Fluid systems and fluid assemblies

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid system (1) comprising: - a pressure tank (10) having a lower inlet (14), a lower outlet (15), and a top inlet (16); - a fluid level detection device comprising: - a hollow body (20) extending inside the pressure tank (10) and defining a housing (21); - a lower sensor (31) and an upper sensor (32) located within the housing (21), each sensor being configured to switch from a first state to a second state; - a floating body (40) located inside the pressure tank (10) and slidably connected to the hollow body (20), the floating body (40) including a detection element (41) configured to trigger a switching of the sensor when aligned with one of the sensors; - a filling device (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to autonomous vehicles. Specifically, this invention relates to the cleaning of sensors mounted on vehicles, and more specifically to cleaning said sensors by spraying liquid and air under pressure.

[0002] The present invention relates to a fluid system, and more particularly to a fluid system configured to distribute fluid under pressure.

[0003] Description of related technologies

[0004] Motor vehicles are now equipped with numerous sensors, cameras, lidar, or radar (hereinafter referred to as "sensors") for driver assistance purposes. These sensors can be located inside or outside the vehicle to provide the driver with complete visibility of the vehicle's surroundings. For example, sensors can be located in the bumper, side skirts, side mirrors, behind the windshield, under the hood, near the headlights, or on the roof.

[0005] However, these sensors exposed to the environment can become covered in dirt or dust, potentially leading to performance degradation. In particular, cameras with contaminated lenses may provide distorted views, causing misjudgments of obstacles or overlooking details. Therefore, these sensors require frequent cleaning to maintain their performance.

[0006] In this regard, motor vehicles may be equipped with cleaning systems that include valves, which are typically installed in extremely dense areas, requiring the valve assembly to be compactly packaged.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a fluid system capable of transporting fluid under pressure.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid system equipped with a low liquid level detection device and a high liquid level detection device, wherein the detection devices are protected from external conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The above-mentioned objective of the present invention is achieved, at least in part, by a fluid system comprising:

[0010] - A pressure tank, which includes a lower wall and an upper wall in the main direction XX', the lower wall and the upper wall being connected by a lateral shell, and the pressure tank also having a lower inlet and a lower outlet, both disposed on the lower wall of the pressure tank, as well as an upper inlet;

[0011] - A fluid level detection device, comprising:

[0012] - A hollow body extending inside the pressure vessel from one of the upper and lower walls toward the other of the upper and lower walls, the hollow body defining an outer shell that is airtightly isolated from the pressure vessel;

[0013] - At least two sensors, namely a lower sensor and an upper sensor, are located in the housing and at a lower position and an upper position respectively along the main direction, and each sensor is configured to switch from one of a first state and a second state to the other of the first state and the second state;

[0014] - A floating body located inside the pressure tank and slidably connected to the hollow body, the floating body including a detection element configured to trigger a switching of the sensor when aligned with one of the sensors;

[0015] - A filling device configured to be activated when one of the sensors switches from one of the first and second states toward the other of the first and second states;

[0016] - An insert having a generally circular shape, which is securely positioned within the pressure vessel between the lower sensor and the lower inlet, and the insert has a through hole.

[0017] According to one implementation, the through holes are distributed substantially evenly within the central section of the insert.

[0018] According to one implementation scheme, along the main direction, the lower entrance faces the solid section of the insert.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the insert has a central mounting hole through which it is assembled to the hollow body.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the insert is configured to define a lower section of the pressure tank together with the lower wall, into which fluid will be fed via a lower inlet.

[0021] According to one implementation, the lower sensor is positioned such that when the floating body is aligned with the lower sensor, the floating body abuts against the insert.

[0022] According to one implementation, each of the two sensors includes a reed sensor, while the detection element includes a magnet.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the lower position is a position defining a first liquid level of fluid that may be present in the pressure tank, while the upper position is a position defining a second liquid level of fluid that may be present in the pressure tank above the first liquid level. The top inlet is located upstream of the second liquid level along the direction from the upper wall to the lower wall, such that when the second liquid level is reached, the fluid injected at the lower inlet can be detected by switching the upper sensor.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the filling device is connected to the lower inlet and is configured to fill the pressure tank with fluid when the floating body is aligned with the lower sensor, and to stop filling when aligned with the upper sensor.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the filling device includes at least one element selected from the following: a pump, a pressure pump, and a control valve.

[0026] According to one implementation plan, the hollow body is open through one of its extended sides.

[0027] According to one implementation plan, the hollow body extends from the lower wall.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sensor is embedded in an elongated body that is inserted into an opening in a hollow body.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the pressure vessel has a cylindrical shape extending along the main axis XX'.

