WO1998001689A1

WO1998001689A1 - Anti-return device for motor vehicle windshield washing systems

Info

Publication number: WO1998001689A1
Application number: PCT/ES1997/000149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miguel Mota Lopez; Juan Jesús ELVIRA PERALTA
Original assignee: Fico Transpar, S.A.
Priority date: 1996-07-09
Filing date: 1997-06-11
Publication date: 1998-01-15
Also published as: ES2130947B1; AU3033997A; ES2130947A1

Abstract

The anti-return device comprises a tubular inlet body (1), a tubular outlet body (2) and an elastic anti-return valve (3) which are coaxially arranged and mutually embraced, said bodies (1, 2) having coupling means to a washing liquid conduit. When inactivated, the valve (3) is resiliently closed; the impulse of washing liquid in the direction from the inlet body (1) to the outlet body (2) produces the resilient deformation of the valve (3) and its opening; when the washing liquid pulse stops, the elastic reaction of the valve (3) as well as the pressure of the washing liquid contained in the conduit or conduits upstream of the valve (3), close the value thereby impeding the emptying of the conduits by gravity.

Description

D E S C R I P C I Ó N

"ANTI-RETURN DEVICE FOR WASHER FACILITIES OF AUTOMOBILE VEHICLES"

Technical sector of the invention.

The object of the invention is a non-return device for windshield washer installations of motor vehicles.

Background of the invention.

As is widely known, motor vehicles originally incorporate means intended for cleaning their glazed surfaces, particularly the windshield, the rear glass and headlamps, said means comprising a reservoir of cleaning fluid, a connected suction-impulse pump. to the electrical network of the vehicle and pipes that connect the suction-drive pump with pumps that project the cleaning liquid under the flow and pressure conditions required against said surfaces. The suction-impulse electric pump essentially comprises a cylindrical envelope in which there is axially arranged an electromotor and a suction-impulse pump composed of a drive chamber in which an aspiration-drive turbine is arranged; the intake of liquid aspirated into the discharge chamber is carried out by means of an axial tubular suction extension, while the output of driven liquid is carried out by means of an outlet nozzle tangentially arranged with respect to the discharge chamber and to which connect the distribution lines of cleaning liquid.

The drive of the suction-drive pump causes the aspiration of cleaning liquid from the tank and its impulsion through the outlet nozzle where through the ducts it reaches the suppliers; Under these conditions, the projection of cleaning liquid on the glazed surfaces occurs after a certain time after the electric pump has been activated, that is to say, in order for the cleaning liquid to reach the dispensers, it is necessary to pre-fill the ducts by the pump itself suction-drive. Logically, such a lack of synchronism between the action of the suction-discharge pump and the exit of cleaning liquid through the jets constitutes a clear inconvenience that is repeated every time the cleaning liquid is projected on the glazed surfaces and that, by gravity, the difference in hydraulic level between the suction-pump and the pumps causes the drainage of the pipes returning the cleaning liquid to the tank.

In order to avoid this inconvenience, non-return valves are used whose purpose is to prevent the emptying of the ducts once the operation of the suction-discharge pump ceases. Among the known embodiments of the non-return valve, the use of ball valves constituted, in general lines, by a cylindrical valve body in which there is a spring that permanently works in compression, supporting one of its ends against the body of the body, is widely extended. valve, and its other end against a closing ball that rests on a closing seat. The non-return valve or valves required by each specific case of application are inserted in the ducts that carry the cleaning liquid driven by the suction-discharge pump to the sutors, and are arranged at those points of the ducts that adapt to the needs of assembly in origin, functional and maintenance. The operation of the non-return valve described above is based on the pressure at that the cleaning liquid is driven by the suction-drive pump. When the suction-drive pump is operated, the driven cleaning liquid presses on the closing ball of the non-return valve and overcoming the opposition of the spring, which is subjected to greater compression, allows the passage through the liquid valve cleaner, and when the actuation of the suction-drive pump ceases, the elastic reaction of the spring places the closing ball by pressing on the closing seat and preventing the passage of cleaning liquid towards the tank, so as to prevent the emptying of the ducts

