Check valve.

Abstract

This non-return valve (10) comprises a housing (12) delimiting an internal volume (18) provided with an inlet (14), an outlet (16), a membrane (100), extending at least partially inside the internal volume (18) of the housing (12), the membrane (100) having a contact portion (102) elastically deformable radially between a sealing position in which the contact portion (102) comes into contact with an internal wall of the internal volume (18) and a fluidic opening position in which the fluid can flow from the inlet (14) to the outlet (16) around the membrane (100).The membrane (100) having an axially decreasing cross-section, the housing (12) comprises on the inlet side (14) an internal seat (50) for receiving the distal part (104) and on the outlet side (16), an axial extension pin (60) configured to extend inside the proximal part (102) of the membrane (100) such that the membrane (100) is axially immobilized between the seat (50) and the pin (60). SHORT FIGURE: FIGURE 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Non-return valve. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-return valve for a fluid circuit of a motor vehicle. It applies more particularly but not exclusively to a spray device for distributing washing liquid onto a glass surface of a motor vehicle comprising such a valve.

[0002] In a manner known per se, a spraying device is used to distribute washing liquid onto a glass surface, such as for example the windshield or the rear window of a motor vehicle or even a glass surface of a headlight, a radar or a camera of the motor vehicle.

[0003] In general, such a spray device comprises a check valve which is generally in the form of a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet and an internal housing extending between the inlet and the outlet within which a membrane element extends at least partially. The membrane element is configured to allow the flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet, but substantially prevents the return of liquid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0004] In operation, the valve prevents the total backflow of the washing liquid towards the inlet, which makes it possible to maintain a certain quantity of residual washing liquid at the outlet, for example at a spray nozzle, available for the next use of the spraying device. When a user of the device activates the spraying device, the residual washing liquid at the outlet allows for faster initiation of the spraying and therefore a shorter response time. Prior art.

[0005] A device for spraying a washing liquid onto a window of a motor vehicle comprising a valve unit is already known from the prior art, in particular from patent FR 3 056 179 B1.

[0006] This valve unit comprises an elastomer membrane element and a compression coil spring which biases the membrane element with a force opposite to that generated by the pressure of the washing liquid. The device described in this patent is relatively complex.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to provide a simplified non-return valve with a limited number of parts in order to reduce costs and improve the robustness of the valve. Summary of the invention

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to a non-return valve for a fluid circuit. of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing delimiting an internal volume provided with an inlet, an outlet and defining a main axis X of flow of the fluid between the inlet and the outlet through the housing, a membrane element, extending at least partially inside the internal volume of the housing, the membrane element having a contact portion elastically deformable radially between a sealing position in which the contact portion comes into contact with an internal wall of the internal volume and a fluidic opening position in which the fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet around the membrane element, characterized in that the membrane element having axially a cross-section decreasing between a proximal end portion forming the contact portion and an opposite distal end portion,the housing comprises on the inlet side an internal seat for receiving the distal part and on the outlet side an axial extension pin configured to extend inside the proximal part of the membrane element such that the membrane element is axially immobilized between the seat and the pin.

[0009] Thanks to the valve of the invention, the number of parts can be limited to three parts, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0010] A valve according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises an input connector and an output connector configured to fit into each other while delimiting the internal volume of the housing, the input connector comprises the seat and the output connector comprises the pin.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat is integrated into the input connector and the pin is integrated into the output connector, for example by each being made in one piece by molding a plastic material.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the proximal portion of the membrane element is of hollow cross-section to form a recess shaped to axially receive the spike, providing a generally V-shaped longitudinal cross-section profile.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distal portion of the membrane element is of solid cross-section, for example the distal portion with an end cap with a generally conical shape.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the membrane element has a general bell shape which flares from the distal portion to the proximal portion.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spike comprises a base integral with an internal wall of the internal volume of the housing, the base having a star-shaped configuration, particularly with a plurality of equally spaced, primarily radial extension arms to allow fluid flow around the base of the spike.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat comprises a circumferential axial bearing surface and the distal portion comprises an outer peripheral shoulder which rests axially against the bearing surface.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seat comprises a plurality of axial ribs, projecting radially from an axial wall of the internal volume, each provided with a proximal end edge which together form a discontinuous circumferential bearing surface for the distal portion of the membrane element.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distribution of the ribs is regular in the circumferential direction.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each female or male connector is made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding the plastic material.

