FLUID SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluidic system (1) provided with a main reservoir (10), the main reservoir (10) comprising: - a separating plate (11) defining a first section (12) and a second section (13) in the main reservoir (10), and leaving a passage, called an intermediate passage (14); - a liquid inlet (15); - a liquid outlet (19); - a gas inlet (20); - means for determining a liquid level in one and / or the other of the first section (12) and the second section (13); - a switching member adapted to assume an open or a closed position, the closed position being a position; - venting means designed to vent one and / or the other of the first section (12) and the second section (13) when the switching member is in its closed position. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: FLUID SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fluidic systems, in particular for pressurizing and venting a tank. More specifically, the invention relates to a fluidic system for delivering a pressurized liquid. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Motor vehicles are now equipped with numerous sensors or cameras (hereinafter "sensors") for driver assistance purposes. These sensors are located all around the perimeter of the vehicle, for example in the bumpers and / or side skirts, and thus provide the driver or the driving software with a complete view of the environment in which the vehicle is located.

[0003] However, these sensors, being exposed to the environment, are susceptible to becoming covered with dirt or dust and, consequently, their performance may be degraded. Frequent cleaning of these sensors is therefore necessary to guarantee their performance.

[0004] In this regard, motor vehicles can be equipped with a cleaning system, in particular with pipes and nozzles for the distribution of cleaning fluids.

[0005] Furthermore, effective cleaning of the sensor surface requires the distribution of the cleaning fluid under pressure from a fluid reservoir. In this regard, the cleaning system supplied in motor vehicles can be equipped with a gas pressure source designed to build up pressure in the fluid reservoir.

[0006] Documents US11787370 B2, CN112172744 A, US20220193734 Al, US 10888890 B2, US20200130651 Al and US9290158 B2 describe fluidic systems for delivering a pressurized liquid.

[0007] However, the systems described in these documents are not satisfactory. Indeed, these systems are not designed to deliver a liquid under pressure during filling. Furthermore, these systems require the assembly of numerous parts, which makes them complicated.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to provide a fluidic system designed to deliver a pressurized liquid during filling.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluidic system capable of pressurizing and venting a fluid reservoir which limits the number of valves required for its use.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluidic system that is compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The above-mentioned objects of the present invention are, at least in part, reached by a fluidic system for delivering a pressurized liquid, the fluidic system being provided with a main reservoir, the main reservoir comprising:

[0012] - a separating plate defining a first section and a second section in the main reservoir, and leaving a passage, called intermediate passage, between the first section and the second section;

[0013] - a liquid inlet;

[0014] - a liquid outlet;

[0015] - a gas inlet designed to allow the injection of a pressurized gas into the main reservoir;

[0016] - means for determining a liquid level in one and / or the other of the first section and second section;

[0017] - a switching element adapted to adopt one or the other of a position open and a closed position, the closed position being a position for which said switching device seals the intermediate passage, the open position being a position for which the intermediate passage is free;

[0018] - means for venting designed to vent one and / or the other of the first section and the second section when the switching element is in its closed position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the liquid inlet is designed to fill the tank with a liquid through the first section, the liquid outlet is designed to deliver a liquid from the second section, and the gas inlet is designed to allow the injection of pressurized gas into the second section.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the means for determining a liquid level include a level sensor designed to measure the liquid level in the first section.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the switching member comprises a self-retaining valve equipped with a main diaphragm, said main diaphragm being designed to seal the intermediate passage when the switching member is in its closed position.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the separation plate is fixed inside the main tank, advantageously by means of a shaft, more advantageously the level sensor comprises a floating plate in sliding connection with the shaft.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said fluidic system comprises a gas pressure source, designed to supply pressurized gas to the gas inlet by via a main gas conduit, advantageously the gas conduit being equipped with a non-return valve, called a gas non-return valve.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the self-retaining valve is housed in a lateral compartment, the lateral compartment being separated from the interior of the main reservoir by the main membrane, the self-retaining valve further includes a spring, disposed in the lateral compartment, and imposing the main membrane to seal the intermediate passage.