The non-return ball valves and their operation described above generally have the following drawbacks: a) the suction-discharge pump must drive the cleaning liquid at a pressure such that it provides a flow of liquid at the pressure required for the cleaning of the glazed surface, while at a sufficient pressure to achieve the opening of the non-return valve, all of which is decisive, increasing it, of the dimensioning of the assembly formed by the electric motor and the suction-impulse pump; and b) the ball occupies part of the liquid circulation duct so that it reduces the amount of liquid outlet in relation to the theoretical capacity of the rest of the elements of the installation.

Explanation of the invention. In order to provide a solution to the drawbacks presented by the use of ball non-return valves to prevent the emptying of the cleaning fluid lines due to a hydraulic level difference, an anti-return device for windshield washer installations of motor vehicles of New structure and functionality. The non-return device object of the invention is characterized by comprising two tubular, inlet and outlet bodies respectively, coaxially arranged and an elastic non-return valve disposed therein, having the respective inlet and outlet bodies and complementary means of mutual bonding and for fixing the non-return elastic valve and respective means for its coupling to a corresponding cleaning liquid conduit, and in which: - the inlet body has a longitudinal through hole in which two cylindrical portions of different diameter are distinguished, a previous one which is the inlet of cleaning liquid and a rear of larger diameter adapted to receive it housing the outlet body by one of its ends,

- the outlet body has a longitudinal hole in which the elastic check valve is arranged, and

- the elastic non-return valve, which being single and having a generally hollow cylindrical shape open at both ends comprises an annular fixing shoulder and an axial extension of closure which, at rest, that is without external action, has its end by elastic reaction free closed, is adapted so that, the discharge of cleaning liquid in the direction of the inlet to the outlet body causes the elastic deformation of the axial extension of the valve opening by opening it and allowing the passage through the cleaning liquid, and when said supply of cleaning liquid ceases the elastic reaction of the axial closing extension, as well as the pressure that the cleaning liquid contained in the conduit upstream of the outlet body exerts on the axial closing extension given by the level difference hydraulic, it closes it preventing the passage of cleaning liquid in the direction given from the outlet body to the body of entry, that is preventing the emptying of said conduction. According to another characteristic of the non-return device object of the invention, the mutual link means of the inlet and outlet bodies comprise, in the inlet body and in the rear portion of the through hole two perimetral link slots, and in the body of two outwardly perimeter link projections adapted to be housed with adjustment in said link slots.

According to another characteristic of the non-return device object of the invention, the fixing means of the non-return valve comprise, in the inlet body a seat configured by the link of both front and rear portions of the through hole, and in the outlet body and in its end housed in the inlet body is an annular front projection, all of which is adapted so that, once the inlet and outlet bodies are connected, the annular projection of fixing of the non-return elastic valve is subjected to compression between said step and front protrusion with its axial closing extension arranged in the through hole of the outlet body.

According to another characteristic of the anti-return device object of the invention, the coupling means of the inlet body with a cleaning liquid conduit comprise a tubular axial extension that hydraulically links tangentially with the discharge chamber of a suction-impulse pump.

According to another characteristic of the non-return device object of the invention, the coupling means of the outlet body with a cleaning liquid conduit comprise a tubular axial extension in which there is an annular shoulder forming an outlet nozzle. According to another characteristic of the non-return device object of the invention, the coupling means of the inlet body with a cleaning liquid conduit comprise a tubular axial extension in which there is an annular shoulder forming an inlet nozzle.

The characteristics described above of the non-return device according to the invention provide an integral solution to the above-described drawbacks presented by the use of ball non-return valves interspersed in the cleaning liquid lines.

