Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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VEHICLE SURFACE CLEANING AND DE-ICING
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Reference .is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/728,651, filed October 19, 2005 and entitled "RF Interface for Heated
Windshield
Washing System," U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/741,211,
filed
Novenlber 30, 2005 and entitled "Vehicle Heated Liquid Washing System" and
U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/843,782, filed September 11, 2006
and
entitled "Vehicle Surface Cleaning & De-Icing" the disclosures of which are
hereby
incorporated by reference and priority of which are hereby claimed pursuant to
37 CFR
1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).
Reference is made to applicant's copending PCT Application Serial No.
PCT/IL,2005/00179 filed February 11, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to applicant's copending U.S. Patent Application
Serial No. 10/700,141 filed November 3, 2003, the disclosure of which is
hereby
incorporated by reference. Reference is made to applicant's copending U.S.
Patent
Application Serial No. 11/203,779 filed August 15, 2005, the disclosure of
which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is made to applicant's. copending U.S. Patent Application
Serial No. 10/477,486 filed June 21, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. Reference is made to applicant's copending U.S.
Patent
Application Serial No. 11/531,979 filed April 20, 2005, the disclosure of
which is
hereby incorporated by reference..
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for
cleaning or de-icing vehicle elements.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following publications are believed to represent the current state of
the art:
U.S. Patents: 653,629; 1,636,190; 2,607,944; 3,202,447; 3,203,447;
3,319,891; 3,332,045; 3,446,942; 3,427,675; 3,475,588; 3,632,042; 3,524,044;
3,537,900; 3,643,193; 3,711,679; 3,716,886; 3,747,500; 3,888,412; 3,977,436;
3,979,068; 4,090,668; 4,088,269; 4,106,508; 4,159,026; 4,212,425; 4,253,493;
4,295,111; 4;306,589; 4,403,765; 4,489,863; 4,508,957; 4,524,797; 4,534,539;
4,561,632; 4,574,841; 4,616,780; 4,638,525; 4,690,371; 4,815,662; 4,834,289;
4,877,186; 4,832,262; 4,922,570; 4,946,009; 5,012,977; 5,034,714; 5,118,040;
5,134,266; 5,141,157; 5,141,160; 5,173,586; 5,203,049; 5,254,083; 5,271,120;
5,318,071; 5,345,968; 5,351,934; 5,354,965; 5,383,247; 5,423,486; 5,467,522;
5,509,606; 5,561,882; 5,636,407; 5,650,080; 5,673,360; 5,711,486; 5,711,487;
5,727,769; 5,762,278; 5,784,751; 5,823,439; 5,881,428; 5,903,953; 5,927,608;
5,944,910; 5,947,348; 5,957,384; 5,965,950; 5,979,796; 5,988,523; 5,988,529;
6,008,474; 6,024,803; 6,029,908; 6,032,324; 6,050,503; 6,082,632; 6,133,546;
6,164,564; 6,155,493; 6,199,587; 6,220,524; 6,223,951; 6,236,019; 6,330,497;
2o 6,257,500; 6,281,649; 6,286,174; 6,615,438; 6,669,109; 6,892,417 and
7,108,754.
Published PCT Applications: WO 2005/076735, WO 2004/035358, WO
02/092237, WO 00/27540 and WO 98/58826.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seelcs to provide improved apparatus and methods
.5 for cleaning or de-icing velZicle elements.
There is tllus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment.of the
present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for use in cleaning a
vehicle
surface including a liquid container having an inlet through which a liquid is
received
from a reseivoir and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged for
cleaning the
10. vehicle surface, the liquid container including a first heating cliamber,
a second heating
chamber and a heat transfer element in direct thermal contact with the first
heating
chamber and the second heating chamber and defining at least a portion of an
external
wall of tlie liquid container and a heating element adjacent the heat transfer
element
operative to heat the heat transfer element and thereby heat the liquid in the
first heating
15 chamber and the second heating chamber.
Preferably, the liquid container also includes at least one enclosing
element attached to the heat transfer element. Additionally, the heat transfer
element
defines a cover of the at least one enclosing element.
Preferably, the first heating chamber includes a rounded end portion.
2o Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus also includes at least one
insulating cover
assembly including a volume maintained under a vacuum.
Preferably, at least a portion of the at least one enclosing element is
formed of rubber.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment
25 of the present invention a method for supplying heated liquid for use in
cleaning a
vehicle surface including providing a liquid container for heating a liquid,
the liquid
container including a first heating chamber, a second heating chamber and a
heat
transfer element in direct thermal contact with the first heating chamber and
the second
heating chamber and defining at least a portion of an external wall of the
liquid
30 container, receiving a liquid into the first heating chamber and the second
heating
chamber, heating the heat transfer element thereby heating the liquid in the
first heating
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chaniber and the second heating chamber through the heat transfer element and
discharging the liquid through an outlet onto the vehicle surface.
There is fiu=ther provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface, including a vessel, having an inlet through which
a liquid is
received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged
for
cleaning_ tlze vehicle surface, the vessel including a first heating chamber
and a second
heating chamber, .a heat transfer cover, in direct thermal contact with the
first heating
chamber and the second heating chamber, operative to heat the liquid in the
first heating
chamber and the second heating chanZber and a heating element adjacent the
heat
transfer cover operative to heat the heat transfer cover.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface including providing a vessel for heating a liquid,
tlie vessel
including a first heating chamber and a second heating chamber, receiving a
liquid into
the vessel so that the liquid flows into the first heating chamber and the
second heating
chamber, heating a heat transfer cover in direct thermal contact with the
first heating
chamber and the second heating chamber, thereby heating the liquid in the
first heating
chamber and the second heating chamber through the heat transfer cover and
discharging the liquid through an outlet onto the vehicle surface.
There is also provided in accordance with even still another preferred
embo.diment of the present invention a method for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface including receiving a liquid into a vessel, heating
the liquid in
the vessel and discharging the liquid througll an outlet onto the vehicle
surface, the
heating the liquid including providing at least one heating element in thermal
comrnunication with the vessel and operating the at least one heating element
in one of
multiple operating modes including a heating element standby mode, the heating
element standby mode including ascertaining a near-boiling temperature of the
liquid,
setting at least one pair of standby mode temperature thresholds, based at
least partially
on the near-boiling temperature, measuring a temperature of the liquid and
controlling
the at least one heating element based on the temperature and the temperature
thresholds.
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There is fixrtlier provided in accordance with anotlier preferred
enibodiment of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface, including a vessel, having an inlet tlirough which
a liquid is
received from a reservoir and an outlet through which tlie liquid is
discharged for
cleaning the vehicle surface, at least one heating element in thennal
coinmunication
with the vessel, at least one temperature sensor operative to measure a
temperature of
t11e liquid in the vessel and a controller operative to operate the at least
one heating
element in one of multiple operating modes including a standby niode, the
standby
mode including ascertaining a near-boiling temperature of the liquid, setting
at least one
pair of standby mode temperature thresholds, based at least partially on the
near-boiling
temperature and controlling the at least one heating element based on the
temperature
and the temperatl.ire thresholds.
Preferably, the setting is based at least partially on input from at least one
additional sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is operative
to select a
primary temperature sensor including the at least one temperature sensor and
the at least
one pair of standby thresholds includes a pair of standby thresholds for each
sensor of
the at least one temperature sensor.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of -the present
invention the apparatus also includes a circulation pump and the setting is
based at least
partially on an operating mode of the circulation pump. Additionally or
alternatively,
the apparatus also includes an RF actuator in communication with the
controller, the
controller being operative, upon receipt of a standby mode actuation from the
RF
actuator, to operate the at least one heating element in the standby mode.
'There is even fiu-ther provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface, including a liquid container, having an inlet
through which a
liquid is received from a reservoir and an outlet througli which the liquid is
discharged
for cleaning the vehicle surface, a heating element operative to heat the
liquid in -the
liquid container and at least one insulating portion overlying the liquid
container, the at
least one insulating portion including a volume maintained under a vacuum.
Preferably, the at least one insulating portion includes at least one
insulating cover assembly including the volume maintained under a vacuum.
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Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus also includes at least one
insulation layer
between the liquid container and the at least one insulating portion.
There is still fiu tller provided in accordance with a further preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface including providing a liquid container for heating
a liquid and
at least one insulating portion overlying the liquid container, the at least
one insulating
portion including a volume maintained under a vacuum, receiving a liquid into
the
liquid container, heating the liquid in the liquid container and discharging
the liquid
through an outlet onto a vellicle surface to be cleaned.
'1 o There is also provided in accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for de-icing a vehicle surface,
including
a wiper assembly including a wiper driver assembly operative to move the wiper
assembly along the vehicle surface, a wiper arrn, a wiper blade holder and a
wiper
blade, a vessel containing a liquid, at least one heating element for heating
the liquid in
the vessel, a controller operative,to control the at least one heating
element, at least one
heat conductive circulation conduit adjacent to at least one of the wiper arm
and the
wiper blade holder and a circulation pump operative to circulate liquid from
the vessel
through the at least one heat conductive circulation conduit.
Preferably, the at least one of the wiper arm and the wiper blade holder is
operative to travel along the vehicle surface in a first direction and in a
second direction
opposite the first direction, the at least one heat conductive circulation
conduit includes
at least one first heat condiictive portion and at least one second heat
conductive
portion, the at least one first heat conductive portion is operative to travel
along the
vehicle surface in front of the wiper arm when the wiper arm moves in the
first direction
and in back of the wiper arm when the wiper arm moves in the second direction
and the
at least one second heat conductive portion is operative to travel along the
vehicle
surface in back of the wiper ann when the wiper arm moves in the first-
direction and in
front of the wiper arm when the wiper arm moves in the. second direction.
Preferably, the apparatus also includes at least one non heat conductive
circulation conduit in fluid communication with -the circulation pump and the
at least
one heat conductive circulation conduit. Additionally or alternatively, at
least a portion
of the at least one heat conductive circulation conduit is formed of a
flexible material.
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Preferably, the at least a portion of the at least one heat conductive
circulation conduit is integrally formed with the wiper arm. Alternatively or
additionally, the at least a portion of the at least one heat conductive
circulation conduit
is-integrally formed with the wiper blade holder.
In accordance with alotlier preferred embodiment of the present
invention the apparatus also includes at least one additional heating element
for directly
heating at least one of at least a portion of the wiper arm and at least a
portion of the
wiper blade holder. Additionally, the at least one additional heating element
is also
operative to heat the wiper blade.
Preferably, the at least one heat conductive circulation conduit forms part
of a continuous circulation path to and from the vessel.
There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for de-icing a vehicle surface,
including
providing a wiper assembly .including a wiper arm, a wiper blade holder, a
wiper blade
and a wiper driver assembly operative to move the wiper assembly along the
vehicle
surface, -providing at least one heat conductive circulation conduit adjacent
to at least
one of the wiper arm and the wiper blade holder, heating a liquid in a vessel,
circulating
liquid from the vessel through the at least one heat conductive circulation
conduit and
moving the wiper assembly along the vehicle surface.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface including a vessel, having an inlet through which a
liquid is
received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged
for
cleaning the vehicle surface, a heating unit operative to heat the liquid in
the vessel, a
dirt sensor providing a dirt level output and a controller operative to
generate at least
one of a non-spray indication output signal and at least two different spray
indication
output signals at least partially in response to the dirt level output.
Preferably, the controller is operative to compare the dirt level output to
at least two different dirt level thresholds. Alternatively or additionally,
the at least two
different spray indication output signals include signals that generate at
least two
different heated spraying cycles.
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Preferably, the apparatus also includes at least one additional sensor
operative to provide at least one additional input to the controller and
wlzerein the
controller is also operative to base the at least two different spray
indication output
signals at 'least partially on the at least one additional input.,
Additionally, the at least
one additional sensor includes a teinperature sensor and the at least one
additional input
includes a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. Alternatively or
additionally,
the controller is also -operative to calculate at least one additional
parameter and to base
the at least two different spray indication .output signals at least partially
on the at least
one additional parameter. Additionally, the at least one additional parameter
includes a
rate of cliange of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
Preferably, the controller is also operative to calculate at least one
additional parameter and to base the at least two different spray indication
output
signals at least partially on the at least one additional parameter.
Additionally, the at
least one additional parameter includes a rate of change of the dirt level
output.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment
of the present invention a method for supplying heated liquid for use in
cleaning a
vehicle surface including providing a vessel for heating a liquid, receiving a
liquid into the vessel, heating the liquid, measuring a dirt level adjacent
the vehicle surface and
providing a dirt level output and providing at least one of a nori-spray-
indication-output---
2o signal and at least two different spray indication output signals at least
partially in
response to the dirt level output.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for de-icing a vehicle surface,
including
a wiper assembly including at least one wiper for wiping.the vehicle surface,
the wiper
operative to move along the vehicle surface and a wiper actuator including a
motor
which actuates the at "least one wiper and a wiper controller operative to
operate the
motor in at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode, the
wiper
controller being operative to ascertain if the at least one wiper is blocked
or .unblocked,
to operate the motor in accordance with the first operational mode when the at
least one
wiper is unblocked and to operate the motor in accordance with the second
operational
mode when the at least one wiper is blocked.
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There is yet furtlier provided in accordance witli still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for de-icing a vehicle surface
including
providing a wiper assembly including at least one wiper for wiping the vehicle
surface
and a wiper actuator system including a motor which actuates the at least one
wiper and
a wiper controller operative to control the motor, ascertaining if the at
least one wiper is
blocked or unblocked, operating the motor in accordance with a first
operational mode
when the at least one wiper is unblocked and operating the motor in accordance
with a
second operational mode when the at least one wiper is bloclced.
Preferably, the ascertaining includes setting a blocked threshold level,
.10 measuring an operational parameter of the wiper assembly and comparing the
operational parameter to the bloclced threshold level. Additionally, the
bloclced
threshold level is a function of an angle of movement of the at least one
wiper.
Alternatively or additionally, the second operational mode includes setting a
maximum
operational level to be applied to the motor, applying an operational input
less than or
equal to the maximum operational level for a time interval, ascertaining, at
the end of
the time interval, if the at least one wiper is blocked or unblocked and if
the at least one
wiper is blocked, changing the direction of the at least one wiper.
Preferably, the maximum operational level is greater than the blocked
threshold level. Alternatively, the maximum operational level is zero. In
another
2o alternative embodiment, the maximum operational level is less than the
threshold level _
and the ascertaining at the end of the time interval includes measuring an
operatioiial
parameter of the wiper assembly and comparing the operational parameter to the
maximum operational level.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the second operational
mode includes setting a maximtun operational level to be applied to the motor,
applying
an operational input less than or equal to the maximum" operational level for
a time
interval and changing the direction of the at least one wiper at the end of
the time
interval.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the second operational
mode inclixdes setting a time .interval, providing rapid back and forth
movement of the
at least one wiper over a small area adjacent to a location of the at least
one'wiper when
the at least one wiper becomes blocked, for the time interval, ascertaining,
at the end of
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the time interval, if the at least one wiper is blocked or unbloclced and if
the at least one
wiper is blocked, changing the direction of the at least one wiper.
There is still furtlier provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a thermal fuse including an electrical
power
supply connection including a first conductive portion, a second conductive
portion in
electrical communication with the first conductive portion, the second
conductive
portion being operative to melt in response to being heated above a
predetermined
temperature and an expanding non electrically conductive portion operative to
expand
and displace the second conductive portion out of electrical coinmunication
with the
irst conductive portion in response to heating of the second conductive
portion above a
1 o f
predetermined temperature, thus interrupting supply of electrical power
through the
electrical power supply connection.
Preferably, the expanding non electrically conductive portion is operative
to expand and displace the second conductive portion regardless of the
orientation of the
thermal fuse.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment
of the present invention a liquid collection and reuse system for use with a
vehicle
including at least one liquid collector associated with the vehicle and at
least one
collection reservoir associated witli the vehicle, having an inlet through
which a liquid
is received from the at least one liquid collector.
