Fluid distribution system for cleaning vehicle surfaces

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid distribution system for cleaning a vehicle surface. A fluid distribution system (1) for cleaning a sensor surface of a vehicle comprises: a main tank (2) defining a main volume and for storing a cleaning fluid; at least one intermediate tank (3) having an intermediate volume smaller than the main volume; a main filling device configured to allow filling of the at least one intermediate tank with the cleaning fluid from the main tank; an air pressure tank (10); a compression device configured to form an air pressure of the air in the air pressure tank; a connecting device which fluidly connects the bottom of the air pressure tank to the at least one intermediate tank, advantageously to the top of the at least one intermediate tank (3), such that when the air pressure is formed, the air pressure is released from the at least one intermediate tank (3). Air flowing from the air pressure tank (10) into the at least one intermediate tank via the connection means pressurizes the cleaning fluid in the at least one intermediate tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid distribution systems, and in particular to a fluid distribution system for cleaning a surface sensor of a vehicle.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a fluid distribution system designed to allow cleaning of a surface sensor of a vehicle with pressurized air and pressurized cleaning liquid, the pressurized air being virtually free of moisture. Background Art

[0003] Motor vehicles are now equipped with a plurality of sensors or cameras (hereinafter referred to as "sensors") for driving assistance purposes. These sensors are located around the entire periphery of the vehicle, for example in the bumpers and / or side skirts, and thus provide the driver or driving software with a complete view of the vehicle's environment.

[0004] However, these sensors exposed to the environment may be covered with dirt or dust, and thus their performance may be seen to degrade. Therefore, these sensors need to be cleaned frequently to ensure their performance.

[0005] In this respect, the motor vehicle can be equipped with a cleaning system, in particular with a pipe and a nozzle for distributing a cleaning fluid. The nozzle is located at the end of the fluid distribution pipe and close to the sensor. These cleaning systems can also include an automatic valve that allows the sensor to be cleaned to be selected and thus limits the consumption of the cleaning fluid.

[0006] In this regard, document [1] cited at the end of the description discloses a system which is designed to clean sensor surfaces of an autonomous vehicle, in particular automatically.

[0007] It is worth noting that, as mentioned in the literature [1] Figure 2 As depicted, the system 200 is provided with two tanks. Specifically, the system 200 includes a main tank 202 and another tank 208.

[0008] The main tank 202 is configured to store cleaning fluid under reduced pressure (such as atmospheric pressure) and is particularly implemented when cleaning surfaces that do not require high pressure. For example, the main tank 202 can be used to clean the windshield or rear window of a motor vehicle.

[0009] The tank 208 is for its part configured to store a cleaning fluid and to keep the cleaning fluid under pressure by means of a pressurized gas, and is particularly used when the cleaning of a surface requires a pressure far above atmospheric pressure (e.g., above 4.8 bar). For example, the tank 208 can be used to clean the surface of a sensor of a motor vehicle.

[0010] The system 200 also includes a pressurized gas source 206 and a pressure transfer device 204. Specifically, the pressurized gas source 206 and the pressure transfer device 204 are configured to allow the tank 208 to be filled with a cleaning fluid from a main tank and pressurize the cleaning fluid by injecting the pressurized gas.

[0011] However, such systems are not satisfactory.

[0012] In fact, the system 200 disclosed in document [1] requires the implementation of a bulk tank 208 in order to ensure sufficient autonomy for sensor cleaning. Furthermore, maintaining a large volume of cleaning fluid under high pressure is dangerous for the vehicle containing it.

[0013] Document [2] cited at the end of the description also discloses a system configured to clean sensor surfaces of a vehicle.

[0014] In the literature [2] Figure 1 The system particularly shown in FIG. 5 includes a cleaning fluid tank 50A and a gas tank 50B. The tanks 50A and 50B are also fluidly connected to allow compression of the cleaning fluid in the tank 50B.

[0015] Even so, the system is not satisfactory.

[0016] In practice, the system described in document [2] requires the implementation of a large gas tank 50B, which, like the system described in document [1], also presents risks.

[0017] Furthermore, the system described in document [2] comprises a relatively large number of components / elements, which therefore makes it more complicated to assemble and use.

[0018] The aforementioned problems are solved by the fluid distribution system described in document [3] cited at the end of the description.