[0021] The invention also relates to a spraying device for distributing washing water onto a glass surface of a motor vehicle comprising a non-return valve characterized in that the valve is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the following description, given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.l

[0023] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a valve according to the invention in an assembled configuration; Fig.2

[0024] [Fig.2] represents an exploded perspective view of the valve of [Fig.l]; Fig. 3

[0025] [Fig.3] represents a perspective and longitudinal sectional view of the valve of the [Fig.l]; Fig.4

[0026] [Fig.4] represents a longitudinal sectional view of the valve in a configuration sealing (4A) and in a fluid opening configuration (4B); Fig.5

[0027] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of a distal end of a connector male (5A) and a distal end of a female connector (5B). Description of the embodiments

[0028] Figures 1 to 5 show a non-return valve, generally designated by the general reference 10 and hereinafter referred to more simply as a “valve”. This valve 10 is intended to be mounted in a fluid circuit of a device, for example a device for spraying a washing liquid onto a glass surface of a motor vehicle.

[0029] This valve 10 comprises a housing 12 delimiting an internal volume 18 ([Fig.4]) provided with an inlet 14 and an outlet 16 and defining a main axis X of flow between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 of a fluid through the housing 12.

[0030] In the remainder of the description, the term "through direction" (shown schematically by arrow F in [Fig. 1]) will designate the direction of flow of the fluid between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 and the term "blocked direction" will designate the opposite direction of flow.

[0031] Preferably, the housing 12 comprises a body composed of first 20 and second 30 parts assembled together, along the X axis, hereinafter designated as input connector 20 and output connector 30.

[0032] In this example, the connectors 20 and 30 are configured to fit into each other. As illustrated in the figures, the input connector 20 forms the male connector and the output connector 30 forms the female connector. The connectors 20 and 30 have complementary shapes of mutual engagement delimiting in the fitted state the interior volume 18 of the housing 12 ([Fig.4]).

[0033] In the remainder of the description, the terms “axial”, “longitudinal” and “radial” are used with reference to the main axis X. Furthermore, in the remainder of the description, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used respectively to designate the elements of the male connector located on the side of the female connector and on the side opposite the female connector. This designation is also used in a similar manner for the elements of the female connector with reference to their position relative to the male connector. Thus, within the meaning of the present description, an element will be described as proximal or distal depending on whether it is respectively close to or axially distant from a coupling zone of the male 20 and female 30 connectors.

[0034] As shown in [Fig. 2], the male connector 20 comprises a male housing body 22 which defines an internal passage which extends along the X axis and passes through the male body 22 from one side to the other. Preferably, the male housing body 22 is here extended from the inlet 14 of the housing 12 by an inlet endpiece 24 opening onto an inlet 25 of the valve 10. As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the male housing body 22 comprises a proximal end 24P for coupling with the female connector 30 and a distal end 24D for connection to a fluid conduit (conduit not shown in the figures) via the inlet endpiece. For example, the inlet endpiece 24 is configured to be fitted into a flexible pipe. Furthermore, the two proximal 24P and distal 24D ends are connected to each other by a peripheral wall 28 externally delimiting the housing body. male 22.

[0035] Similarly, as shown in [Fig. 2], the female connector 30 comprises a female housing body 32 which defines an internal passage which extends along the axis X and passes right through the female body 30. Preferably, the female housing body 32 is here extended from the inlet 16 of the housing 12 by an outlet end piece 34 opening onto the outlet 35 of the valve 10.