Preferably, the collection reservoir includes an outlet through which the
liquid is discharged for cleaning a vehicle surface. Alternatively or
additionally, the
liquid collection and reuse system also includes a vessel for heating the
liquid, the
vessel having an inlet through which a liquid is received from the collection
reservoir
and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged for cleaning a vehicle
surface.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment the at least one liquid
collector is operative to collect liquid drainage from a vehicle air
conditioning unit.
In accordarice with another preferred embodiment the liquid collection
and reuse system also includes at least one filter operative to
receive.unfiltered liquid
from the at least one liquid collector and to provide filtered liquid to the
at least one
collection reservoir. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid collection and
reuse system
also includes at least one pre-filtration valve. Additionally, the liquid
collectiori and
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reuse system also includes a drain a.nd the at least one pre-filtration valve
is operative in
a filter open position to allow unfiltered liquid to reach the at least one
filter and in a
filter closed position directs unfiltered liquid to the drain.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment the liquid collection
and reuse system also includes a liquid flow controller operative to control a
liquid flow
based on a liquid level sensed by a liquid level sensor. Additionally, the
liquid
collection and reuse system also includes a vehicle reservoir operative to
supply liquid
to a liquid heating unit and the liquid level sensor measures a.liquid level
within the
vehicle reservoir and the liquid flow controller is operative to provide
liquid to the
vehicle reservoir based on the liquid level sensed by the liquid level sensor.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment the liquid collection
and reuse system also includes at least one additional reservoir and a liquid
flovv
controller operative to control multiple liquid flows through the liquid
collection and
reuse system. Additionally, a liquid in the at least one additional reservoir
is a different
liquid than a liquid in the at least one collection reservoir. Additionally,
the liquid flow
controller is operative to provide an optimal mix of liquids from the at least
one
collection reservoir and the at least one additional reservoirs.
Alternatively, the at least
one additional reservoir and the at least one collection reservoir contain the
same liquid.
There is furtller provided in accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for liquid collection and reuse
including
collecting liquid utilizing at least one liquid collector * associated with a
vehicle and
receiving the liquid into at least one collection reservoir located in the
vehicle.
Preferably, the method also includes discharging the liquid through an
outlet onto a vehicle surface to be cleaned. Additionally or alternatively,
the method
also includes filtering the liquid prior to the receiving.
There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface, including a vessel, having an inlet tlirough which
a liquid is
received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged
for
cleaning the vehicle surface, the vessel including a rounded end portion, a
heat transfer
cover operative to heat the liquid, the heat transfer cover including a-curved
cross
section portion formed on an inner facing surface -thereof, the curved cross
section
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portion including multiple protruding sections each including a curved portion
and a
'cover.
heating element adjacent the heat transfer cover operative to heat the heat
transfer.
Preferably, the rounded end portion, the curved cross section portion and
the curved portions of the heat transfer cover provide for liquid circulation
within the
vessel that generates improved heat transfer fioin the heat transfer cover to
the liquid
contained in the vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the rounded end
portion, the
curved cross section portion and the curved portions of the heat transfer
cover provide
for liquid circulation within the vessel that generates improved uniformity of
the
temperature of the liquid contained in the vessel. .
Preferably, the rounded end portion, the curved cross section portion and
the curved portions of the heat transfer cover generate a generally circular
flow within
the vessel at a first temperature differential between the liquid contained
within the
vessel and portions of the heat transfer cover in contact with the liquid.
Additionally, or
alternatively, the rounded end portion the curved cross section portion and
the curved
portions of the heat transfer cover generate multiple generally circular flows
within the
vessel at a second teinperature differential between the liquid contained
witllin the
vessel and portions of the heat transfer cover in contact with the liquid.
There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface, including providing a vessel for heating a liquid,
the vessel
including a rounded end portion, receiving a liquid into the vessel so that
the liquid
flows into the rounded end portion, heating a heat transfer cover overlying
the vessel
thereby heating the liquid in the rounded end portion through the heat
transfer cover, the
heat transfer cover including a curved cross section portion formed on an
inner facing
surface thereof, the curved cross section portion including multiple
protruding sections
each including a curved portion and discharging the liquid through an outlet
onto the
vehicle surface.
There is further provided in . accordance with still another preferred
enlbodiment of the present invention apparatus for de-icing a vehicle surface,
including
a wiper assembly including a wiper driver assembly operative to move the
wiper.
assembly along the vehicle surface; a wiper arm., a wiper blade holder and a
wiper blade
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and at least one heating element for directly heating at least one of at least
a portion of
the wiper arm and at least a portion of the wiper blade holder.
Preferably, the at least one heating element is also operative to heat the
wiper blade.
Preferably, the apparatus also includes a controller operative to control
the at least one heating element.
There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferred
einbodiment of the present invention a method for de-icing a vehicle surface,
including
providing a wiper assembly including a wiper ann, a wiper blade holder, a
wiper blade
and a wiper driver assembly operative to move the wiper assembly along the
veliicle
surface, heating at least one of at least'a portion of the wiper arm and at
least a portion
of the wiper blade holder and moving the wiper assembly along the vehicle
surface.
There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for
use in
cleaning a vehicle surface including a vessel, having an inlet through which a
washing
fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is
discharged for
cleaning the vehicle surface, a heating element for heating the fluid in the
vessel, a
controller for co.ntrolling operation of the apparatus and an RF actuator in
communication with the controller, the RF actuator operative to initiate
communication
with the controller and to uniquely identify the RF actuator to the
controller.
Preferably, the controller is operative, upon receipt of a standby mode
actuation from the RF acti,uator, to operate the apparatus in accordance with
a heating
element standby mode. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is
operative, upon
receipt of an automatic mode actuation from the RF actuator, to operate the
apparatus in
accordance with an automatic mode. Alternatively or additionally, the
controller is
operative, upon receipt of an off command from the RF actuator, to place the
apparatus
in an off mode.
Preferably, the controller is operative to ignore command"s from the RF
actuator when an engine of the vehicle is in an off state. Additionally, the
controller is
operative to monitor the state of the engine of the vehicle by measuring a
voltage level
of a battery of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle is in an off state when
the voltage
level is less than a predetermined leveL
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There is also provided in accordance with another preferred einbodiment
of the present invention apparatus for supplying heated liquid for use in
cleaning a
vehicle surface including a vessel, having an inlet through which a liquid is
received
from a reservoir and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged for
.cleaning the
vehicle surface and a heating element operative to lieat the liquid in the
vessel, at least a
portion of the vessel being formed of rubber.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully
from the following detailed description, talcen in conjunction with the
drawings in
which:
Figs. 1A and lB are simplified pictorial illustrations of vehicle headlight
cleaning and de-icing systems consti-ucted and operative in accordance wit11
preferred
embodiments of the present invention installed in a vehicle;
Fig. 2 is a simplified exploded view pictorial illustration of the heating
unit of the system of Figs. 1A and 1B;
Fig. 3A is a front view of the heating unit of the system of Figs. 1A and
1B;
Fig. 3B is a sectional view of the heating unit of the system of Figs. lA
and 1B taken along lines IIIB-IIIB of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 4A is an overhead view of the heating unit of Figs. 1A - 3B;
Fig. 4B is a front view of the heating unit of Figs. IA - 3B without the
first insulating cover;
Figs. 5A and 5B are respective front and back views of the heat transfer
cover of the heating unit of Figs. lA - 4B;
Fig. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the vessel of the heating
unit
of Figs. lA - 5B illustrating the liquid flow therethrougli;
Fig. 7 is a simplified 'diagram of the circulating liquid flows within the
primary heating chamber of the heating unit of Figs. 1 A - 6;
.25 Fig. 8 is a simplified flow chart of a preferred mode of operation of the
system of Figs. 1A - 7 including an immediate spray mode, a high temperature
spray
mode and a standby mode;
Figs. 9A and 9B are simplified flow charts of a preferred embodiment of
the immediate spray mode and the high temperature spray mode, respectively, of
Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a simplified schematic illustration of a liquid collection and
reuse system for use in a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the
present invention;
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Fig. 11 is a simplified schematic illustration of a liquid collection and
reuse system for use in a vehicle in accordance with anotller preferred
embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a vehicle windsliield
cleaning and de-icing system constructed and operative in accordance with
another
preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in a motor vehicle;
Fig. 13 is a simplified sectional illustration of a vessel for heating liquid
which may form part of the vehicle windshield cleaning and de-icing system of
Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a simplified flow chart of a method for ascertaining a'near-
boiling temperature' of a liquid for use in the vehicle windshield cleaning
and de-icing
system of Figs. 12 - 13;
Fig. 15 is a siinplified flow chart of a preferred mode of operation of the
system of Figs. 12 - 13;
Fig. 16 is a simplified exploded view illustration of another vessel for
heating liquid which may form part of the vehicle windshield cleaning and de-
icing
system of Fig. 12;
Fig. 17 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper
assembly for use in a vehicle; constructed and operative in accordance with
yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 18A and 18B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two alternative
circulation flows for circulating liquid adjacent to the windshield wiper
assembly of Fig.
17;
Fig. 19 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the wiper arm of the
windshield wiper assembly of Fig. 17;
Fig. 20 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper
assembly for use in a vehicle, constructed and operative in accordance with
yet anotlier
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig 2-1 is a simplified flowclzart of a method for operating a windshield
wiper assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present -
invention, particularly useful with the windshield wiper assemblies described
hereinabove with reference to Figs. 17 - 20.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It is appreciated that the term "vehicle" as used in the context of the
present patent application and in the claims can refer to any type of wheeled
vellicle
having windows or any other interior or exterior surface requiring cleaning
and/or de-
icing, such as an automobile or a truck, as well as a boat or an airplane.
It is also appreciated that, even though the present invention is shown in
the context of either a headliglit or a windshield cleaning and de-icing
system, the
systems and methods of the present invention can be utilized to clean and/or
de-ice any
interior or exterior vehicle surface including, for example, front and/or rear
windshields,
mirrors, windows, headlights, tail lights, radar, radome. It is fiu-ther
appreciated that the
cleaning and de-icing system of the present invention may also be used to
clean aa.id/or
de-ice any vehicle surface that transmits or receives energy, such as, but not
limited to,
visible light, infrared light, RF energy and UV energy.
It is appreciated that the terms "cleaning" and "de-icing" as used in the
context of the present patent application and in the claims are used
interchangeably to
refer to apparatus, systems and methods for removing ice, snow and/or any
other
foreign matter from vehicle interior or exterior surfaces requiring cleaning
and/or de-
icing.
It is furtlier appreciated that the term "standby mode", as used in context
of the present patent application and in the claims, refers to operation of a
vehicle liquid
heating system that includes functionality whereby a quantity of liquid in the
vessel may
be heated prior to an operator-generated or automatically-generated request
for heated
liquid discharge, such as spraying. Additionally, the term,"reservoir standby
mode", as
used in context of the present patent application and in the claims, refers to
a vehicle
liquid heating system including functionality whereby a quantity of liquid in
a liquid
reservoir of the vehicle may be heated prior to an operator-generated or
automatically-
generated request for heated liquid discharge.
It is appreciated that the term "controller", as used in context of the
present patent application and in the claims, may refer to a controller which
forms part '
of the vehicle liquid heating system of the present invention, or to a vehicle
computer or
17'
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computers or to any combination thereof. The controller may be in
communication with
a. vehicle computer. , or coniputers and one or more sensors, as described
further
hereinbelow.
It is appreciated that the term "primary temperature sensor" as used in the
context of the present patent application and in the claims, refers to at
least one
temperature sensor that provides information to a controller relating to at
least one
temperature for which an upper and/or lower threshold is established. The
"primary
temperature sensor" is thus operative to indicate at least one temperature for
which the
threshold has been established. The temperature sensor or sensors which
comprise the
"primary temperature sensor" may vary depending on the operating mode of the
system,
as described further hereinbelow, for example, in reference to Figs. 14 - 16.
The controller of the present invention is operative, in a plurality of
operating modes, to control the heating and/or discharge of liquid based on at
least one
threshold, which may be predetermined or set on a'real-time' basis. It is
appreciated
that the at least one threshold may be a function of information received from
one or
more sensors communicating with the controller, such as an interior or
exterior vehicle
mounted sensor, a sensor not located in or on the vehicle that is in wireless
communication with the controller, as described fi.irther hereinbelow.
It is appreciated that the terms "non heat conductive material". and "heat
conductive material" as used in the context of the present patent application
and in the
claims, refers to materials which are known in the art to be relatively poor
heat
conductors and relatively good heat conductors, respectively.
It is appreciated that the terms "non electrically conductive material" and
"electrically conductive material" as used in the context of the present
patent application
and in the claims, refers to materials which are known in the art to be
relatively poor
conductors of electricity and relatively good conductors of electricity,
respectively.
Reference is now made to Fig. tA, which is a simplified pictorial
illustration of a headlight cleaning and de-icing system constructed and
operative .in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in
Fig. 1A,
3o an otherwise conventional motor vehicle 100 is seen to incorporate a
headlight cleaning
and de-icing system 102.
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The headliglht cleaning and de-icing system 102 preferably includes a
liquid reservoir 106, which contains liquid, such as water or windshield
cleaning liquid.
Preferably, a pump 108 supplies the liquid to a liquid heating unit 110
through a liquid
inflow conduit 112. Liquid from liquid heating unit 110 is discharged via a
liquid
outflow conduit 116 and liquid -spray supply conduits 118 which supply liquid
to
sprayers 120 located adjacent to vehicle headlights 122. Preferably, wipers
126 are
located in front of headliglits 122 to wipe liquid and clean or de-ice vehicle
headlights
122.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each
of vehicle headlights 122 is equipped with a conventional dirt sensor 128. One
embodiment of such a conventional dirt sensor is described in U.S. Patent
4,224,551.
Liquid heating unit 110 is comlected via electric cables 130 to a vehicle
battery 132. A preferred embodiment of liquid heating unit 110, described
hereinbelow
with reference to Figs. 2 - 7, is preferably positioned within the vehicle,
with liquid
inflow conduit 112 entering from the bottom of liquid heating unit 110 and
liquid
outflow conduit 116 exiting from the top of liquid heating unit 110, along a
vertical axis
shown by arrow 134, generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the
vehicle's
wheel axles. It is appreciated, however, that the liquid heating unit 110 of
Figs. 2 - 7
may be installed in any direction within the vehicle.
Alternatively, liquid heating unit 110 may be any liquid heating device
suitable for use in a vehicle, including but not limited to those described in
applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Nos. 6,164,564; 6,615,438; 6,669,105;
6,892,417 and
7,108,754, applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/203,779;
10/700,141;
10/477,486 and 10/531,979 and applicants'/assignee's PCT Application Serial
No.
PCT/IL2005/00179, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
It is appreciated that even though the illustrated embodiment shows a
separate reservoir 106, headlight cleaning and de-icing system 102 may utilize
an
existing vehicle reservoir (not shown) to provide liquid to liquid heating
unit 110.
An actuator panel 140 is typically located on the vehicle dashboard and
includes an actuator (not shown) in communication with a headlight cleaning
and de-
icing system controller 150. The headlight cleaning and de-icing system
controller 150
is also preferably connected to an existing vehicle coinputer (not shown). The
actuator
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panel 140 preferably includes at least two operator actuator buttons, a first
actuator
button for actuating operation in an immediate spray mode and a second
actuator button
for actuating operation in a high temperature spray mode. Alternatively, these
two
fiinctionalities may be included in a single operator actuator button having
multiple
actuation functionalities.
In accordance witli a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
actuator panel 140 is in RF'communication, preferably wireless RF
coirunLmication,
with controller 150 and/or the vehicle computer. Alternatively, actuator panel
140 may
be in wired communication with controller 150 and/or the vehicle computer. In
anoth.er
alternative embodiment, actuator panel 140 may be obviated and a portable
actuator in
RF communication with controller 150 and/or the. veliicle computer may be
provided.
In the illustrated embodiment, actuator panel 140 includes three actuation
buttons 152, 154 and 156. Typically, actuation button 152 is assigned to a
standby mode
functionality, actuation button 154 is assigned to an automatic mode
functionality, such
as a high temperature spray mode functionality, and actuation button 156 is
assigned to
an off functionality.
Actuator 140 also preferably includes multiple LED indicators to provide
system status information to the operator of the vehicle. In the illustrated
embodiment a.
