Pump device, wiping system and method of operating the pump device

Abstract

TITLE: Pump device, wiping system and method of operating the pump device Pump device, in particular a wiping pump device, for supplying a liquid to at least one pump body (12a) which has at least one liquid inlet (26a) and at least two liquid outlets (28a, 28a') and at least one vane unit (14a) in the pump body (12a). The vane unit (14a) has a shape which depends at least on the direction of rotation (30a, 32a) of the vane unit (14a). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Pump device, wiping system and method of operating the pump device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump device, in particular a wiper pump device, for supplying liquid to a pump body which has a liquid inlet and at least two liquid outlets and at least one vane unit in the pump body. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A pump device is already known, in particular a wiper or windshield wiper pump device for supplying liquid, a pump body having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet with a vane unit associated with the pump body.

[0003] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0004] For this purpose, the invention relates to a pump device, in particular a wiping pump device, for supplying liquid to at least one pump body which has a liquid inlet and at least two liquid outlets and at least one vane unit in the pump body, this device being characterized in that the vane unit has a shape which depends at least on the direction of rotation of the vane unit.

[0005] The pump device preferably comprises at least one drive unit for driving, in particular in rotation, the vane unit. The pump device comprises a computing unit for managing the drive unit. The pump device is further provided for supplying at least two different lines, in particular depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit in the pump body, regularly with liquid.

[0006] Preferably, the pump device supplies at least two different liquid lines with the same flow rate. The pump device supplies at least two different lines with the same reaction time, in particular after their actuation. The pump device is a wiper pump device (windshield wiper pump) for supplying at least one windshield wiper with cleaning liquid.

[0007] Alternatively, the pump device is a cooling pump, in particular for electrical appliances. The expression "intended for" means that it is a particular programming, a particular design and / or particular equipment to ensure a certain function. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function means in particular that this object performs and / or fulfills this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. Preferably, the term "operating state" of the pump device refers to the state of the pump device in which, in particular, the liquid flows through the pump body and / or the vane unit of the pump body rotates and transfers the liquid.

[0008] Preferably, the pump device supplies two different windscreen wipers with washing liquid. In particular, the two liquid lines are connected to one windscreen wiper respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the two liquid lines can be connected to a particular windscreen wiper with different liquid distribution means for the same windscreen wiper, such as, for example, a front-side liquid distribution and a rear-side liquid distribution. A liquid line is connected to several, for example, two front windscreen wipers. A liquid line is connected to at least one rear windscreen wiper.The pump device is provided for transferring washing liquid from a reservoir to at least one windshield wiper, preferably to at least two different windshield wipers.

[0009] Preferably, the pump body is at least substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the pump body has a substantially cylindrical pump cavity. The vane unit is housed in the pump cavity. Both liquid outlets are designed in the same way. The pump device is designed to connect the liquid inlet exclusively as a liquid inlet to a reservoir. By its construction, the liquid inlet differs from the liquid outlets.

[0010] The liquid inlet is axial along the axis of rotation of the finned unit. The connection direction of the liquid inlet is perpendicular to the liquid outlets along a section perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the axis of rotation is horizontal, in particular perpendicular to the direction of gravity, at least in an operating state, when the liquid inlet has another section and / or another diameter, in particular another sectional area. Preferably, the two liquid outlets are symmetrical with respect to the liquid inlet. The two liquid outlets are preferably equidistant from the liquid inlet.

[0011] The axis of rotation crosses a plane of symmetry of the liquid outlets of the pump body in a section plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the plane of symmetry is vertical, oriented in particular in the direction of gravity and in particular in at least one operating state.

[0012] Preferably, the two liquid outlets form, in particular with the geometric axis of the liquid outlets, an angle relative to the plane of symmetry in a section plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the vane unit; the respective angles are equal. The pump body comprises several liquid inlets oriented along the axis of rotation of the vane unit. The pump body comprises several liquid outlets, in particular an integer multiple of two or more, for example, four, six, eight or similar liquid outlets for which half of the rotation axis of the slider unit is offset.

[0013] Preferably, in particular, the entire fin unit, in particular at least partially, is made of an elastic, in particular flexible, in particular elastically deflecting material, for example, polyurethane, in particular polyurethane foam, a thermoplastic material, a rubber, in particular a rubber and / or the like; preferably, the fin unit, in particular this entire unit, is formed in a single piece, in particular produced as already indicated by the method of producing a cast part and / or by injection with one or more components and advantageously from a single blank, in granules or powder from a mixture of materials.

