Pump and sensor cleaning device including the pump

Abstract

The present invention provides a pump and a sensor cleaning apparatus including the pump. The pump for the sensor cleaning apparatus may include: a housing; a drive shaft configured to rotate within the housing; a plurality of diaphragms disposed within the housing and connected to the drive shaft; and a plurality of chambers defined by the housing and the respective diaphragms. The plurality of chambers may be configured to draw in and discharge fluid by rotation of the drive shaft. Specifically, in each rotation of the drive shaft, fluid may be drawn into or discharged from the respective chambers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a pump. Background Technology

[0002] A pump is a device that moves fluid from one location to another. For example, a diaphragm pump is a positive displacement pump configured to deliver fluid by the repeated contraction and expansion of a diaphragm driven by an electric motor (e.g., the contraction and expansion stroke of the diaphragm).

[0003] Diaphragm pumps can employ air distribution methods used for oil injection, or motor drive methods suitable for small pumps.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this disclosure and may therefore contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a pump capable of providing improved performance within a given size, and a sensor cleaning device including the pump.

[0006] This disclosure also provides a pump and a sensor cleaning apparatus including the pump, the pump being able to supply fluid for cleaning vehicle sensors in a simplified manner and meeting the required performance.

[0007] This disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and based on the following description, those skilled in the art should be able to clearly understand other aspects not mentioned herein.

[0008] The present disclosure is characterized in the following way to achieve the above aspects and effects and perform the following characteristic functions.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the pump may include: a housing; a drive shaft configured to rotate within the housing; a plurality of diaphragms disposed within the housing and connected to the drive shaft; and a plurality of chambers defined by the housing and the respective diaphragms. The plurality of chambers may be configured to draw in or discharge fluid by rotation of the drive shaft, and with each unit of rotation of the drive shaft, fluid may be drawn into or discharged from the respective chambers.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a sensor cleaning device may include: a pump; a channel configured to allow fluid discharged from the respective chambers of a plurality of chambers of the pump to merge and move; and a nozzle configured to be in fluid communication with the channel and to spray the merged fluid.

[0011] Other aspects and implementations of this disclosure will be discussed below.

[0012] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein include conventional motor vehicles such as multi-purpose sports vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, passenger cars of various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and vessels, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle with both gasoline and electric power.

[0013] The above and other features of this disclosure will be discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other features of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to certain embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only and therefore do not limit this disclosure, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a side view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of some components of a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 The inlet and outlet of a pump according to an embodiment of this disclosure are shown;

[0021] Figure 7 The suction operation of the pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 8 The discharge operation of the pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram including a sensor cleaning device for a pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 11 A schematic side view of the vehicle is shown.

[0026] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, but are merely simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of this disclosure. Specific design features of this disclosure, such as specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will depend in part on the particular intended use and application environment.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention in various figures throughout the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The descriptions of specific structures or functions presented in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely exemplary and intended to explain embodiments based on the concept of this disclosure, which can be implemented in various forms. Furthermore, these descriptions should not be construed as limiting to the embodiments described herein, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0029] In this disclosure, terms such as “first” and / or “second” may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

[0030] When a component is mentioned as being "connected to" or "in contact with" another component, the component may be directly connected to or in contact with the other component, or there may be an intermediate component. Conversely, when a component is mentioned as being "directly connected to" or "in direct contact with" another component, there is no intermediate component. Other terms used to describe the relationship between components should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "immediately adjacent," etc.).

[0031] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural meaning unless otherwise stated. The terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein mean that the referenced components, steps, operations, and / or elements do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0032] When a component, controller, device, element, apparatus, etc. of this disclosure is described as having a certain purpose or performing a certain operation or function, the component, controller, device, element, apparatus, etc. shall be regarded herein as "configured / set to" satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, pump 1 is configured to move fluid from one place to another. The fluid can be pressurized by pump 1 and sprayed onto a target. For example, the fluid can be air. Pump 1 can be driven by motor 10.

