JP2010280350A - Window washer device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a window washer device which can heat washer liquid in a power-saving manner. <P>SOLUTION: The window washer device 50 compares the temperature of washer liquid in a sub tank 40 with the temperature of washer liquid in a main tank 30, and changes the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 when the temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is higher than the temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40. Since the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 at higher temperature is heated to the set value, the power required for heating the washer liquid can be reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a window washer device that injects a washer fluid into a window of a vehicle, and more particularly to a window washer device that heats the washer fluid while saving power.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, vehicles such as automobiles are normally equipped with a window washer device for injecting a washer liquid and cleaning a front window in particular. However, when the outside air temperature is low, for example, in the severe winter season, the vehicle window may freeze. When the outside air temperature is low, the temperature of the washer liquid is low, and it is difficult to immediately thaw the frozen window even if the washer liquid is sprayed onto the window. In addition, when the temperature of the window is extremely low, the sprayed washer liquid itself may freeze on the window surface.

  For this reason, the following [Patent Document 1] discloses an invention relating to a window washer that includes a mechanism for heating and maintaining the washer liquid at a constant temperature and injects the warmed washer liquid. According to the invention disclosed in this [Patent Document 1], since the washer liquid is heated, the freezing of the window can be thawed relatively quickly. In addition, the load on the battery and alternator of the vehicle is reduced by heating the washer fluid in a sub-tank having a relatively small capacity.

JP 7-223510 A

  However, in order to immediately thaw the freezing of the window, it is necessary to heat the temperature of the washer liquid to about 40 ° C. to 60 ° C. so that the user does not get burned. And, the liquid temperature of the washer liquid is heated up to about 40 ° C. to 60 ° C. and maintained at this liquid temperature, an excessive load is applied to the battery or the alternator, no matter how small the sub-tank is. Improvement is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a window washer device capable of heating a washer liquid with power saving.

The present invention
(1) Nozzle 20 for injecting washer liquid toward window 3 of vehicle 1, main tank 30 for storing the washer liquid, and heating of the washer liquid provided between main tank 30 and nozzle 20 A sub-tank 40 for supplying the washer liquid to the sub-tank 40 and a liquid feed means 32 for injecting the washer liquid stored in the sub-tank 40 from the nozzle 20, and a washer liquid stored in the sub-tank 40 being added. A window washer device having heating means 42 for heating,
The sub tank 40 has a heat retaining property, and a first liquid temperature acquisition means 46 that measures the temperature of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 and a second liquid temperature acquisition means that acquires the temperature of the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30. Liquid temperature acquisition means (external temperature measurement means 38),
Further, the temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 acquired from the first liquid temperature acquisition means 46 is compared with the temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 acquired from the second liquid temperature acquisition means. When the temperature of the stored washer liquid is lower than the temperature of the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30, the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 are exchanged. By providing a window washer device 50 characterized in that the above-mentioned problems are solved.
(2) The window washer device 50 according to the above (1), wherein the washer liquid stored in the sub-tank 40 is heated after receiving the washer liquid injection instruction. Resolve.
(3) The above problem is solved by providing the window washer device 50 according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the sub-tank 40 is formed of a vacuum heat insulating member.
(4) The washer fluid in the nozzle 20 and in the injection pipe 10b connecting the nozzle 20 and the sub tank 40 is discharged after the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is stopped or after the washer fluid is ejected. The above-described problem is solved by providing the window washer device 50 described in any one of the above.

  According to the window washer device according to the present invention, it is possible to heat the washer liquid with power saving, and therefore it is possible to reduce the load on the battery or the alternator.

It is a figure which shows the window washer apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  An embodiment of a window washer device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  A window washer device 50 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes a nozzle 20 that injects a washer fluid toward the window 3 of the vehicle 1, a main tank 30 that stores the washer fluid, and a space between the main tank 30 and the nozzle 20. A sub-tank 40 having heat retaining properties, a liquid feeding means 32 for supplying the washer liquid to the sub-tank 40 and for injecting the washer liquid stored in the sub-tank 40 from the nozzle 20, and the washer liquid stored in the sub-tank 40. Heating means 42 for heating, liquid amount detecting means 44 for detecting the liquid amount of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40, and first liquid temperature acquisition means for measuring the liquid temperature of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 46 and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 by measuring the temperature in the engine room. It has an external temperature measuring means 38 as a second liquid temperature obtaining means for indirectly obtaining the a.

