Bi-fluid valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a two-fluid valve (1) comprising: - a valve body (10) forming a housing (10a); - a piston; - a spring element (30) configured to force the piston (20) into the first position; the first inlet (11) and the second inlet (13) being arranged such that, when the piston (20) is in the first position, said piston (20) allows the injection of a first fluid into the first volume (21) and a second fluid into the second volume (22); the spring element (30) is configured such that, when the first pressure of the fluid in the first volume (21) is greater than a first pressure, said first pressure imposes a force opposite to the force exerted by the spring element (30). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Bi-fluid valve FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluidics. In particular, the present invention relates to a bi-fluid valve, and in particular a valve configured to pressurize a fluid before its distribution.

[0002] The present invention is advantageously implemented for cleaning sensor surfaces, and more particularly sensor surfaces of motor vehicles. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Motor vehicles are now equipped with numerous sensors, cameras, lidars or radars (hereinafter "sensors") for driving assistance purposes. These sensors may be located inside or outside the vehicle in order to provide the driver with complete visibility of the environment in which the vehicle is located. For example, the sensors may be located in the bumper, in the side skirt, on the side mirror, behind the windshield, under the hood, near the headlights, on a roof nacelle.

[0004] However, these sensors, exposed to the environment, are likely to be covered with dirt or dust, and consequently to see their performance degrade. Frequent cleaning of these sensors is therefore necessary to guarantee their performance.

[0005] In this regard, motor vehicles may be provided with a cleaning system equipped in particular with cleaning fluid distribution conduits and nozzles. The nozzles are in particular arranged at the ends of the fluid distribution conduits and in the immediate vicinity of the sensors. According to this arrangement, it is possible to distribute a cleaning fluid onto the surface of each of the sensors and thus to remove traces of dust or dirt.

[0006] In this regard, fluid distribution systems known from the prior art are disclosed in documents US 2020 / 361421, WO2018188823 and WO2019029915. Such fluid distribution systems are arranged for cleaning surface sensors arranged around the entire perimeter of the motor vehicle.

[0007] However, such fluid distribution systems may not be optimal in terms of fluid consumption. In particular, there are situations where several fluids must be projected successively, in particular under high pressure, to effectively clean the surfaces of the sensors. Such a requirement generally imposes the implementation of complex fluid distribution systems.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bi-fluid valve which allows the distribution of two different fluids and which includes an arrangement allowing self-pressurization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by a bi-fluid valve for dispensing a first fluid and a second fluid, the bi-fluid valve comprising:

[0010] - a valve body forming a housing, the valve body being provided with a first entrance, a first exit, a second entrance and a second exit

[0011] - a piston movable along a main direction in the housing between a first position and a second position and separating the housing into a first volume and a second volume, the first volume and the second volume being partially delimited by, respectively, a first face and a second face of the piston;

[0012] - a spring element configured to impose the first position on the piston;

[0013] the first inlet and the second inlet being arranged so that, when the piston is in the first position, said piston allows the injection of a first fluid into the first volume via the first inlet and of a second fluid into the second volume via the second inlet, while the spring element is configured so that, when the pressure of the first fluid in the first volume is greater than a first pressure, said first pressure imposes a force opposite to the force exerted by the spring element, thereby causing the piston to move towards the second position and pressurizing the second fluid in the second volume.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the second inlet is further configured such that when the piston moves to the second position, said piston closes the second inlet.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the bi-fluid valve further comprises a non-return valve connected to the second outlet, said non-return valve being configured to distribute the second fluid when the pressure of said second fluid in the second volume is greater than a second pressure.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a conduit is formed in the piston, said conduit fluidly connecting the first outlet and the first volume when the piston is in the first position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the conduit extends from an inlet, said conduit inlet, located on the first face of the piston to an outlet, said conduit outlet, located on a lateral surface of the piston, said lateral surface connecting the first and second faces to each other, the conduit outlet is arranged to be in correspondence with the first outlet when the piston is in the first position.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the piston is configured so that, when it is depressed placing from the first position to the second position, said piston closes the first outlet.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the piston is configured such that when said piston reaches the second position, the first outlet leads directly into the first volume.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said two-fluid valve comprises a stop against which the piston bears by its first face when said piston is in the first position, the stop being configured to allow the filling of the first volume with the first fluid, advantageously, the stop is arranged on an end wall, called the first end wall, of the valve body, said first end wall partially delimiting the first volume.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the elastic element is a helical spring bearing against the second face and an end wall, said second end wall of the valve body, said second end wall partially delimiting the second volume.

