LT4741B - Windshield de-icing - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for cleaning vehicle windscreen glass includes a tank and has an opening vent where the cleaning liquid is received from the reservoir and an outlet vent where the liquid is discharged for cleaning the windows. The tank includes a heating element for heating the liquid. This element warms up the tank in advance before the cleaning liquid arrives, so at least the primary amount of the liquid is quickly heated and released from the tank.

Description

This application claims protection for U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 076,730, which is assigned to the holder of this patent application and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the heating of liquids, and in particular to heating of liquids for cleaning or de-icing car windows.

Description of the Related Art

Various techniques and devices for spraying heated water or other washer fluid onto a vehicle window are known in the art. Heated liquid is particularly useful for removing ice from the vehicle windscreen in cold weather. This de-icing feature requires the vehicle driver to wait for the liquid to warm up before defrosting the windscreen. Techniques and devices known in the art are impractical for this purpose, and although they typically use heat or the power generated by the vehicle engine to heat the fluid, the driver has to wait an unacceptably long time for the fluid to reach the correct temperature.

Using a vehicle battery to heat the fluid, independent of the vehicle engine, is also problematic because it consumes a large amount of current to heat the right amount of fluid to effectively defrost the windshield. Generally, batteries cannot provide enough current to warm up the vehicle's entire washer fluid reservoir within a reasonable time. Although techniques and devices for direct fluid heating are proposed, since they must be sprayed on the windshield, batteries also cannot provide enough current to warm enough spray volume to high enough temperatures to achieve effective de-icing.

U.S. Patent No. 5,509,606 describes a car windshield hot washer comprising a container for pumping washer fluid from a reservoir and wherein the fluid is heated by an electric heating element before being sprayed onto the windscreen. The container is insulated and has a thermostat which is used to ensure that the temperature of the liquid does not exceed the set temperature. The container is kept full, heated when it is necessary to warm the pumped cold liquid into the container to the required temperature.

U.S. Patent 5,118,040 describes an electric vehicle window windscreen washer. The insulated container shall be positioned between the cold washer fluid reservoir and the spray openings on the vehicle windows in a position below the reservoir to fill the liquid. When the vehicle ignition is switched on, the electric heater heats the liquid in the container and remains active while the vehicle is in use. There are no safeguards against sudden start-up and de-icing of the vehicle window.

U.S. Patent 4,090,668 describes a windscreen washer and de-icer system which includes a container having a container sealed therein. The pump moves the washer fluid from the reservoir to the container and from the container to a plurality of nozzles. The heated engine coolant passes through the pipeline in the reservoir. An electric resistance wire heats the liquid in the container as soon as the temperature drops below the set minimum. Solenoid valves direct the spray from the vessel to the front or rear window of the vehicle, but there is no suggestion of using the valves for any other fluid control applications.

U.S. Patent No. 5,012,977 discloses a vehicle window cleaner wherein the washer fluid in the reservoir is heated and wherein the fluid spray pump on the vehicle window has another outlet pressure. The fluid temperature in the reservoir is recorded, and the pump outlet pressure is reversed to the washer fluid temperature so that a more constant amount of fluid on the window is maintained as the viscosity of the fluid changes with temperature.

U.S. Patent No. 5,354,965 describes a system for electrically heating a windshield washer fluid reservoir in a car. The vessel is filled with liquid, which must be heated using a PTC thermistor or other electric heating elements. The control circuit regulates the heating time of the liquid according to the prevailing ambient temperature before spraying the liquid onto the windscreen. The circuit also protects the fluid heating operation when the vehicle engine is not running.

The essence of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and means for cleaning a vehicle window or de-icing.

It is another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide a device and methods that can rapidly begin to melt ice from a vehicle window.

In more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the container is provided for heating the washer fluid before the fluid is discharged toward the vehicle window. Before placing the liquid in the container, the container is heated, usually by passing an electric current through the heating element in the container for about one minute or less. When preheating is completed, the liquid is introduced into the vessel and heated immediately by contact, accompanied by a pressure rise in the vessel due to evaporation of the liquid portion. The liquid then releases the required temperature and pressure to clean or melt the ice from the window.

Although preheating the vessel is only obtained at a modest electrical cost from the vehicle's batteries, it allows generating a sufficient amount of hot liquid to defrost the glass before starting the vehicle much faster than any practical window cleaning system known in the art. In addition, the pressure generated by the evaporation of the liquid helps to clear ice or other obstructions that may form in the pipes or nozzles through which the liquid is sprayed on the window. It has also been found that spraying heated liquid on the outer surface of the window also effectively wipes out the damp inner surface.

In several more preferred embodiments of the present invention, after heating the initial volume of the liquid and discharging it from the vessel, the additional volume is injected into the vessel and immediately heated. When the extra mass reaches the required temperature, it is also released, preferably after a few seconds of delay. This process continues with repeated heating / venting cycles until the window is completely cleaned and de-iced. Preferably, the timing of successive heating / discharging cycles for these parameters, such as discharge duration and intervals between discharges, is varied depending on the temperature of the vehicle and the unheated fluid.

It is to be understood that the term "vehicle" as used in the text and the definition of this patent application may refer to any type of wheeled vehicle having windows, such as cars, trucks, as well as boats or airplanes. In addition, the term "window", while generally touching the windshield of a vehicle, may refer to any transparent surface, including side and rear windows and exterior mirrors, as well as headlamp covers and the like. Further, whenever the term "cleaning" is used in this application and in the definition of an action involving the spraying of heated liquid on a window, the term should be understood to include de-icing as well.

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It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention can be applied to cleaning and defrosting ice from other surfaces, including interior windows and mirrors, for example, to supply heated water and liquid for other purposes.

