Valve device, cleaning fluid system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (20) for a cleaning fluid system (10) of a vehicle (1) comprising a supply inlet (21) which can be connected to a supply line (11) of the cleaning fluid system (10), a supply outlet (22) via which a cleaning fluid consumer (2) can be supplied with cleaning fluid (200), and a main valve stage (30) with a main valve element (31) which can be brought into an open state (II) in which fluid communication between the supply inlet (21) and the supply outlet (22) is enabled, and into a closed state (I) in which fluid communication between the supply inlet (21) and the supply outlet (22) is prevented. The invention further relates to a cleaning fluid system (10) and a vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve device for a cleaning fluid system of a vehicle, a cleaning fluid system for distributing cleaning fluid, and a vehicle.

[0002] Wash water systems are known from the prior art, through which a window of a vehicle or a sensor can be cleaned. However, with the increasing automation of vehicles in particular, the demands on washing water systems are also growing. With an increasing number of sensors, for example, the number of washing water consumers can also increase. In addition, the individual consumers often have their own water supply. However, this then also requires several pumps and several tanks. In order to avoid this, washing water systems are also known which have a pump and a central distribution valve in order to supply various different line branches. The line branches are often routed individually through the vehicle, so that the number of different pipes in the vehicle increases as the number of wash water consumers increases. This has a disadvantageous effect on the weight and the space required for such a washing water system.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to enable the supply of individual line branches of a wash water system with wash water via valves. However, these usually have a high opening force, so that such valves are dimensioned accordingly large. As a result, a relatively large amount of space is required, particularly in the vicinity of the washing water consumer. It is also known from FR 2 813 259 B1 to supply several washing water nozzles through a single washing water line. In this case, pilot valves are used to switch individual line branches of a washing water system on or off. However, as an additional component, the pilot valves increase the complexity of the washing water system and also require additional installation space.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the above disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve a cleaning fluid supply for at least one cleaning fluid consumer in a vehicle, in particular a vehicle with several cleaning fluid consumers, with little installation space required and / or low weight.

[0005] The above object is achieved by a valve device having the features of claim 1, a cleaning fluid system having the features of claim 10, and a vehicle having the features of claim 11. Further features and details of the invention result from the respective subclaims, the description and the drawings. Features and details that are described in connection with the valve device according to the invention also apply, of course, in connection with the cleaning fluid system according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other or can be.

[0006] According to the invention, a valve device for a cleaning fluid system of a vehicle is claimed. The valve device has a supply inlet, which can be connected to a supply line of the cleaning fluid system, and a supply outlet, via which a cleaning fluid consumer can be supplied with cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the valve device has a main valve stage with a main valve element, which can be switched to an open state in which fluid communication between the supply inlet and the supply outlet is enabled, and to a closed state in which fluid communication between the supply inlet and the supply outlet, in particular through the main valve element, is at least partially or completely prevented, can be brought. Furthermore, the valve device comprises a pilot stage, through which the main valve element can be brought hydraulically from the closed state into the open state.

[0007] The cleaning fluid can preferably include washing water, in particular in the form of a mixture of water, cleaning agent and / or additives. Thus, the cleaning fluid system can also be referred to in particular as a washing water system. A supply line of the cleaning fluid system can be understood in particular as a line that leads from a pump device of the cleaning fluid system to the valve device, so that the cleaning fluid consumer can be supplied with cleaning fluid when the valve device is opened. In particular, the supply line can be tubular. The supply input and / or the supply output can preferably be designed as a plug connector. In particular, the valve device can be positively and / or non-positively fastened to a line element of the supply line. As a result, simple assembly of the valve device in the cleaning fluid system can be made possible. The cleaning fluid consumer can be, for example, a nozzle of a windshield wiper system of the vehicle or a cleaning device for a sensor unit, such as a laser scanner, a radar system, or a headlight of the vehicle. For example, optical sensors, in particular in the form of cameras, preferably reversing cameras and / or surroundings cameras, can be supplied with cleaning fluid by the valve device. The fluid communication connection or fluid communication can preferably be understood to mean that a flow of cleaning fluid is made possible.