[0036] In the example described, the inlet 24 and outlet 34 end pieces extend longitudinally along the main axis X. Of course, in a variant of the invention not illustrated, the inlet 24 and outlet 34 end pieces may comprise an angled shape or a T shape or even a Y shape without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0037] The female housing body 30 comprises a proximal end 36P for coupling with the male connector 12 and a distal end 36D for connection to a fluid conduit of a fluid transfer circuit (circuit not shown in the figures) via the outlet tip. The two ends 34P and 34D are connected to each other by a peripheral wall 38 externally delimiting the female housing body 32.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the female housing body 32 is generally socket-shaped and the male housing body 22 is generally plug-shaped configured to engage, up to a final coupling position, inside the female housing body 32.

[0039] For this purpose, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the male housing body 22 is provided, on its peripheral wall 28, with an annular external axial stop collar 40 against which the proximal coupling end 34P of the female connector 30 abuts in the axial direction X during their mutual fitting.

[0040] Furthermore, preferably, the male housing body 22 is provided on the peripheral wall 38 with an annular snap-on bead 42 suitable for cooperating with a complementary internal groove 44 formed inside the female housing body 32.

[0041] These connectors 20 and 30 are shown in an uncoupled configuration in Figures 2 and 3 in which the male connector 20 and the female connector 30 are spaced apart from each other and in a coupled configuration in Figures 1 and 4 in which the male connector 20 and the female connector 30 are plugged into each other.

[0042] According to the invention, the valve 10 further comprises a membrane element 100 which is designed to extend, axially, at least partially inside the internal volume 18 of the housing 12.

[0043] In particular, the membrane element 100 comprises a body or envelope of longitudinal shape divided along a longitudinal direction into at least two functional parts, a proximal part 102 for contact with the internal wall of the volume 18 and a distal portion 104 for guiding and centering the element 100 inside the volume 18 of the housing 12.

[0044] The body of the membrane element 100 has a decreasing cross-section between the proximal portion 102 and the distal portion 104. The body of the element 100 has, for example, a general bell shape. The proximal portion 102 is elastically deformable and configured to come into sealing contact with the axial internal wall 17 of the volume 18 of the housing.

[0045] According to the invention, the contact portion 102 is elastically deformable radially between a rest position of sealing by contact against a contact region of the axial wall 17 of the volume 18 of the housing 12 and a deformed position of fluidic opening in which the fluid can flow around and along the membrane element 100, in the direction F passing between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16.

[0046] Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the membrane element 100 is provided in its distal part 104 with a head, of generally conical shape, and is extended in its proximal part 102 by a truncated annular skirt which flares out in the direction of the outlet 16.

[0047] Preferably, the distal portion 104 is of solid cross-section and is extended by the proximal portion 102 of hollow cross-section conferring a longitudinal section profile in the general shape of a V in the proximal portion 102.

[0048] In the rest position, the contact portion 102 naturally comes into circumferential contact with the internal peripheral axial wall 17 of the internal volume 18 of the housing 12, in said contact region, in order to create a fluid-tight contact of the membrane element 100 with the internal peripheral wall 17. For example, the contact of the membrane 100 and the wall 17 is made by force.

[0049] In the passing direction F, the membrane element 100 adopts the fluidic opening position: the pressure of the fluid on the contact part 102 in the passing direction deforms the contact part 102 which folds radially inwards so that the contact part 102 detaches from the peripheral wall 17 allowing the fluid to flow around the membrane element 100.

[0050] On the contrary, in the blocked direction, that is to say in the direction of flow from the outlet 16 to the inlet 14, the pressure of the fluid on the membrane element 100 further sticks the contact part 102 against the peripheral wall 17 so that any backflow of fluid in the direction opposite to the passing direction F is prevented. In the illustrated example of the invention, the hollowed-out contact part 102 fills with fluid, further pressing the sealing skirt against the wall 17.