[0030] According to one implementation, the pressure vessel comprises plastic material.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the floating body has a disc-shaped form with a central hole, and the floating body is slidably connected to the hollow body through the central hole.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the pressure tank includes lateral ribs configured to increase the mechanical resistance of the pressure tank.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a fluid assembly comprising:

[0034] - Support member, which has an anchoring portion t;

[0035] - According to the invention, there are at least two fluid systems, each of which is anchored at the anchoring point via an anchoring device, and one of the fluid systems, namely the lower outlet of the main system, is connected to the top inlet of the other fluid system in the at least two fluid systems.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fluid assembly further includes a compressor connected to a top inlet of the main system, the compressor being configured to inject compressed air into the main system.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the support has an elongated shape along the secondary axis YY', and the anchoring portion is located on the front side of the support, and the anchoring device is disposed on the lateral housing of the fluid system.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a sensor, a nozzle configured to spray fluid onto the sensitive surface of the sensor, and a fluid assembly according to the invention connected to the nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Other features and advantages will be better understood after reading the following description of the fluid system according to the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only, in which:

[0040] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a representation of the longitudinal section of the fluid system according to the present invention;

[0041] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 It is a diagrammatic representation of a fluid system.

[0042] [ Figure 3a ] Figure 3a This is another representation of the longitudinal section of the fluid system according to the present invention;

[0043] [ Figure 3b ] Figure 3b It represents an insert;

[0044] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is partially filled with liquid, and particularly at the first liquid level. Figure 1 Representation of fluid systems;

[0045] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is partially filled with liquid, and particularly at the intermediate liquid level between the first and second liquid levels. Figure 1 Representation of fluid systems;

[0046] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is partially filled with liquid, and particularly at the second liquid level. Figure 1 Representation of fluid systems;

[0047] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a representation of a fluid component according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the description section, the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings may be used for the same type of elements. The accompanying drawings are schematic illustrations and may not be drawn to scale for readability.

[0049] In the following text, terms or expressions such as “lower part,” “lower wall,” “upper part,” and “upper wall” will be used. These terms or expressions are defined according to the horizontal and vertical directions. It is worth noting that, as defined below, the lower wall and upper wall are defined relative to the principal direction XX’ oriented in the vertical direction.

[0050] This invention relates to a fluid system for cleaning sensors, cameras, lidar, or radar (hereinafter referred to as "sensors"), and particularly to a fluid system for cleaning sensors in motor vehicles.

[0051] In particular, the present invention relates to a fluid system comprising:

[0052] - A pressure tank, which includes a lower wall and an upper wall in the main direction XX', the lower wall and the upper wall being connected by a lateral shell, and the pressure tank also having a lower inlet and a lower outlet, both disposed on the lower wall of the pressure tank, as well as an upper inlet;

[0053] - A fluid level detection device, comprising:

[0054] - A hollow body extending inside the pressure vessel from one of the upper and lower walls toward the other of the upper and lower walls, the hollow body defining an outer shell that is airtightly isolated from the pressure vessel;

[0055] - At least two sensors, namely a lower sensor and an upper sensor, are located in the housing and at a lower position and an upper position respectively along the main direction, and each sensor is configured to switch from one of a first state and a second state to the other of the first state and the second state;

[0056] - A floating body located inside the pressure tank and slidably connected to the hollow body, the floating body including a detection element configured to trigger a switching of the sensor when aligned with one of the sensors;

[0057] - A filling device configured to be activated when one of the sensors switches from one of the first and second states toward the other of the first and second states;

[0058] - An insert having a generally circular shape, which is securely positioned within the pressure vessel between the lower sensor and the lower inlet, and the insert has a through hole.

[0059] The through-hole allows the controlled fluid to enter the pressure tank through the lower inlet, while reducing turbulence, which can have a detrimental effect on the floating body when it approaches the lower sensor.

[0060] Advantageously, the through holes can be evenly distributed within the central section of the insert, thereby achieving a uniform distribution of fluid supplied via the lower inlet.

[0061] Advantageously, along the main direction, the lower inlet (14) faces the solid section of the insert (where "solid section" means the section without holes). In other words, along the main direction, there are no holes directly facing the fluid flow injected via the first inlet. Therefore, turbulence is further reduced within the volume of the pressure vessel defined by the insert and the upper wall.

[0062] The insert may have a central mounting hole through which it is assembled to the hollow body.