[0008] The main valve stage is designed in particular to allow cleaning fluid to flow from the supply inlet to the supply outlet as a function of actuation of the valve device. For this purpose, the main valve element can have a valve body which seals the supply inlet in the closed state in such a way that a flow of cleaning fluid from the supply inlet to the supply outlet is at least partially or completely prevented. In particular, a direct or immediate flow of cleaning fluid from the supply inlet to the supply outlet can be prevented by the main valve element. The valve device preferably has a prestressing element, by means of which the main valve element is prestressed in the closed state. For this purpose, the pretensioning element can comprise a spring, preferably a compression spring.

[0009] The pilot stage can be understood in particular as a valve unit, through which a pressure in the valve device can be changed in order to move the main valve element, so that the main valve element is no longer sealing the supply inlet. In particular, the main valve element can be moved from the closed state to the open state and / or vice versa. The pilot stage and the main valve stage are preferably arranged in one housing. It can be provided that the housing has two housing elements that are positively attached to one another and / or that the pilot stage and / or the main valve stage or at least components of the pilot stage and the main valve stage are positively fastened in the housing.

[0010] Advantageous actuation of the main valve stage can thus be made possible by the pilot stage. In particular, an actuating force can be hydraulically intensified by the pilot stage, so that the actuating force can be reduced by the pilot stage. As a result, the installation space required for the valve device can be reduced. In addition, the hydraulic control of the main valve stage offers the advantage that it is in particular not necessary to provide an electric motor, which requires additional weight and additional installation space.

[0011] Furthermore, in a valve device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the pilot stage has a pilot chamber and the pilot stage is in a deactivated state, in which a flow of cleaning fluid through the pilot chamber is prevented, and in an activated state, in which the flow of cleaning fluid through the pilot chamber allows is, is bringable. In particular, it is provided that the main valve stage is also activated and / or actuated by the activation state of the pilot stage. The pilot chamber can be formed in particular by a cavity in the valve device. The pilot stage and the main valve stage are preferably connected directly to one another and / or arranged next to one another by the pilot chamber. The main valve element can thus be designed to at least partially seal off the pilot chamber. A pressure can thus be generated in the pilot chamber in order to move the main valve element from the closed state to the open state. In the activated state, the flow of cleaning fluid through the pilot chamber can be enabled, in particular from a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure can be an opening pressure for hydraulically opening the main valve element.

[0012] Furthermore, in a valve device according to the invention it can advantageously be provided that the pilot stage has a pilot output in the form of a bypass channel through which the pilot stage, in particular the pilot chamber of the pilot stage, can be brought into fluid communication with the supply outlet. The bypass channel can allow cleaning fluid to flow from the pilot chamber directly to the supply outlet. In particular, a direct flow of cleaning fluid from the supply inlet to the supply outlet can be bridged at least partially through the bypass channel. Preferably, at least in the activated state of the pilot stage, the bypass channel is connected to the pilot chamber via an annular channel. An opening stroke required for opening the pilot control chamber can be reduced by the annular channel if the cleaning fluid can flow circumferentially into the annular channel in order to leave the pilot control chamber.

[0013] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for the main valve stage to have a stage outlet which, when the main valve stage is in the open state, is in fluid communication with the supply inlet and the supply outlet, preferably directly or indirectly, in particular with the stage outlet being able to be brought into fluid communication with the pilot control outlet. In particular, an opening movement of the main valve element can be supported as a result. Preferably, a flow path, e.g. in the form of a pressure valve or a nozzle, can be formed or can be formed through a passage element from the supply inlet to the pilot control chamber. Advantageously, it can be provided that the bypass channel has a larger cross section than the passage element. As a result, it can be provided that cleaning fluid flows out of the pilot chamber via the pilot outlet, i.e. in particular the bypass channel, when the pilot stage is switched from the deactivation state to the activation state. In particular, the cleaning fluid can also flow to the stage outlet of the main valve stage and / or increase a pressure at the stage outlet of the main valve stage and / or generate an advantageous pressure difference. In particular, the stage outlet can be arranged on a side opposite the pilot chamber. As a result, an opening movement of the main valve element can be supported.

