JP2008143445A - Window washer device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably secure a field of view from an occupant by unfreezing washer liquid without increasing the load of a battery. <P>SOLUTION: In the window washer device 32, a heat wire 56 is provided for heating washer liquid in a washer liquid tank 34 and a washer pipe 38. Power generated by an alternator 44 is supplied to the heat wire via a relay switch 58. When determining that the washer liquid is frozen from the liquid temperature of the washer liquid detected by a liquid temperature sensor 54A, a controller 50 checks whether an engine 12 is under warm-up operation or not. It energizes the heat wire to heat the washer liquid when under warm-up operation. Thus, an increment in the turning force of the engine 12, when idling up during warm-up operation, is converted into electric power which is used for heating the washer liquid to unfreeze the washer liquid without increasing the load of the battery 46. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a window washer device that cleans a window glass by jetting washer liquid toward the window glass of a vehicle.

  In cold districts and the like, snow accumulation due to snowfall and frost formation due to a decrease in outside air temperature occur on the front windshield of the vehicle. For this reason, it is necessary to remove snow accumulation and frost formation from the front window glass prior to the start of traveling of the vehicle.

  In general, for a small amount of snow accumulation or frost formation, the wiper blade is operated and wiped by the wiper blade while spraying the washer liquid onto the windshield glass by the window washer device. If it is low, wiping takes time.

  From this, Patent Document 1 proposes to improve the efficiency of removing snow accumulation and frost by raising the temperature of the washer fluid using the exhaust heat of the engine. Patent Document 2 proposes that a heater is provided in the washer liquid tank so that the washer liquid is heated / heated, thereby facilitating snow accumulation and frost removal on the front window glass. .

  Further, in Patent Document 3, a metal pipe is used as a part of a washer liquid conduit between a washer liquid tank and a washer nozzle, a heating coil is wound around the metal pipe, and high frequency power is supplied to the heating coil. By supplying, the washer liquid blown from the washer nozzle is heated to promote the removal of snow accumulation and frost formation.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 4, the engine cooling liquid is circulated through a pipe disposed at the lower end of the front window glass to melt snow on the front window glass, and when the temperature of the engine cooling water is low, the defogger is used. There is a description of energizing and de-icing to promote melting snow.

  Further, Patent Document 4 proposes that the defogger and deiser are energized when the engine speed is higher than the idle speed because the defogger and deiser have a large load on the battery.

  By the way, in cold districts and the like, as the outside air temperature decreases, the window washer liquid stored in the washer liquid tank and the window washer liquid in the pipe line between the washer liquid tank and the washer nozzle are frozen. However, a general vehicle is a so-called front ship system in which an engine is arranged at the front, and the washer liquid tank is provided in the engine room at the front of the vehicle.

  As a result, even if the window washer fluid in the washer fluid tank or pipe line is frozen, the engine warms up and is defrosted as the temperature in the engine room rises. Is possible.

  However, the vehicle has a so-called midship system in which the engine is arranged from the center part of the vehicle body to the rear part. In such a vehicle, even if the engine is warmed up, the window washer fluid does not defrost and the engine warms up. The window washer fluid may remain frozen after the machine is finished. Further, in an environment where the outside air temperature is extremely low, there is a possibility that the window washer fluid freezes while the vehicle is traveling.

  If the vehicle travels in such a state, even if water droplets rolled up by the preceding vehicle adhere to the front window glass and become dirty, there is a possibility that it will be difficult to ensure sufficient front visibility by wiping the dirt reliably. .

As a method for thawing such window washer liquid, there is a method using a heating means such as an electric heater. However, in a low temperature environment, the capacity of the battery is lowered, and thawing of the window washer liquid is not performed in the battery. It becomes a big load.
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-123452 Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-16524 JP-A-2005-14787 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-32490

  The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and prevents the washer fluid from thawing and freezing without imposing a load on the vehicle battery, making it possible to ensure a reliable field of view in front of the vehicle even in cold regions. An object of the present invention is to propose a window washer device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided in a vehicle including an alternator that generates electric power by the rotational force of an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine control means that performs idle-up control for increasing the amount of fuel supply during warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine. Window washer device for jetting washer liquid onto the wind glass, wherein the washer liquid tank stores the washer liquid and the washer pipe connecting the washer liquid tank and the washer nozzle from which the washer liquid is jetted A heating means for heating the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank and the washer pipe by supplying the generated power of the alternator, a liquid temperature detecting means for detecting the liquid temperature of the washer liquid, Whether the idling up control of the internal combustion engine is being performed and the liquid temperature detecting means Based on the washer fluid liquid temperature Metropolitan detecting, characterized in that it comprises a heating control means for heating the washer fluid is supplied to said heating means generated power of the alternator.

  According to this invention, the washer liquid tank and the washer pipe are provided with heating means, and the generated power of the alternator is supplied to heat the washer liquid so that the washer liquid can be thawed. Further, power supply (energization) to the heating means is performed in a state where idle-up control such as warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine is performed.

  During the warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine, the fuel supply amount is increased, thereby increasing the heat generation amount of the internal combustion engine, and by increasing the fuel supply amount, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine also increases. The increase in the rotational speed can be converted into electric power by the alternator, and the washer liquid is heated using this electric power.

  As a result, the heating means for heating and sliding the washer liquid prevents the battery from being loaded, and the thaw of the washer liquid is thawed and the washer liquid is frozen, making it difficult to ensure the sight of the occupant. Can be surely prevented.

