DISTRIBUTION DEVICE AND LIQUID DISTRIBUTION ACTUATOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a distribution device for a liquid distribution actuator and to a liquid distribution actuator with such a distribution device.

[0002] Document DE 11 2016 005328 T5 discloses a generic liquid distribution device for vehicle cleaning equipment.

[0003] Publication US 2015 / 158058 A1 discloses a distribution device, including a return connection and a return passage.

[0004] One of the problems underlying the invention is to improve water distribution for vehicle cleaning, particularly in view of the increasing number of vehicle sensors.

[0005] This problem is solved by a distribution device proposed and protected according to claim 1. A liquid distribution actuator with such a distribution device is further proposed and protected (see claim 5). A cleaning device and a vehicle are also proposed and protected (see claims 6 and 7). Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A distribution system is proposed for supplying individual cleaning points of a vehicle with a pressurized liquid.

[0007] The distribution device comprises a housing with an inlet connection, several outlet connections for the individual cleaning points, and a return connection, as well as an electrically driven, rotatable distributor in the form of a disc, in which liquid intake and flow channels are formed. The distributor can be rotatably adjusted to defined positions relative to the housing to enable or prevent the liquid supply.

[0008] The distributor disc controls or guides the liquid to the desired locations of the distribution device via a front-side liquid intake and fluid guidance means in the form of a radial groove or a radial channel.

[0009] This proposed water distribution mechanism simplifies vehicle cleaning equipment or systems, thereby reducing associated costs by eliminating the need for fluid pumps and valve blocks with individually actuated valves. This also results in weight savings. Furthermore, the elimination of pumps simplifies pump control.

[0010] Furthermore, this proposed water distribution mechanism reduces cleaning fluid consumption. This, in turn, translates into an increase in a vehicle's range, which can be achieved by refilling a cleaning fluid reservoir or tank. This is particularly relevant for future fully autonomous vehicles, which will have a significantly higher number of sensors—including safety-relevant sensors—than current vehicles, and whose functionality must be ensured.

[0011] Furthermore, the reduction in required device or system components also promotes a corresponding compactness of such a device or system, so that less installation space is required overall.

[0012] A cleaning point can be understood as a cleaning area associated with a vehicle sensor. This cleaning point does not necessarily have to be part of the sensor itself; it can be located at a distance from it, for example, a spot on a windshield, etc. The cleaning point can also be part of a vehicle sensor, such as a cleaning point associated with a camera. Alternatively, a cleaning point can be any other area of ​​the vehicle that is not associated with any vehicle sensor, for example, another spot on the aforementioned windshield, a spot on a headlight, etc.

[0013] In the simplest case, a liquid or cleaning fluid can be understood as water, but more advantageously it is an aqueous cleaning agent solution, i.e., water combined with a cleaning agent additive. The cleaning agent solution can also advantageously contain an antifreeze or frost protection agent, which, as such, lowers the freezing point of the cleaning agent solution.

[0014] The distributor of the distribution unit is designed without a seal against the housing of the distribution unit. Therefore, it is proposed to provide a liquid return to a tank. For this purpose, a continuous space between the disc and the housing, filled with the conveyed liquid during operation of the distribution unit, is fluidically connected to the return connection.

[0015] During operation of the distribution device, the disc forms a defined axial gap with the respective associated housing part or housing section at its front face, through which conveyed liquid spreads in the housing and thereby forms a liquid leakage film or liquid leakage flow at its front face, which separates the distributor from the housing.

[0016] It is proposed to design the distributor disc symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically with respect to an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the distributor disc in order to create a hydrostatic equilibrium in the housing or on the distributor or the distributor disc.

[0017] The disc features pressure equalization elements in the form of through holes.

[0018] Furthermore, a liquid distribution actuator is proposed, which includes a distribution device of the type described above and an electric motor for driving the rotatable adjustable distributor of the distribution device.

