Multi-directional sequential valve and cleaning fluid projection system

Abstract

Multidirectional sequential valve (1) for a cleaning fluid projection system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a tubular body (2), a distributor (3) comprising at least a first and a second outlet channel (9, 10), a tube (4) passing through a bottom (8) of the tubular body (2) and opening into the distributor (3), a piston (5) movable in translation in the tubular body (2) along the tube (4), the piston (5) being actuable by the pressure force of the cleaning fluid exerted on the piston (5) against an elastic return of the piston (5), a first cam (16) cooperating with the piston (5) to guide the movement of the tube (4). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Multi-directional sequential valve and cleaning fluid projection system Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle cleaning fluid projection systems and in particular to the multidirectional sequential valves used in these systems. Technical background

[0002] The cleaning fluid projection system makes it possible to keep the vehicle windshield or the windows of optical devices, such as sensors, clean.

[0003] These systems generally comprise a cleaning fluid reservoir, a pump and at least one valve configured to allow or block the passage of the cleaning fluid to the various projection devices.

[0004] Some systems require the use of multi-directional valves, i.e., valves comprising a fluid inlet and at least two outlet ports, the valve being able to take an open position towards one or other of the outlet ports. In addition, in certain cleaning applications, it may be necessary for the multi-directional valve to be sequential, i.e., the outlet ports can be controlled to open alternately one after the other.

[0005] It is possible to produce a multidirectional valve by using several controlled solenoid valves to allow the cleaning fluid to exit or not to exit to one or other of the exit channels. However, the solenoid valves need to be electrically wired, consume electricity and are relatively heavy. In addition, the architecture can quickly become complex.

[0006] A multidirectional valve is known for which a pressure differential of the cleaning fluid upstream / downstream of the valve makes it possible to select the outlet channel according to the setting of a valve flap.

[0007] This solution is interesting but is not sufficiently flexible to be able to operate in all conditions, particularly in the case of fluid projection systems for glass sensor surfaces.

[0008] Indeed, depending on the hydraulic architecture of the system and / or the cleaning sequences, the inlet pressures can vary greatly so that the pressure variations allowing the switching of the outlet channel may not always be able to be achieved.

[0009] Indeed, it is complex to implement different cleaning strategies based on different working pressures because this involves multiplying the thresholds of pressure to increase the switching possibilities. These pressure thresholds may also depend on conditions external to the vehicle, such as temperature, which can vary the viscosity of the cleaning fluid, or the stiffness of the springs, so that the device may not work when the vehicle is used in extreme conditions. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to propose a multidirectional sequential valve improved compared to that of the state of the art.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a multidirectional sequential valve for a cleaning fluid projection system for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the multidirectional sequential valve comprises: - a tubular body having an inlet, - a distributor fixed to the tubular body, comprising at least a first outlet channel and a second outlet channel, - a tube having at least one inlet orifice communicating fluidly with the interior of the tubular body, passing through a bottom of the tubular body and having an outlet orifice opening into the distributor, - a piston movable in translation in the tubular body along the tube, the piston being actuable by the pressure force of the cleaning fluid exerted on the piston against an elastic return of the piston, - a first cam cooperating with the piston to guide the movement of the tube between a first open position for which the at least one outlet orifice of the tube is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel, and a second open position in which the at least one outlet orifice is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel, the tube taking turns in the first open position and the second open position due to a drop in the pressure of the inlet cleaning fluid below a threshold, followed by an increase in the pressure of the inlet cleaning fluid above said threshold.

[0012] The multidirectional sequential valve thus allows the sequential control of the projection of cleaning fluid in the first outlet channel and in the second outlet channel in turn, without electrical wiring or power supply, in a simple manner and with a low-weight valve. The multidirectional sequential valve does not depend on several pressure thresholds and is not very sensitive to temperature variations. It is also possible to simply adapt the shape of certain elements of the multidirectional sequential valve to increase the number of outlet channels.

[0013] The multidirectional sequential valve comprises an elastic element urging the piston in a direction opposite to the direction of thrust of the cleaning fluid exerted by the pressure force.

[0014] The multidirectional sequential valve may further comprise one or more of the features described below, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the piston is also movable in rotation in the tubular body, the piston being integral in rotation with the tube.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the tube and the piston have at least one guide rail and a complementary groove, one carried by the tube and the other by the piston, to secure the piston in rotation with the tube while allowing the translation of the piston along the tube.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, said multidirectional sequential valve has a second cam, said cams being carried by the tubular body, arranged opposite one another, the piston being positioned in turn against the first cam and against the second cam.

[0018] The first cam is for example located on the inlet side of the tubular body and the second cam is located on the bottom side of the tubular body.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, the outlet orifice of the tube is obstructed when the piston is elastically urged against the first cam.