[0014] Preferably, the fin unit comprises at least one fin means. Preferably, the fin unit has at least one and preferably at least two and at least three and at least four, preferably a multiple such as, for example, five, six, seven, eight, seventeen, fourteen or a similar number of impeller fins. Preferably, the impeller body has at least a substantially cylindrical shape. The impeller body may be made of a material other than that of a fin. Preferably, at least the fins are made of an elastic material. The hub of the fins may be made of a less elastic material than the material from which the fins are made.

[0015] Preferably, the fins are, in the unstressed state of the fin unit, in particular in a state different from the operating state, along which the axial radial wheel in particular the fin unit develops from a geometric center of the impeller body towards the influencer body 6a.

[0016] Preferably, the fins are at least partially and in particular at least largely elastically deflected from the radial axis. Preferably, the expression "radial axis" of an object which is intended, preferably, to rotate is an immaterial axis located in a plane in particular a base plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and starting from the axis of rotation; preferably, it is the geometric center of the object in the section plane, perpendicular in particular to the radial axis which is an imaginary axis respectively, in particular of the radial axis corresponding to the radial axis with respect to the rotation of the object.

[0017] Preferably, each fin has a radial axis which in particular passes at least partially through the center of the connection of this fin to the hub. Preferably, the fins, at least in an operating state, are in contact with the inner surface of the pump body.

[0018] The fin unit may be composed of a plurality of fin segments movably connected to each other. In particular, the fin unit may have a shape that depends at least on its direction of rotation. For example, the fin unit may have a rigid hub movably connected to the fins, which are themselves rigid. The fins are oriented according to the center of rotation of the hub and have the shape of a fin unit. In particular, the fins may be made of several fin segments, which are rigid. The fin segments are movably connected to each other. For example, the fin is made in the manner of a chain. The fins are made differently in one direction of rotation compared to the other direction of rotation, in particular to deliver liquid depending on the direction of rotation. The fins are preferably made to orient themselves similarly in both directions of rotation.

[0019] The embodiment of the pump device according to the invention makes it possible to have a symmetrical pump power and thus independent of the direction of rotation. This makes it possible to have a high pump power, i.e. advantageously efficient. This results in an economic advantage of an efficient two-way pump device.

[0020] According to another feature, the liquid outlets close independently of each other and each time one of the liquid outlets is closed depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit. The pump device comprises at least two valve units, in particular at least two one-way valve units. Preferably, the valve units are electrically controlled, in particular for opening and closing the valve. Each liquid outlet is associated with at least one valve unit for closing or opening the corresponding liquid outlet. The vane unit rotates in two directions of rotation. The calculation unit is designed to manage at least two valve units to close or open them, in particular, depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit. The calculation unit respectively actuates one of the valve units depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit to close at least one of the two liquid outlets.The computing unit actuates one of the valve units respectively depending on the direction of rotation of this valve unit to open at least two liquid outlets. Thus the liquid transfer power is very efficient, especially in two different directions, in particular, an advantageously efficient two-way pump is realized.

[0021] According to another feature, the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction in the direction of rotation of the fin unit, starting from the liquid outlets respectively, is furthest from the plane of symmetry which gives the symmetrical image of the axes of the liquid outlets is closed. Preferably, the calculation unit closes the liquid outlet by one of the valve units which, in the peripheral direction following the direction of rotation of the fin unit, is furthest from the plane of symmetry. Preferably, the calculation unit is designed to open the respective liquid outlet by that of the valve units which, in the peripheral direction according to the direction of rotation of the fin unit is closest to the plane of symmetry. This advantageously reduces the risk of pressure loss.

[0022] According to another feature, at least one vane unit comprises at least one vane oriented essentially radially and which has a shape depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit. Preferably, the vanes, in at least one operating state, provide friction resistance on the pump body. The shape of at least one vane unit, in particular of the vanes, depends on the direction of rotation of the vane unit, in particular during operation. The deflection of the vanes relative to the corresponding radial axis of each of the vanes depends on the direction of rotation of the vane unit, in particular, in an operating state. The advantage is that the orientation depends on the direction of rotation of the vane and ensures, regardless of the direction of rotation, the same flow efficiency of the pump device.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the fin unit comprises at least one hub and the fins have a fixing end by which each fin is connected to the hub as well as a free radial end which, during rotation of the fin unit rotates with a first rotational speed in a first direction and has, with respect to the radial axis passing through the center of its fixing end, a bending amplitude oriented in the direction opposite to the first direction of rotation, the free radial end of this fin during rotation of the fin unit being deflected with a bending amplitude by the first rotational speed in the other direction of rotation, opposite to this first direction of rotation.