[0019] Furthermore, a cleaning device or cleaning system for a vehicle is proposed for cleaning a large number of cleaning points on the vehicle, wherein the cleaning device or cleaning system includes at least one fluid distribution actuator of the type described above.

[0020] Furthermore, a vehicle with a cleaning device of the type described above is also proposed.

[0021] The term "vehicle" refers to any type of vehicle powered by either an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor, but especially passenger cars and / or commercial vehicles. These are preferably semi-autonomous and, in particular, fully autonomous vehicles.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the figures. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. These will be illustrated as follows: Fig. 1 shows a proposed liquid distribution actuator in a first perspective view, Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 The actuator shown in a second perspective view, Fig. 3den in Fig. 1 The actuator shown in a third perspective view, Fig. 4den in Fig. 1 distributor shown in a perspective view, Fig. 5 Fig. 1 the first housing part shown in a perspective view as well as Fig. 6 a in Fig. 1 shown second housing part in a perspective view,

[0023] The proposed fluid distribution actuator A serves to supply individual cleaning points (RS = cleaning point; RS i , RS i+1 , ..., RS i+n ) of a vehicle with a pressurized fluid or cleaning fluid.

[0024] The actuator A comprises a distribution device D with, for example, a substantially cylindrical housing G, which has a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 4. These two housing parts 2, 4, when joined, form a housing space in which a distributor 6 – or a distribution disc 6 – is rotatably arranged. Fig. 1 ). The two housing parts 2, 4 and the distributor disc 6 are made, for example, of a thermosetting plastic or a thermoplastic plastic - such as a PPS-GF material.

[0025] Actuator A further comprises an electric motor E, which is joined to housing part 2 and screwed to the two housing parts 2, 4, for example (see the fastening screws BFS in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 Alternatively, instead of being screwed together, these housing parts 2, 4 can also be rolled together, for example, by means of a sheet metal casing. Such a rolling connection could also include the electric motor E. The electric motor E is designed, for example, as a dry-running motor. Alternatively, the electric motor E can also be designed as a wet-running motor and have a containment shell or a containment tube, which separates a wet chamber from a dry chamber and in which the rotor of the electric motor E is surrounded by the conveyed fluid (wet chamber). The stator of the electric motor E, on the other hand, is located in the dry chamber. A shaft W of the electric motor E extends through the housing part 2 and a sealing element DE, which is arranged in the housing part 2 and seals against the housing part 2 and the shaft W, into the distributor 6, with the shaft end WE engaging positively in the distributor 6. Fig. 1 ).

[0026] Fig. 2 Figure 1 illustrates the hydraulic connection end of actuator A, which comprises a multitude of hydraulic connections. Specifically, this end includes an inlet connection AZ, several outlet connections A RSi, A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n – corresponding to the number of cleaning points RS i, RS i+1, ..., RS i+n of the vehicle – and a further outlet connection in the form of a return connection AR. Fig. 2 This further illustrates individual hydraulic connection elements, which as such are, for example, screwed into a corresponding threaded hole of the housing part 4.

[0027] Fig. 3 This illustrates the electromechanical section of actuator A as well as the electrical connection-side end of actuator A with electrical contacts or pins.

[0028] Fig. 4 Figure 1 illustrates the aforementioned distributor 6, which is designed in the form of a disc. The two end faces SI, S II of the distributor 6 are identical, i.e., symmetrical or mirror-symmetrical with respect to an axis Y-Y, Z-Z orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X-X of the distributor 6, in order to generate hydrostatic equilibrium – in the direction X-X – at the distributor 6 or within the housing G, 2, 4 during operation of the actuator A, so that the distributor 6 remains spaced from the housing. Radially inner and radially outer through-holes DL i, DL a extend through the distributor 6, all of which contribute to establishing the hydrostatic equilibrium.

[0029] Furthermore, recesses in the form of depressions are formed on both end faces SI and S II. A first inner depression in the form of a first, inner annular groove RN i encloses the aforementioned shaft hole WL, into which the complementary shaft end WE ( Fig. 1 ) engages in a form-fitting manner. In this annular groove RN i, there are also, for example, four through holes DL i, arranged at equal intervals to each other.

