Patent Application
20130177451
This disclosure relates to a washer system and a pump. The disclosure also relates to a method of delivering fluid within a washer system.
Washer systems, such as those used in vehicles, have become increasingly complex. A typical modern washer system provides washer fluid to multiple components, such as the front and rear vehicle glass. One approach to providing washer fluid to multiple locations uses a single pump driven by a reversible motor. Two outlets are provided in a housing that encloses the motor which drives a pumping element. Each outlet is supplies washer fluid to one of the components. The user changes the polarity of the power provided to the motor using one or more switches to select a rotational direction of the motor that corresponds to fluid delivery to one of the components.
It is desirable to block the unused outlet while fluid is pumped through the other outlet. In one example configuration, a valve assembly is provided between the outlets. One example valve assembly includes a diaphragm arranged between the outlets and supports a structure on each of its opposing sides. Rotation of the pump in a particular direction causes the fluid to move the diaphragm and block the unused outlet, which prevents air from being ingested into the pump through the unused outlet. Additionally, the translation of the diaphragm can create a spitting effect out of the nozzle as the diaphragm vibrates, which is undesirable to some customers.
A pump for a washer system includes a housing enclosing a motor driven pump and providing first and second outlets. First and second check valves are fluidly connected to and downstream from the first and second outlets. In one example, the first and second check valves are arranged in the housing. The check valves are configured such that one of the check valves is open to provide the fluid through the one of the outlets while the other check valve is closed to block fluid through the other of the outlets. In operation, a pumping element is rotated to pump fluid through an open first check valve, with the second check valve in the closed position. Reversing rotation of the pumping element pumps fluid through an open second check valve with the first check valve in the closed position.
The disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
A washer system 10 is illustrated in
A power source 34 is operatively electrically connected to the pump 12 through a switch 36. Although the switch 36 is illustrated as a single switch in
First and second check valves 42, 44 are respectively associated with the first and second outlets 20, 22. The first and second check valves 42, 44 prevent fluid from being delivered to the nozzles 28 until a predetermined minimum pressure has been reached. The first and second check valves 42, 44 are discrete, separate elements from one another. A housing 46 encloses the motor 14 and pumping element 18. The housing 46 typically comprises multiple components secured to one another.
In the example illustrated in the
The first and second check valves 42, 44, which are normally closed, are configured such that one of the first and second check valves 42, 44 is open to provide the fluid through the one of the first and second outlets 20, 22 while the other of the first and second check valves 42, 44 is closed to block fluid through the other of the first and second outlets 20, 22. The first and second check valves 40, 42 are respectively fluidly connected between the first and second outlets 20, 22 and the pumping element 18. In operation, the pumping element 18 is rotated to pump fluid through an open first check valve 42, with the second check valve 44 in the closed position. Reversing rotation of the pumping element 18 pumps fluid through an open second check valve 44 with the first check valve 42 in the closed position. The first and second check valves 42, 44 may be any suitable configuration. In one example, a ball and spring check valve arrangement may be used. Other types of check valves, such as diaphragm-type check valves may be used. Furthermore, the closing forces of the check valves may be customized for each fluid circuit and different than one another.
Referring to
The second housing portion 52 provides stems 56 that provide the first and second outlets 20, 22. The third and fourth housing portions 54, 55 respectively house the first and second check valves 42, 44. In the example shown, the check valve housings, provided by the third and fourth housing portions 54, 55, are secured to and supported on the stems 56. The third and fourth housing portions 54, 55 provide barbs 58 to which flexible hose from the first and second fluid circuits 30, 32 may be connected. It should be understood that the housing portions may be configured in a manner other than depicted in the Figures. Fewer or greater number of housing portions may be used. The housing portions may be constructed from plastic or metal pieces fused and/or snapped together.
No valve assembly, including a diaphragm is used, which provides a simpler pump that is not subject to undesired spitting. No additional separate check valves are required in the washer system 10. The check valves maintain the washer fluid within the fluid circuits, thereby preventing fluid drain back and better enabling the washer system to meet customer or regulatory requirements for providing washer fluid to flow quickly to the nozzles.
Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.