[0063] Advantageously, the insert can be configured to define a lower section of the pressure vessel together with the lower wall, into which fluid will be fed via a lower inlet.

[0064] The lower sensor can be positioned such that when the floating body is aligned with the lower sensor, the floating body abuts against the insert.

[0065] It should be understood that the insert divides the volume of the pressure vessel into two sections. For example, the diameter of the insert can be almost equal to the inner diameter of the pressure vessel.

[0066] "Inlet" refers to an open hole (or opening) inside a pressure vessel.

[0067] Figure 1 A fluid system 1 according to the present invention is illustrated. It is worth noting that... Figure 1 This refers to a fluid system 1 based on a longitudinal section. The longitudinal section plane is defined as the intersection of a plane passing through the main axis XX' (defined below) and the tank (defined below).

[0068] The fluid system 1 according to the present invention includes a pressure tank 10.

[0069] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 1 As depicted, the pressure vessel 10 may have a cylindrical shape. In particular, the pressure vessel 10 extends along the main axis XX' from the lower wall 11 toward the upper wall 12 opposite to the lower wall 11.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated example, both the lower wall 11 and the upper wall 12 have a dome shape and are connected by a lateral shell 13 that defines a cylinder.

[0071] The pressure vessel 10 has a lower inlet 14 and a lower outlet 15, both of which are located on the lower wall 11. The lower outlet 15 may be located at the center of the lower wall 11, while the lower inlet may be laterally offset relative to the lower outlet 15.

[0072] The pressure tank 10 may also be provided with a top inlet 16 on the upper wall 12.

[0073] The pressure tank 10 can be formed by the main section 17 and the cover 18. It is worth noting that, as... Figure 2 As illustrated, the main section 17 may include an upper wall 12 and a lateral housing 13, while the cover 18 may include a lower wall 11.

[0074] Pressure vessels may be made of plastic.

[0075] The pressure vessel may include lateral ribs configured to increase the mechanical resistance of the pressure vessel.

[0076] The fluid system 1 also includes a fluid level detection device. Notably, the fluid level detection device includes a hollow body 20 that extends along the main axis XX' inside the pressure tank 10 from one or the other of the upper wall 12 or the lower wall 11. In particular, the hollow body 20 defines a shell 21 that is hermetically isolated from the pressure tank 10.

[0077] like Figure 1 As depicted, the hollow body 20 extends from the upper wall 12 from the first end 20a toward the second end 20b. Notably, in this example, the hollow body 20 is open from the upper wall 12 through its first end.

[0078] As Figure 2 In the illustrated alternative, the hollow body 20 may extend from the lower wall 11 from the first end 20a toward the second end 20b. In this alternative, the hollow body 20 is open from the lower wall 12 through its first end.

[0079] The fluid level detection device also includes at least two sensors, namely a lower sensor 31 and an upper sensor 32, which are located at a lower position 31a and an upper position 31b in the housing, respectively. The upper position 31b is located upstream of the lower position 31a in the direction from the upper wall to the lower wall.

[0080] In addition, each sensor 31, 32 is configured to switch from one of the first state and the second state to the other of the first state and the second state.

[0081] The sensor may be part of an elongated body 30 inserted into the housing 21 via the first end 20a. In particular, the elongated body 30 and the housing 21 may have complementary shapes.

[0082] The fluid level detection device includes a floating body 40 located inside the pressure tank 10 and slidably connected to the hollow body 20. The floating body includes a detection element 41 configured such that when aligned with one of the sensors 31, 32, it triggers a switching of said sensor. For example, when aligned with one of the sensors 31, 32, the detection element 41 triggers a switching of the considered sensor from a first position to a second position.

[0083] For example, the positioning of the detection element 41 aligned with sensors 31 and 32 triggers the switching of the sensor from a first position to a second position.

[0084] The floating body 40 may have a disc-shaped shape with a central hole, and the floating body is slidably connected to the hollow body through the central hole.

[0085] The implementation of the fluid level detection device enables the detection of a predetermined level of liquid that may be present in the pressure tank 10.

[0086] For example, the predetermined liquid level may correspond to a first liquid level or a second liquid level, wherein the second liquid level is higher than the first liquid level.

[0087] For example, the first liquid level can be the volume corresponding to the fluid level in the pressure tank that is less than 20% of the total volume of the pressure tank, advantageously less than 15%.

[0088] The second liquid level can be a liquid level corresponding to a volume of fluid in the pressure tank that is in the range of 70% to 90% of the total volume of the pressure tank. In particular, the second liquid level can be located upstream of the top inlet along the direction from the lower wall toward the upper wall.

