WO2004094207A1

WO2004094207A1 - Arrangement for a washer system for vehicles and a method for its production

Info

Publication number: WO2004094207A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/000620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Göran HULTIN; Henrik Levandowski
Original assignee: Eus System Ab
Priority date: 2003-04-23
Filing date: 2004-04-23
Publication date: 2004-11-04

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for a washer system (2) for screens (3), lamps and other parts of vehicles that it is wished to clean with the help of a screen washer fluid (4) that is squirted from a fluid container (5) in the vehicle (6) and is led via a rubber hose (7-9) from the aforementioned fluid container (5) to the intended squirting point (10, 11...,). Moulded into a rubber hose (7-9) in question, there is arranged an electrical connection (12) which exhibits good electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity. The aforementioned electrical connection (12) is connected to a power supply (13) or an electronic control box and is earthed, whereby washer fluid (4) is heated by the aforementioned electrical connection (12) in conjunction with the flow of fluid through the hose (7-9).

Description

Arrangement for a washer system for vehicles and a method for its production.

The present invention relates to an arrangement for a washer system for screens, lamps and other parts of vehicles that it is wished to clean with the help of a washer fluid that is squirted from a fluid container in the vehicle and is led via a hose from the aforementioned fluid container to the intended squirting point.

The windscreen and the rear screen pf vehicles, but also the lamp glasses, get dirty easily when driving the vehicle in question, especially in bad weather. Wipers and/or washer jets are used in order to clean the screens and lamps that have been dirtied in this way. The washer fluid, which is squirted fro a receiving washer fluid container onto the intended screens and lamps, exhibits ambient temperature. This means that it is necessary to mix a highly environmentally unfriendly chemical product in the form of alcohol, etc., with the washer fluid in order to prevent this from freezing at low temperatures. In addition, considerable resources are utilized in the form of energy in conjunction with the manufacture of washer fluid for this purpose in packs and their transport and the provision of packs and the packaging of these.

The cleaning ability of a cold washer fluid is also not as effective for insects and salt, during the summer and the winter respectively. Both technical environmental, functional technical and handling engineering advantages can thus be gained by modifying the previously disclosed technology.

Previously disclosed through DE-4026254 Al is the application of an electrically heated washer hose consisting of a separate inner hose, which has an electrical conductor wound around it . The aforementioned conductor is then covered in turn by an outer hose sheath.

Also previously disclosed, for example through EP 0240832 Al, GB 2121681 Al and DE 19907630, is the insertion of a loose electrical conductor inside a washer hose.

In none of the aforementioned previously disclosed cases, however, is the electrical conductor integrated with the rubber hose in order to achieve the associated advantages of simple application, use and manufacture. Previously disclosed through US 4798230 A, however, is a washer hose made of plastic with an electrically actuated heating wire moulded therein. There are nevertheless" major differences between plastic and rubber materials, as explained below. Furthermore, a separate return conductor for the electricity is absent in this previously disclosed solution.

Unlike various plastics (including thermoplastics), rubber has the ability to be heated to high temperatures (100°C) without losing its structural characteristics, i.e. its dimensional stability. In view of the requirement when starting a motor car from cold, possibly with an ice plug in the washer hose, to heat up the hose rapidly and melt the ice plug, it is advantageous if the heating wire can exhibit a higher working temperature and withstand high temperature peaks. The ability of the hose to withstand high temperatures also offers greater freedom of choice when selecting the method of controlling the electricity supply to the heating wire, since the control means is no longer required to even out temperature peaks to the same considerable extent as when a hose of a more sensitive material (plastic) is specified. By using rubber which, on the one hand, withstands high working temperatures and, on the other hand, possesses superior structural strength compared with unarmoured plastic, it is possible to use a thinner heating wire. A thinner heating wire is cheaper, although the greatest benefit is the ability to position it at any point in the wall of the hose, for example in the thinner part of the hose, if it is wished to have lateral displacement of the channel, or it is also possible to choose to centralize the fluid channel. The smaller the amount of material which separates the heating wire, the simpler the production process and the cheaper and lighter the finished product will be.