According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a vehicle window cleaning device comprising:

a vessel having an inlet for receiving the washing fluid from the reservoir and an outlet for cleaning the window; and a heating element for heating the liquid in the vessel, the element for heating the latter before the washing liquid is drawn into the vessel, whereby at least the initial volume of the liquid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.

Preferably, before the vessel is heated by the element, the liquid is at least partially discharged from the vessel, such that the vessel has an outlet valve which operates in conjunction with the operation of the heating element, during which the vessel is at least partially drained. Preferably, the drain valve has a one-way valve. Further, it is preferable for the liquid to be discharged into a reservoir substantially independent of the height of the reservoir relative to the vessel.

Preferably, the device has a pump for transferring fluid from the reservoir to the vessel when the element heats the vessel, preferably where the pump and reservoir are part of an existing vehicle window cleaning system in which the vessel and heating element are newly installed. Similarly, the entire device may be constructed as a unitary unit having a pump. Preferably, the instantaneous heating of the initial volume of the liquid depends on the pressure of the discharged liquid being substantially higher than the pressure exerted by the pump at the outlet of the vessel.

Preferably, the device has one or more valves that control the fluid passage through a vessel responsive to the operation of the heating element, wherein one or more valves open and close together with the operation of the heating element. Preferably, the one or more valves have a selenoid valve or otherwise a hydraulic, pneumatic, or vacuum valve. At least one of the one or more valves is preferably provided at the inlet of the vessel or alternatively at the outlet of the vessel in which at least one valve attached to the outlet opens in response to pressure rise in the vessel due to contact between the liquid and the preheated vessel.

A more preferred embodiment of the device comprises one or more temperature sensors which generate signals dependent on the operating temperature of the device and a controller which receives the signals and regulates the discharge of the liquid from the vessel depending on them. Preferably, after the initial volume of liquid has been discharged, one or more additional volumes of liquid are refilled and discharged at intervals depending on temperature signals, when the temperature signals indicate that the temperature of the liquid in the vessel is above a predetermined threshold. , and discharge is stopped when the liquid temperature drops below this threshold. Alternatively and additionally, the volumes are controlled by a predetermined time selection sequence selected to correspond to temperature signals, the threshold temperature may vary in the order of volumes.

In another more preferred embodiment, the controller analyzes the signals to detect a malfunction of the device and to terminate the heating element when a malfunction is detected.

Preferably, at least one of the one or more temperature sensors is located outside the vessel. Preferably, at least one sensor is immersed in a liquid container. Alternatively, at least one sensor is disposed so as to be substantially above the liquid in the container when the heating element heats the container. Preferably, the heating element is interrupted when the outside temperature of the vessel exceeds a set maximum.

In a more preferred embodiment, at least one of the one or more temperature sensors is mounted on the outer surface of the vessel. Additionally and otherwise, at least one of the one or more temperature sensors is mounted on the reservoir or on the exterior surface of the vehicle, preferably on the exterior surface of the window being cleaned, at least partially reflective to substantially counteract the effects of sunlight on it. Preferably, the fluid in the vessel is heated to a temperature that is varied depending on the signals generated by at least one sensor mounted on the exterior surface of the vehicle or else depending on the temperature on the exterior of the vehicle.

Preferably, the vessel has an internal chamber communicating with an outlet containing the heating element chamber and an external chamber typically surrounding an internal chamber communicating with the entrance. Preferably, the vessel has an insulating outer enclosure substantially surrounding the outer chamber and a wall between the inner and outer chambers which is preheated by the heating element. Alternatively, the outer chamber is surrounded by one or more additional fluid chambers from the outside.

Preferably, the device has a bypass passage which bypasses the vessel through which the liquid is fed to clean the window without preheating the liquid, in which, when it is necessary to clean the window while the element warms the vessel, the It is preferable for the vehicle operator to select whether the heating device will operate in such a way that, when the device is inoperative, the liquid is fed through a bypass channel. Furthermore, it is preferable for the apparatus to automatically switch between the supply of liquid through the vessel and the bypass pass depending on the heating cycle of the vessel. When no liquid is required from the vessel, it is preferable that the unheated liquid is fed through the bypass.

In a more preferred embodiment, the device comprises a remote Input Device which is actuated by the vehicle user to enable the preheating of the vessel prior to starting the vehicle.

Preferably, the heating element has a resistive heating cable. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element transfers heat from the heating source in the vehicle to the liquid in the vessel.

According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a device for cleaning windows of a vehicle, comprising: a vessel having an inlet for receiving the washing fluid from the reservoir and an outlet for cleaning the window;

a heating element for heating the liquid in the vessel;

a temperature sensor which registers the temperature of the vessel; and a valve for controlling the flow of liquid through the vessel, which intermittently discharges a set amount of fluid at the outlet, depending on the temperature recorded by the sensor.

Preferably, the windscreen wiper operates intermittently while cleaning the window, depending on the intermittent discharge of fluid.

Preferably, the device has a regulator that controls the intermittent discharge of fluid according to a given timing sequence, preferably a predetermined or programmed sequence, the timing sequence being varied depending on the ambient temperature in the vehicle or otherwise and additionally on the outside surface temperature of the window.

Preferably, the initial volume of fluid is discharged at a substantially higher pressure than the other volumes in succession.

In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a method for cleaning vehicle windows using a washer fluid comprising:

Pre-heating the pan;

introducing a quantity of liquid into the preheated vessel, thereby increasing the temperature and pressure of the liquid; and discharging the liquid onto the window at elevated temperature and pressure.

Preferably, the container is drained of liquid prior to heating.

Further, it is preferable that the fluid supply include pumping the liquid into the vessel at suction pressure, wherein the elevated pressure at which the liquid is discharged is substantially greater than the suction pressure.