[0022] According to one embodiment, said bi-fluid valve comprises a heating element located in the second volume and configured to heat the second fluid.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the piston has a cylindrical shape and extends, in the main direction, from the first face towards the second face.

[0024] The invention also relates to a fluid distribution assembly comprising:

[0025] - the bi-fluid valve according to the present invention,

[0026] - a first nozzle connected to the first outlet

[0027] - a second nozzle connected to the second outlet.

[0028] According to one embodiment, said distribution assembly further comprises:

[0029] - first distribution means configured to distribute a first fluid to the first entry

[0030] - second distribution means configured to distribute a second fluid to the level of the second entrance.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first distribution means are configured to deliver the first fluid at a pressure greater than 5 bars, advantageously greater than 6 bars.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the second distribution means are configured to deliver the second fluid at a pressure of less than 1.5 bar.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first distribution means comprise a first reservoir, and a first conduit, while the second distribution means comprise a second reservoir and a second conduit.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first distribution means further comprise a flow regulator configured to control the first flow rate of fluid delivered. in the first volume.

[0035] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle provided with at least one sensor, said motor vehicle being equipped with at least one fluid distribution assembly according to the present invention, said at least one fluid distribution assembly being configured for cleaning the at least one sensor. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages will be better understood after reading the following description of the bi-fluid valve according to the invention, provided by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents, in a sectional view, a two-fluid valve according to the present invention;

[0038] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows, in a cross-sectional view, the valve body of the two-fluid valve of [Fig.l];

[0039] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, in a cross-sectional view, the piston of the two-fluid valve of [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an illustration of the two-fluid valve in use, in particular, [Fig.4] illustrates the first stage;

[0041] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an illustration of the two-fluid valve in use, in particular, [Fig.4] illustrates the second stage;

[0042] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an illustration of the two-fluid valve in use, in particular, [Fig.4] illustrates the third stage;

[0043] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is an illustration of the bi-fluid valve in use, in particular, [Fig.4] illustrates the fourth step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In the descriptive part, the same references in the drawings may be used for elements of the same type. The drawings are schematic representations which, for reasons of readability, are not necessarily to scale.

[0045] The present invention relates to a bi-fluid valve intended to distribute a first fluid and a second fluid.

[0046] In this regard, the present invention relates to a bi-fluid valve for dispensing a first fluid and a second fluid, the bi-fluid valve comprising:

[0047] - a valve body forming a housing, the valve body being provided with a first entrance, a first exit, a second entrance and a second exit

[0048] - a piston movable along a main direction in the housing between a first position and a second position and separating the housing into a first volume and a second volume, the first volume and the second volume being by partially delimited by, respectively, a first face and a second face of the piston;

[0049] - a spring element configured to impose the first position on the piston;

[0050] the first inlet and the second inlet being arranged such that, when the piston is in the first position, said piston allows the injection of a first fluid into the first volume via the first inlet and a second fluid into the second volume via the second inlet, while the spring element is configured such that, when the pressure of the first fluid in the first volume is greater than a first pressure, said first pressure imposes a force opposite to the force exerted by the spring element, thereby causing the piston to move to the second position and pressurizing the second fluid in the second volume.

[0051] [Fig.l] illustrates a dual-fluid valve 1 according to the present invention. The dual-fluid valve 1 comprises a valve body 10. In particular, the valve body 10 forms a housing 10a and is provided with a first inlet 11, a first outlet 12, a second inlet 13 and a second outlet 14.

[0052] The valve body 10 may extend, in a main direction XX', from a first end wall 16 to a second end wall 17. Furthermore, the valve body 10 may comprise a lateral casing 18 connecting the first end wall 16 and the second end wall 17.

[0053] In particular, the valve body 10 may be cylindrical in shape. It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and that those skilled in the art may envisage any other shape for the valve body 10.

[0054] The valve body 10 may comprise, from the first end wall 16 to the second end wall 17, and in this order, a first end section 10a1, a first intermediate section 10a2, a second intermediate section 10a3, and a second end section 10a4 ([Fig.2]).

