Multi-way sequencing valve and clean fluid injection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way sequence valve (1) for a cleaning fluid injection system (100) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a tubular body (2); a manifold (3) comprising at least a first and a second outlet passage (9, 10); a tube (4) passing through a bottom (8) of the tubular body (2) and opening into the distributor (3); a piston (5) translatable in the tubular body (2) along the tube (4), wherein the piston (5) is actuatable by a pressure of a cleaning fluid exerted on the piston (5) against an elastic return force of the piston (5), and wherein a first cam (16) cooperates with the piston (5) in order to guide the movement of the tube (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of systems for spraying cleaning liquids for motor vehicles, and particularly to multi-directional sequence valves used in these systems. Background Technology

[0002] Clean fluid injection systems keep the windshield or lenses of optical devices (such as sensors) of a vehicle clean.

[0003] These systems typically include a cleaning fluid reservoir, a pump, and at least one valve configured to allow or prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing to various injection devices.

[0004] Some systems require the use of check valves, i.e., valves that include a fluid inlet and at least two outlet channels, wherein the valve can take an open position toward any one of the outlet channels. Furthermore, in some cleaning applications, check valves may need to be sequential, meaning that the outlet channels can be controlled to open alternately one after another.

[0005] Multidirectional valves can be constructed using multiple pilot-operated electronic valves to allow or prevent clean fluid from flowing to one or more outlet channels. However, electronic valves require electrical wiring, consume power, and are relatively heavy. Furthermore, the design can quickly become complex.

[0006] There are known multi-directional valves in which the pressure difference of the cleaning fluid upstream / downstream of the valve allows selection of the outlet channel based on the valve port settings.

[0007] This solution has potential, but it is not flexible enough for operation under all conditions, especially in the case of fluid jetting systems used on sensor glass surfaces.

[0008] In fact, depending on the system’s hydraulic architecture and / or cleaning sequence, the inlet pressure can vary significantly, making the pressure change required to switch the outlet channel not always feasible.

[0009] In fact, implementing different cleaning strategies based on different operating pressures is complex because it requires increasing the number of pressure thresholds to increase the number of switching possibilities. These pressure thresholds may also depend on external vehicle conditions (such as temperature), which may affect the viscosity of the cleaning fluid or the stiffness of the springs, causing the device to malfunction when the vehicle is used under extreme conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved multi-directional sequence valve that is superior to the prior art.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention relates to a multi-directional sequence valve for a clean fluid injection system in a motor vehicle, wherein the multi-directional sequence valve comprises: - A tubular body having an inlet. - A manifold attached to a tubular body, the manifold including at least a first outlet channel and a second outlet channel. - A tube having at least one inlet port that is in fluid communication with the interior of a tubular body and passes through the bottom of the tubular body, and having an outlet port leading to a manifold. - A piston that can translate along the tube within the tubular body, the piston being actuated by pressure from a clean fluid applied to the piston against the piston's elastic restoring force. - A first cam, which cooperates with a piston to guide the movement of the tube between a first open position and a second open position, in which at least one outlet port of the tube is in fluid communication with a first outlet channel, and in the second open position, the at least one outlet port is in fluid communication with a second outlet channel, the tube alternately taking the first open position and the second open position as the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet drops below a threshold, and then the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet increases above the threshold.

[0012] Therefore, multi-directional sequence valves enable the sequential control of clean fluid discharge into the first and second outlet channels in a simple manner using lightweight valves, without the need for electrical wiring or power supply. Multi-directional sequence valves are not dependent on multiple pressure thresholds and are insensitive to temperature variations. Furthermore, the shape of certain components of the multi-directional sequence valve can be easily adapted to increase the number of outlet channels.

[0013] The multi-directional sequence valve includes a resilient element that biases the piston in the opposite direction to the thrust of the clean fluid applied by pressure.

[0014] Multi-directional sequence valves may also have one or more of the features described below, which may be considered individually or in combination.

[0015] In one embodiment, the piston can also be rotatably moved within the tubular body, the piston being fixed to the tube in a rotational sense.

[0016] In one embodiment, the tube and piston each have at least one guide rail and a complementary groove (one carried by the tube and the other by the piston) to limit the piston from rotating with the tube while allowing the piston to move along the tube.

[0017] In one embodiment, the multi-directional sequence valve includes a second cam carried by a tubular body and arranged opposite to each other, the piston being positioned alternately against the first cam and against the second cam.

[0018] The first cam is located, for example, on the inlet side of the tubular body, and the second cam is located on the bottom side of the tubular body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outlet port of the tube is blocked when the piston elastically abuts against the first cam bias.