[0020] Thus, for example, the tube can successively take a first closed position in which the outlet orifice is closed, the piston being positioned against the first cam, a first open position after translation and rotation of the piston, the piston being positioned against the second cam, a second closed position in which the outlet orifice is obstructed, the piston having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam, and a second open position after translation and rotation of the piston, the piston being positioned against the second cam.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the profiles of the cams have sawtooth ramps regularly distributed on the periphery cooperating with complementary ramps of the piston.

[0022] The cam profiles have, for example, four saw teeth to pivot the tube one-eighth of a turn or three saw teeth to pivot the tube one-sixth of a turn or two saw teeth to pivot the tube one-quarter of a turn between successive positions.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the tube has two outlet orifices arranged in opposite lateral faces of the tube to allow an outlet orifice to be in fluid communication with the first outlet channel for two opposite angular positions of the tube and in fluid communication with the second exit path or in the closed position for two other opposite angular positions of the tube.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment, the tube has a single outlet orifice.

[0025] The distributor may have a third outlet channel. Thus, the piston may successively take a third closed position in which the outlet orifice is closed, the piston being positioned against the first cam and a third open position in which the outlet orifice is in fluid communication with the third outlet path, the piston having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam.

[0026] The distributor may comprise a fourth outlet channel. Thus, the piston may successively take a fourth closed position in which the outlet orifice is closed, the piston having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam and a fourth open position in which the outlet orifice is in fluid communication with a fourth outlet channel, the piston having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment, one of the piston or the tubular body has an indexing finger, the first cam being arranged in the other, the indexing finger cooperating with the first cam, the first cam having two longitudinal portions and two helical portions, the longitudinal portions being diametrically opposed and the helical portions being intersecting in their middle and joining the longitudinal portions at their ends.

[0028] The tube has, for example, a single outlet orifice.

[0029] In this embodiment, the rotation of the piston takes place at the end of watering when the pressure is released, which makes it possible to water as soon as the multidirectional sequential valve is pressurized.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, one of the piston or the tube has an indexing finger, the first cam being arranged in the other, the indexing finger cooperating with the first cam, the first cam having sawtooth ramps regularly distributed on the periphery.

[0031] The tube has, for example, a single outlet orifice.

[0032] The cam profile of the first cam has, for example, four saw teeth to rotate the tube one-eighth of a turn or three saw teeth to rotate the tube one-sixth of a turn or two saw teeth to rotate the tube a quarter of a turn between successive positions.

[0033] The invention also relates to a cleaning fluid projection system for a motor vehicle comprising a reservoir, a pump, at least two projection devices characterized in that it comprises at least one multidirectional sequential valve as described above, to control the distribution of a fluid cleaning towards the at least two projection devices.

[0034] For example, the first output path is intended to supply a first ramp of a windshield wiper blade to water one side of said blade and the second output path is intended to supply a second ramp of the windshield wiper blade to water the other side of said blade.

[0035] According to another example, the cleaning fluid projection system may comprise between three and ten projection devices and a multidirectional sequential valve whose distributor comprises at least two outlet channels or as many outlet channels as there are projection devices, to control the distribution of a cleaning fluid to the projection devices of optical sensors of the vehicle.

[0036] For example, the dispenser has as many outlet channels as there are optical sensors, one outlet channel being intended to spray the glass surface of a respective optical sensor.

[0037] According to another example, the dispenser has fewer outlet channels than optical sensors, one outlet channel being intended to spray the glass surface of several optical sensors.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the projection system comprises at least two multidirectional sequential valves and as many solenoid valves, a solenoid valve being arranged upstream of a respective multidirectional sequential valve in the direction of flow of the cleaning fluid. Brief description of the figures

[0039] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0040] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents an example of a projection system for a vehicle at car.

[0041] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a perspective view of a multi-directional sequential valve rectional of the projection system of [Fig.l].

[0042] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a sectional view of the multi-directional sequential valve tional of [Fig.2].

[0043] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of a tube and piston of the valve multidirectional sequential of [Fig.2].

[0044] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a perspective view of the piston of [Fig.4].

[0045] [Fig.6A], [Fig.6B], [Fig.6C], [Fig.6D], [Fig.6E], [Fig.6F], [Fig.6G], [Fig.6H], [Fig.61], [Fig.6J], [Fig.6K], [Fig.6L], [Fig.6M], [Fig.6N], [Fig.60] Figures 6A to 60 show the multi-directional sequential valve of [Fig.l] for successive positions assumed by the piston and tube in operation.

[0046] [Fig.7A], [Fig.7B], [Fig.7C] Figures 7A to 7C show successive positions taken by the valve tube in the distributor shown in transparency.

[0047] [Fig.8A], [Fig.8B], [Fig.8C], [Fig.8D] Figures 8A to 8D are diagrams illustrating successive positions taken by the valve tube in the distributor for another example of realization.

