Vehicle sunroof drain pipe cleaning kit and vehicle including such a kit

Abstract

Vehicle sunroof drain pipe cleaning assembly and vehicle comprising such an assembly. The invention relates to a vehicle sunroof drain pipe cleaning assembly (49) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a sunroof (3) drainage system (7) including a water collection tray arranged to collect water that seeps between said sunroof and a fixed part (9) of the roof, and including at least one drainage pipe (11) connected to discharge ports (13) of said collection tray, - a windshield washer system (23), including a windshield washer fluid supply device (35) and at least one windshield washer hose (31, 33) connected to said supply device (35). According to the invention, the assembly (49) includes at least one connecting hose (51) supplied by said supply device (35) and connecting said device to at least one drainage pipe of said drainage system. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle sunroof drain pipe cleaning assembly and vehicle comprising such an assembly. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, in particular to the field of drainage of a vehicle sunroof designed to evacuate water which enters the area of ​​the sunroof.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a sunroof drain pipe cleaning assembly for motor vehicles.

[0003] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a cleaning assembly. Previous technique

[0004] Some high-end vehicles equipped with a sunroof may include a sunroof drainage system.

[0005] The drainage system is designed to remove rainwater or water from other sources of moisture that enters around the joints of the sunroof, between the fixed part of the roof and the sunroof.

[0006] Such a drainage system helps to protect vehicles from water damage and is essential to prevent water leaks inside the vehicle and to protect internal components from moisture damage.

[0007] To achieve this, the drainage system includes a collection tray, or gutter, which surrounds the glass panel of the sunroof and collects the water that seeps in.

[0008] The drainage system further comprises drainage pipes connected to drainage ports made at the corners of the recovery tank.

[0009] These drainage pipes run from the corners of the collection tray and down along the front and rear pillars of the vehicle before opening into outlet points located under the vehicle at the wheel arches, so as to direct the water collected by the collection tray and to allow the collected water to flow freely onto the ground.

[0010] However, it has been noted that drainage pipes can become clogged due to dust, debris and residue which accumulate over time at the drainage holes made at the corners of the collection tray, thus preventing water from flowing properly into the drainage pipes.

[0011] This results in leaks inside the vehicle, which can cause costly damage to the electrical system and sunroof components.

[0012] In addition, stagnant water retained at the level of the sunroof seals develops mold and various fungi such as mildew, generating unpleasant odors within the passenger compartment and causing serious health risks for the occupants.

[0013] Thus, when the drainage holes made at the corners of the recovery tank are blocked, the drainage pipes must be unblocked as soon as possible in order to limit the aforementioned inconveniences.

[0014] Currently, the unblocking of drainage pipes is carried out manually by a professional who inserts a pressurized air injection cable into each of the outlet points of the drainage pipes located at the wheel arches, thus making it possible to unblock the corresponding drainage pipe when compressed air is injected into it.

[0015] However, this operation is quite long and complex for the professional to carry out, who must first remove the wheels of the vehicle in order to then access the outlet points of the drainage pipes and insert the pressurized air injection cables.

[0016] Moreover, this operation is restrictive for the user, who sees his vehicle immobilized at the professional's on this occasion.

[0017] Also, no warning indicator for blocked drain pipes is provided on vehicles equipped with a drainage system. Thus, the user is unaware that the drain pipes are blocked, and the aforementioned problems resulting from this blockage occur systematically and for extended periods on vehicles equipped with a drainage system. Description of the invention

[0018] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to this end relates to a vehicle sunroof drain pipe cleaning assembly, comprising: - a drainage system for a sunroof of said motor vehicle, comprising a water collection tray arranged at the level of said sunroof so as to collect water which seeps between said sunroof and a fixed part of the roof of said motor vehicle, said drainage system further comprising at least one drainage pipe connected to drainage openings made at the level of said water collection tray, - a windshield washer system, including a windshield washer fluid supply device and at least one windshield washer hose connected to said windshield washer fluid supply device, said assembly being remarkable in that it comprises at least one connecting pipe, on the one hand supplied by said washing liquid supply device ice, and on the other hand connecting said at least one drainage pipe to said drainage system.