[0020] Therefore, for example, the tube can sequentially take the following positions: a first closed position, in which the outlet port is closed and the piston is positioned against a first cam; a first open position after the piston has translated and rotated, in which the piston is positioned against a second cam; a second closed position, in which the outlet port is blocked and the piston has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam; and a second open position after the piston has translated and rotated, in which the piston is positioned against the second cam.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cam profile has serrated bevels that are evenly distributed around the perimeter and cooperate with complementary bevels on the piston.

[0022] For example, the cam profile has four serrations to allow the tube to pivot one-eighth of a turn between consecutive positions, or three serrations to allow the tube to pivot one-sixth of a turn between consecutive positions, or two serrations to allow the tube to pivot one-quarter of a turn between consecutive positions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the tube has two outlet ports formed on opposite sides of the tube to allow one outlet port to be in fluid communication with a first outlet channel at two opposite angular positions of the tube, and in fluid communication with a second outlet channel or in a closed position at two other opposite angular positions of the tube.

[0024] In another embodiment, the pipe has a single outlet port.

[0025] The manifold may include a third outlet channel. Therefore, the piston may sequentially take the following positions: a third closed position, in which the outlet port is closed and the piston is positioned against the first cam; and a third open position, in which the outlet port is in fluid communication with the third outlet channel and the piston has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam.

[0026] The manifold may include a fourth outlet channel. Therefore, the piston may sequentially take the following positions: a fourth closed position, in which the outlet port is closed and the piston has translated and pivoted to be positioned against a first cam; and a fourth open position, in which the outlet port is in fluid communication with the fourth outlet channel and the piston has translated and pivoted to be positioned against a second cam.

[0027] In another embodiment, one of the piston or tubular body has an indexing pin, and a first cam is formed in the other. The indexing pin cooperates with the first cam, which has two longitudinal portions and two helical portions. The longitudinal portions are diametrically opposed, and the helical portions intersect at their midpoints and connect to the longitudinal portions at their ends.

[0028] For example, the pipe has a single outlet port.

[0029] In this embodiment, the piston rotates at the end of the injection cycle when the pressure is released, thereby allowing injection to begin once the multi-directional sequence valve is pressurized.

[0030] In another embodiment, one of the piston or the tube has an indexing pin, and a first cam is formed in the other. The indexing pin cooperates with the first cam, which has serrated bevels evenly distributed around its periphery.

[0031] For example, the pipe has a single outlet port.

[0032] For example, the cam profile of the first cam has four serrations to allow the tube to pivot one-eighth of a turn between consecutive positions, or has three serrations to allow the tube to pivot one-sixth of a turn between consecutive positions, or has two serrations to allow the tube to pivot one-quarter of a turn between consecutive positions.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a cleaning fluid injection system for a motor vehicle, the cleaning fluid injection system comprising a reservoir, a pump, and at least two injection devices, wherein the cleaning fluid injection system includes at least one multi-directional sequence valve as described above for controlling the distribution of cleaning fluid to the at least two injection devices.

[0034] For example, a first outlet channel is designed to supply a first track of the windshield wiper blade to spray onto one side of the blade, and a second outlet channel is designed to supply a second track of the windshield wiper blade to spray onto the other side of the blade.

[0035] In another example, the cleaning fluid injection system may include three to ten injection devices and a multi-directional sequence valve, the manifold of which has at least two outlet channels or as many outlet channels as the injection devices, for controlling the distribution of cleaning fluid to the vehicle's optical sensor injection devices.

[0036] For example, the manifold includes as many outlet channels as the optical sensor, one of which is designed to spray onto the glass surface of the corresponding optical sensor.

[0037] In another example, the manifold has fewer outlet channels than the existing optical sensors, one of which is designed to spray onto the glass surfaces of multiple optical sensors.

[0038] In one embodiment, the injection system includes at least two multi-directional sequence valves and an equal number of electronic valves, one of which is arranged upstream of the respective multi-directional sequence valve in the direction of flow of the cleaning fluid. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given by way of example only, and by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 An example of an injection system for a motor vehicle is shown.

[0040] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A 3D view of the multi-directional sequence valve of the injection system.

[0041] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a multi-directional sequence valve.

[0042] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A 3D diagram of the pipe and piston of a multi-directional sequence valve.

[0043] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A 3D view of the piston.

[0044] [ Figure 6A ]、[ Figure 6B ]、[ Figure 6C ]、[ Figure 6D ]、[ Figure 6E ]、[ Figure 6F ]、[ Figure 6G ]、[ Figure 6H ]、[ Figure 6I ]、[ Figure 6J ]、[ Figure 6K ]、[ Figure 6L ]、[ Figure 6M ]、[ Figure 6N ]、[ Figure 6O ] Figures 6A to 6O The diagram shows the continuous positions that the piston and tube take during operation. Figure 1 A multi-directional sequence valve.