[0025] According to one embodiment, said fluidic system comprises a liquid reservoir connected to the liquid inlet via a main liquid conduit, advantageously the main liquid conduit is provided with a non-return valve, referred to as a liquid non-return valve.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the gas pressure source is connected to the side compartment via a secondary gas conduit provided with a valve, the valve being designed to be opened when the liquid level in the first section is below a predetermined level, the opening of the valve triggering the injection of pressurized gas into the side compartment, so that the main diaphragm adopts its closed position, the venting means are designed to vent the first section to the atmosphere when the two-way valve is open.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the venting means include a venting valve, located in the side compartment, and whose opening is triggered by the pressure of the gas injected into the side compartment.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the venting means includes a pilot-operated drain valve controlled by the two-way valve.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the side compartment includes a pinhole.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the liquid reservoir is also connected to the side compartment via a secondary liquid conduit, the self-retaining valve comprising a secondary membrane, coupled to the main membrane, the area of ​​the secondary surface being larger than the area of ​​the main membrane, so that a liquid pressure inside the side compartment lower than the pressure in the main reservoir is required to force the main membrane into its closed position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the venting means include a venting valve, located in the side compartment, and whose opening is triggered by the pressure of the liquid injected into the side compartment.

[0032] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising the fluidic system according to the present invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Other features and advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description of the fluidic system according to the invention, provided by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a fluidic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a representation of a variant of the fluidic system according to the first embodiment;

[0036] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a fluidic system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In the descriptive part, the same reference numerals in the drawings may be used for elements of the same type. The drawings are schematic representations which, for reasons of legibility, are not necessarily to scale.

[0038] The present invention relates to a fluidic system for delivering a pressurized liquid, the fluidic system being provided with a main reservoir, the main reservoir comprising:

[0039] - a separating plate defining a first section and a second section in the main reservoir, and leaving a passage, called intermediate passage, between the first section and the second section;

[0040] - a liquid inlet;

[0041] - a liquid outlet;

[0042] - a gas inlet designed to allow the injection of a pressurized gas into the main reservoir;

[0043] - means for determining a liquid level in one and / or the other of the first section and second section;

[0044] - a switching element adapted to adopt one or the other of a position open and a closed position, the closed position being a position for which said switching device seals the intermediate passage, the open position being a position for which the intermediate passage is free;

[0045] - venting means designed to vent one and / or the other of the first section and the second section when the switching element is in its closed position.

[0046] The fluidic system according to the present invention is notably designed to deliver a pressurized fluid in a quasi-continuous manner. In particular, and as will become apparent from the following description of the present invention, the fluidic system is designed to be capable of delivering a pressurized fluid and of being replenished at the same time. In other words, the fluidic system is designed to be used with almost no downtime.

[0047] The relative position of the first and second sections is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In this respect, in the present description and the associated figures, the first section is always considered to be positioned above the second section with respect to the vertical axis.

[0048] The main tank considered in the present invention may be of any shape, elongated or not in a preferred direction. In particular, the main tank may be elongated along the vertical direction.

[0049] The means for determining the liquid level in one or both of the first and second sections may be of any type. Notably, said means may include a timer, a flow meter by means of which the liquid remaining in the first and / or second section may be determined.

[0050] As an alternative or complementary embodiment, the means for determining a liquid level in one and / or the other of the first section and the second section may include a level sensor designed to measure the liquid level in the first section.

[0051] According to a specific embodiment, the liquid inlet can be designed to fill the main reservoir with a liquid via the first section, the liquid outlet can be designed to deliver a liquid from the second section, and the gas inlet is designed to allow the injection of pressurized gas into the second section. According to this configuration, it is possible to fill the first section with a liquid while simultaneously distributing a pressurized liquid from the second section via the liquid outlet. In particular, the seal of the intermediate passage with the switching element separates the first section from the second section, thus allowing the first section to be vented to the atmosphere and filled without the need for a pump.Advantageously, the separation plate is fixed inside the main tank, for example with a shaft, and the level sensor includes a floating plate in sliding connection with the shaft.

[0052] In a highly advantageous embodiment, the fluidic system can be designed to trigger a filling sequence of the first section when the liquid level in said first section is below a predetermined level. Notably, the filling sequence comprises, in the following order, switching the switching means from the open position to the closed position, venting the first section, and filling the first section.

