, thereby increasing the complexity of the entire cleaning system. Due to the complexity of the cleaning system, it may not be easy to assemble and maintain the system.

[0006] In addition, a conventional cleaning system may include multiple air distributors and multiple cleaning liquid distributors that are separated from each other, resulting in an excessive increase in the layout range of the entire cleaning system. This may make it difficult to install the cleaning system on the vehicle. In addition, the increase in the size and weight of the cleaning system may increase costs, thereby reducing product competitiveness.

[0007] The statements in the Background section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure provide an integrated fluid dispenser including a single housing in which a plurality of flow paths for different fluids are independently provided, and capable of dispensing and discharging corresponding fluids.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an integrated fluid distributor is provided, the integrated fluid distributor comprising a housing and a first flow path disposed in the housing. The first flow path comprises a first inlet for a first fluid, a plurality of first outlets, and a plurality of first valves. The integrated fluid distributor also comprises a second flow path disposed in the housing independently of the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second inlet for a second fluid, a plurality of second outlets, and a plurality of second valves.

[0010] Each first valve may be configured to open or close a branch point of each first outlet branched from the main body of the first flow path. Each second valve may be configured to open or close a branch point of each second outlet branched from the main body of the second flow path.

[0011] The housing may include a body portion accommodating a plurality of first valves and a plurality of second valves. The housing may further include a manifold coupled to one side of the body portion. The first flow path and the second flow path may be formed in the manifold.

[0012] The main body portion may have a plurality of valve accommodating holes arranged in two rows along the length direction of the main body portion. The plurality of valve accommodating holes in one row may respectively accommodate a plurality of first valves and communicate with the first flow path. The plurality of valve accommodating holes in the other row may respectively accommodate a plurality of second valves and communicate with the second flow path.

[0013] The first inlet and the plurality of first outlets may extend from the manifold in a direction parallel to the height direction of the main body portion. The second inlet may extend from the manifold in a direction parallel to the length direction of the main body portion. The plurality of second outlets may extend from the manifold in a direction parallel to the width direction of the main body portion.

[0014] The first inlet may further include an inlet valve configured to control flow of the first fluid within the first flow path.

[0015] The inlet valve, the plurality of first valves, and the plurality of second valves may be solenoid valves having the same configuration.

[0016] Each solenoid valve may include: a valve body; a plurality of first holes disposed in one side of the valve body; and a second hole formed in a protrusion protruding from one side of the valve body. Each solenoid valve may also include a valve flow path formed in the valve body. The valve flow path may be configured to connect the plurality of first holes and the second hole to each other. Each solenoid valve may also include a plunger configured to move by an electromagnetic force generated when electricity is applied. The plunger may be configured to adjust the valve flow path.

[0017] In the first flow path, a pipe flow path may be formed between the inlet valve and a first valve located upstream of the first flow path. An auxiliary pipe may be provided in the pipe flow path.

[0018] A first hole of the plurality of first holes of the inlet valve may be aligned with the first inlet and may be configured to be in fluid communication with the first inlet, and the second hole may be aligned with the inlet of the auxiliary tube and may be configured to be in fluid communication with the inlet.

[0019] The plurality of first apertures of each first valve may be in fluid communication with the first flow path, and the second aperture of each first valve may be aligned with and may be configured to be in fluid communication with a respective first outlet.

[0020] The plurality of first apertures of each second valve may be in fluid communication with the second flow path, and the second aperture of each second valve may be configured to be in fluid communication with a corresponding second outlet.

[0021] The body portion may have a sensor receiving hole disposed in one side thereof, and at least one fluid sensor may be received in the sensor receiving hole.

[0022] The first flow path may include a sensing flow path configured to enable the first inlet and the sensor accommodating hole to communicate with each other.

[0023] The fluid sensor may be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may measure the pressure of the first fluid flowing into the sensor receiving hole through the sensing flow path.

[0024] The integrated fluid dispenser may further include a control board disposed on the main body portion. The control board may be electrically connected to the fluid sensor, the inlet valve, the plurality of first valves, and the plurality of second valves to receive information from the fluid sensor and control the operation of the inlet valve, the plurality of first valves, and the plurality of second valves.

[0025] The integrated fluid dispenser may further include a heating member disposed in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path. The heating member may include a heating wire.

[0026] The integrated fluid distributor can be applied to a cleaning system for cleaning a vehicle sensor installed on a vehicle. The cleaning system can include: an air supply module configured to supply compressed air; and a cleaning liquid supply module configured to supply cleaning liquid. The integrated fluid distributor can be configured to be fluidically connected to the air supply module and the cleaning liquid supply module.