[0019] It is worth noting that document [3] relates to a fluid delivery system for cleaning the surface of a vehicle, the delivery system comprising:

[0020] a main tank having a main volume and serving to store cleaning fluid at a pressure known as main pressure;

[0021] - two secondary tanks, called the first tank and the second tank, each tank having a volume smaller than the main volume, called the secondary volume;

[0022] - a filling device configured to allow the cleaning fluid used for the main tank to selectively fill both the first tank and the second tank;

[0023] - compression means configured to selectively inject air into one or the other of the first and second tanks and so as to exert a working pressure higher than the main pressure on the cleaning fluid that may be present in the secondary tank in question;

[0024] - a dispensing device configured to selectively dispense cleaning fluid and / or air for cleaning a surface from either the first tank or the second tank.

[0025] However, there are situations where the distributed air may be humid.

[0026] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution system for cleaning vehicle sensors that distributes both air and cleaning fluid under pressure and wherein the air distributed is substantially dry.

[0027] References

[0028] [1] US10723325B2;

[0029] [2] DE10 2019 125 970A1;

[0030] [3]EP 4 194 283 A1. Summary of the invention

[0031] The present invention relates to a fluid distribution system for cleaning a sensor surface of a vehicle, the distribution system comprising:

[0032] a main tank defining a main volume and for storing a cleaning fluid;

[0033] - at least one intermediate tank having an intermediate volume smaller than the main volume;

[0034] - a main filling device configured to allow filling of at least one intermediate tank with a cleaning fluid from the main tank;

[0035] - Air pressure tank;

[0036] - a compression device configured to create air pressure of the air in the air pressure tank;

[0037] - A connecting device which fluidically connects the bottom of the air pressure tank to at least one intermediate tank, advantageously to the top of the at least one intermediate tank, so that when air pressure is built up, the air flowing from the air pressure tank via the connecting device into the at least one intermediate tank pressurizes the cleaning fluid in the at least one intermediate tank.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the fluid distribution system further comprises:

[0039] - a fluid distribution device configured to distribute cleaning fluid from the bottom of at least one intermediate tank, the pressurized cleaning fluid being used to clean the surface;

[0040] - An air distribution device configured to distribute air from an air pressure tank for cleaning the surface.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the bottom of the air pressure tank is located vertically above the top of the at least one intermediate tank, so that fluid possibly present in the air pressure tank can flow by gravity through the connection device into the at least one intermediate tank.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the at least one intermediate tank comprises two tanks, namely a first tank and a second tank, respectively.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the connection device is configured to enable air to flow selectively in one and / or the other of the first tank and the second tank.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the connection means comprise at least one valve, advantageously a multi-way valve.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the compression means comprises a high pressure pump or compressor.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the air distribution device comprises at least one duct, the air duct, and at least one nozzle, the air nozzle.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the air nozzle is equipped with a valve, ie an air valve.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the fluid distribution device comprises at least one conduit, ie the fluid conduit, and at least one nozzle, ie the fluid nozzle.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the fluid nozzle is equipped with a valve, ie a fluid valve.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the connection device comprises a non-return valve which is configured to prevent air from flowing from the at least one intermediate tank to the air pressure tank.

[0051] The invention also relates to the use of a fluid distribution system according to the invention for cleaning a sensor surface, the use comprising the following steps:

[0052] a) comprising a step of forming a pressure of air in a high pressure tank;

[0053] b) a step of compressing the cleaning fluid comprised in at least one intermediate tank, said step being performed by causing pressurized air to flow from an air pressure tank into the at least one intermediate tank;

[0054] c) The step of dispensing a cleaning fluid and / or pressurized air for cleaning the sensor surface.

[0055] The invention also relates to an autonomous vehicle equipped with a sensor and comprising a fluid distribution system according to the invention for cleaning a surface of the sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Other features and advantages will be better understood after reading the following description of the fluid distribution system according to the invention, which description is provided purely as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A fluid distribution system according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown and wherein the tank is partially filled with cleaning fluid, the fluid level being indicated by arrow A;

[0059] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 A fluid distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown and wherein the air pressure tank is filled with air which may contain some moisture;

[0060] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 shows the fluid distribution system after execution of step a) according to the use of the fluid distribution system;

[0061] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 shows the fluid distribution system after execution of step b) according to the use of the fluid distribution system;

[0062] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an autonomous vehicle equipped with a sensor and including a fluid distribution system according to the present invention for cleaning a surface of the sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the features of the embodiments may be combined, switched or changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0065] As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration and not limitation of the various changes and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still remain within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "top" and "bottom" are defined relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, it should be understood that the "top" and "bottom" of a component correspond to a cross-section of the component when in use and according to the vertical direction.