In a more preferred embodiment, the method comprises measuring the temperature of the fluid, wherein the discharge of the fluid comprises regulating the discharge of the fluid depending on the temperature measurements. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of the outer surface of the vehicle, where the discharge of the fluid comprises the adjustment of the discharge of the fluid in relation to the temperature of the outer surface, is measured.

In addition, in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a vehicle's windows using a washing liquid comprising repeating several successive steps:

volume volume heating;

checking the temperature of the liquid volume; and volume release when predetermined fluid heating properties are achieved.

More preferably, the predetermined properties are satisfied when the fluid volume temperature reaches the selected level. Alternatively or additionally, the predefined properties are satisfied when the predefined time period ends before the start of heating.

Furthermore, in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a windshield ice defrosting device for a vehicle comprising: a plurality of independent heating units; and a housing with a plurality of enclosures in which each enclosure surrounds a single heating unit, the enclosures being connected by fluid pipes having inlet and outlet ports, the housing at the inlet being connected to a windscreen washer fluid source and the outlet with a windscreen spray head When the washer fluid is flowing into the windscreen spray head, the heated spray fluid provides the windscreen ice melting effect.

According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an electrically powered windshield ice defrost device for vehicles comprising a heated container for the windshield washer fluid connected between the washer fluid reservoir and the spray heads upstream of the windshield, provided with an inlet and outlet fluid. a heating element disposed inside the heated container having a residual fluid volume in the heated container not exceeding 300 ml, a heating element connected to the vehicle battery and of a size selected to bring the fluid contained in the heated container to the ice melting temperature for a maximum of one minute.

The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, together with the drawings.

Brief description of the drawing figures

FIG. 1 is a schematic, pictorial illustration showing a device for wiping a windshield of a vehicle with a heated washer fluid according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cleaning device of FIG. 1 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing a temperature sensor on the car of FIG. 1 windshield according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functions of an electric regulator in the device of FIG. 1 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the device of FIG. 1 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing details of a windscreen wiper device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of a heated container for use in a windscreen wiper according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of a heated vessel used in a windscreen wiper in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heated vessel used in a windscreen wiper according to a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the connection of heating elements in a vessel according to FIG. 9, according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view of the inner vessel of FIG. 10 is a side view of a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a container according to FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line ΧΙ1-;;

FIG. 13A and 13B are a top plan view and a side elevation view of the vessel, respectively, in FIG. 11, a sectional view taken along the line XI11Β-ΧΙΙIB;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration showing another embodiment of a window cleaning device according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a heated vessel for use in a window cleaner according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration showing a heating wire used in a container according to FIG. 15, according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17A-L are schematic illustrations showing the container according to FIG. 15 and a device in which the vessel is used according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The presently discussed Figs. 1, which is a schematic illustration showing an electric window cleaning and ice-melting device 20 for vehicles, according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention shown for use in a car 22 having a windscreen 24 covered with ice 26.

The heated vessel 28 for the windshield washer fluid is connected between the washer fluid reservoir 30 of the car 22 and the spray heads 32 which spray the fluid onto the windshield 24 when it is actuated by the car driver 25. The driver can switch the device on or off the car 22 as shown in the drawing and further described below. The vessel 28 has an inlet 34 for receiving the washer fluid from the reservoir 30 and an outlet 36 for discharging the heated fluid into the nozzles 32. The fluid is controlled by a pump 40, which is usually already in car 22 to spray the unheated fluid and clean the windscreen. _v

24. Batteries 42 provide the device 20 with power, and wipers 44 remove crushed ice and dirt from the windshield as known in the art. The controller 46 controls the operation of the device 20, and optionally also controls the wipers 44 in conjunction with the operation of the device. Other aspects and details of the device are further described below.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, partial sectional diagram showing details of vessel 28 and other elements of device 20 in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vessel 28 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an inner chamber 52 surrounded by an outer chamber 54. The inner chamber 52 has an inner wall 56, preferably made of metal, for example stainless steel. The outer chamber 54 is surrounded by an outer wall 58 of the vessel, preferably containing an insulating material such as plastic. Heating element 50 on the outside of inner chamber 52 heats fluid in vessel 28. Due to concentric arrangement of chambers 52 and 54, heat loss from vessel 28 is minimal, although heat loss in hot fluid chamber 52 for preheating in cooler fluid chamber 54 is high. Although the liquid in the chamber 54 is colder, its heat loss through the outer wall 58 is relatively small.

Preferably, the heating element 50 comprises a resistive heating electrical element, which is powered from the battery 42 via the regulator 46, according to the heating sequence described below. Alternatively or additionally, the element 50 may be heated by heat exchange with a heat source in the car 22, such as engine coolant or exhaust gas. The electric heating of the battery 42 is superior and it allows the vessel 28 to be heated quickly even before the car is started. Preferably, the battery 50 uses about 400 watts, which can easily be supplied by conventional car batteries. In addition, vessel 28 is preferably sized to warm and dispense liquid in a minute or less, and to break up ice 26 in sufficient quantity and temperature. For this purpose, inner chamber 52 preferably contains 50 ml of liquid. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present invention can be applied in a similar manner to measuring the volume of the vessel 28 and the energy of the element 50 to any other scale. In particular, when the device 20 is used in larger cars, such as trucks or speedboats, the volume and energy absorbed from the vessel are generally substantially higher than in the car 22.

