FLUID DISTRIBUTION DEVICE FOR CLEANING AN EXPOSED SURFACE OF A SENSOR
The fluid distribution device with a stack of plates and alternating outlets addresses inefficiencies in cleaning and drying large vehicle sensor surfaces, achieving efficient cleaning and drying with reduced fluid use and compact design.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing fluid distribution systems for cleaning vehicle sensors are inefficient in optimizing the cleaning and drying of large surfaces and suffer from high fluid consumption and lack of compactness.
A fluid distribution device comprising a stack of three plates with alternating first and second outlets for distributing two fluids, namely a liquid and a dry gas, to effectively clean and dry sensor surfaces with reduced fluid consumption and compact design.
The device efficiently cleans and dries large sensor surfaces using minimal fluid, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing system size compared to prior art.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Fluid distribution device for cleaning an exposed surface of a sensor. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid distribution device for cleaning an exposed surface of a sensor.
[0002] The present invention aims in particular to provide a fluid distribution device configured for cleaning and drying large surfaces with reduced fluid consumption. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] Motor vehicles are now equipped with numerous sensors, cameras, lidars, or radars (hereinafter referred to as "sensors") for driver assistance purposes. These sensors can be located inside or outside the vehicle to provide the driver with a complete view of the vehicle's surroundings. For example, sensors can be located in the bumper, in the side skirt, on the side mirror, behind the windshield, under the hood, near the headlights, or on a roof-mounted platform.
[0004] However, when exposed to the environment, these sensors are likely to become covered with dirt or dust and, consequently, to experience a degradation in their performance. Frequent cleaning and drying of these sensors are therefore necessary to guarantee their performance.
[0005] In this regard, motor vehicles may be equipped with a cleaning system including, in particular, cleaning fluid distribution lines and nozzles. The nozzles are located at the ends of the fluid distribution lines and near the sensors. This arrangement makes it possible to distribute a cleaning fluid onto the surface of each sensor and thus remove traces of dust or dirt.
[0006] In this regard, a prior art fluid distribution system is disclosed in document WO 2023 / 036383. However, the fluid distribution system disclosed in this document is not satisfactory. Specifically, the liquid and gas outlets are not properly arranged to optimize the cleaning and drying of large surfaces and the fluid consumption. Furthermore, the system proposed in this document is not sufficiently compact.
[0007] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a liquid distribution device that optimizes the cleaning and drying of large surfaces and reduce liquid consumption compared to liquid distribution devices known in the prior art.
[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fluid distribution device whose cleaning efficiency is improved compared to fluid distribution devices known in the prior art.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fluid distribution device that is more compact than the fluid distribution system known in the prior art. Summary of the invention
[0010] The objectives of the present invention are, at least in part, achieved by a fluid distribution device configured to distribute two fluids, referred to respectively as the first fluid and the second fluid, the fluid distribution device comprising:
[0011] - a stack of three plates, respectively, with a first face towards a second face of said stack, first plate, second plate and third plate;
[0012] - a plurality of first outlets, for distributing the first fluid, and a plurality of second outlets to distribute the second fluid, the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets being arranged on one face, called the projection face, of the stack;
[0013] - at least one first entry and at least one second entry;
[0014] - at least one first channel fluidly connecting the at least one first inlet and the plurality of first outputs, and at least one second channel fluidly connecting the at least one second input and the plurality of second outputs, the at least one first channel being located at one of the interfaces between the first plate and the second plate or between the second plate and the third plate, and the at least one second channel being located at one of the interfaces between the first plate and the second plate or between the second plate and the third plate.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the first exits are arranged in a straight line, called the first line, and with regular spacing, called the first spacing.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the second outputs are arranged along a straight line parallel to the first line and according to the first spacing.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the first exits and the second exits are arranged alternately along the same straight line.
[0018] According to one embodiment, at least one first inlet and at least one second inlet are arranged on an edge of one of the plates.
[0019] According to one embodiment, at least one first entry and at least one second entry protrude on one or the other of the first face and the second face.
[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one first channel and at least one second channel are located on the same interface.
[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one first channel is located at one of the interfaces between the first plate and the second plate or between the second plate and the third plate, while at least one second channel is located at the other interface between the first plate and the second plate or between the second plate and the third plate.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the plurality of first outlets comprises two sets of first outlets called, respectively, first set and second set, the first set being fluidically connected to an input of at least one first input and the second set being fluidly connected to another input of at least one first input, so that the first set and the second set can alternately distribute the first fluid.
[0023] According to one embodiment, the plates comprise a plastic material.
[0024] According to one embodiment, the plates are assembled so that the interface between the plates must be hermetically sealed.
[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one first channel and at least one second channel are molded onto the faces of the plates.
[0026] According to one embodiment, the first outlets and the second outlets are configured to spray, respectively, the first fluid and the second fluid at the same angle with respect to the first face.