[0045] [ Figure 7A ]、[ Figure 7B ]、[ Figure 7C ] Figures 7A to 7C The continuous positions of the valves in the manifold are shown in a transparent manner.

[0046] [ Figure 8A ]、[ Figure 8B ]、[ Figure 8C ]、[ Figure 8D ] Figures 8A to 8D This is a diagram showing the continuous positions of the valve tube in a manifold according to another embodiment.

[0047] [ Figure 9A ]、[ Figure 9B ]、[ Figure 9C ]、[ Figure 9D ]、[ Figure 9E ]、[ Figure 9F ]、[ Figure 9G ]、[ Figure 9H ] Figures 9A to 9H This is a diagram showing the continuous positions of the valve tube in a manifold according to another embodiment.

[0048] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 9A The figure shows another embodiment.

[0049] [ Figure 11A ]、[ Figure 11B ]、[ Figure 11C ]、[ Figure 11D ]、[ Figure 11E ]、[ Figure 11F ]、[ Figure 11G ] Figures 11A to 11G The sequential positions of the tube and piston of another embodiment of a multi-directional sequence valve are shown, with the tubular body shown in a transparent manner.

[0050] [ Figure 12A ]、[ Figure 12B ]、[ Figure 12C ]、[ Figure 12D ] Figures 12A to 12D The cross-section shows the successive positions of the tube and piston of another embodiment of a multi-directional sequence valve.

[0051] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 Another injection system is described.

[0052] In these figures, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, it is not necessarily true that every reference numeral refers to the same embodiment, or that these features are applicable only to a single embodiment. Various features of different embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0054] Figure 1 A cleaning fluid injection system 100 for motor vehicles is shown.

[0055] The injection system 100 includes: a reservoir 101 for holding a stored cleaning fluid, such as a liquid like water or a mixture of water and antifreeze; at least two injection devices 102 configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto, for example, the windshield of a vehicle or onto the glass surface of an optical sensor component of the vehicle; a multi-directional sequence valve 1 for controlling the distribution of the cleaning fluid to the at least two injection devices 102; and a pump 103 for conveying the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 101 to the valve 1 and then to the injection devices 102.

[0056] Valve 1 is multidirectional because it allows cleaning fluid to flow to different injection devices 102. Valve 1 is called a sequence valve because it allows cleaning fluid to flow sequentially to each injection device 102. Valve 1 is called a passive valve because it does not require power or electronic control.

[0057] Figure 2 The first example of a multi-directional sequence valve 1 is depicted in the figure.

[0058] The multi-directional sequence valve 1 includes a tubular body 2, a manifold 3, a pipe 4, and a piston 5, which is capable of translating within the tubular body 2 along the pipe 4.

[0059] The tubular body 2 extends in the axial direction and is assembled in, for example, a cylinder. The tubular body has, for example, an inlet 6 at a first axial end of the tubular body 2.

[0060] Inlet 6 includes, for example, an inlet pipe designed to be fluidly connected to a flexible inlet line, which itself is fluidly connected to, for example, a pump 103 and to a reservoir 101 of the injection system 100.

[0061] In one embodiment, the tubular body 2 includes an inlet cap 7 that closes the first axial end. (As in...) Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows more clearly that the inlet pipe runs across the inlet cover 7 to allow cleaning fluid to enter the tubular body 2.

[0062] The manifold 3 is attached to the tubular body 2, for example, to the bottom 8 of the second axial end of the tubular body 2.

[0063] The manifold 3 includes at least a first outlet channel 9 and a second outlet channel 10. The first outlet channel 9 and the second outlet channel 10 each include, for example, corresponding outlet pipes designed to be inserted into corresponding flexible outlet lines connected to corresponding cleaning fluid jetting devices 102, such as scraper blades or nozzles of the jetting system 100.

[0064] The tube 4 can be rotatably moved within the tubular body 2 about the axis of the tube 4.

[0065] The first axial end of the tube 4 is received in the inlet cover 7, which is pivotable about its axis within the inlet cover. If the first axial end of the tube 4 is manufactured open, the inlet cover 7 can also be used to close the first axial end.

[0066] The tube 4 passes through the center of the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2, wherein the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2 forms a sliding bearing for the tube 4.

[0067] The second axial end of the tube 4 includes, for example, a pivot pin 12 connected to the manifold 3, which is assembled to the bottom 11 of the tubular body 2 to facilitate the rotation of the tube 4.

[0068] The tube 4 may also include a disc 13, one side of which has a shape complementary to the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2, and the outer diameter of the disc corresponds to the inner diameter of the housing in the manifold 3. The disc 13, together with the sliding bearings formed in the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2, the sliding bearings formed in the inlet cover 7, and the sliding bearings formed in the bottom of the manifold 3, guides the axial positioning of the tube 4 within the tubular body 2.