[0014] Furthermore, in a valve device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the pilot stage has an electrically controllable actuating unit in order to bring the main valve element from the closed state into the open state. For this purpose, the valve device can have a control connection, through which the actuating unit can be connected to a control unit. The control device can be a control and / or regulating unit, in particular in the form of a processor and / or a microcontroller of the vehicle, preferably the valve device. In particular, the actuation unit can comprise an electromagnet. The actuating unit can preferably have a coil and a magnetically movable actuating element. In this case, it can be provided that the coil can be energized as a function of a control signal from the control device in order to trigger the actuating element. For example, the actuating element can have an iron body for this purpose. As a result, the pilot stage can advantageously be actuated without requiring a large amount of space.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable in a valve device according to the invention for a lifting element to be provided, by means of which the pilot control stage can be brought from the deactivated state into the activated state. The lifting element can advantageously be attached to the actuating element and / or coupled to the actuating element. In particular, it can be provided that the lifting element in the deactivated state of the pilot stage seals the pilot chamber at least partially, so that a flow of cleaning fluid from the pilot chamber to the bypass channel is prevented and is open in the activated state, so that a flow of cleaning fluid from the pilot chamber to the bypass channel and / or or is allowed into the ring canal. Thus, a movement of the lifting element can be made possible by a movement of the actuating element. A pressure in the pilot chamber can preferably be changed by the lifting element in order to control the main valve element and / or bring it from the closed state into the open state.

[0016] It is also conceivable in a valve device according to the invention for the main valve element and / or the lifting element to have an, in particular elastic, membrane. The membrane can, for example, have a plastic or consist of a plastic. The membrane can preferably have a rubber, in particular a fiber-reinforced rubber, for example made of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, so-called EPDM. As a result, a sealing function and an opening function can be provided in a simple manner by deforming the membrane. The membrane can preferably be fastened circumferentially in an edge area, so that an opening and / or sealing function is made possible by deforming a central area of ​​the membrane. In addition, the membrane can be inexpensive and have a low weight.

[0017] In particular, it can be provided in a valve device according to the invention that the main valve element can be bridged by a passage element in order to enable fluid communication of the supply input with the pilot stage. Access for cleaning fluid from the supply inlet of the valve device to the supply chamber can be made available through the passage element. For this purpose, the passage element can be designed in particular to open when there is a pressure difference between the supply inlet and the pilot chamber. The passage element is preferably a check valve, which allows cleaning fluid to pass through in only one direction, in particular from the supply inlet to the pilot stage. In particular, the bypass channel can have a larger cross section than the passage element.

[0018] In a valve device according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that a line outlet is provided which is in fluid communication with the supply inlet, in particular so that the supply inlet and the line outlet can be integrated into a line section of the supply line. As a result, the valve device can be bypassed and the supply line can be continued at the line outlet. Thus, the valve device can also form a line section of the supply line. In particular, it is conceivable that only when cleaning fluid is needed and / or requested by a cleaning fluid consumer assigned to the valve device can it be provided that the main valve element is brought into the open state. The cleaning fluid consumer can thus be supplied with cleaning fluid by the valve device and at the same time be bridged by the valve device. As a result, a plurality of cleaning fluid consumers can be supplied with cleaning fluid by means of an in particular linear line section. Furthermore, it can thereby be made possible for the supply line to be in the form of a ring line. As a result, at least a partial return flow of the cleaning fluid to a tank and / or to a pump device can be made possible.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a cleaning fluid system for distributing cleaning fluid in a vehicle is claimed. The cleaning fluid system has a supply line for distributing cleaning fluid in the vehicle and a pumping device for conveying cleaning fluid through the supply line. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid system has a plurality of valve devices which are arranged in such a way that at least one cleaning fluid consumer can be supplied with cleaning fluid from the supply line through each of the valve devices.