[0027] According to one embodiment, the projection face connects the first and second faces.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the stack of three plates has a thickness of less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, a length of less than 200 mm, advantageously less than 180 mm, and a width of less than 80 mm, advantageously less than 65 mm.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the dimensions of the first channels can be adjusted so that the first fluid is distributed to each of the first outlets at the same time and / or the dimensions of the second channels can be adjusted so that the second fluid is distributed to each of the second outlets at the same time.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the projection face corresponds to either of the first face and the second face.
[0031] The invention also relates to a fluid distribution assembly comprising:
[0032] - the fluid distribution device according to the present invention;
[0033] - a gas source connected to at least the second inlet;
[0034] - a liquid source connected to at least one first inlet;
[0035] - valves arranged so as to selectively supply at least a first inlet with the liquid from the liquid source and at least one second inlet with the gas from the gas source.
[0036] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor, said sensor having an exposed surface called a sensitive surface, the motor vehicle being equipped with at least one fluid distribution assembly according to the present invention, the distribution assembly at least being arranged to clean and dry the sensitive surface.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the length of the stack of the three plates is less than, advantageously less than 80%, the length of the sensitive surface. DESIGN DESCRIPTION
[0038] Other features and advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description of the fluid distribution device for cleaning the surface sensor of a vehicle according to the invention, provided by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0039] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective illustration of the device fluid distribution according to a first example of the present invention;
[0040] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of the distribution device fluid of the [Fig.l];
[0041] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic perspective view along the second face of the third plate of the fluid distribution device of [Fig.1];
[0042] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic perspective illustration of the device fluid distribution according to a second example of the present invention;
[0043] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the distribution device fluid of the [Fig.4];
[0044] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic perspective view, along the second face of the third plate of the fluid distribution device of [Fig.4]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The present invention relates to a fluid distribution device configured to distribute two fluids, referred to respectively as the first fluid and the second fluid, the fluid distribution device comprising:
[0046] - a stack of three plates, respectively, with a first face towards a second face of said stack, first plate, second plate and third plate;
[0047] - a plurality of first outlets, for distributing the first fluid, and a plurality of second outlets to distribute the second fluid, the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets being arranged on one face, called the projection face, of the stack;
[0048] - at least one first entry and at least one second entry;
[0049] - at least one first channel fluidly connecting at least one first inlet and the plurality of first outputs, and at least one second channel fluidly connecting the at least one second input and the plurality of second outputs, the at least one first channel being provided at one of the interfaces between the first plate and the second plate or between the second plate and the third plate, and the at least one second channel being provided at one of the interfaces between the first plate and the second plate or between the second plate and the third plate.
[0050] The fluid distribution device according to the present invention represents an effective solution for cleaning detection devices, and in particular for cleaning detection devices of motor vehicles.
[0051] Indeed, the fluid distribution device can distribute, independently and / or sequentially, two different types of fluids called, respectively, the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid can be a liquid while the second fluid can be a dry gas, for example dry air.
[0052] In this regard, the liquid can be sprayed onto a sensor surface to remove particles or dust, while the dry gas can be sprayed onto said sensor surface to remove liquid droplets.
[0053] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the fluid distribution device 10 according to a first example of the present invention.
[0054] The fluid distribution device 10 is in particular configured to distribute two fluids called, respectively, first fluid and second fluid.
[0055] For example, the first fluid may comprise a liquid while the second fluid may comprise a dry gas, for example, dry air. In particular, the fluid distribution device may be coupled to a first pressure vessel and a second pressure vessel which are configured to continuously supply the fluid distribution device with the first and second fluids, respectively. Each of the vessels may deliver a fluid under pressure, in particular up to 8 bar.
[0056] The fluid distribution device 10, as shown in [Fig.1], has a flat shape and comprises two main faces called, respectively, first face 11 and second face 12.
[0057] More particularly, and as shown in [Fig. 2], which is an exploded view of the fluid distribution device of [Fig. 1], said fluid distribution device 10 comprises a stack of three plates, referred to, respectively, from the first face to the second face, as first plate 100, second plate 200 and third plate 300.
[0058] It is understood, according to the present invention, that a plate has a generally flat shape and comprises two main faces connected by an edge. The plates may be made of a plastic material.
[0059] In addition, the stack of three plates may have a thickness of less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, a length of less than 200 mm, advantageously less than 180 mm, and a width of less than 80 mm, advantageously less than 65 mm.
[0060] The fluid distribution device 10 includes a plurality of first outlets 310, for distributing the first fluid, and a plurality of second outlets 320 for distributing the second fluid, the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets being arranged on one face, called the projection face, of the stack ([Fig.3]).
[0061] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the first 310 sockets can be arranged along a straight line, said first line, and at regular spacing, said first spacing.
