Liquid Spray System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for spraying a cleaning liquid, comprising: - a cleaning solution tank (3), a plurality of spray elements (5) fluidly connected to the tank (3); a pump (7) for supplying the cleaning liquid to the spray element (5); a plurality of valves (11) respectively coupled to the plurality of spray members (5) and configured to selectively deliver the cleaning liquid pumped by the pump to each of the spray members (5); The plurality of valves (11) are arranged in the form of a distribution block (9), the inlet (9a) of the block is configured to be fluidly connected to the pump (7) and is provided with a fluid connector (31) arranged in parallel and intended to be connected to a spray member (5), the distribution block (9) also comprising a mechanical overpressure valve (13) arranged in parallel with the fluid connector (31) and configured to fit into the fluid connector (31) of the distribution block (9).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive liquid spray systems. [Background technology]

[0002] All automobiles have a washer fluid spray system to keep the vehicle's windshield clean and provide optimal visibility for the driver.

[0003] Furthermore, the proliferation of sensors, particularly optical driving assistance sensors, has increased the number of spray systems to enable proper operation of these optical sensors which are generally exposed to contamination from the external environment.

[0004] To avoid an increased number of parts, it is known to share certain parts of a spray system, such as a pump or tank, between different spray systems, and then use valves to direct and deliver the pumped cleaning fluid to selected spray end pieces (or spray nozzles).

[0005] However, such an arrangement requires more powerful pumps and higher pressure levels, eg in excess of 6 bar, compared to "conventional" windscreen-only washing systems.

[0006] However, such pressure levels can pose risks to materials and to the safety of the user.

[0007] It is therefore necessary to be able to control the maximum pressure in the hydraulic circuit of the spray system in order to allow the use of cheaper components and to be able to avoid such risks. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To this end, a system for spraying a cleaning liquid is proposed, which system comprises: A cleaning solution tank; at least one spray member fluidly connected to the tank; a pump configured to supply a cleaning liquid to at least one spray member; at least one valve coupled to each of the at least one spray member and configured to selectively deliver the pumped cleaning liquid to the at least one respective spray member; At least one valve is arranged in the form of a distribution block, the inlet of the block being configured to be fluidly connected to the pump and comprising fluid connectors arranged in parallel and intended to be connected to at least one spray member, the distribution block also comprising a mechanical overpressure valve arranged in parallel with the fluid connectors and configured to mate with one of the fluid connectors of the distribution block.

[0009] The use of an overpressure valve in the dispensing block allows the pressure in the spray system to be limited, ensuring protection of the user while allowing the use of less robust and therefore cheaper components. Furthermore, the location in the dispensing block allows a high level of modularity, compactness and simplified maintenance.

[0010] According to one embodiment, there are a plurality of spray members and a plurality of valves respectively coupled to the plurality of spray members.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the mechanical overpressure valve includes a 1 / 4 turn interface at its inlet.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the overpressure valve comprises an outlet nose configured to be fluidly connected to a return hose in the direction towards the tank.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the overpressure valve includes a seal ball spring assembly configured to move the ball away from the seal when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the overpressure valve also comprises a spring screw or a preload nut configured to adjust the predetermined value.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the predetermined value is between 5 and 6 bar.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the overpressure valve comprises a casing made of a plastic material.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the valve is a solenoid valve.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the distribution block is a modular block in which the number of valves can be adapted depending on the number of spray members to be supplied.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the fluid connector is a standard connector.

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following description and the attached drawings, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system for spraying a cleaning liquid. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a view of an overpressure valve in longitudinal section. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of an overpressure valve. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the overpressure valve. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a third perspective view of the overpressure valve. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a fourth perspective view of the overpressure valve. [Figure 7] A diagram of a distribution block is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In these figures, identical elements are given the same reference numbers.

[0023] 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 a feature applies only to one embodiment. Individual features of various embodiments can be combined or substituted to provide other embodiments.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention relates in particular to a system 1 for spraying a cleaning fluid for automobiles, which is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1. The spray system 1 comprises a cleaning fluid tank 3, a number of spraying members 5 (six in this case), e.g. spray nozzles, a pump 7 and a distribution block 9 which comprises a number of valves 11 (six in this case) and a mechanical overpressure valve 13. The different elements of the spray system 1 are fluidly connected, for example, by pipes or hoses 15. Arrows on the pipes 15 indicate the flow direction of the cleaning fluid.

[0025] The pump 7 is configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the tank 3 to the distribution block 9 and the spraying members 5. The valves 11 of the distribution block 9 are configured to be fluidly connected to the different spraying members 5, respectively. The valves 11 are configured to selectively feed the pumped cleaning liquid to the associated spraying members 5. The valves 11 are, for example, solenoid valves. The valves 11 are arranged in parallel, meaning that they are all connected to a fluid channel of the distribution block 9. This fluid channel is connected to an inlet 9a of the distribution block 9, which is connected to the pump 7, and an outlet 9b of the distribution block 9, which is connected to the tank 3. An overpressure valve 13 is, for example, arranged at the outlet 9b of the distribution block 9.