  The main tank 30 has a larger capacity than the sub tank 40, and a washer liquid supply port 30 a is provided in the upper part of the main tank 30. The washer fluid can be supplied or replenished into the main tank 30 by opening the cap 30b installed in the washer fluid supply port 30a. Further, below the main tank 30, a liquid feed pipe 10a capable of moving the washer liquid between the sub tank 40 and the main tank 30 is installed. The main tank 30 is installed in the vicinity of the engine 5 of the vehicle 1, and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 can be heated by heat generated by the operation of the engine 5.

  The liquid feed pipe 10 a is provided with a liquid feed means 32 such as a well-known liquid feed pump that operates under the control of the control unit 36 of the window washer device 50, and a known electromagnetic valve 34 that opens and closes under the control of the control unit 36. Yes. An injection pipe 10b is installed in the sub tank 40, and the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 can be injected from the nozzle 20 toward the window 3 of the vehicle 1 through the injection pipe 10b.

  The sub-tank 40 has a heat retaining property, and the heat retaining mechanism of the sub-tank 40 may be covered with a well-known heat insulating material such as glass wool or foamed polyurethane, but the sub-tank 40 has a double structure and a vacuum is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. It is preferable from the surface of heat retention to comprise with the vacuum heat insulation member which was made. Also, the sub tank 40 is preferably installed at a position higher than the installation position of the main tank 30. If the installation position of the sub tank 40 is higher than the installation position of the main tank 30, when the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 described later and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 are exchanged, By opening the electromagnetic valve 34, the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 can be discharged into the main tank 30. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a liquid feeding means or a mechanism thereof from the sub tank 40 to the main tank 30, and the cost of the window washer device 50 can be reduced.

  The sub tank 40 is preferably provided near the nozzle 20 and the length of the injection pipe 10b is preferably shortened. If the length of the injection pipe 10b is shortened, a decrease in liquid temperature when the heated washer liquid passes through the injection pipe 10b can be reduced. The installation position of the injection pipe 10b on the sub tank 40 is more preferably a position above the sub tank 40 and slightly below the liquid level when a specified amount of washer liquid is stored in the sub tank 40. By installing the injection pipe 10b above the sub tank 40, the length of the injection pipe 10b can be further shortened, and the sufficiently heated washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is first injected from the nozzle 20. Can do.

  Further, it is preferable that the capacity of the sub tank 40 is about 1 to 2 times the amount of washer liquid sprayed during normal use, that is, about 50 cc to 100 cc. By reducing the capacity of the sub-tank 40 to the minimum, the washer fluid stored in the sub-tank 40 can be heated more quickly and with less power consumption, and the load on the battery and alternator of the vehicle 1 can be further reduced. can do.

  Next, the operation of the window washer device 50 according to the present invention will be described. First, in an initial state, a vehicle seller, a user, or the like opens the cap 30b of the main tank 30, and supplies a sufficient amount of washer liquid to the main tank 30 through the washer liquid supply port 30a. Thereafter, the cap 30b is closed. In this initial state, the washer liquid is not stored in the sub tank 40 and is empty.

  Next, when the user or the like turns on the key switch of the vehicle 1, the liquid level detection means 44 such as a liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40. At this time, since the sub tank 40 is empty, the liquid amount detecting means 44 detects that the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 has not reached the specified amount, and outputs a signal indicating the shortage of the liquid amount to the control unit 36. To do. By providing the liquid amount detecting means 44, it is possible to prevent the washer liquid from being warmed when the washer liquid is insufficient, and to avoid emptying the sub tank 40.

  The control unit 36 receives a signal indicating the shortage of the liquid amount from the liquid amount detecting unit 44 and outputs an operation signal for operating the liquid feeding unit 32 and a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 34. As a result, the electromagnetic valve 34 is opened and the liquid feeding means 32 operates to supply the washer liquid in the main tank 30 to the sub tank 40 through the liquid feeding pipe 10 a and the electromagnetic valve 34.

  When the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is supplied to the sub-tank 40 and the washer liquid of a predetermined liquid amount is stored in the sub-tank 40, the liquid amount detection means 44 indicates that the liquid amount in the sub-tank 40 is the predetermined amount. The signal is output to the control unit 36. The control unit 36 receives a signal indicating that the liquid amount is a predetermined amount, and stops outputting the operation signal to the liquid feeding means 32 and outputs a signal for closing the electromagnetic valve 34. Thereby, the electromagnetic valve 34 is closed and the liquid feeding means 32 is stopped. The sub tank 40 stores a specified amount of washer liquid.