[0024] Preferably, each fin has a radial axis which passes in particular at least partially through the center of the fixing end of the fin. The fins, in particular at the radial ends, in at least one operating state, offer resistance to friction on the pump body. Preferably, the fins, in particular at the radial ends, are in contact with the pump body. Preferably, all the fins are identical, they have the same shape, are in particular made of the same material, in particular, in the same mixture of materials.The radial ends of all the fins during rotation of the fin unit rotating at the first rotational speed, in particular at a maximum speed ensured by the drive unit and / or defined by the calculation unit, in a first direction of rotation, relative to the radial axes, produce a bending amplitude, in particular maximum, equal for all the fins, and oriented in the direction opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0025] The radial ends of all the fins, during rotation of the fin unit, at the first rotational speed, in particular, the maximum rotational speed provided by the drive unit and / or defined by the computing unit, are oriented in the other direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, being deflected with respect to the respective radial axes, by the same amplitude of bending for all the fins, in the direction opposite to this direction of orientation.

[0026] Alternatively, the fins are partly identical, in particular they have the same shape and / or are made from the same materials, in particular, from the same mixture of materials. For example, it is possible to have two, three, four or other different groups of each time identical fins, in particular of the same shapes and / or made from the same material, in particular from the same mixture of materials.

[0027] The radial ends of all identical groups of fins, during rotation of the fin unit at the first rotational speed, in particular the maximum speed, ensured by the drive unit and / or defined by the calculation unit, are deflected for the first direction of rotation, relative to their radial axis, by a bending amplitude which is in particular maximum, in particular for all fins of the corresponding groups, and oriented in the direction opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0028] The radial ends of all groups of identical fins, when rotating the fin unit with the first, in particular maximum, rotational speed ensured by the drive unit and / or defined by the calculation unit, are oriented in the other direction of rotation which is in particular opposite to the first direction of rotation; they are deflected from their respective radial axis by a bending amplitude, in particular maximum, in particular, for all fins corresponding to the same group of identical fins, in the direction opposite to the other direction of rotation. A group of fins may be limited to one fin. The fixing ends of the fins, in particular in each state, are not deflected from their radial axis.Preferably, the fixing ends of the fins, when rotating the fin unit at any speed in any direction of rotation, are always at least practically centered on their respective radial axis. This has the advantage of a symmetry of the fin unit in particular, of a fin unit designed for a specific application.

[0029] According to another characteristic, at least one fin unit is oriented at least practically radially, in particular at least for one of the fins already mentioned and which, considered according to the direction of rotation, is curved with a concave shape. Preferably, the radial ends of the fins are always offset with respect to their fixing end for the rotation of the fin unit in one direction of rotation. Preferably, the fins, during the rotation of the fin unit in one direction of rotation, are always curved according to a concave shape according to the direction of rotation, in particular, by the frictional resistance of the radial ends of the fins on the pump body. Preferably, the fins tilt during a change of direction of rotation of a fin unit, to take a concave shape according to the other direction of rotation, in particular, due to the frictional resistance of the radial ends of the vanes on the pump body. This gives the advantage of the shovel shape of the vanes to transfer the liquid.

[0030] The invention also relates to a windshield wiper system comprising a windshield wiper and a pump device according to the invention. The windshield wiper system has a liquid reservoir. The liquid inlet of the pump body is connected by a pipe to the reservoir, preferably in the axial direction, in particular in the direction of the axis of rotation. The liquid inlet of the pump body is connected to the reservoir. A liquid outlet is connected by a pipe to at least one windshield wiper. This liquid outlet is connected to the windshield wiper by a fluid connection. Preferably, at least two liquid outlets are connected by a respective pipe to at least one windshield wiper. Advantageously, the windshield wiper device is of a dimension compatible with the requirements of at least one windshield wiper.