[0051] In order to position and maintain the membrane element 100 inside the valve 10, according to the invention, the housing 12 comprises on the inlet 14 side an internal seat 50 for receiving the distal end portion 104 and on the outlet 16 side a spike central axial extension member 60 configured to extend within the proximal end portion 102 of the membrane element 100 such that the membrane element 100 is held, axially immobilized, centrally against the seat 50 by the central pin 60.

[0052] Advantageously, as illustrated in the figure, the contact portion 102 of the membrane element 100 is of hollow cross-section to form a recess 108 shaped to axially receive the spike 60. The spike 60 is in the form of a finger provided at its top with a free proximal end portion 62 and at its base with a distal end portion 64 attached to a region of the internal wall of the volume 18 of the housing 12.

[0053] As can be seen in FIG. 5B, the base 64 of the finger 60 is preferably made of a single material with a transverse wall 19 of the volume 18 which extends transversely and inside which the outlet nozzle 34 opens.

[0054] For example, the base 64 has a star-shaped configuration, with a plurality of equally spaced, primarily radially extending arms 66 to allow fluid flow around the base 64 of the finger 60.

[0055] In the example illustrated in the figures and in a non-limiting manner, the input connector 20 carries the receiving seat 50 and the output connector 30 carries the central pin 60.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the annular receiving seat 50 is here integrated into the body 22 of the male connector 20. In the example described, the annular seat 50 comprises a plurality of ribs 52 of axial extension and radially projecting from a face of the internal peripheral wall 17 of the volume 18 of the housing 12. These axial ribs 52 delimit between them an annular housing 54 inside which the distal part 104 of the membrane 100 is housed. These ribs 52 allow the longitudinal guidance and the centering of the membrane 100 inside the housing body 12. These ribs 52 formed in relief on the internal face of the peripheral wall 17 of the internal volume 18 of the housing 12 form spacers which allow a radial gap to be maintained between the internal wall 17 and the external envelope of the guide part 104. of membrane 100.

[0057] Preferably, the ribs 52 are integral with the internal wall 17 of the volume 18 of the housing 12, here the internal wall of the housing body of the male connector 20.

[0058] In the example described, there are three ribs 52. However, it is understood that the number, shape or arrangement of the ribs 52 is in no way limiting. Preferably, the distribution of the ribs 52 is regular in the circumferential direction.

[0059] Preferably, the membrane 100 comprises in its distal part 104 an external annular peripheral shoulder 106 giving the envelope of the distal part 104 a stepped or stair-stepped exterior profile.

[0060] When mounting the membrane 100 inside the housing 54 delimited radially by the ribs 52, the shoulder 106 of the membrane 100 abuts axially against the end edges of the ribs 52.

[0061] In this example, the diameter of the cross-section of the distal part 104 of the membrane 100 is chosen to be less than the diameter of the cross-section of the interior volume 18 but greater than the section of the housing 54 delimited by the ribs 52.

[0062] Thus, the membrane 100 comes into axial abutment against the ribs 52 by its step 106 which comes to rest axially against the distal end edges 58 of the ribs 52. The edges 58 together form a discontinuous circumferential bearing surface which allows the fluid to flow around the membrane 100 at the level of the guide part 104.

[0063] Preferably, each female connector 30 or male connector 20 is made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding of the plastic material.

[0064] The main operating aspects of a valve according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0065] In the rest position of the membrane element 100 of the valve 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a fluid pressure present on the side of the outlet nozzle 34 (or a depression prevailing on the side of the inlet nozzle 24) applies the membrane element 100 against the contact region of the internal wall 17 of the volume 18, so that the proximal part 102 of the membrane element 100 closes the passage orifice of the housing 12, thus preventing any backflow of the fluid.

[0066] In the open position of the membrane element 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the membrane 100 is radially “detached” from the contact region of the wall 17 and allows the circulation of the fluid, in a so-called “passing” direction (arrow F) from the inlet endpiece 24 to the outlet endpiece 34 via the periphery of the membrane element 100.