[0027] The air supply module may include: an air compressor configured to generate compressed air, and an air tank configured to store compressed air. The cleaning liquid supply module may include: a cleaning liquid tank configured to store cleaning liquid; and a pump configured to supply the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank to the integrated fluid distributor. The air tank may be configured to be connected to the first inlet fluid so that compressed air, the first fluid, or a combination thereof can be distributed in the first flow path. The pump may be configured to be connected to the second inlet fluid so that the cleaning liquid, the second fluid, or a combination thereof can be distributed in the second flow path.

[0028] The integrated fluid distributor is integrally formed into a module with at least one of the air supply module and the cleaning liquid supply module, or the integrated fluid distributor is assembled into a component with at least one of the air supply module and the cleaning liquid supply module.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple flow paths for different fluids can be independently arranged in a single distributor. Therefore, compared with a distributor configured for each flow path, the configuration of a single distributor reduces the number of components and reduces the possibility of leakage and energy loss due to simplified pipes.

[0030] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of a single distributor in which the flow paths for the fluid are independently set can allow the number of modules within the application system to be optimized, and the layout range, volume, weight and cost of the system can be reduced. Therefore, the configuration of the single distributor improves product competitiveness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an integrated fluid dispenser according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded stereogram of

[0034] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the manifold;

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an arrangement of a first valve and a fluid sensor;

[0036] Figures 5 to 9 is a view showing the operation of the integrated fluid dispenser according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig.10is an exploded perspective view showing an integrated fluid dispenser according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cleaning system for a vehicle sensor to which an integrated fluid dispenser is applied according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. In addition, it should be noted that when adding reference numerals to components in the various drawings, the same components are denoted by the same numerals even when shown in different drawings.

[0040] The terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various components. However, these terms do not limit the order, size, importance, etc. of the components, and are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0041] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be considered herein as being "configured to" satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0042] In order to facilitate understanding of the present specification, an embodiment of application is described in which the integrated fluid dispenser according to the present disclosure is applied to a cleaning system of a sensor installed in a vehicle. However, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an integrated fluid dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded three-dimensional diagram. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the manifold.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 10 , a first flow path 20 , and a second flow path 30 .

[0045] The housing 10 may include a body portion 11 accommodating a plurality of valves 22 and 32 and a manifold 12 coupled to one side of the body portion. The manifold 12 has a first flow path 20 and a second flow path 30 formed thereon.

[0046] The body portion 11 may be formed as a single member having, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block shape. The body portion 11 may be manufactured, for example, using injection molding or sintering molding.

[0047] The body portion 11 may have a plurality of valve accommodating holes 13 formed to extend in the height direction (i.e., Z direction or height direction) of the body portion and arranged in two rows in the length direction (i.e., longitudinal direction or X direction). At least one sensor accommodating hole 14 is provided on one side of the body portion in the length direction (i.e., longitudinal direction or X direction). For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, thirteen valve accommodating holes 13 and one sensor accommodating hole 14 may be formed. However, the number and arrangement of the valve accommodating holes and the sensor accommodating holes are not necessarily limited to the examples described and shown above.

[0048] The first valve 22 or the second valve 32 can be press-fitted into each valve receiving hole 13 and received in each valve receiving hole. Therefore, the first valve 22 and the second valve 32 are completely and firmly fixed in the body part 11, thereby preventing noise caused by vibration.

[0049] At least one fluid sensor 29 may be press-fitted into and accommodated in the sensor accommodation hole 14. For example, fluid sensors 29 such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, etc. may be accommodated alone or in combination.

[0050] In addition, at least some of the valve accommodating holes 13 may be communicated with at least one connection hole 15 formed in a lateral direction (e.g., a width direction (i.e., a lateral direction or a Y direction)) or a length direction (i.e., a longitudinal direction or an X direction) of the body portion 11. A power line or a signal line may be connected to a corresponding valve through the connection hole 15.

[0051] The main body portion 11 may further include a connector mounting portion 16 formed on one side of the main body portion in the length direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction or the X direction) to be stepped. The connector mounting portion 16 has a through hole (not shown). A connector (not shown) to which a power line or a signal line is connected may be mounted in the connector mounting portion 16, through which power may be applied or a control signal may be transmitted to a control board 40 described below.

[0052] For example, the manifold 12 may be formed as a substantially plate-shaped member having a predetermined thickness. The manifold may be manufactured, for example, using injection molding or sintering molding.

[0053] The manifold 12 may be coupled to one side of the main body portion 11 by a plurality of fasteners 17, such as screws. When the fasteners 17 are screws, a plurality of fastening holes 17b may be formed in the manifold. In the main body portion, a screw hole 17a may be formed in a position corresponding to the position of each fastening hole. The screw may pass through the manifold 12 and be screwed into the screw hole 17a of the main body portion 11. Thus, the manifold 12 and the main body portion 11 are fixed to each other.

[0054] In addition, at least one sealing member 18 may be interposed between the manifold 12 and the body portion 11 to prevent fluid from leaking through a gap between the manifold 12 and the body portion 11. Thus, this configuration achieves a sealed connection between the manifold 12 and the body portion 11.