A rubber hose need not be reinforced in order to perform well in its automotive environment. The rubber material possesses sufficient flexibility and dimensional stability, both at high and at low temperatures, to permit its use without reinforcement.

US 4798230 A comprises a plastic hose with a resistance wire that is not centralized in the wall of the hose and can be reinforced.

The present invention exhibits the following properties and characteristic features and differs in the following respects from the previously disclosed technology described above:

• Vulcanised rubber, for example EPDM, exhibits superior thermal properties to plastics and is thus able to cope with a higher working temperature in the heating wire.

• In order to achieve rapid heating, for example in conjunction with cold staring, the working temperature can be higher.

• A thin wire gives a cheaper and more easily handled product. By using rubber, the wire that is used can be thinner. A thin wire becomes hotter than a thicker wire. • By using a thin wire, the wire can be centralized in the wall of the hose.

• A rubber hose does not need to be reinforced because rubber exhibits superior dimensional stability to the corresponding plastic.

• Several wires provide a superior heating effect and offer the possibility of a return conductor, which dispenses with the need for an earth point under the bonnet of the vehicle.

• A rubber hose is flexible, easy to install in the car and copes with low temperatures without becoming rigid and losing its form and function, as a plastic hose can do.

• The present electric washer/rubber hose with its enclosed heating wire and with a return conductor embedded in the rubber hose offers the possibility of an electrical connection in the washer nozzles to eliminate icing. The electric washer/rubber hose is also an important component as a subcomponent in a complete system with heated washer water.

• The present electric washer/rubber hose is unique in its hose construction with an electrically conducting wire that is applied directly to the existing product wall/material directly in conjunction with the extrusion of the hose.

• The present electrical rubber hose is unique as an electrically heated washer/rubber hose with its combination of construction, material and electrical function. • The present rubber hose is unique in its method of production and production technology for an electrically heated washer/rubber hose.

• The present method of production of an electrically heated washer/rubber hose, compared with that for a plastic hose, represent two entirely different methods. • The present electric rubber hose does not require to be insulated with woven fabric/wire cloth, but is applicable directly as a washer/rubber hose.

• The present electric rubber hose is a value-for-money product due to its construction as a washer/rubber hose.

• The present invention permits an integrated package solution in which the electric wires in the rubber hose heat the washer water and eliminate ice formations in the rubber hose, as well as in the nozzle, which is an integrated component of the system. The system can also be supplemented so that heated washer water is retained in the system by supplementing it with an immersion heater in the washer fluid reservoir or by causing heated water from the engine to circulate through the washer fluid reservoir and heat up the washer water.

US 4815769 A also relates to a plastic hose with an electrically conducting wire embedded in the material used in its construction.

It can thus be appreciated from the foregoing that a significant advantage is associated with the ability to make the washer hose from rubber material rather than plastic. The invention thus exhibits a distinct technical effect.

Other washer hoses made of rubber that are heated by means of an electrical conductor moulded into the wall of the hose have not been identified as having been previously disclosed. The invention thus also exhibits novelty.

Finally, it can be pointed out that, in spite of the fact that an electrically heated washer hose made of a plastic material was previously disclosed, the arrangement of such an electrically heated washer hose made of a rubber material instead of plastic cannot be regarded as obvious to an expert in the field.

The principal object of the present invention is thus, in the first instance, to solve the aforementioned problems by simple and effectively functioning means.

The invention also proposes to solve the question of the return of current that is supplied to the aforementioned electrical connection moulded into the rubber material of the washer hose. The aforementioned object is achieved by means of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention, which is characterized essentially in that, moulded into the hose in question, which consists of rubber material, there is arranged an electrical connection which exhibits good electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity, in that the electrical connection is formed by one or more wires, ribbons or a composite construction embedded in the aforementioned rubber hose, in that the aforementioned electrical connection is moulded into the hose at a distance from its inner and outer envelope, in that the aforementioned electrical connection is connected to a power supply or an electronic control box and is earthed, in that, moulded into the hose in question made of rubber material, an electrical conductor 200 is arranged as the return conductor, which is supplied via a separate resistance wire 112, similarly moulded into the material wall of the hose and intended for heating, whereby washer fluid is heated by the aforementioned electrical connection in conjunction with the flow of fluid through the hose.