In fact, the characteristics of the non-return device according to the invention allow it to be arranged in the structure of the suction-impulse pump of the windshield washer installation, which provides a solution to the problems arising from the interleaving of valves anti-return in the cleaning fluid lines; since such an arrangement avoids the costs derived from the assembly of non-return valves in the pipes as well as leaks of cleaning liquid at the mounting points of these valves. The nature and structure of the elastic non-return valve provided in the device according to the invention, allows its opening practically at the pressure of the cleaning liquid that requires the cleaning of the glazed surfaces, unlike the ball valves which, as before He said, they require an overpressure of discharge of cleaning liquid to overcome the elastic reaction of the spring to proceed to its opening; in this way, the benefits of the elastic non-return valve allow the availability of electric pumps whose dimensioning is practically a function of the flow and pressure requirements required for the cleaning of the glazed surfaces, and in any case lower than the precise dimensioning when ball check valves are used; and, on the other hand, said structure of the elastic non-return valve allows the passage of cleaning fluid through a passage section that practically corresponds to that of the pipes to which it is coupled, thus maintaining in the windshield washer installation a uniformity in terms of circulation capacity of cleaning liquid.

Additionally, it is noted that the non-return device according to the invention better behaves in its closed position the greater the pressure exerted by the retained liquid column, which is an important advantage over known devices that employ a closing ball, which need a spring of greater force the higher the pressure of the retained liquid column, aggravating the problem explained above regarding the opening overpressure required for the opening of such devices.

In addition to the foregoing regarding the application of the non-return device according to the invention to the suction-drive electric pump of windshield washers, the characteristics of the anti-return device allow it to be inserted in the lines of distribution of cleaning fluid at those points that they are considered adequate in each specific case of application, and this without diminishing the advantages described above derived from its use; that is to say, the non-return device according to the invention can be applied in windshield washer fluid lines whose suction-drive electric pump incorporates said non-return device or not.

Brief description of the drawings.

In the drawing sheets of this report The anti-return device for windshield washers of motor vehicles object of the invention is shown. In these drawings,

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the non-return device according to the invention with the elastic non-return valve in the rest or closing position,

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the non-return device according to the invention with the elastic non-return valve open, that is to say liquid passage,

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the non-return device according to the invention in which the outlet body comprises a nozzle,

Figure 4 is a partially sectional view showing the non-return device according to the invention incorporated in a suction-impulse pump, and

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the non-return device according to the invention in which its inlet and outlet bodies comprise a respective nozzle.

Detailed description of the embodiment example. The following description of the embodiment of the non-return device for windshield washer installations of motor vehicles according to the invention refers to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing sheets. With these premises, the non-return device described as an embodiment comprises an inlet body 1 and an outlet body 2, both tubular and preferably obtained from the plastic material injection, and an elastic non-return valve 3.

The inlet body 1 has a through longitudinal hole 4 in which two coaxially arranged different diameter portions are distinguished, an anterior 5 and a posterior 6 respectively, the posterior portion 6 being the largest in diameter and both portions being 5, 6 linked by a step that is ortho- nality with respect thereto by defining a seat 7. The outlet body 2 has a longitudinal through hole 8 in which, in this embodiment, two portions of different diameter coaxially arranged are distinguished, an anterior 9 and a posterior 10 respectively, the anterior portion 9 being the largest in diameter and both portions 9, 10 being linked by a step 11 forming a certain angularity. And, the anterior 5 and posterior portions 10 of the inlet 1 and outlet 2 bodies respectively have the same cross section.

Both input 1 and output 2 bodies are mutually linkable by means of the following elements. In the inlet body 1 and in the rear portion 6 of the through hole 4, there is a first perimeter link groove 12 arranged at a relatively short distance from the seat 7 and a second perimeter link groove 13 adjacent to the previous one. And, in the outlet body 2 and externally at one of its ends, the previous one 14 which corresponds to the anterior portion 9 of the through hole 8, there is a first perimeter connection boss 15 and a second perimeter link boss 16 adapted for be accommodated with adjustment in the first and second perimeter link slots 12, 13 respectively of the input body 1.