[0055] However, the coupling method between the manifold 12 and the body portion 11 is not limited to the above example. The manifold 12 and the body portion 11 may be coupled to each other using any other method such as welding or the like.

[0056] Alternatively, the manifold 12 and the main body portion 11 may be integrally formed using injection molding or sintering molding. The housing 10 may be formed as a single member having, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block shape. In this case, there is an advantage that the above-mentioned fastener 17, threaded hole 17a, fastening hole 17b, sealing member 18, etc. can be omitted.

[0057] The manifold 12 may include a first flow path 20 and a second flow path 30 independent of the first flow path 20. When the manifold 12 and the body portion 11 are separate members, the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 30 may respectively have a groove shape with one side open.

[0058] The first flow path 20 may communicate with a plurality of valve accommodating holes 13 arranged in a row and communicate with one sensor accommodating hole 14. The second flow path 30 may communicate with a plurality of valve accommodating holes 13 arranged in another row. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first flow path 20 may have a substantially "L" shape and may communicate with seven valve accommodating holes 13 and one sensor accommodating hole 14. The second flow path 30 may have a substantially "I" shape and may communicate with the remaining six valve accommodating holes 13 disposed in another row.

[0059] The first flow path 20 may have a first inlet 21 for a first fluid, a plurality of first outlets 23, and a plurality of first valves 22. The first fluid may be a gas such as compressed air. When the first fluid is compressed air, the compressed air may be supplied by an air compressor 210 (see Fig.11 ) compressed and stored in gas tank 220 (see Fig.11 ) and then supplied to the first inlet 21 as needed.

[0060] The first inlet 21 and the plurality of first outlets 23 may have a substantially tubular shape and extend from the manifold 12 in a direction parallel to the height direction (Z direction) of the body portion 11. Therefore, the first fluid may flow in the first inlet 21 and the first outlet 23 in the height direction (Z direction) of the body portion.

[0061] Any tube or pipe (not shown) may be connected to each of the first inlet 21 and the plurality of first outlets 23. The first inlet 21 and the plurality of first outlets 23 may include a flange 24 extending in the radially outward direction and formed along the circumferential direction. The flange may enable the tube or pipe to be easily connected to the first inlet 21 and each first outlet 23. The flange may enable the connected tube or pipe to be held on the first inlet 21 and each first outlet 23.

[0062] The first inlet 21 may further include an inlet valve 25 installed to control the flow of the first fluid within the first flow path 20 and ensure sealing.

[0063] A plurality of first outlets 23 may be connected to the first flow path 20 at a branch point. Each first outlet 23 may be selectively opened or closed by a corresponding first valve 22. Each first valve 22 may be configured to open or close a branch point of each first outlet 23 branching from the main body of the first flow path to control the flow of the first fluid.

[0064] For example, solenoid valves may be used as the inlet valve 25 and the plurality of first valves 22 , but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0065] refer to Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 9 , the solenoid valve may have a plurality of first holes B and C provided on the upper surface of the valve body A and a second hole D formed in a protrusion protruding from the valve body A. The solenoid valve may have a valve flow path E connecting the plurality of first holes B, C and the second hole D to each other within the valve body A. The plunger F may be moved by an electromagnetic force generated when power is applied to the solenoid, whereby the valve flow path E within the valve body A may be adjusted to open or close the valve and control the flow of the fluid.

[0066] When the solenoid valve is used as the inlet valve 25 and the first fluid is compressed air, the plunger F may be arbitrarily moved by the pressure of the compressed air supplied through the first inlet 21 to allow the compressed air to flow. In order to prevent this problem from occurring, selectively, a solenoid valve including a plunger F having an increased spring force may be used as the solenoid valve of the inlet valve 21 compared to another solenoid valve used for the first valve 22.

[0067] When such a solenoid valve is applied to the first flow path 20, at least one first hole B among the plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A can be used as an inlet. The second hole D formed in the protrusion protruding from the valve body A and / or the remaining first holes C can be used as outlets.

[0068] The first flow path 20 may connect the first inlet 21 and the plurality of first outlets 23 to each other. The first flow path 20 may extend within the manifold 12 in a direction parallel to a length direction of the body portion 11 (ie, a longitudinal direction or an X direction).

[0069] Therefore, the first fluid flowing into the first flow path 20 through the first inlet 21 due to the opening of the inlet valve 25 and filling the first flow path 20 may be selectively distributed through the plurality of first outlets 23 according to the opening or closing of the plurality of first valves 22 and may flow out of the housing 10 .

[0070] Optionally, in the first flow path 20, a pipe flow path 26 may be formed between the inlet valve 25 and the first valve 22 located upstream of the first flow path 20 (i.e., the first valve 22 is located downstream of the inlet valve 25), and an auxiliary pipe 27 may be provided in the pipe flow path 26. In order to form the pipe flow path 26, the auxiliary pipe 27 may be provided in a mold for molding and injection molded. Therefore, the auxiliary pipe 27 may remain inserted into the pipe flow path 26 after the pipe flow path 26 is formed.