[0069] The tube 4 has at least one inlet port 14 which is in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular body 2 and thus in fluid communication with the clean fluid that enters through the inlet 6 of the valve 1.

[0070] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment shown more clearly, at least one inlet port 14 of the tube 4 is formed on one side of the tube 4, for example, in the middle of the tube 4. For example, two to four inlet ports 14 (three in this case) are formed in the periphery of the tube 4 to allow large volumes of cleaning fluid to enter the tube 4.

[0071] Pipe 4 has an outlet port 15 leading to manifold 3.

[0072] The outlet port 15 is formed, for example, on one side of the pipe 4, for example, at the second axial end of the pipe 4.

[0073] Depending on the angular orientation of the tube 4 relative to the tubular body 2 and the manifold 3, the outlet port 15 can be blocked by the sliding bearing of the manifold 3, or in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9, or in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10 of the manifold 3.

[0074] In one embodiment, the outlet pipes of the first outlet channel 9 and the second outlet channel 10 are diametrically opposed outside the manifold 3. The first outlet channel 9 includes, for example, a comma-shaped channel leading to the bearing of the pipe 4 and enabling fluid communication with the outlet port 15 of the pipe 4. The second outlet channel 10 includes, for example, a radial channel connecting another outlet pipe to the sliding bearing of the pipe 4 and enabling communication with the outlet port 15. Figure 7A ).

[0075] For example, two outlet ports 15 are formed on opposite sides of the pipe 4, such that the outlet ports 15 can be in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9 at two opposite angular positions of the pipe 4, and in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10 at two other opposite angular positions of the pipe 4. Figure 4 ).

[0076] The multi-directional sequence valve 1 further includes a first cam 16, and in this case a second cam 17, both of which cooperate with the piston 5 to guide the movement of the tube 4.

[0077] In this example, the first cam 16 and the second cam 17 are supported by the tubular body 2 and arranged (axially) opposite to each other. Figure 2 Piston 5 is positioned by alternating contact with the first cam 16 and the second cam 17.

[0078] The first cam 16 is located, for example, on the inlet side 6 of the tubular body 2, and the second cam 17 is located on the bottom side 8 of the tubular body 2.

[0079] In one embodiment, the first cam 16 is formed from the outer peripheral end of a cylinder supported by the inlet cover 7 of the tubular body 2.

[0080] According to special Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the second cam 17 is formed in the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2.

[0081] according to Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, piston 5 has an annular shape coaxial with tubular body 2, the outer diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of tubular body 2, and the inner diameter of which corresponds to the outer diameter of tube 4. Piston 5 may include a circular seal, for example, formed in the periphery of the annulus.

[0082] Tube 4, tubular body 2, and piston 5 are coaxial.

[0083] In this example, piston 5 can also be rotatably moved within tubular body 2, and piston 5 is fixed to tube 4 in a rotational sense.

[0084] The tube 4 and piston 5 may each have at least one guide rail 19 and a complementary groove 20 (one carried by the tube 4 and the other by the piston 5) to limit the piston 5 from rotating together with the tube 4 while allowing the piston 5 to move along the tube 4. In the illustrative example, the tube 4 includes three guide rails 19, and the ring includes three complementary grooves 20. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0085] In this embodiment, the piston 5 has a cam profile on one side that cooperates with the first cam 16, and a cam profile on the opposite (axial) side that cooperates with the second cam 17.

[0086] The piston 5 can translate and rotate within the tubular body 2. The piston 5 is actuated by pressure from the clean fluid applied to the piston 5, which resists the elastic restoring force of the piston 5.

[0087] For this purpose, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 includes an elastic element 21, such as a spring, which biases the piston 5 against the first cam 16. The elastic element 21 is, for example, inserted between the piston 5 and the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the piston 5 is elastically biased against the first cam 16, the outlet port 15 of the tube 4 is blocked.

[0089] For example, the profiles of the first cam 16 and the second cam 17 are characterized by sawtooth ramps (i.e., rising ramps and falling ramps) that are evenly distributed around the perimeter and cooperate with complementary ramps on the piston 5. The ramps may be substantially curved.

[0090] For example, the profiles of the first cam 16, the second cam 17, and the piston 5 have four serrations on their periphery to allow the piston 5 to pivot one-eighth of a turn between successive open and closed positions.

[0091] Cams 16 and 17 cooperate with piston 5 to guide tube 4 between a first closed position, a first open position, a second closed position, and a second open position, wherein tube 4 alternately takes the first open position and the second open position as the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 drops below a threshold, and then the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 increases above the threshold.