[0019] Thus, by providing a sunroof drain pipe cleaning assembly comprising at least one connecting pipe supplied by the windshield washer fluid supply device and connecting the drainage pipes of the drainage system, the windshield washer fluid contained in the reservoir of the windshield washer fluid supply device can be sent under pressure, via the pump of the windshield washer fluid supply device, into the drainage pipes of the drainage system.

[0020] In this way, one avoids the need to resort to a professional to unclog the drainage pipes of the drainage system.

[0021] The risk of blockage of the drainage pipes is also limited, which helps to prevent leaks inside the vehicle and thus preserve the electrical system and the components of the sunroof.

[0022] Also, by preventing water from stagnating at the level of the sunroof seals, the generation of unpleasant odors within the passenger compartment is limited and the formation of fungi that can cause serious health risks for the occupants is prevented.

[0023] According to optional features of the cleaning assembly according to the invention: - said at least one connecting hose directly connects said windshield washer fluid supply device to said at least one drainage hose of said drainage system; - said at least one connecting hose connects said at least one windshield washer hose of said windshield washer system to said at least one drainage hose of said drainage system; - said assembly includes, at the connection between said at least one connecting pipe and said at least one drainage pipe of said drainage system, an injection piston in which an overpressure nozzle is made, said injection piston being movable alternately between an inactive position in which it obstructs said at least one connecting pipe and an active position in which it obstructs said at least one connecting pipe and said at least one drainage pipe; - said assembly includes an elastic means arranged in said at least one drainage pipe so as to permanently return said injection piston to said inactive position; - said assembly includes a water presence detector designed to detect the presence of stagnant water in said at least one drainage pipe and to send an actuation command to said supply device when it detects the presence of water in said at least one drainage pipe.

[0024] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a sunroof and a drain pipe cleaning assembly for said sunroof, notable in that said cleaning assembly is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig.1] shows a motor vehicle seen in perspective comprising a cleaning assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] shows the motor vehicle of the invention seen in perspective, the cleaning assembly being according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.3] shows an alternative embodiment of the cleaning assembly of the invention shown in an inactive position.

[0029] [Fig.4] shows the cleaning assembly according to the variant embodiment of [Fig.3], here represented in an active position. Description of the implementation methods

[0030] In the following description, elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference.

[0031] Reference is made to [Fig.1] showing a motor vehicle 1, seen in perspective, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0032] The motor vehicle 1 includes a sunroof 3 comprising a glass panel 5.

[0033] The motor vehicle 1 further includes a drainage system 7 designed to evacuate rainwater or water from other sources of moisture which enters around joints of the sunroof 3, between the fixed part 9 of the roof and the sunroof 3 itself.

[0034] The drainage system 7 includes a water collection tray (not visible) arranged at the level of the sunroof 3 so as to collect the water that seeps in between the sunroof and the fixed part 9 of the vehicle roof surrounding the sunroof 3. For example, the collection tray surrounds the glass panel 5.

[0035] The drainage system 7 further comprises drainage pipes 11 connected to drainage ports 13 made in the recovery tank, for example at the corners of the recovery tank.

[0036] The drainage pipes 11 run from the corners of the collection tray and descend in pairs along the front pillars 15 and rear pillars 17 of the motor vehicle 1 before exiting into outlet points located under the vehicle, respectively at the level of the front wheel arches 19 and at the level of rear wheel arch 21, so as to direct the water collected by the collection tray and to allow the collected water to flow freely onto the ground outside the vehicle 1.

[0037] The motor vehicle 1 further comprises a windshield washer system 23.

[0038] The windshield washer system 23 includes, in a known manner, wiper blades 25 windshield, powered by a motor 27, a wiper and washer switch 29, a washer hose 31, front, and a washer hose 33, rear, connected to a washer fluid supply device 35.

[0039] The windshield washer fluid supply device 35 includes, for example, a reservoir 37 capable of containing the windshield washer fluid and a pump 39 adapted to send the windshield washer fluid under pressure into the front hose 31 and / or the rear hose 33.