[0053] The first sequence, according to an advantageous embodiment, can be executed automatically. To this end, the fluidic system may include means control, for example a control module, to control the switching element, the liquid inlet, the venting means and the means for determining a liquid level.

[0054] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the switching member may include a self-retaining valve equipped with a main diaphragm, said main diaphragm being designed to seal the intermediate passage when the switching member is in its closed position.

[0055] In the present description, a main diaphragm in a closed position has the same meaning as a switching element in a closed position. Similarly, a main diaphragm in an open position has the same meaning as a switching element in an open position.

[0056] In one embodiment, the fluidic system may include a gas pressure source designed to supply pressurized gas to the gas inlet via a main gas line. Advantageously, the gas line may be equipped with a check valve, referred to as a gas check valve. The gas pressure source may include a pressure pump for compressing a gas and injecting the compressed gas into the main tank and notably into the second section. Alternatively, the gas pressure source may also include a pressure vessel filled with pressurized gas.

[0057] The gas pressure source can supply pressurized gas to pressurize at least the second section while the fluidic system delivers the pressurized fluid, and / or while the filling sequence is in progress.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, the self-retaining valve is housed in a lateral compartment, the lateral compartment being separated from the interior of the main reservoir by the main membrane, the self-retaining valve further includes a spring, disposed in the lateral compartment, and imposing the main membrane to seal the intermediate passage.

[0059] Advantageously, the fluidic system may include a liquid reservoir connected to the liquid inlet via a main liquid conduit, advantageously the main liquid conduit is provided with a check valve, called a liquid check valve.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the gas pressure source is connected to the side compartment via a secondary gas conduit provided with a valve, the valve being designed to be opened when the liquid level in the first section is below a predetermined level, the opening of the valve triggering the injection of pressurized gas into the side compartment, so that the main diaphragm adopts its closed position, the venting means are designed to vent the first section to the atmosphere when the valve is open.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment, the venting means include a venting valve, located in the side compartment, and whose opening is triggered by the pressure of the gas injected into the side compartment.

[0062] Notably, the venting means may include a piloted drain valve, controlled by the valve.

[0063] The side compartment may include a pinhole designed to equalize the pressure inside and outside the side compartment.

[0064] A pinhole, as defined in the present invention, is a structure that imposes a pressure drop. Notably, the pinhole may be a "small hole" or may include a discharge conduit having a constriction to impose a pressure drop. In particular, in the present invention, a pinhole is a structure that, despite the pressure drop it imposes, allows pressure to accumulate in the lateral compartment as long as it is fluidly connected to a gas pressure source.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment, the liquid reservoir can be connected to the side compartment via a secondary liquid conduit, the self-retaining valve comprising a secondary membrane, coupled to the main membrane, the surface area of ​​the secondary surface being larger than the surface area of ​​the main membrane, so that a liquid pressure inside the side compartment lower than the pressure in the main reservoir is required to force the main membrane into its closed position.

[0066] Advantageously, the venting means may include a venting valve, located in the side compartment, and whose opening is triggered by the pressure of the liquid injected into the side compartment.

[0067] The fluidic system can advantageously be implemented in a motor vehicle.

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a fluidic system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Notably, the fluidic system 1 includes a main reservoir 10. As shown in [Fig. 1], the main reservoir 10 has an elongated shape along a principal direction ZZ' (vertical direction). The main reservoir 10 is also equipped with a separating plate 11. In particular, the separating plate 11 defines a first section 12 and a second section 13 in the main reservoir 10, and leaves a passage, referred to as the intermediate passage 14, between the first section 12 and the second section 13. In [Fig. 1], the first section 12 is located above the second section 13, so that a fluid in the first section 12 can flow into the second section 13 through the intermediate passage 14.

[0070] The fluidic system 1 includes a liquid inlet 15. In particular, the liquid inlet 15 can be arranged to fluidly connect the first section 12 to a liquid source.

[0071] The fluidic system 1 may include a liquid reservoir 16 connected to the liquid inlet 15 via a main liquid conduit 17. Advantageously, the main liquid conduit 17 may be equipped with a check valve, referred to as a liquid check valve 18. In particular, the liquid check valve 18 is arranged to allow a liquid present in the section 16 to flow into the first section 12 through said liquid check valve.