  In addition, the present invention includes an idle-up requesting unit that requests the internal combustion engine control unit to perform an idle-up control of the internal combustion engine based on the liquid temperature of the washer fluid detected by the liquid temperature detection unit. And

  According to the present invention, after the warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine is completed, when the washer fluid freezes or reaches a temperature at which the possibility of freezing becomes high, by requesting the idle-up control, the generated power of the alternator is reduced. A surplus is generated, and the washer liquid is heated using this electric power.

  Thereby, since the vehicle is traveling in an environment where the outside air temperature is low, it is possible to reliably prevent the washer liquid from being cooled and frozen.

  In the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a possibility that the washer fluid is frozen based on the melting point of the washer fluid when the idle-up control of the internal combustion engine is being performed. The heating means can be controlled on the basis of the first set temperature set as described above and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid, and a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature is set. When the heating means starts heating the washer liquid based on the liquid temperature of the washer liquid and the first set temperature, the heating means performs the heating until the liquid temperature of the washer liquid exceeds the second set temperature. The heating of the washer liquid may be continued.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the washer liquid is frozen at the first set temperature, whether or not the washer liquid is likely to be frozen, and is determined to be highly likely to be frozen or frozen. When done, heat the washer fluid.

  Further, for example, when heating is started based on the first set temperature, the temperature at which the washer liquid does not freeze on the wind glass when the washer liquid is ejected onto the window glass is set as the second set temperature. The heating of the washer liquid is continued until the liquid temperature reaches the second set temperature.

  That is, in an environment in which it can be determined that the washer liquid is frozen, the washer liquid ejected to the window glass is also likely to freeze. At this time, the washer liquid is heated until it reaches the second set temperature. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the washer liquid sprayed onto the window glass from freezing and hindering the sight of the occupant.

  Further, the present invention includes a circulation means for circulating the washer liquid in the washer pipe by communicating the washer nozzle side of the washer pipe with the washer liquid tank side of the washer pipe or the washer liquid tank. Characterized in that it includes circulation control means for operating the circulation means to circulate the washer liquid when the liquid temperature of the washer liquid exceeds the first set temperature and is equal to or lower than the second set temperature. To do.

  Since the washer liquid staying in the washer pipe is cooled from the surroundings, it is likely to be frozen, but it is difficult for the washer liquid to flow by flowing even in the washer pipe.

  Accordingly, in the present invention, by providing the circulation means to circulate the washer liquid, it is prevented that the washer liquid is frozen in the washer pipe and it becomes difficult to eject the washer liquid.

  Such circulation of the washer liquid needs to be in a state where the washer liquid is not frozen. From here, when the liquid temperature is in the range between the first set temperature and the second set temperature, the washer liquid In this way, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the washer pipe and the washer pump due to an abnormal operation of the washer pump and pressure abnormality due to the washer fluid being frozen in the washer pipe.

  In addition, it is preferable that the washer pipe forming such a circulation means has a double structure of the inner tube and the outer tube so that the washer liquid flows in each of the inner tube and the outer tube. It is preferable that the heating means can be efficiently heated while suppressing the cooling (heat radiation) of the liquid.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the washer fluid is heated using the electric power generated by the surplus rotational force generated during the warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine, so that a large load is applied to the battery provided in the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently heat the washer liquid and to obtain an excellent effect of ensuring a reliable view of the occupant.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the washer liquid from freezing and prevent the washer liquid sprayed on the window glass from freezing even when the vehicle is running, thereby ensuring a reliable field of view. can do.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the vehicle 10 applied to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the front side of the vehicle is indicated by an arrow FR direction, and the upper side of the vehicle is indicated by an arrow UP direction.

  The vehicle 10 applied to the present embodiment employs a midship system as an example, and an engine 12 (not shown in FIG. 2; see FIG. 1) serving as a driving source for traveling includes a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel (not shown). ). As a result, the front portion of the vehicle 10 is a front compartment 16 where no engine is provided. In the vehicle 10, for example, an engine radiator 18 that cools engine cooling water or the like is disposed in the front compartment 16. ing.

  The vehicle 10 is provided with a wiper device 22 for wiping off deposits such as water droplets on the surface of the front window glass 20. The wiper device 22 is provided in the wiper arm 28 by converting the rotation of the wiper motor 24 into a reciprocating movement of the wiper arm 28 by the link mechanism 26, and the wiper arm 28 is reciprocated along the surface of the front window glass 20. The wiper blade 30 wipes off water droplets and the like adhering to the surface of the front window glass 20.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 is provided with a window washer device 32. The window washer device 32 includes a washer liquid tank 34 in which a washer liquid as a cleaning liquid is stored, a washer nozzle 36 from which the washer liquid is ejected, a washer pipe 38 that connects the washer liquid tank 34 and the washer nozzle 36, and a washer liquid. A washer pump 40 for supplying the washer liquid in the tank 34 to the washer nozzle 36 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washer liquid tank 34 is disposed in the front compartment 16 at the front of the vehicle 10, and the washer nozzle 36 is disposed on the front hood 42 that covers the front compartment 16, for example, on the front window. A washer pipe 38 is laid in the front compartment 16 and attached to the glass 20.

  As a result, in the window washer device 32, when the washer pump 40 is operated, the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank 34 is ejected from the washer nozzle 36 toward the front window glass 20.

  In the vehicle 10, the wiper device 22 is operated while spraying the washer liquid onto the front window glass 18 by the window washer device 32, thereby wiping off the deposits on the surface of the front window glass 20.