[0040] At the end of the front pipe 31 opposite the end connected to the supply device 35, the front pipe 31 is connected to nozzles 41 directed towards a front windshield 43.

[0041] At the rear end of the pipe 33 opposite the end connected to the supply device 35, the rear pipe 33 is connected to at least one nozzle 45 directed towards a rear windscreen 47.

[0042] According to the invention, the motor vehicle 1 includes a set 49 for cleaning drainage pipes 11 of the sunroof 3.

[0043] The cleaning assembly 49 includes the drainage system 7, the windshield washer system 23 and at least one connecting hose 51 which is, on the one hand, supplied by the windshield washer fluid supply device 35, and which connects, on the other hand, the drainage hoses 11 of the drainage system 7.

[0044] Thus, by providing a cleaning assembly 49 comprising at least one connecting hose 51 supplied by the windshield washer fluid supply device 35 and connecting the drainage hoses 11 of the drainage system 7, the windshield washer fluid contained in the reservoir 37 of the windshield washer fluid supply device 35 can be sent under pressure, via the pump 39 of the windshield washer fluid supply device 35, into the drainage hoses 11 of the drainage system 7.

[0045] In the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 1], the connecting pipes 51 directly connect the windshield washer fluid supply device 35 to the drainage pipes 11 of the drainage system 7.

[0046] Thus, in this first embodiment, the connecting pipes 51 define a cleaning circuit dedicated to cleaning the drainage pipes 11 of the drainage system 7.

[0047] Reference is made to [Fig.2] showing the motor vehicle 1, seen in perspective, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0048] In this second embodiment, the connecting pipes 51 do not directly connect the windshield washer fluid supply device 35 to the drain pipes 11 of the drainage system 7, but they connect at least one of the front and / or rear windshield washer pipes 31 of the windshield washer system 23 to the drain pipes 11 of the drainage system 7.

[0049] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the connecting hoses 51 connect the front windshield washer hose 31 to the front drain hoses 11 and the rear windshield washer hose 33 to the rear drain hoses 11. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the connecting hoses 51 connect the front windshield washer hose 31 to the front drain hoses 11, and then the front drain hose 11 to the rear drain hose 11, i.e., the assembly 49 does not include a connecting hose connecting the rear windshield washer hose 33 to the rear drain hoses 11.

[0050] In this second embodiment, the connecting pipes 51 no longer define a cleaning circuit dedicated to cleaning the drainage pipes 11 of the drainage system 7 as is the case in the first embodiment, but they are an integral part of the windshield washer system 23.

[0051] Reference is made to Figures 3 and 4 showing an alternative embodiment applicable to both embodiments of the invention, the assembly 49 according to the invention being represented respectively in an "inactive" position in [Fig.3] and in an "active" position in [Fig.4].

[0052] At the connection between the connecting pipe 51 and the drainage pipe 11 of the drainage system 7, the assembly 49 may include an injection piston 53 in which a pressure relief nozzle 55 is made, which may, for example, consist of a small diameter perforation of the injection piston 53, thus creating a small diameter passage between the connecting pipe 51 and the drainage pipe 11.

[0053] The injection piston 53 is movable alternately between an inactive position, shown in [Fig.3], in which it obstructs the connecting pipe 51, and an active position, shown in [Fig.4], in which it obstructs both the connecting pipe 51 and the corresponding drainage pipe 11.

[0054] An elastic means 57 is arranged in the drain pipe 11 so as to permanently return the injection piston 53 to its inactive position, so that when no fluid flows in the connecting pipe 51, the injection piston 53 occupies its inactive position.

[0055] The passage of the injection piston 53 from its inactive position to its active position is obtained by the pressure exerted by the windshield washer fluid, coming from the supply device 35, against the injection piston 53.

[0056] In its active position, the elastic means 57 is compressed relative to its rest position, in which the injection piston 53 occupies its inactive position. When the injection piston 53 occupies its active position, the pressure relief nozzle 55 greatly increases the outlet pressure of the windshield washer fluid in the drain pipe 11, thereby effectively unclogging and cleaning the drain pipe 11.