[0048] [Fig.9A], [Fig.9B], [Fig.9C], [Fig.9D], [Fig.9E], [Fig.9F], [Fig.9G], [Fig.9H] The Figures 9A to 9H are diagrams illustrating successive positions taken by the valve tube in the distributor for another example of embodiment.

[0049] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a diagram similar to [Fig.9A], illustrating another exemplary embodiment.

[0050] [Fig.llA], [Fig.llB], [Fig.llC], [Fig.llD], [Fig.llE], [Fig.llF], [Fig.llG] Figures 1 IA to 1 IG show successive positions of the tube and the piston of a multidirectional sequential valve for another example of embodiment with the tubular body shown in transparency.

[0051] [Fig.l2A], [Fig.l2B], [Fig.l2C], [Fig.l2D] Figures 12A to 12D show successive positions of the tube and the piston of a multidirectional sequential valve seen in section for another exemplary embodiment.

[0052] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents another projection system.

[0053] In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers. Detailed description

[0054] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

[0055] [Fig.l] shows a cleaning fluid projection system 100 for a motor vehicle.

[0056] The projection system 100 comprises a reservoir 101 intended to contain a reserve of cleaning fluid such as a liquid like water or a mixture of water and antifreeze, at least two projection devices 102 configured to project a cleaning fluid, for example onto the windshield of the vehicle or onto glazed surfaces of optical elements of sensors of said vehicle, a multidirectional sequential valve 1 for controlling the distribution of the cleaning fluid to the at least two projection devices 102 and a pump 103 for conveying the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 101 to the valve 1 then to the projection devices 102.

[0057] Valve 1 is multidirectional because it can allow the cleaning fluid to pass to different projection devices 102. Valve 1 is said to be sequential because it can allow, in turn, the cleaning fluid to pass to the different projection devices 102. Valve 1 is said to be passive because it does not require an electrical power supply or electronic control.

[0058] A first example of a multidirectional sequential valve 1 is shown in [Fig.2],

[0059] The multidirectional sequential valve 1 comprises a tubular body 2, a distributor 3, a tube 4 and a piston 5 movable in translation in the tubular body 2 along the tube 4.

[0060] The tubular body 2 extends in an axial direction and fits, for example, into a cylinder. It has an inlet 6, for example at a first axial end of the tubular body 2.

[0061] The inlet 6 comprises, for example, an inlet cannula intended to be fluidically connected to a flexible inlet pipe, itself fluidically connected, for example, to the pump 103 and to the reservoir 101 of the projection system 100.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the tubular body 2 comprises an inlet cover 7 closing the first axial end. As can be better seen in the sectional view of [Fig. 3], the inlet cover 7 is crossed by the inlet cannula so as to allow the cleaning fluid to enter the tubular body 2.

[0063] The distributor 3 is fixed to the tubular body 2, for example to a bottom 8 of the second axial end of the tubular body 2.

[0064] The distributor 3 comprises at least a first outlet channel 9 and a second outlet channel 10. The first outlet channel 9 and the second outlet channel 10 comprise, for example, a respective outlet cannula, intended to be inserted into a respective flexible outlet pipe connected to a respective cleaning fluid projection device 102 such as a ramp of a wiper blade or a nozzle of the projection system 100.

[0065] The tube 4 is movable in rotation in the tubular body 2, around the axis of the tube 4.

[0066] A first axial end of the tube 4 is received in the inlet cover 7 in which it can pivot around its axis. The inlet cover 7 can also be used to close the first axial end of the tube 4 if this is open by manufacturing.

[0067] The tube 4 passes through the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2, in its center, the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2 forming a smooth bearing for the tube 4.

[0068] The second axial end of the tube 4 has for example an axis 12 in pivot connection in the distributor 3 assembled to the bottom 11 of the tubular body 2 to facilitate the rotation of the tube 4.

[0069] The tube 4 may also have a disc 13, one face of which has a shape complementary to the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2 and whose external diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of a housing of the distributor 3. The disc 13 makes it possible to guide the axial positioning of the tube 4 in the tubular body 2 in addition to the smooth bearings formed in the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2, in the inlet cover 7 and in the bottom of the distributor 3.

[0070] The tube 4 has at least one inlet orifice 14 communicating fluidically with the interior of the tubular body 2 and therefore with the cleaning fluid entering through the inlet 6 of the valve 1.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment better visible in [Fig.4], the at least one inlet orifice 14 of the tube 4 is provided on one side of the tube 4, for example in the middle of the tube 4. There are for example two to four inlet orifices 14, here three, made in the periphery of the tube 4, so as to allow a large inlet of cleaning liquid into the tube 4.

[0072] The tube 4 has an outlet orifice 15 opening into the distributor 3.

