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] JP2000130613A discloses a distribution device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] 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.

[0004] This problem is solved by a distribution device proposed and protected according to claim 1. Furthermore, a liquid distribution actuator with such a distribution device is proposed and protected (see claim 6).

[0005] Furthermore, a cleaning device and a vehicle are proposed and protected (see claims 7 and 8). 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 and several outlet connections, as well as an electrically driven, rotatably adjustable distributor in the form of a disc, on which liquid intake and flow guides are formed. The distributor disc can be rotatably adjusted to defined positions relative to the housing to enable liquid supply via the individual outlet connections.

[0008] The liquid intake and fluid guidance means comprise a radial groove or a radial channel on the front face, which controls or guides the liquid to the desired locations of the distribution device.

[0009] The radial groove is designed in the form of an open profile and extends from a radially circumferential outer surface of the distributor disc into the distributor disc.

[0010] The radial groove can also be designed in the form of a so-called radial through-groove, which as such extends between two end faces of the distributor disc or from end face to end face of the distributor disc, i.e. in a longitudinal direction of the distributor disc through the distributor disc or over its entire height or thickness.

[0011] Alternatively, a radial groove can be provided on each side of the distributor disc or on the end face of the distributor disc, extending only a certain distance into the distributor disc. This means that these two radial grooves are opposite each other and separated by a wall of the distributor disc located between them.

[0012] The inlet connection feeds a radial gap with pressurized fluid, which the distributor disc forms radially circumferentially with the housing and which guides or controls the fluid to the radial groove.

[0013] This proposed water distribution mechanism reduces the torque required by an electric motor to adjust the distribution disc to a minimum.

[0014] This proposed water distribution mechanism also simplifies vehicle cleaning equipment or systems, thereby reducing associated costs, as it eliminates the need for fluid transfer pumps and valve blocks with separately actuated valves. Consequently, this also results in weight savings. Furthermore, eliminating the need for transfer pumps simplifies the corresponding pump control.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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, and so on. 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, and so on.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The inlet connection can advantageously be positioned at the level of the radial gap. The inlet connection then feeds the radial gap directly with the pressurized fluid. This further reduces the torque required by an electric motor to adjust the distributor disc. Furthermore, the direct supply to the radial gap necessitates an even more compact design of the distribution device, thus requiring even less overall installation space.

[0020] During operation of the distribution device, the distributor 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 disc from the housing.

[0021] The distributor disc is designed without a seal – i.e., without a separate sealing element(s) – against the housing. Therefore, it is proposed to provide a fluid return to a tank. For this purpose, a continuous space between the distributor disc and the housing, filled with the conveyed fluid during operation of the distribution device, is fluidically connected to a return port on the housing.

[0022] The distributor disc forms a so-called minimal axial gap – in the sense of a sealing gap – over at least one continuous, circumferential end face forming a collar and the associated housing section. This gap, however, is accompanied by the aforementioned liquid leakage film or liquid leakage flow. This at least one end face acts as a sealing surface.

[0023] It is further 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 disc.

[0024] It is proposed that the distributor disc be provided with at least one pressure equalization element in the form of a recess on its front face in order to create hydrostatic equilibrium.

[0025] According to the invention, the distributor disc has pressure equalization means in the form of through holes on its front face in order to create hydrostatic equilibrium.

[0026] Furthermore, a liquid distribution actuator is proposed, which includes a distribution device of the type described above and an electric motor for driving the rotatably adjustable distributor of the distribution device.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Furthermore, a vehicle with a cleaning device of the type described above is also proposed.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 subsequent description of preferred embodiments. These will be illustrated as follows: Fig. 1 shows a proposed liquid distribution actuator in a sectional view, Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 The actuator shown in a first perspective view, Fig. 3den in Fig. 1 The actuator shown in a second perspective view, Fig. 4den in Fig. 1 distributor shown in a perspective view as well as Fig. 5 in Fig. 1 The actuator shown is shown in a third perspective view.

[0031] The proposed fluid distribution actuator A serves to supply individual cleaning points of a vehicle with a pressurized fluid or cleaning fluid.

[0032] The actuator A comprises a distribution device D with, for example, a substantially cylindrical housing G, which has, for example, a first housing part 2 and a second housing part 4. These two housing parts 2 and 4, when joined, form a housing space in which a distributor 6 in the form of a disc 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.

[0033] The actuator A further comprises an electric motor E, which is joined to the housing part 2 and screwed in place by means of fastening screws BFS (see Fig. 3 Housing part 4, however, is screwed to housing part 2 using BFS fastening screws (see 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 sleeve. 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 or the distributor disc 6, whereby the shaft end WE engages positively in the distributor disc 6 ( Fig. 1 ).