Standby Mode LED 160 and an Automatic Mode LED 162 are included.
It is appreciated that the system of the present invention may either be
installed as part of the window washing system in a new automobile, or it may
be
retrofitted into an existing washing system.
It is also appreciated that liquid heating unit 110 and pump 108 are
preferably in electrical conununication with the headlight cleaning and de-
icing system
controller 150 and/or with the vehicle computer. It is additionally
appreciated that the
headlight cleaning and de-icing system controller 150 is preferably in
electrical
communication with the vehicle computer. Alternatively, the functionality of
the
headliglit cleaning and de-icing system controller 150 may be included in the
vehicle
computer and a separate headlight cleaning and de-icing system controller 150
may be
obviated.
Dirt sensor 128 is preferably in communication with the headlight
cleaning and de-icing system controller .150 and/or the existing vehicle
computer. In
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accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, dirt sensor
128 is
operative to transmit a sensed dirt indication to the headlight cleaning and
de-icing
system controller 150 or to the vehicle computer. The headlight cleaning and
de-icing
system controller 150 or the veliicle computer is operative to ascertain if
the extent of
dirt sensed by dirt sensor 128 exceeds a first threshold and, if so to
transmit a first
control signal to pump 108, such as a coiitrol signal to provide a discharge
of liquid
after a predetermined interval. The headlight cleaning and de-icing system
controller
150 or the vehicle coinputer is also operative to ascertain if the extent of
dirt sensed by
dirt sensor 128 exceeds a second threshold and, if so to transmit a second
control signal
to pump 108, such as a control signal to provide an immediate discharge of
liquid.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
headliglit cleaning and de-icing system controller 150 and/or the vehicle
computer is
operative to provid'e a liquid discharge cycle based on inputs received from
the dirt
sensor and may additionally utilize one or more inputs. It is appreciated that
the liquid
discharge cycle may be initiated immediately or may be initiated after a
suitable period
during which liquid in the liquid heating unit is heated. It is also
appreciated that any or
all of the discharge modes described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 8 -
9B may be
employed in-association with the functionality described hereinabove and shown
in Fig.
lA.
It is appreciated that the headlight cleaning and de-icing system
controller 150 and/or the vehicle computer may also receive additional inputs,
such as a
temperature sensed by a temperature sensor (not shown) included in liquid
heating unit
110, or a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor (not shown) adjacent
headlights
122 or adjacent any other vellicle surface to be cleaned and/or de-iced.
Additional
parameters may be calculated by the headlight cleaning and de-icing system
controller
150 or the vehicle computer, such as a rate of change of the extent of dirt
sensed by div.-t
sensor 128, and/or a rate of change of the temperature sensed by one or more
temperature sensors.
Reference is now made to Fig. 1B, which is a simplified pictorial
illustration of a headlight cleaning and de-icing system constructed and
operative in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
embodiment of Fig. 1B is similar to the embodinient of Fig. 1A, except that in
the
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embodiment of Fig. 1B headlight cleaning and de-icing system 102 includes
multiple
liquid heating units 110, each supplying liquid to one or more sprayers 120
located
adjacent vehicle surfaces to be cleaned and/or de-iced, such as vehicle
headlights 122.
As seen in Fig. 1B, in this enlbodiment, headligllt cleaning and de-icing
system 102 preferably includes multiple pumps 108, each supplying liquid to
one or
more heating units 110 from reservoir 106 through multiple liquid inflow
conduits 112.
It is appreciated that, even though in the illustrated enlbodiment of Fig. 1B
a single
reservoir 106 is provided, multiple reservoirs 106 may also be provided.
Liquid from
liquid heating units 110 then, flows through multiple liquid spray supply
conduits 118
which supply liquid to sprayers 120 located adjacent to vehicle headlights
122.
Preferably, wipers 126 are located in front of headlights 122 to wipe liquid
and clean or
de-ice vehicle headlights 122.
As seen further in Fig. 1B, multiple dirt sensors 128 are preferably
operative to send individually recognizable signals to the headlight cleaning
and de-
icing system controller 150. It is appreciated that liquid heating units 110
and pumps
108 are preferably in electrical communication with the headlight cleaning and
de-icing
system controller 150 and/or the vehicle computer. It is also appreciated that
the
headlight cleaning and de-icing system controller 150 is preferably in
electrical
communication with the veliicle computer. Alternatively, the functionality of
the
headlight cleaning and de-icing system controller 150 may be included in the
vehicle
computer and the headlight cleaning and de-icing system controller may be
obviated.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
headlight cleaning and de-icing systein controller 150 and/or the vehicle
computer is
operative to provide a liquid discharge cycle based on inputs received from at
least one
of the dirt sensors 128 and may additionally utilize one or more inputs, as
described
hereinabove with reference to Fig. 1A. It is appreciated that the liquid
discharge cycle
may be initiated immediately or may be initiated after a suitable period
during which
liquid in the liquid heating unit is being heated. It is also appreciated that
any or all of
the discharge modes described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 8 - 9B may
also be
'30 employed together with the functionality described hereinabove and shown
in Fig. 1B.
It is appreciated that in the embodiment of Fig. IB, the headlight
cleaningand de-icing system controller 150 is preferably operative, in
response to an
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input signal received from a single dirt. sensor 128 to activate only the
specific liquid
heating unit 110 and/or pump 108 corresponding to the dirt sensor 128 that
generated
the input signal. Alternatively, multiple heating units 110 and/or multiple
pumps 108
may be activated in response to a heated discharge actuation generated by an
input
received fiom a single dirt sensor 128.
Reference is iiow made to Fig. 2, which is a simplified exploded view
pictorial illustration of a preferred liquid heating unit suitable for use
witli the headlight
cleaning and de-icing systein of the present invention, and to Figs. 3A, 3B,
4A, 4B, 5A
and 5B, which illustrate parts of the heating unit of Fig. 2. As seen in Fig.
2, liquid
heating unit 110 preferably includes a first thermal insulating cover assembly
200, an
electrical contact portion 204, a heating element 206, a liquid container 208
including a
heat transfer element, such as a heat transfer cover 210, and at least one
enclosing
element, such as a vessel 212, an insulating cover connection frame 216 and a
second
thermal insulating cover assembly 220.
First thermal insulating cover assembly 200 preferably includes an outer
portion 230 and an inner portion 232, both preferably formed of stainless
steel and
welded together around an outer edge 234 to seal the interior thereof from the
outside. A
volume 236, defined between outer portion 230 and inner portion 232, is
preferably
maintained under vacuum to enhance thermal insulation.
Electrical contact portion 204 preferably includes controller 150
comprising a printed circuit board 240 in electrical contact with wires 242
connected via
electric cables 130 (Fig. 1A) to vehicle battery 132 (Fig. 1).
Heating element 206 is preferably a resistance type heater, and preferably
is connected at a positive terminal 250 thereof to printed circuit board 240
via a wire
252. An outer surface 254 of heating element 206 is preferably formed of a
heat
conductive material.
The heat transfer element of liquid container 208, such as the heat"
transfer cover 210 of the illustrated embodiment, is preferably formed of
aluminum or
any other suitable heat conducting material. Heat transfer cover 210
preferably includes,
on an outer facing surface 256 thereof, a heating element holder 260 into
which heating
element 206 is placed, forming an electrical connection with a negative
terminal of
heating element 206. A plurality of spacers 264 is preferably formed on outer
facing
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surface 256. Printed circuit board 240 is preferably attached to spacers 264.
As seen particularly in Figs. 3B and 5B, an iiuier facing surface 266 of
heat transfer cover 210 is preferably formed with a portion 268,, including a
curved
cross section, including multiple protruding sections 270, each preferably
also formed
with a curved portion 272.
The at least one enclosing element of liquid container 208, such as vessel
212 of the illustrated embodiment, is preferably forined of rubber, molded
plastic or any
other suitable non-heat conductive material and preferably includes a first
heating
cliamber, such as primary heating chamber 280, and a second heating chamber,
such as
secondary heating chamber 282. Alternatively, the vessel 212 may be formed of
a heat
conductive material. In a preferred embodiinent of the present invention,
vessel 212
includes at least one flexible wall portion, preferably formed of rubber or
any other
suitable material, to avoid breakage of vessel 212 due to expansion and
contraction
caused by freezing of liquid within. In another alternative embodiment, liquid
container
208 may be integrally formed of any suitable heat conductive material.
It is appreciated that, although in the illustrated embodiment the heat
transfer cover 210 defines a single external wall of liquid container 208, the
heat
transfer element of the present invention may be any suitably configured
element,
defining at least a portion of at least one external wall of liquid container
208 and being
in direct thermal contact with first and second heating chambers located
therein and
with the heating elenlent 206. For example, in an alternative embodiment,
vessel 212
may be formed of a heat conductive material, cover 210 may be formed of a non-
heat
conductive material and heating element 206 may be located adjacent an
external
surface of vessel 212.
A wall 284, separating primary heating chamber 280 and secondary
heating chamber 282, preferably is formed with notches 288 at ends thereof to
allow for
fluid communication between primary heating chamber 280 and secondary heating
chamber 282. Secondary heating chamber 282 is preferably formed with a liquid
inflow
connector aperture 290 in fluid communication with reservoir 106 through
liquid inflow
conduit 112. Primary heating chamber 280 is preferably formed with a liquid
outflow
connector aperture 292 in fluid communication with sprayers 120 through liquid
outflow conduit 116 and liquid spray supply conduits 118.
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In the embodiment of Fig. 1B, liquid outflow connector aperture 292 is
preferably in fluid communication with sprayers 120 via liquid spray supply
conduits
118. Liquid inflow comlector aperture 290 and liquid outflow connector
aperture 292
are preferably threaded for insertion of a connector thereinto.
Primary heating chamber 280 is preferably formed as a single cavity 294
to accommodate multiple protruding sections 270 of heat transfer cover 210. As
seen in
Fig. 3B, cavity 294 is preferably rounded at an end 296 opposite heat transfer
cover
210. As described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 6, secondary heating
chamber 282
preferably includes inultiple wall portions 298 of varying lengths to
facilitate liquid
flow through secondary heating chamber 282. Multiple wall portions 298 are
preferably
located in a direction generally parallel to wall 284.
Heat transfer cover 210 is preferably connected to vessel 212 using
screws (not shown) to provide a liquid tight seal.
Insulating cover connection frame 216 is preferably formed of rubber,
molded plastic or any other suitable non heat conductive material, and is
operative to
seal together first thermal insulating cover assembly 200 and second thermal
insulating
cover assembly 220. Frame 216 also includes a wire insertion aperture 300, a
liquid
inflow aperture 302 and a liquid outflow aperture 304.
Second thermal insulating cover assembly 220 preferably includes an
outer portion 330 and a inner portion 332, preferably formed of stainless
steel, welded
together around an outer edge 334 and sealed to enable a vacuum= to be
maintained in a
volume 336 therebetween.
As seen particularly in Fig. 3B, liquid heating unit 110 also includes
liquid inlet connector 340 and liquid outlet connector 342 which are connected
to liquid
inflow conduit 112 (Fig. 1A) and liquid outflow conduit 116 (Fig. 1A),
respectively. In
the embodiment of Fig. 1B, liquid outlet connector 342 is comlected to .liquid
spray
supply conduit 118.
Liquid heating unit 110 also preferably includes a first temperature
sensor 350 in contact with heat transfer cover 210 and a second temperature
sensor 352
in contact with the liquid in secondary heating chamber 282. First temperature
sensor
350 alternatively may be in contact with the liquid in primary heating chamber
280.
First temperature sensor- 350 and second temperature sensor 352 are preferably
in
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electrical connection with controller 150.
Controller 150 is preferably operative to provide functionality as
described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 8 - 9B and Figs. 14 - 15.
As seen particularly in Fig. 3B, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, liquid heating unit 110 also preferably
includes a
theimal fuse 360 operative to discomiect electric power from heating element
206 in
response to overheating of the liquid heating unit 110, typically caused by
laclc of liquid
in liquid container 208. Thermal fuse 360 is connected to heat transfer cover
210,
preferably by a screw end 362 formed in a first conductive portion 364
tliereof,
preferably formed of copper or other suitable heat conductive and electrically
conductive material. Thermal fuse 360 also includes a non electrically
conductive
portion 366, preferably formed of a non electrically conductive material,
typically
plastic, such as ULTEMOO 1000, manufactured by General Electric Company,
Fairfield,
CT 06828, USA, and a second conductive portion 368, preferably formed of a
heat
conductive and electrically conductive material, such as solder or other
suitable
material. Non electrically conductive portion 366 and second conductive
portion 368 are
configured to position an end 370 of an electrical wire 372. An opposite end
374 of
electrical wire 372 is connected to printed circuit board 240.
Thermal fuse 360 is operative to provide overlleating protection, w11en in
contact with any heated surface, such as heat transfer cover 210, at a
predetermined
temperature. The predetermined temperature is a function of the melting
temperature of
second conductive portion 368. In the event of overheating, non electrically
conductive
portion 366 expands and causes melted second conductive portion 368 to be
displaced
out of electrical contact with conductive portion 364, thereby disconnecting
wire 372
from first conductive portion 364.
It is appreciated that preferably the expansion of non electrically
conductive portion 366 does not provide ample force to displace second
conductive
portion 368 until second conductive portion 368 has begun to melt. Preferably
thermal
fuse 360 is operative as described hereinabove irrespective of the orientation
of thermal
fuse 360 relative to gravity. It is appreciated that after second conductive
portion 368
has been displaced, non electrically conductive portion 366 prevents end 370
of wire
372 from making electrical contact with first conductive portion 364,
irrespective of the
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orientation of tb.ermal fiise 360.
It is appreciated that therinal fuse 360 may be utilized to provide
overheating protection in conjunction witli any heated surface. Additionally,
thermal
fuse 360 may be utilized in any heated volume, such as a volume of lieated
gas, to
provide electrical disconnect in the event of overheating.
A preferred metliod for the assembly of liquid heating unit 110 is now
described.
First thermal insulating cover assembly 200 is preferably formed by
welding outer portion 230 and inner portion 232 around outer edge 234,
evacuation of
the volume tllerebetween aud sealing thereof, as described hereinabove. Second
thermal
insulating cover assembly 220 is preferably formed by welding outer portion
330 and
inner portion 332 around outer edge 334, evacuation of the volume
tllerebetween and
sealing thereof, as described hereinabove.
Liquid container 208 is formed by attaching heat transfer cover 210 to
vessel 212 using screws (not shown) and screw holes provided. Printed circuit
board
240 is preferably attached to spacers 264 on heat transfer cover 210. Heating
element
206 is preferably inserted into heating element holder 260 and is preferably
connected
to printed circuit board 240 via wire 252.
Second thermal insulating cover assembly 220 is partially filled with a
layer of insulating material 400, preferably plastic foam, and then sealed to
insulating
cover connection frame 216. Liquid container 208, including vessel 212 and
heat
transfer cover 210, with heating element 206 and electrical contact portion
204 attached
thereto, is then inserted into insulating cover connection frame 216 with
wires 242
inserted through wire insertion aperture 300. Liquid inlet connector 340 is
then
25- preferably inserted through liquid inflow aperture 302 and is sealingly
connected to
liquid inflow connector aperture 290. Liquid outlet connector 342 is then
preferably
inserted through liquid outflow aperture 304 and is sealingly connected to
liquid
outflow connector aperture 292. An additional layer of insulating material
404,
preferably plastic foam, is then inserted above liquid container 208, and
first thermal
insulating cover assembly 200 is then sealed to insulating cover connection
frame 216.
It is appreciated that, although in the illustrated embodiment of Figs. lA -
5B heating element 206 is located external to liquid container 208, in an
alternative
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WO 2007/046106 PCT/IL2006/001209
embodiment (not shown) a heating eleinen.t may be located internally to a
liquid
contaiiier, such as liquid container 208 or any other suitable liquid
container.