[0031] According to another characteristic, the windshield wiper comprises two liquid channels connected respectively to a liquid outlet of the pump body of the pump device to have a liquid supply depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit for the two channels. Preferably, the two liquid outlets of the pump body are connected respectively to a pipe itself connected to one of the channels of a windshield wiper. The two liquid outlets are connected by a fluid connection to at least one windshield wiper. The pump device, during rotation of the vane unit in the first direction of rotation, transfers the liquid, in particular the washing liquid, to the first of the two liquid channels of a windshield wiper. The pump device, during rotation of the vane unit in the other direction of rotation, transfers the liquid, in particular the washing liquid, to the other of the two channels of the windshield wiper.The advantage is that the wiper is supplied with liquid from a single pump device in a double feed. This provides a double, advantageously regular feed to a wiper with liquid from a single pump device.

[0032] According to another characteristic, the windshield wiper system comprises at least one other windshield wiper and the liquid outlets of the pump body of the pump device are respectively coupled to one of the windshield wipers to supply at least two windshield wipers depending on the direction of rotation of the vane unit.

[0033] Preferably, the two liquid outlets, in particular of the pump body, are connected respectively by a pipe, one with one wiper and the other with the other wiper. In particular, one of the two liquid outlets is connected by a fluid connection to at least one wiper and the other of the two liquid outlets is connected to the other wiper. The pump device transfers, by the rotation of the vane unit in the first direction of rotation, the liquid, in particular the wiping liquid. to a windshield wiper. The pump device transfers, by rotating the vane unit, in the other direction of rotation, the liquid, in particular the washing liquid to the other windshield wiper.

[0034] According to another feature, the windshield wiper system comprises at least one computing unit, in particular the one already mentioned. This unit is designed to control the vane unit and / or regulate it. Preferably, the computing unit rotates the vane unit by the drive unit in a first direction of rotation. The computing unit is designed to rotate the vane unit by the drive unit in the other direction of rotation. The computing unit is connected to the drive unit as well as to the valve units. The computing unit may be part of the vehicle's on-board computer. Advantageously, a centrally controlled two-way pump is provided.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method for operating a pump device as defined above. According to a method step, the vane unit is rotated by the calculation unit in a first direction of rotation to deliver liquid according to the useful input signal. In a method step, the valve units are controlled by the calculation unit to close or open the liquid outlets. Preferably, in a method step, the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction according to the first direction of rotation of the vane unit, is furthest from the plane of symmetry is closed by the calculation unit with the valve unit equipping the fluid outlet which, in the peripheral direction, according to the first direction of rotation of the vane unit is furthest from the plane of symmetry by closing this valve unit.

[0036] According to a step of the method, the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction, in the first direction of rotation of the finned unit is closest to the plane of symmetry is opened with the calculation unit by the valve unit equipping the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction in the first direction of rotation of the finned unit is closest to the plane of symmetry.

[0037] In a method step, the fin unit is rotated by the computing unit in the other direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, in order to deliver liquid according to the useful input signal. In a method step, the computing unit closes the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction along the other direction of rotation of the fin unit, is further from the plane of symmetry, with the valve unit fitted to the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction along this other direction of rotation of the fin unit, is furthest from the plane of symmetry.

[0038] In a method step, the liquid outlet is opened by the calculation unit which, in the peripheral direction in the other direction of rotation of the fin unit, is closer to the plane of symmetry with the valve unit which equips the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction in the other direction of rotation of the fin unit, is closer to the plane of symmetry with the valve unit which equips the liquid outlet which, in the peripheral direction in the other direction of rotation of the fin unit, is closer to the plane of symmetry with the valve unit. close to the plane of symmetry. Advantageously, synchronous switching of the valve unit and the vane unit is used to increase the efficiency of the pump device.

[0039] The pump device according to the invention, the wiping system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention are not limited to the application and embodiment described above. The pump device and the wiping system may comprise a number of component elements and units or method steps, different from the number of these elements or means described above. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] Windshield wiper system according to the invention comprising a pump device according to the invention according to a schematic representation,

[0042] [Fig.2] schematic representation of the pump device according to the invention,

[0043] [Fig.3] schematic representation of the pump device according to the invention,

[0044] [Fig.4] schematic representation of the method according to the invention, and

[0045] [Fig.5] schematic representation of a variant of a windshield wiper system according to the invention with a pump device according to the invention.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] [Fig.l] shows a windshield wiper system 50a. The windshield wiper system 50a comprises in particular a windshield wiper 52a and another windshield wiper 52a'. The windshield wiper system 50a comprises in particular two windshield wipers 52a, 52a'.