  In addition, a well-known structure can be applied to such a basic structure of the wiper apparatus 22 and the window washer apparatus 32, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. In the following description, the window washer device 32 provided on the front window glass 20 will be described as an example. However, the wiper device and the window washer device may clean a rear window glass (not shown) at the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the window washer device may include a configuration that ejects the washer liquid toward the lens of the headlamp.

  On the other hand, the vehicle 10 is provided with an alternator 44 that is rotationally driven by the transmission of the driving force of the engine 12 to generate electric power, and a battery 46 in which the electric power generated by the alternator 44 is stored. The electric power stored in the battery 46 is used for driving various electrical components. The alternator 44 may generate either DC power or AC power. When AC power is generated, the power converted into direct current (including pulsating current) via the rectifier is the battery 46. What is necessary is just to be supplied to.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the controller 50 is provided in the window washer device 32 applied to the first embodiment. The controller 50 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like connected to a bus, various input / output interfaces, a drive circuit, and the like, and is connected to a washer pump 40 and a washer switch 52. .

  As a result, the controller 50 supplies the power of the battery 46 to the washer pump 40 when the washer switch 52 is turned on, and the washer liquid is ejected from the washer nozzle 36.

  On the other hand, in the window washer device 32, a liquid temperature sensor 54 for detecting the temperature of the washer liquid is provided in the washer liquid tank 34, and this liquid temperature sensor 54 is connected to the controller 50.

  As a result, the controller 50 can detect the liquid temperature of the washer liquid, and the controller 50 can easily determine whether or not the washer liquid is frozen from the liquid temperature detected by the liquid temperature sensor 54. It is determined whether or not it is in a state.

  Further, the window washer device 32 is provided with a hot wire 56 as heating means for the washer liquid. The hot wire 56 is laid in the washer liquid tank 34 and around the washer pipe 38.

  The hot wire 56 is connected between the alternator 44 and the battery 46 via the relay switch 58, and the contact of the relay switch 58 is closed (hereinafter, the relay switch 58 is turned on). Generated power is supplied. That is, the hot wire 56 is connected to a charging system for the battery 46, and when surplus power is generated in the alternator 44, this surplus power is supplied.

  The heating wire 56 used as the heating means may be a heating wire or a coil. As the heating means, the washer liquid can be heated by generating heat when energized, such as a conductive tube or a conductive cloth. Any configuration can be applied. Moreover, as a heating means, the thing of the shape according to a laying place and a form can be applied.

  Further, it is preferable that the heat wire 56 provided in the washer pipe 38 is also coaxially arranged so as to wrap the washer pipe 38 around the outer periphery of the washer pipe 38, thereby suppressing heat dissipation of the washer liquid in the washer pipe 38. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the washer liquid from being cooled by the surrounding cold air.

  Control of the power generated by the alternator 44 may be performed by either the controller 50 or the air conditioner ECU shown below.

  On the other hand, the vehicle 10 is provided with an engine ECU 60 that controls the operation of the engine 12, and the relay switch 58 and the engine ECU 60 are connected to the controller 50.

  The engine ECU 60 warms up the engine 12 when the temperature of the engine coolant is low when the engine is started. During this warm-up operation, the amount of fuel (gasoline) supplied to the engine 12 is increased compared to that during idling. Along with this, the engine speed increases (idle up) and the heat generation amount of the engine 12 increases. 12 and the temperature rise of the engine coolant is promoted.

  The controller 50 is connected to the engine ECU 58, so that it can be determined whether or not the engine 12 is warming up. Further, when the engine ECU 58 has finished warming up of the engine 12 and the controller 50 makes a request to increase the idle speed of the engine 12 (idle up), the engine ECU 58 idles up the engine 12 based on the request. I do. At this time, the engine ECU 60 is configured to increase the amount of fuel supplied to the engine 12 as in the warm-up operation of the engine 12. A known control method can be applied to the basic control of the engine 12 by the engine ECU 60.

  The controller 50 turns on / off the relay switch 58 based on the washer fluid detected by the fluid temperature sensor 54 while the engine 12 is warming up. Further, the controller 50 makes a relay while making an engine ECU 58 idle-up request to the engine ECU 58 based on the liquid temperature of the washer liquid detected by the liquid temperature sensor 54 when the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is finished. The switch 58 is turned on / off.

  As a result, the controller 50 energizes the heat wire 56 while the engine 12 is idling up to heat the washer fluid in the washer fluid tank 34 and the washer pipe 38 to prevent the washer fluid from thawing and freezing. I am doing so.

  In the vehicle 10 configured as described above, a wiper device 22 is operated by operating a wiper switch (not shown), thereby wiping raindrops and the like adhering to the windshield 20 with the wiper blade 30 to ensure the sight of the occupant. can do.

  The vehicle 10 is provided with a window washer device 32. In the window washer device 32, when the washer switch 52 is turned on, the washer pump 40 is driven, and the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank 34 is ejected from the washer nozzle 36 toward the front window glass 20.

  Thus, in the vehicle 10, even if rainwater or the like rolled up by the preceding vehicle adheres to the front windshield 20, the attached matter can be reliably wiped off by the wiper device 22.

  That is, the water droplets rolled up by the vehicle ahead contains a lot of dirt and dust, and the wiper device 22 may not be reliably wiped off from the front window glass 20 just by operating the wiper device 22.