When the driver 25 of the vehicle 22 activates the device 20, the regulator 46 allows current from the battery 42 to flow to the heating element 50 so that the vessel 28 begins to heat. Preferably, any liquid from the vessel is discharged through the outlet 60 by opening the discharge valve 62. The valve 62, like the other valves used in the device 20 as described below, preferably has a selenoid valve of any suitable type known in the art, which is controlled by the regulator 46. Preferably, the regulator uses a relatively high starting current to open the valve, and then reduces the current to a lower level to keep the valve open. Thus, the element 50 warms the vessel, particularly including the inner wall 56. The heat rising in the vessel tends to evaporate the liquid remaining in the vessel, creating a pressure that presses the liquid through orifice 60, regardless of whether vessel 28 is positioned above or below Preferably, the temperature sensors 64 measure the temperature in the vessel 28 and provide feedback to the controller 46.

When the vessel reaches the desired temperature, preferably when the temperature reached by the heating element 50 is several hundred degrees Celsius, the drain valve 62 is closed and the inlet valve 66 is opened. Alternatively, the valves may normally be opened when a predetermined time has elapsed before the remaining amount of liquid on the bottom of vessel 28 effectively prevents the vessel from being severely overheated. Pump 40 is actuated to deliver an initial amount of washing fluid, preferably between 30 and 50 ml, from reservoir 30 to inlet 34. One-way valve 68 best prevents fluid flow back toward outlet 60. Discharge valve 74 is preferably a three-way valve, i.e. having two inlets' and one outlet (in which the fluid may also pass through the outlet and flow back to its inlets) enabling the inputs to be associated with the outlet. Valve 74 is constructed to allow current from outlet 36 to nozzle 32 and to block current through bypass 76. Alternatively, separate valves may be provided for outlet and bypass.

The fluid fills the chamber 54 and floats into the inner chamber 52 through openings 70 in the inner wall 56. An additional opening 72 at the top of the wall 56 helps to balance the pressures between the inner and outer chambers. Due to contact with the hot element 50 and the hot wall 56, the fluid is rapidly heated, depending on the evaporation of a portion of the fluid. Vapor pressure pushes hot liquid through outlet 36 and nozzles 32 at elevated temperature and pressure. Optionally, the outlet valve 74 is kept closed even after the inlet valve 66 is opened, and opens only after a suitable pressure rise in the vessel 28, either automatically or by the regulator 46. Hot, compressed fluid not only facilitates rapid crushing of ice 26 on the windscreen 24, can wash obstructions in the fluid passage between the outlet 36 and the spray heads 32, which may be due to ice and dirt. Preferably, the one-way valve 78 pushes the outlet 36 into the surrounding air so as to facilitate the vacuum properties which may increase.

When the initial amount of heated fluid has been discharged, the pump 40 and the inlet valve 66 are actuated to fill the vessel 28. Although the heating element 50 and the wall 56 are no longer as hot as they were prior to the initial amount of fluid being added, they still retain residual heat Warm up the filled liquid. Once the filled fluid reaches the required temperature and / or after a predetermined time, it is discharged through valve 74 and nozzle heads 32. This process is repeated as many times as necessary until complete successive discharge as described below or until the windscreen is wiped and / either the ice is thawed or the temperature in vessel 28 drops below the set minimum or it is interrupted by driver 25. (Note that under normal conditions the vessel temperature usually falls from one amount to the next. If controller 46 receives temperature rise data such elevation is usually considered a malfunction, such as a non-filling of the vessel, and the regulator interrupts the power supply to the element 50.) The driver can then restart the device 20 and start a new heating and fluid discharge cycle.

Preferably, each time the vessel 28 is filled, the heated fluid is discharged through the nozzle heads over a period of 3 s with intervals of 5 s or more between fillings, usually as determined by the time required for the liquid to reach the required temperature. Subsequent releases may have successively lower temperatures than the initial and subsequent releases. Preferably, the squeegees 44 operate in conjunction with the fluid discharge from the device 20 such that the squeegees only move through the fluid outlet or slightly later. Optionally, the squeegees may be switched off so that the squeegees do not operate during the initial discharge when the ice 26 has not yet been crushed, but will only start from the second and subsequent discharges.

When a series of heated fluid discharges has been completed, valves 66 and 74 are closed (relative to vessel 28) and drain valve 62 is opened so that any liquid remaining in the vessel can run back to reservoir 30. (Pump 40 is generally not sealed for return.) The upper edge 61 of the 60 is raised relative to the bottom of the chamber 52 such that the minimum amount of liquid may remain in the container 28 even after draining. The container is then ready for quick operation the next time the device is switched on 20.

Bypass conduit 76 allows unheated fluid from reservoir 30 to be aspirated directly into nozzle head 32 without passing through vessel 28. Conduit 76 is open to nozzle head where only valve 74, preferably a three-way valve as noted above, is closed. with respect to outlet 36. The duct 76 can be used in warm weather, when there is no need for de-icing, or when spraying is needed abruptly for cleaning, and when there is no time to reheat the liquid. Preferably, the valve 74 is held open relative to the duct 76 so that fluid is passed from the duct to the nozzle heads 32 as soon as the heating device is switched on. The one-way valve 80 in the conduit 76 usually blocks any return of fluid through the conduit.

In this way, the device 20 provides additional window cleaning features to the car 22 at relatively low cost and without interference with prewash capability. The unit can be installed either as part of a window washer system in a new car, or it can be easily installed into an existing washer system. While the parts of the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as in certain positions or orientations relative to the car 22 and the washing systems therein, other positions and orientations are clearly possible. For example, vessel 28 may be positioned at a different angle than the orientation shown in the drawings, and openings 34, 36, and 60 are suitably positioned and oriented within the vessel.

