Disc valve device, cleaning system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a disc valve device (3) according to claim (1), a cleaning system (2) according to claim (9), and a vehicle (1) according to claim (10).

Description

[0001] 202401186

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Disc valve device, cleaning system and vehicle

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The invention relates to a disc valve device for selectively supplying sensors of a vehicle with a cleaning fluid, a cleaning system and a vehicle.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Disc valve devices are known from the prior art which are hydrodynamically mounted in a housing by means of a fluid to be controlled by the disc valve device.

[0009] A disadvantage of these prior art devices is that, due to the hydrodynamic bearing, an unwanted bypass flow of the cleaning fluid to be controlled by the disc valve device is formed, which reduces the efficiency of a cleaning system which has such a disc valve device.

[0010] Description of the invention, problem, solution, advantages

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative disc valve device which, in particular, overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. A further object is to provide a cleaning system with such a disc valve device. A third object is to provide a vehicle with such a cleaning system.

[0012] The problem with regard to the disc valve device is solved by a disc valve device having the features of claim 1. 202401186

[0013] 2

[0014] An embodiment of the invention relates to a disc valve device for selectively supplying sensors of a vehicle with a cleaning fluid, comprising: a housing which includes a fluid inlet and at least two fluid outlets, and a disc-shaped valve body, wherein the valve body is arranged in the housing, wherein the valve body has a fluid channel and is adjustable about an axis of rotation such that the fluid channel connects the fluid inlet to one of the fluid outlets in a fluid-transferring manner depending on the rotational position about the axis of rotation, wherein a gap is formed between the valve body and the housing on one or both end faces, in particular the end face or end faces of the valve body, which extends in a radial direction.

[0015] A seal is arranged on each of the end faces, extending completely around the axis of rotation and sealing the respective gap, particularly in the radial direction. The seal(s) can be used to increase efficiency, as they prevent bypass flow at this point. The disc valve device can preferably be a distributor.

[0016] Preferably, the valve body is made of a metal and / or a plastic. Preferably, the valve body is made of a material that is resistant to the cleaning fluid.

[0017] The valve body preferably has a circular or circular outer contour. In other words, it is preferred if the valve body has a constant outer diameter. 202401186

[0018] 3

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferred if the valve body has a liquid channel inlet at the point where the axis of rotation of the valve body intersects the valve body. Preferably, the liquid channel inlet is connected to the liquid inlet fluidically or by a liquid transfer, independent of the rotational position.

[0020] In principle, it is preferred if, within the scope of the disclosure of the invention, a fluidic connection can also be designed as a fluid-transferring connection, and vice versa.

[0021] Furthermore, the valve body, in particular the rotational position of the valve body, is adjustable by an electric motor.

[0022] Preferably, the end faces of the valve body are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. In other words, the end faces form the axial ends of the valve body. Regardless of this, the end faces of the valve body preferably extend transversely or perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the valve body.

[0023] The term "axial direction" preferably refers to the axial direction, and vice versa. The axial direction preferably runs in the direction of the axis of rotation and / or parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0024] Radial direction preferably refers to the radial direction, and vice versa. The radial direction preferably runs transversely or perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0025] Preferably, the disc valve device comprises three, four, five, or more than five fluid outlets. In particular, the fluid outlets are assigned to sensors or sensor groups of a vehicle, especially for cleaning them. 202401186

[0026] 4

[0027] The cleaning fluid is preferably water, an aqueous solution, or a cleaning solution. Preferably, the cleaning fluid includes components that lower its freezing point, particularly to prevent freezing in winter and thus increase operational reliability. Alternatively or additionally, it is also preferred that the cleaning fluid includes components that enhance the cleaning effect on the sensors or their surfaces.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferred if the housing is made of plastic and / or metal. It is also preferred if the housing is made of a material that is resistant to the cleaning fluid.

[0029] A previous or preferred embodiment is characterized in that the seal is designed to prevent a bypass flow of the cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet to one of the fluid outlets, which is not fluidically connected via the fluid channel due to the rotational position.

[0030] One of the previous embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the liquid inlet extends in the axial direction and at least one of the two liquid outlets extends in the axial or radial direction, and / or that the liquid outlets are arranged radially spaced from the liquid inlet, and / or that the seal or seals are arranged radially between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlets, and preferably in the respective gap.