[0057] Thanks to this variant, the cleaning of the drainage pipes 11 of the sunroof 3 is further improved.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the assembly 49 includes a water presence detector 59 designed to detect the presence of stagnant water in the drainage pipe 11. The water presence detector 59 is adapted to send an actuation command to the feed device 35 when it detects the presence of water in the drainage pipe 11. In this way, the unblocking of the drainage pipes 11 is automated, which ensures continuous and efficient operation of the drainage system 7.

[0059] However, the command to activate the power supply device 35 can be sent via a dedicated control operated from inside the passenger compartment. In this case, assembly 49 does not include the water presence detector 59.

[0060] The operation of the assembly according to the invention as realized according to the variant embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4 is as follows.

[0061] When the motor vehicle 1 is in the rain, or being washed, or exposed to other sources of water, the drainage holes 13 discharge the water towards the sunroof drainage pipes.

[0062] However, if residues clog the drainage holes 13, the water no longer flows properly.

[0063] In this case, the water presence detector 59 detects stagnant water and sends an actuation order to the supply device 35.

[0064] The pump 39 of the supply device 35 sends a portion of the windshield washer fluid contained in the pressurized reservoir 37 into the connecting pipes 51, as represented by arrow A.

[0065] The pressure exerted by the windshield washer fluid against the injection piston 53 moves the injection piston 53 from its inactive position to its active position in which it obstructs both the connecting pipe 51 and the corresponding drain pipe 11, thus creating a closed circuit.

[0066] Once the circuit is closed by the injection piston 53, the windshield washer fluid passes through the pressure nozzle 55 and exits the pressure nozzle 55 with an outlet pressure much higher than its inlet pressure, as shown schematically by the arrows B, thus enabling the drain pipe 11 to be effectively unblocked and cleaned.

[0067] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this cleaning assembly and of this vehicle comprising such an assembly, described above only by way of illustrative examples, but on the contrary it encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (49) for cleaning drain pipes (11) of a sunroof (3) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a drainage system (7) for a sunroof (3) of said motor vehicle (1), comprising a water collection tray arranged at the level of said sunroof (3) so as to collect water that seeps between said sunroof (3) and a fixed part (9) of the roof of said motor vehicle (1), said drainage system (7) further comprising at least one drainage pipe (11) connected to discharge ports (13) made at the level of said water collection tray, - a windshield washer system (23), comprising a windshield washer fluid supply device (35) and at least one windshield washer hose (31, 33) connected to said windshield washer fluid supply device (35), said assembly (49) being characterized in that it comprises at least one connecting hose (51), on the one hand supplied by said windshield washer fluid supply device (35),and on the other hand connecting said to at least one drainage pipe (11) of said drainage system (7).

2. Cleaning assembly (49) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting hose (51) directly connects said windshield washer fluid supply device (35) to said at least one drain hose (11) of said drainage system (7).

3. Cleaning assembly (49) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one connecting hose (51) connects said at least one washer hose (31, 33) of said washer system (23) to said at least one drain hose (11) of said drain system (7).

4. A cleaning assembly (49) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises, at the connection between said at least one connecting pipe (51) and said at least one drainage pipe (11) of said drainage system (7), an injection piston (53) in which a pressure-boosting nozzle (55) is formed, said injection piston (53) being movable alternately between an inactive position in which it obstructs said at least one connecting pipe (51) and an active position according to which it obstructs said at least one connecting pipe (51) and said at least one drainage pipe (11).

5. Cleaning assembly (49) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises an elastic means (57) arranged in said at least one drainage pipe (11) so as to permanently return said injection piston (53) to said inactive position.

6. Cleaning assembly (49) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises a water presence detector (59) designed to detect the presence of stagnant water in said at least one drainage pipe (11) and to send an actuation command to said power supply device (35) when it detects the presence of water in said at least one drainage pipe (11).

7. Motor vehicle (1), comprising a sunroof (3) and a drain pipe cleaning assembly (49) for said sunroof (3), characterized in that said cleaning assembly (49) is according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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