[0055] It is therefore understood that the first end section 10a1 and the second end section 10a4 are partially delimited, respectively, by the first end wall 16 and the second end wall 17.

[0056] Furthermore, in the case where the housing 10a envisaged is of cylindrical shape, the first end section 10a1, the first intermediate section 10a2, the second intermediate section 10a3 and the second end section 10a4 are also of cylindrical shape.

[0057] The two-fluid valve 1 further comprises a piston 20 movable along the main direction XX' in the housing 10a. In particular, the piston 20 separates the housing 10a into a first volume 21 and a second volume 22. The first volume 21 is partially delimited by the first face 20a and the first end wall 16. Likewise, the second volume 22 is partially delimited by the second face 20b and the second end wall 17. It is understood that the volume, respectively, of the first volume 21 and of the second volume 22 depends on the position of the piston 20 inside the housing 10a.

[0058] In particular, the piston 20 is configured to move along the main direction XX' between a first position and a second position ([Fig.l] and [Fig.3])•

[0059] In particular, the first position is a position for which the piston 20 is, in its entirety, in the first intermediate section 10a2, while the second position is a position for which the piston 20 is, in its entirety, in the second intermediate section 10a3. The first intermediate section 10a2, the second intermediate section 10a3 and the piston 20 are advantageously of the same length along the main direction XX'.

[0060] It is understood that, when the piston is in its first position, the first volume 21 corresponds to the volume of the first end section 10a1 while the second volume 22 corresponds to the cumulative volume of the second intermediate section 10a3 and the second end section 10a4.

[0061] Similarly, it will be understood that, when the piston is in its second position, the first volume 21 corresponds to the cumulative volume of the first end section 10a1 and the first intermediate section 10a2, while the second volume 22 corresponds to the volume of the second end section 10a4.

[0062] The two-fluid valve 1 also comprises a spring element 30 configured to impose its first position on the piston 20.

[0063] Furthermore, the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 13 are arranged such that when the piston 20 is in the first position, said piston 20 allows the injection of a first fluid into the first volume 21 via the first inlet 11 and of a second fluid into the second volume 22 via the second inlet 13.

[0064] In this regard, the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 13 may be located, respectively, in the first end section 10a1 and in the second intermediate section 10a3. According to this configuration, the piston 20, in its first position, does not close off either the first inlet 11 or the second inlet 13. Thus, in its first position, the piston 20 allows the first fluid and the second fluid to flow respectively into the first end section 10a1 and the second intermediate section 10a3.

[0065] The first end section 10al may be provided with a stop 19a against which the piston 20 bears, by its first face 20a, when it is in its first position. More particularly, the stop 19a is configured to prevent the piston 20 from engaging in the first end section 10al. For example, the stop 19 extends from the first end wall 16 inside the housing 10a.

[0066] Similarly, the second end section 10a4 may be provided with another stop 19b against which the piston 20 bears, by its second face 20a, when it is in its second position. More particularly, the other stop 19b is configured to prevent the piston 20 from engaging in the second end section 10a4.

[0067] Furthermore, the elastic element 30 is configured such that, when the pressure of the first fluid in the first volume 21 is greater than a first pressure, said first pressure imposes a force opposite to the force exerted by the elastic element 30, which causes the piston 20 to move towards the second position and pressurizes the second fluid in the second volume 22.

[0068] In particular, the second inlet 13 is located in the second intermediate section 10a3 and, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the first intermediate section 10a2.

[0069] According to this configuration, when the piston 20 moves from its first position to its second position, said piston 20 closes the second inlet 13. In particular, after a short path (called initial path), from the first position along the main direction, and until it reaches its second position, the piston 20 closes the second inlet 13.

[0070] For example, the spring element 30 may comprise a coil spring abutting the second face and the second end wall of the valve body.

[0071] Advantageously, a conduit 23 is formed in the piston 20. In particular, the conduit 23 fluidly connects the first outlet 12 and the first volume when the piston 20 is in the first position. In particular, when the piston 20 is in its first position, the first volume 21 is limited to the first end section 10al. In other words, the conduit 23 connects the first end section 10al and the first outlet 12.

[0072] In particular, the duct 23 extends from an inlet, called the inlet of the duct 23a, located on the first face 20a of the piston 20 to an outlet, called the outlet of the duct 23b, located on a lateral surface 20c of the piston, said lateral surface 20c connecting the first and second faces to each other. The outlet of the duct is arranged to correspond with the first outlet 12 when the piston is in the first position.