[0030] From this annular groove RN i, a longitudinal groove or radial longitudinal groove in the form of a through groove DN – which as such represents a radial channel – extends radially outwards to between the two ends of an outer recess in the form of a second, outer – not completely or not fully circumferential – annular groove RN a, which, although not completely or not fully circumferential – encloses the annular groove RN i to a large extent. In this annular groove RN a, for example, eleven through holes DL a are arranged, for example, at equal intervals to one another.

[0031] This through-groove DN is located in the Fig. 4 It is designed in the form of a closed or closed circumferential profile. That is, it does not extend to the radially circumferential outer surface of the distributor disc 6.

[0032] In addition, two radial groove sections RNA branch off from the ring groove RN a, which are formed as such on both sides of the through groove DN and are arranged offset by 90° to it (cf. Fig. 4 ).

[0033] Fig. 5 This illustrates housing part 4, which has a number of through holes DL Z , DL A , DL RSi , DL RSi+1 , ..., DL RSi+n corresponding to the number of hydraulic connections - in this case, for example, a total of eleven through holes - which are also provided with a thread in order to be able to screw in the hydraulic connection elements mentioned at the beginning from the opposite side or end face of housing part 2.

[0034] Furthermore, in housing part 4 (see Fig. 5 ) Mounting holes or through holes BFL are formed, through which the two housing parts 2, 4 are screwed together. In contrast, the electric motor - E is only screwed to housing part 2 (see e.g. Fig. 3 ).

[0035] Furthermore, in the housing part 4, pin holes or pin holes in the form of, for example, blind holes SL can be seen, via which the housing parts 2, 4 are aligned to each other and pinned or joined together.

[0036] Furthermore, a blind hole SL WE is formed in the center of housing part 4, into which the shaft end WE can extend. Next to it is the inlet through-hole DL Z, through which the liquid is conveyed into housing G, 2, 4.

[0037] Fig. 6 This illustrates housing part 2, which, with respect to the mounting holes BFL I< – approximately in the form of blind holes with internal threads – and the pinning holes SL I< – approximately in the form of blind holes – is designed analogously to housing part 4. In addition, a recess AD for receiving the aforementioned sealing element DE is located in the center of housing part 2.

[0038] Furthermore, recesses in the form of depressions can also be formed on the end faces of both housing parts 2 and 4, each facing the distributor disc 6. These recesses, in addition to the end face depressions of the distributor disc 6, contribute to or ensure balanced hydraulic support of the distributor disc 6 across its entire adjustment range. These additional recesses or depressions in the housing parts 2 and 4 can be identical in design and shape and can also be located directly opposite each other.

[0039] In another embodiment, either only the housing part 2 or only the housing part 4 is provided with at least one such recess in the form of a depression on its end face and facing the distributor disc 6.

[0040] In a further embodiment, a groove is additionally provided on the end face of housing part 2 and / or housing part 4, facing the distributor disc 6. This groove fluidically connects the radial gap between the circumferential side of the distributor disc 6, or the radially circumferential outer surface of the distributor disc 6, and the housing G, 2, 4 to the return connection AR. Such a groove advantageously causes pressure relief in a so-called flushing position or neutral position of the distributor disc 6, the flushing and neutral positions being described below.

[0041] In another alternative embodiment, the housing G also includes a closed, circumferential spacer ring, which is arranged as such between housing part 2 and housing part 4 and separates these two housing parts 2 and 4 from each other. This spacer ring forms part of the housing space that accommodates the distributor disc 6.

[0042] The following describes how the proposed distribution mechanism works.

[0043] During operation of the actuator A, the distributor 6 or the distributor disc 6 is surrounded or flowed around by conveyed liquid within the space of the housing G, 2, 4 that accommodates it.