[0062] Similarly, the second outputs 320 can be arranged along a straight line parallel to the first line and according to the first spacing.
[0063] The first 310 outlets can have a circular or elongated shape.
[0064] The second outlets 320 can be circular or elongated. The elongated shape is very advantageous because it imposes a knife-like shape on the sprayed fluid. In particular, a dry gas sprayed in a knife-like shape is very effective at removing droplets from a surface.
[0065] As shown in [Fig.3], the first outputs 310 and the second outputs 320 can be arranged alternately along the same straight line.
[0066] The fluid distribution device 10 comprises at least one first inlet 110 and at least one second inlet 120. The at least one first inlet 110 may be located on any of the three plates. In particular, the at least one first inlet 110 may be located on the second plate 200 and projecting from the edge of said second plate 200. Similarly, at least one second inlet 120 may be located on any of the three plates. In particular, the at least one second inlet 120 may be located on the second plate 200 and projecting from the edge of said second plate 200.
[0067] The fluid distribution device further includes at least one first channel 210 fluidly connecting at least one first inlet 110 and the plurality of first outlets 310.
[0068] The fluid distribution device also includes at least one second channel 220 fluidly connecting at least one second inlet 120 and to the plurality of second outlets 320.
[0069] At least one first channel 210 is provided at one of the interfaces between the first plate 100 and the second plate 200 and / or between the second plate 200 and the third plate 300.
[0070] At least one second channel 220 is provided at one of the interfaces between the first plate 100 and the second plate 200 and / or between the second plate 200 and the third plate 300.
[0071] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the at least first channel 210 may include channels 210a molded onto one face of the third plate opposite the second face 12 (in other words, the channels 210a are provided at the interface formed between the second plate 200 and the third plate 300). The at least first channel 210 may also include at least one distribution line 210b molded onto a main face of the second plate 200 and opposite the second face. Through holes are also provided on the second plate 200 to ensure fluidic communication between the channels 210a and the at least one distribution line 210b. At least one distribution line 210b is also connected to at least one first inlet 110, so that the first fluid injected into at least one first inlet 110 flows through at least one distribution line 210b, channels 210a and exits through at least one first outlet 310.
[0072] According to an advantageous embodiment, the plurality of first outlets 310 comprises two series of first outlets called, respectively, first series 311 and second series 312. The first series 311 can be in fluidic connection with an inlet 110a of at least one first inlet and the second series 312 can be in fluidic connection with another inlet 110b of at least one first inlet so that the first series and the second series can alternately distribute the first fluid.
[0073] The fluidic connection between the first series 311 and the first input 110a can be ensured by a first series of channels 211a among the channels 210a and a first distribution line 211b among the at least one distribution line 210b.
[0074] The fluidic connection between the second series 312 and the first input 110a can be ensured by a second series of channels 211b among the channels 210a and a second distribution line 211b among at least one distribution line 210b.
[0075] It is understood that, according to the present invention, the plates are assembled in such a way that the interface between two plates is hermetically sealed.
[0076] According to a variant of this first example, at least one first channel and at least one second channel can be formed on the same interface.
[0077] Advantageously, the first outlets and the second outlets are configured to spray, respectively, the first fluid and the second fluid at the same angle with respect to the first face.
[0078] The dimensions of the first and second channels are adjusted so that the first fluid as a liquid and the second fluid as a gas reach the first outlet and the second outlet respectively in equal quantities.
[0079] The dimensions of the first channels can be adjusted so that the first fluid is distributed to each of the first outlets at the same time.
[0080] The dimensions of the second channels can be adjusted so that the second fluid is distributed to each of the second outlets at the same time.
[0081] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the fluid distribution device 10 according to a second example of the present invention.
[0082] The second example differs from the first example in that at least one first entry 110, 110a, 110b and at least one second entry 120 protrude on one or the other of the first face and the second face.
[0083] In particular, the inlet 110a can be provided on a face of the second plate 200 opposite the second face 12, while the inlet 110b can be provided on a face of the first plate 200 opposite the second face 12. In particular, according to this second example, [Fig.4] represents a fluid distribution device having two first inlets 110. However, those skilled in the art might consider that there is only one first inlet.
[0084] Furthermore, as shown in [Fig.5], at least one first channel 210a, 21la, 211b can be molded on one face of the third plate 300 opposite the second face 12, and at least one second channel can be molded on one face of the second plate 200 opposite the second face.
[0085] According to this second example, at least one first exit 310 is provided on one edge, called first edge, of the second plate 200 while at least one second exit 320 is provided on one edge, called second edge, of the third plate 300 and on the same side as the first edge.
[0086] A fluid collector 330 protrudes from the second edge. The purpose of the fluid collector 330 is to prevent the second fluid from remaining and stagnating at the base of a surface sensor and creating a form of fouling. This fluid can therefore be collected by the fluid collector 330 and discharged further.