[0048] The wiper system 50a comprises a liquid channel 54a. The wiper system 50a comprises three liquid lines 56a, 58a, 58a'. The wiper system 50a comprises a pump device 10a, for example, implemented as a wiper pump device (wiper pump) for supplying a liquid. The pump device 10a in operation transfers the liquid, in particular a wiper liquid.

[0049] The pump device 10a comprises a pump body 12a and a vane unit 14a mounted in the pump body 12a. In particular, the pump body 12a delimits a cavity 24a receiving the vane unit 14a.

[0050] The pump device 10a comprises a drive unit 16a, for driving the vane unit 14a.

[0051] The pump body 12a comprises a liquid inlet 26a made in particular in the form of a branch nozzle oriented in the radial direction, in particular along the axis of rotation. The liquid line 56a with the three liquid lines 56a, 58a, 58a' connects the liquid inlet 26a to the reservoir 54a. [Fig.l] shows that the liquid inlet 26a is in the axial direction in the pump body 12a.

[0052] The pump body 12a comprises two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' made in particular in the form of liquid connection nozzles. The two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are of the same shape. The two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are oriented radially. The two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' have in particular the same pipe section, in particular the same effective section. A liquid pipe 58a among the three liquid pipes 56a, 58a, 58a' connects a first liquid outlet 28a among the two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' to the windshield wiper 52a. The liquid pipe 58a connects another liquid outlet 28a' to the other windshield wiper 52a'. The two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' of the pump body 12 of the pump device 10a are respectively coupled to one of the wipers 52a, 52a' for transferring liquid.The two liquid outlets 28a, 28a' of the pump body 12a of the pump device 10a are coupled to supply liquid depending on the direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the vane unit 14a to at least two wipers 52a, 52a'. The pump body 12 has a liquid inlet 26a and two liquid outlets 28a, 28a'.

[0053] The liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are spaced apart from each other by an angle of 120° from the pump body 10a, in particular along a section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the vane unit 14a. The liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are distributed symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry (plane 29a) of the pump body 12a. The plane of symmetry 29a geometrically distributes the axes of the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is contained in the plane of symmetry 29a. The plane of symmetry 29a is an imaginary plane, in particular an immaterial plane. The liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are each inclined at an angle of 60° relative to the plane of symmetry 29a on the pump body 12a, in particular, according to a section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the vane unit 14a. In particular, the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are equidistant from the plane of symmetry 29a in the pump body 12a.The liquid inlet 26a is in a central position in the pump body 12a along the axis of rotation.

[0054] The pump device 10a comprises two valve units 18a, 20a. A respective valve unit 18a, 20a is provided on one of the liquid outlets 28a, 28a', for closing or opening it. The first valve unit 18a of the two valve units 18a, 20a equips the first liquid outlet 28a, for closing and opening it. The other valve unit 20a equips the other liquid outlet 28a', for closing or opening it.

[0055] The liquid outlets 28a, 28a' are each closed separately by the valve units 18a, 20a. Each of the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' is closed depending on the direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the vane unit 14a by the respective valve unit 18a, 20a.

[0056] The one of the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' which, in the peripheral direction in particular, according to the current direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the fin unit 14a, starting from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' is the furthest from the plane of symmetry 29a, is closed. For example, the other liquid outlet 28a' is closed by the other valve unit 24a if the fin unit 14a rotates in a first direction of rotation 30a around the axis of rotation of the fin unit 14a.

[0057] For example, the first liquid outlet 28a is closed for rotation of the fin unit 14a rotating in the other direction of rotation 32a around the axis of rotation of the fin unit 14a.

[0058] The fin unit 14a has a fin hub 34a. The fin hub 34a is cylindrical in shape. The fin hub 34a defines, in particular by its cylinder axis, the axis of rotation of the fin unit 14a. The fin unit 14a comprises three fins 36a, 36a', 36a” which are at least practically radially oriented, in particular at the point of junction with the radial hub. The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” are directly derived from the hub 34a, being oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation of the fin unit 14a starting from the hub 34a.

[0059] The fins 36a, 36a', 36a”, are of the same shape. The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” are offset equiangularly on the fin hub 34a. The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” are offset from each other by an angle of 120° on the hub 34a. The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” are made in one piece with the hub 34a.

