阅读说明：本技术 车辆相机和传感器清洗器歧管组件 (Vehicle camera and sensor washer manifold assembly ) 是由 M·J·霍恩比 S·P·诺温斯基 M·J·蔡茨 于 2019-05-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种用于自主车辆的相机清洗系统的歧管组件(60)。所述歧管组件包括：流体入口(62)；多个流体喷射器(10),每一流体喷射器被构造成在流体通过所述流体喷射器的打开状态与流体并不通过所述流体喷射器的关闭状态之间切换；阻挡构件(72),所述阻挡构件被构造成使所述流体喷射器保持在固定位置中；以及轨道构件(64),所述轨道构件包括在所述流体入口与每一流体喷射器之间流体连通的流体通道,以用于向所述流体喷射器中的每一者提供清洁流体。(A manifold assembly (60) for a camera washing system for an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes: a fluid inlet (62); a plurality of fluid ejectors (10), each fluid ejector being configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid ejector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid ejector; a blocking member (72) configured to retain the fluid ejector in a fixed position; and a track member (64) comprising a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid ejector for providing cleaning fluid to each of the fluid ejectors.)

1. A manifold assembly for a camera washing system of an autonomous vehicle, comprising:

a fluid inlet;

a plurality of fluid ejectors, each fluid ejector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid ejector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid ejector;

a blocking member configured to hold the fluid ejector in a fixed position; and

a rail member comprising a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid ejector for providing fluid to each of the fluid ejectors.

2. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein the blocking member comprises a plurality of apertures, each aperture receiving a portion of a fluid ejector therein.

3. The manifold assembly of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid outlet extending from the blocking member and being in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture of the blocking member and a fluid injector received therein, the fluid inlet, the rail member, the fluid injector, and the fluid outlets forming a plurality of fluid paths through the manifold assembly.

4. The manifold assembly of claim 3, wherein the fluid outlet is integrally formed with the blocking member as a unitary member.

5. The manifold assembly of claim 3, wherein each fluid outlet is mechanically attached to and forms a part of a corresponding fluid ejector.

6. The manifold assembly of claim 3, wherein each fluid outlet is attached to and extends from the blocking member.

7. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet forms a portion of the track member, and the track member further comprises a plurality of cup-shaped members, each cup-shaped member receiving a fluid inlet portion of a fluid injector therein.

8. A manifold assembly according to claim 7, wherein the fluid passage is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and each cup-shaped member.

9. The manifold assembly of claim 8, further comprising a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are formed as part of the track member, and wherein the fluid passage is in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

10. The manifold assembly of claim 1, further comprising: at least one fastener coupled to the track member and the blocking member, the at least one fastener connecting the track member to the blocking member; and at least one spacer disposed between the track member and the blocking member and surrounding the at least one fastener.

11. The manifold assembly of claim 1, wherein the rail member is attached to the blocking member at a predetermined distance from the blocking member.

12. The manifold assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one through-hole defined in the blocking member that allows the manifold assembly to be attached within a vehicle.

13. A manifold system for providing fluid to cameras and sensors in a vehicle for washing the cameras and sensors, the manifold system comprising:

at least one manifold assembly, the at least one manifold assembly comprising:

a fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet;

a plurality of fluid ejectors, each fluid ejector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid ejector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid ejector;

a blocking member configured to hold the fluid ejector in a fixed position; and

a track member coupled between the fluid inlet and each fluid ejector for providing fluid received at the fluid inlet to each of the fluid ejectors.

14. The manifold system as recited in claim 13, wherein the at least one manifold assembly comprises a plurality of manifold assemblies, and the manifold system further comprises a tube coupled between the manifold assemblies, the tube comprising a first tube member disposed between a first fluid outlet of a first manifold assembly of the plurality of manifold assemblies and a fluid inlet of a second manifold assembly of the plurality of manifold assemblies.

15. The manifold system of claim 13, wherein the blocking member of each at least one manifold assembly comprises a plurality of apertures, each aperture receiving a portion of a fluid ejector therein.

16. The manifold system of claim 13, wherein each at least one manifold assembly further comprises a plurality of second fluid outlets, each second fluid outlet extending from the blocking member and being in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture of the blocking member and a fluid ejector received therein, the fluid inlet, the rail member, the fluid ejector, and the second fluid outlets forming a plurality of fluid paths through the manifold assembly.

17. The manifold system of claim 13, wherein the fluid inlet forms a portion of the rail member, the rail member further comprising a plurality of cup-shaped members, each cup-shaped member receiving a fluid inlet portion of a fluid injector therein, and the rail member further comprising a fluid passage from the fluid inlet to each cup-shaped member.