It is appreciated that the first and/or second insulating covers and/or the
insulating material described hereinabove can be used wit11 any suitable
liquid heating
unit, including but not limited to those described in applicants'/assignee's
U.S. Patent
Nos. 6,164,564; 6,615,438; 6,669,105; 6,892,417 and 7,108,754,
applicants'/assignee's
U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/203,779; 10/700,141; 10/477,486 and 10/531,979
and
applicants'/assignee's PCT Application Serial No. PCT/IL2005/00179, the
disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
It is also appreciated that, although in the illustrated embodiment of Figs.
1A - 5B first thermal insulating cover assembly 200 and second thermal
insulating
cover assembly 220, togetlier with the insulating cover connection frame 216,
enclose
the entire liquid container 208, either first thermal insulating cover
asseinbly 200 or
second thermal insulating cover asseinbly 220 or both may be obviated and a
suitable
thermal insulating cover, preferably including a volume maintained under
vacuum,
covering only a portion of liquid container 208, such as, for exanlple, an
insulating
cover covering the area of heating element 206, may be provided.
Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a simplified pictorial
illustration of the vessel of the heating unit of Figs. lA - 5B illustrating
the liquid flow
therethrough. As seen in Fig. 6, liquid enters vessel 212 through liquid
inflow connector
aperture 290, as shown by arrow 450, and enters secondary heating chamber 282.
Liquid flows between multiple wall portions 298 through notches 288 in wall
284, as
shown by arrows 452, and into primary heating chamber 280. Liquid then flows
through
primary heating chamber 280, as shown by arrows 456, and through liquid
outflow
connector aperture 292, as shown by arrow 458. It is appreciated that the
liquid flows
described above are driven by operation of pump 108.
It is appreciated that, as seen in Figs. 2 - 6, heating element 206 is located
outside of liquid container 208 and therefore is not in contact with the
liquid contained
therein.
Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a simplified diagram of the
circulating liquid flows within the primary heating chamber 280 of the heating
unit of
Figs. 1A - 6. As seen in Fig. 7, liquid primarily flows in cavity 294 in an
outer circular
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flow indicated by arrows 500 and inner circular flows indicated by arrows 502
and 504.
The outer circular flow indicated by arrows 500 and the inner circular flows
indicated
by arrows 502 and 504 are primarily driven by the teniperature differential
between the
liquid contained within cavity 294 and the portions of heat transfer cover 210
in contact
with the liquid contained within cavity 294. It is appreciated that the flows
indicated by
arrows 500, 502 and 504 are a function of the curvature of portion 268, curved
portion
272 and end'296.
In tests and simulations performed by the Applicants, the Applicants
found that as the temperature differential between the liquid in cavity 294
and portions
of heat transfer cover 210 in coiitact with the liquid approaches
approximately 15 C, the
liquid circulates primarily in a singular outer circular flow indicated by
arrows 500
throughout cavity 294. As the temperature differential between the liquid in
cavity 294
and portions of heat transfer cover 210 in contact with the liquid approaches
approximately 25 C, the inner liquid flow changes to form inner circular flows
indicated by arrows 502 and 504.
It is appreciated that the flows indicated by arrows 500, 502 and 504
described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 7 provide enhanced uniformity in
heating
of the liquid within cavity 294 and enhanced heat transfer from heat transfer
cover 210
to liquid contained within cavity 294. It is further appreciated that the
flows indicated
by arrows 500, 502 and 504 described above in reference to Fig. 7 are present
when the
liquid lleating unit is placed in a vehicle in the preferred orientation along
axis 134 as
shown in Fig. lA.
It is appreciated that the liquid flows indicated by arrows 500, 502 and
504 described above with reference to Fig. 7 occur in the vessel 212 even when
pump
108 is not activated and the temperature of the liquid in vessel 212 is less
than the
temperature of heat transfer cover 210.
Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a simplified flow chart of a
preferred mode of operation of the system of Figs. 1A - 7, including an
immediate spray
mode, a high temperature spray mode and a standby mode, and to Figs. 9A and
9B,
which are simplified flow charts of an immediate spray mode and a high
temperature
spray mode, respectively.
As seen in Fig. 8, controller 150 is operative to periodically check if the
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vehicle ignition has been turned on, typically every 50 msec. Once controller
150.
detects that the vehicle ignition is turned on, it then periodically,
typically every 50
msec., checlcs if the engine voltage is greater than a ininimum voltage, MINv,
typically
12v. Controller 150 may also be operative to ensure that other vehicle
paran7eters are
within predetermined ranges.
When the controller 150 detects that the ignition is on and that the
minimum voltage threshold has been met, controller 150 is preferably operative
to
control the operation of heating element 206 in accordance with a standby mode
based
on predetermined standby tlireshold temperatures, as described further
hereinbelow. As
seen in Fig. 8, the standby mode preferably provides a recurring cycle of
operations
until the vehicle ignition is turned off.
Alternatively, controller 150 may be operative in a standby mode only
upon receiving a standby actuation signal from a vehicle operator and until an
off signal
is received from a vehicle operator. It is appreciated, in this embodiment,
that upon
receiving the standby actuation signal fiom the vehicle operator, controller
150 is
operative to ensure that the ignition is on and that the minimum voltage
threshold has
been met before operating in the heating element standby mode. Controller 150
may
also be operative to - ensure that other vehicle parameters are within
predetermined
ranges before operating in the standby mode.
In accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 8, controller 150 is operative,
when operating in standby mode, to check if operation in an immediate spray
mode has
been actuated, such as by operator actuation or in response to a signal
received from dirt
sensor 128 or any other sensor.
If immediate spray mode has been actuated, controller 150 is operative to
actuate pump 108 in accordance with an ininlediate spray mode, such as the
immediate
spray mode described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 9A or any other
suitable
immediate spray mode. If immediate spray mode has not been actuated,
controller 150
is operative to check if high temperature spray mode has been actuated, such
as by
operator actuation or in response to a signal received from dirt sensor 128 or
any other
sensor.
If high temperature spray mode has been actuated, controller 150 is
operative to control the actuation of heating element 206 and pump 108 in
accordance
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with a high teinperature spray mode, such as the high temperature spray mode
described
hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 9B or any other suitable higli temperature
spray
mode. If high temperature spray mode has not been actuated, the controller 150
is
operative to check if the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 is less
than a
minimum temperature for standby mode, MINs, typically 50 C. If the temperature
sensed by temperature sensor 350 is less than MINs, the controller 150 is
operative to
turn on heating element 206. The controller 150 is then operative to checlc if
the
temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 is greater than a maximum
temperature
for standby mode, MAXs, typically 57 C. If the temperature sensed by
tenlperature
sensor 350 exceeds MAXs, the controller 150 is operative to turn off heating
element
206.
As seen in the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 9A, when an immediate
spray mode is actuated, the controller 150 is operative to actuate pump 108 to
provide a
first spray, for a first spray duration TIsI, typically a short duration such
as 0.3-0.4
seconds. It is appreciated that the controller 150 will actuate pump 108 to
provide the
first spray regardless of the temperature of the liquid in liquid container
208. In the
immediate mode of the illustrated embodiment, the first spray is followed by a
waiting
period of duration TIW, preferably about 7 seconds, and a second spray, for a
second
spray duration TIS2, typically of a longer duration than the first spray,
preferably about 1
second.
It is appreciated that the immediate spray mode seen in the illustrated
embodiment of Fig. 9A is for illustrative purposes -only and that controller
150 may be
operative to actuate pump 108 to provide any other suitable immediate spray
mode.
The system is operative to provide the first spray and the second spray of
the immediate spray mode by activating punlp 108 to provide liquid through
liquid
inflow conduit 112 into secondary heating chamber 282 which causes liquid to
flow
from secondary heating chamber 282 into priinary heating chamber 280 and from
primary heating chamber 280 to sprayers 120 through liquid outflow conduit 116
and/or
liquid spray supply conduits 118, as described hereinabove with reference to
Fig. 6.
Referring now to Fig. 9B, when a high temperature spray mode is
actuated, the controller 150 is operative to turn heating element 206 on and
to check if
the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 is greater than a minimum
threshold
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for high temperature spray, MINH, typically 65 C.
If MINH has not been exceeded, the controller 150 is operative to checlc
if an immediate spray mode has been actuated, such as by operator actuation or
in
response to a signal received from dirt sensor 128 or any other sensor. If an
immediate
spray mode has been actuated, the controller 150 is operative to actuate pump
108 in
accordance with an immediate spray mode, such as the immediate spray mode
described
llereinabove with reference to Fig. 9A or ary other suitable inunediate spray
mode. If an
immediate spray mode has not been actuated, the controller 150 is operative to
return
ald again checlc if the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 is
greater than
MINH.
In the illustrated high temperature spray mode embodiment of Fig. 9B,
wlien the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 exceeds MINH, the
controller
150 is operative to actuate pump 108 to provide a first spray. The first spray
is
preferably a short spray, provided for a first spray time period, THSI,
preferably 0.3-0.4
seconds. During the first spray, the controller 150 is operative, typically
every 50 msec,
to check if an immediate spray mode has been actuated, such as by operator
actuation or
in response to a signal received from dirt sensor 128 or any other sensor. If
an
immediate spray mode has been actuated, the controller 150 is operative to
actuate
pump in accordance with an inunediate spray mode, such as the immediate spray
mode
described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 9A or any other suitable
immediate spray
mode. As long as immediate spray mode has not been actuated, the controller
150 is
operative to actuate pump 108 to continue with the first spray of the high
temperature
mode, until TI-Isl has been completed.
In the illustrated high temperature spray mode embodiment of Fig. 9B,
upon the completion of the first spray, the controller 150 is operative to
check if the
temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 is greater than a maximum
teinperature
for high temperature spraying, MAXH, typically 68 C. If the temperature sensed
by
temperature sensor 350 exceeds MAXH, the controller 150 is operative to turn
off
heating element 206. The controller 150 is operative to check if the
temperature sensed
by temperature sensor 350 is less than MINH. If the temperature sensed by
temperature
sensor 350 is less than MINH, the controller 150 is operative to turn on
heating element
206.
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In the illustrated high temperature spray mode embodiment of Fig. 9B,
the controller 150 is operative to check if an immediate spray mode has been
actuated,
such as by operator actuation or in response to a signal received from dirt
sensor 128 or
any other sensor. If an iminediate spray mode has been actuated, the
controller 150 is
operative to actuate pump 108 in accordance with an immediate spray mode, such
as the
irnmediate spray mode described hereinabove witll reference to Fig. 9A or any
otlier
suitable iinmediate spray mode.
If an inunediate spray mode has not been actuated, the controller 150 is
operative to begin a waiting period of duration THW, preferably about 7
seconds. During
the waiting period, the controller 150 is operative periodically, typically
every 50 msec,
to check if the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 350 exceeds MAXH or
is less
than MINH or if an immediate spray mode has been actuated, such as by operator
actuation or in response to a signal received from dirt sensor 128 or any
otlier sensor,
and to perform the appropriate functions as described above.
In tlie illustrated high temperature spray mode embodiment of Fig. 9B, at
the conclusion of waiting period THW, the controller 150. is operative to
provide a
second spray. The second spray is preferably of a longer duration than the
first spray,
and is provided for a second spray time period, THS2, preferably about 1
second. During
the second spray, the controller 150 is operative, typically every 50 msec.,
to checlc if an
iminediate spray mode has been actuated, such as by operator actuation or in
response
to a signal received from dirt sensor 128 or any other serisor. If an
immediate spray
mode has been actuated, the controller 150 is operative to actuate pump 108
iri
accordance with an immediate spray mode, such as the immediate spray mode
described
hereinabove with reference to Fig. 9A or any other suitable immediate spray
mode. As
long as an immediate spray mode has not been actuated, the controller 150 is
operative
to actuate pump 108 to continue with the second spray of the high temperature
mode,
until THS2 has been completed.
Upon completion of the second spray, the controller 150 is then operative
to turn heating element 206 off.
It is appreciated, as described hereinabove, that the high temperature
spray mode may be interrupted at any time by controller 150 upon receiving an
immediate spray mode actuation, such as by operator actuation, or in response
to a
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signal received from dirt sensor 128 or any other sensor, and that controller
150
preferably does not return to the interrupted high temperature spray mode upon
the
completion of the iimlZediate spray mode. It is also appreciated that
wlienever an
immediate spray mode is actuated during the high temperature spray mode, upon
completion of the immediate spray mode, controller 150 is operative to turn
off heating
element 206.
The system is operative to provide the first spray and the second spray of
the high temperature spray mode by activating punip 108 to provide liquid
through
liquid inflow conduit 112 into secondary heating chamber 282 which causes
liquid to
flow from secondary heating chamber 282 into primary heating chamber 280 and
from
primary heating chamber. 280 to sprayers 120 through liquid outflow conduit
116 and/or
liquid spray supply conduits 118, as described hereinabove with reference to
Fig. 6.
It is appreciated that the high temperature spray mode seen in the
illustrated embodiment of Fig. 9B is for illustrative purposes only and that
controller
150 may alternatively provide any other suitable high temperature spray mode.
It is appreciated that controller 150 and/or the vehicle computer may be
operative to control heating element 206 and pump 108 in accordance with a
high
temperature spray mode in the event that dirt sensed by dirt sensor 128
exceeds a first
threshold, and may be operative to control heating element 206 and pump 108 in
accordance with an inunediate spray mode in the event that dirt sensed exceeds
a second
threshold. It is further a.ppreciated that, in the embodiment of the present
invention
shown in Fig. 1B, including multiple liquid heating units 110 connected to
multiple
pumps 108 and multiple dirt sensors 128, multiple dirt sensors 128 are
preferably
operative to'send individual sensed dirt indications to controller 150, which
is operative
to actuate only the specific liquid heating unit 110 and/or pump 108
corresponding to
the specific dirt sensor 128 where the sensed dirt indication exceeded the
threshold.
Alternatively, the controller 150 may be operative to activate niultiple
heating units 110
and/or multiple pumps 108 in response to a sensed dirt indication received
from a single
dirt sensor 128.
It is appreciated that liquid heating unit 110 is configured to retain the
heat within liquid container 208 and specifically within the liquid contained
therein. As
described hereinabove, insulating -materia1400 and insulating material 404
encase liquid
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container 208, including electrical contact portion 204 and heating element
206, within
a first enclosure, and first thermal insulating cover assexnbly 200, second
thermal
insulating cover assembly 220 and insulating cover connection fraine 216
encase liquid
container 208 within a second enclosure, which preferably includes volumes 236
and
336 maintained under vacuum. The ability of the liquid heating uiiit 110 of
the present
invention to retain heat preferably provides the user witlz the availability
of heated
liquid without a long initial waiting period. It is appreciated that the heat
retention
capability of the present invention preferably allows for the provision of
heated liquid
even after an elapsed time during which the unit was turned off. Applicants
have found
that the liquid heating unit of the present invention provides heated liquid
even after the
system is turned off for a period of 2-5 hours.
It is appreciated that first spray times Tisl and THsI, for immediate spray
mode and high teniperature spray mode, respectively, may be of the same or of
different
durations. Also, second spray times TIS2 and THS2, for immediate spray mode
and high
teniperature spray mode, respectively, may be of the same or of different
durations. It is
further appreciated that waiting times TIW and THW, for immediate spray mode
and high
temperature spray mode, respectively, may be of the same or of different
durations.
It is appreciated that minimum temperature MINH and MINs, for high
temperature spray mode and standby mode, respectively, may be the same or
different
thain respective maximuin temperatures MAXH and MAXs, for high temperature
spray
mode and standby mode, respectively.
It is appreciated that the immediate spray mode and high temperature
spray rriode described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 9A aiid 9B are for
illustration
only and controller 150 may be operative to actuate pump 108 and heating
element 206
in accordance with any suitable immediate or high temperature spray in
response to
immediate spray mode and high temperature spray mode actuations. It is also
appreciated that controller 150 may be operative to provide a first immediate
spray
mode in response to user actuation and a second immediate spray mode in
response to a
system generated immediate spray mode actuation. Additionally, controller 150
may be
operative to provide a first high temperature spray mode in response to user
actuation
and a second high temperature spray mode in response to a system generated
high
temperature spray mode actuation.