[0035] Pump 1 includes a housing 20. Motor 10 may be operatively connected to housing 20. In one embodiment, motor 10 may be an electric motor. As a non-limiting example, motor 10 may be a DC electric motor. Motor 10 includes a motor shaft 12. Motor shaft 12 is configured to rotate when motor 10 is energized.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, motor 10 is configured to drive pump 1. The rotational power of motor 10 can be transmitted to pump 1 via motor shaft 12. In one embodiment, motor shaft 12 can be integrated with drive shaft 30 of pump 1. In other words, motor shaft 12 can directly transmit rotational power to pump 1. In another embodiment, motor shaft 12 can be connected to drive shaft 30 arranged within housing 20. Drive shaft 30 can be rotatably supported by housing 20. For example, drive shaft 30 can be rotatably supported by housing 20 via support portion 32. In one embodiment, drive shaft 30 can be connected to motor shaft 12 via support portion 32 to receive rotational force from motor shaft 12. As described below, pump 1 may include multiple chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d (collectively referred to as "chamber 40"), which may result in an increase in the axial length of pump 1 and / or the length of drive shaft 30. When motor shaft 12 and drive shaft 30 are formed separately and provided with support portion 32, operational instability due to increased length can be avoided or prevented.

[0037] Pump 1 may include one or more chambers 40 or cylinders. Each chamber 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d is configured to draw in, compress, and discharge fluid. See also Figure 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, pump 1 may include at least four chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d. These four chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d may be connected in parallel within pump 1 and may operate independently of each other. Pump 1 of the present disclosure overcomes the limitations of prior art pumps in ensuring flow rate. In one embodiment, when any two of the four chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are in a discharge operation, the other two chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are configured to perform a suction operation. Conversely, when any two of the four chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are in a suction operation, the other two chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are configured to perform a discharge operation. For example, when... Figure 2When the expulsion motion occurs in the two chambers on the left side, Figure 2 Inhalation occurs in the two chambers on the right. While inhalation occurs in the two chambers on the left, discharging can occur in the two chambers on the right. This is just one example; other combinations of operations are possible. Each of chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d can generate flow by drawing in and discharging fluid through a diaphragm 60 connected to a connecting plate 50 driven by a motor 10.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, a connecting plate 50 is mounted on the drive shaft 30, and a diaphragm 60 is mounted on the connecting plate. The piston movement of the connecting plate 50 causes the diaphragm 60 to compress or expand the chamber 40, thereby causing fluid to be drawn in, compressed, and discharged. The number of connecting plates 50 and diaphragms 60 may correspond to the number of chambers 40 provided in the pump 1. Each connecting plate 50 may be axially connected to the drive shaft 30.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the drive shaft 30 may be eccentrically disposed on the connecting plate 50. Therefore, rotation of the drive shaft 30 can cause the connecting plate 50 to perform linear reciprocating motion. In one embodiment, the connecting plate 50 may include a bushing portion 52 and a ring portion 54. The bushing portion 52 is eccentrically coupled to the drive shaft 30 and rotates together with the drive shaft 30. In one embodiment, the bushing portion 52 and the drive shaft 30 may be assembled in a loose fit. The ring portion 54 may be disposed on the edge of the bushing portion 52. A bearing 56 is provided between the bushing portion 52 and the ring portion 54, so that the bushing portion 52 can rotate together with the drive shaft 30, and the ring portion 54 reciprocates linearly due to the rotation of the bushing portion 52.

[0040] The diaphragm 60 may be mounted on the ring portion 54. In one embodiment, the ring portion 54 may include an arm 58 extending radially outward from the ring portion 54. The diaphragm 60 may be mounted on the arm 58. An end or outer periphery of the diaphragm 60 may be fixed to the housing 20.

[0041] The diaphragm 60 and the housing 20 may form an expandable or contractible chamber 40. In one embodiment, the housing 20 may include a partition 22. The partition 22 may be disposed within the housing 20, and the chamber 40 may be defined by the diaphragm 60 and the partition 22. In one example, the partition 22 may be integrally formed with the housing 20. In another example, the partition 22 may be separable from the housing 20, but detachably coupled to the housing 20.

[0042] The partition 22 may be provided with a pair of valves 24 and 26. Valves 24 and 26 can each be selectively opened or closed for intake or exhaust operations of chamber 40. Valves 24 and 26 can also be used to prevent backflow of pressurized fluid in passage 90. In one embodiment, valves 24 and 26 may be an intake valve 24 and an exhaust valve 26. The intake valve 24 may be fluidly connected to an inlet 70 configured to allow fluid to flow in from outside chamber 40. The exhaust valve 26 may be fluidly connected to an outlet 80 configured to allow fluid to flow out from inside chamber 40.