[0067] The present invention relates to a fluid distribution system for cleaning surfaces of sensors in a motor vehicle, more particularly in an autonomous vehicle.

[0068] In this respect, the fluid distribution system according to the invention is particularly suitable for removing dust and / or dirt which may be present on the surface of sensors of a vehicle.

[0069] These sensors may include, but are not limited to, cameras, LIDAR, RADAR, or any other type of sensor that may be implemented in a motor vehicle. Specifically, a fluid distribution system according to the present invention may include a nozzle configured to project a cleaning fluid and / or pressurized air onto the surface of the sensor. In this regard, the nozzle is disposed near the surface and may be stationary or movable.

[0070] The present invention therefore relates to a fluid distribution system for cleaning a sensor surface of a vehicle, the distribution system comprising:

[0071] a main tank defining a main volume and for storing a cleaning fluid;

[0072] - at least one intermediate tank having an intermediate volume smaller than the main volume;

[0073] - a main filling device configured to allow filling of the at least one intermediate tank with the cleaning fluid coming from the main tank;

[0074] - Air pressure tank;

[0075] - a compression device configured to create air pressure of the air in the air pressure tank;

[0076] - a connection device, which fluidly connects the bottom of the air pressure tank with the at least one intermediate tank, so that when the air pressure is formed, the air flowing from the air pressure tank through the connection device into the at least one intermediate tank pressurizes the cleaning fluid in the at least one intermediate tank;

[0077] - a fluid distribution device configured to distribute the cleaning fluid from the bottom of the at least one intermediate tank, the pressurized cleaning fluid being used to clean the surface;

[0078] - An air distribution device configured to distribute air from the air pressure tank to dry the surface.

[0079] Figure 1 A fluid distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0080] In particular, the fluid distribution system 1 comprises a main tank 2 for storing, for example, a cleaning fluid at a pressure referred to as the main pressure. In particular, the main tank 2 has a volume of several liters (for example greater than 3 liters, or even greater than 4 liters), which is referred to as the main volume. The main pressure may be less than 1.5 bar, and in particular is equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0081] The fluid distribution system 1 also includes at least one intermediate tank. In this first embodiment, the at least one intermediate tank includes only one tank 3. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to considering only a single tank 3. In particular, the description of the first embodiment gives the general principles of the present invention, so that a person skilled in the art can adapt these general principles to multiple intermediate tanks, in particular two intermediate tanks 3 and 3' as described in the second embodiment.

[0082] The intermediate tank 3 can be oriented relative to the vertical axis z when in use. It is worth noting that the intermediate tank 3 comprises a bottom section 3a (the "bottom") and a top section 3b (the "top") along the vertical axis z. In other words, the top 3b is located directly above the bottom 3a.

[0083] The tank 3 defines a volume smaller than the main volume, which volume is advantageously smaller than one third of the main volume, even more advantageously smaller than one fifth of the main volume. For example, the volume of the tank 3 is smaller than 700 mL, advantageously smaller than 500 mL.

[0084] The fluid distribution system 1 according to the invention further comprises a main filling device configured to allow filling the tank 3 with the cleaning fluid from the main tank 2 .

[0085] In particular, the main filling device may comprise a conduit connecting the main tank 2 with the tank 3 in fluid. Thus, the filling device may comprise a conduit 5 connecting the main tank 2 with the tank 3 in fluid.

[0086] The main filling device may also include a pump, referred to as a filling pump 7, which is interposed between the main tank 2 and the conduit 5. It is worth noting that the filling pump 7 may include a pump (low-pressure pump or high-pressure pump). For example, the filling pump 7 may be configured to take the cleaning fluid from the main tank 2 and inject it into the conduit 5 at a pressure lower than 1.5 bar.

[0087] The primary filling device may further comprise a main conduit 8 fluidly connecting an outlet (referred to as the primary outlet Sp) of the primary tank 2 with the conduit 5. In this respect, a filling pump 7 may be connected (arranged) on the main conduit 8.

[0088] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the primary filling device may comprise a valve 9 arranged on the conduit 5 .

[0089] The valve 9 may include a solenoid valve, and more specifically, a solenoid valve provided with a check valve.