[0044] The distribution device D is supplied with a pressurized liquid via the inlet connection AZ and the inlet through-hole DL Z. The inlet connection AZ is located slightly off-center on the housing G, 4 and also at the level of the inner annular groove RN i of the end face SI of the distributor disc 6 (see figure). Fig. 4 The liquid therefore first encounters this annular groove RN i, through which it then spreads across the entire housing space. It reaches the opposite end face S II of the distributor disc 6 via the through-holes DL i. The liquid then spreads across the respective end faces SI , S II via the two axial gaps that define the distributor disc 6's end face with its respective associated housing part 2, 4, forming an end-face liquid leakage film or flow, which maintains a corresponding distance between the distributor disc 6 and its associated housing part 2, 4.

[0045] The liquid also reaches the radial gap between the circumferential side of the distributor disc 6 and the housing G, 2, 4. The two radial groove sections RNA facilitate or support the flow of the liquid from the radial gap to the aforementioned return connection AR ( Fig. 2 ) or the aforementioned drain hole or return hole DL R ( Fig. 5 ).

[0046] Furthermore, the liquid reaches the radial passage groove DN, by means of which the distributor disc 6 controls or directs the liquid - depending on the orientation of the distributor disc 6 in the housing space - to the desired location of the distribution device.

[0047] Depending on the orientation or rotation of the distributor disc 6, either one of the aforementioned cleaning points of the vehicle is supplied with fluid by supplying one of the drain connections A RSi, A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n via the radial through-groove DN, or the fluid supply is completely interrupted by the distributor disc 6 assuming a so-called flushing position. In the latter case, the distributor disc 6 is aligned with the housing G, 2, 4 in such a way that the fluid flows to the return connection AR ( Fig. 2 ) or the drain hole or return hole DL R ( Fig. 5 ) directly acted upon, via which it is returned to a liquid tank from which it was previously pumped out.

[0048] In this flushing position, the pumped fluid is circulated within a circuit of the vehicle's cleaning device, which includes the fluid distribution actuator A. During this process, the distribution unit D and the cleaning device can be flushed and / or vented. Furthermore, a minimum pressure level is generated within the housing.

[0049] Furthermore, another position – a so-called neutral position – of the distributor disc 6 can also be provided, in which the distributor disc 6 is rotatably adjustable and in which the radial through-groove DN acts on a point between the return through-hole DL R and the connection through-hole AL i (see Fig. 5 ). Even in this neutral position, the fluid supply to the individual cleaning points is interrupted. This is in contrast to the previously described position, in which the radial through-groove DN connects to the return connection AR ( Fig. 2 ) or the drain hole or return hole DL R ( Fig. 5 ) directly acted upon, creating a higher or maximum pressure level in the housing space.

[0050] In this neutral position – also called the closed position – of the distributor disc 6, all drain connections A RSi, A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n leading to a cleaning point remain closed, except for the return connection AR. This is achieved by assigning a corresponding shut-off valve (not shown) to each of these drain connections A RSi, A RSi+1 ... A RSi+n, which only opens above a certain fluid pressure. Only the fluid leakage that occurs in this neutral position is discharged via the return connection AR and returned to the fluid tank.

[0051] These two differing pressure levels can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0052] The pressure or pressure level inside the housing is, for example, approximately 3 to 8 bar.

[0053] By determining the position or location of the rotor of the electric motor E in the circumferential direction ΔΦ, the aforementioned relative position of the radial through-slot DN to the individual points of the housing can also be determined.

[0054] The position or orientation of the rotor is provided by at least one sensor installed in and / or on the electric motor E, for example, a Hall sensor. Additionally or alternatively, current and voltage information from the electric motor E can also be used directly to determine the rotor position or orientation.