The invention also proposes a method for the manufacture of an arrangement in accordance with the invention, for a washer system for screens, lamps and other parts of vehicles that it is wished to clean with the help of a washer fluid that is squirted from a fluid container in the vehicle and is led via a hose from the aforementioned fluid container to the intended squirting point. The aforementioned further object is achieved by means of a method in accordance with the present invention, which is characterized essentially in that a tungsten wire, resistance wire or similar is supplied continuously from a magazine to a rubber hose extruding tool,' in that the wire is caused to be discharged from the tool embedded in the wall of a moulded rubber hose, and in that the wire is led from the front side of the tool through the same and is deflected by means of a curved guide bushing to the area next to a mandrel which extends through a central opening in the tool plate of the tool and out through an annular opening formed between the envelope wall of the central opening and the outer envelope wall of the mandrel, and in that an electrical conductor is fed continuously from a magazine to a rubber hose extruding tool, and in that the wires are caused to be fed fro the tool embedded in the wall of the formed rubber hose.

Other characteristics set out in the claims solve additional problems which present themselves in conjunction with washer systems for vehicles on their outside.

The invention is described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a hose arrangement for a washer system for a windscreen;

Fig, 2 shows a washer nozzle with a connected hose in accordance with the invention; Fig. 3 shows a washer system connected to a washer fluid container connected to the cooling system of an engine;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of the washer system with its constituent components illustrated;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a tool for the manufacture of a wire-moulded washer hose;

Fig. 6 shows the aforementioned tool viewed in the direction from the supply end of the rubber material; Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a hose arrangement in a washer system for a windscreen;

Fig. 8 shows a washer nozzle with a connected hose in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the washer hose with the conductor illustrated therein; and

Fig. 10 shows the washer nozzle in the effective washer position.

An arrangement 1 for a washer system 2, which is intended to be used for screens 3, lamps and other parts of vehicles that it is wished to clean with the help of a screen washer fluid 4 that is squirted from a fluid container 5 in the vehicle 6 and is led via a hose 7-9 from the aforementioned fluid container 5 to the intended squirting point 10, 11..., involves, in accordance with the present invention, the moulding an electrical connection 12, which exhibits good electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity, into the hose 7-9 in question, which consists of rubber material. In accordance with the invention, the aforementioned electrical connection 12 is connected to a power supply 13 or an electronic control box and is connected to earth 14. The washer fluid 4 is so arranged in this way as to be heated by the aforementioned electrical connection 12 as it flows through the hose 7-9.

Also arranged moulded into the hose in question, made of rubber material, is an electrical conductor 200 for the return of electricity that is supplied via a separate resistance wire 112 intended for heating and similarly moulded into the material wall of the hose.

The aforementioned electrical connection 12 is formed by one or more wires, ribbons or a composite construction, which is embedded in the wall 15 of the rubber material in the aforementioned rubber hose 7-9. The electrical connection 12 is preferably embedded closer to the inner tunnel- shaped fluid-accommodating space 16 of the hose 7-9 than to the adjacent envelope 17 of the hose, although it is clear that the aforementioned electrical connection 12 is moulded into the hose 7-9 at distances A and B respectively from its inner envelope 18 and its outer envelope 17.

The aforementioned electrical connection 12 consists preferably of tungsten or resistance wire in a pure form or as an alloy. Other suitable materials are the alloys

Kanthal A-I, Konstantan, Manganin, Nichrom and Nickelin, and the materials nickel and copper.

The aforementioned electrical connection 12 is connected to the washer nozzle 19 in question via a terminating part 20 of the aforementioned electrical connection 12.