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Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a simplified scliematic
illustration of a liquid collection and reuse system for use in a veliicle in
accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig. 10, a
liquid
collection a.nd reuse system 600 for use in a vehicle includes a liquid
collection and
filtration subsystem 610, a collection reservoir and punzping subsystem 620
and a
vehicle liquid heating system 630 supplying liquid to vehicle sprayers 640.
Liquid collection and filtration subsystem 610 is operative to collect
water and other liquids and to provide filtered collected liquid to collection
reservoir
and pumping subsystein 620. Liquid may be collected from drainage from a
vehicle air
conditioning unit 650 and/or an engine within a vehicle and/or one or more
liquid
collectors 652 associated with a vehicle. Liquid collectors 652 may be located
inside the
vehicle or exterior to the vehicle. Liquid collectors 652 are preferably
operative to
collect rainwater and other liquids. Collected liquid is preferably supplied,
via a valve
654, to at least one filter 656. Filtered collected liquid is preferably
collected in a
collection reservoir 660.
Valve 654 is a two-position valve, which in a filter open position allows
collected liquid to pass through to at least one filter 656 and in a filter
closed position
directs collected liquid to a drain 662. It is appreciated that valve 654 may
be opened or
closed manually by a vehicle operator or by an automatic signal from a systenl
controller and/or by a user actuation signal. It is appreciated that valve 654
provides, in
the filter closed position, for direct, pre-filtration, drainage of liquids
that may not be
suitable for the liquid collection and reuse system 600, such as when the
vehicle passes
through a car wash. It is appreciated that the system controller may receive a
signal
from an external source, such as from a car wash controller, to open and/or
close valve
654.
The at least one filter 656 may include one or more conventional filters
that, generally allow liquids to pass therethrough and generally prevent
solids from
passing therethrough. It is appreciated that one or more filters 656 with
different
filtration properties may be included. Filters 656 may include any suitable
disposable
filters and/or reusable filters.
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 620 preferably includes at
least one collection reser'voir = 660, a pump 670 driven by motor 674 and a
one-way
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valve 678, Collection reservoir 660 preferably includes an overflow drain 680,
a liquid
input aperture 682, preferably including a removable cover (not shown), a
liquid level
sensor 684 and a temperature sensor 688. One-way valve 678 allows liquid to
flow from
collection reservoir 660 to vehicle liquid heating system 630 and prevents
liquid
baclcflow from vehicle liquid heating system 630 into collection reservoir
660. Liquid
input aperture 682 is provided to allow a user to add any suitable liquid to
collection
reservoir 660.
Vehicle liquid heating system 630 includes a reservoir 690 and a liquid
heating system 694. Reservoir 690 may be a liquid reservoir associated with a
vehicle
liquid heating system, sucli as reservoir 106 of Figs. 1A and 1B, or may be an
existing
vehicle reservoir or any other reservoir placed in a vehicle. Reservoir 690
also
preferably includes an overflow drain 696 aiid a liquid level sengor 698.
Liquid lieating
system 694 may be any vehicle liquid heating system, such as system 102 of
Figs. 1A
and 1B, or any other conventional vehicle liquid heating system.
As seen on Fig. 10, valve 654, liquid level sensor 684, temperature
sensor 688, motor 674 and liquid level sensor 698 are preferably in electrical
communication with a liquid flow controller 700 via respective electrical
connections
702, 704, 706, 708 'and 710. Liquid flow controller 700 is preferably
connected to a
vehicle computer (not shown). Alternatively, the functionality of liquid flow
controller
700 is included in the vehicle computer (not shown).
Liquid flow controller 700 is connected to a vehicle battery 720 via
electrical cables 724. Liquid heating system 694 is also connected to battery
720 via
cables 728. Additionally, liquid flow controller 700 may utilize an output
signal from a
conventional rain sensor (not shown) to actuate valve 654.
Alternatively, valve 654, liquid level sensor 684, temperatu're sensor 688,
motor 674 and liquid level sensor 698 may be connected to any combination of
device
computers, such as liquid heating system 694 computer (not shown) or other
vehicle
located computers (not shown), preferably connected to the vehicle computer
(not
shown).
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 620 is operative upon
receiving a liquid request signal from liquid flow controller 700 or other
device,
preferably in response to a low liquid level signal generated by liquid level
sensor 698,
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to actuate motor 674 and punlp 670 to provide liquid from collection reservoir
660, via
one-way valve 678, to reservoir 690. Collection reservoir and puinping
subsystein 620
is preferably operative to checlc that liquid level in collection reservoir
660, as sensed by
liquid level sensor 684, is appropriate to supply liquid to reservoir 690.
Collection
reservoir and pumping subsystem 620 is also preferably operative to check that
the
temperature in collection reservoir 660, as sensed by temperature sensor 688,
is higher
than a threshold temperature, typically 5 C, to ensure that liquid in
collection reservoir
660 is not frozen.
It is appreciated that, although in the illustrated embodiment collection
reservoir and pumping subsystem 620 supplies liquid to vehicle liquid heating
system
630, collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 620 may be operative to
provide a
supply of liquid for any suitable vehicle use, such as to supply liquid to the
vehicle
engine cooling system or to supply liquid for a vehicle operator to wash his
hands with.
Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a simplified schematic
illustration of a liquid collection and reuse systein for use in a vehicle in
accordance
witll another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Fig.
11, a liquid
collection and reuse system 800 for use in a vehicle includes a liquid
collection and
filtration subsystem 810, a collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 and
a
vehicle liquid heating system 830 supplying liquid to vehicle sprayers 840.
Liquid collection and filtration subsystem 810 is preferably identical to
liquid collection and filtration subsystem 610 of Fig. 10 and vehicle liquid
heating
system 830 is preferably identical to vehicle liquid heating system 630 of
Fig. 10.
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 is similar to collection
reservoir and pumping subsystem 620 and includes a collection reservoir 860,
at least
one additional reservoir 864, (two additional reservoirs 864 are shown in the
illustrated
embodiment) multiple pumps 870, preferably volumetric pumps, driven by motor
874
- and multiple one-way valves 876 azld 877. Additional reservoirs 864 each'
preferably
include a liquid level sensor 878 and a liquid input aperture 882, preferably
including a
removable cover (not shown). Additional reservoirs 864 may also include a
temperature
sensor (not shown).
Collection reservoir 860 is preferably identical to collection reservoir 660
and preferably includes, overflow drain 680, liquid input aperture~ 682,
liquid level
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sensor 684 and temperature sensor 688. One-way valves 876 and 877 allow liquid
to
flow from collection reservoir 860 and additional reservoirs 864 to vehicle
liquid
heating system 830 and prevent liquid baclcflow from vehicle liquid heating
system 830
into collection reservoir 860 and additional reservoirs 864. Additionally, one-
way
valves 877 prevent liquid from collection reservoir 860 from flowing into
additional
reservoirs 864. Liquid input apertures 882 are provided to allow a user to add
any
suitable liquid to additional reservoirs 864.
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 also preferably includes
at least one two-position valve 890 (two additional two-position valves 890
are shown
in the illustrated embodiment), each associated with one of the at least one
additional
reservoirs 864. Valves 890 are operative in a first position to allow liquid
from
additional reservoirs 864 to flow, via pump 870, to vehicle liquid heating
subsystem 830
and in a second position to return liquid to the additional reservoir 864 from
wliere the
liquid was pumped. It is appreciated that valves 890 may be operated in
response to an
automatic signal from a system controller or a user actuation signal.
As seen on Fig. 11, valve 654, liquid level sensors 878 and 684,
temperature sensor 688, motor 874, liquid level sensor 698 and two-position
valves 890
are preferably in electrical communication with a liquid flow controller 900
via
respective electrical connections 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 and 914. Liquid
flow
controller 900 is preferably connected to a vehicle computer (not shown).
Alternatively,
the functionality of liquid flow controller 900 is included in the vehicle
computer (not
shown).
Liquid flow controller 900 is connected to a vehicle battery 920 via
electrical cables 924. Liquid heating system 694 is also connected to battery
920 via
cables 928. Preferably, liquid flow controller 900 is also connected to at
least one
temperature sensor 930 located inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle to
measure
ambient temperature. Additionally, liquid flow controller 900 may utilize an
output
signal from a conventional rain sensor (not shown) to actuate valve 654.
Alternatively, valve 654, liquid level sensors 878 and 684, temperature
sensor 688, motor 874, liquid level sensor 698 and two-position valves 890 may
be
connected to any combination of device computers, such as liquid heating
system 694
computer (not shown) or other vehicle located computers (not shown),
preferably
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connected to the vehicle coniputer (not shown).
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 is operative, upon
receiving a liquid request signal from liquid flow controller 900 or other
device,
preferably in response. to a low liquid level signal generated by liquid level
sensor 698,
to actuate motor 874 and pumps 870 to provide liquid from collection reservoir
860
and/or from one or more additional reservoirs 864, via two-way,valves 890 and
one-
way valves 876 and 877, to reservoir 690.
A preferred embodiment of the operation of the collection reservoir and
pumping systein of Fig. 11 is now described. Collection reservoir and pumping
subsystem 820 is preferably operative to clzeclc that the liquid level in
collection
reservoir 860, as = sensed by liquid level sensor 684, is appropriate to
supply liquid.
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 is also preferably operative to
check
that the temperature in collection reservoir 860, as sensed by temperature
sensor 688, is
higher than a threshold temperature, typically 5 C, to ensure that the liquid
in collection
reservoir 860 is not frozen.
Additionally, collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 is
preferably operative to checlc that liquid level in one or more additional
reservoirs 864,
as sensed by liquid level sensors 878, is appropriate to supply liquid.
Collection
reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 is also preferably operative to check that
the
temperature in one or more additional reservoir 864, as sensed by temperature
sensors
therein (not shown), is higher than a threshold temperature, typically 5 C, to
ensure that
liquid in additional reservoirs 864 is not frozen.
Collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 is then preferably
operative to actuate motor 874 to operate one or more of pumps 870 to pump
liquid
from at least one of collection reservoir 860 and additional reservoirs 864,
via one-way
valves 876 and 877 to reservoir 690. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, motor 874 is operative to operate all of pumps 870, and collection
reservoir
and pumping subsystem 820 controls flow to reservoir 690 through the
positioning of
two-way valves 890. Alternatively, motor 874 may be operative to operate only
a subset
of pumps. 870 to provide liquid to reservoir 690 and two-way valves 890 may be
obviated. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, each of
pumps
870 may be connected to a respective motor.
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It is appreciated that the provision of two-way valves 890 allows a
mixture of liquids from collection reservoir 860 and additional reservoirs 864
to be
provided to reservoir 690. It is appreciated that collection reservoir 860 and
additional
reservoirs 864 may contain different liquids or the same liquid.
Liquid flow controller 900 is preferably operative to control collection
reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 to provide the appropriate mixing of
liquids from
collection reservoir 860 and additional reservoirs 864.
An example of the fiuictionality provided by system of Fig. 11 is now
provided. Collection reservoir 860 is preferably filled with water, while
additional
reservoirs 864 preferably contain liquid anti-freeze. Based on the temperature
sensed by
sensor 930, liquid flow controller 900 is operative to provide an optimal mix
of water
and anti-freeze to reservoir 690 by operating pumps 870 and two-way valves 890
as
appropriate.
It is appreciated that, although in the illustrated embodiment collection
reservoir and puinping subsystem 820 supplies liquid to vehicle liquid heating
system
830, collection reservoir and pumping subsystem 820 may be operative to
provide a
supply of liquid for any suitable vehicle use, such as to supply liquid to the
vehicle
engine cooling system or to supply liquid for a vehicle operator to wash his
hands with.-
Reference is now made to Fig. 12, which is a siinplified pictorial
illustration of a vehicle windshield cleaning and de-icing system, constructed
and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention,
installed in a motor vehicle.
As seen in Fig. 12, an otherwise conventional motor vehicle 1100 is seen
to incorporate a windshield cleaning and de-icing system 1120 for cleaning
and/or de-
icing a vehicle windshield 1124. The windshield cleaning and de-icing system
1120
preferably includes a vessel 1128, for heating liquid received from a
reservoir 1130,
which provides heated liquid, such as water or windshield cleaning liquid, to
spray
heads 1132 for spraying onto windshield 1124. Vessel 1128 has an inlet 1134,
which
receives liquid from reservoir 1130, and an outlet 1136 through which heated
liquid is
discharged to spray heads 1132. The liquid is driven by a pump 1140, which is
generally already preserit in automobile 1100 for spraying unheated liquid to
clean
windshield 1124.
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A battery 1142 provides power to windshield cleaning and de-icing
system 1120, and wipers 1144 clean melted ice and dirt from the windshield, as
is
known in the art. A controller 1146 regulates the operation of windshield
cleaning and
de-icing system 1120, and optionally also controls wipers 1144 in conjunction
witli
operation of windshield cleaning and de-icing system 1120.
One or more temperature sensors, in communication with controller
1146, are preferably provided to measure the temperature of the.liquid in
vessel 1128
and may also measure the temperature of the spray heads 1132. Additionally,
one or
more temperature sensors, preferably in communication with controller 1146,
may be
provided to measure the temperature external to vessel 1128, such as a
windshield
temperature sensor 1148, a vehicle exterior temperature sensor 1150 and a
vehicle
interior temperature sensor 1152. It is appreciated that sensor 1148 is
preferably placed
along the surface of 'the windshield 1124 in a similar fashion to the
windshield
temperature sensor described in reference to Fig. 3 of applicant's U.S. Patent
6,615,438
and may similarly include a reflective cover.
It is appreciated that spray heads 1132, which are located on a wiper arm
in the illustrated embodiment, may be located in any other suitable location,
such as
adj acent windshield 1124 or on wipers 1144.
Additional sensors may also be provided, such as a wind speed sensor or
a dirt sensor. Controller 1146 may also be operative to receive additional
inputs
concenling vehicle operational parameters and/or external conditions from a
vehicle
computer and/or from existing vehicle sensors, as described fiirther
hereinbelow.
It is appreciated that vessel 1128 may include any suitable vessel, such as
the vessel described in Figs. 2 - 6B hereinabove or those described in
applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Nos. 6,164,564; 6,615,438; 6,669,105,
6,892,417 and
7,108,754 applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/203,779;
10/700,141;
10/477,486 and 10/531,979 and applicants'/assignee's PCT Application Serial
No.
PCT/IL2005/00179, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
Reference is now made to Fig. 13, which is a situplified sectional
illustration of a vessel for heating liquid which may form part of the vehicle
windshield
cleaning and de-icing system of Fig. 12. It is appreciated that the embodiment
of Fig. 13
is for illustrative purposes only and the vehicle windshield cleaning and de-
icing system
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of Fig. 12 may also utilize any other suitable vessel for heating liquid,
including but not
limited to the vessel shown hereinbelow in Fig. 16.
Turning to Fig. 13, it is seen that vessel 1128 includes a housing portion
1300, preferably formed of a plastic material, wllich defines a liquid heating
area 1302.
At least one heating element 1322 is disposed within liquid heating area 1302.
Liquid to
be heated is typically received into liquid heating area 1302 of vessel 1128
via an inlet
1326. Heated liquid typically exits at the top of the liquid heating area 1302
via a
conduit 1330, also typically defined by housing portion 1300, to an outlet
1334. Outlet
1334 is in fluid coinmunication with spray heads 1132 (Fig. 12).
It is appreciated that even though the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 13
shows vessel 1128 including two heating elements 1322, vessel 1128 may include
a
single lieatirig element 1322, or more than two heating elements 1322, to heat
the liquid
within liquid heating area 1302.
A liquid temperature sensor 1340 preferably is located near the top of the
liquid heating area 1302 adjacent an inlet to conduit 1330. Another
temperature sensor
1342 is preferably located in a wall 1344 of the liquid heating chamber 1302.
Temperature sensors 1340 and 1342 provide electrical outputs to a controller
1350,
typically located within housing 1300. Controller 1350 controls the electrical
power to
heating elements 1322. It is appreciated that in the event that more than one
heating
element 1322 is provided, each of the heating elements 1322 are preferably
controlled
individually by controller 1350, and may be operated at various power levels,
as
described fi,utlier hereinbelow.