[0067] When the washing liquid flows from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16 in the passing direction F, the liquid forces the seal formed in the contact region between the membrane element 100 and the housing 12 to open, thereby allowing the liquid to flow toward the outlet 16. Thus, when the liquid flows from the inlet toward the outlet, the liquid separates the contact portion 102 of the membrane element 100 from the contact region of the housing 12, and the liquid can flow out.

[0068] When, on the other hand, the liquid attempts to flow from the outlet 16 to the inlet 14, it flows into the recess of the membrane element 100, which forces the contact portion 102 of the membrane element 100 into stronger contact with the contact region of the housing 12, thereby preventing the flow of the liquid between the contact portion 102 of the membrane element 100 and the contact region of the housing 12 and preventing thus the flow of liquid from the outlet 16 of the membrane 100 to the inlet 14.

[0069] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described. Other embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art may also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

Claims

Claims

1. Non-return valve (10) for a fluid circuit of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (12) delimiting an internal volume (18) provided with an inlet (14), an outlet (16) and defining a main axis X of flow of the fluid between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16) through the housing (12), a membrane element (100), extending at least partially inside the internal volume (18) of the housing (12), the membrane element (100) having a contact portion (102) elastically deformable radially between a sealing position in which the contact portion (102) comes into contact with an internal wall (17) of the internal volume (18) and a fluidic opening position in which the fluid can flow from the inlet (14) to the outlet (16) around the membrane element (100),characterized in that the membrane element (100) axially having a cross-section decreasing between a proximal end portion (102) forming the contact portion and an opposite distal end portion (104), the housing (12) comprises on the inlet side (14) an internal seat (50) for receiving the distal portion (104) and on the outlet side (16) an axial extension pin (60) configured to extend inside the proximal portion (102) of the membrane element (100) such that the membrane element (100) is axially immobilized between the seat (50) and the pin (60).,

2. Valve (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the housing (12) comprises an inlet connector (20) and an outlet connector (30) configured to fit into each other while delimiting the internal volume (18) of the housing (12), the inlet connector (20) comprises the seat (50) and the outlet connector (30) comprises the pin (60).

3. Valve (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the seat (50) is integrated into the inlet connector (20) and the pin (60) is integrated into the outlet connector (30), for example each being made in one piece by molding a plastic material.

4. A valve (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the proximal portion (102) of the membrane element (100) is of hollow cross-section to form a recess (108) shaped to axially receive the spike (60) providing a generally V-shaped longitudinal cross-section profile.

5. A valve (10) according to any preceding claim, in wherein the distal portion (104) of the membrane element (100) is of solid cross-section, for example the distal portion (104) with an end cap with a generally conical shape.

6. A valve (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the membrane element (100) has a general bell shape which flares from the distal portion (104) to the proximal portion (102).

7. A valve (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the spike (60) comprises a base (64) integral with an inner wall (19) of the inner volume (18) of the housing (12), the base (64) having a star-shaped configuration, in particular with a plurality of equally spaced, predominantly radially extending arms (66) to allow fluid flow around the base of the spike (60).

8. A valve (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat (50) comprises a circumferential axial bearing surface and the distal portion (104) comprises an outer peripheral shoulder which rests axially against the bearing surface.

9. Valve (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the seat (50) comprises a plurality of axial ribs (52), projecting radially from an axial wall (17) of the internal volume (18), each provided with a proximal end edge (58) which together form a discontinuous circumferential bearing surface for the distal part (104) of the membrane element (100).

10. Valve (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the distribution of the ribs (52) is regular in the circumferential direction.

11. A valve (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each female (30) or male (20) connector is made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding the plastic material.

12. Spraying device for distributing washing water onto a glass surface of a motor vehicle comprising a non-return valve characterized in that the valve (10) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

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