[0060] The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” in particular each have a fixing end 38a, 38a', 38a”. Each fin 36a, 36a', 36a” is connected to the hub 34a by its fixing end 38a, 38a', 38a”.

[0061] The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” each have a free radial end 40a, 40a', 40a”. The free radial end 40a, 40a', 40a” is a material end opposite the fixing end 38a, 38a', 38a” of the respective fin 36a, 36a', 36a”. The free radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” are movable relative to the fixing ends 38a, 38a', 38a” according to the directions of rotation 30a, 32a, in particular, they are elastically deformable, in particular in the environment close to the axis of rotation.

[0062] Preferably, each fin 36a, 36a', 36a” has a radial axis 42a, 42a', 42a” in a section plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fin unit 14a from the axis of rotation in the section plane along a straight line passing through the center of the attachment end 38a, 38a', 38a” of the respective fin 36a, 36a', 36a”.

[0063] The fin unit 14a has a shape that depends on the direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the fin unit 14a. The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” each have a shape that depends on the direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the fin unit 14a. The fins 36a, 36a', 36a” are curved into a concave shape when viewed in the direction of rotation 30a, 32a.

[0064] [Fig.2] shows that for rotation of the fin unit 14a at a first rotational speed in the first rotational direction 30a the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” are deflected relative to the radial axes 42a, 42a', 42a” which pass through the center of the fixing ends 38a, 38a', 38a” with a bending amplitude 44a, 44a', 44a” opposite to the first rotational direction 30a. [Fig.2] shows in particular that the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a”, for the rotation of the fin unit 14a, at a first rotational speed in the first direction of rotation 30a, are deflected relative to the radial axes 42a, 42a', 42a” passing through the center of the fixing ends 38a, 38a', 38a”, by the same amplitude of bending 44a, 44a', 44a” against the first direction of rotation 30a.

[0065] [Fig. 3] shows that the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” for rotation of the fin unit 14a at the first rotational speed in the other rotational direction 32a, are deflected relative to the radial axes 42a, 42a', 42a” passing through the center of the fixing ends 38a, 38a', 38a”, by a bending amplitude 44a, 44a', 44a” against this other rotational direction 32a. [Fig.2] shows in particular that the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” for the rotation of the fin unit 14a at the first rotational speed in the other direction of rotation 30a are deflected relative to the radial axes 42a, 42a', 42a” passing through the center of the fixing ends 38a, 38a', 38a” all, the same amplitude of bending 44a, 44a', 44a” against the direction of rotation 32a.

[0066] [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] show by comparison that the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a”, for a rotation of the fin unit 14a in the first rotation direction in the first direction 30a, are deflected relative to the radial axis 42a, 42a', 42a” passing through the center of the fixing ends 38a, 38a', 38a”, are deflected by the bending amplitude 44a, 44a', 44a” in the direction opposite to the rotation direction 30a; the free radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” of the fins 36a, 36a', 36a” for rotation of the fin unit 14a at the first rotational speed in the first direction of rotation 30a opposite to the other direction of rotation 32a, are deflected against the other direction of rotation 32a by the bending amplitude 44a, 44a', 44a”.

[0067] The vanes 36a, 36a', 36a”, for the rotation of the vane unit 14a in one of the directions of rotation 30a, 32a, considered in this direction of rotation 30a, 32a, undergo by the frictional resistance of the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” of the vanes 36a, 36a', 36a” in the pump body 12a, a bending following a concave shape. The vanes 36a, 36a', 36a” tilt during a change of direction of rotation of the vane unit 14a to take a concave bent shape according to the direction of rotation 30a, 32a, in particular because of the frictional resistance undergone by the radial ends 40a, 40a', 40a” of the vanes 36a, 36a', 36a” in the pump body 12a. fins 36a, 36a', 36a” in pump body 12a.

[0068] The pump device 10a comprises a computing unit 22a which controls and / or regulates the direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the vane unit 14a. The computing unit 22a is connected to the drive unit 16a for controlling and / or regulating the direction of rotation 30a, 32a of the vane unit 14a. The computing unit 22a is connected to the valve units 18a, 20a. The computing unit 22a is designed to control, in particular regulate the valve units 18a, 20a to open or close the liquid outlets 28a, 28a'. The computing unit 22a is designed to close the liquid outlet 28a, 28a' by the corresponding valve unit 18a, 20a, which is furthest from the plane of symmetry 29a in the peripheral direction according to the direction of rotation, in particular current 30a, 32a of the fin unit 14a, respectively, starting from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a', furthest from the plane of symmetry 29a.