  Next, the user selects the operation mode of the window washer device 50 by operating the operation means 12 installed in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 or the like. At this time, it is preferable that the operation mode selected for the user can be discriminated. As an operation mode of the window washer device 50, for example, an ON mode for injecting a washer liquid heated to a set temperature regardless of the outside air temperature, an OFF mode for injecting a non-heated washer liquid regardless of the outside air temperature, and an outside air temperature are predetermined. An AUTO mode for injecting a washer liquid heated to a set temperature when the temperature is lower than or equal to the above temperature. Here, an example in which the ON mode is first selected will be described. In the OFF mode, the liquid exchange described later and the warming of the washer liquid are not performed, and the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is immediately ejected toward the window 3 when the washer liquid injection switch 7 is turned on.

  Next, when the user operates the engine 5 of the vehicle 1, the first liquid temperature acquisition unit 46 such as a temperature sensor measures the liquid temperature of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 and outputs it to the control unit 36. The external temperature measuring means 38 measures the temperature in the engine room and outputs it to the control unit 36. At this time, since the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is immediately after operation, the temperature in the engine room is substantially the same as the outside air temperature outside the vehicle and the temperature of the washer fluid in the main tank 30. Then, the controller 36 obtains the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 obtained from the first liquid temperature acquisition means 46 and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 obtained indirectly from the external temperature measurement means 38. Compare At the present time, the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is equal to the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30, and in this case, the liquid exchange operation described later is not performed. The external temperature measuring means 38 may be provided in the main tank 30 to directly measure the temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30.

  Next, when the user turns on the washer liquid ejection switch 7 when the ON mode is selected, the control unit 36 outputs a signal for turning on the heating means 42 such as a known heater. Thereby, electric power is supplied to the heating means 42 from a battery and an alternator (not shown) of the vehicle 1, and the heating means 42 is heated. Then, the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is heated.

  Next, when the controller 36 senses that the washer liquid in the sub-tank 40 has been heated to the set temperature based on information from the first liquid temperature acquisition means 46, the controller 36 turns off the heating means 42. Then, the control unit 36 outputs an operation signal for operating the liquid feeding means 32 and a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 34 for a predetermined time. As a result, the electromagnetic valve 34 is opened and the liquid feeding means 32 is operated to feed the washer liquid in the main tank 30 to the sub tank 40 by pressure. When the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is pumped to the sub tank 40, the washer liquid heated to the set temperature in the sub tank 40 passes through the injection pipe 10b toward the window 3 from the nozzle 20 to a predetermined amount (during normal use). The amount of injection is about once). Even when the user continues to turn on the washer fluid ejection switch 7, the control unit 36 recognizes that the washer fluid ejection switch 7 has been turned on once. Accordingly, even when the warmed washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is jetted and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is lowered, the washer liquid that has not reached the set temperature is not continuously jetted.

  It is also possible to perform the warming and spraying operation of the washer fluid without operating the engine 5. In this case, before the warmer liquid is heated and sprayed, the liquid temperature of the washer liquid is compared and, if necessary, the liquid exchange operation described later is performed. In this case, the power output for heating the washer fluid is appropriately set so that the battery of the vehicle 1 is not excessively consumed.

  As described above, the window washer device 50 according to the present invention warms the washer fluid in the sub tank 40 after the user turns on the washer fluid injection switch 7, and the washer fluid in the sub tank 40 reaches the set temperature. It will be injected later. For this reason, a delay time occurs between the time when the washer liquid injection switch 7 is turned on and the time when the washer liquid is injected.

  Note that a timer or the like may be provided in the window washer device 50 so that the warming of the washer liquid can be reserved. In this case, when the user sets an arbitrary reservation time, the heating means 42 operates so that the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 becomes the set temperature at the reservation time. According to this configuration, since the warming of the washer liquid in the sub-tank 40 has been completed at the reserved time, the warmed washer liquid can be ejected with almost no waiting time for heating. For this reason, the stress with respect to a user waiting for a heating can be reduced. It is assumed that the output power to the heating means 42 at this time does not apply an excessive load to the battery.

  Next, when the engine 5 continues to operate, the washer liquid in the main tank 30 installed in the vicinity of the engine 5 is heated by heat generated by the operation of the engine 5. In addition, the temperature in the engine room increases. The liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 shows a predetermined correlation with the temperature in the engine room and the operating time of the engine 5. Therefore, the temperature of the washer fluid in the main tank 30 can be indirectly obtained from the temperature in the engine room and the operating time of the engine 5 based on this correlation.