As described hereinabove, controller 1350 may be included in housing
1300 or the functionality of controller 1350 may be included in a vehicle
computer or
coinputers (not shown) or any combination tllereof. Controller 1350 is
preferably in
communication with one or more sensors, as described hereinabove.
It is appreciated that controller 1350 may utilize information provided by
either temperature= sensor 1340 or temperature sensor 1342, or a combination
of
information from both sensors 1340 and 1342, to control the operation of
heating
elements 1322, as described fiu-ther hereinbelow.
Vessel 1128 may also include a circulation pump 1362 for circulating
heated liquid through conduits 1364 and 1366 to heat external components of
the
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system such as liquid sprayers and windshield wiper blades, as well as to heat
heated
liquid supply conduits, such as a conduit 1368 coupled to outlet 1334.
Circulation pump 1362 may be operated by electronic heating control
circuitry 1350 automatically on the basis of any suitable criteria.
Reference is now made to Fig. 14, wliich is a simplified flow chart of a
method to ascertain a'near-boiling teinperature' of a liquid.
As seen in Fig. 14, controller 1350 is operative to turn on at least one of
heating elements 1322, preferably to a maximum lieating level. Controller 1350
also
obtains and saves a value of a first temperature measureinent of the liquid in
vessel
1128, Templ, which is typically received fiom one of sensors 1340 and 1342, or
may be
a function of information received from both sensors 1340 and 1342 or any
other sensor
or sensors operative to provide information pertaining to the tenlperature of
the liquid in
vessel 1128.
If Templ is equal to or greater than a predetermined minimuin, such as
30 C, controller 1350 is operative to continue to heat the liquid in vessel
1128 for a
predetermined interval, typically 6 seconds, and to obtain and save a second
temperature
measurement of the liquid in vessel 1128, Temp2. Controller 1350 calculates
the
temperature difference as (Temp2-Teinpl).
If the temperature difference is less than a predetermined minimum
change, typically 2 C, controller 1350 is operative to set the 'near-boiling
temperature'
of the liquid to a predetermined value, typically 60 C. Preferably, controller
1350 is
operative to ascertain a new 'near-boiling temperature' after a predetermined
time
interval, typically 30 minutes, if the vehicle has not been turned off in the
interim. If the
vehicle has been turned off during the predetermined time interval, the
controller 1350
is operative at vehicle start up to ascertain a new 'near-boiling
temperature'.
If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined
minimum change, the value of Tempi is updated to be the value Temp2 and the
process
continues as described further hereinbelow.
If Tempi is less than a predetermined mininlum, such as 30 C, controller
1350 is operative to continue to heat the liquid in vessel 1128 and to obtain
and save a
new value for Templ, until Tempi is equal to or exceeds the predetermined
minimum.
Controller 1350 then waits for a predetermined time, typically 1-2
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seconds, and then obtains and saves a value of a second teinperature
measurement of the
liquid in vessel 1128, Temp2. Temp2 and Temp, are compared to see if the
difference is
less than a predetermined stability value, typically 0.1 C. If the difference
is greater
than or equal to the predetermined stability value,.tlie value of Templ is
updated to be
the value Temp2 and the process is repeated.
If the difference is less than the predetermined stability value; the
controller 1350 sets the 'near-boiling temperature' of the liquid to the value
Temp2. The
controller 1350 then preferably turns off the at least one of heating elements
1322 and
the near-boiling temperature ascertaining process ends. Alternatively, the
controller
1350 may leave the at least one of heating elements 1322 on and end the near-
boiling
temperature ascertaining process.
It is appreciated that controller 1350 is typically operative to ascertain the
'near-boiling temperature' of the liquid at vehicle start up and to store that
value for use
in setting standby temperature thresholds, as described hereinbelow. It is
appreciated
that controller 1350 may be operative to retrieve a stored 'near-boiling
temperature'
from a previous vehicle start up in the event that the vehicle was turned off
for a period
of time less than a predetermined duration, such as 10 minutes, and/or based
on
information received from a vehicle reservoir sensor (not shown) relating to a
liquid
level in the reservoir.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, controller 1350 may be
operative to re-ascertain the 'near-boiling temperature' of the liquid in
response to
information received from a vehicle reservoir sensor (not shown) relating to a
liquid
level in the reservoir 1130. In this embodiment, controller 1350 may be
operative to
wait until the liquid in the vessel 1128 has been replaced with liquid from
the reservoir
1130, for example, until one or two spray cycles have been perfornied, before
ascertaining a new 'near-boiling temperature.' It is appreciated that in this
embodiment
the vehicle reservoir sensor is operative to provide an indication of a
significant change
in the liquid level in the reservoir 1130 to controller 1350, for exaniple, if
the level of
liquid in the reservoir 1130 increases by a predetermined percentage, such as
20%.
It is appreciated that controller 1350 may interrupt the near-boiling
ascertaining process described hereinabove if an immediate spray actuation is
received.
The immediate spray actuation =may be generated by controller 1350, such as in
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response to a signal received from a dirt sensor or any other sensor, or
received from an
actuation device, such as an operator actuation device. In the event of an
immediate
spray actuation being received by controller 1350, controller 1350 turns off
heating
elements 1322, actuates pump 1140 in accordance with an imnlediate spray mode,
and
then begins the near-boiling ascertaining process again upon completion of the
inunediate spray mode.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
controller 1350 is operative to utilize the 'near-boiling temperature' to set
at 1=east one
pair of standby thresholds. Controller 1350 may also receive inputs from at
least one
sensor for use in setting at least one pair of standby thresholds. As
described
hereinabove, controller 1350 is operative to set a pair of standby thresholds
for each
sensor in a'priinary tenzperature sensor' for each operational mode of system
1120.
In one embodiment of the present invention, controller 1350 may be
operative to set a pair of standby tliresholds for controlling the operation
of heating
elements 1322 during standby mode based only on the value of the 'near-boiling
temperature'. In this embodiment, controller 1350 sets an upper standby
threshold to be
equal to a first predetermined value, such as 15 C, less than the 'near-
boiling
temperature', and sets a lower standby threshold to be equal to a second
predetermined
value, lower than the first predetermined value, such as 20 C, less than the
'near-boiling
temperature'.
In another enibodiment of the present invention, controller 1350 may be
operative to set a pair of standby thresholds for controlling the operation of
heating
elements 1322 during standby mode based on the value of the 'near-boiling
temperature' and additional infonnation. In this embodiment, controller 1350
may set
upper and lower standby thresholds based on different mathematical functions
using the
value of the 'near-boiling temperature' and at least one additional value,
such as a
temperature of the vehicle exterior, vehicle interior or the liquid in
reservoir 1130.
In one example of this embodiment, controller 1350 may be operative to
set a pair of standby thresholds for controlling the operation of heating
elements 1322
during standby mode based on the value of the 'near-boiling temperature' and
the
temperature of the liquid in reservoir 1130. In this embodiment, controller
1350 sets the
upper standby threshold and the lower standby threshold based on a lookup
table which
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is a function of the 'near boiling temperature' and the teinperature of the
liquid in
reservoir 1130. For example, if the 'near boiling tenlperature' is between 65
C and
75 C then the values for the loolcup table may be as follows:
Temperature of liquid in Reservoir U-pper standby Threshold Lower Standby
Threshold
>30 C 35 C 30 C
5 C -30 C 40 C 35 C
<5 C 45 C 40 C
It is appreciated that the difference between the upper standby threshold
and the lower standby threshold may be predetermined or may be a function of
the
determinants of the tliresholds.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present inveiition, wllere systein
1120 also includes a circulation pump, such as circulation pump 1362 of the
embodiment of Fig. 13, controller 1350 may be operative to increase and/or
decrease
the upper standby threshold and/or lower standby threshold upward by a
predetennined
amount, such as 5 C, if the circulation pump is in operation.
It is appreciated that in embodiments of the present invention including
setting standby thresholds based on additional information, the controller
1350 may be
operative to set new standby thresholds after a predetermined interval,
typically 10
minutes.
It is appreciated that the ascertaining of the 'near-boiling temperature'
and the setting of the standby thresholds based thereon, as described
hereinabove,
enables heating of tlie liquid to an appropriate standby level, wliich allows
for heated
liquid to be provided rapidly for heated spraying aild also minimizes
evaporation of the
liquid.
Reference is now made to Fig. 15, which is a simplified flow chart of a
preferred mode of operation of the system of Figs. 12 - 13.
As seen in Fig. 15, controller 1350 is operative to periodically check if
the veliicle ignition has been turned on, typically every 50 msec.' Once
controller 1350
detects that the vehicle ignition is turned on, it then periodically,
typically every 50
msec., checks if the engine voltage is greater than a minimum voltage, IvIINv,
typically
12v. Controller 1350 may also be operative to ensure that other vehicle
parameters are
,within predetermined ranges.
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When the controller 1350 detects that the ignition is on and that the
miniinum voltage tlueshold has been met, the controller 1350 is operative to
ascertain a
'near-boiling temperature' and to set at least one pair of standby thresholds,
as described
hereinabove with reference to Fig. 14. It is appreciated that controller 1350
may
ascertain a'near-boiling temperature' by retrieving a stoied 'near-boiling
temperature'
from a previous vehicle start up in the event that the vehicle was turned off
for a period
of tiirie less than a predeterinined duration, as described hereinabove with
reference to
Fig. 14, and may utilize the retrieved 'near-boiling temperature' to set at
least one pair
of standby thresholds.
As described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 14, it is appreciated that
controller 1350 may interrupt the near-boiling ascertaining process upon
receiving an
immediate spray actuation. In the event of an immediate spray actuation being
received
by the controller 1350, the controller 1350 turns off heating elements 1322,
actuates
pump 1140 in accordance with an immediate spray mode, such as the immediate
spray
mode described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 9A or any other suitable
immediate
spray mode, and theii begins the near-boiling ascertaining process again.
Upon completion of the near-boiling ascertaining process, the controller
1350 is operative to control the operation of heating elements 1322 in
accordance with a
standby mode based on the at least one pair of standby thresholds and
information
received from the 'primary temperature sensor.' As seen in Fig. 15, the
standby mode
preferably provides a recurring cycle of operations until the vehicle ignition
is turned
off.
It is appreciated that in the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the primary
temperature sensor may be either of sensors 1340 or 1342, or any other sensor
providing
information pertaining to the temperature of the liquid in vessel 1128.
In accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 15, controller 1350 is
operative, when operating in standby mode, to checlc if an immediate spray
mode has
been actuated, such as by operator actuation or an automatically generated
immediate
spray actuation. If an iminediate spray mode has been actuated, controller
1350 is
operative to actuate pump 1140 in accordance with an immediate spray mode. If
the
immediate spray mode is actuated by an operator, controller 1350 may actuate
pump
1140 to provide an immediate spray of liquid onto the windshield for the
duration of the
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operator actuation or any other suitable duration.
If the inunediate spray actuation is an automatically generated imtnediate
spray actuation, controller 1350 may be operative to actuate pump 1140 in
accordance
with an iirnnediate spray mode, such as the iminediate spray mode described
hereinabove witli reference to Fig. 9A, or any otller suitable immediate spray
mode.
If an immediate spray mode has not been actuated, controller 1350 is
operative to check if a high temperature spray mode has been actuated, such as
by
operator actuation or an automatically generated high temperature spray
actuation. If a
high temperature spray mode has been actuated, controller 1350 is operative to
control
pump 1140 and heating elements 1322 in accordance with a high temperature
spray
mode.
If the high temperature spray mode is actuated by an operator, controller
1350 is operative to control pump 1140 and heating elements 1322 in accordance
with a
high temperature spray mode, such as the high temperature spray mode described
hereinabove with reference to Fig. 9B or any other suitable high temperature
spray
mode, such as the automatic or high temperature spraying modes described in
applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Nos. 6,164,564; 6,615,438; 6,669,105;
6,892,417 and
7,108,754, applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/203,779;
10/700,141;
10/477,486 and 10/531,979, and applicants'/assignee's PCT Application Serial
No.
PCT/IL2005/00179, the disclosures of which are liereby incorporated by
reference.
If the high temperature spray actuation is an automatically generated high
temperature spray actuation, controller 1350 is operative to control pump 1140
and
heating elements 1322 in accordance witli a high temperature spray mode, such
as tlie
high temperature spray mode described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 9B or
any
other suitable high temperature spray mode, such as the automatic or high
temperature
spraying modes described in applicants'/assignee's U.S. Patent Nos. 6,164,564;
6,615,438; 6,669,105; 6,892,417 and 7,108,754, applicants'/assignee's U.S.
Patent
Application Nos. 11/203,779; 10/700,141; 10/477,486 and 10/531,979 and
applicants'/assignee's PCT Application Serial No. PCT/IL2005/00179, the
disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
If high temperature spray mode has not been actuated, controller 1350
then receives an input from the primary temperature sensor and compares it to
the
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respective upper standby threshold and lower standby threshold.
If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is greater than the
ttpper standby threshold, controller 1350 is operative to tum off heating
elements 1322.
If the temperature sensed by the temperattire sensor is less than or equal
to the upper standby threshold and greater than or equal to the lower standby
threshold,
controller 1350 may be operative to control heating elements 1322 in
accordance witll a
maintain temperature operating mode. In one embodiment of the maintain
temperature
operating mode, controller 1350 may be operative to operate one or more
heating
elements 1322 at predetermined power levels. In anoth.er embodiment of the
maintain
temperature operating mode, controller 1350 may be operative to turn off
heating
elements 1322.
It is appreciated that the number of heating elements and the
predetermined power level for each may be provided by a lookup table, or any
suitable
control method, based on the value of the temperature sensed relative to the
upper
standby threshold and the lower standby threshold. Thus, for example,
controller 1350
may provide a lower percentage of the maximum power, such as 35%, if the
difference
between the temperature , sensed and the upper standby threshold is less than
the
difference between the temperature sensed and the lower standby threshold, and
may
provide a higher percentage of the maximum power, such as 70%, if the
teinperature
difference between the temperature sensed and the upper standby threshold is
greater
than the difference between the temperature sensed and the lower standby
threshold.
It is appreciated that the selection of the embodiment to be employed by
controller 1350 in the maintain temperature operating mode may be
predetermined
based on vehicle specifications, or may be a function of one or more sensors
providing
real-time information relating to the vehicle operating environment, such as
engine
power level, tenlperature within the engine compartment, or any other suitable
parameter.
If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than the lower
standby threshold, controller 1350 is operative to control heating elements
1322 in
accordance with an increase temperature operating mode. In one embodiment of
the
increase temperature operating mode, controller 1350 may be operative to
operate one
or more heating elements 1322 at=a predetermined power level. Alternatively,
controller
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1350 may be operative to operate one or more heating elements 1322 at maximum
power when the temperature sensed is less than the lower standby threshold. In
anotlier
alternative, einbodiment, controller 1350 may be operative to control the
nuinber of
heating elements to operate and the power level for their operation by
accessing a
loolcup table based on the difference between the temperature sensed and the
lower
standby threshold.
Thus, for example, controller 1350 may operate all of heating elements
1322 at.maximum power if the difference between the temperature sensed and the
lower
standby threshold is greater than 10 C and may operate only a single heating
element
1322 at maxinium power if the difference between the temperature sensed and
the lower
standby threshold is less than 5 C. Alten7atively, controller 1350 may operate
more than
one heating element 1322 at less than maximum power if the difference between
the
temperature sensed and the lower standby threshold is less than 5 C.
It is appreciated that the selection of the embodiment to be employed by
controller 13 50 in the increase temperature operating mode may be
predetermined based
on vehicle specifications, or may be a function of one or more sensors
providing real-
time information relating to the vehicle operating environment, such as engine
power
level, temperature within the engine compartment, or any other suitable
parameter.
It is appreciated that controller 1350 may be operative to save the
operating parameters associated with each of heating elements 1322 from each
cycle of
the standby mode and to conipare the operating parameters from the previous
cycle of
the standby mode with the operating parameters of the present cycle to
minimize the
numbers of commands required to control lleating elements 1322.
It is appreciated that controller 150, described hereinabove with reference
to Figs. 1- 5B, may also be operative according to the functionality described
hereinabove with reference to Figs. 14 and 15.