[0092] Figures 6A to 6O An example of the operation of the multi-directional sequence valve 1 according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0093] First closed position ( Figure 6AThe pipe 4 is in the first angle position, in which the outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of the manifold 3. The piston 5 is positioned against the first cam 16 due to the force applied by the elastic element 21. The pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is below a threshold, either because no cleaning fluid is injected into it or because the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet is too low. Therefore, the multi-way sequence valve 1 is closed in the first closed position.

[0094] Then, when the inlet line is supplied with cleaning fluid, i.e., when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 becomes greater than or equal to a threshold, piston 5 is pushed towards the second cam 17 by the pressure of the cleaning fluid. Guide rail 19 and complementary groove 20 guide the translation of piston 5. When piston 5 contacts the second cam 17, the cam profile of piston 5 and the cam profile of the second cam 17 cause piston 5 and pipe 4 to pivot at this point by one-eighth of a turn while pipe 4 translates, until piston 5 is positioned against the second cam 17. Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 6D , Figure 6E ).

[0095] In the first open position after the piston 5 has translated and rotated, the piston 5 is positioned against the second cam 17. Then, the pipe 4 takes a second angular position, in which the outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9. Figure 6E Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 opens in the first open position, where the cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet channel 9 for injection. Figure 7C ).

[0096] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 drops below a threshold, for example due to the cessation of cleaning fluid injection ( Figure 6F When the piston 5 contacts the first cam 16, the elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5 toward the first cam 16. The guide rail 19 and the complementary groove 20 guide the translation of the piston 5, and then, when the piston 5 contacts the first cam 16, the cam profile of the piston 5 and the cam profile of the first cam 16 cause the piston 5 and thus the tube 4 to pivot here by one-eighth of a turn while the tube 4 is translating, until the piston 5 abuts the first cam 16 due to the force applied by the elastic element 21. Figure 6F , Figure 6G , Figure 6H , Figure 6I ).

[0097] In the second closed position, pipe 4 takes a third angle position, in which outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 6I and Figure 7B The piston 5 has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam 16. Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the second closed position.

[0098] Then, when the inlet line is pressurized, i.e., when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to a threshold, the pressure of the cleaning fluid pushes piston 5 toward the second cam 17. Guide rail 19 and complementary groove 20 guide the translation of piston 5, and then, when piston 5 contacts the second cam 17, the cam profiles of piston 5 and second cam 17 cause piston 5 and pipe 4 to pivot at this point one-eighth of a turn while pipe 4 translates, until piston 5 is positioned adjacent to the second cam 17. Figure 6J , Figure 6K , Figure 6L , Figure 6M , Figure 6N ).

[0099] In the second open position, pipe 4 takes the fourth corner position, in which outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10. Figure 6N and Figure 7A The piston 5 has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam 17. Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 opens in the second open position, allowing cleaning fluid to flow through the second outlet passage 10 for injection.

[0100] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below a threshold, for example due to the cessation of cleaning fluid injection ( Figure 6O When the piston 5 is in contact with the first cam 16, the elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5 toward the first cam 16. The guide rail 19 and the complementary groove 20 guide the translation of the piston 5, and then, when the piston 5 contacts the first cam 16, the cam profile causes the piston 5 and thus the tube 4 to pivot here by one-eighth of a turn while the tube 4 is translating, until the piston 5 abuts the first cam 16 due to the force applied by the elastic element 21.

[0101] Therefore, pipe 4 adopts the fifth angle position. Since there are two outlet ports 15 arranged opposite to each other in the second axial end of pipe 4, this fifth angle position is equivalent to the first angle position where the outlet ports 15 are blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 6A Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the first closed position and can repeat a continuous sequence.

[0102] Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 enables the sequential control of the discharge of clean fluid into outlet channels 9 and 10 in a simple manner using lightweight valves, without the need for electrical wiring or power supply. Valve 1 is not dependent on multiple pressure thresholds and is insensitive to temperature changes. The number of outlet channels of valve 1 can also be easily adapted to the profiles of manifold 3, as well as cams 16 and 17 and piston 5.

[0103] The cleaning fluid injection system 100 may include two injection devices 102 and a multi-directional sequence valve 1, the manifold 3 of which has two outlet channels 9 and 10 to control the distribution of cleaning fluid to the injection devices 102.

[0104] For example, the first outlet channel 9 is designed to supply a first track of the windshield wiper blade to spray onto one side of the blade, and the second outlet channel 10 is designed to supply a second track of the wiper blade to spray onto the other side of the blade.

[0105] In another example, the cleaning fluid injection system 100 may include three to ten injection devices 102 and a multi-directional sequence valve 1, the manifold 3 of which includes at least two outlet channels 9, 10 or as many outlet channels 9, 10 to control the distribution of cleaning fluid to the injection devices 102 of the vehicle's optical sensors.