[0089] The fluid system 1 according to the invention also includes an insert 60 ( Figure 1 , Figure 3a and Figure 3b It is worth noting that the insert 60 may have a circular shape and is securely positioned inside the pressure vessel between the lower sensor 31 and the lower inlet 14. It is worth noting, and as... Figure 3b As indicated, the insert 60 may include two lateral wings 61 configured to clamp the insert 60 into the pressure vessel, and particularly to clamp the lower wall.

[0090] The insert 60 is provided with through holes 61, which can be evenly distributed within the insert.

[0091] The insert 60 may have the same concavity as the lower wall.

[0092] It is worth noting that the insert 60 may have a central section 63 and a circumferential section 64.

[0093] Along the main direction, the lower inlet 14 faces the solid section of the insert 60.

[0094] The insert 60 may have a central mounting hole 66 through which the insert is mounted to the hollow body.

[0095] The insert 60 is configured to define the lower section Vi of the pressure tank together with the lower wall 11, through which fluid will be fed into the lower section via the lower inlet.

[0096] The lower sensor 31 is positioned such that the floating body abuts against the insert when aligned with the lower sensor. The through-hole allows controlled fluid to enter the pressure tank via the lower inlet while reducing turbulence, which could have a detrimental effect on the floating body when it approaches the lower sensor.

[0097] The fluid system 1 according to the invention may include a filling device 50, particularly a filling device connected to the lower inlet 14. The filling device 50 may be configured to be activated when one of the sensors switches from one of a first state and a second state to the other of the first state and the second state. "Activation" refers to a change in the state of the filling device. Notably, the filling device 50 may be configured to fill the pressure tank 10 with fluid when the floating body 40 is aligned with the sensor 31, and to stop filling when aligned with the sensor 32.

[0098] As a non-limiting example, filling device 50 may include a pump, a pressure pump, or a valve.

[0099] As an illustrative example, the filling device may include a control valve configured to be activated when one of the sensors switches from one of a first state and a second state to the other. For example, the control valve may include a valve, namely the lower inlet valve 50 connected to the lower inlet 14, configured to be open when the floating body is aligned with the lower sensor and closed once the floating element reaches the upper position.

[0100] For example, the filling device may include a pump or pressure pump configured to be activated (“start” or “stop”) when one of the sensors switches from one of the first and second states to the other.

[0101] The outlet pipe 51 can be connected to the lower outlet 15. The outlet pipe 51 is configured to deliver fluid under pressure as needed.

[0102] The control valve may also include a valve, namely the top inlet valve 52 connected to the top inlet 16, which is configured to deliver fluid under pressure as needed.

[0103] Figure 4 This describes a fluid system 1 partially filled with liquid according to the invention. Specifically, a first liquid level forces the floating element 40 to its lower position, causing the lower sensor 31 to be in its second position. Therefore, the lower inlet valve 50 is in its open state to allow liquid filling.

[0104] Liquid filling triggers the floating element to rise to the upper position. In this respect, Figure 5 This refers to a fluid system filled with liquid at an intermediate level between the first and second liquid levels. The floating element is also at the intermediate liquid level.

[0105] As liquid further fills the pressure tank 10, the floating element reaches the upper position, causing the upper sensor to switch from its first state to its second state, thereby closing the lower inlet valve 50. Figure 6 ).

[0106] Consider a second liquid level limit or even prevention of liquid from entering the top inlet, located upstream of the top inlet along the direction from the lower wall toward the upper wall.

[0107] As an advantageous implementation, each sensor 31, 32 may include a reed sensor, and the detection element may include a magnet.

[0108] Advantageously, the lower outlet faces the hole of the insert.

[0109] The present invention also relates to a fluid assembly 100, the fluid assembly comprising:

[0110] - Support member 110, which has an elongated shape along the secondary axis YY' and has an anchoring portion on the front side 110a of the support member;

[0111] - According to the invention, at least two fluid systems 1a, 1b, 1c are anchored at an anchoring location via an anchoring device disposed on the lateral shell of the fluid system, and one of the fluid systems, namely the lower outlet fluid of the main system 1a, is connected to the top inlet of the other fluid system in the at least two fluid systems 1b, 1c.

[0112] The fluid assembly also includes a compressor connected to the top inlet of the main system, the compressor being configured to inject compressed air into the main system.

[0113] According to this configuration, compressed air can be used to compress liquids that may exist in two fluid systems 1b and 1c.

[0114] This configuration allows for the distribution of both pressurized air and pressurized liquid for use in sensors that clean motor vehicles.