[0073] The outlet orifice 15 is for example arranged on one side of the tube 4, for example at level of the second axial end of the tube 4.

[0074] Depending on the angular orientation of the tube 4 relative to the tubular body 2 and to the distributor 3, the outlet orifice 15 can either be obstructed by the smooth bearing of the distributor 3, or in fluid communication with the first outlet path 9, or in fluid communication with the second outlet path 10 of the distributor 3.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the outlet cannulas of the first and second outlet channels 9, 10 are diametrically opposed outside the distributor 3. The first outlet channel 9 comprises, for example, a comma-shaped channel opening into a bearing of the tube 4 and capable of being placed in fluid communication with the outlet orifice 15 of the tube 4. The second outlet channel 10 comprises, for example, a radial channel connecting the other outlet cannula to the smooth bearing of the tube 4 and capable of being placed in communication with the outlet orifice 15 ([Fig.7A]).

[0076] For example, there are two outlet orifices 15 provided in opposite lateral faces of the tube 4, so as to allow an outlet orifice 15 to be in fluid communication with the first outlet path 9 for two opposite angular positions of the tube 4 and in fluid communication with the second outlet path 10 for two other opposite angular positions of the tube 4 ([Fig.4]).

[0077] The multidirectional sequential valve 1 further comprises a first cam 16 and here a second cam 17, cooperating with the piston 5 to guide the movement of the tube 4.

[0078] In this example, the first and second cams 16, 17 are carried by the tubular body 2 and arranged opposite (axial) one another ([Fig.2]). The piston 5 is positioned in turn against the first cam 16 and against the second cam 17.

[0079] The first cam 16 is for example located on the side of the inlet 6 of the tubular body 2 and the second cam 17 is located on the side of the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first cam 16 is produced by the peripheral end of a cylinder carried by the inlet cover 7 of the tubular body 2.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment visible in particular in [Fig.3], the second cam 17 is produced in the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2.

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig.5], the piston 5 has a crown shape, coaxial with the tubular body 2, the external diameter of which corresponds to the internal diameter of the tubular body 2 and the internal diameter of which corresponds to the external diameter of the tube 4. The piston 5 may comprise a circular seal, for example formed in the periphery of the crown.

[0083] The tube 4, the tubular body 2 and the piston 5 are coaxial.

[0084] In this example, the piston 5 is also movable in rotation in the body tubular 2, the piston 5 being integral in rotation with the tube 4.

[0085] The tube 4 and the piston 5 may have at least one guide rail 19 and a complementary groove 20, one carried by the tube 4 and the other by the piston 5, to secure the piston 5 in rotation with the tube 4 while allowing the translation of the piston 5 along the tube 4. In the illustrative example, the tube 4 comprises three guide rails 19 and the crown three complementary grooves 20 (figures 4 and 5).

[0086] In this exemplary embodiment, the piston 5 has on one side a cam profile cooperating with the first cam 16 and on an opposite side (axially), a cam profile cooperating with the second cam 17.

[0087] The piston 5 is movable in translation and in rotation in the tubular body 2, the piston 5 being actuable by the pressure force of the cleaning fluid exerted on the piston 5 against an elastic return of the piston 5.

[0088] The multidirectional sequential valve 1 has for this purpose an elastic element 21, such as a spring, urging the piston 5 against the first cam 16. The elastic element 21 is for example interposed between the piston 5 and the bottom 8 of the tubular body 2.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment, the outlet orifice 15 of the tube 4 is obstructed when the piston 5 is elastically urged against the first cam 16.

[0090] The profiles of the first cam 16 and of the second cam 17 have, for example, saw-tooth ramps, i.e. ascending and descending, regularly distributed around the periphery and cooperating with complementary ramps of the piston 5. The ramps can be substantially curved.

[0091] The profiles of the first cam 16, of the second cam 17 and of the piston 5 have for example four saw teeth on the periphery, to pivot the piston 5 by one eighth of a turn between the successive opening and closing positions.

[0092] The cams 16, 17 cooperate with the piston 5 to guide the movement of the tube 4 here between a first closed position, a first open position, a second closed position and a second open position, the tube 4 taking in turn the first and second open positions, due to a drop in the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 below a threshold, followed by an increase in the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 above said threshold.

[0093] An example of operation of the multidirectional sequential valve 1 according to the first embodiment example is illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 60.

[0094] In the first closed position ([Fig.6A]), the tube 4 has a first angular position for which the outlet orifices 15 are obstructed by the body of the distributor 3. The piston 5 is positioned against the first cam 16 due to the stress of the elastic element 21. The pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is lower than a threshold, either because there is no injection of cleaning fluid at the inlet 6, or because the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet is too low. The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a first closed position.