[0106] For example, manifold 3 includes as many outlet channels as the optical sensor, one of which is designed to spray onto the glass surface of the corresponding optical sensor.

[0107] In another example, manifold 3 has fewer outlet channels 9 and 10 than the existing optical sensors, one of which is designed to spray onto the glass surfaces of multiple optical sensors.

[0108] Figures 8A to 8D This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of another embodiment.

[0109] In this example, the outlet pipe of manifold 3 is offset by a 45° angle, the vertex of which is the axis of pipe 4.

[0110] The first outlet channel 9 includes, for example, a radial channel leading to the bearing of the pipe 4 and being in fluid communication with the outlet port 15 of the pipe 4. The second outlet channel 10 includes, for example, a radial channel connecting another outlet pipe to the smooth surface of the pipe 4 and being in fluid communication with the outlet port 15.

[0111] For example, two outlet ports 15 are formed on opposite sides of the pipe 4, such that the outlet ports 15 can be in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9 at two opposite angular positions of the pipe 4, and in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10 at two other opposite angular positions of the pipe 4.

[0112] First closed position ( Figure 8A The pressure of the clean fluid at inlet 6 is below a threshold. Pipe 4 has a first angle position in which outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Therefore, multi-way sequence valve 1 is closed in the first closed position.

[0113] Then, when the inlet line is pressurized, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn and takes a second angle position, in which outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9. Figure 8B Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is opened in the first open position, where the cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet channel 9 for injection.

[0114] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn into the third angle position, where the outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 8C Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the second closed position.

[0115] Then, when the pressure of the clean fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn to enter the fourth corner position, where outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10. Figure 8D Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 opens in the second open position, where the cleaning fluid flows through the second outlet channel 10 for injection.

[0116] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn into the fifth angle position. Since there are two outlet ports 15 arranged opposite each other in the second axial end of pipe 4, this fifth angle position is equivalent to the first angle position where the outlet ports 15 are blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 8A Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the first closed position and can repeat a continuous sequence.

[0117] Other features of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0118] Figures 9A to 9H This is a schematic diagram of operation in another embodiment.

[0119] In this example, pipe 4 has a single outlet port 15, manifold 3 includes a third outlet port 22 and a fourth outlet port 23, and piston 5 can take on a third closed position, a third open position, a fourth closed position, and a fourth open position.

[0120] First closed position ( Figure 9A The pressure of the clean fluid at inlet 6 is below a threshold. Pipe 4 has a first angle position in which outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Therefore, multi-way sequence valve 1 is closed in the first closed position.

[0121] Then, when the inlet line is pressurized, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn and takes a second angle position, in which outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9. Figure 9B Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is opened in the first open position, where the cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet channel 9 for injection.

[0122] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn into the third angle position, where the outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 9C Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the second closed position.

[0123] Then, when the pressure of the clean fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn to enter the fourth corner position, where outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10. Figure 9D Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 opens in the second open position, where the cleaning fluid flows through the second outlet channel 10 for injection.

[0124] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn into the fifth angle position, where the outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 9E Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the third closed position, and the piston 5 is positioned against the first cam 16.

[0125] Then, when the pressure of the clean fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn to enter the fifth corner position, at which outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the third outlet channel 22. Figure 9F Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is open in the third open position, and the piston 5 has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam 17.

[0126] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn into the sixth angle position, where the outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 9G Piston 5 has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam 16.

[0127] Then, when the pressure of the clean fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn to enter the seventh corner position, at which outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the fourth outlet channel 23. Figure 9H Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is open in the fourth open position, and the piston 5 has translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam 17.

[0128] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, pipe 4 pivots one-eighth of a turn into the first angle position, where the outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3. Figure 9A Therefore, the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is closed in the first closed position and can repeat a continuous sequence.

[0129] Other features of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0130] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of operation in another embodiment.

[0131] In this example, the cam profile has three serrations to cause the piston 5 to pivot one-sixth of a turn between successive open and closed positions.

[0132] Pipe 4 has a single outlet port 15, while manifold 3 includes a first outlet channel 9, a second outlet channel 10, and a third outlet channel 22.

[0133] Cams 16 and 17 cooperate with piston 5 to move the guide tube 4 between a first closed position, a first open position (in the first open position, outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9), a second closed position, a second open position (in the second open position, outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10), a third closed position, and a third open position (in the third open position, outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the third outlet channel 22). In the closed position, outlet port 15 is blocked by the body of manifold 3.

[0134] Piston 5 then takes the open position as the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 drops below a threshold, and subsequently the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 increases above the threshold.

[0135] Therefore, a multi-directional sequence valve 1 with an odd number of outlet channels can be provided.

[0136] Other features of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0137] Figures 11A to 11G This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment, specifically a schematic diagram of the mechanism for the interaction between piston 5 and tube 4.