[0090] The fluid distribution system also includes an air pressure tank 10. Advantageously, the air pressure tank 10 can be arranged above the tank 3 in the vertical direction z. The air pressure tank 10 includes a bottom section 10a (the "bottom") and a top section 10b (the "top"). In addition, the air pressure tank 10 can be arranged so that the bottom 10a is located above the top 3b. According to the present invention, other configurations can be considered. Specifically, the general principles of the present invention do not enforce this specific positioning of the air pressure tank relative to the tank 3. It is worth noting that, as a non-limiting example, the tank 3 and the air pressure tank 10 can be positioned adjacent to each other. In addition, the tank 3 and the air pressure tank 10 can be integral with each other. Specifically, the tank 3 and the air pressure tank 10 can form a single piece.

[0091] The fluid distribution device 1 further includes a compression device configured to form the air pressure of the air in the air pressure tank 10 within a pressure range of 4 to 10 bars, and specifically about 8 bars. In this regard, the compression device may include a high-pressure pump 11 (or compressor).

[0092] The compression device may include a conduit 12 fluidly connecting the high-pressure pump 11 to the air pressure tank 10 .

[0093] The fluid distribution system 1 further comprises a connection device 20, typically a conduit, which fluidically connects the bottom 10a to the tank 3, so that when air pressure is built up, the air flowing from the air pressure tank 10 via the connection device into the tank 3 pressurizes the cleaning fluid in the tank 3. The connection device may comprise a check valve 21 configured to prevent air from flowing from the at least one intermediate tank to the air pressure tank. In a very advantageous embodiment, the connection device 20 may connect the bottom 10a to the top 3b of the tank 3.

[0094] The fluid distribution system 1 may further include a fluid dispensing device configured to dispense (or spray) a cleaning fluid from the bottom 3a of the tank 3, the cleaning fluid, especially the pressurized cleaning fluid, being used to clean the surface of the sensor.

[0095] In this regard, the fluid distribution device comprises at least one conduit, namely the fluid conduit 13, and at least one nozzle, namely the fluid nozzle 14A, 14B.

[0096] The fluid dispensing device may further include fluid valves 15A, 15B, each of which is dedicated to a particular fluid nozzle 14A and 14B. The fluid conduit 13 may further include a check valve 16 configured to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing back into the tank 3.

[0097] The fluid distribution system 1 may further include an air distribution device configured to distribute (or spray) air from an air pressure tank for drying the surface of the sensor.

[0098] In this regard, the air distribution device comprises at least one duct, namely the air duct 17, and at least one nozzle, namely the air nozzle 18A, 18B.

[0099] The air distribution device may also include air valves 19A, 19B, each of which is dedicated to a specific air nozzle 18A and 18B. The air conduit 17 may also include a check valve 24 configured to prevent air from flowing back into the air pressure tank 10.

[0100] The invention also relates to the use of the fluid distribution system according to the invention.

[0101] It is worth noting that the use of the fluid distribution system includes the following steps:

[0102] a) comprising a step of forming a pressure of air in a high pressure tank;

[0103] b) a step of compressing the cleaning fluid comprised in the at least one intermediate tank, said step being performed by causing pressurized air to flow from the air pressure tank into the at least one intermediate tank;

[0104] c) The step of dispensing the cleaning fluid and / or pressurized air for cleaning the sensor surface.

[0105] Figure 2 A fluid distribution system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown and wherein the tank 3 is partially filled with cleaning fluid, the fluid level being indicated by arrow A. FIG.

[0106] Figure 3A fluid distribution system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown and wherein an air pressure tank 10 is filled with air which may contain some moisture.

[0107] Figure 4 A fluid distribution system 1 according to a first embodiment is shown, and in which the air filling the air pressure tank 10 is pressurized by a compressor (step a)). The air pressure in the air pressure tank can be in the pressure range of 4 to 10 bar, so that the moisture contained in the air condenses (reference CW) and falls into the bottom section 10a by gravity. The condensed water then flows into the tank 3 through the connection device essentially by overpressure. In other words, the overpressure is the main driving factor for transferring the condensed water to the tank 3.

[0108] The pressurized air also flows from the air pressure tank into the tank 3 via the connection device and pressurizes the cleaning fluid in the tank 3 (step b). Figure 5 ). When the air pressure balance is reached in both the air pressure tank and the tank 3, the air flow stops. After performing step b), the pressurized air is almost dry.

[0109] After performing step b), the fluid distribution system is in a condition to spray cleaning fluid with the fluid nozzles, or to spray pressurized drying air with the air nozzles.

[0110] Figure 6 A fluid distribution system 1 according to a second embodiment is shown. This second embodiment substantially comprises all the features of the first embodiment.