Although in a more preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 2, the device has valves 62, 66, and 74 adjusting vessel openings 60, 34, and 36 in some fluid flow forms, it should be understood that other forms may also be used. In particular, there is no need to use all three valves. For example, valves 66 and 74 may be bypassed without duct 76 and pump 40 used to pump and regulate fluid flow through vessel 28. In addition, while portions of device 20 shown for clarity as separate units connected by piping, at least a portion of device are constructed as a block to reduce heat loss. In addition, in this form, the cold washer fluid can pass near the solenoid valves, transferring heat from it and increasing the efficiency of the fluid heating process. It should be appreciated that, in any event, since the device 20 is generally closed and operates in a series of short heating / filling / discharge cycles, any leakage or loss of fluid generally has a minimal effect on its operation.

The control of the device 20 by the regulator 46 is described above as based on a feedback sensor 64 provided with the controller. This sensor is shown in FIG. 2 is located at the upper edge of vessel 28, where it measures the temperature of either the vapor or liquid chamber 52, depending on whether the chamber is empty or full. The regulator 46, such as grooves or monitors, changes the temperature set by the sensors 64 during the 28 heating / filling / venting cycles of the vessel. If the temperature is above a predetermined maximum, or if the temperature changes do not follow the predefined normal profile, the controller concludes that there is a malfunction, such as blockage of input 34 or output 36 or sensor 64, and the device is interrupted and notified to the driver signal.

In addition to or otherwise than the sensor 64, there may be a temperature sensor closer to the bottom of the vessel for measuring the temperature of the liquid at that location. Other sensors, such as a pressure transducer or fluid level transducer, may also be mounted in the vessel and have feedback to the regulator 46. In addition, temperature sensors such as transducer 82 on the outer surface of vessel 28, transducer 84 in the reservoir 30 may be used. and a sensor 86 on the outer surface of the car 22, typically a windshield 24. These sensors provide input data to the controller 46, which respectively adjusts parameters such as the voltage applied to the element 50 and / or time over which the element and fluid in vessel 28 are heated.

Preferably, the regulator sets the parameters so that the liquid is sprayed onto the windscreen 24 at a sufficiently high temperature to rapidly crush the ice 26 under prevailing ambient conditions, as determined, for example, by sensor 86 but not so high (with respect to the windscreen temperature) jeopardize the windscreen or violate safety rules in this regard. In most cases the parameter selection is automatic, without the intervention of the driver 22 of the car 22, except when it is decided to switch the device on or off 20. ^M

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing an arrangement ^s ' of temperature sensors 86 on the windshield 24 in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In order for the regulator 46 to accurately determine the temperature to which the fluid is to be heated, it is necessary to know the temperature of the outer surface of the windscreen 24. If transducer 86 is located open on the windshield and exposed to the sun, it will typically indicate a higher temperature than that of the transparent windshield itself. Therefore, the transducer is generally covered with a reflective coating 88, thus largely neutralizing the effect of solar radiation on temperature measurement.

When the driver 25 is in the car 22, he or she switches on the device 20 either by means of a switch on the instrument panel or by signaling to the controller 46 using the washer / cleaner switches already present in the car. For example, the driver can press or pull an existing switch two or three times in rapid succession to turn the device on or off 20.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, operator 25 may use optional remote control 90 to activate device 20 before boarding car 22. Remote control 90 may also be used to initiate automatic operation of the wipers 44, thereby wiping the windscreen 24 and melting ice. The remote control may be of any suitable type known in the art, including either active devices such as an RF transmitter or passive devices such as an optical or infrared corner reflector. Connecting the device before boarding a vehicle can reduce the time spent waiting for the liquid to warm up.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the regulator 46 in the device 20 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. Usually, the controller 46 is connected to the antenna 92 for receiving signals from the remote control 90. As described above, the controller receives signals from the temperature sensor 64 as well as from other sensors, such as sensor 84. It also receives electricity from battery 42 and distributes power. usually relays (not shown), valves 62, 66 and 74, pump 40 and heating element 50.

The antenna 92 can also be used to allow wireless control of the device 20 when the operator 25 is inside the vehicle, so there is no need to connect additional wires and switches on the dashboard of the car 22. Alternatively, the regulator 46 may be wired to an on / off switch and an indicator lamp (not shown), by means of which the operator turns on the device 20 and informs it of its proper operation or possible malfunction.

Prior to powering the valves, the pump, and the heating element, the regulator 46 typically conducts testing. The test includes the voltage consumption from the battery 42 (which should usually be at least 9 volts for a conventional car 22 with a 12-volt battery), as well as checking that the heating element 50 has an electrical resistance within the specified limits. If testing does not occur in any part, controller 46 prevents device 20 from being turned on, and usually provides operator 25 with a malfunction indication.

FIG. 5 is a time selection diagram illustrating a sequence of heating / filling / venting cycles 96 of the device according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. Initially, as described above, the drain valve 62 is open and the heating element 50 is triggered to preheat the vessel 28. The valve 62 is closed, usually after 15 s. Alternatively, the drain valve may be held closed for a short time, typically about 20 s, allowing the fluid in vessel 28 to warm to high temperature before opening the valve. This alternative is partially useful if the regulator 46 detects that one of the valves, in particular the inlet valve 66, is stuck and does not open, in this case heated '

Liquid V is used to force the valve to open.

Heating continues until sensor 64 reaches the target temperature, usually about 85 ° C (depending on the exact sensor position), in chamber 52, or about 70 s if the temperature does not reach the target temperature. In this case, the pump 40 and the inlet and outlet valves 66 and 74 are open to receive and discharge an initial amount of fluid. The temperature in the chamber 52 drops and is generally cooled to about 60 ° C, after which the other amount of liquid is received and discharged. The cooling, filling, and draining process continues for a predetermined number of cycles, or up to 25 times set by the operator.

After the last discharge cycle 96, the drain valve 62 is opened in turn, and the heating element 50, which is energized continuously in a continuous manner, is still supplied with energy for about 15 seconds to warm up and displace it.