  At this time, when the user turns on the washer liquid injection switch 7, the first liquid temperature acquisition means 46 measures the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 and outputs it to the control unit 36. The external temperature measuring means 38 measures the temperature in the engine room and outputs it to the control unit 36. The controller 36 indirectly acquires the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 based on the temperature in the engine room from the external temperature measuring means 38 and the operating time of the engine 5, and then the washer liquid in the sub tank 40. And the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 are compared. When the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is higher than the liquid temperature of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40, the control unit 36 outputs a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 34. As a result, the electromagnetic valve 34 is opened, and the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 is discharged to the main tank 30 through the liquid feed pipe 10 a and the electromagnetic valve 34. When a sufficient time has passed for all of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 to be discharged to the main tank 30, the control unit 36 outputs an operation signal for operating the liquid feeding means 32. When the operation signal is output, the liquid feeding means 32 operates and the washer liquid in the main tank 30 heated by the heat generated by the engine 5 is supplied to the sub tank 40 through the liquid feeding pipe 10 a and the electromagnetic valve 34. When the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is supplied to the sub-tank 40 and the washer liquid of a predetermined liquid amount is stored in the sub-tank 40, the liquid amount detection means 44 indicates that the liquid amount in the sub-tank 40 is the predetermined amount. The signal is output to the control unit 36. The control unit 36 receives a signal indicating that the liquid amount is a predetermined amount, and stops outputting the operation signal to the liquid feeding means 32 and outputs a signal for closing the electromagnetic valve 34. Thereby, the electromagnetic valve 34 is closed and the liquid feeding means 32 is stopped. By this operation, the liquid exchange between the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 is completed. In addition, when the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is lower than the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40, the above liquid replacement is not performed.

  Next, the control unit 36 controls the heating means 42 to heat the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 to the set temperature, and then opens the electromagnetic valve 34 and operates the liquid feeding means 32 to activate the heating in the sub tank 40. The warm washer liquid is sprayed toward the window 3.

  Here, when the vehicle 1 arrives at the destination, the user stops the engine 5 of the vehicle 1. When the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is stopped, the control unit 36 acquires the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 from the first liquid temperature acquisition unit 46 and indirectly from the external temperature measurement unit 38 to the washer in the main tank 30. Get the liquid temperature. Then, the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 are compared. If the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is higher, the sub tank 40 is subjected to the above-described procedure. The washer liquid stored in the tank and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 are exchanged. Therefore, the washer liquid having the higher liquid temperature is stored and kept in the sub tank 40 between the main tank 30 and the sub tank 40. The liquid exchange operation when the engine 5 is stopped may be performed even when the operation mode of the window washer device 50 is the OFF mode.

  Note that the washer liquid remains in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b after the washer liquid is jetted. The washer liquid remaining in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b (hereinafter referred to as residual washer liquid) is easily affected by the outside air temperature, and the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is particularly affected at night when the outside air temperature is 0 ° C. or less. There is a possibility of freezing when the vehicle is parked for a long time while stopped. When the remaining washer liquid freezes, even if the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is heated, the warmed washer liquid cannot be ejected immediately.

  Therefore, when the user stops the engine 5 of the vehicle 1, for example, the control unit 36 outputs a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 34 for a predetermined time, and the washer liquid remaining in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10 b is discharged into the sub tank 40. It is preferable to discharge it.

  If this residual washer liquid is discharged, the washer liquid does not remain in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b. Therefore, even when the outside air temperature is low, the washer liquid in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b will not freeze.

  The discharge operation of the remaining washer liquid may be performed before the liquid replacement operation when the engine 5 is stopped as in the above example, or the liquid replacement operation is not performed in the liquid temperature comparison of the washer liquid when the engine 5 is stopped. It may be done only in cases. When the liquid exchange operation is performed, the residual washer liquid is discharged during the liquid replacement operation, and therefore it is not necessary to perform the residual washer liquid discharge operation again. It should be noted that this residual washer fluid is preferably discharged when the outside air temperature outside the vehicle becomes low.

  When the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is stopped and the temperature of the engine 5 is lowered, the temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is also lowered accordingly. However, since the sub-tank 40 is composed of a vacuum heat insulating member or the like and has a heat retaining property, a decrease in the temperature of the washer liquid in the sub-tank 40 is extremely lower than a decrease in the temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30. It is moderate.