[0020] A cleaning fluid system according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a valve device according to the invention. In particular, the supply line can have a plurality of line sections between which or on which the valve devices are respectively arranged. The pump device can preferably be connected to a cleaning fluid source, in particular a cleaning fluid tank, in order to convey the cleaning fluid into the supply line. In particular, the cleaning fluid system can thus advantageously supply and clean a plurality of cleaning fluid consumers with cleaning fluid. In particular, a locally required installation space can be reduced in comparison to the cleaning fluid consumers through the use of the valve device according to the invention and / or the supply of cleaning fluid can be improved. In particular, precisely one cleaning fluid consumer or a plurality of cleaning fluid consumers can be supplied by the valve devices.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is claimed. The vehicle has a plurality of cleaning fluid consumers and a cleaning fluid system according to claim 10 for distributing cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid consumers.

[0022] A vehicle according to the invention thus has the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a valve device according to the invention and / or a cleaning fluid system according to the invention. The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the vehicle is an at least partially automated vehicle or a vehicle that can be operated autonomously. Vehicles of this type are particularly dependent on the functionality of sensor units, so that advantageous cleaning can improve the overall reliability and / or safety of the vehicle. The cleaning fluid consumers can be a windshield wiper system, optical sensors such as cameras, and / or the like.

[0023] Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically: figure 1 a valve device according to the invention in a first embodiment, figure 2 shows the valve device according to the invention according to the first exemplary embodiment in a partially sectioned view, figure 3 + 4 further sectional views of the valve device according to the invention of the first embodiment in different states of the main valve stage, figure 5 a vehicle according to the invention with a cleaning fluid system according to the invention in a further exemplary embodiment,

[0024] In the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, identical reference symbols are used for the same technical features in different exemplary embodiments.

[0025] figure 1 shows a valve device according to the invention 20 for a cleaning fluid system 10 of a vehicle 1 . The valve device 20 has a supply input 21 on, connected to a supply line 11 of the cleaning fluid system 10 can be connected. Opposite the supply entrance 21 is also a line output 23 arranged, which is also connected to the supply line 11 can be connected. This allows the valve device 20 even a section of the supply line 11 train when the supply line 11 e.g. with several consumers connected in series. Furthermore, the valve device 20 a supply outlet 22 on, through which a cleaning fluid consumer 2 with cleaning fluid 200 is supplyable.

[0026] An at least partially sectioned view of the valve device 20 is in figure 2 shown. About cleaning fluid 200 from the supply input 21 to the supply outlet 22 to conduct is a main valve stage 30 provided by a pre-tax stage 40 can be hydraulically controlled and / or opened. The pre-tax stage 40 and the main valve stage 30 are in a box 25 the valve device 20 arranged, which two housing elements 25.1 , 25.2 has, which are positively attached to each other. Furthermore, the valve device 20 an operating unit 43 with an actuator 46 on to the pre-tax stage 40 to be controlled electrically. This is the operating element 46 stored linearly and especially in the direction of the pilot stage 40 prestressed. The valve device 20 also has a control terminal 24 on which the valve device 20 , especially the operating unit 43 , with a control unit 3 of the vehicle 1 is connectable. Via the control port 24 is a coil 47 the operating unit 43 energized to a movement of the actuator 46 to initiate.