[0043] refer to Figure 6 Each chamber 40 may be provided with an inlet 70 and an outlet 80. According to this disclosure, in order to prevent backflow caused by fluid discharge from each chamber 40, the inlet 70 and the outlet 80 are separated from each other, and the inlet 70 and the outlet 80 may be provided with corresponding valves 24 and 26 respectively.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the suction valve 24 is configured to move to the open position during the suction operation of chamber 40 or during the expansion of diaphragm 60 to draw fluid into chamber 40 through inlet 70. The suction valve 24 is configured to move to the closed position during the discharge operation of chamber 40. Figure 8 As shown, the discharge valve 26 is configured to move to the open position during the discharge operation of chamber 40 or during the contraction of diaphragm 60 to discharge fluid from pump 1 to the outside through outlet 80. The discharge valve 26 is configured to move to the closed position during the suction operation of chamber 40.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the outlets 80 of chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are configured to merge into a single channel 90. With each rotation of the drive shaft 30, all chambers 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d undergo fluid intake, compression, and discharge operations. The fluid generated in each chamber 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d through this operation is configured to flow through channel 90 to its destination.

[0046] The pump 1 according to this disclosure can be applied to various fields. In particular, the pump 1 can be applied to fields where space constraints necessitate a reduction in pump size and an increase in flow rate.

[0047] For example, pump 1 can be configured to supply fluid or air for cleaning sensors mounted on vehicle V. The vehicle can be equipped with a driver assistance system to ensure safe driving. Furthermore, recently, autonomous vehicles capable of driving without driver intervention have emerged. Vehicles equipped with driver assistance systems or autonomous vehicles are equipped with various sensors to identify the vehicle's surroundings. For example, sensors may include at least one of cameras, lidar sensors, radar sensors, etc.

[0048] In order for a sensor to maintain its intended function, the sensor surface must be kept at a certain level or higher of cleanliness. For example, it is difficult to ensure a field of view when foreign matter such as water droplets, stains, or dust adheres to the surface of a camera mounted on a vehicle. Pump 1 can be configured to clean such sensors, such as cameras. Pump 1 according to this disclosure can ensure a flow rate of 35 LPM (liters per minute) and a pressure of at least about 1.4 bar under no-load conditions to remove foreign matter from the sensor.

[0049] like Figure 10 As shown, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the sensor cleaning device 100 may include a pump 1. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the sensor cleaning device 100 is configured to clean one or more environmental sensors 140 mounted on the front FR, rear RR, side S, or roof R of a vehicle V. As a non-limiting example, the environmental sensor 140 may include a camera, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, etc.

[0050] For example, if the camera 140 mounted on the rear RR of vehicle V becomes contaminated during reversing parking, the driver of vehicle V can request pump 1 to clean the camera 140. In one embodiment, the driver's request can be transmitted to pump 1 using an activation button or request button 110 provided in vehicle V (e.g., a device configured to communicate with vehicle V via wired or wireless means).

[0051] Upon receiving a request from the driver, pump 1 can operate. For example, sensor cleaning device 100 may include a controller 120 configured to control the operation of pump 1 or a power source configured to supply power to pump 1. In one example, controller 120 is configured to operate pump 1 in response to a cleaning request from the driver. Air pressurized by pump 1 can be directed to nozzles 130 in fluid communication with channel 90. By operating pump 1, air can be directed towards camera 140 through nozzles 130 located on or around camera 140. Here, camera 140 is merely an example; cleaning of other types of sensors is also possible. Furthermore, the air supplied by pump 1 can be directed not only to sensors located at the rear RR of vehicle V, but also to sensors located at the front FR, roof R, or side S.

[0052] The sensor cleaning device for the pump according to embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the marketability of the vehicle by cleaning the sensor.

[0053] Furthermore, the pump according to this disclosure is small in size, overcoming space limitations associated with vehicle characteristics. The pump may also include multiple chambers or at least four chambers to meet the performance requirements for cleaning sensors. Because the pump according to this disclosure ensures higher flow rates and maintains high flow rates and stable operation at maximum pressure compared to existing technologies, it is suitable not only for vehicles but also for any application requiring a small pump.

[0054] For small pumps, bushings and connecting rods can be eccentrically assembled to the motor shaft by press-fitting them onto a common axis. When the pump includes two chambers and operates only in the up-and-down stroke, a counterweight may be required in the opposite direction of eccentricity to maintain operational stability. However, this disclosure provides an improved structure that enhances piston operational stability by increasing the number of chambers and stroke, thereby maintaining the imbalance at near-zero levels without the need for a counterweight. To overcome the implementation difficulties caused by the loads applied to the chambers or cylinders in conventional pump structures, this disclosure provides a structure in which the bearing and connecting plate are assembled with a press-fit, the bearing and bushing portion with a loose fit, and the bushing portion and drive shaft with a loose fit, thereby enhancing operational stability and reducing drive torque.