  Next, when the user restarts the engine 5, the control unit 36 compares the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 with the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30, and performs a liquid exchange operation if necessary. Do. When the engine 5 is stopped for several hours to several tens of hours, the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is higher than the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30. No exchange operation is performed. Next, when the user turns on the washer fluid injection switch 7, the control unit 36 heats the washer fluid in the sub tank 40. Then, after the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is heated to the set temperature, the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is sprayed toward the window 3.

  In addition, since the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is maintained at a relatively high temperature depending on the stop time of the engine 5, the warming of the washer liquid can be performed with less electric power.

  Next, the case where the operation mode of the window washer device 50 is the AUTO mode will be described.

  Even in the AUTO mode, when the user operates the engine 5, the controller 36 performs a liquid temperature comparison of the washer liquid and, if necessary, a liquid exchange operation. Next, the control unit 36 determines whether or not the temperature in the engine room obtained from the external temperature measuring means 38 (currently immediately after the operation of the engine 5 is almost equal to the outside temperature outside the vehicle) is a set value (for example, 0 ° C.) or less Determine whether. When the temperature in the engine room (outside air temperature outside the vehicle) exceeds the set value, that is, when the outside air temperature outside the vehicle is relatively high, when the user turns on the washer liquid injection switch 7, the control unit 36 An operation signal for operating the sending means 32 and a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 34 are output. As a result, the electromagnetic valve 34 is opened and the liquid feeding means 32 is operated to inject unheated washer liquid in the sub tank 40 toward the window 3.

  Further, when the user turns on the washer fluid injection switch 7 when the temperature in the engine room (outside air temperature outside the vehicle) is equal to or lower than the set value, the control unit 36 outputs a signal for turning on the heating means 42. Thereby, the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 is heated. When the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 is heated to the set temperature, the control unit 36 outputs an operation signal for operating the liquid feeding means 32 and a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 34. As a result, the washer liquid heated to the set temperature in the sub-tank 40 is sprayed toward the window 3 by a predetermined amount (about one injection amount during normal use).

  In the AUTO mode, immediately after the operation of the engine 5, heating or non-heating of the washer liquid in the sub-tank 40 is switched according to the outside air temperature obtained indirectly from the external temperature measuring means 38. For this reason, when it is assumed that the outside air temperature outside the vehicle is relatively high and the window 3 is not frozen, the non-heated washer liquid is injected immediately. Therefore, unnecessary heating of the washer liquid can be prevented, and unnecessary power consumption for heating the washer liquid can be eliminated. In addition to the external temperature measuring means 38, an outside air temperature measuring means for directly measuring the outside air temperature outside the vehicle may be provided, and heating to the washer liquid and non-heating may be switched by the outside air temperature measuring means. However, since the external temperature measuring means 38 for measuring the temperature in the engine room also serves as the outside air temperature measuring means, the parts cost of the window washer device 50 can be reduced. It can be said that it is more preferable from the viewpoint of safe driving because the washer liquid is immediately injected during operation.

  Next, when the engine 5 continues to operate, the washer liquid in the main tank 30 installed in the vicinity of the engine 5 is heated by heat generated by the operation of the engine 5. In addition, the temperature in the engine room increases.

  When the temperature in the engine room obtained from the external temperature measuring means 38 exceeds the set value and the user turns on the washer liquid injection switch 7, the control unit 36 operates the operation signal and electromagnetic that activate the liquid feeding means 32. A signal for opening the valve 34 is output. As a result, the electromagnetic valve 34 is opened and the liquid feeding means 32 is operated to inject the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 toward the window 3.

  Further, when the user turns on the washer liquid injection switch 7 when the temperature in the engine room is equal to or lower than the set value, the controller 36 compares the liquid temperature of the washer liquid and performs a liquid exchange operation if necessary as in the ON mode. . Next, the control unit 36 controls the heating means 42 to heat the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 to the set temperature, and then opens the electromagnetic valve 34 and operates the liquid feeding means 32 to activate the heating in the sub tank 40. The warm washer liquid is sprayed toward the window 3.

  Since the external temperature measuring means 38 measures the temperature in the engine room, it is rare that the temperature in the engine room becomes lower than the set value during the operation of the engine 5. For this reason, during operation of the vehicle 1 (during operation of the engine 5), even when the outside air temperature outside the vehicle is low, the washer fluid is injected immediately without heating the washer fluid. When it is desired to inject the washer liquid heated during operation, the operation mode of the window washer device 50 may be set to the ON mode.