[0026] Thus, during operation, actuation of the pump 7 allows the cleaning liquid to be delivered from the tank 3 to the distribution block 9 and the spraying element 5, the associated valve 11 of which is open. Furthermore, if the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the distribution block 9 exceeds a predetermined value, the overpressure valve 13 is arranged to allow the liquid to be returned to the tank 3, thus limiting the pressure in the spraying system 1, in particular in the distribution block 9 and in the hose 15. Such pressure limiting limits the risk of damage to the various elements and allows the use of cheaper and lighter elements, in the case of an automotive spraying system, while ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

[0027] 2 shows a longitudinal section of the mechanical overpressure valve 13, comprising an elastic element 21, in this case a coil spring, arranged to bias a ball 23 against a seal 25, for example an O-ring seal. The stiffness of the spring 21 can be selected depending on the predetermined pressure value. Furthermore, the spring 21 can bear against an adjustable stop 27, for example a screw or a preload nut, by means of which the coil spring 21 can be preloaded so that the predetermined pressure value can be adjusted. The predetermined value is, for example, 5-6 bar.

[0028] The overpressure valve 13 also comprises an inlet 13a in fluid communication with the outlet 13b of the valve 13, and a fluid channel 13c connecting the inlet 13a to the outlet 13b and in which the ball 23 is located. The arrows at the inlet 13a and outlet 13b indicate the direction of the liquid flow. Thus, in operation, as long as the fluid pressure is below a given valve, the cleaning liquid is stopped by the ball 23 in contact with the O-ring seal 25. When the liquid pressure at the ball 23 exceeds the given pressure, the ball 23 compresses the spring 21 so that a space is formed between the ball 23 and the O-ring seal 25, thus allowing the cleaning liquid to pass. When the pressure falls again below the given value, the action of the spring 21 causes the ball 23 to abut again against the O-ring seal 25, so that the ball 23 prevents the passage of the cleaning liquid. This combination of the ball 23 and the spring 21 allows an uncertainty of about + / - 5% to be obtained for the given value.

[0029] Furthermore, as better seen in Figures 3-6, the overpressure valve 13 may include a quarter-turn interface at the inlet 13a, allowing it to be quickly and easily secured to a complementary end piece of the distribution block 9 corresponding to the fluid connector 31 (visible in Figure 7). For example, a cone seal type seal (not shown) may be placed at the inlet 13a to ensure leak-tightness of the connection of the complementary end pieces. The overpressure valve 13 may also include a nose having a collar 29 and a shape that narrows towards its end at its outlet, so that a hose or pipe 15 can be secured thereto. The shape of the nose also corresponds to the shape of the fluid connector 31, allowing the overpressure valve to be inserted between the fluid connector 31 and the pipe 15. The casing of the overpressure valve 13 may be made in one piece or may be made of a plastic material.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a distribution block 9, comprising three solenoid valves 11 arranged in parallel and associated respectively with three fluid connectors 31 intended to be connected to the spray members 5. The solenoid valves 11 are arranged along a fluid channel connecting the inlet 9a and the outlet 9b of the distribution block 9. At the outlet 9b of the distribution block 9, an overpressure valve 13 is also arranged, as described above. The overpressure valve 13 is configured to fit into the standard fluid connector 31 of the distribution block 9. It should be noted, however, that the overpressure valve 13 can also be arranged in another place, for example in one of the fluid connectors 31, with the outlet 13b of the overpressure valve 13 still being fluidly connected to the tank 3. Since the distribution block 9 is a modular block, when the spray system 1 is arranged in a motor vehicle, the number of solenoid valves 11 can easily be changed to match the number of spray members 5, for example depending on the model of the motor vehicle. Different distribution blocks 9 can also be combined. In this case, the overpressure valve 13 may be arranged at a common outlet of a set of distribution blocks 9. The fluid connector 31 of the distribution block 9 is, for example, a standard connector.

[0031] Thus, the use of a modular distribution block allows the size of the distribution block to be adjusted depending on the number of spray elements to be delivered, and the use of standard fluid connectors allows the connection of hoses or pipes 15 and overpressure valves. The overpressure valves ensure that pressure within the spray system does not exceed a threshold, ensuring user safety while allowing the use of equipment that requires resistance to pressures above a threshold, thereby allowing the use of lower cost equipment.

Claims

1. A spray system (1) for a motor vehicle for spraying a cleaning liquid, comprising: at least one valve (11), intended to be coupled to the tank (3) and to the at least one spray member (5), respectively, and configured to selectively direct the cleaning liquid pumped from the tank (3) to the at least one respective spray member (5); The at least one valve (11) is arranged in the form of a distribution block (9), the inlet (9a) of which is configured to be fluidly connected to the pump (7) and comprises fluid connectors (31) arranged in parallel and intended to be connected to the at least one spray member (5), the distribution block (9) also comprising a mechanical overpressure valve (13) arranged in parallel with the fluid connectors (31) and configured to fit into one of the fluid connectors (31) of the distribution block (9).

2. The spray system (1) according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of spray members (5) and a plurality of valves (11) respectively coupled to said plurality of spray members (5).

3. The spray system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical overpressure valve (13) comprises a 1 / 4 turn interface at its inlet.

4. The spray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the overpressure valve (13) comprises an outlet nose configured to be fluidly connected to a return hose (15) in the direction of the tank (3).

5. The spray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the overpressure valve (13) comprises an assembly of a seal (25), a ball (23) and a spring (21) configured such that the ball (23) moves away from the seal (25) when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

6. The spray system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the overpressure valve also comprises a screw or preload nut (27) for the spring (21) adapted to adjust the predetermined value.

7. A spray system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said predetermined value is between 5 and 6 bar.

8. A spray system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overpressure valve (13) comprises a casing made of a plastic material.

9. The spray system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (11) is a solenoid valve.

10. A spray system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution block (9) is a modular block in which the number of valves (11) can be adapted depending on the number of spray members (5) to be supplied.

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