[0071] The auxiliary pipe 27 can help shape the pipe flow path 26 of the first flow path 20 in the manifold 12, and the auxiliary pipe can include an inlet 27a and an outlet 27b having a predetermined diameter. Therefore, the auxiliary pipe 27 can be used to reliably transmit the pressure of the first fluid in the first inlet 21 to the plurality of first valves 22 and the first flow path 20.

[0072] When the solenoid valve is used as the inlet valve 25, one first hole B among the plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A may be aligned with the first inlet 21 and positioned to communicate with the first inlet 21. A second hole D formed on a protrusion protruding from the valve body A may be aligned with the inlet 27a of the auxiliary pipe 27 within the pipe flow path 26 and positioned to communicate with the inlet 27a.

[0073] In addition, when a solenoid valve is used as the first valve 22, a plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A may be communicated with the first flow path 20. Second holes D formed on a protrusion protruding from the valve body A may be aligned with and positioned to communicate with corresponding first outlets 23.

[0074] The second flow path 30 may have a second inlet 31 for a second fluid, a plurality of second outlets 33, and a plurality of second valves 32. The second fluid may be a liquid such as a cleaning liquid. When the second fluid is a cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be stored in a cleaning liquid tank 310 (see Fig.11 ) and then through pump 320 (see Fig.11 ) is supplied to the second inlet.

[0075] The second inlet 31 may have a substantially tubular shape and extend from the manifold 12 in a direction parallel to the length direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction or the X direction) of the body portion 11. Therefore, the second fluid may flow in the second inlet 31 in the length direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction or the X direction) of the body portion.

[0076] The plurality of second outlets 33 may have a substantially tubular shape and extend from the manifold 12 in a direction parallel to the width direction (i.e., the lateral direction or the Y direction) of the body portion 11. Thus, the second fluid may flow in the second outlets 33 in the width direction (i.e., the lateral direction or the Y direction) of the body portion 11.

[0077] Any tube or pipe (not shown) may be connected to each of the second inlet 31 and the plurality of second outlets 33. The second inlet 31 and the plurality of second outlets 33 may include a flange 34 extending in the radially outward direction and formed along the circumferential direction. The flange 34 may enable the tube or pipe to be easily connected to the second inlet 31 and each second outlet 33. The flange 34 may also enable the connected tube or pipe to be held on the second inlet 31 and each second outlet 33.

[0078] A plurality of second outlets 33 may be connected to the second flow path 30 at branch points. Each second outlet 33 may be selectively opened or closed by a corresponding second valve 32. Each second valve 32 may be configured to open or close a branch point of each second outlet 33 branched from the main body of the second flow path 30.

[0079] For example, solenoid valves may be used as the plurality of second valves 32, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The inlet valve 25, the first valve 22, and the second valve 32 may have the same specifications and the same size, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The specifications of the inlet valve and the first valve and the second valve may be unified as described above, thereby reducing the cost required for the integrated fluid dispenser 100.

[0080] When the solenoid valves used for the first valve 22 and the second valve 32 are the same valves, at least one first hole B among the plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A may be used as an inlet. The second hole D formed on the protrusion protruding from the valve body A and / or the remaining first holes C among the plurality of first holes B and C may be used as outlets.

[0081] Furthermore, when a solenoid valve is used as the second valve 32, a plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A may communicate with the second flow path 30. Second holes D formed on a protrusion protruding from the valve body A may be positioned to communicate with corresponding second outlets 33.

[0082] The second flow path 30 may connect the second inlet 31 and the plurality of second outlets 33 to each other. The second flow path 30 may also extend within the manifold 12 in a direction parallel to the length direction of the body portion 11 (ie, the longitudinal direction or the X direction).

[0083] Therefore, the second fluid flowing into the second flow path 30 through the second inlet 31 and filling the second flow path 30 may be selectively distributed by the plurality of second outlets 33 according to opening or closing of the plurality of second valves 32 , and may flow out of the housing 10 .

[0084] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the first valve 22 and the fluid sensor 29 .

[0085] The first flow path 20 may include a sensing flow path 28 that communicates the first inlet 21 and the sensor accommodating hole 14 with each other. The sensing flow path 28 may extend within the manifold 12 in a direction parallel to the width direction (i.e., the lateral direction or the Y direction) of the body portion 11. The sensing flow path 28 may allow the first fluid flowing into the first inlet 21 from a fluid source such as a tank to flow toward the fluid sensor 29 regardless of whether the inlet valve 25 is opened or closed.