18. The manifold system as recited in claim 13, wherein each at least one manifold assembly further comprises: at least one fastener coupled to the track member and the blocking member, the at least one fastener connecting the track member to the blocking member; and at least one spacer disposed between the track member and the blocking member and surrounding the at least one fastener.

19. A manifold assembly for a camera washing system of an autonomous vehicle, comprising:

a fluid inlet;

a blocking member configured to retain a plurality of fluid ejectors therein in a fixed position; and

a rail member coupled between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing fluid to each of the fluid injectors.

20. The manifold assembly of claim 19,

the blocking member includes: a plurality of orifices, each orifice sized for receiving a first portion of a fluid ejector therein; and a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid outlet extending from the blocking member and in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture of the blocking member, the fluid inlet, the track member, and the fluid outlets at least partially forming a plurality of fluid paths through the manifold assembly,

the fluid inlet forms a portion of the track member, and the track member further comprises a plurality of cup-shaped members, each cup-shaped member being sized and shaped to receive a second portion of a fluid injector therein, and

the track member further comprises a fluid passage extending from the fluid inlet to each cup-shaped member.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a manifold assembly and, in particular, to a manifold assembly for a system for washing cameras and/or sensors of a motor vehicle, for example a vehicle with autonomous driving functions.

Background

As autonomous vehicle development continues to progress in various sensors and cameras around the exterior of the vehicle, a need has arisen to keep the lenses of these sensors and cameras clean to function properly. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for a washing system that effectively and robustly provides a desired amount of fluid to either of the sensors and cameras of an autonomous vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a manifold assembly for a camera washing system for an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid ejectors, each fluid ejector being configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid ejector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid ejector. The blocking member is configured to retain the fluid ejector in a fixed position. The track member includes a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid ejector for providing cleaning fluid to each of the fluid ejectors.

The blocking member includes a plurality of apertures, each aperture receiving a portion of a fluid ejector therein. The manifold assembly further includes a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid outlet extending from the blocking member and in fluid communication with a corresponding aperture of the blocking member and a fluid ejector received therein. The fluid inlet, the rail member, the fluid ejector, and the fluid outlet form a plurality of fluid paths through the manifold assembly.

The fluid outlet may be integrally formed with the blocking member as a unitary member. Alternatively, each fluid outlet is mechanically attached to and forms part of a corresponding fluid ejector. In another alternative embodiment, each fluid outlet is attached to and extends from the blocking member.

The fluid inlet forms part of the track member. The track member further includes a plurality of cup-shaped members, each cup-shaped member receiving a fluid inlet portion of a fluid injector therein. The fluid channel is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and each cup-shaped member.

The manifold assembly further comprises a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are formed as part of the track member. The fluid channel is in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

The manifold assembly further includes at least one fastener coupled to the rail member and the blocking member. The at least one fastener connects the track member to the blocking member. The manifold assembly may further include at least one spacer disposed between the rail member and the blocking member and surrounding the at least one fastener. The rail member is attached to the blocking member at a predetermined distance from the blocking member.

The manifold assembly further includes at least one through-hole defined in the blocking member. The at least one through hole allows attachment of the manifold assembly within a vehicle.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid jet used in a vehicle camera/sensor washing system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manifold assembly for a vehicle camera/sensor washing system using the fluid sprayer of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are elevational side views of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a blocking member of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the blocking member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a supply rail member of the manifold assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a manifold system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are top and side views, respectively, of the manifold assembly of FIG. 10; and is

Fig. 13 and 14 are top and side views, respectively, of another manifold assembly depicted in fig. 10.

Detailed Description

The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to refer to the same or like elements. For clarity, the elements are not shown to scale unless otherwise indicated.

In general, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a manifold assembly for a washing system for cameras and sensors of an autonomous vehicle. The manifold assembly is disposed within the vehicle (e.g., under a hood of the vehicle) and is in fluid communication between a source of wash fluid and an outlet port of the wash system that discharges wash fluid toward a plurality of cameras and sensors of the vehicle. The fluid may be a liquid (e.g., water or a water-based solution) or a gas (e.g., air). The washing system may further include: a reservoir for holding water or other cleaning fluid; a pump that pumps fluid under pressure from a reservoir to a manifold assembly; an electronic control unit that controls the manifold assembly so as to selectively discharge pressurized fluid from the manifold assembly to any one of a plurality of outlet ports in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the manifold assembly, each of the outlet ports disposed proximate to a camera or sensor of the vehicle. In this manner, the manifold assembly is used to selectively provide and distribute cleaning fluid to externally facing cameras and sensors of the motor vehicle.

Referring to fig. 2-9, a manifold assembly 60 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The manifold assembly 60 is configured as part of a camera/sensor washing system of a motor vehicle, between a source of washing fluid and an outlet port of the washing system, and in particular between a fluid pump on the upstream side and an outlet port on the downstream side of the washing system.