28λ the vessel 28 as much of the remaining liquid there as possible, up to the level of the upper edge 61. The device is then ready to start the next turn when the user needs it.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration showing an alternative shape device 20 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. Only as noted above in FIG. The parts of the device 6 are substantially similar or identical to those shown in FIGS. 6 and which are incorporated herein by reference. This embodiment differs from Figs. 2 in that FIG. Outlet valve 74 is removed, and Inlet valve 66 is a three-way valve as described previously that alternatively engages inlet 34 or bypass duct 76 with pump 40. Instead of outlet valve 74, one-way valve 98 is a largely spring-loaded one-way valve, prevents the passage of liquid through the bypass conduit 76 which flows back through the outlet valve 36 into the vessel 28 when the valve 66 is opened in the direction of the bypass conduit. On the other hand, when the valve 66 is opened in the direction of the inlet 34, the return pressure in the container 28 causes the valve 98 to open, thereby discharging the heated fluid through the nozzles 32.

Now based on FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a heated vessel 128 for use in the device 20 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Although the shape of the container 128 is slightly different from the shape of the container 28, it can be used in substantially the same manner. The outlet 34 in this case can also be used as a drain hole.

FIG. 8 illustrates another heated cylindrical vessel 130 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. More advantageously, vessel 130 has an outlet enclosure 132 made of a rigid plastic tube forming one of two spaced apart walls. The inner wall 134 has a plastic tube 136 inside a metal tube 138. The metal tube 138 is generally made of stainless steel, which, being a poor conductor of heat between metals, reduces heat loss. Plastic tubes 132 and 136 are made of a material that has a wide temperature range, such as polyetheroketone or polyphenylsulfide. Using a pair of caps 140 and 142 filled with epoxy adhesive, tubes 132, 136 and 138 are easily kept aligned. The embodiment shown is partially useful for medium-volume production without incurring high tool prices.

Inlet 34 and outlet 36 have nozzles for appropriate connection of the plastic pipe ends (typically shown in Figures 1 and 2) used to connect between the washer fluid reservoir 30 and the spray heads 32, which are usually split during installation of the device 20. The drainage port 60 allows the fluid to return to the reservoir 30 when the device is used as described above.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8, the heating element 50 is made up of three electrical resistive elements which are connected in parallel. In this way, a single ignition element will allow the unit to continue to operate, even if energy is reduced.

Now based on FIG. 9 which shows a perspective view of another heated vessel 150 for use in the device 20 according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. Internally, terminal 152 is connected to a set of heating elements (shown in Fig. 11), each having outer casings through which the washer fluid flows. Grounding of the vessel 150 is made directly to the body of the heating elements incorporated therein, through a bridge switch 154 and a support bar (not shown) that attaches the vessel 150 to the car 22. The insulating material 156, generally a lightweight, low thermal conductivity material, provides the vessel.

The vessel 150 described below will have three separate individual heating elements, each disposed within a housing housing through which the fluid flows from the washer fluid reservoir 30 to the windshield nozzles 32. The heating element is redesigned by a new arrangement of the heating elements and the liquid casing. and circulates to obtain the maximum effective temperature when exiting as a jet from the spray heads. The heating units are electric and are designed to provide sufficient heat output so that the right temperature is achieved immediately in the fluid flow system. Thus, the proposed design is effective in providing a washer fluid system for de-icing the windscreen 24 without requiring a long delay, as is known in the art in systems based on vehicle engine heat. Unlike prior art systems, pre-washer fluid pre-heating is not required and the rapid pre-heating washer fluid capacity is limited only by the size of the fluid reservoir. The proposed unit uses existing washing technology, watering hoses and a power source. Since vessel 150 is intended to provide a substantially continuous fluid flow that warms during flow, it is generally possible to provide a slower flow of hot liquid onto the windscreen 24 than a hot fluid splash at high flow rate from vessel 28.

Now based on FIG. 10, an electrical schematic diagram of the heating unit connection vessel 150 is shown. A single 100-watt heating unit 166 is connected in parallel with two 150-watt units 162 and 164 to provide a common 400 W configuration. This heating power almost instantly reaches the warming fluid temperature. This way, there is no noticeable time lag between the operation of the windscreen washer system and the hot current output. This is because preheating is achieved by the fluid flow in the system without changing the system flow rate and pressure. If necessary, only one or two units 162, 164, and 166 can be used at relatively low temperatures and thus require lower heating energy.

During operation, with the switch 168 closed, the vessel 150 instantaneously heats the washer fluid in the system such that a hot jet of liquid is sprayed from the nozzles 32 and begins to clean the windscreen 24 during normal operation of the wiper 44. When continuous heating is not required, the electrical switch 168 may be of the intermittent type, intermittently interrupting the current. Typically, a corrosion-resistant type of electrical switch is used.

Otherwise, when switch 168 is closed, operator 25 does not need to do anything else because the system operates by spraying the washer fluid at a temperature approximately 50 degrees higher than ambient temperature (or other suitable temperatures according to operating conditions) and, along with squeegee movement, crushes and cleans the windscreen from the ice. In just 15 seconds, the windscreen is normally cleaned and the ice is thawed and can travel. Freezing of the liquid is very unpleasant in this very short span of time.

Now based on FIG. 11 and 12 show a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the inner portion of vessel 150 in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vessel 150 contains three sets of heating elements 232, 234 and 236. Each heating unit 232 - 236 is generally provided as a resistive load heater as shown in the schematic diagram in FIG. 10. The individual outer sheaths 238, 239, and 240 are constructed around each heating unit 232 through 236 such that each surrounds its internal heating member, allowing the washer fluid to rapidly absorb heat during the flow of the outer sheaths 238 to 240.