[0027] figure 3 shows a detailed view of the main valve stage 30 and the pre-tax stage 40 , if the valve device 20 with the supply input 21 to the supply line 11 and with the supply output 22 to a cleaning fluid consumer 2 connected. The main valve stage 30 has a main valve element 31 on which is in a locked state I located. The main valve element seals 31 the supply input 21 at least partially, so that cleaning fluid 200 not directly from the supply input 21 to the supply outlet 22 can flow. Between the main valve stage 30and the pre-tax stage 40 can still be a passage of cleaning fluid 200 be enabled. The main valve element has this 31 a passage element 33 on, through which the main valve element 31 is bridgeable. The passage element 33 can be designed as a nozzle and / or pressure valve. Furthermore, a prestressing element acts 32 on the main valve element 31 , so that the main valve element 31 in the locked state I is biased. The preload element 32 is designed in particular as a compression spring. The pre-tax stage 40 has a pilot chamber 42 on that with the cleaning fluid 200 can be filled or is filled. In addition, the pre-tax stage 40 a lifting element 41 on which is in a disable state III the pre-tax stage 40 the pre-tax chamber 42 at least partially closed. This results in a flow of cleaning fluid 200 through the pre-tax chamber 42 through prevented. The lifting element 41 stands further with the operating element 46 in operative connection, so that with a movement of the actuating element 46 the lifting element 41 is at least partially moved to the pilot chamber 42 to open and the pre-tax stage 40 into an activation state IV bring to. The lifting element 41 and the main valve element 31 have a membrane that is deformable in a central area. A sealing effect can advantageously be achieved by the membrane. In addition, the membrane can be fastened in the edge areas of the membrane. This makes it possible, for example, to remove the membranes when assembling the housing elements 25.1 , 25.2 of the housing 25 the valve device 20 to be fixed positively together with other components.

[0028] To the pre-tax stage 40 to the activation state IV , as in figure 4 shown to convert, the lifting element 41 thus by the actuator 46 at least partially from the pilot chamber 42 away, allowing a flow of cleaning fluid 200 through the pre-tax chamber 42 is enabled. The pre-tax stage 40 also has a pilot output 44 in the form of a bypass channel through which the pilot chamber 42 in activation state IV with the supply outlet 22 is in fluid communication. By opening the lifting element 41 this results in a pressure change, in particular in the form of a pressure drop, in the pilot chamber 42 , through which the main valve element 31 against the biasing element 32 is raised. This will create the main valve stage 30 from the closure state I in the open state II brought, in which a fluid communication connection directly between the supply inlet 21 and the supply outlet 22 is enabled. Preferably, the pilot output 44 also has a larger cross section than the passage element 33 . This allows the opening of the main valve element 31 by cleaning fluid 200 be supported, which from the pre-tax chamber 42 through the pilot output 44 drains. This allows the pre-tax stage 40 and / or the operating unit 43 , in particular the actuating element 46 , be dimensioned smaller, since a lower opening force is required than without the bypass channel. In particular, there is the pre-control output 44 in the open state II the main valve stage 30 with a step exit 35 the main valve stage 30 in fluid communication so that out of the stage exit 35 and the pilot output 44 cleaning fluid 200 advantageously, preferably under advantageous pressure conditions, to the supply outlet 22 can flow.

[0029] The pre-tax stage 40 and the main valve stage 30 each have a ring channel 45 ,34 to prevent the cleaning fluid from escaping 200 from the supply input 21 and / or from the pre-tax chamber 42 to improve.