  In such a case, for example, by operating the wiper device 22 while spraying the washer liquid onto the front window glass 20 by the window washer device 32, the front window glass 20 and the wiper blade 30 are not damaged. It is possible to reliably wipe off the glass 20 and ensure a good visibility of the occupant.

  By the way, the washer liquid generally has a melting point (melting point, freezing point) lower than that of water (for example, about −5 ° C.), but may freeze during parking when the outside air temperature becomes extremely low in a cold district or the like. is there. Further, when the vehicle travels in an environment where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the washer liquid may be cooled to cause freezing.

  When the washer liquid freezes, even when the washer switch 52 is turned on, the washer liquid is no longer ejected from the washer nozzle 36 onto the front window glass 20.

  Thereby, in the vehicle 10, since the washer liquid is not ejected, it is difficult to secure the sight of the occupant if the deposits on the front window glass 20 are not reliably wiped off.

  From here, the window washer device 32 is designed to be thawed when the washer fluid is frozen, to prevent the washer fluid from freezing, and to ensure a reliable view of the occupant.

  Here, the heating control of the window washer liquid for promoting the thawing promotion and prevention of freezing of the washer liquid by the window washer device 32 applied to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of washer fluid heating control executed when the engine 12 is started by the controller 50 of the window washer device 32. In this flowchart, in the first step 100, it is confirmed whether or not an ignition switch (IG) (not shown) is turned on. When the ignition switch (not shown) is turned on for vehicle travel, an affirmative determination is made in step 100. Move on to step 102.

In this step 102, the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid detected by the liquid temperature sensor 54 is read. In the next step 104, the liquid temperature WT is set as the first set temperature at which the washer liquid does not freeze. It is confirmed whether or not the washer liquid is frozen based on whether or not the set temperature T _S1 is exceeded.

Such set temperature T _S1 can be set based on the melting point MT of the washer liquid. That is, when the liquid temperature of the washer liquid reaches the melting point MT, the washer liquid is frozen or at least easily frozen, and is raised from the melting point MT by a predetermined temperature α to be changed into the washer liquid. It is preferable to apply a temperature at which it can be reliably determined that freezing has not occurred as the set temperature T _S1 (T _S1 = MT + α).

For example, when the temperature α is 5 ° C. (α = 5 ° C.) and the melting point MT of the washer liquid is −5 ° C. (MT = −5 ° C.), the set temperature T _S1 is set to 0 ° C. (T _S1 = 0 ° C.).

Here, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid exceeds the set temperature T _S1 (WT> T _S1 ), a negative determination is made in Step 104, and the heating control at the time of starting the engine is ended.

On the other hand, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid does not reach the set temperature T _S1 (WT ≦ T _S1 ), an affirmative determination is made in step 104 and the process proceeds to step 106. In this step 106, it is confirmed whether or not the engine 12 is warming up.

  In the engine ECU 60 provided in the vehicle 10, when the ignition switch is turned on and the engine 12 is started, the engine 12 is in a cooled state, and the temperature of the engine coolant is low. At this time, the engine ECU 60 performs a warm-up operation of the engine 12.

  In the engine 12, the fuel supply amount (injection amount) is increased as compared with the idling state, whereby the heat generation amount is increased as the idle is increased.

  Here, when the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is performed, an affirmative determination is made in step 106 and the process proceeds to step 108, the relay switch 58 is turned on, and energization of the heat wire 56 is started.

  As a result, the hot wire 56 generates heat, the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank 34 and the washer pipe 38 is heated, and when the washer liquid is frozen, the washer liquid is thawed, and the washer liquid is frozen. If it is in an easy state, it is heated so that it is difficult to freeze.

Thereafter, in step 110, the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is detected, and in step 112, the set temperature T _S2 (T _S1 <T _S2 ) at which the liquid temperature WT is a second set temperature higher than the set temperature T _S1 is obtained. Check if it has been exceeded.

When the washer liquid is heated and thawed by the hot wire 56, the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid rises. At this time, if the liquid temperature WT exceeds the set temperature T _S2 higher than the set temperature T _S1 and it is determined that the liquid temperature WT is not frozen, an affirmative determination is made in step 112 and the process proceeds to step 114. .

  In this step 114, the relay switch 58 is turned off to stop energization of the heat wire 56, and the thawing of the washer liquid is finished.

The set temperature T _S2 at this time, even when ejecting the washer fluid to the windshield 20, to freeze the washer fluid adhering to the windshield 20 is not temperature no, water drops attached to the front window glass 20 is frozen At this time, the temperature is set to a temperature at which thawing is possible, that is, a temperature suitable for ejection to the front window glass 20.

Here, the heating is finished when the liquid temperature WT reaches the set temperature T _S2 , but may be finished when the liquid temperature WT exceeds at least the set temperature T _S1. Further, since the ambient temperature Ta of the front compartment 16 is increased by the heat generated from the engine radiator 18 when the engine 12 is warmed up, the ambient temperature Ta is detected, and the liquid temperature WT becomes the ambient temperature Ta. You may make it complete | finish the heating of a washer liquid at the timing reached.

  Generally, in a front ship type vehicle having an engine at the front, the temperature in the engine compartment (engine room) where the washer liquid tank and the washer pipe are provided is increased by the heat generated by the engine, Even if the washer fluid is frozen, it can be thawed by warming up the engine.