[0095] Then, when the inlet pipe is supplied with cleaning fluid, that is to say the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 becomes greater than or equal to the threshold, then the piston 5 is pushed by the pressure of the cleaning fluid towards the second cam 17. The guide rails 19 and the complementary grooves 20 guide the translation of the piston 5. When the piston 5 comes into contact with the second cam 17, the cam profiles of the piston 5 and of the second cam 17 cause the piston 5 and the tube 4 to pivot, simultaneously with the translation of the tube 4, here by one eighth of a turn, until the piston 5 is positioned against the second cam 17 (figures 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E).

[0096] In the first open position after translation and rotation of the piston 5, the piston 5 is positioned against the second cam 17. The tube 4 then has a second angular position, here for which an outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9 ([Fig.6E]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a first open position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the first outlet channel 9 for watering ([Fig.7C]).

[0097] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 falls below the threshold, ([Fig.6F]), for example due to the stopping of injection of the cleaning fluid, the elastic element 21 urges the piston 5 towards the first cam 16. The guide rails 19 and the complementary grooves 20 guide the translation of the piston 5, then when the piston 5 comes into contact with the first cam 16, the cam profiles of the piston 5 and the first cam 16 cause the piston 5 and therefore the tube 4 to pivot, simultaneously with the translation of the tube 4, here by one eighth of a turn, until the piston 5 is in abutment against the first cam 16 due to the stress of the elastic element 21 (figures 6F, 6G, 6H, 61).

[0098] In the second closed position, the tube 4 has a third angular position for which the outlet orifices 15 are obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 (figures 61 and 7B), the piston 5 having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam 16. The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a second closed position.

[0099] Then, when the inlet pipe is pressurized, that is to say the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, then the piston 5 is pushed by the pressure of the cleaning fluid towards the second cam 17. The guide rails 19 and the complementary grooves 20 guide the translation of the piston 5, then when the piston 5 comes into contact with the second cam 17, the cam profiles of the piston 5 and of the second cam 17 cause the piston 5 and the tube 4 to pivot, simultaneously with the translation of the tube 4, here by one eighth of a turn, until the piston 5 is positioned in abutment against the second cam 17 (figures 6J, 6K, 6L, 6M, 6N).

[0100] In the second open position, the tube 4 has a fourth angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet path 10 (Figures 6N and 7A), the piston 5 having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam 17. The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a second open position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the second outlet path 10 for watering.

[0101] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, ([Fig.60]), for example due to the stopping of injection of the cleaning fluid, the elastic element 21 urges the piston 5 towards the first cam 16. The guide rails 19 and the complementary grooves 20 guide the translation of the piston 5, then when the piston 5 comes into contact with the first cam 16, the cam profile causes the piston 5 and therefore the tube 4 to pivot, simultaneously with the translation of the tube 4, here by one eighth of a turn, until the piston 5 is in abutment against the first cam 16 due to the stress of the elastic element 21.

[0102] The tube 4 then has a fifth angular position. Because there are two outlet orifices 15 arranged opposite each other in the second axial end of the tube 4, this fifth angular position is equivalent to the first angular position for which the outlet orifices 15 are obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.6A]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a first closed position and the successive sequences can be repeated.

[0103] The multidirectional sequential valve 1 thus allows the sequential control of the projection of cleaning fluid into the outlet channels 9, 10 in turn, without electrical wiring or electrical power supply, in a simple manner and with a low-weight valve. The valve 1 does not depend on several pressure thresholds and is not very sensitive to temperature variations. It is also possible to simply adapt the distributor 3 and the profile of the cams 16, 17 and the piston 5 to increase the number of outlet channels of the valve 1.

[0104] The cleaning fluid projection system 100 may comprise two projection devices 102 and a multidirectional sequential valve 1 whose distributor 3 comprises two outlet channels 9, 10 for controlling the distribution of a cleaning fluid to the projection devices 102.

[0105] For example, the first output path 9 is intended to supply a first ramp of a windshield wiper blade to water one side of the blade and the second output path 10 is intended to supply a second ramp of the blade to water the other side of the blade.

[0106] According to another example, the cleaning fluid projection system 100 may comprise between three and ten projection devices 102 and a multidirectional sequential valve 1 whose distributor 3 comprises at least two outlet channels 9, 10 or as many outlet channels 9, 10 for controlling the distribution of a cleaning fluid to the projection devices 102 of optical sensors of the vehicle.

[0107] For example, the distributor 3 has as many outlet channels as there are optical sensors, one outlet channel being intended to spray the glass surface of a respective optical sensor.

[0108] According to another example, the distributor 3 has fewer outlet channels 9, 10 than optical sensors, one outlet channel being intended to spray the glass surface of several optical sensors.

[0109] Figures 8A to 8D are schematic views illustrating the operation of another exemplary embodiment.

[0110] In this example, the outlet cannulas of the distributor 3 are offset by an angle of 45°, the apex of which is the axis of the tube 4.