Thus, controller 150 may be operative to ascertain a near-boiling
teinperature of the fluid in liquid container 208, as described hereinabove in
reference to
Fig. 14, preferably using temperature sensor 350. Controller 150 may also be
operative
to provide an operational cycle, including a standby mode, as described
hereinabove
with reference to Fig. 15.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, controller 150 is
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operative to set an upper and lower standby tbreshold for the teinperature of
the liquid
in primary heating clzamber 280 and an upper and lower standby threshold for
the
temperature of the liquid in secoiidary heating chamber 282 based on the near-
boiling
temperature of the fluid in liquid container 208, as described hereinabove
with reference
to Fig. 15. In this embodiment, controller 150 may be operative to select one
of sensors
350 or 352 to be the primary temperature sensor, as described further
hereinbelow.
In this embodiment, controller 150 is preferably operative to initially
select first temperature sensor 350 to be the primary temperature sensor and
to control
heating element 206 based on the upper and lower standby threshold set for the
liquid in
primary heating chamber 280 and the temperature sensed by sensor 350.
Thus, as described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 15, if the
temperature sensed by first temperature sensor 350 is greater than the upper
standby
tlueshold set for the liquid in primary heating chamber 280, controller 150
turns off
heating element 206. If the temperature sensed by first temperature sensor 350
is- less
than the lower standby threshold set for the liquid in primary heating chamber
280,
controller 150 is operative to control heating element 206 in accordance with
an
increase temperature operating mode. In one embodiment of the increase
temperature
operating mode, controller 150 may be operative to operate heating element 206
at a
predetermined power level. Alternatively, controller 150 may be operative, in
an
increase teniperature operating mode, to operate heating element 206 at
maximum
power. In another alternative embodiment of an increase temperature operating
mode,
controller 150 may be operative to control the power level for operation of
heating
element 206 by accessing a. lookup table based on the difference between the
temperature sensed by first temperattire sensor 350 and the lower standby
threshold set
for the liquid in primary heating chamber 280.
As described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 15, if the temperature
sensed by first temperature sensor 350 is less than or equal to the upper
standby
threshold set for the liquid in primary heating chamber 280 and greater than
or equal to
the lower standby threshold set for the liquid in primary heating chamber 280,
controller
150 is operative to control heating element 206 in accordance with a maintain
temperature operating mode. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention, in the maintain temperature operating mode, controller 150 may be
operative
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to select second temperature sensor 352 to be the primary temperature, sensor
and to
operate heating element 206 based on the upper and lower standby thresholds
set for the
liquid in secondary heating chaniber 282 and the temperature sensed by sensor
352.
Thus, if the temperature sensed by second temperature sensor 352 is
greater than the upper standby tlireshold set for the liquid in secondary
heating chanlber
282, controller 150 may be operative to turn off heating element 206.
Alternatively,
controller 150 may be operative to turn off heating element 206 if the
temperature
sensed by second temperature sensor 352 is greater than the lower standby
threshold set
for the liquid in secondary heating chamber 282.
If the temperature sensed by second teinperature sensor 352 is less than
the lower standby tlireshold set for the liquid in secondary heating chamber
282,
controller 150 may be operative to operate heating element 206 at a
predeterinined
power level. In another alternative embodiment, controller 150 may be
operative to
control the power level for the operation of heating element 206, by accessing
a lookup
table, based on the difference between the temperature sensed by second
temperature
sensor 352 and the lower standby threshold set for the liquid in secondary
heating
chamber 282.
Alternatively, controller -150 may be operative to set an upper and lower
standby thresliold only for the temperature of the liquid in primary heating
chamber 280
and may be operative to provide standby functionality similar 'to the standby
functionality of controller 1350 described hereinabove. In this embodiment,
controller
150 may be operative to coritrol the operation of heating element 206 based on
the
teinperature sensed by first temperature sensor 350.
Reference is now made to Fig. 16, which is a simplified exploded view
illustration of a vessel for heating liquid which may form part of the vehicle
windshield
cleaning and de-icing system of Fig. 12, in accordance with anotlier preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
As seen in Fig. 16, a vessel 1400 preferably includes a first conduit
element 1410 and a second conduit element 1412 defining, respectively, a
primary
liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid heating volume portion.
Preferably, mounted onto vessel 1400 there is provided a controller 1414,
typically
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including an electrical circuit board 14=16, and a plurality of heating
elements 1418 in
electrical communication with circuit board 1416.
A first liquid tenlperature sensor 1426, which senses the temperature of
liquid as it leaves vessel 1400, is also preferably coupled to circuit board
1416. A
second liquid temperature sensor 1428, which senses the temperature of liquid
in
secondary liquid heating volume portion, is also in electrical communication
witll
circuit board 1416.
Controller 1414 provides, inter alia, control of the operation of liquid
heating elements 1418 via electrical circuitry on electrical circuit board
1416.
First conduit element 1410 is preferably formed of a heat conductive
material, such as aluminum, and is in direct heat exchange relationship with
heating
elements 1418. Second conduit element 1412 is preferably formed of a somewhat
flexible and resilient material, such as LEXAN , and is preferably sealingly
attached to
first conduit element 1410 and to a heat conductive displaceable elelnent,
preferably an
intervening liquid impermeable diaphragm 1450. The diaphragm 1450 may be
formed
as a separate element, as shown in Fig. 16, or alternatively may be integrally
formed
with second conduit element 1412.
Fig. 16 illustrates a typical liquid flow defined by first and second
conduit elements 1410 and 1412, extending from a liquid ingress opening 1452
in
second conduit element 1412, via a conduit 1454 defined therein and via one or
more
apertures 1456 formed in diaphragm 1450, through a conduit 1458 formed in
first
conduit element 1410 and out through a heated liquid egress opening 1460
formed in
the first conduit element 1410.
Controller 1414 is operative to provide functionality similar to the
functionality of controller 1350 described hereinabove with reference to Figs.
14 and
15. Thus, controller 1414 is operative to ascertain a near-boiling temperature
of the fluid
in vessel 1400, as described hereinabove in reference to Fig. 14, preferably
using
temperature sensor 1426. Preferably, controller 1414 is also operative to
provide an
operational cycle, including a standby mode, as described hereinabove with
reference to
3o Fig. 15.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, controller 1414 is
operative to set an upper and lower standby threshold for the temperature of
the liquid
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in first conduit element 1410 and an upper and lower standby threshold for the
temperature of the liquid in second conduit element 1412 based on the near-
boiling
temperature of the fluid in vessel 1400, as described hereinabove with
reference to Fig.
14. In this embodiment, controller 1414 may be operative to select wliich one
of sensors
1426 or 1428 is to be the primary temperature sensor, as described further
hereinbelow.
In this embodiment, controller 1414 is preferably operative to initially
select sensor 1426 to be the primary temperature sensor and to utilize the
upper and
lower standby threshold set for the liquid in first conduit element 1410 to
control
heating elements 1418.
Tlius, as described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 15, if the
temperature sensed by temperature sensor 1426 is greater than the upper
standby
threshold set for the liquid in first conduit element 1410, controller 1414
turns off
heating elements 1418. If the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 1426 is
less
thaii the lower standby threshold set for the liquid in first conduit element
1410,
controller 1414 is operative to control heating elements 1418 in accordance
with an
increase temperature operating mode. In one embodiment of the increase
temperature
operating mode, controller 1414 may be operative to operate one or more
heating
elements 1418 at a predetennined power level. Alternatively, controller 1414
may be
operative, in an increase temperature operating mode, to operate one or more
heating
elements 1418 at maximum power. In another alternative embodiment of an
increase
temperature operating mode, controller 1414 may be operative to control the
number of
heating elements to operate and the power level for their operation, by
accessing a
lookup table, based on the difference between the temperature sensed by
temperature
sensor 1426 and the lower standby threshold set for the liquid in first
conduit element
1410.
As described hereinabove with refereilce to Fig. 15, if the tenzperature
sensed by temperature sensor 1426 is less than or equal to the upper standby
threshold
set for the liquid in first conduit element 1410 and greater than or equal to
the lower
standby threshold set for the liquid in first conduit element 1410, controller
1414 is
operative to control heating elements 1418 in accordance with a maintain
temperature
operating mode. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, in
the maintain temperature operating mode, controller 1414 may be operative to
select
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temperature sensor 1428 to be the primary teinperature sensor and to operate
one or
more heating elements 1418 based on the upper and lower standby thresholds set
for the
liquid in second conduit element 1412.
Thus, if the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 1428 is greater
than the upper standby thresliold set for the liquid in second conduit element
1412,
controller 1414 may be operative to turn off heating elements 1418.
Alternatively,
controller 1414 may be operative to tuni off heating elements 1418 if the
temperature
sensed by temperature sensor 1428 is greater than the lower standby threshold
set for
the liquid in second conduit element 1412.
If the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 1428 is less than the
lower standby threshold set for the liquid in second conduit element 1410,
controller
1414 may be operative to operate one or more heating elements 1418 at a
predetermined
power level. In another alternative enibodiment, controller 1414 may be
operative to
control the number of heating elements to operate and the power level for
their
operation, by accessing a lookup table, based on the difference between the
tenzperature
sensed by temperature sensor 1428 and the lower standby threshold set for the
liquid in
second conduit element 1412.
Alternatively, controller 1414 may be operative to set an upper and lower
standby tbreshold only for the temperature of the liquid in first conduit
element 1410
and may be operative to provide standby functionality similar to the standby
functionality of controller 1350 described hereinabove. In this embodiment,
controller
1414 may be operative to control the operation of heating elements 1418 based
on the
temperature sensed by temperature sensor 1426.
It is appreciated that the standby mode of the present invention, including
ascertaining a'near-boiling' temperature and setting standby thresholds as
described
hereinabove with reference to Figs. 14 - 15, is not limited to the liquid
heating vessels
shown and described hereinabove and may be utilized with other suitable liquid
heating
vessels.
It is appreciated that the standby mode of the present invention, may also
include a reservoir standby mode, including ascertaining a'near-boiliuig'
temperature of
the liquid in the reservoir and setting reservoir standby thresholds, similar
to that
described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 14 - 15.
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Reference is now made to Figs. 17, 18A, 18B and 19, which are
simplified pictorial illustrations of a windshield wiper assembly for use in a
vehicle,
constructed and operative in accordance wit11 another preferred embodiment of
the
present invention.
It is appreciated that while the windslueld wiper assembly of Figs. 17 -
19 is especially suitable for use with a liquid heating system including a
circulation
pump, such as the liquid heating system shown in Fig. 13, it may be used with
any
suitable liquid heating system including a pump.
As seen in Figs. 17, 18A, 18B and 19, the windshield wiper assembly
comprises a wiper arm 1600 which is fixed to a shaft 1602 which is preferably
arranged
for rotation about a rotation axis 1604. Shaft 1602 is preferably driven for
reciprocating
rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming
part of
a conventional motor vehicle. Wiper arm 1600 preferably comprises a first
portion 1606
and a second portion 1608. First portion 1606 is preferably connected to shaft
1602, as
seen in Fig. 19, and second portion 1608 preferably overlies at least a
portion of a wiper
blade 1610 and a wiper blade holder 1612.
Alternatively, first portion 1606 of wiper arm 1600 may be arranged for
linear movement or linear and rotational movement along a windshield.
Wiper blade holder 1612 holds wiper blade 1610 and is attached to wiper
arm 1600 for reciprocating rotational motion therewith: In accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat conductive circulation
conduit
1620 is provided adjacent to at least one of wiper arm 1600 and wiper blade
holder
1612. As seen in Fig. 18A, heat conductive circulation conduits 1622 and 1624
are
provided adjacent to wiper arm 1600 and wiper blade holder 1612, respectively.
Heat conductive conduits 1622 and 1624 are connected to each otlier at
ends thereof by connectors 1626 and 1628. Alternatively, heat conductive
conduits 1622
and 1624 may be joined to provide continuous circulation of liquid in any
suitable
manner.
Conduit 1622 preferably includes at least one first conduit portion 1630
located on a first side of wiper arm 1600 and at least one second conduit
portion 1632
located on a second side of wiper arm 1600. It is appreciated that as wiper
arm 1600
travels along the windshield, first conduit portion 1630 travels in front of
wiper arm
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1600 when wiper arin 1600 moves in a first direction and first conduit portion
1630
travels in baclc of wiper arm 1600 wllen wiper arm 1600 moves in a second
direction,
opposite the first direction. Second conduit portion 1632 travels along the
windshield in
back of wiper arm 1600 when wiper arm 1600 moves in the first direction and
second
conduit portion 1632 travels in front of wiper arm 1600 w11en wiper ami 1600
moves in
the second direction.
Conduit 1624 inch.ides at least one first conduit portion 1640 located on a
first side of wiper blade holder 1612 and at least one second conduit portion
1642
located on a second side of wiper blade holder 1612. It is appreciated that as
wiper
blade holder 1612 travels along the windshield, first conduit portion 1640
travels in
fiont of wiper blade holder 1612 when wiper blade holder 1612 moves in a first
direction and first conduit portion 1640 travels in back of wiper blade holder
1612 when
wiper blade holder 1612 moves in a second direction, opposite the first
direction.
Second conduit portion 1642 travels along the windshield in back of wiper
blade holder
1612 when wiper blade holder 1612 moves in the first direction and second
conduit
portion 1642 travels in front of wiper blade liolder 1612 when wiper blade
holder 1612
moves in the second direction.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
liquid heating system, such as that described hereinabove with reference to
Fig. 13,
including at least one heating element, such as heating element 1322 (Fig.
13), operative
to heat liquid, and also including a circulation pump, such as circulation
pump 1362, is.
preferably provided for circulating liquid, preferably heated liquid, through
heat
conductive circulation conduits 1622 and 1624.
Heat conductive circulation conduits 1622 and 1624 preferably define a
continuous circulation path to and from the liquid heating system, via the
circulation
pump, together with a first conduit 1650 and a second conduit 1652. It is
appreciated
that first conduit 1650 and second conduit 1652 correspond, respectively, to
conduits
1364 and 1366, as shown in Fig. 13.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the continuous
circulation path, as shown by arrows in Fig. 18A, is defined by a liquid flow
from the
liquid heating system via the circulation pump to first conduit 1650, to first
conduit
portion 1630 of circulation conduit 1622, through connector 1626 to second
conduit
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portion 1642 of circulation conduit 1624, to first conduit portion 1640 of
circulation
conduit 1624, to second conduit portion 1642 of circulation conduit 1624,
through
coimector 1628 to second conduit portion 1632 of circulation conduit 1622 and
tlirough
second conduit 1652 to the liquid heating system.
Alternatively, heat conductive circulation conduit 1624 may be obviated
or, as seen in the einbodiment of Fig. 18B, may not be connected to heat
conductive
circulation conduit 1622. In this embodiment, a com-iector 1660 is provided
and the
continuous circulation path, as shown by arrows, may be defined by a liquid
flow from
the liquid heating system via the circulation pump to first conduit 1650, to
first conduit
portion 1630 of circulation conduit 1622, through connector 1660 to second
conduit
portion 1632 of circulation conduit 1622 and through second conduit 1652 to
the liquid
heating system.
In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, first conduit
portion 1640 and second conduit portion 1642 of heat conductive circulation
conduit
1624 may be located adjacent only a portion of wiper blade holder 1612 that
the wiper
arm 1600 does not overlie. In this embodiment, a first and second connector
(not
shown) connect, respectively, ends of first conduit portions 1630 and 1640,
and ends of
second conduit portions 1632 and 1642 and the continuous circulation path may
be
defined by a liquid flow from the liquid heating system via the circulation
pump to first
conduit 1650, to first conduit portion 1630 of circulation conduit 1622,
through the first
connector to first conduit portion 1640 of circulation conduit 1624, to second
conduit
portion 1642 of circulation conduit 1624, through the second connector to
second
conduit portion 1632 of circulation conduit 1622 and through second conduit
1652 to
the liquid heating system.
