GB2253339A

GB2253339A - Anti-icing device for road vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2253339A
Application number: GB9104918A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Patrick Feeney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-03-08
Filing date: 1991-03-08
Publication date: 1992-09-09
Also published as: GB9104918D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for preventing the formation of ice in a vehicle reservoir especially for screen wash liquid for front or rear screens, and comprising a heating means at a position in the reservoir (2) including at least the lower portion thereof. The heating means may be in the form of a heat-exchange device (4) adapted to receive heated water from the engine cooling system or may be an electrical heater. The heating means may be controlled by a timer device and/or a temperature-responsive automatic sensor device (14). If desired, auxiliary heating means may be provided to heat the vehicle screens to which the screen wash liquid is to be directed. <IMAGE>

Description

ANTI-ICING DEVICE FOR ROAD VEHICLES The invention is concerned with devices for use in road vehicles for preventing the freezing or icing-up of containers of aqueous liquid due to weather conditions.

It is conventional practice to provide wash/cleaning liquids for use in cleaning dirt and grease from vehicle windows and lights. These liquids are normally provided in a reservoir or other container which may be provided in the engine or boot compartment of a vehicle to supply liquid-dispensing nozzles directed at windscreens, rear windows, headlights and the like. Such liquids may include additives to lower the temperature at which freezing occurs, but these are only partially satisfactory.

The invention provides a device for use in vehicles for preventing the formation of ice in aqueous liquid supply systems comprising a reservoir of containing said liquids and heating means provided in at least a lower portion of the reservoir for maintaining liquid therein at a temperature substantially in excess of 0 C.

Conveniently, the heating means may comprise a heat exchange device adapted to receive heated water from an engine cooling system.

Preferably, the heating means may comprise an electrically operating heating device.

Advantageously, the operation of the heating means may be controlled by switch means operable by a timer device or a device sensitive to temperature, either the ambient temperature or the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir. Preferably the control switch means may be operable by a combined timer/temperature-sensitive device.

There will now be described three examples of device according to the invention. It will be understood that the description, which is to be read with reference to the drawings, is given by way of example and not by way of limitation.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a layout of a first example of a device according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 are similar layout diagrams of a second and a third device, respectively.

The Figures show the use of existing or replacement reservoirs for liquids to be used in conjunction with wiper devices for cleaning vehicle windscreens, rear windows and headlight glass or glass substitute.

Figure 1 illustrates the layout of a device in which an existing or replacement reservoir 2, for liquid of the kind conveniently referred to hereinafter as screen wash liquid; is provided with a heat exchange coil 4 having an inlet pipe 6 and an outlet pipe 8 adapted to carry heated radiation fluid (engine coolant) from the vehicle engine (not shown). While this arrangement comprises the basic features of the invention, it will be apparent that the simple provision of the coil 4 will result in continuo#s operation under all travel conditions, which may be undesirable. Therefore, the present example further provides a control valve 10 which operates to open and close the passage for engine coolant fluid through the pipes 4,6 and 8, thereby allowing the device to be operated only in cold weather conditions.The valve 10 is controlled electrically through line 12 by means of an ambient temperature sensor 14 which causes a signal to be sent to the valve 10 through the line 12 so as to open or close the valve as required. A switch 16 may also be provided, if preferred, enabling the sensor 14 to be over-ridden if considered necessary. Electric current to the system described is provided from the battery (not shown) through the vehicle's fuse system in fuse box 18.

Figure 2 shows the second example to be described, comprising a reservoir 20 for screen wash 22, the reservoir being provided at its lower portion with an electric heater 24 supplied with current through a line 26 via an existing fuse box 28. The operation of the heater 24 is controlled either by a sensor 30 or by a switch 32.

In Figure 3, the parts which are also provided in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals. At the junction of lines 34 and 36 leading from the fuse bank 28 and the sensor/switch arrangement 30,32 is provided a relay 36, operation of which by the arrangement 30,32 energises the heater 24.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the temperature sensing means may be arranged to monitor the temperature of the screen wash liquid rather than ambient temperature. Further, devices according to the invention may be used in conjunction with heating means arranged to heat the glass surfaces to be cleaned by the screen wash liquid and/or with heating means arranged to maintain screen wash fluid at temperatures above freezing point.

In another arrangement, the switch, for example 32, may be operated by a timer device which may be used to pre-set a time at which the heating means, 24, is energised prior to the vehicle being driven on, for example, a cold morning.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for use in vehicles for preventing the formation of ice in aqueous liquid supply systems comprising a reservoir of containing said liquids and heating means provided in at least a lower portion of the reservoir for maintaining liquid therein at a temperature substantially in excess of 0 C.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means comprises a heat exchange device arranged to receive heated water from an engine cooling system.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means comprises an electrically operated heating device.

4. A device as claimed in either one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the heating means is controlled by a control switch means incorporating a timer device.

5. A device as claimed in either one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the heating means is controlled by a switch means incorporating a temperature sensitive device.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the temperature sensitive device is adapted to sense ambient temperature.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the temperature sensitive device is adapted to sense the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir.

8. A device as claimed in either one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the temperature sensitive device is further controlled by a timer device, adapted to activate the heating means at predetermined time prior use of the vehicle.

9. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means is provided in a lower portion of the reservoir only, adjacent to an outlet therefrom for the supply of liquid to a location remote from the reservoir.

10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein there is provided an over-ride device in the form of a master switch.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein auxiliary heating means are provided to heat transparent surfaces to be contacted by the aqueous liffllid supplied thereto from the reservoir.

12. A device for use in vehicles for preventing the formation of ice in aqueous liquid supply systems, constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in a) Figure 1 b) Figure 2 or c) Figure 3 of the drawings.