[0031] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the seal or seals are designed as a dynamic seal, in particular as an elastomer seal, O-ring, polytetrafluoroethylene seal and / or spiral spring seal. 202401186

[0032] 5

[0033] The seal is particularly preferably designed as a spiral spring seal with a sealing element made of polytetrafluoroethylene. In other words, it is preferred if the seal includes a spring element which preloads a sealing element made of polytetrafluoroethylene against the valve body.

[0034] Polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon (trade name), ensures particularly low friction.

[0035] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the seal or seals are each arranged in a groove on each end face of the valve body and / or each in a groove on the respective housing walls. In other words, a groove can be arranged in a housing wall and / or a groove in the valve body, wherein a first seal can be arranged in the groove or in both grooves.

[0036] Furthermore, an additional groove may be arranged in another housing wall and / or a groove in the valve body, with a second seal being arranged in the groove or in both grooves. The first housing wall may border a first end face of the valve body, while the second housing wall may border a second end face of the valve body.

[0037] It is also preferable if the respective seals are arranged simultaneously in grooves of the valve body and the housing walls.

[0038] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the housing wall or housing walls extend along the valve body and / or together with the valve body form the respective gap and / or limit or prevent axial movement of the valve body and / or support the valve body axially and / or hydrodynamically.

[0039] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the seal or seals are arranged and / or designed such that they form a 202401186

[0040] 6

[0041] To absorb the pressure difference of the cleaning fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlets and / or to prevent pressure equalization between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlets.

[0042] One of the previous embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the seal or seals are designed to support the valve body axially and / or radially in the housing and / or to position and / or center it axially and / or radially.

[0043] One of the preceding embodiments or a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the seal or seals are fluidically connected on the one hand to a transition from the liquid inlet to the liquid channel and on the other hand to the liquid outlets. In other words, the seal or seals are arranged such that a bypass flow from a transition from the liquid inlet to the liquid channel to the liquid outlets is prevented or blocked by means of the seal or seals.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cleaning system with the features of claim 9.

[0045] One embodiment of this aspect relates to a cleaning system with a disc valve device according to one of the preceding claims, an electric motor drive for adjusting the valve body, a liquid pump for supplying the liquid inlet with a cleaning fluid, and

[0046] Fluid channels that are fluidically connected to the fluid outlets to supply and / or clean sensors with cleaning fluid. 202401186

[0047] 7

[0048] It is also preferable if the electric motor drive is a permanent magnet synchronous machine or a stepper motor.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the liquid pump is a flow pump or a positive displacement pump.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferable if the cleaning system includes an electric heating device for the cleaning fluid. This prevents the disc valve from freezing, thus increasing the system's operational reliability.

[0051] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the liquid channels are hoses or pipes.

[0052] It is also advantageous for the liquid pump to include an electric drive. The electric drive is preferably a permanent magnet synchronous machine. Preferably, the electric drive is designed as an internal rotor.

[0053] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the cleaning system to include a tank for the cleaning fluid. Preferably, the tank includes a level sensor to determine the level of the cleaning fluid in the tank. It is also preferred that the tank includes an electric heating device to prevent the cleaning fluid from freezing.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with the features of claim 10.

[0055] One embodiment of this aspect relates to a vehicle, wherein the fluid channels lead fluidically to outlet valves of the fluid channels, which are directed towards sensors of the vehicle in order to clean them by means of the cleaning fluid. 202401186

[0056] 8

[0057] It is also preferable if the vehicle is a motor vehicle, a passenger car or a truck.

[0058] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the vehicle is an electric vehicle with an electric motor drive or a vehicle with an internal combustion engine drive. Alternatively, it can be a hybrid vehicle, which includes an electric motor drive and an internal combustion engine drive.

[0059] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the vehicle is capable of autonomous operation. It is particularly preferred if the sensors are those necessary for the autonomous operation of the vehicle. In this way, the cleaning system according to the invention contributes to the functional reliability of the autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0060] In principle, it is preferred if features disclosed for the disc valve device are also transferable to the cleaning system or the vehicle, and vice versa.

[0061] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of the figures.