The aforementioned washer fluid hose 7 is also connected to a heated washer fluid container 5, preferably by the connection of the aforementioned container 5 via a fluid line 22, 23 to the radiator 27, which is connected to the engine 24, 25, 26 of the vehicle, via a coil 28 for the purpose of heating up/keeping its contents 4 hot. The material in the hose consists of rubber. The invention is equally suitable for use in new vehicles and in existing vehicles in which, when the old hoses are replaced with electrically connected hoses, which are connected to the electrical system of the vehicle and can be used on the windscreen, rear screen and lamps, for example.

The invention offers an integrated package solution where the electrical wires 12, etc., in the hose 7-9 heat the washer fluid 4, which may nevertheless contain a certain quantity of alcohol in order to prevent freezing of the fluid 4 in the event of severe cold. The formation of ice in the hose 7-9 and also in the nozzle 19, which constitutes an integral part of the system 2, is prevented in this way. Considerable advantages are gained by also making arrangements so that the washer fluid 4 is heated, for example with the help of an immersion heater in the washer fluid container 5, or by causing heated coolant from the radiator of the engine 26 to circulate via a circuit 28 through the washer fluid container 5, which thereby heats up the washer fluid 4 contained therein. Connections 29, 30 and couplings 31 for the electrical wires 12 can be formed by previously disclosed items, as can connections 32 and couplings 33 for hoses 7-9.

A washer hose 107, 108, 109 in accordance with the present invention is intended to be included in a washer system for screens, lamps and other parts of vehicles that it is wished to clean with the help of a washer fluid that is squirted from a fluid container in the vehicle and is led via the aforementioned washer hose from the aforementioned fluid container to the intended squirting point. An arrangement 101 for a hose of this kind comprises an electrical conductor 200, which consists of copper or some other material with good electrical conductivity. The aforementioned return conductor 200 is appropriately moulded into the material wall of the hose at a distance from separate resistance wires that are similarly moulded into the material wall of the hose, which are intended for heating the hose and the fluid carried therein. The rubber material, from which the hose 107, 108, 109 is produced, effectively embeds both of the aforementioned conductors therein, i.e. the resistance wire 112 and the return conductor 200, as shown in Fig. 9, for example. Fig. 8 illustrates how the heated washer fluid

104 is led through the hose 107 and is squirted out via a washer nozzle 119 of the kind in question.

The method for the manufacture of such hoses 7-9 is also important because the automobile industry, when the question of introducing new solutions to problems arises, is normally only keen to do this if it does not cost any extra or if the weight of the product does not increase in relation to previously disclosed technology. A previously disclosed solution in accordance with the above exhibits a wire that is threaded through the hose, which gives irrational and ineffective production because it may be difficult to draw the wire through the hose, and the wire then lies entirely unprotected. It would also be almost impossible to cause the wire to be drawn in this way. Another previously disclosed solution to the problem comprises an electrical wire which is caused to be wound onto a washer fluid hose. This results in an increase in the weight of the component, however, and irrational and ineffective production as well as steep increase in the cost of the product. A method for the manufacture of an arrangement in accordance with the preamble to Patent Claim 1 involves the continuous supply from a magazine (not shown here) of a wire 12 made of tungsten or some other similar material to a rubber hose extrusion tool 50. The wire 12 is also caused to be fed from the tool 50 embedded in the wall 15 of the formed rubber hose 7-9. Because tungsten possesses unusually low specific heat and good thermal conductivity, this means that the metal is heated up very rapidly. It would be even better if it could also be combined with a material that does not cool down so rapidly.

The wire 12 is led from the front side 50A of the tool 50 and through the same in a hole 51 and is deflected by means of a curved guide bushing 52 to the area next to 53 a mandrel 54 which extends through a central opening 55 in the tool plate 56 of the tool from the rear side 50B of the tool. The wire 12 is led out through an annular opening 57 formed between the envelope wall 58 of the central opening and the outer envelope wall 59 of the mandrel. The aforementioned deflection of the wire is so arranged as to take place internally in a rubber supply area 60 formed between the aforementioned mandrel 54 and an enclosing bridge 61 for the mandrel 54 and for the tool plate 56. Moulded hose is fed out continuously from the tool in the direction of the arrow 62 with electric wire 12 embedded therein.