The manifold assembly 60 includes an inlet 62, the inlet 62 being disposed at one longitudinal end of the assembly and configured to receive fluid directly or indirectly from a source of cleaning fluid to be used for cleaning externally facing cameras and sensors (e.g., cameras and sensors providing autonomous control functions) of a motor vehicle. The manifold assembly 60 further includes a plurality of outlets 63, the plurality of outlets 63 selectively providing the cleaning fluid received at the inlet 62.

In the exemplary embodiment, manifold assembly 60 includes a plurality of fluid ejectors 10. The fluid injectors 10 seen in fig. 1 and 2 may each be any fluid injector, such as a fuel injector, a fluid injector for a reductant or diesel metering unit, or the like. In the exemplary embodiment, each fluid injector 10 is a solenoid activated injector in which a solenoid is controlled to open and close an injector valve of the fluid injector. In this manner, the manifold assembly 60 allows the autonomous vehicle to be a system to provide wash fluid in precisely controlled amounts to the lens or other components of a selected camera or sensor by selectively opening and closing valves of the fluid ejector 10. The fluid ejectors 10 may be controlled individually (i.e., opened and closed) by the autonomous vehicle's electronics unit, or may be controlled together.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid ejector 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The fluid ejector comprises an actuator unit 20, the actuator unit 20 comprising a coil 22, a stationary pole piece 26, a spring 27 and a movable armature 24. Passing current through the coil 22 creates an electromagnetic force that causes the armature 24 to move toward the pole piece 26 against the biasing force presented by the spring 27. Removal of the current causes the armature 24 to move away from the pole piece 26 due to the spring force from the spring 27.

The fluid injector further includes a valve assembly 30. The armature 24 is connected to a valve needle 34 of a valve assembly having a closing element 36 arranged at an end portion of the needle. A valve seat 38 is disposed in the fluid injector 10 at a downstream end portion thereof. As a result of passing current through the coil 22, movement of the armature 24 in a direction towards the pole piece 26 moves the valve needle 34 such that the closure element 36 becomes spaced from the valve seat 38, thereby opening the valve assembly 30 of the fluid injector 10 and allowing fluid to pass from the fluid inlet 39 to the fluid outlet 37 of the fluid injector 10. Movement of the armature 24 in a direction away from the pole piece 26, due to removal of current through the coil 22 and in response to the spring bias from the spring 27, causes the valve needle 34 to move such that the closure element 36 sealingly engages the valve seat 38, thereby closing the valve assembly 30 and preventing fluid flow from the fluid inlet 39 to the fluid outlet 37 of the fluid injector 10.

With continued reference to fig. 2-9, the manifold assembly 60 includes a blocking member 72, the blocking member 72 supporting each fluid ejector 10 in a fixed position. The blocking member 72 may be constructed of plastic (e.g., molded plastic), metal, fiberglass, or the like. The blocking member 72 includes a plurality of apertures 72A defined therein. Referring to fig. 7 and 8, each orifice 72A is sized and shaped for at least partially receiving the fluid ejector 10 therein. Each orifice 72A receives a downstream portion of the fluid injector 10 relative to the direction of fluid flow through the injector. In the exemplary embodiment shown, blocking member 72 includes 8 orifices 72A for holding up to 8 fluid injectors 10, but it should be understood that blocking member 72 may be configured to hold a different number of orifices 72A.

As shown in fig. 2-8, the blocking member 72 further includes a plurality of fluid outlets 63, the fluid outlets 63 extending or protruding from the blocking member 72. Each fluid outlet 63 includes a through hole for passing fluid discharged from the corresponding fluid ejector 10. Fig. 1-6 illustrate the positioning of the fluid ejector 10 relative to the corresponding fluid outlet 63. In an exemplary embodiment, each fluid outlet 63 is formed of metal and welded or otherwise secured to an outlet port of a corresponding fluid injector 10, as shown in fig. 1. In another exemplary embodiment, each fluid outlet 63 is integrally formed with the barrier member 72, forming a unitary member therewith, for example, by being formed with the barrier member 72 as part of the same plastic molding process. In another exemplary embodiment, each fluid outlet is attached or secured to the blocking member 72.

Further, the blocking member 72 includes a plurality of through holes 67. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the through hole 67 is defined at and extends from a longitudinal end portion of the blocking member 72. The through-holes 67 are sized for receiving bolts or other fasteners (not shown) therein for securing the manifold assembly 60 within the vehicle.