[0138] In this embodiment, pipe 4 has a single outlet port 15, and manifold 3 includes a first outlet channel 9 and a second outlet channel 10.

[0139] The piston 5 has an indexing pin 24 that cooperates only with a first cam 16 formed in the tubular body 2. The first cam 16 has two longitudinal portions and two helical portions, the longitudinal portions being diametrically opposed, and the helical portions intersecting at their midpoints and connecting to the longitudinal portions at their ends.

[0140] When a pressure greater than or equal to a threshold is applied and then released, the elastic restoring force and the first cam 16 guide the piston 5 to move to a first open position, in which the outlet port 15 of the pipe 4 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9. Figure 11E ).

[0141] When a subsequent pressure greater than or equal to a threshold is applied and then released, the elastic restoring force and the first cam 16 guide the piston 5 to move to a second open position, in which the outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10. Figure 11G ).

[0142] Figures 11A to 11G An example of the operation is shown.

[0143] exist Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the middle, outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10. The multi-directional sequence valve 1 is open in the second open position, in which cleaning fluid flows through the second outlet channel 10 for injection.

[0144] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold ( Figure 11C The elastic element 21 pushes the indexing pin 24 of the piston 5 into the first helical portion of the first cam 16, thereby causing the piston 5 and thus the tube 4 to pivot as the tube 4 translates. Figure 11C , Figure 11D , Figure 11E ), until the indexing pin 24 enters the first longitudinal portion of the first cam 16 at the end of the first helical section. Thus, the outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9, and the tube has pivoted 180° ( Figure 11E ).

[0145] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold ( Figure 11F The cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet channel 9 and is injected. At the same time, the piston 5 is pushed along the first longitudinal portion of the first cam 16 by the pressure of the cleaning fluid until the indexing pin 24 enters the second helical portion of the first cam 16.

[0146] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below a threshold ( Figure 11G When the piston 5 is pushed back into the second helical portion of the first cam 16 by the elastic element 21, the piston 5 and thus the tube 4 pivot 180° in the opposite direction of rotation as the tube 4 translates, until the indexing pin 24 enters the second longitudinal portion of the first cam 16 at the end of the second helical portion. Thus, the outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10. Figure 11A And, the loop can start again.

[0147] In this embodiment, the piston 5 rotates at the end of the injection cycle when the pressure is released, which allows injection to begin once the multi-directional sequence valve 1 is pressurized.

[0148] Although the piston 5 has an indexing pin 24 cooperating with a first cam 16 formed in the tubular body 2 in the accompanying drawings, the indexing pin 24 may also be carried by the tubular body 2 and the first cam 16 may also be formed in the piston 5.

[0149] Other features of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0150] Figures 12A to 12D This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment, specifically a schematic diagram of the mechanism for the interaction between piston 5 and tube 4.

[0151] In this embodiment, the piston 5 moves non-rotatably, and the tube 4 moves non-translatively.

[0152] For example, piston 5 includes rod 25 that slides within a first axial end of cylindrical body 2 to guide translational movement of piston 5. For example, rod 25 is through-type to allow clean fluid entering at inlet 6 to pass through.

[0153] The first cam 16 is supported by the tube 4, and the piston 5 has indexing pins (two in this case) that cooperate with the first cam 16. The first cam 16 has serrated bevels evenly distributed around its periphery.

[0154] For example, the cam profile has two serrations that are designed to cause the piston 5 to pivot a quarter turn between consecutive positions.

[0155] As the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 drops below the threshold, pipe 4 alternately takes the first open position. Figure 12A ), first closed position ( Figure 12B , Figure 12C ), second opening position ( Figure 12D ( ), and the second closed position, after which the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 increases to above the threshold.

[0156] Figures 12A to 12D An example of the operation is shown.

[0157] exist Figure 12A In this context, it is assumed that the cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet channel 9, which is in fluid communication with the outlet port 15.

[0158] When the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below a threshold ( Figure 12B The elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5, causing the tube 4 to pivot a quarter turn. As a result, the outlet port 15 is blocked.

[0159] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold ( Figure 12CThe piston 5 is pushed along the pipe 4 by the pressure of the cleaning fluid, wherein the indexing pin follows the profile of the first cam 16, thereby guiding the pipe 4 to rotate a quarter turn. The outlet port 15 is then in fluid communication with the second outlet passage 10 of the manifold 3. Figure 12D ).

[0160] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid drops below the threshold, the elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5 back, causing the pipe 4 to pivot a quarter turn. Thus, the outlet port 15 is blocked.