[0062] Brief description of the drawings

[0063] The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0064] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention. 202401186

[0065] 9

[0066] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0067] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, which is designed as an autonomously operated motor vehicle with an electric drive. For this purpose, the vehicle 1 has sensors that are necessary for autonomous operation. To ensure the functionality of the sensors, even in the case of contamination, the vehicle 1 includes an embodiment of a cleaning system 2 according to the invention for selectively cleaning the sensors by means of a cleaning fluid. The cleaning system 2 includes an embodiment of a disc valve device 3 according to the invention. The disc valve device 3 comprises a housing 4, which includes a fluid inlet and at least two fluid outlets, and a disc-shaped valve body 5, wherein the valve body 5 is arranged in the housing 4.The valve body 5 has a fluid channel and is adjustable about an axis of rotation such that the fluid channel connects the fluid inlet to one of the fluid outlets, transferring fluid depending on the rotational position about the axis of rotation. A gap extending radially is formed between the valve body 5 and the housing 4 at each of its two end faces. A seal 6 is arranged on each end face(s), extending completely around the axis of rotation and sealing the respective gap radially. The seals 6 each comprise a coil spring 7a, which presses a sealing element 7b made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) against the valve body 5. Each seal 6 can be arranged in a groove in a housing wall 4b. This groove is not shown here for the sake of simplicity.Furthermore, arrows indicate a flow pattern consisting of a first flow 8a, which flows axially through the liquid inlet, a second flow 8b, which flows radially through the liquid channel of the valve body 5, and a third flow 8c, which flows axially through a liquid outlet. The housing 4 comprises a first housing part 4a and a second housing part 4c for receiving the valve body 5. 202401186.

[0068] 10

[0069] The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 2 are not particularly limiting in nature and serve to illustrate the inventive concept.

[0070] 202401186

[0071] 11

[0072] Reference symbol list

[0073] 1 vehicle

[0074] 2 Cleaning system 3 Disc valve device

[0075] 4 cases

[0076] 4a Housing half

[0077] 4b Housing wall

[0078] 4c Housing half 5 Valve body

[0079] 6 Seal

[0080] 7a Spiral spring

[0081] 7b Sealing element

[0082] 8a Flow 8b Flow

[0083] 8c Flow

Claims

202401186 12 Patent claims 1. Disc valve device (3) for selectively supplying sensors of a vehicle (1) with a cleaning fluid, comprising: - a housing (4) comprising a liquid inlet and at least two liquid outlets, and - a disc-shaped valve body (5), wherein the valve body (5) is arranged in the housing (4), wherein the valve body (5) has a liquid channel and is adjustable about an axis of rotation such that the liquid channel connects the liquid inlet to one of the liquid outlets in a liquid-transferring manner depending on the rotational position about the axis of rotation, wherein a gap is formed between the valve body (5) and the housing (4) on one or both end faces, which extends in a radial direction, characterized in that a seal (6) is arranged on the end face or both end faces, which extends completely around the axis of rotation and seals the respective gap.

2. Disc valve device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the seal (6) is designed to prevent a bypass flow of the cleaning fluid from the fluid inlet to one of the fluid outlets, which is not fluidically connected via the fluid channel due to the rotational position.

3. Disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid inlet extends in the axial direction and at least one of the two liquid outlets extends in the axial or radial direction, and / or that the liquid outlets are arranged radially spaced from the liquid inlet and / or 202401186 13 that the seal (6) or seals (6) are arranged radially between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlets, and preferably in the respective gap.

4. Disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (6) or the seals (6) are designed as a dynamic seal (6), in particular as an elastomer seal (6), O-ring, polytetrafluoroethylene seal (7b) and / or spiral spring seal (7a).

5. Disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (6) or the seals (6) are each arranged in a groove on each end face of the valve body (5) and / or each in a groove on the respective housing walls (4b).

6. Disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (6) or the seals (6) are arranged and / or designed in such a way that they absorb a pressure difference of the cleaning fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlets and / or prevent a pressure equalization between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlets.

7. Disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (6) or the seals (6) are designed to support the valve body (5) axially and / or radially in the housing (4) and / or to position and / or center it axially and / or radially.

8. Disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (6) or the seals (6) are fluidically connected on the one hand to a transition of the liquid inlet to the liquid channel and on the other hand to the liquid outlets. 202401186 14 9. Cleaning system (2) with - a disc valve device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, - an electric motor drive for adjusting the valve body, - a liquid pump to supply the liquid inlet with a cleaning fluid, and - Fluid channels that are fluidically connected to the fluid outlets to supply sensors with the cleaning fluid.

10. Vehicle (1) with a cleaning system (2) according to claim 9, wherein the fluid channels lead fluidically to outlet valves of the fluid channels which are directed towards sensors of the vehicle (1) in order to clean them by means of the cleaning fluid.

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