[0073] Advantageously, the piston 20 may further be configured so that, when it moves from the first position to the second position, said piston closes the first outlet. In particular, after the initial path, from the first position in the main direction, and the piston 20 closes the first outlet 12.

[0074] The piston 20 may further be configured such that when said piston reaches its second position, the first outlet leads directly into the first volume. in other words, the first inlet and the first outlet both open directly into the first volume, so that the pressure in the first volume is released, which causes the piston to move from the second position to the first position under the action of the spring element 30.

[0075] The dual-fluid valve 1 may further comprise non-return valves. In particular, the dual-fluid valve 1 may comprise a non-return valve 15 connected to the second outlet 14, said non-return valve 15 being configured to distribute the second fluid when the pressure of said second fluid in the second volume is greater than a second pressure.

[0076] Advantageously, the bi-fluid valve may comprise a heating element located in the second volume and configured to heat the second fluid.

[0077] The invention also relates to a fluid distribution assembly (illustrated in [Fig.4]) comprising:

[0078] - the bi-fluid valve 1 according to the present invention,

[0079] - a first nozzle 40 connected to the first outlet 12

[0080] - a second nozzle 41 connected to the second outlet 14.

[0081] The first nozzle 40 can be connected to the first outlet 12 by a conduit provided with an air limiter 58 configured to optimize the air flow.

[0082] The distribution assembly may further comprise:

[0083] - first distribution means 51 configured to distribute a first fluid at the first entrance

[0084] - second distribution means 52 configured to distribute a second fluid to the second entrance.

[0085] For example, the first distribution means 51 are configured to deliver the first fluid at a pressure greater than 5 bars, advantageously greater than 6 bars.

[0086] For example, the second distribution means are configured to distribute the second fluid at a pressure of less than 1.5 bar.

[0087] The first distribution means comprise a first reservoir 53, and a first conduit 54, while the second distribution means comprise a second reservoir 55 and a second conduit 56.

[0088] Advantageously, the first distribution means further comprise a flow regulator 57, for example a two-way valve, configured to control the first flow rate of fluid delivered into the first volume.

[0089] In use, the bi-fluid valve 1 can follow a sequence of four steps.

[0090] In particular, [Fig. 4] illustrates a first step in which the piston is in its first position. During this first step, the flow regulator is in a closed state, while a second fluid is injected into the bi-fluid valve 1 through the second inlet. The second fluid may comprise a gas or a fluid. The second inlet 13 can be equipped with a non-return valve preventing any backflow of the second fluid.

[0091] The non-return valve 15 located on the second outlet 14 prevents the flow of the second fluid through the second outlet as long as the pressure of the second fluid in the second volume is lower than a second pressure.

[0092] [Fig. 5] illustrates a second step in which the piston is still in its first position and the second volume is filled with the second fluid. During this second step, the flow regulator is in an open state so that the first fluid is injected into the first volume while the second volume is filled with the second fluid. The injection pressure of the first fluid is lower than a predetermined pressure, said predetermined pressure being lower than the pressure drop encountered by said first fluid during its flow in the conduit 23. Under these conditions, the piston remains in its first position and the first fluid passes through the first outlet 12 and is sprayed by a nozzle 40 coupled to the first outlet.

[0093] [Fig. 6] illustrates a third step. During this third step, the flow regulator is still in the open state, and the injection pressure of the first fluid is greater than the predetermined pressure so that said first fluid accumulates in the first volume.

[0094] During accumulation within the first volume, the pressure within said first volume increases to the first pressure such that the piston moves from its first position along the first direction. During this third step, the piston closes both the first outlet and the second inlet, such that the pressure in the second volume increases. When the pressure in the second volume reaches the second pressure, the second fluid is projected through a nozzle coupled to the second outlet.

[0095] [Fig.7] illustrates a fourth step in which the piston has reached its second position so that the first accumulated fluid can now flow out through the first outlet. As a result, the pressure within the first volume is released and the spring element pushes the piston from its second position to its first position.

[0096] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle which comprises at least one sensor, said motor vehicle being equipped with at least one fluid distribution assembly according to the present invention, said at least one fluid distribution assembly being configured for cleaning the at least one sensor.