The elastic check valve 3 comprises a annular projection 17 and an axial extension of tubular closure 18 that configures with respect to its theoretical main longitudinal plane, which is the one corresponding to the longitudinal section of the non-return elastic valve 3 shown in Figure 1, two laterally linked walls 19 that originate in the annular shoulder 17 converges defining a closing mouth 20. The elastic non-return valve 3 is arranged so that, once the inlet and outlet bodies 2 are connected, their axial extension of closure 18 is located in the anterior portion

9 of the through hole 8 of the outlet body 2, the position of the elastic non-return valve 3 being fixed when its annular shoulder 17 remains compressed between the seat 7 of the input body 1 and an annular front shoulder 21 disposed at the front end 14 of the outlet body 2. At rest, that is, in the absence of external action, and by elastic reaction of the constituent material of the non-return elastic valve 3, it remains closed as shown in Figure 1. The discharge of cleaning liquid in the indicated direction as A in Figure 2, that is, in the direction of the inlet body 1 to the outlet body 2, produces a pressure on the side walls 19 of the closure extension 18 which causes its elastic deformation and the opening of the closure mouth 20 as Figure 2 shows, allowing the passage of cleaning liquid. When the discharge of the cleaning liquid ceases, the pressure that said liquid exerted on the walls 19 of the closing extension 18 ceases, by

10 that by elastic reaction the closure extension 18 becomes the closed position shown in the Figure

one.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the non-return device described above and shown in Figures 1 and 2 and in which the outlet body 2 comprises an axial tubular extension 22 at whose free end 23 there is an annular shoulder 24 configuring a nozzle of outlet 25 to which a flexible tubular conduit not shown is pluggable; It is understood that this embodiment of a non-return device allows its application to a plurality of elements commonly used in windshield washer installations, for example, the inlet body 1 may constitute the outlet branch of a "T" or "bypass" And "not represented.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the non-return device according to the invention in which the inlet body 1 configures a tubular extension 26 that hydraulically links with the impulse chamber 27 of a suction-impulse pump 28 partially represented, while that the outlet body 2 comprises a nozzle 25 equal to that of the embodiment of the non-return device shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the non-return device according to the invention in which the inlet body 1 has a tubular axial extension 29 in which at its free end 30 there is an annular shoulder 31 configuring an inlet nozzle 32 to which a flexible tubular conduit not shown is pluggable, while the outlet body 2 comprises a nozzle 25 equal to that of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and.

The operation of the embodiment of the non-return device according to the invention shown in Figure 4 is described below, that is to say applied to a suction-impulse pump 28; It is understood that the operation of the other embodiments of the non-return device according to the invention does not differ in any way. Initially, once the suction-discharge electric pump 28 is mounted in a cleaning liquid tank and a flexible conduit is connected to the outlet nozzle 25, the elastic check valve 3 is closed by elastic reaction of its axial closing extension 18. In a First maneuver, when the suction-impulse pump 28 enters into operation, the liquid aspirated through the axial suction extension 33 is driven through the impulse chamber 27 and the tubular extension 26 causing the elastic valve to open non-return 3 by elastic deformation of its axial extension of closure 18 as shown in Figure 2, the cleaning liquid reaching said flexible conduit from where it is transported to the jets that project it against the glazed surfaces. When the suction-impulse electric pump 28 stops working, the cleaning liquid impulse ceases, ceasing the pressure that it exerted on the axial closing extension 18, so that by elastic reaction this happens to occupy the closing position shown in Figures 1 , said closing action being also produced by the pressure that the cleaning liquid contained in said conduction exerts on the axial closing extension 18, said pressure being given by the difference in hydraulic level between the non-return elastic valve 3 and the highest point, with respect to the valve 3, of said conduction, consequently preventing its emptying upstream of the non-return device according to the invention.