[0111] It is worth noting that the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the second embodiment includes a second intermediate tank, namely tank 3' (in addition to tank 3). Specifically, the tank 3' is fluidly connected from the top 3b' to the bottom 10a of the air pressure tank 10 via a connection device. The connection device may include a check valve 21' to prevent any backflow of air from the tank 3' toward the air pressure tank 10.

[0112] The fluid dispensing device may also be configured to dispense a cleaning fluid, in particular a pressurized cleaning fluid, from the bottom 3a' of the tank 3' for cleaning the surface of the sensor.

[0113] In this regard, the fluid distribution device comprises at least one fluid conduit 13' connecting the bottom 3a' to fluid nozzles 14A, 14B associated with fluid valves 15A, 15B. A check valve 16' may also be arranged for preventing a backflow of cleaning fluid into the tank 3'.

[0114] Finally, the connection means comprise at least one valve 22, advantageously a multi-way valve 22. It is worth noting that the at least one valve 22 is configured to selectively fluidically connect one and / or the other of the tanks 3 and 3' to the air pressure tank 10. This arrangement thus allows the cleaning fluid contained in one or the other of the tanks 3 and 3' to be selectively compressed with pressurized air.

[0115] The main advantage of implementing two tanks 3 and 3 ′ is that it enables the cleaning fluid to be sprayed in a continuous manner as described in document [3].

[0116] The present invention also relates to an automatic vehicle 100 ( Figure 7 ), the automatic vehicle is equipped with a sensor and comprises a fluid distribution system according to the present invention for cleaning the surface of the sensor.

[0117] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and variant embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A fluid distribution system (1) for cleaning a sensor surface of a vehicle, the distribution system comprising: - a main tank (2) defining a main volume and used for storing a cleaning fluid; - at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') having an intermediate volume smaller than the main volume; - main filling means configured to allow filling of said at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') with said cleaning fluid coming from said main tank (2); - an air pressure tank (10); - a compression device, which is configured to create air pressure of the air in the air pressure tank (10); - a connecting device, which connects the bottom of the air pressure tank (10) to the fluid of the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3'), advantageously to the top of the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3'), so that when the air pressure is formed, the air flowing from the air pressure tank (10) through the connecting device into the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') pressurizes the cleaning fluid in the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3').

2. The fluid distribution system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution system (1) further comprises: - a fluid distribution device configured to distribute the cleaning fluid from the bottom (3a, 3a') of the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3'), the pressurized cleaning fluid being used to clean the surface; - an air distribution device configured to distribute air from the air pressure tank (10) for cleaning the surface.

3. A fluid distribution system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom of the air pressure tank (10) is located above the top (3b, 3b') of the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') in the vertical direction, so that the fluid that may be present in the air pressure tank (10) can flow into the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') through the connecting device by gravity.

4. The fluid distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') comprises two tanks, namely a first tank (3) and a second tank (3'), respectively.

5. The fluid distribution system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the connection device is configured so that the air can flow selectively in one and / or the other of the first tank (3) and the second tank (3').

6. Fluid distribution system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the connection means comprise at least one valve, advantageously a multi-way valve (22).

7. The fluid distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the compression device comprises a high-pressure pump (11) or a compressor.

8. A fluid distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 2, wherein the air distribution device comprises at least one duct, namely the air duct (17), and at least one nozzle, namely the air nozzle (18A, 18B).

9. The fluid distribution system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the air nozzle (18A, 18B) is equipped with a valve, namely an air valve (19A, 19B).

10. The fluid distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in combination with claim 2, wherein the fluid distribution device comprises at least one conduit, namely the fluid conduit (13), and at least one nozzle, namely the fluid nozzle (14A, 14B).

11. The fluid distribution system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the fluid nozzle is equipped with a valve, namely a fluid valve (15A, 15B).

12. The fluid distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting device comprises a non-return valve (21), which is configured to prevent air from flowing from the at least one intermediate tank (3, 3') to the air pressure tank (10).

13. Use of a fluid distribution system (1) for cleaning a sensor surface according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: a) comprising a step of forming a pressure of air in a high pressure tank; b) a step of compressing the cleaning fluid contained in at least one intermediate tank (3, 3'), said step being performed by causing pressurized air to flow from said air pressure tank (10) into said at least one intermediate tank (3, 3'); c) The step of dispensing the cleaning fluid and / or the pressurized air for cleaning the sensor surface.

14. An autonomous vehicle equipped with a sensor and comprising a fluid distribution system (1) for cleaning a surface of a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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