[0097] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and variants may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A two-fluid valve (1) for dispensing a first fluid and a second fluid, the two-fluid valve (1) comprising: - a valve body (10) forming a housing (10a), the valve body (10) being provided with a first inlet (11), a first outlet (12), a second inlet (13) and a second outlet (14); - a piston (20) movable along a main direction in the housing (10a) between a first position and a second position and separating the housing (10a) into a first volume (21) and a second volume (22), the first volume (21) and the second volume (22) being partially delimited by, respectively, a first face (20a) and a second face (20b) of the piston (20); - a spring element (30) configured to impose on the piston (20) the first position;the first inlet (11) and the second inlet (13) being arranged such that, when the piston (20) is in the first position, said piston (20) allows the injection of a first fluid into the first volume (21) via the first inlet (11) and of a second fluid into the second volume (22) via the second inlet (13), while the spring element (30) is configured such that, when the pressure of the first fluid in the first volume (21) is greater than a first pressure, said first pressure imposes a force opposite to the force exerted by the spring element (30), thereby causing a movement of the piston (20) to the second position and a pressurization of the second fluid in the second volume (22), the second inlet (13) is further configured such that when the piston (20) moves to the second position, said piston (20) closes the second inlet (13).;

2. A two-fluid valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two-fluid valve (1) further comprises a non-return valve (15) connected to the second outlet, said non-return valve (15) being configured to dispense the second fluid when the pressure of said second fluid in the second volume (22) is greater than a second pressure.

3. Bi-fluid valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a conduit (23) is formed in the piston (20), said conduit (23) fluidly connecting the first outlet and the first volume (21) when the piston (20) is in the first position.

4. A two-fluid valve (1) according to claim 3, wherein the conduit (23) extends from an inlet, said conduit inlet (23a), located on the first face (20a) of the piston (20) to an outlet, said conduit outlet (23b), located on a lateral surface of the piston (20), said lateral surface connecting the first and second faces (20b) to each other, the conduit outlet (23b) is arranged to be in correspondence with the first outlet when the piston (20) is in the first position.

5. Bi-fluid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the piston (20) is configured so that, when it moves from the first position to the second position, said piston (20) closes the first outlet.

6. A two-fluid valve (1) according to claim 5, wherein the piston (20) is configured such that when said piston (20) reaches the second position, the first outlet leads directly into the first volume (21).

7. Bi-fluid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said bi-fluid valve (1) comprises a stop against which the piston (20) bears by its first face (20a) when said piston (20) is in the first position, the stop being configured to allow the filling of the first volume (21) with the first fluid, advantageously, the stop is arranged on an end wall, called the first end wall (16), of the valve body (10), said first end wall (16) partially delimiting the first volume (21).

8. Bi-fluid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the elastic element (30) is a helical spring bearing against the second face (20b) and an end wall, said second end wall (17) of the valve body (10), said second end wall (17) partially delimiting the second volume (22).

9. A bi-fluid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said bi-fluid valve (1) comprises a heating element located in the second volume (22) and configured to heat the second fluid.

10. Bi-fluid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the piston has a cylindrical shape and extends, in the main direction, from the first face (20a) towards the second face (20b).

11. Fluid distribution assembly comprising: - the bi-fluid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; - a first nozzle (40) connected to the first outlet; - a second nozzle (41) connected to the second outlet (14).

12. A fluid distribution assembly according to claim 11, wherein said distribution assembly further comprises: - first distribution means (51) configured to distribute a first fluid to the first inlet (11); - second distribution means (52) configured to distribute a second fluid to the second inlet (13).

13. Fluid distribution assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first distribution means (51) are configured to deliver the first fluid at a pressure greater than 5 bars, advantageously greater than 6 bars.

14. A fluid dispensing assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second dispensing means (52) are configured to deliver the second fluid at a pressure of less than 1.5 bar.

15. A fluid dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first dispensing means (51) comprise a first reservoir (53), and a first conduit (54), while the second dispensing means (52) comprise a second reservoir (55) and a second conduit (56).

16. A fluid dispensing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first dispensing means (51) further comprises a flow regulator configured to control the first flow rate of fluid delivered into the first volume (21).

17. Motor vehicle provided with at least one sensor, said motor vehicle being equipped with at least one fluid distribution assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 16, said at least one fluid distribution assembly being configured for cleaning the at least one sensor.

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