  Next, the user stops the engine 5 of the vehicle 1. When the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is stopped, the controller 36 compares the liquid temperature of the washer liquid and performs a liquid exchange operation if necessary, as in the ON mode. Therefore, even in the AUTO mode, the washer liquid having a higher liquid temperature is stored and kept in the sub tank 40 between the main tank 30 and the sub tank 40. For this reason, power consumption required for heating the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 can be reduced. At this time, the control unit 36 may perform a discharge operation of the residual washer liquid. In this case, even if the outside air temperature becomes low while the engine 5 is stopped, the washer liquid in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b will not freeze.

  The liquid temperature comparison and liquid exchange operation of the washer liquid in the ON mode and the AUTO mode may be performed periodically at a predetermined time interval. As described above, when the operation of the engine 5 is started, the washer liquid injection switch 7 is used. Is preferably performed when the engine 5 is turned on or when the engine 5 is turned off.

  Further, in the above example, the example in which the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is indirectly acquired by the external temperature measuring means 38 is used. However, the operating time of the engine 5 and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 are used. The relationship between the rise and the relationship between the stop time of the engine 5 and the decrease in the temperature of the washer fluid in the main tank 30 are grasped in advance, and from the operation time of the engine 5 and the stop time of the engine 5, The liquid temperature of the washer liquid may be calculated and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 may be acquired without using the external temperature measuring means 38.

  Further, the discharging operation of the remaining washer liquid may be always performed after the washer liquid is jetted. This configuration is particularly effective when there is a possibility that the washer liquid remaining in the nozzle 20 exposed outside the vehicle may freeze even when the outside air temperature outside the vehicle is extremely low and the engine 5 is operating. Note that the user may be able to select whether the residual washer fluid is discharged after the washer fluid is injected or when the engine 5 is stopped.

  As described above, the window washer device 50 according to the present invention compares the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40 with the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30, and the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank 40. If the liquid temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank 30 is higher than that, the washer liquid stored in the sub tank 40 and the washer liquid stored in the main tank 30 are exchanged. Therefore, the washer liquid having the higher liquid temperature is stored and kept in the sub tank 40 between the main tank 30 and the sub tank 40. Since the washer liquid in the sub-tank 40 having a high liquid temperature is heated to the set temperature, the electric power required to heat the washer liquid can be reduced. Further, in the window washer device 50, the sub-tank 40 has a heat retaining property, and the washer liquid is heated when the washer liquid injection switch 7 is turned on, so that the washer liquid is always heated. Power consumption can be greatly reduced. Thereby, power saving and reduction of the load on the battery or alternator can be achieved.

  Further, if the operation of discharging the washer liquid in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b is performed after the engine 5 of the vehicle 1 is stopped or after the washer liquid is injected, the washer liquid remains in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b. Without this, the washer liquid in the nozzle 20 and the injection pipe 10b is not frozen.

  The above-described window washer device 50 is an example, and the present invention can be modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 vehicle
3 windows
5 Engine
10b Injection pipe
20 nozzles
30 Main tank
32 Liquid feeding means
38 External temperature measurement means (second liquid temperature acquisition means)
40 sub tank
42 Heating means
46 1st liquid temperature acquisition means
50 Window washer device

Claims (4)

A nozzle for injecting washer fluid toward the vehicle window;
A main tank for storing the washer fluid;
A sub tank provided between the main tank and the nozzle for heating the washer fluid;
Liquid feeding means for supplying washer liquid to the sub tank and for injecting the washer liquid stored in the sub tank from the nozzle;
Heating means for heating the washer liquid stored in the sub tank;
In a window washer device having
The sub-tank has heat retention,
First liquid temperature acquisition means for measuring the temperature of the washer liquid stored in the sub tank;
Second liquid temperature acquisition means for acquiring the temperature of the washer liquid stored in the main tank,
Further, the temperature of the washer liquid in the sub tank acquired from the first liquid temperature acquisition means and the temperature of the washer liquid in the main tank acquired from the second liquid temperature acquisition means are compared and stored in the sub tank. When the temperature of the washer liquid is lower than the temperature of the washer liquid stored in the main tank, the washer liquid stored in the sub tank is exchanged with the washer liquid stored in the main tank. Washer device. 2. The window washer device according to claim 1, wherein the washer liquid stored in the sub tank is heated after receiving an instruction to inject the washer liquid. The window washer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sub tank is formed of a vacuum heat insulating member. 4. The window washer according to claim 1, wherein after the engine of the vehicle is stopped or after the washer liquid is injected, the washer liquid in the nozzle and an injection pipe connecting the nozzle and the sub tank is discharged. apparatus.

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