U.S. patent application number 10/531979 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for apparatus and method for cleaning or de-icing vehicle elements.
Invention is credited to Uri Arkasjevski, Vychislav Ivanov, Joseph Rogozinski.
Application Number | 20060102744 10/531979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32110271 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060102744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arkasjevski; Uri ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Apparatus and method for cleaning or de-icing vehicle elements
Abstract
A liquid heating assembly (102) including a heat-conductive
displaceable element (250) and a liquid heating enclosure (210,
212) defining a liquid heating volume including a primary liquid
(258) heating volume portion and a secondary liquid heating volume
portion (254), separated by the heat-conductive displaceable
element (250), the primary liquid heating volume portion including
a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in the primary liquid
heating volume portion and for indirectly heating liquid in the
secondary liquid heating volume portion via the heat-conductive
displacement element (250).
Inventors: |
Arkasjevski; Uri;
(Farmington Hill, IL) ; Rogozinski; Joseph; (Ramat
Gan, IL) ; Ivanov; Vychislav; (Kiriat Tivon,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
26 WEST 61ST STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10023
US
|
Family ID: |
32110271 |
Appl. No.: |
10/531979 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
October 21, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL03/00854 |
371 Date: |
October 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60420001 |
Oct 21, 2002 |
|
|
|
60451600 |
Mar 3, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/128 ;
239/133; 239/134; 239/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 2210/02 20130101;
F28F 3/12 20130101; B60S 1/487 20130101; F28F 19/006 20130101; F24H
1/121 20130101; B60S 1/488 20130101; B05B 9/002 20130101; B60S 1/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/128 ;
239/133; 239/135; 239/134 |
International
Class: |
B05B 7/16 20060101
B05B007/16; B05B 1/24 20060101 B05B001/24; B05C 1/00 20060101
B05C001/00 |
Claims
1-259. (canceled)
260. Apparatus for spraying a liquid onto at least one vehicle
surface comprising: a liquid reservoir; a vehicle surface liquid
heating assembly receiving a liquid from said liquid reservoir,
said vehicle surface liquid heating assembly comprising: a
heat-conductive element; and a liquid heating enclosure defining a
liquid heating volume including a primary liquid heating volume
portion and a secondary liquid heating volume portion, separated by
said heat-conductive element, said primary liquid heating volume
portion including a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in
said primary liquid heating volume portion and for indirectly
heating liquid in said secondary liquid heating volume portion via
said heat-conductive element; a vehicle surface liquid spraying
assembly receiving heated liquid from said vehicle surface liquid
heating assembly; and a heated liquid spray control subassembly
employing said vehicle surface liquid heating assembly and said
vehicle surface liquid spraying assembly for providing a spray of
said heated liquid onto said at least one vehicle surface.
261. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said
heat-conductive element comprises a displaceable, resilient,
flexible element.
262. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said
heat-conductive element forms at least a wall both of said primary
liquid heating volume portion and of said secondary liquid heating
volume portion.
263. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein at least said
liquid heating enclosure defines a primary liquid flow pathway in
said primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid
flow pathway in said secondary liquid heating volume portion, said
secondary liquid flow pathway supplying liquid to said primary
liquid flow pathway.
264. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said primary
liquid heating volume portion is formed of a relatively rigid,
highly heat conductive material.
265. Apparatus according to claim 264 and wherein said secondary
liquid heating volume portion is formed of a material which is less
rigid and less heat conductive than said material forming said
primary liquid heating volume portion.
266. Apparatus according to claim 263 and wherein at least said
primary liquid flow pathway is defined by said liquid heating
enclosure and by said heat-conductive element.
267. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein at least said
liquid heating enclosure defines an at least partially turbulent
flow primary liquid flow pathway in said primary liquid heating
volume portion and an at least partially turbulent flow secondary
liquid flow pathway in said secondary liquid heating volume
portion, said at least partially turbulent flow secondary liquid
flow pathway supplying liquid to said at least partially turbulent
flow primary liquid flow pathway.
268. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said primary
liquid heating volume portion is formed at least partially of a
metal material, which is relatively highly heat conductive and said
secondary liquid heating volume portion is formed at least
partially of a plastic material, which is relatively heat
insulative, separated by said heat-conductive element, said
heat-conductive element being formed of a material which is less
heat conductive than said metal material and more heat conductive
than said plastic material.
269. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said
heat-conductive element is apertured to permit liquid communication
from said secondary liquid heating volume portion to said primary
liquid heating volume portion.
270. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said secondary
liquid heating volume portion includes at least one displaceable
outer wall portion providing freeze protection by virtue of its
displaceability.
271. Apparatus according to claim 270 and wherein said
heat-conductive element comprises a displaceable element operative
to be displaced into said secondary liquid heating volume portion
upon freezing of liquid inside said primary liquid heating volume
portion.
272. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said
heat-conductive element is an intervening liquid impermeable
displaceable diaphragm.
273. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said primary
liquid heating volume portion is a first conduit element and said
secondary liquid heating volume portion is a second conduit
element.
274. Apparatus according to claim 273 and wherein said heat
exchanger is defined by said first conduit element and said second
conduit element.
275. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said at least one
vehicle surface includes at least one of the following surfaces: a
front vehicle windshield surface, a back vehicle windshield
surface, side vehicle windows, a vehicle headlight surface, a
vehicle rear light surface, a vehicle radar antenna surface and a
vehicle exterior mirror surface.
276. Apparatus according to claim 260 and wherein said heated
liquid spray control subassembly is operative to employ said
vehicle surface liquid heating assembly and said vehicle surface
liquid spraying assembly for providing a spray of liquid onto a
vehicle windshield surface and a vehicle radar antenna surface.
277. Apparatus according to claim 276 and also comprising a
normally-open valve interconnecting vehicle windshield sprayers of
said vehicle windshield surface to said vehicle surface liquid
spraying assembly and being operative, when open, to bypass vehicle
radar antenna sprayers of said vehicle radar antenna surface.
278. Apparatus according to claim 277 and also comprising a flow
restrictor, restricting liquid flow to said vehicle radar antenna
sprayers to ensure liquid is supplied to said vehicle windshield
sprayers when said normally-open valve is open.
279. Apparatus for spraying a liquid onto at least one vehicle
surface comprising: a liquid reservoir; a vehicle surface liquid
heating assembly receiving a liquid from said liquid reservoir; a
vehicle surface liquid spraying assembly receiving heated liquid
from said vehicle surface liquid heating assembly; and a heated
liquid spray control subassembly employing said vehicle surface
liquid heating assembly and said vehicle surface liquid spraying
assembly for providing a spray of said heated liquid onto said at
least one vehicle surface; and a normally closed automatically
operative valve interconnecting said liquid reservoir to said
vehicle surface liquid spraying assembly and being operative, when
open, to bypass said liquid heating assembly.
280. Apparatus according to claim 279 and also comprising a vehicle
pump connected upstream of said at least one liquid reservoir and
downstream of said normally closed automatically operative
valve.
281. Apparatus according to claim 279 and wherein said at least one
vehicle surface includes at least one of the following surfaces: a
front vehicle windshield surface, a back vehicle windshield
surface, a side vehicle window, a vehicle headlight surface, a
vehicle rear light surface, a vehicle radar antenna surface and a
vehicle exterior mirror surface.
282. Apparatus according to claim 279 and wherein said normally
closed automatically operative valve is a differential pressure
responsive one-way valve.
283. Apparatus according to claim 279 and wherein said at least one
vehicle surface includes a first surface and a second surface and
said apparatus also comprises a normally-open valve interconnecting
vehicle sprayers of said first surface to said vehicle surface
liquid spraying assembly and being operative, when open, to bypass
vehicle sprayers of said second surface.
284. Apparatus according to claim 283 and also comprising a flow
restrictor, restricting liquid flow to said vehicle sprayers of
said second surface to ensure liquid is supplied to said vehicle
sprayers of said first surface when said normally-open valve is
open.
285. Apparatus according to claim 284 and wherein said first
surface is a vehicle windshield surface.