[0087] The two examples described in this description can be combined so that the technical features disclosed in relation to only one of the two examples can be considered in the context of the other example.
[0088] The invention also relates to a fluid distribution assembly comprising:
[0089] - the fluid distribution device according to the present invention;
[0090] - a gas source connected to at least one second;
[0091] - a liquid source connected to at least one first inlet;
[0092] - valves arranged so as to selectively supply at least a first inlet with the liquid from the liquid source and at least one second inlet with the gas from the gas source.
[0093] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor, said sensor having an exposed surface called a sensitive surface, the motor vehicle being equipped with at least one fluid distribution assembly according to the present invention, the distribution assembly at least being arranged to clean and dry the sensitive surface.
[0094] According to one embodiment, the length of the stack of the three plates is less, advantageously less than 80%, than the length of the sensitive surface.
Claims
Demands
1. Fluid distribution device (10) configured to distribute two fluids, respectively a first fluid and a second fluid, the fluid distribution device (10) comprising: - a stack of three plates called, respectively, from a first face (11) to a second face (12) of said stack, first plate (100), second plate (200) and third plate (300); - a plurality of first outlets (310), for distributing the first fluid, and a plurality of second outlets (320) for distributing the second fluid, the plurality of first outlets (310) and the plurality of second outlets (320) being arranged on a face, called the projection face, of the stack; - at least one first inlet (110) and at least one second inlet (120);- at least one first channel fluidly connecting at least one first input (110) and the plurality of first outputs (310), and at least one second channel fluidly connecting at least one second input (120) and the plurality of second outputs (320), the first channel at least being located at the interface between the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) or between the second plate (200) and the third plate (300), and the second channel at least being located at the interface between the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) or between the second plate (200) and the third plate (300). the first outputs (310) are arranged along a straight line, called the first line, and at a regular spacing, called the first spacing, and the first outputs (310) and the second outputs (320) are arranged alternately along the same straight line.;
2. The fluid distribution device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second outlets (320) are arranged along a straight line parallel to the first line and according to the first spacing.
3. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one first inlet (110) and at least one second inlet (120) are arranged on an edge of one of the plates.
4. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one first inlet (110) and at least one second inlet (120) protrude from either of the first face (11) and the second face (12).
5. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one first channel and at least one second channel are located on the same interface.
6. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one first channel is provided at one of the interfaces between the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) or between the second plate (200) and the third plate (300), while at least one second channel is provided at the other interface between the first plate (100) and the second plate (200) or between the second plate (200) and the third plate (300).
7. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of first outlets (310) comprises two sets of first outlets (310) referred to respectively as first set (311) and second set (312), the first set (311) being fluidly connected to an inlet of at least one first inlet (110) and the second set (312) being fluidly connected to another inlet of at least one first inlet (110) such that the first set (311) and the second set (312) can alternately distribute the first fluid.
8. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plates comprise a plastic material.
9. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plates are assembled so that the interface between the plates is hermetically sealed.
10. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one first channel and at least one second channel are molded onto the faces of the plates.
11. The fluid distribution device (10) according to claim 10, wherein at least one first channel and / or at least one second channel is molded on both faces of the second plate (200).
12. The distribution device according to claim 10, wherein at least one first channel and / or at least one second channel is molded on one face of a plate selected from the three plates.
13. The distribution device according to claim 10, wherein at least one first channel and / or at least one second channel is molded on both faces of the second plate (200).
14. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first outlets (310) and the second outlets (320) are configured to spray, respectively, the first fluid and the second fluid at the same angle with respect to the first face (11).
15. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the projection face connects the first face (11) and the second face (12).
16. Fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the projection face corresponds to either of the first face (11) and the second face (12).
17. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the stack of three plates has a thickness of less than 15 mm, advantageously less than 10 mm, a length of less than 200 mm, advantageously less than 180 mm, and a width of less than 80 mm, advantageously less than 65 mm.
18. The fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the dimensions of the first channels can be adjusted so that the first fluid is distributed to each of the first outlets (310) at the same time and / or the dimensions of the second channels can be adjusted so that the second fluid is distributed to each of the second outlets (320) at the same time.
19. Fluid distribution assembly comprising - the fluid distribution device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18; - a gas source connected to at least one second inlet (120); - a liquid source connected to at least one first inlet (110); - valves arranged to selectively supply at least one first inlet (110) with liquid from the liquid source and at least one second inlet (120) with gas from the gas source.
20. Motor vehicle comprising at least one sensor, said sensor having an exposed surface referred to as the sensitive surface, the motor vehicle being equipped with at least one fluid distribution assembly according to claim 19, the at least one distribution assembly being arranged to clean and dry the sensitive surface.
21. Motor vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the stack length of the three plates is less, advantageously less than 80%, of the length of the sensitive surface.