In yet another alternative embodiment of the preserit invention, the
continuous circulation path may be defined by a liquid flow from the liquid
heating
system via the circulation pump to first conduit 1650, to first conduit
portion 1630 of
circulation conduit 1622, to second conduit portion 1632 of circulation
conduit 1622,
through a first comiecting conduit (not shown) to first conduit portion 1640
of
circulation conduit 1624, to second conduit portion 1642 of circulation
conduit 1624,
through a second connecting conduit (not shown), through second conduit 1652
to the
liquid heating system.
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In another alternative enzbodiment, heat conductive circulation conduit
1622 may be obviated and the continuous circulation path may be defined by 4
liquid
flow from the liquid heating system via the circulation pump to first conduit
1650,
through a first caruzecting conduit (not shown) to second conduit portion 1642
of
circulation conduit 1624, to first conduit portion 1640 of circulation conduit
1624, to
second conduit portion 1642 of circulation conduit 1624, through a second
comlecting
conduit (not showli), through second conduit 1652 to the liquid lieating
system.
As described hereinabove, preferably, a single circulation path is defined
for heat conductive circulation conduits 1622 and 1624. Alternatively, more
than one
circulation pLunp defining more tlzan one circulation path may be provided. It
is
appreciated that any suitable circulation path may be defined whereby liquid
flows
through heat conductive circulation conduits along at least a portion of wiper
arm 1600
or wiper blade holder 1612.
It is appreciated that, even though the illustrated embodiments described
hereinabove show circulation paths originating and terminating in a liquid
lieating
vessel, the circulation paths of the present invention may alternatively
originate and
terminate in a vehicle reservoir including a heating element.
First conduit portions 1630 and 1640 and second conduit portions 1632
and 1642 are preferably formed at least partially of a heat conductive
material and are
preferably situated such that at least the portion facing outwardly from wiper
arm 1600
and wiper blade holder 1612 is heat conductive. It is appreciated that heat
conductive
circulation conduits 1622 and 1624 may be of any suitable cross-section and/or
diameter and may provide any suitably sized heat conductive outwardly facing
portion.
It is appreciated that heat conductive circulation conduits 1622 and 1624 need
not be of
a uniform diameter and/or cross-section along the entire length thereof. In a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the width of the heat conductive
outwardly facing
portion may approximate the width of the wiper arm 1600 and/or wiper blade
holder
1612. In anotller preferred embodiment, the 11eat conductive outwardly facing
portion
may fill any portion of the area between wiper arm 1600 and wiper blade 1610.
Alternatively, the heat conductive outwardly facing portion may also overlap a
portion
of wiper blade 1610.
Conduits 1650 and 1652 and the connecting conduits are preferably
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formed of a non heat conductive material and may be defined, at least along a
portion
thereof, in a uiutary conduit element, wherein conduits 1650 and 1652 are
preferably
generally surrounded by a tliermal insulation layer. It is appreciated that
the unitary
conduit element may also include an additional conduit, similar to conduit
1368 (Fig.
13) which may supply liquid to a conventional vehicle liquid spray head. It is
further
appreciated that the system of the present invention may also include at least
one
electrical heating element heating at least one of conduits 1650 and 1652 and
the
additional conduit.
It is appreciated that first conduit portions 1630 and 1640, second conduit
portions 1632 and 1642, conduits 1650 and 1652, the comlection conduits and
the
connectors, may include flexible areas, such as flexible areas 1670, to
provide for
smooth connection therebetween alid to insure appropriate alignment wit11 the
wiper
arm 1600 and wiper blade holder 1612 in all orientations.
It is appreciated that similar conduit portions may also be provided for
circulation of liquid adjacent wiper blade 1610 and/or for circulation of
liquid adjacent
to spray nozzles. It is appreciated that the system of the present invention
may also
include an electrical heating element heating .a supply conduit supplying
liquid to the
spray nozzles.
Heat coiiductive circulation conduits 1622 and 1624 thereby provide
heated surfaces that are in contact with snow and/or ice that may have become
deposited
on the windshield and may be operative to melt the snow and/or ice as the
wipers move
along the windshield. It is appreciated that in extreme conditions, where a
thick layer of
snow and/or ice has accumulated on the windshield, the windshield wiper
assembly of
the present invention, as described hereinabove, will provide for the melting
of a layer
tliereof closest to the windshield which will allow for easier breakup and
removal of the
rest of the snow and/or ice layer by a vehicle operator.
Reference is now made to Fig. 20, which is a simplified partially pictorial
illustration of a windshield wiper assembly for use in a vehicle constructed
and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
As seen in Fig. 20, the windshield wiper assembly comprises a wiper ann
1700 which is fixed to a shaft (not shown) which is preferably arranged for
rotation
about a rotation axis (not shown). The shaft is preferably driven for
reciprocating
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rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming
part of
a conventional motor vehicle. Wiper arm 1700 preferably comprises a first
portion 1706
and a second portion 1708. First portion 1706 is preferably comiected to the
slZaft and
second portion 1708 preferably overlies at least a portion of a wiper blade
1710 and a
wiper blade holder 1712.
Alternatively, first portion 1706 of wiper arm 1700 may be arranged for
linear movement or linear and rotational movement along a windshield.
Wiper blade holder 1712 holds wiper blade 1710 and is attached to wiper
arm 1700 for reciprocating rotational motion therewith. In accordan.ce with a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, windshield wiper assembly may include *
at least
one electrical heating element 1720 operative to heat wiper arin 1700 and/or
wiper
blade holder 1712. In the illustrated embodiment, inultiple electrical heating
elements
1722 are provided to heat wiper arm 1700 and multiple electrical heating
elements 1724
are provided to heat wiper blade holder 1712. It is appreciated that
electrical current
may be provided to heating elements 1722 and 1724 in any suitable fashion, as
lcnown
in the art.
It is appreciated that the system of the present invention may also include
an electrical heating element heating a supply conduit supplying liquid to
spray nozzles.
As seen in Fig. 20, wiper arm 1700 and wiper blade holder 1712 include
at least one heat conductive outer wall 1730, preferably in an outward facing
area.
It is appreciated that, although the illustrated embodiment shows
electrical heating elements 1722 and 1724 located internally to wiper arm 1700
and
wiper blade holder 1712, respectively, electrical heating elements 1722 and
1724 may
alternatively be located externally to wiper arm 1700 and wiper blade holder
1712,
respectively.
Heat conductive outer wall 1730 thereby provides a heated surface that is
in contact with snow and/or ice that may have become deposited on tlie
windshield and
is operative to melt the snow and/or ice as the wipers move along the
windshield. It is
appreciated that in extreme conditions, where a tliick layer of snow and/or
ice has
accumulated on the windshield, the windshield wiper assembly of the present
invention,
as described hereinabove, will provide for the melting of a layer thereof
closest to the
windshield which will allow for easier breakup and removal of the rest of the
snow
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and/or ice layer by a veliicle operator.
In another prefeiTed enlbodiment of the present invention, a windshield
wiper assembly, similar to the windshield wiper assenZbly of Fig. 20, may
include at
least one heat conductive circulation conduit, similar to the windshield wiper
assembly
described in reference to Figs. 17 - 19.= In this enibodiment, for example,
wiper arin
1700 may be provided with an internal or external heating element, such as
heating
element 1722 of Fig. 20, and wiper blade holder 1712 may be provided with at
least one
heat conductive circulation conduit, sucli as heat conductive circulation
conduit 1624 of
Fig. 18A. Alternatively, wiper arm 1700 may be provided with at least one heat
conductive circulation conduit, such as heat conductive circulation conduit
1622 of Fig.
18A, and wiper blade holder 1712 may be provided with an internal or external
heating
element, such as heating element 1724 of Fig. 20. Alternatively, wiper arm
1700 and/or
wiper blade holder 1712 may include an internal or external heating element,
such as
heating element 1720 of Fig. 20, and at least one heat conductive circulation
conduit,
such as heat conductive circulation conduit 1620 of Fig. 18A.
It is appreciated that in the embodiments of the present invention,
particularly those described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 17 - 20, the
vehicle may
also include a heatable drain area, such as a heatable drain pipe, adjacent to
the shaft to
allow for drainage of melted snow and/or ice.
Reference is now made to Fig. 21, which is a simplified flow chart of a
method for operating a windshield wiper assembly in accordance with another
preferred
enlbodiment of the present invention, particularly useful with the systems
described
hereinabove with refereilce to Figs. 17 - 20.
Iii accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
windslueld wiper actuator includes a wiper controller and a wiper motor
operative to
actuate at least one windsliield wiper. It is appreciated that the wiper
controller may be a
standalone wiper controller, or may be a wiper controller in coininunication
with a
vehicle computer or may be integrated into a vehicle coinputer or any
coinbination
thereof.
The wiper controller of the present invention is preferably operative to
effectively and efficiently control the wiper motor and wipers to clean the
windshield
and to prevent potential overheating damage to the wiper motor when the wiper
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assembly has become 'bloclced'. As seen in Fig. 21, in accordance witli a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the wiper controller is operative to
select a
bloclced threshold level relative to an operational parameter of the wiper
assembly, sucll
as a torque of the wiper arm, an estimated current provided to the motor or
any other
suitable operational parameter. It is appreciated that the blocked threshold
level selected
by the wiper controller may be a constant value or may be calculated as a
function of
any suitable input available to the wiper controller, as described further
hereinbelow.
As seen further in Fig. 21, the wiper controller is preferably operative to
sense that the wiper assembly has become 'bloclced' and 'unbloclced' by
measuring the
operational parameter and comparing it to the bloclced tlireshold level. When
the
operational parameter exceeds the blocked threshold level, the wiper
controller senses a
'blocked' state of the wiper assembly, and when the operational parameter does
not
exceed the blocked threshold level, the wiper controller senses an 'unblocked'
state.
Alternatively, the operational parameter may be an absolute value of the
rotational movement of a shaft encoder included in the wiper assembly or other
operatiorial parameter, wherein when the operational parameter is less than
tlie bloclced
threshold level the wiper controller senses a'blocked' state of the wiper
assembly, and
when the operational parameter exceeds than the bloclced threshold level, the
wiper
controller senses an 'unblocked' state.
Preferably, the 'bloclced' state is reached when the wiper is unable to
reach a limit of travel along the windshield according to a normal operating
mode. The
'blocked' state is generally reached when the wiper blade is frozen to the
windshield
and/or the wiper assembly is blocked by a large buildup of snow and/or ice or
another
substance, such as mud.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
when the wiper controller senses an 'unbloclced' state it is operative to
operate the wiper
motor in accordance with a first operating mode, typically a conventional
operating
mode. When the wiper controller senses a'blocked' state it is operative to
operate the
wiper motor in accordance with a second operating mode, such as a modified
operating
mode as described hereinbelow.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when operating in
the modified operating mode, the wiper controller is operative to stop the
movement of
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the wiper assembly, for a time inteival, such as by reducing a current
provided to the
motor to zero, while heating areas adjacent to the wiper arm, the wiper blade
holder
and/or the wiper blade, through heat conductive circulation conduits and/or at
least one
heating elemeiZt, such as the heat conductive circulation conduits and heating
elements
described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 17 - 20. This heating helps melt
snow
and/or ice that may be blocking the wiper. The wiper controller is operative
to change
the direction of the wiper at the end of the time interval.
Alternatively, wllen operating in the modified operating mode, the wiper
controller may be operative to set a maximum operational level, preferably a
level less
than or equal to the bloclced threshold level, and to set the current provided
to the motor
to a level no greater than the maximum operational level, while heating areas
adjacent
to the wiper arm, the wiper blade holder and/or the wiper blade, for a time
interval. In
this embodiment, the wiper controller is preferably operative to monitor the
operational
parameter to ascertain if the wiper has become 'unblocked', by comparing the
operational parameter to the maximum operational level, during the time
interval. If the
wiper controller senses that the wiper has not become 'unblocked', the wiper
controller
is operative to change the direction of the wiper at the end of the time
interval. If the
wiper controller senses that the wiper has become 'unbloclced', it then
resumes normal
operation until a'bloclced' state is again sensed. If the wiper controller
then senses that
the wiper has again become 'blocked', it is again operative to set the current
provided to
the motor the wiper blade to the maximum operational level, for a time
interval. It is
- appreciated that the wiper controller may be operative to select a
predetermined
maximum nuinber of 'blocked' and 'unbloclced' cycles to be executed before
changing
direction of the wiper.
In accordance with another alternative embodiment, w11en operating in
the modified operating mode, the wiper controller may be operative to set a
time
interval to increase the current provided to the motor to a maximum
operational level
greater than the blocked thresllold level. In this embodiment, the wiper
controller is
preferably operative to monitor the operational parameter and compare the
operational
parameter to the maximum operational level, to ascertain if the wiper has
become
'unblocked' during the time interval. If the wiper controller senses that the
wiper has
become 'unblocked', it then resumes normal operation. If the wiper controller
senses
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that the wiper has not become 'unblocked', the wiper controller is operative
to change
the direction of the wiper at the end of the time interval.
In accordance witli yet another alternative embodiment, wlien operating
in the modified operating mode, the wiper controller may be operative to set a
time
interval and to provide a rapid baclc and forth movement of the wiper over a
small area
adjacent to location of tlle wiper wllen the bloclced state was sensed for the
duration of
the time interval. In this embodiment, the wiper controller is preferably
operative to
repeatedly change the direction of the wiper for very short periods. In this
einbodiment,
the wiper controller is preferably operative to ascertain if the wiper has
become
'unblocked' at the end of the time interval. If the wiper controller senses
that the wiper
has become 'unblocked', it then resumes normal operation. If the wiper
controller
senses that the wiper has not become 'unblocked', the wiper controller is
operative to
change the direction of the wiper at the end of the time interval.
As described hereinabove, it is appreciated that the maximum operational
level may be greater than, equal to or less than the blocked threshold level.
It is appreciated that the wiper controller may be operative, when
operating in the modified operating mode, to combine one or more of the above
embodiments, as suitable, or may provide any other suitable modified operating
mode
to operate the wiper.
It is appreciated that, although the embodiment described hereinabove
includes a system with a single wiper motor, wiper assembly may include
multiple
wiper motors each independently driving a wiper assembly and that the wiper
controller
may monitor 'bloclced' and 'unblocked' states of each wiper motor and
associated wiper
assembly individually. Additionally, it is appreciated that each of the
inultiple wiper
motors may be associated with wiper assemblies wiping the same vehicle surface
and/or
different vehicle surfaces.
It is appreciated that the blocked threshold level selected by the wiper
controller may be a constant value or may be calculated as a function of any
suitable
input available to the wiper controller, such as wiper arm position relative
to a limit of
3o travel of the wiper arm.
The wiper controller is preferably operative to measure or calculate the
operational parameter using any suitable method. In accordance with a
preferred
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CA 02625146 2008-04-09
WO 2007/046106 PCT/IL2006/001209
embodiment of the present invention the wiper controller is operative to
select a
measured or an estimated torque of the wiper assembly as the operational
paraineter. As
is laiown in the art, an estimated torque of the wiper assembly may be
provided by a
torque sensor or, alteniatively, may be calculated by the wiper controller as
a function
of the current supplied to the motor or any other suitable method.
Preferably, the wiper controller sets the blocked threshold level, the
maximum operational level and the time interval based on the operational
parameters of
the wiper motor as provided by the wiper motor manufacturer and otlier 'real-
time'
vehicle parameters available to the wiper controller, such as the wiper motor
temperature. It is appreciated that, preferably, the time interval and the
maximum
operational level are in inverse relationship with one another. It is
appreciated that the
wiper controller may use any suitable method for setting the blocked threshold
level, the
time interval and the maxinlum operational level.
It is appreciated that the term "torque," as used in context of the present
patent application and in the claims, may refer to an estimated value for the
torque of a
motor, calculated by any suitable method, or may refer to a value or an
estimated value =
provided by a torque sensor. For example, the estimated value for the torque
may be
calculated as a function of current consumption of the motor.
It is appreciated that operating modes described hereinabove, with
2o reference to Fig. 21, are suitable for use with any liquid heating system;
and are
particularly suitable for use with the systems described hereinabove with
reference to
Figs. 17 - 20.
It will be appreciated by persons slcilled in the art that the present
invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described
hereinabove.
Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and
subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as
variations and
modifications whicli would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading
the
specification and which are not in the prior art.
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