[0161] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, piston 5 is pushed along pipe 4 by means of the pressure of the cleaning fluid, wherein the indexing pin in the first cam 16 guides pipe 4 to rotate a quarter turn. Figure 12A Thus, outlet port 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 10 of manifold 3, and circulation can begin again.

[0162] Although in this example the first cam 16 is carried by the tube 4, the piston 5 has an indexing pin, and it is also conceivable that the first cam 16 could be carried by the piston 5 and the indexing pin could be carried by the tube 4.

[0163] Other features of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0164] Figure 13 Another example of the injection system 100 is shown.

[0165] In this example, the injection system 100 includes at least two multi-directional sequence valves 1 (three in the illustrative example) and an equal number of electronic valves 104, one of which is arranged upstream of the respective multi-directional sequence valve 1 in the direction of flow of the cleaning fluid. The electronic valves 104 may be connected to each other.

[0166] Therefore, the cleaning fluid can be sequentially discharged in a group of at least two discharge devices 102 associated with the multi-directional sequence valve 1 and the electronic valve 104, such that when the electronic valve 104 upstream of the multi-directional sequence valve 1 opens, the cleaning fluid is discharged sequentially into each discharge device 102 in each group. This allows for optimal cleaning fluid pressure for each jet device 102, as they are supplied one at a time sequentially. This also avoids unnecessarily activating all jet devices 102 in the system 100 during each cycle (e.g., in cases where less cleaning is required on certain glass surfaces), thereby reducing cleaning fluid consumption. Using the electronic valve 104 and the multi-directional sequence valve 1 reduces weight and size compared to a device using only the electronic valve.

Claims

1. A multi-directional sequence valve (1) for a clean fluid injection system (100) for a motor vehicle, wherein, The multi-directional sequence valve (1) includes: - A tubular body (2) having an inlet (6). - Manifold (3), which is attached to the tubular body (2), and the manifold includes at least a first outlet channel and a second outlet channel (9, 10). - A tube (4) having at least one inlet port (14) through the bottom (8) of the tubular body (2) in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular body (2), and having an outlet port (15) leading to the manifold (3). - A piston (5) capable of translationally moving within the tubular body (2) along the tube (4), the piston (5) being actuated by pressure from a cleaning fluid applied to the piston (5) against an elastic restoring force of the piston (5). - A first cam (16), which cooperates with the piston (5) to guide the movement of the tube (4) between the following positions: - First open position, in which at least one outlet port (15) of the tube (4) is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel (9), and - Second open position, in which the at least one outlet port (15) is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel (10), As the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet (6) drops below a threshold, the tube (4) alternately takes the first open position and the second open position, and then the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet (6) increases above the threshold.

2. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The piston (5) is rotatably movable within the tubular body (2), and the piston (5) is fixed to the tube (4) in a rotational sense.

3. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The multi-directional sequence valve (1) includes a second cam (17), the cams (16, 17) being carried by the tubular body (2) and arranged opposite to each other, and the piston (5) being positioned alternately against the first cam (16) and against the second cam (17).

4. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The profile of the cam (16, 17) has a serrated bevel, which is evenly distributed around the perimeter and cooperates with the complementary bevel on the piston (5).

5. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, One of the piston (5) or the tube (4) has an indexing pin, and the first cam (16) is formed in the other of the two, the indexing pin cooperating with the first cam (16), the first cam (16) having a serrated bevel evenly distributed around the periphery.

6. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The serrated bevel has four serrations to pivot the tube (4) by one-eighth of a turn, or three serrations to pivot the tube (4) by one-sixth of a turn, or two serrations to pivot the tube (4) by one-quarter of a turn.

7. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, One of the piston (5) or the tubular body (2) has an indexing pin (24), and the first cam (16) is formed in the other of the two. The indexing pin (24) cooperates with the first cam (16), which has two longitudinal portions and two helical portions. The longitudinal portions are opposite each other in diameter, and the helical portions intersect at their midpoints and connect to the longitudinal portions at their ends.

8. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tube (4) has two outlet ports (15) formed in opposite sides of the tube (4) to allow one outlet port (15) to be in fluid communication with the first outlet channel (9) at two opposite angular positions of the tube (4) and to be in fluid communication with the second outlet channel (10) at two other opposite angular positions of the tube (4).

9. The multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The tube (4) has a single outlet port (15).

10. A clean fluid injection system (100) for a motor vehicle, the clean fluid injection system comprising a reservoir (101), a pump (103), and at least two injection devices (102), wherein, The cleaning fluid injection system includes at least one multi-directional sequence valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for controlling the distribution of cleaning fluid to the at least two injection devices (102).

11. The injection system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The injection system includes at least two multi-directional sequence valves (1) and an equal number of electronic valves (104), one of which is arranged upstream of the respective multi-directional sequence valve (1) in the direction of flow of the cleaning fluid.

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