  On the other hand, in the vehicle 10 to which the midship method is applied, only the engine radiator 20 is the heat source in the front front compartment 16. In the vehicle 10, the temperature rises to about 30 ° C. even in an environment where the outside air temperature is low due to heat generated from the engine radiator 18.

However, the ambient temperature Ta in the front compartment 16 where only the engine radiator 18 is heated has a moderate temperature rise, and as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The temperature Ta ₁ when the steady state is reached is not so high (for example, Ta ₁ = about 30 ° C.). For this reason, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 4, the rise in the temperature WT of the washer liquid is moderate, and when the washer liquid is frozen, it takes time to defrost.

  Here, in the window washer device 32, the washer liquid can be heated by providing the washer liquid tank 34 and the washer pipe 38 with the heat wire 56 and energizing the heat wire 56.

  As a result, even if the washer liquid is frozen, the washer liquid can be quickly thawed, so that the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is reliably increased in a short time as shown by the solid line in FIG. .

  Therefore, in the window washer device 32, since the washer fluid is frozen, it is possible to reliably prevent the sight of the passenger from being unable to be secured without removing the dirt on the front window glass 20.

  On the other hand, in step 116, it is confirmed whether or not the warm-up operation of the engine 12 has been completed. In step 118, it is confirmed whether or not the ignition switch has been turned off in order to stop the engine 12.

  Even when it can be determined that the thawing of the washer liquid has not ended, the controller 50 energizes the hot wire 56 by completing the warm-up operation of the engine 12 or turning off the ignition switch to stop the engine. To stop the thawing of the washer solution.

  In addition, even if the determination in step 104 is affirmative and there is a possibility that the washer fluid is frozen, if the engine 12 is not warmed up, a negative determination is made in step 106 to heat the washer fluid. This flow chart is ended without performing it.

  That is, in the controller 50 of the window washer device 32, only during the warm-up operation of the engine 12, the heating wire 56 is energized to heat the washer fluid, and thereby the washer fluid is thawed. 46 is prevented from becoming a large load.

  In the vehicle 10, the rotational force of the engine 12 is transmitted to the alternator 44, and the alternator 44 is rotationally driven to generate electric power. By supplying the generated electric power to the battery 46, the battery 46 is charged. The electric parts such as the auxiliary machines can use the electric power charged in the battery 46.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of output energy with respect to engine input energy. Here, the engine input energy corresponds to the gasoline injection amount.

  Here, in FIG. 5, the output energy with respect to the engine input energy when the efficiency is 100% in the two-dot chain line is shown, and the normal energy efficiency is about 30% as shown by the solid line. It is output as the driving force of the engine 12 as the shaft rotational force Pout. Further, engine output energy excluding the shaft rotational force Pout is released as heat or the like (referred to as release energy).

  Here, in the idle state, the shaft rotational force Pout necessary for the rotational drive of the alternator 44 is obtained, and the shaft rotational force Pout is increased by increasing the fuel injection amount during the warm-up operation. As a result, the emitted energy is increased.

The increase in emission energy of this time, contains the increment Delta] Q _F of calorific value, increment Delta] Q _F of the calorific value is used for heating acceleration of the engine 12 and the engine cooling water at engine warm-up operation.

  Further, the excess rotational force Ps, which is an increase in the shaft rotational force Pout during the warm-up operation with respect to the idling time, is normally discarded as the rotational resistance of the drive shaft of the engine 12, but the power generation of the alternator 44 By controlling the electric power, the surplus rotational force Ps is recovered by the alternator 44 and changed to electric power. The increase in the electric power collected at this time is surplus power, and the controller 50 energizes the hot wire 56 during the warm-up operation of the engine 12 so that the surplus power generated during warm-up is used. .

  This prevents the amount of heat that heats the washer fluid from becoming a load on the battery 46.

On the other hand, the amount of heat Q required to defrost the 3000 cc (3 × 10 ⁻³ m ³ ) washer liquid is solid when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is −30 ° C. and the target temperature is 0 ° C. Assuming that the coefficient C is 0.5 (C = 0.5) and the specific heat of the washer liquid is the same as that of water,
Q ₁ = 3000 (cc) × 30 (° C) × C
= 45 (Kcal) = 188 (KJ)
In addition, the amount of heat Q ₂ required to convert 0 ° C. solid (ice) to 0 ° C. water is
Q2 = 1 (MJ) (1MJ / 3000cc)
From here,
Q = Q1 + Q2 = 1188 (KJ)
It becomes.

  From 1188 (KJ) = 19.8 (KW * min), if the heat ray 56 is 4 KW, 5 minutes (5 min) is required. In addition, it takes about 4 and a half minutes to thaw the frozen washer liquid at −10 ° C. using 4 KW hot wire 56, and about 4 minutes to thaw the 0 ° C. washer liquid. .

  This 4 KW load corresponds to, for example, the capacity of a compressor used for cooling in an air conditioner (air conditioner) for a vehicle. In the air conditioner, the driving of the compressor is stopped when the outside air temperature is low and the cooling capacity is not required. For this reason, if the vehicle 10 is equipped with an air conditioner, the hot wire 56 is provided. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the alternator 44.

  Therefore, in the window washer device 32, the washer fluid is heated during the warm-up operation of the engine 12, so that the capacity of the alternator 44 is not increased and a load is not applied to the battery 46.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is traveling in an environment where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank 34 and the washer pipe 38 disposed in the front compartment 16 is cooled and frozen. There is.