[0086] For example, when the pressure sensor is inserted and accommodated in the sensor accommodation hole 14 as the fluid sensor 29, the pressure sensor can measure the pressure of the first fluid flowing into the sensor accommodation hole 14 through the sensing flow path 28. The measured pressure value can be transmitted to the control board 40 (to be described below) in the form of an electrical signal.

[0087] As described above, a pressure sensor may be provided in the sensing flow path 28 communicating with the first inlet 21. The pressure sensor may immediately measure the pressure of the first fluid flowing into the first inlet 21 and transmit a signal to the control board 40. Therefore, feedback control for controlling the pumping device of the first fluid may be performed so that the pressure of the first fluid is kept constant within the first flow path 20.

[0088] In addition, when the pressure sensor detects that the pressure of the first fluid is abnormal, the pressure sensor may transmit a signal to the control board 40 , and the control board may drive the first valve 22 to release the overpressure.

[0089] In addition, since the pressure sensor is provided in the sensing flow path 28 of the first flow path 20, there is no need to add the pressure sensor to the pipe or pumping device for supplying the first fluid.

[0090] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control board 40 disposed on the other side of the main body portion 11. The control board 40 may be electrically connected to the fluid sensor 29, the inlet valve 25, the first valve 22, and the second valve 32 to receive information from the fluid sensor and control the operation of the valve. The integrated fluid dispenser 100 may further include a cover 45 coupled to the other side of the main body portion 11 to protect the control board 40.

[0091] The control board 40 may be disposed in a space between the main body portion 11 of the housing 10 and the cover 45. For example, a printed circuit board may be used as the control board. In this case, a pattern circuit may be formed on one surface of the control board 40, and electronic components (such as resistors, capacitors, etc.) may be mounted on the one surface of the control board 40.

[0092] The pattern circuit of the control board 40 may include a connector terminal, so that the terminal of the fluid sensor 29 or the terminal of the valves 22, 25 and 32 can be directly connected to the connector terminal or can be indirectly connected to the connector terminal via a conductor such as a wire or cable. In other words, the fluid sensor 29, the inlet valve 25, the first valve 22 and the second valve 32 can be electrically connected to the control board.

[0093] The cover 45 may be coupled to the main body portion 11 of the housing 10 by, for example, a fastening screw 47. To this end, a plurality of fastening holes 47b may be formed in the cover, and a threaded hole 47a may be formed in the main body portion 11 at a position corresponding to the position of each fastening hole 47b. The fastening screw 47 may pass through the cover 45 and be screwed into the threaded hole 47a of the main body portion 11, so that the cover 45 and the main body portion 11 may be fixed to each other.

[0094] Furthermore, at least one sealing member 48 may be interposed between the cover 45 and the body portion 11 to prevent external moisture or foreign substances from entering the gap therebetween. Therefore, the control board 40 disposed between the cover 45 and the body portion 11 may be protected.

[0095] The control board 40 may include various programmable processing units, such as a microprocessor embedded with a semiconductor chip or memory capable of executing various operations or commands. The processing unit may be programmed to command the operation of the inlet valve 25, the first valve 22, and the second valve 32.

[0096] For example, the control board 40 can control the inlet valves 25 to operate independently. In addition, the control board can control the plurality of first valves 22 to operate independently or operate the same at the same time, and control the plurality of second valves 32 to operate independently or operate the same at the same time.

[0097] When the integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to, for example, a cleaning system for a sensor S installed in a vehicle (see Fig.11 ), the control board 40 can be integrated with or electrically connected to at least one of the integrated controller of the cleaning system and the advanced control system of the vehicle.

[0098] The control board 40 may further include a communication module, and may communicate control signals related to the operation of the valves 22, 25, and 32 or signals output from the fluid sensor 29 with an integrated controller or a high-level control system. A communication module of short-range wireless communication using a controller area network (CAN) protocol may be applied, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and a communication module of wired communication, wired / wireless communication, or optical communication may be applied.

[0099] Figures 5 to 9 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Each diagram shows a transverse cross section and a longitudinal cross section. Figures 5 to 7 The flow of the first fluid in the first flow path 20 is also shown, and Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The flow of the second fluid in the second flow path 30 is shown.

[0100] exist Figure 5 In this case, the inlet valve 25 of the first inlet 21 may be closed. In this case, the plurality of first valves 22 of the first flow path 20 are all closed. Therefore, the first fluid flowing into the first inlet 21 from a fluid source such as a tank may not flow through the first flow path 20.

[0101] However, regardless of whether the inlet valve 25 is opened or closed, the sensing flow path 28 can be communicated with the first inlet 21, so that the first fluid flowing into the first inlet 21 can flow to the fluid sensor 29. For example, when the fluid sensor 29 accommodated in the sensor accommodating hole 14 is a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor can measure the pressure of the first fluid flowing into the sensor accommodating hole 14 through the sensing flow path 28.