[0030] figure 5 also shows a vehicle according to the invention 1 with a cleaning fluid system according to the invention 10 . The vehicle 1 has several cleaning fluid consumers 2 on, by the cleaning fluid system 2 can be supplied by cleaning fluid 200 through a supply line 11 of the cleaning fluid system 10 is promoted. The cleaning fluid system has this 10 a pumping device 12 with a tank (not shown). At the cleaning fluid consumers 2 it can be e.g. sensors of the vehicle 1 , In particular cameras, a windshield wiper system and / or the like. These are preferably the cleaning fluid consumers 2 around cleaning nozzles of the vehicle's sensors 1 , in particular cameras, and / or a windshield wiper system. In particular, it can be the vehicle 1 an at least partially automated or autonomous vehicle 1 act, which various cleaning fluid consumers 2 having. Each of the cleaning fluid consumers 2 is a valve device according to the invention 20 assigned decentrally. The valve devices 20 and / or the pumping device 12 can have a control unit 3 be driven to the cleaning fluid 200 to the cleaning fluid consumers 2 bring to. Thus, it can be provided in particular that the supply line 11 only has a single line harness to which the valve devices 20 are connected and / or in which the valve devices 20 are integrated. Preferably the valve devices are 20 thereby formed according to the first embodiment. Reference List 1 vehicle 2 cleaning fluid consumers, in particular cleaning nozzles 3 control unit 10 cleaning fluid system 11 supply line 12 pumping device 20 valve device 21 supply input 22 supply output 23 line output 24 control port 25 housing 25.1 first housing element 25.2 second housing element 30 main valve stage 31 main valve element 32 biasing element 33 passage element 34 ring canal 35 step exit 40 pre-tax stage 41 lifting element 42 pilot chamber 43 operating unit 44 pilot output, especially bypass channel 45 ring canal 46 actuator 47 coil 200 cleaning fluid I closure state II opening state III Deactivation State IV activation state QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Patent Literature Cited

[0000] FR 2813259 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Valve device (20) for a cleaning fluid system (10) of a vehicle (1) comprising a supply inlet (21) which can be connected to a supply line (11) of the cleaning fluid system (10), a supply outlet (22) through which a cleaning fluid consumer (2) can be supplied with cleaning fluid (200), and a main valve stage (30) with a main valve element (31) that can be brought into an open state (II) in which fluid communication between the supply inlet (21) and the supply outlet (22) is enabled, and into a closed state (I) in which fluid communication between the supply inlet (21) and the supply outlet (22) is at least partially prevented, characterized by , that a pilot stage (40) is provided by which the main valve element (31) can be hydraulically moved from the closed state (I) to the open state (11). [2] Valve device (20) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the input stage (40) has an input chamber (42) and the input stage (40) can be brought into a deactivation state (III) in which a flow of cleaning fluid (200) through the input chamber (42) is prevented, and into an activation state (IV) in which the flow of cleaning fluid (200) through the input chamber (42) is enabled. [3] Valve device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the pilot stage (40) has a pilot output (44) in the form of a bypass channel, through which the pilot stage (40) can be brought into fluid communication connection with the supply output (22). [4] Valve device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the main valve stage (30) has a stage output (35) which, in the open state (II) of the main valve stage (30), is in fluid communication with the supply input (21) and the supply output (22), wherein the stage output (35) can be brought into fluid communication connection with the pilot output (44). [5] Valve device (20) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the pilot stage (40) has an electrically controlled actuating unit (43) to bring the main valve element (31) from the closed state (I) to the open state (II). [6] Valve device (20) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that a lifting element (41) is provided by which the pre-control stage (40) can be brought from the deactivation state (III) to the activation state (IV). [7] Valve device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main valve element (31) and / or the lift element (41) has a diaphragm. [8] Valve device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the main valve element (31) can be bridged by a passage element (33) to enable fluid communication between the supply inlet (21) and the pilot stage (40). [9] Valve device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a line output (23) is provided which is in fluid communication with the supply input (21), so that the supply input (21) and the line output (23) can be integrated into a line section of the supply line (11). [10] Cleaning fluid system (10) for distributing cleaning fluid (200) in a vehicle (1) comprising a supply line (11) for distributing cleaning fluid (200) in the vehicle (1), a pumping device (12) for conveying cleaning fluid (200) through the supply line (11), and several valve devices (20) arranged such that at least one cleaning fluid consumer (2) can be supplied with cleaning fluid (200) from the supply line (11) through each of the valve devices (20). [11] vehicle (1) several cleaning fluid consumers (2) and a cleaning fluid system (10) according to claim 10 for distributing cleaning fluid (200) to the cleaning fluid consumers (2).

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