[0111] The first outlet channel 9 comprises, for example, a radial channel opening into a bearing of the tube 4 and capable of being placed in fluid communication with the outlet orifice 15 of the tube 4. The second outlet channel 10 comprises, for example, a radial channel connecting the other outlet cannula to the smooth bearing of the tube 4 and capable of being placed in communication with the outlet orifice 15.

[0112] There are for example two outlet orifices 15 arranged in the lateral faces facing the tube 4, so as to allow an outlet orifice 15 to be in fluid communication with the first outlet path 9 for two opposite angular positions of the tube 4 and in fluid communication with the second outlet path 10. for two other opposite angular positions of tube 4.

[0113] In the first closed position ([Fig.8A]), the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is less than a threshold. The tube 4 has a first angular position for which the outlet orifices 15 are obstructed by the body of the distributor 3. The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a first closed position.

[0114] Then, when the inlet pipe is pressurized, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn and then has a second angular position for which an outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9 ([Fig.8B]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a first open position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the first outlet channel 9 for watering.

[0115] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a third angular position for which the outlet orifices 15 are obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.8C]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a second closing position.

[0116] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, then the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a fourth angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10 (figures 8D). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a second open position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the second outlet channel 10 for watering.

[0117] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a fifth angular position. Because there are two outlet orifices 15 arranged opposite each other in the second axial end of the tube 4, this fifth angular position is equivalent to the first angular position for which the outlet orifices 15 are obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.8A]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a first closed position and the successive sequences can be repeated.

[0118] The other characteristics of this exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0119] Figures 9A to 9H are schematic views of operation of another exemplary embodiment.

[0120] In this example, the tube 4 has a single outlet orifice 15, the distributor 3 comprising a third and a fourth outlet channels 22, 23, the piston 5 being able to take a third closed position, a third open position, a fourth closing position and a fourth opening position.

[0121] In the first closed position ([Fig.9A]), the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is less than a threshold. The tube 4 has a first angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is obstructed by the body of the distributor 3. The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a first closed position.

[0122] Then, when the inlet pipe is pressurized, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn and then has a second angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9 ([Fig.9B]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a first open position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the first outlet channel 9 for watering.

[0123] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a third angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.9C]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a second closing position.

[0124] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, then the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a fourth angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10 ([Fig.9D]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a second open position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the second outlet channel 10 for watering.

[0125] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a fifth angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.9E]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a third closing position, the piston 5 being positioned against the first cam 16.

[0126] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, then the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a fifth angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the third outlet port 22 ([Fig.9F]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a third open position, the piston 5 having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam 17.

[0127] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a sixth angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.9G]), the piston 5 having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the first cam 16.

[0128] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, then the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into a seventh angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the fourth outlet port 23 ([Fig.9H]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore open in a fourth open position, the piston 5 having translated and pivoted to be positioned against the second cam 17.

[0129] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the tube 4 pivots one eighth of a turn into the first angular position for which the outlet orifice 15 is obstructed by the body of the distributor 3 ([Fig.9A]). The multidirectional sequential valve 1 is therefore closed in a first closed position and the successive sequences can be repeated.

[0130] The other characteristics of this exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiments.

[0131] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of the operation of another exemplary embodiment.

[0132] In this example, the cam profiles have three saw teeth to pivot the piston 5 one-sixth of a turn between the successive open and closed positions.

[0133] The tube 4 has a single outlet orifice 15, the distributor 3 comprising a first, a second and a third outlet channel 9, 10, 22.

[0134] The cams 16, 17 cooperate with the piston 5 to guide the movement of the tube 4 here between a first closed position, a first open position, for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the first outlet path 9, a second closed position, a second open position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the second outlet path 10, a third closed position and a third open position for which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with the third outlet path 22. In the closed positions, the outlet orifice 15 is obstructed by the body of the distributor 3.

[0135] The piston 5 takes the opening positions in turn due to drops in the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 below a threshold, followed by increases in the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 above said threshold.

[0136] It is therefore possible to provide a multidirectional sequential valve 1 with an odd number of outlet channels.

[0137] The other characteristics of this exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiments.

[0138] Figures 1 1A to 1 1G are schematic views of another exemplary embodiment, in particular the cooperation mechanism of piston 5 and tube 4.

[0139] In this exemplary embodiment, the tube 4 has a single outlet orifice 15, the distributor 3 comprising a first and a second outlet path 9, 10.

[0140] The piston 5 has an indexing finger 24 cooperating with the only first cam 16 formed in the tubular body 2. This first cam 16 has two longitudinal portions and two helical portions, the longitudinal portions being diametrically opposed and the helical portions being intersecting in their middle and joining the longitudinal portions at their ends.