[0055] As can be clearly seen from the above description, this disclosure provides the following effects.

[0056] According to this disclosure, a pump is provided that is configured to provide improved performance at a given size.

[0057] According to this disclosure, the pump is configured to supply fluid for cleaning vehicle sensors in a simplified manner while meeting required performance. This disclosure also provides a sensor cleaning apparatus including the pump.

[0058] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly recognize other effects not mentioned herein based on the above description.

[0059] It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and various substitutions, modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A pump, comprising: case; A drive shaft configured to rotate within the housing; Multiple diaphragms disposed within the housing and connected to the drive shaft; and Multiple chambers formed by the housing and various diaphragms, wherein the multiple chambers are configured to draw in and discharge fluid by rotation of the drive shaft. In this configuration, for every unit rotation of the drive shaft, fluid is drawn into or discharged from each chamber.

2. The pump of claim 1, further comprising a motor configured to provide rotational force to the drive shaft. in, The drive shaft is either integrally formed with or separate from the motor shaft of the motor.

3. The pump according to claim 1 further includes a plurality of connecting plates, wherein, The drive shaft is eccentrically mounted on the plurality of connecting plates, and the plurality of diaphragms are respectively mounted on the plurality of connecting plates.

4. The pump according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of connecting plates includes: The bushing portion is eccentrically coupled to the drive shaft; and The arm has a ring portion, and a corresponding diaphragm of one of the plurality of diaphragms is mounted on the arm. The ring portion is configured to be located on the outside of the bushing portion. The bushing portion is configured to rotate relative to the ring portion.

5. The pump according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of connecting plates further includes: A bearing is disposed between the bushing portion and the ring portion and is configured to rotatably support the bushing portion relative to the ring portion.

6. The pump according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a plurality of partitions configured to form the plurality of chambers with the plurality of diaphragms respectively.

7. The pump according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of partitions includes a pair of valves configured to be selectively opened, the pair of valves including an intake valve and an exhaust valve.

8. The pump according to claim 7, wherein, The suction valve is configured as follows: It opens when fluid is drawn into the corresponding chamber among the plurality of chambers, and It is closed when fluid is discharged from the corresponding chamber.

9. The pump according to claim 7, wherein, The discharge valve is configured as follows: It closes when fluid is drawn into the corresponding chamber among the plurality of chambers, and It opens when fluid is discharged from the corresponding chamber.

10. The pump according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of chambers includes: An inlet, configured to allow fluid to flow into a respective chamber among the plurality of chambers; and An outlet, configured to discharge fluid from the respective chamber.

11. The pump of claim 10, comprising: An inhalation valve is disposed between the corresponding chamber and the inlet; as well as A discharge valve is installed between the corresponding chamber and the outlet.

12. The pump according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of chambers includes at least four chambers that are formed independently of each other.

13. The pump according to claim 12, wherein, In the at least four chambers, a portion of the chambers and the remaining chambers alternately draw in or expel fluid.

14. The pump according to claim 12, wherein, When fluid is drawn into a portion of the at least four chambers, the fluid is discharged from the remaining chambers of the at least four chambers.

15. A sensor cleaning device, comprising: Pump, wherein the pump includes: case; A drive shaft configured to rotate within the housing; Multiple diaphragms disposed within the housing and connected to the drive shaft; and A plurality of chambers are formed by the housing and the respective diaphragms of the plurality of diaphragms, wherein the plurality of chambers are configured to draw in and discharge fluid by rotation of the drive shaft, and fluid is drawn into or discharged from the respective chambers for each unit rotation of the drive shaft; Channels configured to allow fluids draining from the respective chambers of the plurality of chambers to merge and flow; and A nozzle configured to be in fluid communication with the channel and to eject the converging fluids.

16. The sensor cleaning apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The nozzle is configured to spray fluid onto a sensor configured to detect the vehicle’s surrounding environment.

17. The sensor cleaning apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The sensor includes at least one of a camera, a lidar sensor, or a radar sensor installed in the vehicle.

18. The sensor cleaning apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The fluid is air.

19. The sensor cleaning apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a request button configured to send an activation request to the pump, wherein, The pump is configured to operate in response to the activation request.

20. A vehicle comprising the sensor cleaning device according to claim 15.

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