[0069] [Fig.4] shows a method of managing a pump device 10a.

[0070] In at least one step of the method, in particular in the starting step 46a, the finned unit 14a is rotated by the calculation unit 22a using the drive unit 16a in a direction of rotation corresponding to the first direction of rotation 30a, for a liquid input, for example, depending on a utility input, in particular such as the actuation of a spray function for one of the windshield wipers 52a, 52a'.

[0071] Preferably, in one step of the method, the calculation unit 22a operates the valve units 18a, 20a to close and open the liquid outlets 28a, 28a'.

[0072] In a method step, in particular a closing step 48a, the calculation unit 22a closes and keeps closed the liquid outlet 28a' which, in the peripheral direction according to the first direction of rotation 30a of the fin unit 14a, starting respectively from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a', is the furthest from the plane of symmetry 29a, with the valve unit 20a which is spaced from the liquid outlet 28a', in particular in the peripheral direction according to the first direction of rotation 30a of the respective fin unit 14a starting from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a', being the furthest from the plane of symmetry 29a.

[0073] In at least one method step, in particular in the opening step 60a, the liquid outlet 28a is opened and left open. In the peripheral direction along the first direction of rotation 30a of the fin unit 14a, respectively starting from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a', this outlet is closest to the plane of symmetry 29a by the valve unit 18a which is installed at the liquid outlet 28a which is in particular in the peripheral direction along the first direction of rotation 30a of the deflector unit 14a, respectively closest to the plane of symmetry 29a starting from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a'.

[0074] The starting step 46a, the closing step 48a and the opening step 60a take place practically simultaneously.

[0075] In at least one method step, in particular a reversal step 62a, the fin unit 14a is rotated by the computer unit 22a in a first rotation direction 30a opposite the other rotation direction 32a to transfer liquid, for example, depending on a useful input such as, for example, the actuation of the rinsing function of a windshield wiper 52a, 52a'.

[0076] In a method step, in particular the reversal step 62a, the liquid outlet 28a is closed and left closed. This liquid outlet is in the peripheral direction according to the other direction of rotation 32a of the fin unit 14a, starting respectively from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a', the furthest from the plane of symmetry 29a by the valve unit 18a which is further from the plane of symmetry 29a in particular in the peripheral direction according to the other direction of rotation 32a of the fin unit 14a, starting respectively from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' being further from the plane of symmetry 29a, by the calculation unit 22a which closes or opens it.

[0077] In a method step, in particular the inversion step 62, the liquid outlet 28a' which is closest to the plane of symmetry 29a in the peripheral direction according to the other direction of rotation 32a of the fin unit 14a is opened and in particular left open, starting respectively from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' with the valve unit 20a equipping the liquid outlet 28a' which is closest to the plane of symmetry 29a in the peripheral direction according to the other direction of rotation 32a of the fin unit 14a, starting respectively from the liquid outlets 28a, 28a' with the calculation unit 22a.

[0078] [Fig. 5] shows another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The following description and the drawings are limited to the main differences between the exemplary embodiments; for components bearing the same references, reference will in principle be made to the figures and the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular to Figures 1 to 4. Unlike the preceding exemplary embodiments, the suffix (a) of the numerical references of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 is replaced by the suffix (b) for the similar references used in the exemplary embodiment of [Fig. 5].

[0079] [Fig.5] shows a variant of wiping system 50b.

[0080] The wiping system 50b has a liquid reservoir 54b and a windshield wiper 52b. The windshield wiper 52b comprises two liquid channels (not shown) in particular for rinsing on the front side and spraying on the rear side relative to the wiping movement of a window. The wiping system 50b comprises a pump device 10b whose operation is similar to that of the pump device 10a of the exemplary embodiment described above. The liquid channels are coupled respectively to one of the two liquid outlets 28b, 28b' of the pump body 12b of the pump device 10b, in particular by a fluid connection, for example, by two liquid lines 58, 58' for supplying liquid to the two rotation-dependent liquid channels 30b and 32b of the fin unit 14b.