A method for manufacturing an arrangement 101 of the kind in question in accordance with the foregoing proceeds essentially in the sense that an electrical conductor 200 is supplied continuously from a magazine to a rubber hose extruding tool (not shown here) , and is caused to be fed from the tool entirely embedded in the wall of the formed rubber hose. An aforementioned conductor 200 for the return of electricity that is supplied via the resistance wire 112, which is similarly moulded in the wall of the hose, is caused to be fed continuously from the aforementioned tool and is entirely embedded in the wall of the rubber hose and is protected therein.

The invention should have been clearly understood in respect of both its construction and its arrangement, although it is not restricted to the illustrative embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but can be varied within the scope of the Patent Claims without departing from the idea of invention.

Claims

P a t e n t C l a i m s

1. Arrangement (1) for a washer system (2) for screens (3), lamps and other parts of vehicles that it is wished to clean with the help of a washer fluid (4) that is squirted from a fluid container (5) in the vehicle (6) and is led via a hose (7-9) from the aforementioned fluid container (5) to the intended squirting point (10, 11...,), characterized in that, moulded into the hose (7-9) in question, which consists of rubber material, there is arranged an electrical connection (12) which exhibits good electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity, in that the electrical connection (12) is formed by one or more wires, ribbons or a composite construction embedded in the aforementioned rubber hose (7-9) , in that the aforementioned electrical connection (12) is moulded into the hose (7-9) at a distance (A and B respectively) from its inner and outer envelope (18 and 17 respectively) , in that the aforementioned electrical connection (12) is connected to a power supply (13) or an electronic control box and is earthed (14), in that, moulded into the hose in question made of rubber material, there is arranged an electrical conductor (200) for the return of electricity which is supplied via a separate resistance wire (112) similarly moulded into the material wall of the hose and intended for heating, whereby washer fluid (4) is heated by the aforementioned electrical connection (12) in conjunction with the flow of fluid through the hose (7-9) .

2. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection (12) consists of tungsten or resistance wire.

3. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of the foregoing Patent Claims, characterized in that the electrical connection (12) is connected to the washer nozzles (19) in question via a terminating part (20) of the aforementioned electrical connection (12) .

4. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of the foregoing Patent Claims, characterized in that the aforementioned washer fluid hose (7) is connected to a heated washer fluid container (5) .

5. Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 4, characterized in that the washer fluid container (5) is connected via a fluid line (22, 23) to the radiator (27) of the vehicle, and in that the aforementioned line (22, 23, 28) passes through the washer fluid container (5) for the purpose of heating up/keeping its contents (4) hot.

6. Method for the manufacture of an arrangement (1) for a washer system (2) for screens (3), lamps and other parts of vehicles (6) that it is wished to clean with the help of a screen washer fluid (4) that is squirted from a fluid container (5) in the vehicle (6) and is led via a hose (7-9) from the aforementioned fluid container (5) to the intended squirting point (10-11) , in accordance with one or other of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that a tungsten wire (12) , resistance wire or similar is supplied continuously from a magazine to a rubber hose extruding tool (50) , in that the wire (12) is caused to be discharged from the tool (50) embedded in the wall (15) of a moulded rubber hose, and in that the wire (12) is led from the front side (50A) of the tool (50) through the same and is deflected by means of a curved guide bushing (52) to the area next to (53) a mandrel (54) , which extends through a central opening (55) in the tool plate (56) of the tool and out through an annular opening (57) formed between the envelope wall (58) of the central opening (55) and the outer envelope wall (59) of the mandrel (54), and in that an electrical conductor (200) is fed continuously from a magazine to a rubber hose extruding tool, and in that the wires are caused to be fed from the tool embedded in the wall of the formed rubber hose.

7. Method in accordance with Patent Claim 6, characterized in that deflection of the wire is so arranged as to take place internally between the aforementioned mandrel (54) and an enclosing bridge (61) for the mandrel (54) and a tool plate (5.6) .