As stated above, heating units are designed to operate at a voltage of 2 volts and are provided as airtight, corrosion resistant units. Alternatively, the nodes may be designed to operate at 24 volts or other properly alternating or dc voltage. Their dimensions shall be such as to form an annular flow passage (see Fig. 13A) between each unit and its outer jacket, such as to maintain the required fluid system pressure as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

The fluid inlet pipe 34 is connected to extend along the entire length of the heating units 232 to 236 and is connected to the outer sheath 239 of the heating unit 234 at its lower edge 244. This design performs a preheat function so that the washer fluid flowing through the pipe 34 absorbs heat released by heating units 232 - 236 before entering the outer sheath 239.

A stream of washer fluid through sheath 239 is heated by heating unit 234 to absorb heat from the heating elements. When the washer fluid reaches the top of the sheath 239, it flows through the connecting tube 246 and returns to the vessel 150 at the lower edge of the outer sheath 240 so as to warm up the heating unit 236 during flow. Upon reaching the top of the sheath 240, the washer fluid is again directed through the connecting tube 248 so as to return to the vessel 150 at the lower edge of the outer sheath 238.

A liquid outlet pipe 36 is connected to the top of the outer casing 238, through which the washing fluid exits the vessel 150, passing through the outer casing 238 and heated by the heating unit 232. Thus, after passing the outer casing 238 240, the washing fluid is provided with The spray heads 32 mounted against the windscreen 24. The spray heads 24 may be specifically designed to direct current to the most effective point on the windscreen at an adjustable angle.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel 150 along the line lin-ΧΙΙ of FIG. 11, disclosing additional details of the construction of the heating units 232-236 and the outer casings 238-240. The fluid inlet pipe 34 and the arrangement of the connecting pipes 246 and 248 are also shown. The placement of heat units 232 - 236 and outer shells 238 - 240 very close to one another adds to the thermal efficiency of the vessel design.

The choice of materials used for the dish also influences the thermal efficiency decision. For example, the choice of copper or brass pipe entry pipe 34 provides high thermal conductivity, although pipes 246, 248 and 36 should be selected with low thermal conductivity to ensure minimal heat loss. Tubes 34 and 36 have serrated end portions for easier connection. The outer sheaths 238 - 240 are also made of materials with low thermal conductivity and selected because of the importance of heat efficiency.

FIG. 13A-B show a top view and a side elevation view of vessel 150, respectively, in which the sectional view is taken along the line ΧΙΙΙΒ-ΧΙΙΙΒ. The construction of the outer sheaths 238-240 is shown in detail, including an annular flow passage 249 arranged around each heating unit 232-236 and a collecting chamber 252 disposed at the bottom edge of the vessel 150. FIGS.

According to the above description, the construction of the vessel 150 typically characterizes a stainless steel construction of approximately 200 mm in length with each outer shell having a common diameter of 12 to 13 mm and a wall thickness of 1 mm. Heating units 232 - 236 are usually 8 mm in diameter. The overall diameter of the vessel is approximately 51 mm. The fluid inlet pipe 34 and outlet pipe 36 are typically constructed of a 3/16 inch diameter pipe. This design guarantees that vessel 150 will be a compact, efficient heat unit that will not limit flow rate and pressure. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various dimensions may be used, based on the design of the washer system, or for particular vehicle manufacturers, to maintain the rated flow rate of the washer fluid at high speeds and pressures.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that warming up the washer fluid as it flows through the system is a major benefit of the vessel 150 as it is heated while the fluid is moving and not warmed up when standing. Certain flow rates and design dimensions can be readily determined by construction techniques well known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the selection of heating unit power can be increased for certain vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Now based on FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative installation proposal for a window cleaner 220 having a container 150 in which the spray heads 32 are disposed on the windscreen wipers 44 themselves, in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this arrangement, the spray heads 32 are connected through flexible tubes 255 - 256, each protected by a groove 258 located at the bottom of the squeegees 44. In this way, the hot jet is directed directly to the windscreen to the point where the greatest effect of ice melting is obtained while the wipers 44 physically crush the ice. It is to be understood that the squeegees 44 must operate while the fluid is sprayed from the spray heads 32.

In summary, the device 220 of the present invention may be provided as a low-cost, easy-to-add accessory to existing windscreen washer / wiper systems or may be provided in new vehicle designs. The rigid and simple construction of the vessel 150 makes it an interesting accessory that provides an efficient and quick solution to windshield icing problems, increasing comfort and safety. Simple and easy to install, the 220 does not complicate vehicle manufacturers' new automobile production lines, nor does it complicate the existing washer systems to which it is applied within 5 minutes of installation. Manual control in the vehicle is commonly used to activate the squeegee fluid pump.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a container 300 for use with device 20 or 220 without modification, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The vessel 300 uses a single shell 312 to hold three separate heating elements, one of which, element 304 shown in the drawing, extends along the vessel. In most cases, the casing 312 is a generally metallic or other material cylinder with two opposite ends. At one end, there is a cap 320 that defines a chamber 322, usually between 24 and 40 ml, depending on the size of the vehicle in which it is installed. The inlet 34 and the outlet 36 have communication with the chamber, although sometimes, as described above, the washer fluid may flow through the outlet and out through the inlet.

FIG. 16 is a schematic, partial illustration of a wire 310 from which a member 304 is wound, in accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. The wire 310 is substantially circular in cross-section and is formed of a magnesium oxide core 306 encased in a ceramic sleeve or coating 308. Mostly, the core has a diameter in the range of 0.07 to 0.14 mm. For example, a standard car is enough for a 500W hub and the cable 310 can have a 0.07mm core. Larger vehicles, such as a truck, may require a 0.14mm core to generate up to 700W of heat. The bushing or coating 308 is commonly deposited by standard laser means using a high density ceramic powder such as ^; known in the art. In most cases, the coating 308 is 0.10 mm thick.