[0102] exist Figure 6 In this case, the inlet valve 25 of the first inlet 21 may be opened. In this case, the plurality of first valves 22 of the first flow path 20 may be individually operated and opened or closed. Figure 6 The first valve 22 located most upstream of the first flow path 20 (ie, the first valve 22 is located downstream of the inlet valve 25) is shown in a closed state.

[0103] For example, the first fluid flowing into the first inlet 21 from a fluid source such as a tank may pass through the inlet valve 25 and be discharged through the second hole D formed in the protrusion protruding from the valve body A of the inlet valve 25. Subsequently, the first fluid may flow into the inlet 27a of the auxiliary pipe 27 within the pipe flow path 26, pass through the auxiliary pipe 27, and be discharged to the outlet 27b. Thus, the first fluid may flow into the first flow path 20 and fill the first flow path 20.

[0104] In each first valve 22, the first fluid can flow into the valve body A through one first hole B of a plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A. Figure 6 In the same manner as the first valve shown, when the plunger F closes the second hole D, the first fluid cannot flow to the corresponding first outlet 23 and is therefore not discharged. In this case, in order to release the pressure in the first valve 22, the first fluid can flow out of the valve body A through another first hole C among the plurality of first holes B and C.

[0105] Figure 7 The first valve 22 is shown located at the most upstream of the first flow path 20. Specifically, Figure 7 The first valve 22 is shown in an open state, while the inlet valve 25 of the first inlet 21 is open. The plunger F can open the second hole D in the first valve 22 so that the first fluid can flow out through the corresponding first outlet 23.

[0106] When the inlet valve 25 is opened, the first fluid flowing into the first flow path 20 through the first inlet 21 and filling the first flow path 20 may be selectively distributed by the plurality of first outlets 23 according to opening or closing of the plurality of first valves 22 , and may flow out of the housing 10 .

[0107] Each of the plurality of first valves 22 may be independently operated under the control of the control board 40, regardless of the arrangement order thereof, to open or close the desired first outlet 23. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the plurality of first valves 22 may be controlled to operate identically at the same time.

[0108] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, all the second valves 32 of the second flow paths 30 may be closed. However, for example, the second fluid flowing into the second inlet 31 from a fluid source such as a tank may flow into the second flow paths and fill the second flow paths.

[0109] In each second valve 32, the second fluid can flow into the valve body A through one first hole B of a plurality of first holes B and C provided in the upper surface of the valve body A. Fig. 9In the same manner as the second valve shown in FIG. 1 , when the plunger F closes the second hole D, the second fluid cannot flow to the corresponding second outlet 33 and is therefore not discharged. In this case, in order to release the pressure in the second valve 32, the second fluid can flow out of the valve body A through another first hole C among the plurality of first holes B and C.

[0110] Figure 8 An example is shown in which the second valve 32 is open. The plunger F can open the second hole D in the second valve 32 so that the second fluid can flow out through the corresponding second outlet 33.

[0111] The second fluid flowing into the second flow path 30 through the second inlet 31 and filling the second flow path 30 may be selectively distributed by the plurality of second outlets 33 according to opening or closing of the plurality of second valves 32 , and may flow out of the housing 10 .

[0112] Each of the plurality of second valves 32 may be independently operated under the control of the control board 40, regardless of the arrangement order thereof, to open or close the desired second outlet 33. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the plurality of second valves 32 may be controlled to operate identically at the same time.

[0113] In addition, the plurality of first valves 22 and the plurality of second valves 32 can be opened and closed independently of each other. Specifically, regardless of whether each second valve 32 is opened or closed, each first valve 22 can be independently operated to open or close the desired first outlet 23, and vice versa.

[0114] Therefore, in the integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 30 for different fluids can be independently provided to form respective flow paths. The respective flow paths can independently dispense and discharge the respective fluids.

[0115] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of an integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 The main body portion 11 and the manifold 12 of the housing 10 are shown separated from each other.

[0116] An integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 10 , a first flow path 20 , a second flow path 30 , and a heating member 50 .

[0117] Fig.10The second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is different from the first exemplary embodiment only in that a heating member 50 is added. In addition, the second exemplary embodiment may be the same as the first exemplary embodiment in terms of the remaining components. Therefore, when describing the integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the same components as those of the above-described integrated fluid dispenser according to the first exemplary embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description of the configuration and function of the components is omitted.

[0118] The heating member 50 may be provided in at least one of the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 30. When the manifold 12 and the main body portion 11 of the housing 10 are separate members, the heating member 50 may be installed on the upper surface of the main body portion 11 in a manner of being placed across the plurality of valve accommodating holes 13 or in a manner of being placed around the plurality of valve accommodating holes 13. Alternatively, the heating member 50 may also be installed in a manner of being accommodated in the first flow path 20 or the second flow path 30 in the manifold 12.