[0141] When a pressure force exerted by the fluid greater than or equal to a threshold is exerted and then released, the elastic return and the first cam 16 guide the movement of the piston 5 into a first open position for which the outlet orifice 15 of the tube 4 is in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9 ([Fig. 11E]).

[0142] When a successive pressure force exerted by the fluid greater than or equal to the threshold is exerted and then released, the elastic return and the first cam 16 guide the piston movement 5 into a second open position in which the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with a second outlet channel 10 ([Fig. 11G]).

[0143] Figures 1 IA to 1 IG illustrate an example of operation.

[0144] In Figures 1 1A and 1 1B, the outlet orifice 15 is in fluid communication with a second outlet path 10. The multi-way sequential valve 1 is opened in a second opening position with the cleaning fluid flowing through the second outlet path 10 for watering.

[0145] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, ([Fig. 11C]), the elastic element 21 pushes the indexing finger 24 of the piston 5 into the first helical portion of the first cam 16 causing the piston 5 and therefore the tube 4 to pivot, simultaneously with the translation of the tube 4 (Figures 11C, 11D, 11E), until the indexing finger 24 enters the first longitudinal portion of the first cam 16 at the end of the first helical portion. The outlet orifice 15 is then in fluid communication with the first outlet channel 9, the tube having pivoted 180° ([Fig. 11E]).

[0146] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold ([Fig.l 1F]), the cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet path 9 for watering. Simultaneously, the piston 5 is pushed by the pressure of the cleaning fluid along the first longitudinal portion of the first cam 16 until the indexing finger 24 enters the second helical portion of the first cam 16.

[0147] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, ( [Fig.l IG]), the elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5 into the second helical portion of the first cam 16 causing the piston 5 and therefore the tube 4 to pivot 180° in the opposite direction of rotation, simultaneously with the translation of the tube 4 until the indexing finger 24 enters the second longitudinal portion of the first cam 16 at the end of the second helical portion. The outlet orifice 15 is then in fluid communication with the second outlet channel 10 ([Fig.l 1 A]) and the cycle can start again.

[0148] In this embodiment, the rotation of the piston 5 takes place at the end of watering when the pressure is released, which makes it possible to water as soon as the multidirectional sequential valve 1 is pressurized.

[0149] Although in the figures, the piston 5 has an indexing finger 24 cooperating with a first cam 16 formed in the tubular body 2, it is also possible to envisage that the indexing finger 24 is carried by the tubular body 2 and that the first cam 16 is formed in the piston 5.

[0150] The other characteristics of this exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiments.

[0151] Figures 12A to 12D are schematic views of another exemplary embodiment, in particular of the cooperation mechanism of the piston 5 and the tube 4.

[0152] In this exemplary embodiment, the piston 5 is not movable in rotation and the tube 4 is not movable in translation.

[0153] The piston 5 has for example a rod 25 sliding in a first axial end of the cylindrical body 2 to guide the translational movement of the piston 5. The rod 25 is for example a through rod so as to allow the cleaning fluid entering the inlet 6 to pass.

[0154] The first cam 16 is carried by the tube 4, the piston 5 having an indexing finger, here two, cooperating with the first cam 16, the first cam 16 having sawtooth ramps regularly distributed on the periphery.

[0155] The cam profile has, for example, two saw teeth to pivot the piston 5 a quarter turn between successive positions.

[0156] The tube 4 takes in turn a first open position ([Fig.l2A]), a first closed position (figures 12B, 12C), a second open position ([Fig.l2D]) and a second closed position due to the drop in the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 below a threshold, followed by an increase in the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 above said threshold.

[0157] Figures 12A to 12D illustrate an example of operation.

[0158] It is considered that in [Fig. 12A], the cleaning fluid flows through the first outlet path 9 in fluid communication with the outlet orifice 15.

[0159] When the cleaning fluid pressure falls below the threshold, ([Fig. 12B]), the elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5 causing the tube 4 to pivot a quarter turn. The outlet orifice 15 is then obstructed.

[0160] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold ([Fig.l2C]), the piston 5 is pushed by the pressure of the cleaning fluid along the tube 4, the indexing fingers following the profile of the first cam 16 guiding the rotation of the tube 4 by a quarter turn. The outlet orifice 15 is then in fluid communication with a second outlet path 10 of the distributor 3 ([Fig.l2D]).

[0161] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid falls below the threshold, the elastic element 21 pushes the piston 5 back, causing the tube 4 to pivot a quarter turn. The outlet orifice 15 is then blocked.

[0162] Then, when the pressure of the cleaning fluid at the inlet 6 is greater than or equal to the threshold, the piston 5 is pushed by the pressure of the cleaning fluid along the tube 4, the indexing fingers in the first cam 16 guiding the rotation of the tube 4 by a quarter turn ([Fig.l2A]). The outlet orifice 15 is then in fluid communication with the first outlet path 10 of the distributor 3 and the cycle can start again.