[0072] The fluidic system 1 may include a liquid outlet 19 designed to deliver a liquid from the second section 13.

[0073] The fluidic system 1 may include a gas inlet 20 designed to allow the injection of pressurized gas into the second section 13.

[0074] The fluidic system 1 may include a gas pressure source, designed to supply pressurized gas to the gas inlet 20 via a main gas conduit 21. Advantageously, the gas conduit 21 is provided with a check valve, referred to as a gas check valve 22. In particular, the gas check valve 22 is arranged to allow the injection of a gas flow into the second sections 13.

[0075] The gas pressure source may include a pressure pump for compressing a gas and injecting the compressed gas into the main tank and notably into the second section. Alternatively, the gas pressure source may include a pressure vessel 28 filled with a pressurized gas.

[0076] The fluidic system 1 includes a switching element adapted to adopt either an open position or a closed position, the closed position being a position for which said switching element seals the intermediate passage 14, the open position being a position for which the intermediate passage 14 is free.

[0077] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the switching member comprises a self-retaining valve 23 equipped with a main diaphragm 24, said main diaphragm 24 being designed to seal the intermediate passage 14 when the switching member is in its closed position.

[0078] Notably, and as shown in [Fig.1], the self-retaining valve 23 is housed in a lateral compartment 25, the lateral compartment being separated from the interior of the main reservoir 10 by the main membrane 24, the self-retaining valve further includes a spring 26, disposed in the lateral compartment, and imposing the main membrane to seal the intermediate passage.

[0079] The fluidic system 1 further comprises venting means designed to vent one and / or the other of the first section and the second section when the switching element is in its closed position. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the venting means are designed to vent the first section when the switching element is in its closed position. In other words, the venting means are designed to vent the first section when the switching element of the main membrane seals the intermediate passage 14.

[0080] Advantageously, the gas pressure source is connected to the side compartment 25 via a secondary gas conduit 26 equipped with a valve 27. When the valve 27 opens, the pressurized gas from the gas pressure source is injected into the side compartment, so that pressure is built up inside said side compartment. When the pressure inside the side compartment is sufficiently high to compensate for the pressure inside the second section, the spring 26 pushes the main diaphragm 24, which seals the intermediate passage 14.

[0081] Once the intermediate passage 14 is sealed, the venting means can vent the first section.

[0082] Once the venting is complete, the liquid is injected into the first section from the liquid reservoir 16. During filling, the gas pressure source can maintain the pressure accumulated in the second section 13, and the pressurized liquid can still be distributed from the second section 13.

[0083] As soon as the liquid level in the first section 12 is sufficient, the valve 27 can be closed, so that the pressure inside the side compartment decreases. As a result of the pressure decrease, the main diaphragm 14 assumes its open position.

[0084] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the valve 27 can be designed to be opened when the liquid level in the first section is below a predetermined level.

[0085] In this regard, the means for determining a liquid level include a level sensor designed to measure the liquid level in the first section.

[0086] In a non-limiting example, the separation plate 11 can be fixed inside the main tank 10, with a shaft 29, and the level sensor includes a floating plate 30 in sliding connection with the shaft 29.

[0087] In the example illustrated in [Fig.1], the venting means includes a piloted drain valve 31 controlled by the valve 27.

[0088] Figure 2 is a representation of a variant of the fluidic system according to the first embodiment. This variant differs from the fluidic system of Figure 1 in that the venting means comprise a venting valve 32, located in the side compartment, the opening of which is triggered by the pressure of the gas injected into the side compartment. In particular, the venting valve 32 may include a diaphragm, said venting diaphragm 33, and a pin 34.

[0089] The [Fig.3] is a representation of the fluidic system according to a second embodiment.

[0090] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the gas pressure source is not connected to the side compartment 25 via a secondary gas conduit 26 equipped with a valve 27.