[0115] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a sensor, a nozzle configured to spray fluid onto the sensitive surface of the sensor, and a fluid assembly according to the invention connected to the nozzle.

[0116] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A fluid system (1), the fluid system comprising: - Pressure tank (10), the pressure tank includes a lower wall (11) and an upper wall (12) in the main direction XX', the lower wall (11) and the upper wall (12) are connected by a lateral shell, the pressure tank (10) is also provided with a lower inlet (14) and a lower outlet (15) both provided on the lower wall (11) of the pressure tank (10), and an upper inlet (16). - A fluid level detection device, the fluid level detection device comprising: - A hollow body (20) extends inside the pressure vessel (10) from one of the upper wall (12) and the lower wall (11) toward the other of the upper wall (12) and the lower wall (11), the hollow body (20) defining an outer shell (21) that is hermetically isolated from the pressure vessel (10). - At least two sensors, namely a lower sensor (31) and an upper sensor (32), the lower sensor and the upper sensor are located in the housing (21) and at a lower position (31a) and an upper position (31b) respectively along the main direction, and each sensor is configured to switch from one of a first state and a second state to the other of the first state and the second state; - A floating body (40) located inside the pressure tank (10) and slidably connected to the hollow body (20), the floating body (40) including a detection element (41) configured to trigger a sensor switching when aligned with one of the sensors; - Filling device (50), the filling device being configured to be activated when one of the sensors switches from one of the first state and the second state toward the other of the first state and the second state; - An insert having a generally circular shape, which is securely positioned within the pressure vessel between the lower sensor (31) and the lower inlet (14), and the insert having a through hole.

2. The fluid system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the through holes are substantially uniformly distributed within the central section of the insert.

3. The fluid system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Along the main direction, the lower inlet (14) faces the solid section of the insert.

4. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert has a central mounting hole, and the insert is mounted to the hollow body through the central mounting hole.

5. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insert is configured to define a lower section of the pressure vessel together with the lower wall, and fluid is fed into the lower section via the lower inlet.

6. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lower sensor (31) is positioned such that when the floating body is aligned with the lower sensor, the floating body abuts against the insert.

7. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the two sensors comprises a reed sensor and the detection element (41) comprises a magnet.

8. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower position (31a) is a position defining a first liquid level of fluid that may be present in the pressure tank (10), and the upper position (31b) is a position defining a second liquid level of fluid that may be present in the pressure tank (10) above the first liquid level, and the top inlet (16) is located upstream of the second liquid level along a direction from the upper wall (12) toward the lower wall (11), such that when the second liquid level is reached, fluid injected at the lower inlet (14) can be detected by switching the upper sensor (32).

9. The fluid system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the filling device (50) is connected to the lower inlet (14) and is configured to fill the pressure tank (10) with fluid when the floating body (40) is aligned with the lower sensor (31) and to stop filling when aligned with the upper sensor (32).

10. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filling device (50) comprises at least one element selected from the following: a pump, a pressure pump, and a control valve.

11. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hollow body (20) is open through one of its extended sides.

12. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hollow body (20) extends from the lower wall (11).

13. The fluid system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sensor is embedded in an elongated body (30) inserted into an opening of the hollow body (20).

14. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pressure vessel (10) has a cylindrical shape extending along the main axis XX'.

15. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pressure vessel (10) comprises a plastic material.

16. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the floating body (40) has a disc shape with a central hole, and the floating body (40) is slidably connected to the hollow body (20) through the central hole.

17. The fluid system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the pressure vessel (10) includes lateral ribs configured to increase the mechanical resistance of the pressure vessel (10).

18. A fluid assembly (100), the fluid assembly comprising: - Support member (110), the support member having an anchoring portion; - At least two fluid systems (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, each fluid system (1) being anchored at an anchoring location via an anchoring device, wherein one of the at least two fluid systems (1), namely the lower outlet (15) of the main system, is fluidly connected to the top inlet (16) of the other fluid system (1).

19. The fluid assembly (100) of claim 13, wherein the fluid assembly (100) further comprises a compressor connected to the top inlet (16) of the main system, the compressor being configured to inject compressed air into the main system.

20. The fluid assembly (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the support (110) has an elongated shape along the secondary axis YY', and the anchoring portion is located on the front side of the support (110), and the anchoring device is disposed on the lateral housing (13) of the fluid system (1).

21. A motor vehicle having a sensor and a nozzle configured to spray fluid onto a sensitive surface of the sensor, the motor vehicle further having a fluid assembly (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the fluid assembly (100) being connected to the nozzle.

Images