  From here, the window washer device 32 prevents the washer fluid from freezing by controlling the heating of the washer fluid using the hot wire 56 even after the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is completed.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of the processing at this time, and this flowchart is executed when the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is completed. In the first step 120, the liquid temperature of the washer liquid detected by the liquid temperature sensor 54 is shown. reads the WT, in step 122, it is confirmed whether the liquid temperature WT exceeds the set temperature _{T S1.}

Here, when the liquid temperature WT becomes equal to or lower than the set temperature T _S1 (WT ≦ T _S1 ), a negative determination is made in Step 122 and the process proceeds to Step 124. In this step 124, the engine ECU 60 is requested to idle up the engine 12, and in the next step 126, the heat switch 56 is energized by turning on the relay switch 58 to start heating the washer fluid.

  Here, the engine ECU 60 performs the idle-up of the engine 12 based on the idle-up request from the controller 50, whereby the washer fluid can be heated using surplus power.

Thereafter, in step 128, it detects the liquid temperature WT of washer fluid which is heated, in the next step 130, checks whether the liquid temperature WT exceeds the set temperature T _S2.

Here, when the liquid temperature WT exceeds the set temperature T _S2 (WT <T _S2 ), an affirmative determination is made in step 130 and the process proceeds to step 132, the relay switch 58 is turned off, and the energization to the heat wire 56 is stopped. Thus, the heating of the washer liquid is stopped, and in step 134, the engine ECU 60 stops the engine 12 idle-up request.

  In step 136, it is confirmed whether or not an ignition switch (not shown) is turned off. When the ignition switch is turned off and the engine 12 is stopped, an affirmative determination is made in step 136 and the routine proceeds to step 132, where the washer liquid The heating control is terminated.

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the wiping of the dirt on the front window glass 20 from becoming difficult because the washer liquid is frozen while the vehicle 10 is traveling, and it is possible to ensure an accurate view of the occupant.

At this time, by heating the washer liquid until it reaches the set temperature T _S2 , when the washer liquid is ejected to the front windshield 20, it freezes on the surface of the front windshield 20 and obstructs the sight of the occupant. Can be prevented.

  That is, in an environment in which the washer liquid freezes while the vehicle 10 is traveling, it is assumed that not only the washer liquid adhering to the front windshield 20 but also water droplets rolled up by the front vehicle are frozen.

At this time, by ensuring that the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is increased to the set temperature T _S2 , it is possible to ensure a reliable view of the occupant. Here, the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is heated until it exceeds the set temperature T _S2 , but at least the liquid temperature of the washer liquid may be heated so as to exceed the set temperature T _S1. .

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and in the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are the same. Reference numerals are assigned and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of the window washer device 70 according to the second embodiment. In this window washer device 70, a three-way valve 72 is provided between the washer liquid tank 34 and the washer pump 40, and a three-way valve 76 is provided in the vicinity of the washer nozzle 36 in the washer pipe 74. 72 and 76 are connected by a return pipe 78.

  As a result, a washer fluid circulation path 80 is formed between the washer pipe 74 and the return pipe 78. The hot wire 56 can heat the washer liquid in the washer pipe 74 and the washer liquid in the return pipe 78, respectively.

  For example, a double pipe structure shown in FIG. 8 can be applied to such a circulation path 80. That is, the double tube 86 in which the outer tube 82 and the inner tube 84 are coaxially arranged is used. At this time, the inner tube 84 is used as the washer pipe 74, and the outer tube 82 is used as the return pipe 78.

  Further, in this double tube 86, the inner tube 84 is provided with a heat ray 56 and covered with a heating element 88, and the heating element is covered with an internal exterior material 90.

  Thus, while the washer fluid in the outer tube 82 and the inner tube 84 is efficiently heated by the heat wire 56 provided in the heating element 88, the washer fluid is radiated, in particular, the washer fluid supplied to the washer nozzle 36. Can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the three-way valves 72 and 76 are connected to the controller 50A, and the flow path of the washer fluid is switched by the controller 50A. That is, the state is switched between a state in which the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank 34 is supplied to the washer nozzle 36 via the washer pipe 74 and a state in which the washer liquid in the washer pipe 74 and the return pipe 78 is circulated.

  Although the three-way valve 72 is provided between the washer liquid tank 34 and the washer pump 40 here, the three-way valve 72 is omitted, and the return pipe 78 is connected to the washer liquid tank 34 so that the inside of the washer liquid tank 34 The washer liquid may be circulated.

  When the controller 50A determines that the liquid temperature of the washer liquid detected by the liquid temperature sensor 54 has fallen to a temperature close to the melting point MT of the washer liquid, for example, and the washer liquid is in a state of being easily frozen. The three-way valves 72 and 76 are operated, and the washer pump 40 is operated to prevent the washer liquid in the washer pipe 74 from freezing.

  FIG. 9 shows an outline of the freeze prevention control by the controller 50A. When the engine 12 is started (during warm-up operation), the same processing as in FIG. 3 described above may be performed.

This flowchart is executed when the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is completed. In a first step 140, the liquid reads the liquid temperature WT of washer fluid detected by the temperature sensor 54, the next step 142, first, checks whether the liquid temperature WT exceeds the set temperature T _S2.

Here, when the outside air temperature is high or the ambient temperature Ta in the front compartment 16 is high and the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid exceeds the set temperature T _S2 (WT> T _S2 ), it is not necessary to heat the washer liquid. As a result, affirmative determination is made at step 142. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the circulation of the washer liquid is performed in Step 144. When the circulation of the washer liquid is performed, an affirmative determination is made in Step 144 and the process proceeds to Step 146, where the circulation of the washer liquid is performed. To stop the antifreezing control of the washer liquid.