[0163] Although in this example, the first cam 16 is carried by the tube 4, the piston 5 having an indexing finger, it is also possible for the first cam 16 to be carried by the piston 5 and for the indexing finger to be carried by the tube 4.

[0164] The other characteristics of this exemplary embodiment are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiments.

[0165] [Fig. 13] shows another example of a projection system 100.

[0166] In this example, the projection system 100 comprises at least two multidirectional sequential valves 1, three in the illustrative example, and as many solenoid valves 104, a solenoid valve 104 being arranged upstream of a respective multidirectional sequential valve 1 in the direction of flow of the cleaning fluid. The solenoid valves 104 can be assembled together.

[0167] It is thus possible to sequence the projection of the cleaning fluid in groups of at least two projection devices 102 associated with a multidirectional sequential valve 1 and a solenoid valve 104 so that cleaning fluid is projected into each projection device 102 of each group in turn when the solenoid valve 104 upstream of the multidirectional sequential valve 1 is open. It is thus possible to benefit from the optimal cleaning fluid pressure for each projection device 102 since they are supplied one by one in turn. It is also thus possible to avoid unnecessarily controlling all the projection devices 102 of the system 100 at each cycle if certain glass surfaces need to be cleaned less, for example, which makes it possible to reduce the consumption of cleaning fluid.The use of 104 solenoid valves and 1 multidirectional sequential valves allows the weight and size to be reduced by . compared to a device using only solenoid valves.

Claims

Claims

1. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) for a cleaning fluid projection system (100) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the multidirectional sequential valve (1) comprises: - a tubular body (2) having an inlet (6), - a distributor (3) fixed to the tubular body (2), comprising at least a first and a second outlet path (9, 10), - a tube (4) having at least one inlet orifice (14) communicating fluidically with the interior of the tubular body (2), passing through a bottom (8) of the tubular body (2) and having an outlet orifice (15) opening into the distributor (3), - a piston (5) movable in translation in the tubular body (2) along the tube (4), the piston (5) being actuable by the pressure force of the cleaning fluid exerted on the piston (5) against an elastic return of the piston (5),- a first cam (16) cooperating with the piston (5) to guide the movement of the tube (4) between - a first open position for which the at least one outlet orifice (15) of the tube (4) is in fluid communication with the first outlet path (9), and - a second open position in which the at least one outlet orifice (15) is in fluid communication with the second outlet path (10), the tube (4) taking in turn the first and second open positions due to a drop in the pressure of the inlet cleaning fluid (6) below a threshold, followed by an increase in the pressure of the inlet cleaning fluid (6) above said threshold.,

2. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston (5) is rotatable in the tubular body (2), the piston (5) being integral in rotation with the tube (4).

3. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said multidirectional sequential valve (1) has a second cam (17), said cams (16, 17) being carried by the tubular body (2), arranged opposite each other, the piston (5) being positioned in turn against the first cam (16) and against the second cam (17).

4. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to claim 3, ca- characterized in that the profiles of the cams (16, 17) have sawtooth ramps regularly distributed around the periphery, cooperating with complementary ramps of the piston (5).

5. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the piston (5) or the tube (4) has an indexing finger, the first cam (16) being arranged in the other, the indexing finger cooperating with the first cam (16), the first cam (16) having sawtooth ramps regularly distributed on the periphery.

6. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the sawtooth ramps have four saw teeth for pivoting the tube (4) by one eighth of a turn or three saw teeth for pivoting the tube (4) by one sixth of a turn or two saw teeth for pivoting the tube (4) by a quarter of a turn.

7. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the piston (5) or the tubular body (2) has an indexing finger (24), the first cam (16) being arranged in the other, the indexing finger (24) cooperating with the first cam (16), the first cam (16) having two longitudinal portions and two helical portions, the longitudinal portions being diametrically opposed and the helical portions being intersecting in their middle and joining the longitudinal portions at their ends.

8. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (4) has two outlet orifices (15) provided in lateral faces facing the tube (4) to allow an outlet orifice (15) to be in fluid communication with the first outlet path (9) for two opposite angular positions of the tube (4) and in fluid communication with the second outlet path (10) for two other opposite angular positions of the tube (4).

9. Multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tube (4) has a single outlet orifice (15).

10. System (100) for spraying cleaning fluid for a motor vehicle comprising a reservoir (101), a pump (103), at least two spraying devices (102) characterized in that it comprises at least one multidirectional sequential valve (1) according to one of the re- preceding claims, for controlling the distribution of a cleaning fluid to the at least two projection devices (102).

11. Projection system (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least two multidirectional sequential valves (1) and as many solenoid valves (104), a solenoid valve (104) being arranged upstream of a respective multidirectional sequential valve (1) in the direction of flow of the cleaning fluid.

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