[0091] In the second embodiment, the liquid reservoir 16, associated with a water pump 36, is also connected to the side compartment via a secondary liquid conduit 35, and the self-retaining valve comprises a secondary diaphragm 36, coupled to the main diaphragm 24, the surface area of ​​the secondary diaphragm being larger than the surface area of ​​the main diaphragm, such that a liquid pressure inside the side compartment lower than the pressure in the main reservoir is required to force the main diaphragm into its closed position. Notably, the secondary liquid conduit 35 fluidly connects the main liquid conduit 17 to the side compartment.

[0092] During use, the fluidic system according to the second embodiment can deliver a pressurized fluid through its outlet 19.

[0093] Regardless of the embodiment envisaged, the separation plate can be horizontal or inclined.

[0094] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising the fluidic system according to the present invention.

[0095] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluidic system (1) for delivering a pressurized liquid, the fluidic system (1) having a main reservoir (10), the main reservoir (10) comprising: - a separating plate (11) defining a first section (12) and a second section (13) in the main reservoir (10), and leaving a passage, called an intermediate passage (14), between the first section (12) and the second section (13); - a liquid inlet (15); - a liquid outlet (19); - a gas inlet (20) designed to allow the injection of a pressurized gas into the main reservoir (10); - means for determining a liquid level in one and / or the other of the first section (12) and the second section (13);- a switching element adapted to adopt either an open position or a closed position, the closed position being a position in which said switching element seals the intermediate passage (14), the open position being a position in which the intermediate passage (14) is free; - venting means designed to vent one and / or the other of the first section (12) and the second section (13) when the switching element is in its closed position.

2. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the liquid inlet (15) is designed to fill the reservoir with a liquid through the first section (12), the liquid outlet (19) is designed to deliver a liquid from the second section (13) and the gas inlet (20) is designed to allow the injection of pressurized gas into the second section (13).

3. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the means for determining a liquid level include a level sensor designed to measure the liquid level in the first section (12).

4. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the switching member comprises a self-retaining valve (23) equipped with a main diaphragm (24), said main diaphragm (24) being designed to seal the intermediate passage (14) when the switching member is in its closed position.

5. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the separating plate (11) is fixed inside the main tank (10), advantageously with a shaft (29), more advantageously the level sensor comprises a floating plate in sliding connection with the shaft (29).

6. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said fluidic system (1) comprises a gas pressure source, designed to supply pressurized gas to the gas inlet (20) via a main gas conduit (21), advantageously the gas conduit being provided with a check valve, referred to as a gas check valve (22).

7. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the self-retentive valve (23) is housed in a lateral compartment (25), the lateral compartment (25) being separated from the interior of the main reservoir (10) by the main diaphragm (24), the self-retentive valve (23) further includes a spring, disposed in the lateral compartment (25), and imposing the main diaphragm (24) to seal the intermediate passage (14).

8. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 7, wherein said fluidic system (1) comprises a liquid reservoir (16) connected to the liquid inlet (15) via a main liquid conduit (17), advantageously the main liquid conduit (17) is provided with a check valve, referred to as a liquid check valve (18).

9. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the gas pressure source is connected to the side compartment (25) via a secondary gas conduit (26) provided with a valve (27), the valve (27) being designed to be opened when the liquid level in the first section (12) is below a predetermined level, the opening of the valve triggering the injection of pressurized gas into the side compartment (25), so that the main diaphragm (24) adopts its closed position, venting means are designed to vent the first section (12) when the two-way valve is open.

10. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the venting means comprise a venting valve, located in the side compartment (25), and whose opening is triggered by the pressure of the gas injected into the lateral compartment (25).

11. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the venting means comprises a piloted drain valve (31) controlled by the valve.

12. Fluidic system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the lateral compartment (25) includes a pinhole.

13. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the liquid reservoir (16) is also connected to the side compartment (25) via a secondary liquid conduit (35), the self-retaining valve (23) comprising a secondary membrane (36), coupled to the main membrane (24), the area of ​​the secondary surface being larger than the area of ​​the main membrane (24), so that a liquid pressure inside the side compartment (25) lower than the pressure in the main reservoir (10) is required to force the main membrane (24) into its closed position.

14. Fluidic system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the venting means comprise a venting valve, located in the side compartment (25), and whose opening is triggered by the pressure of the liquid injected into the side compartment (25).

15. Motor vehicle comprising the fluidic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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