  When the washer fluid is circulated, the three-way valves 72 and 76 are operated to form the washer fluid circulation path 80 between the washer pipe 74 and the return pipe 78, and the washer pump 40 is operated. When stopping the circulation of the washer liquid, the washer pump 40 is stopped and the three-way valves 72 and 76 are turned off to form a flow path for the washer liquid from the washer liquid tank 34 to the washer nozzle 36. When the is operated, the washer liquid is ejected from the washer nozzle 36.

On the other hand, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid does not exceed the set liquid temperature T _S2 (WT ≦ T _S2 ), a negative determination is made in step 142 and the process proceeds to step 148. In this step 148, it is confirmed whether or not the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid exceeds the set temperature T _S1 .

Here, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid exceeds the set temperature TS1 (WT> T _S1 , that is, T _S1 <WT ≦ T _S2 ), an affirmative determination is made in Step 148, and the process proceeds to Step 150. Start the washer fluid circulation. That is, by turning on the three-way valves 72 and 76, the washer fluid circulation path 80 is formed by the washer pipe 74 and the return pipe 78, and the washer pump 40 is operated.

  Generally, the liquid staying in the pipe is more likely to freeze than the liquid flowing in the pipe. From this, in the window washer device 70, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is lowered, the washer liquid is caused to flow in the washer pipe 74 by flowing the washer liquid in the washer pipe 74 so that the washer liquid is not easily generated in the washer pipe 74. Clogging due to freezing is prevented, and the washer liquid is surely ejected from the washer nozzle 36 when the washer switch 52 is turned on.

  When the washer switch 52 is turned on while the washer fluid is circulated, the washer pump 40 is operated with the three-way valves 72 and 76 turned off.

  On the other hand, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid is equal to or lower than the set temperature TS1, a negative determination is made in step 148, and the routine proceeds to step 152. In step 152, the circulation of the washer fluid is stopped, and in the next step 154, the engine ECU 60 is requested to idle up the engine 12. Thereafter, in step 156, the relay switch 58 is turned on to supply surplus power generated by the alternator 44 to the heat wire 56, and heating of the washer liquid by the surplus power is started.

  Thereby, when the washer liquid is frozen, thawing is performed, and when the washer liquid is easily frozen, freezing is prevented. Here, the circulation of the washer liquid is stopped and the washer pump 40 is driven in a state where the washer liquid is frozen to prevent the so-called idling operation. However, the washer liquid is not frozen. When it can be determined that it has not occurred, the circulation of the washer liquid may be continued.

Thus to start the heating of washer fluid, in step 158, to check whether the liquid temperature WT of washer fluid exceeds the set temperature T _S1, in step 160, setting the liquid temperature WT of washer fluid temperature T _It is confirmed whether or not _S2 is exceeded.

Here, when the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid exceeds the set temperature T _S1 but does not exceed the set temperature T _S2 (T _S1 <WT ≦ T _S2 ), a negative determination is made in step 160 and the process proceeds to step 162. Transition and start circulating the washer fluid. That is, freezing of the washer liquid is prevented by circulating the washer liquid while heating.

  Here, the heating is performed while circulating the washer fluid. However, the heating is not limited to this, and the idle switch request to the engine ECU 60 is stopped and the relay switch 58 is turned off to stop the heating of the washer fluid. In this state, only the washer fluid may be circulated.

On the other hand, if the liquid temperature WT of the washer liquid exceeds the set temperature T _S2 (WT> T _S2 ), an affirmative determination is made in step 160 and the process proceeds to step 164. In this step 164, the heating of the washer liquid is stopped and the circulation of the washer liquid is stopped (step 166). Thereafter, in step 168, the idle up request to the engine ECU 60 is stopped, and the anti-freezing control of the washer liquid is performed. finish. In step 170, it is confirmed whether or not the ignition switch is turned off. When the ignition switch is turned off, an affirmative determination is made in step 170 and the process proceeds to step 164, whereby the washer fluid is heated and circulated. finish.

  As described above, in the window washer device 70 applied to the second embodiment, the washer liquid in the washer pipe 74, which is likely to be frozen, is caused to flow in the washer pipe 70, whereby the washer pipe 74 is washed. The liquid is frozen, so that the washer liquid in the washer liquid tank 34 is not frozen, but the washer liquid is not ejected, and it is surely prevented that it is difficult to secure the sight of the occupant. Like to do.

  In the present embodiment described above, the generated power of the alternator 44 is also used for heating the washer fluid after the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is finished. However, the present invention is not limited to this, After the machine operation, the washer liquid may be heated using various heat sources provided in the vehicle.

  In addition, this Embodiment demonstrated above does not limit the structure of this invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the so-called midship type vehicle 10 in which the engine 12 that is an internal combustion engine is provided on the rear side of the vehicle has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the engine together with the washer liquid tank 34 is used. The present invention can be applied to any type of vehicle such as a front ship type vehicle 12 provided at the front of the vehicle.

  Even in front-ship type vehicles, when the engine needs to be warmed up when the engine is started, the ambient temperature in the front compartment (engine compartment) is low until the engine warms up, and the engine is discharged from the engine. With heat alone, thawing of the washer liquid may be delayed.