[0119] Fig.10 An example is shown in which a single heating member 50 is placed across a plurality of valve receiving holes 13 in a position corresponding to the position of the second flow path 30 on the upper surface of the body portion 11. However, the arrangement of the heating member 50 is not necessarily limited thereto, and the heating member 50 may be accommodated in the first flow path 20 or the second flow path 30 to contact the first fluid or the second fluid. In addition, the heating member 50 may transfer the generated heat to the corresponding fluid.

[0120] The heating member 50 may include a heating wire. The heating wire may be connected to a connector terminal of the control board 40 via a conductor (such as a wire or cable). The heating wire may receive a predetermined power supply from the control board, and therefore, current may flow through the heating wire. As current flows through the heating wire, heat generated by the internal resistance of the heating wire itself may be released to the outside.

[0121] For example, when the integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a cleaning system of a sensor S installed in a vehicle and a liquid such as cleaning liquid is used as the second fluid, there is a limitation in that cleaning cannot be performed using the cleaning liquid at room temperature.

[0122] The integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may heat the cleaning liquid to, for example, 60° C. or higher using the heating member 50 including the heating wire. Therefore, this configuration may improve the cleaning ability of the cleaning liquid without using a toxic cleaning liquid.

[0123] Fig.11is a schematic diagram showing an example in which an integrated fluid dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a cleaning system for a vehicle sensor.

[0124] The integrated fluid dispenser 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to a cleaning system of a vehicle sensor S. For example, the cleaning system may include an air supply module 200 , a cleaning liquid supply module 300 , and the integrated fluid dispenser 100 .

[0125] The air supply module 200 may include an air compressor 210 and an air storage tank 220. The air supply module 200 may have a structure in which the air compressor and the air storage tank are integrally formed to form a single module or a single component. The air supply module 200 may generate and store compressed air and supply the compressed air to the integrated fluid dispenser 100.

[0126] Compressed air stored in the air tank 220 of the air supply module 200 may be supplied to the integrated fluid distributor 100. The compressed air may be distributed through the first flow path 20 of the integrated fluid distributor 100, for example, and thus may be sprayed toward a plurality of sensors S included in the vehicle and used for cleaning.

[0127] The cleaning liquid supply module 300 may include a cleaning liquid tank 310 and a pump 320. For example, the pump 320 may be coupled to an upper portion of the cleaning liquid tank 310, and at least a portion of the pump 320 may be accommodated in the cleaning liquid tank 310. The cleaning liquid may be stored in the cleaning liquid tank 310, and the pump 320 may supply the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 310 to the integrated fluid dispenser 100.

[0128] The cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank 310 of the cleaning liquid supply module 300 may be supplied to the integrated fluid dispenser 100 through the pump 320. Then, for example, the cleaning liquid may be dispensed through the second flow path 30 of the integrated fluid dispenser 100, and thus may be sprayed toward a plurality of sensors S included in the vehicle and used for cleaning.

[0129] The integrated fluid distributor 100 may be connected with the air supply module 200 and the cleaning liquid supply module 300. The integrated fluid distributor 100 may distribute the compressed air supplied from the air supply module 200 and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply module 300 to a plurality of nozzles (not shown) located in the plurality of vehicle sensors S. The compressed air and / or the cleaning liquid may be sprayed to the plurality of vehicle sensors respectively through the plurality of nozzles.

[0130] The integrated fluid dispenser 100 may perform only one of the distribution of compressed air and the distribution of cleaning liquid or perform both the distribution of compressed air and the distribution of cleaning liquid. In addition, the integrated fluid dispenser 100 may perform the distribution of compressed air and the distribution of cleaning liquid simultaneously or alternately.

[0131] According to the integrated fluid dispenser 100 of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dispenser for dispensing compressed air and a dispenser for dispensing cleaning liquid can be integrated into a single dispenser, so that compressed air and cleaning liquid can be independently dispensed through the single integrated fluid dispenser 100 without additional dispensers, thereby simplifying the configuration of the cleaning system.

[0132] For example, the integrated fluid distributor 100 may be integrally formed into a module with at least one of the air supply module 200 and the cleaning liquid supply module 300, or the integrated fluid distributor may be assembled into a component with at least one of the air supply module and the cleaning liquid supply module. Thus, the cleaning system may include one module or two modules.

[0133] The modular cleaning system may be installed in a vehicle. The modular cleaning system may clean vehicle sensors by spraying at least one of compressed air and cleaning fluid through a tube extending to a plurality of sensors S disposed inside and outside the vehicle.

[0134] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, flow paths of different fluids may be independently provided in a single distributor, thereby reducing the number of components compared to a distributor configured for each flow path and reducing the possibility of leakage and energy loss due to simplified pipes.

[0135] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of the distributor integrating the flow path for the fluid can allow the number of modules within the application system to be optimized, and the layout range, volume, weight and cost of the system can be reduced. Therefore, the configuration can improve product competitiveness.