The two ends of the element 314 are provided with magnesium oxide connections which are connected to supply power through the regulator 46 as described above. In this embodiment, the regulator 46 usually registers whether the motor 2 of the car is running <, for example, by determining the AC voltage ripple from the battery 42 and prevents energy from entering the vessel 300 when the engine is running to prevent battery discharge.

Cover 320 is filled with epoxy glue or other material that can withstand high temperatures up to 700 ° C. In a more preferred embodiment, the regulator 46 is housed in a cover as shown in FIG. 15. In addition, openings 34 and 36 have valves 366 and 374. These valves are generally made of silicone rubber and can operate at high temperatures, for example, 700 ° C. The valves are connected to the regulator by means of 46 wires (not shown in the drawing), to indicate the position of the valves and control their operation. Valves of this type are available from the US Piastic of Lima,

Ohio.

FIG. 17A - L are schematic diagrams showing vessel 300 and valves 366 and

374 illustrates the operation of a vessel according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention. Before operation, the chamber 322 in container 300 is emptied and the valves are opened. Operator 25 enters car 22, starts the engine, and starts pump 40 to defrost the ice from the windshield. The pump generates pressure at the inlet 34. The pressure is recorded by the valve 366, which automatically closes without any command from the controller 46. This position is shown in Figs. 17A.

Next, valve 366 raises regulator 46 to initiate the ice melting process. The first step in this process is to heat the cell 304 by connecting the battery 42 along the cell 304. In the absence of water in the chamber 322, the chamber warms up rapidly to a very high temperature. The chamber temperature is controlled by a sensor in the chamber, such as sensor 64. When the sensor reaches a predetermined level, typically about 600 ° C, controller 46 opens valve 366 and, after a short time, closes valve 374, thereby allowing washing fluid to flow into chamber 322. 17B).

Further, the controller controls the temperature of the fluid in the chamber. When this temperature reaches about 58 ° C, the controller disconnects the battery 304 and waits for the driver to turn on the pump 40 again (Fig. 170). When the pump is turned on again, the pressure is recorded by valve 366 and forces the valve to open. When the valve opens, controller 46 registers this action and forces valve 374 to open as well. The result is that hot water flows from chamber 322 through outlet 36 onto windshield 24 (Fig. 17D). The first wave is usually a mixture of hot water and steam which causes some ice on the nozzles 32 to crumble and clean the nozzles. Vapor may also be formed in the position of FIG. 17A due to some water remaining in chamber 322 after previous operation.

When pump 40 stops, pressure drops, valves 366 and 374 remain open, allowing water to flow back from outlet 36 through chamber 322 and to flow again through inlet 34 to tank 30 (Fig. 17E). When this backflow recorded by valve 374 stops, the latter valve closes (Fig. 17F). The regulator 46 then causes the valve 366 to close in the same way (Fig. 17G). In this way, the amount of liquid in the chamber 322 is compressed and the element begins to heat the liquid. When the liquid reaches 58 ° C, element 304 is shut off and vessel 300 waits for the next pump 40 to be turned on (Fig. 17H). This operation is recorded (Fig. 171) as described above, forcing the whole process to be repeated again (Fig. 17J).

The regulator 46 determines the interval between the last return flow and the next ... by a pressure boost pump 40. If more than a minute is measured and the pressure is not recorded, regulator 46 purges chamber 322 by first closing valves 366 and 374 (Fig. 17K) and actuating element 304, to raise the temperature of the liquid in the chamber to very high. The valves then open (Fig. 17L), allowing the liquid to escape. The regulator 46 then lowers the power and waits for the next power up. A similar process can be applied to vessel 150 (shown in Fig. 913B).

It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and that the full scope of the legal protection of the invention is limited by definition.

Claims (13)

DEFINITION OF INVENTION 1. Vehicle windscreen wiper, consisting of: a vessel having an inlet for receiving the washing fluid from the reservoir and an outlet for cleaning the windows; a heating element for heating the liquid in the vessel; a temperature sensor that registers the temperature range of the vessel; and controlling the flow of valve fluid through the vessel; characterized in that said valve is electrically coupled to said temperature sensor, said valve is designed for automatic and intermittent discharge of fluid through the outlet at the required temperature in response to the temperature recorded by the sensor. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the windscreen wiper is actuated intermittently in response to intermittent fluid discharge. 3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a regulator which regulates the intermittent discharge of the liquid according to a given time selection sequence. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the time sequence is changed in response to the ambient temperature in the vehicle. 5. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the time selection sequence is changed in response to the temperature of the outer surface of the window. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the initial amount of fluid is discharged at substantially higher pressures than successive discharges. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a regulator for controlling fluid discharge from the vessel in response to a temperature recorded by the transducer, further comprising analyzing signals from the transducer to detect malfunction of the device and interrupt the heating element when: 5 malfunction is detected. 8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature sensor is mounted on the outer surface of the window to be cleaned. 9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the temperature sensor is coated at least partially with a reflective coating to substantially neutralize the solar radiation effect thereon. 10. A device according to claim 1, characterized by having a remote 15 an input device that is triggered by a vehicle user to enable the device. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein said remote input device actuates a squeegee to purge a liquid from a window. 12. A method for cleaning vehicle windows using a washer fluid, wherein the washer fluid is poured into a container; warms the liquid in the pan; 25 measures the outside temperature of said vessel; and releases the fluid onto the vehicle window in response to the outside temperature. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein measuring the fluid 30 controls the discharge of the liquid in response to the temperature of the liquid. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising measuring the temperature of the exterior surface of the vehicle, controlling the discharge of liquid in response to the temperature of the exterior surface.