[0081] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0082] (Nomenclature of only numerical references without the suffixes a and b)

[0083] 10 Pump device

[0084] 12 Pump body

[0085] 14 Fin Unit

[0086] 16 Drive unit

[0087] 18 Valve Unit

[0088] 20 Valve Unit

[0089] 22 Computing unit

[0090] 24 Cavity

[0091] 26 Liquid inlet

[0092] 28 Liquid outlet

[0093] 29 Plane of symmetry of the pump body

[0094] 30 Direction of rotation

[0095] 32 Direction of rotation

[0096] 34 Fin hub

[0097] 36 Winglet blade

[0098] 38 Fin fixing end

[0099] 40 Free radial end of the fin

[0100] 42 Radial axis

[0101] 44 Bending amplitude

[0102] 46 Starting step of the process

[0103] 48 Closing step

[0104] 50 Wiping system

[0105] 52 Windshield wiper

[0106] 54 Liquid reservoir

[0107] 56 Liquid line

[0108] 58 Liquid line

[0109] 60 Opening step

[0110] 62 Inversion step

Claims

Claims

1. Pump device, in particular a wiper pump device, for supplying liquid to at least one pump body (12a, 12b) which has a liquid inlet (26a, 26b) and two liquid outlets (28a, 28a'; 28b, 28b') and a vane unit (14a, 14b) in the pump body (12a, 12b), characterized in that * the vanes of the vane unit (14a, 14b) are made of elastic material and are oriented substantially radially to be able to deform elastically when the vane unit is rotating, to assume a shape which depends on the direction of rotation (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b) of the vane unit (14a, 14b), and * the liquid outlets (28a, 28a'; 28b, 28b') are closed individually and one of the liquid outlets (28a, 28a'; 28b, 28b') is closed depending on the respective direction of rotation (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b) of the fin unit (14a, 14b).

2. Pump device according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid outlet (28a, 28a'; 28b, 28b') are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (28a, 28b) of the pump body (12a, 12b) passing through the axis of rotation and the liquid outlet (28a, 28a'; 28b, 28b') furthest in the peripheral direction according to the direction of rotation (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b) of the vane unit (14a, 14b).

3. Pump device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vane unit (14a, 14b) comprises a fixing unit (38a, 38a', 38a"; 38b, 38b', 38b") connecting the vane (36a, 36a', 36a"; 36b, 36b', 36b") to the hub (34a, 34b) and by rotation of the vane unit (14a, 14b) at a first rotational speed in a first rotational direction (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b) of the radial axis (42a, 42a', 42a”; 42b, 42b', 42b”), passing through the center of the fixing end (38a, 38a', 38a" ; 38b, 38b', 38b"), the free radial end (40a, 40a', 40a” ; 40b, 40b', 40b”) of the fin is deflected by a bending amplitude (44a, 44a', 44a" ; 44b, 44b', 44b") in the direction opposite to the first direction of rotation (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b), and for rotation of the fin unit (14a, 14b) at the first rotational speed in the other direction of rotation (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b), its free radial end (40a, 40a', 40a”; 40b, 40b', 40b”) is deflected the bending amplitude (44a, 44a', 44a"; 44b, 44b', 44b") in the opposite direction.

4. Pump device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vane unit (14a, 14b) comprises vanes (36a, 36a', 36a"; 36b, 36b', 36b") oriented substantially in the radial direction and which are curved into a concave shape considered in the direction of rotation (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b).

5. Windshield wiper system comprising at least one windshield wiper (52a, 52a'; 52b) and at least one pump device (10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Windscreen wiper system according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one windscreen wiper (52b) has at least two liquid channels respectively coupled to one of the liquid outlets (28b, 28b') of the pump body (12b) of the pump device (10b) for a direction of rotation (30b, 32b) of the vane unit (14b).

7. Windscreen wiper system according to claim 5, characterized in that it has another wiper (52a, 52a') and the liquid outlets (28a, 28a') of the pump body (12a) are respectively coupled to one of the wipers (52a, 52a') for supplying liquid to both wipers (52a, 52a'), depending on the direction of rotation (30a, 32a) of the vane unit (14a).

8. Windscreen wiper system according to claim 7, characterized by a computing unit (22a, 22b) for controlling and / or regulating the rotational speed (30a, 32a, 30b, 32b) of the vane unit (14a, 14b).

9. Method for managing a pump device (10a, 10b) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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