[0034] 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 Ai, A Ai+1, ..., A Ai+n – corresponding to the number of previously mentioned cleaning points on the vehicle – and another outlet connection in the form of a return connection AR. Fig. 2 This also illustrates individual hydraulic connection elements, which are, for example, screwed into a corresponding threaded hole in the housing part 4.

[0035] Fig. 3 It also illustrates the electromechanical section of actuator A as well as the electrical connection-side end of actuator A with electrical contacts or pins.

[0036] Fig. 4 Figure 1 illustrates the aforementioned distributor 6, which is designed in the form of a disc. The two end faces SI and S II of the distributor disc 6 are identical, i.e., symmetrical or mirror-symmetrical with respect to an axis Y-Y and Z-Z respectively, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X-X of the distributor disc 6, in order to generate hydrostatic equilibrium or hydrostatic pressure equalization – in the direction X-X – at the distributor disc 6 and within the housing G, 2, 4 during operation of the actuator A. Thus, the distributor disc 6 remains spaced away from the housing parts 2, 4 during operation of the distribution device D.

[0037] The distributor disc 6 has a first - outer - closed circumferential end face 14, 16 and a second - inner - closed circumferential end face 12 around the shaft hole WL, into which the complementary shaft end WE ( Fig. 1 ) engages in a form-fitting manner.

[0038] These two end faces 12 & 14, 16 are, for example, at the same height and, in the operation of the distribution device D, form a so-called minimal axial gap with respect to the respective associated housing sections or housing parts 2, 4, through which the conveyed liquid spreads in the housing space.

[0039] These two end faces 12 & 14, 16, each forming a closed collar, are also referred to as sealing surfaces of the distributor disc 6, which seal against the associated housing sections or housing parts 2, 4 and define or form the aforementioned minimal axial gap.

[0040] In the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the total sealing surface of the distributor disc 6 extends radially over a total of at least approximately 8 to 10 mm. That is, the total sealing length of the distributor disc 6 in the radial direction is at least approximately 8 to 10 mm.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aforementioned first - outer - closed circumferential end face 14, 16 extends radially around the distributor disc 6 by at least approximately 8 to 10 mm. That is, the total sealing length of this outer end face 14, 16 radially around the distributor disc 6 is already at least approximately 8 to 10 mm.

[0042] Between these two end faces 12 & 14, 16, a further, third, and recessed, closed circumferential end face 8 is provided, which as such forms a recess in the shape of a depression or a freestanding continuous area, which is further bounded by an outer, closed circumferential wall W a of the distributor disc 6 and by an inner, closed circumferential wall W i of the distributor disc 6. This large, freestanding area, compared to the first and second end faces 12 & 14, 16, accommodates a large part of the conveyed fluid volume and serves for hydrostatic pressure equalization.

[0043] Furthermore, several through-holes DL extend through the front face of the distributor disc 6, all of which contribute to the formation of hydrostatic equilibrium. These through-holes DL are located in the free-standing area and, for example, adjacent to the outer wall W a.

[0044] Except for an area 16 around a radial through-groove DN, which is shaped approximately semicircularly around the radial through-groove DN and forms the aforementioned first, outer end face 14, 16 of the distributor disc 6, the through-holes DL are arranged at equal intervals to each other in order to promote hydrostatic pressure equalization.

[0045] The radial through-groove DN is open towards, or merges into, the radially circumferential outer surface of the distributor disc 6. The transition from this outer surface to the radial through-groove DN is, for example, convex.

[0046] Both housing parts 2 and 4 can each have at least one recess in the form of a depression on their end face and facing the distributor disc 6. This recess, in conjunction with the recess on the front face of the distributor disc 6, contributes to or ensures 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 RS between the circumferential side of the distributor disc 6 or the radial circumferential outer surface of the distributor disc 6 and the housing G, 2, 4 with 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The Fig. 5 The distribution device D is illustrated with the housing part 4 hidden to show the distributor disc 6 in its installed position. Visible are, among other things, the radial gap RS and the radial through-groove DN, which is open to the radial gap RS. It is also evident that the inlet connection AZ is located at the level of the radial gap RS and simultaneously above a bulge 10 of the housing part 2, which slightly widens the radial gap RS locally.