Once the described initial operation has been carried out, the operation of the non-return device according to the invention does not differ essentially from that explained above. When the suction-impulse electric pump 28 starts operating, said conduit contains the cleaning liquid from the previous operation of the electric pump 28. Under these conditions, the operation of the electric pump 28 causes the impulse of the cleaning liquid and overcoming the elastic reaction of the axial closing extension 18 of the elastic non-return valve 3, as well as the pressure exerted on the axial closing extension 18 by the cleaning liquid contained in said conduction, It causes the opening of the non-return elastic valve 3 and the passage of cleaning liquid therethrough, so that simultaneously the projection of the cleaning liquid contained in said conduction takes place, as well as that propelled by the electro-pump 28 on the glazed surfaces .

Claims

1.- Non-return device for windshield washer installations of motor vehicles, characterized by comprising two tubular, inlet (1) and outlet (2) bodies respectively, coaxially arranged and an elastic non-return valve (3) disposed inside , the respective inlet and outlet bodies (2) having respective and complementary means of mutual bonding and fixing of the elastic non-return valve (3) and respective means for their coupling to a corresponding line of cleaning liquid, and in the that, the inlet body (1) has a longitudinal through hole (4) in which two cylindrical portions of different diameter are distinguished, an anterior (5) which is the inlet of cleaning liquid and a posterior (6) of greater diameter adapted to receive it housing the outlet body (2) by one of its ends (14),

- the outlet body (2) has a throughwise longitudinal hole (8) in which the elastic check valve (3) is arranged, and

- the elastic non-return valve (3), which being unipyzate and having a hollow cylindrical general shape open at both ends comprises an annular fixing shoulder (17) and an axial extension of closure (18) that at rest, that is without external action , has its closed free end by elastic reaction, is adapted so that, the discharge of cleaning liquid in the direction of the inlet body (1) to the outlet (2) causes the elastic deformation of the axial closure extension (18) opening it and allowing the passage through it of the cleaning liquid, and when said cleaning liquid drive ceases the elastic reaction of the axial closing extension (18), as well as the pressure that the cleaning liquid contained in the conduit upstream of the body of output (2) exerts on the axial extension of closure (18) given by the difference in hydraulic level, It causes the closure of the latter preventing the passage of cleaning liquid in the direction given from the outlet body (2) to the inlet body (1), that is, preventing the emptying of said conduit.

2. Non-return device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of mutual linking of the input (1) and output (2) bodies comprise, in the input body (1) and in the rear portion (6 ) of the through hole (4) two perimeter link slots (12, 13), and in the outlet body (2) and externally two perimeter link projections (15, 16) adapted to be housed respectively with adjustment in said link slots (12, 13).

3. Non-return device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the fixing means of the elastic non-return valve (3) comprise, in the inlet body (1) a seat (7) configured by the link of both portions front (5) and rear (6) of the through hole (4), and at the outlet body (2) and at its end (14) housed in the input body (1) an annular front projection (21), being all adapted so that, once the input (1) and output (2) bodies are connected, the annular highlight

(17) for fixing the elastic non-return valve (3) is subjected to compression between said seat (7) and front shoulder (21) with its axial closing extension

(18) disposed in the through hole (8) of the outlet body (2).

4. Non-return device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling means of the inlet body (1) with a cleaning liquid conduit comprise a tubular axial extension (26) that hydraulically links tangentially with the discharge chamber (27) of an electric pump suction-drive (28).

5. Non-return device according to claims 1 to 3 or 4, characterized in that the coupling means of the outlet body (2) with a cleaning liquid conduit comprise a tubular axial extension (22) in which there is an annular shoulder (24) configuring an outlet nozzle (25).

6. Non-return device according to claims 1 to 3 or 5, characterized in that the coupling means of the inlet body (1) with a cleaning liquid conduit comprise a tubular axial extension (29) in which there is an annular shoulder (31) configuring an inlet nozzle (32).