  Even in such a case, electric power is generated using the rotational force discarded from the engine that has been idled up, and the washer liquid is heated by the generated electric power. At the start, it is possible to reliably remove dirt from the front window glass, and it is possible to ensure driving safety in cold regions.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the window washer devices 10 and 70 for the front window glass 20 have been described as an example. However, the washer liquid is discharged to the rear window glass and the washer liquid is discharged toward the lens of the headlamp. Application to a washer device is also possible.

  At this time, since the atmospheric temperature, the cooling method during traveling, and the like are different in each system, it is preferable to perform heating control for each system.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the generated power of the alternator 44 is used for heating the washer liquid while the vehicle is running. However, the heating of the washer liquid while the vehicle is running is not limited to this. The heat released in the form of can be utilized.

  That is, until the warm-up operation of the engine 12 is completed, the heat source in the vehicle 10 is limited, but when the warm-up operation ends, the heat released by the engine 12 itself and the engine coolant are released. There is heat that is released as heat and exhaust gas, and the waste heat may be used to heat the washer liquid.

  For example, the washer liquid tank 34 is often disposed close to the engine radiator 18 that releases the heat of the engine coolant, and the washer liquid tank 34 and the engine radiator 18 are connected by a heat conductive member. The heat of the engine coolant can be transferred to the washer fluid tank 34 and used to heat the washer fluid in the washer fluid tank 34.

  Also, in frontship type vehicles, the washer fluid is sent to the rear window glass and the washer pipe can pass through the vicinity of the exhaust pipe, etc. By connecting this washer pipe and the exhaust pipe with a heat conductive member, The washer liquid can be heated to the rear window glass by the heat released from the exhaust gas.

  When such a heating method is used, there is a risk of boiling due to overheating of the washer liquid. For example, in the low temperature state of the engine immediately after the start of the warm-up operation, the washer liquid is heated to In order to prevent delays in activation due to delays in warming up of the engine or delays in temperature rise of the catalyst for purifying exhaust gas, thermal conduction can be interrupted (ON / OFF). It is preferable that

  The heat conduction is interrupted at this time by using an actuator such as a solenoid, based on the detection result of the engine coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperature, etc. in addition to the temperature of the washer fluid. The structure etc. which make a member contact / separate are applicable.

  Further, the present embodiment described above shows an example of the present invention, and the present invention makes it possible to remove dirt by spraying a washer liquid as a cleaning liquid onto a window glass or a headlamp of a vehicle. It can be applied to any configuration.

It is a schematic block diagram of the window washer apparatus applied to 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the principal part of the vehicle applied to this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of heating control of the washer liquid at the time of engine starting which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a diagram which shows an example of the change of the liquid temperature of a washer liquid with respect to the elapsed time from the time of engine starting. It is a diagram which shows the outline of the output energy with respect to engine input energy. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the heating control of the washer liquid after completion | finish of the warming-up operation which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the window washer apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the double pipe | tube applicable to formation of the circulation of a washer liquid in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the freezing prevention control of the washer liquid after completion | finish of the warming-up operation which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Vehicle 12 Engine (Internal combustion engine)
18 Engine radiator 20 Front window glass 22 Wiper device 32, 70 Window washer device 34 Washer liquid tank 36 Washer nozzle 38, 74 Washer pipe 40 Washer pump 44 Alternator 46 Battery 50 Controller (heating control means, circulation control means)
54 Liquid temperature sensor (liquid temperature detection means)
56 Heating wire (heating means)
60 Engine ECU (Internal combustion engine control means)
72, 76 Three-way valve (circulation means)
78 Return pipe (circulation means)
80 Circulating path 82 Outer tube 84 Inner tube 86 Double tube

Claims (6)

Provided in a vehicle equipped with an alternator for generating electric power by the rotational force of the internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine control means for performing idle-up control for increasing the fuel supply amount during the warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine, and jets washer fluid onto the wind glass A window washer device,
The washer liquid is provided in the washer liquid tank in which the washer liquid is stored and in the washer pipe connecting the washer liquid tank and the washer nozzle from which the washer liquid is ejected, and the generated power of the alternator is supplied. Heating means for heating the washer fluid in the tank and the washer pipe;
Liquid temperature detecting means for detecting the liquid temperature of the washer liquid;
Based on whether or not idle-up control of the internal combustion engine is being performed and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid detected by the liquid temperature detecting means, the generated power of the alternator is supplied to the heating means to heat the washer liquid. Heating control means for performing
A window washer device comprising:   2. An idle-up requesting unit that requests the internal combustion engine control unit to perform an idle-up control of the internal combustion engine based on a liquid temperature of the washer fluid detected by the liquid temperature detection unit. The window washer device described.   The first setting is made so that it is possible to determine whether or not the washer fluid may be frozen based on the melting point of the washer fluid when the idle-up control of the internal combustion engine is being performed. The window washer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating unit is controlled based on a set temperature and a liquid temperature of the washer liquid.   When a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature is set, heating of the washer liquid is started based on the liquid temperature of the washer liquid and the first set temperature. The window washer device according to claim 3, wherein the heating means continues to heat the washer liquid until the liquid temperature exceeds the second set temperature.   2. A circulation means for circulating the washer liquid in the washer pipe by communicating the washer nozzle side of the washer pipe with the washer liquid tank side of the washer pipe or the washer liquid tank. The window washer device according to any one of 4.   And a circulation control unit that circulates the washer liquid by operating the circulation unit when the temperature of the washer liquid exceeds the first set temperature and is equal to or lower than the second set temperature. The window washer device according to claim 5.

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