[0051] The following describes how the proposed distribution mechanism works.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The distribution unit D is supplied with pressurized fluid via the inlet connection AZ. The inlet connection AZ is located at the level of the radial gap RS (see figure). Fig 2 iVm Fig. 5 ), so that the liquid directly impacts the radial gap RS, through which it then distributes itself throughout the entire housing space. The liquid flows into the radial through-groove DN, which forms an open profile in the distributor disc 6 and is open to the radial gap RS. Depending on the orientation or rotation of the distributor disc 6, the liquid is guided or controlled via this groove to the desired location of the distribution device D.

[0054] The liquid spreads across the respective end faces SI and S II via the two axial gaps that define the distributor disc 6 and its associated housing parts 2 and 4, forming a liquid leakage film or flow at the end face. This liquid leakage film or flow maintains a distance between the distributor disc 6 and its associated housing parts 2 and 4. The liquid then passes through the through-holes DL to the opposite end face SI and S II of the distributor disc 6.

[0055] 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 applying fluid to one of the drain connections A Ai , A Ai+1 ,..., A Ai+n via the radial through-groove DN, or the fluid supply is completely shut off 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 ) directly acted upon, through which it is returned to a liquid tank from which it was previously pumped out.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 connection AR and the inlet connection AZ (see Fig. 2 ). Even in this neutral position, the fluid supply via the individual drain connections A Ai , A Ai+1 ,..., A Ai+n is prevented. This is in contrast to the previously described position, in which the radial through-groove DN connects to the return connection AR ( Fig. 2 ) directly acted upon, creating a higher or maximum pressure level in the housing space.

[0058] In both the flushing position and the neutral position – also called the shut-off position – of the distributor disc 6, all drain connections AAi, AAi+1, ..., AAi+n – except for the return connection AR – remain closed. This is achieved by assigning a corresponding shut-off valve (not shown) to each of these drain connections AAi, AAi+1, ..., AAi+n, which only opens above a certain liquid pressure. Only the liquid leakage that occurs in the neutral position is discharged or returned to the liquid tank via the return connection AR.

[0059] These two differing pressure levels can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0060] The pressure or pressure level inside the housing is, for example, approximately 3 to 8 bar.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The aforementioned 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.

[0063] 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 routed via the return connection AR (see Fig. 2 ) returned to the liquid tank (liquid return).

[0064] 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.

[0065] The resulting minimum axial gaps are advantageously in the range of up to approximately 10 µm. This means that the total minimum axial gap between the distributor disc 6 and the housing G, 2, 4 is therefore up to a maximum of approximately 20 µm.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated by the figures (see Fig. 1 ) the drive shaft W of the electric motor E is received or supported by means of a fixed bearing on the housing side and a floating bearing spaced apart from it at the other end of the shaft W - which can each be designed, for example, in the form of a roller ball bearing.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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, such as housing part 2, forms the stator of the electric motor, for example, a synchronous or reluctance motor.

[0071] This would allow actuator A to be made even more compact with the distribution mechanism described above.

[0072] 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 by the claims and these equivalent combinations of features.

Claims

1. Distributing device (D) comprising: a housing (G, 2, 4) having an inlet connection (Az), a plurality of outlet connections (AAi, AAi+1,..., AAi+n) and an electromotively drivable, rotatably adjustable distributor (6) which is arranged therein and which is in the form of a disc, on which liquid receiving means and liquid guiding means are formed, wherein the distributor disc (6) is rotatably adjustable relative to the housing (G, 2, 4) in defined positions in order to allow a supply of liquid via the individual outlet connections (AAi, AAi+1,..., AAi+n), wherein the liquid receiving means and liquid guiding means comprise a front-side (SI, SII) radial groove (DN) which controls the liquid to the desired locations of the distributing device (D), wherein the radial groove (DN) is embodied in the form of an open profile and extends from a radially circumferential outer surface of the distributor disc (6) into the distributor disc (6), and wherein the inlet connection (Az) feeds a radial gap (RS) with pressurized liquid, which the distributor disc (6) forms with the housing (G, 2, 4) on the radially circumferential side and which guides the liquid to the radial groove (DN), wherein during operation of the distributing device (D) the distributor disc (6) forms, at the front side with an 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 disc (6) apart from the housing (2, 4), characterized in that the distributor disc (6) has pressure equalization means in the form of through-holes (DL) at the front side (SI, SII).

2. Distributing device according to Claim 1, wherein the inlet connection (AZ) is arranged at the level of the radial gap (RS).

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

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

5. Distributing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor disc (6) has at least one pressure equalization means in the form of a depression (8) on the front side (SI, SII).

6. 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).

7. 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 6.

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