The blocking member 72 may also include an aperture 72B (fig. 7 and 8) at least partially defined therein. The aperture 72B is shown as being defined through the blocking member 72, but it should be understood that the aperture 72B may be defined only partially through the blocking member. The apertures 72B may be defined along a longitudinal length of the blocking member 72 and spaced apart from one another. The aperture 72A includes a threaded inner surface for receiving a bolt or other fastener, as explained in more detail below.

The manifold assembly 60 includes a rail member 64, the rail member 64 providing fluid communication between the inlet 62 of the manifold assembly and the fluid inlet 39 of each fluid injector 10. The track member 64 is constructed of a rigid material such as plastic, metal, fiberglass, or the like. The inlet 62 of the manifold assembly 60 extends from an end portion (e.g., a longitudinal end portion) of a rail member 64. A plurality of cup-shaped members 66 extend outwardly and are sized and shaped to receive an inlet portion of fluid injector 10 therein. Cup member 66 forms a sealing engagement with a corresponding fluid injector 10 when an inlet port of the corresponding fluid injector 10 is inserted into cup member 66.

Fluid passage 68 is in fluid communication between inlet 62 and cup-shaped member 66 of track member 64. The channel 68 may be formed from a plurality of interconnected channel segments 68A-68D. In the exemplary embodiment, a first channel segment 68A extends from inlet 62 at a first longitudinal end of rail member 64 and a second longitudinal end thereof, and provides fluid communication to a first set of cup-shaped members 66 (four cup-shaped members 66, as shown). Second channel segment 68B extends from first channel segment 68A in a lateral direction along track member 64. Third channel segment 68C extends between the longitudinal end portions of track member 64 parallel to first channel segment 68A and is in fluid communication with the second set (four) of cup-shaped members 66. Second channel segment 68B is disposed between first channel segment 68A and third channel segment 68C, and is fluidly connected to first channel segment 68A and third channel segment 68C. As shown, second channel segment 68B is disposed along an intermediate section of track member 64, resulting in fluid channel 68 forming an H-shape. However, it should be understood that the fluid passage 68 may have other shapes. For example, the second channel segment 64B may extend in a lateral direction along a longitudinal end portion of the track member 64, resulting in the fluid channel 68 having a generally C-shape.

Track member 64 may further include one or more through holes 69. As best seen in fig. 9, the through holes 69 are spaced apart from each other and are generally evenly disposed along the rail member 64 in the longitudinal direction. Through-hole 69 is sized to allow a bolt 70 or other fastener to be inserted therein and threadably engage with aperture 72B such that rail member 64 may be secured to the blocking member and thereby retain fluid injector 10 in a stable fixed position within manifold assembly 60. As shown, the spacer 61 surrounds the bolt 70 and is disposed between the blocking member 72 and the track member 64 to provide a fixed spacing therebetween.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of a manifold assembly 60 along a set of fluid ejectors 10. Here, the fluid inlet of each fluid injector 10 is disposed within the interior cavity of a corresponding cup member 66 and is sealingly connected thereto using an O-ring or the like. As shown, each cup-shaped member 66 includes an additional (fourth) channel segment 68D, the additional (fourth) channel segment 68D extending from the first channel segment 68A (or the third channel segment 68C) to the cup interior, thereby providing fluid communication therebetween.

FIG. 7 illustrates an expansion manifold assembly or system 100 according to another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the manifold system 100 is a modular assembly in which a plurality of manifold assemblies 60 are in fluid communication with one another. Depicted in fig. 7-12, each manifold assembly 60 includes a rail member 64 having a fluid inlet 62 as discussed above, and also includes a fluid outlet 65, the fluid outlets 65 allowing the manifold assemblies 60 to be fluidly connected to one another in a cascade arrangement. The tubes 118 (which in this case are flexible tubes made of rubber composition or the like) are connected between the manifold assemblies 60, wherein in a cascade chain of manifold assemblies 60 each tube or pipe member 118 is coupled between the fluid outlet 65 of one manifold assembly 60 and the fluid inlet 62 of the next manifold assembly 60. This manifold system 100 advantageously allows the manifold assembly 60 to be spaced apart as needed in a motor vehicle in order to effectively provide cleaning fluid to cameras and/or sensors disposed about the vehicle. One manifold assembly 60 present at the end of the cascade chain of manifold assemblies 60 may include a fluid outlet 65 (having a plug to sealingly engage therethrough), or may alternatively not include a fluid outlet 65.

The extended manifold system 100 shown in fig. 10 illustrates a manifold assembly 60 with a different number of fluid injectors 10 associated therewith. Fig. 11 and 12 show top and side plan views, respectively, of the four injector manifold assembly 60 appearing in fig. 10. Fig. 13 and 14 show top and side plan views, respectively, of the two injector manifold assemblies appearing in fig. 10.

Example embodiments have been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The foregoing description is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.