[0136] While embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated fluid dispenser, comprising: case; a first flow path disposed within the housing, the first flow path having a first inlet for a first fluid, a plurality of first outlets, and a plurality of first valves; as well as A second flow path is provided in the housing independently of the first flow path, the second flow path having a second inlet for a second fluid, a plurality of second outlets and a plurality of second valves.

2. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first valves is configured to open and close a branch point of each of the first outlets branched from the main body of the first flow path, and Each of the second valves is configured to open and close a branch point of each of the second outlets branched from the main body of the second flow path.

3. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes: a body portion accommodating a plurality of the first valves and a plurality of the second valves; and a manifold coupled to one side of the body portion; and The first flow path and the second flow path are formed in the manifold.

4. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 3, wherein: The main body portion has a plurality of valve receiving holes arranged in two rows along the length direction of the main body portion, The plurality of valve accommodating holes in one row respectively accommodate a plurality of the first valves and communicate with the first flow path, and The plurality of valve accommodating holes in another row respectively accommodate a plurality of the second valves and communicate with the second flow path.

5. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 3, wherein: The first inlet and the plurality of the first outlets extend from the manifold in a direction parallel to a height direction of the main body portion, The second inlet extends from the manifold in a direction parallel to the length direction of the main body portion, and The plurality of second outlets extend from the manifold in a direction parallel to a width direction of the body portion.

6. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 3, wherein: The first inlet further includes an inlet valve configured to control flow of the first fluid within the first flow path.

7. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 6, wherein: The inlet valve, the plurality of the first valves, and the plurality of the second valves are solenoid valves having the same configuration.

8. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the solenoid valves comprises: Valve body; a plurality of first holes disposed in one side of the valve body; a second hole formed in a protrusion protruding from the one side of the valve body; a valve flow path formed within the valve body, the valve flow path configured to fluidly connect the plurality of first holes and the second hole to each other; and a plunger configured to move by an electromagnetic force generated when electric power is applied, Wherein, the plunger is configured to adjust the valve flow path.

9. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 8, wherein: In the first flow path, a pipe flow path is formed between the inlet valve and a first valve located upstream of the first flow path, and an auxiliary pipe is provided in the pipe flow path.

10. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 9, wherein: A first hole of the plurality of first holes of the inlet valve is aligned with the first inlet and configured to be in fluid communication with the first inlet, and the second hole is aligned with the inlet of the auxiliary pipe and configured to be in fluid communication with the inlet.

11. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of first apertures of each first valve is configured to be in fluid communication with the first flow path, and the second aperture of each first valve is aligned with and configured to be in fluid communication with a corresponding first outlet.

12. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of first apertures of each second valve is configured to be in fluid communication with the second flow path, and the second aperture of each second valve is configured to be in fluid communication with a corresponding second outlet.

13. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 6, wherein: The body portion has a sensor accommodating hole provided in one side of the body portion, and At least one fluid sensor is accommodated in the sensor accommodation hole.

14. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 13, wherein: The first flow path includes a sensing flow path configured so that the first inlet and the sensor accommodating hole can communicate with each other.

15. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 14, wherein: The fluid sensor is a pressure sensor, and The pressure sensor measures the pressure of the first fluid flowing into the sensor accommodating hole through the sensing flow path.

16. The integrated fluid dispenser of claim 13, further comprising: A control board is disposed on the main body portion, and the control board is electrically connected to the fluid sensor, the inlet valve, the plurality of the first valves, and the plurality of the second valves to receive information from the fluid sensor and control the operations of the inlet valve, the plurality of the first valves, and the plurality of the second valves.

17. The integrated fluid dispenser of claim 3, further comprising: a heating member disposed in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path, Wherein, the heating component includes a heating wire.

18. The integrated fluid dispenser of claim 1, wherein: The integrated fluid distributor is applied to a cleaning system for cleaning a vehicle sensor installed on a vehicle. The cleaning system comprises: an air supply module configured to supply compressed air; and a cleaning liquid supply module configured to supply cleaning liquid, and The integrated fluid distributor is configured to be fluidly connected to the air supply module and the cleaning fluid supply module.

19. The integrated fluid dispenser according to claim 18, wherein: The air supply module includes: an air compressor configured to generate the compressed air; and an air storage tank configured to store the compressed air. The cleaning liquid supply module includes: a cleaning liquid tank configured to store cleaning liquid; and a pump configured to supply the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid tank to the integrated fluid dispenser. The air tank is configured to be fluidly connected to the first inlet so that the compressed air, the first fluid, or a combination thereof are dispensed in the first flow path, and the pump is configured to be fluidly connected to the second inlet so that the cleaning liquid, the second fluid, or a combination thereof are dispensed in the second flow path.

20. The integrated fluid dispenser of claim 18, wherein: The integrated fluid distributor is integrally formed into a module with at least one of the air supply module and the cleaning liquid supply module, or the integrated fluid distributor is assembled into a component with at least one of the air supply module and the cleaning liquid supply module.

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