[0055] Regardless of the position of the distributor disc 6, the fluid leakage that occurs in the housing space at the two axial gaps and in the radial gap - at least from a certain minimum pressure level in the housing space - is carried out via the return passage hole DL R (see Fig. 5 ) and the return connection AR (see below). Fig. 2 ) is returned to the liquid tank (liquid return). This is also facilitated by the fact that the return through-hole DL R (see below) Fig. 5 ) and the return connection AR (see below). Fig. 2 ) lie at the level of the ring groove RN a.

[0056] The proposed distribution mechanism is characterized in operation by minimal axial gaps on the front face, which as such minimize fluid leakage in the housing space.

[0057] The resulting axial gaps are advantageously in the range of up to approximately 10 µm. This means that the total axial gap between the distributor disc 6 and the housing G, 2, 4 is up to a maximum of approximately 20 µm.

[0058] The reduced liquid volume in the housing space, caused by these minimal axial gaps, further promotes a high degree of freezing resistance for the distribution device D.

[0059] The symmetrical, or at least substantially symmetrical, distributor disc 6 is further characterized by the fact that it can be rotated and adjusted with virtually no force and also has a low moment of inertia. This advantageously results in relatively low energy consumption and very short switching times for the rotational adjustment of the distributor disc 6.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the drive shaft W of the electric motor E is received or supported by means of a housing-side fixed bearing and a floating bearing spaced apart from it - which can each be designed, for example, in the form of a roller ball bearing.

[0061] Alternatively, a shaft mounting or shaft bearing could be provided, according to which the housing-side shaft end WE presses against the housing part 4 or a ball arranged in the housing part 4 and thereby forms a hydrodynamic bearing during operation of the distribution device.

[0062] In another embodiment, the housing G, 2, 4 itself can form part of a drive unit or an electric motor E. The distributor disk 6 can be made of a magnetic material. At least one housing part enclosing the distributor disk 6 forms the stator of the electric motor, for example, a synchronous or reluctance motor.

[0063] This would allow actuator A to be made even more compact with the distribution mechanism described above.

[0064] Although the preceding description explains exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that a multitude of variations are possible. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guideline for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. Distributing device (D) for supplying a pressurized liquid to individual cleaning locations (RS = cleaning location; RSi, RSi+1, ..., RSi+n) of a vehicle, wherein the distributing device (D) has a housing (G, 2, 4) having an inlet connection (AZ), a plurality of outlet connections (ARSi, ARSi+1 ... ARSi+n) for the individual cleaning locations (RSi, RSi+1, ..., RSi+n) and a return connection (AR) , and an electromotively drivable, rotatably adjustable distributor (6) which is arranged therein and which is in the form of a disc, in which liquid receiving means and liquid guiding means are formed, wherein the distributor (6) is rotatably adjustable relative to the housing (G, 2, 4) in defined positions in order to allow or to prevent the supply of liquid, wherein the disc (6) controls the liquid to the desired locations of the distributing device via a liquid receiving means and liquid guiding means at the front side (SI, SII) in the form of a radial groove, wherein the disc (6) has pressure equalization means in the form of through-holes (DLi, DLa).

2. Distributing device according to Claim 1, wherein a coherent space which is filled by conveyed liquid during operation of the distributing device (D) between the disc (6) and the housing (G, 2, 4) is fluidically connected to the return connection (AR).

3. Distributing device according to Claim 2, wherein the disc (6) forms, at the front side with the associated housing portion (2, 4), a defined axial gap, via which conveyed liquid propagates in the housing (G, 2, 4) and in this instance forms at the front side (SI, SII) a liquid leakage film which spaces the distributor (6) apart from the housing (2, 4).

4. Distributing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disc (6) is formed symmetrically with respect to an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the disc.

5. Liquid-distributing actuator comprising: a distributing device (D = distributing device) according to one of the preceding claims and an electric motor (E) for driving the rotatably adjustable distributor (6) of the distributing device (D) .

6. Cleaning apparatus for a vehicle for cleaning a large number of cleaning locations on the vehicle, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises at least one liquid-distributing actuator according to Claim 5.

7. Vehicle having a cleaning apparatus according to Claim 6.