286. A method for spraying a liquid onto at least one vehicle
surface comprising: providing a vehicle including said at least one
vehicle surface and a liquid reservoir; supplying said liquid from
said liquid reservoir to a vehicle surface liquid heating assembly
including a primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary
liquid heating volume portion, separated by a heat-conductive
element; directly heating said liquid in said primary liquid
heating volume portion, thereby indirectly heating said liquid in
said secondary liquid heating volume portion via said
heat-conductive element; and thereafter spraying said liquid onto
said at least one vehicle surface.
287. A method according to claim 286 and wherein said spraying
includes spraying said liquid for an initial spray cycle.
288. A method according to claim 287 and wherein said indirectly
heating liquid in said secondary liquid heating volume portion
during a relatively long time duration after initial operation of a
motor of said vehicle causes said initial spray cycle to be
relatively longer than when said indirectly heating liquid in said
secondary liquid heating volume portion is during a relatively
short time duration after said initial operation of said motor of
said vehicle.
289. A method according to claim 287 and wherein said spraying said
liquid onto said at least one vehicle surface is nearly
instantaneous when said indirectly heating liquid in said secondary
liquid heating volume portion is for a relatively short time
duration after said initial operation of said motor of said
vehicle.
290. A method according to claim 287 and wherein said indirectly
heating liquid in said secondary liquid heating volume portion
during a relatively long time duration after a previous spray cycle
causes said initial spray cycle to be relatively longer than when
said indirectly heating liquid in said secondary liquid heating
volume portion is during a relatively short time duration after
said previous spray cycle.
291. A method according to claim 287 and wherein said spraying said
liquid onto said at least one vehicle surface is nearly
instantaneous when said indirectly heating liquid in said secondary
liquid heating volume portion is for a relatively short time
duration after a previous spray cycle.
292. A heated liquid discharge system comprising: a main assembly
which provides liquid heating and includes electrical and liquid
flow control functionalities; a liquid inflow conduit supplying
liquid from a liquid reservoir to said main assembly; and a liquid
outflow conduit supplying liquid to at least one sprayer located at
at least one location on a motor vehicle, said liquid inflow
conduit having connected in series therewith a leaky one-way valve
which permits limited backflow of liquid from said main assembly to
said reservoir.
293. A heated liquid discharge system according to claim 292 and
wherein said main assembly comprises a liquid heating chamber
communicating with said liquid inflow conduit and said liquid
outflow conduit and being formed with a liquid drain aperture
located on a side thereof which permits draining of liquid from
said liquid heating chamber generally down to a level of said
liquid drain aperture via said leaky one-way valve.
294. A heated liquid discharge system according to claim 293 and
wherein said draining takes place when a vehicle pump supplying
liquid to said liquid inflow conduit is not in operation.
295. A heated liquid discharge system according to claim 292 and
wherein said at least one location includes at least one of the
following locations: front vehicle windshield, back vehicle
windshield, side vehicle windows, vehicle headlights, vehicle rear
lights and vehicle exterior mirrors.
296. A heated liquid discharge system according to claim 292 and
also comprising an overheating cut-off fuse for shutting off
electrical power to at least part of said main assembly in the
event of overheating of a liquid heating chamber located within
said main assembly.
297. A heated liquid discharge system according to claim 296 and
wherein said fuse is formed with an undersurface of a resilient
material and is retained in tight thermal engagement with the
underside of a base of a liquid heating element located within said
liquid heating chamber.
298. A heated liquid discharge system according to claim 293 and
wherein said liquid drain aperture together with said leaky one-way
valve provides both overheating and anti-freezing protection for
said main assembly.
299. Apparatus for spraying a liquid onto at least one vehicle
surface comprising: a liquid reservoir; a vehicle surface liquid
heating assembly receiving a liquid from said liquid reservoir; a
vehicle surface liquid spraying assembly receiving heated liquid
from said vehicle surface liquid heating assembly; and a heated
liquid spray control subassembly employing said vehicle surface
liquid heating assembly and said vehicle surface liquid spraying
assembly for providing a spray of said heated liquid onto said at
least one vehicle surface, said spray of said heated liquid being
automatically activated by an automatic gain control circuit (AGC)
actuation signal.
Description
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant hereby claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/451,600 filed on Mar. 3, 2003, entitled
"System And Method For Swift Cleaning Or De-Icing Windshields" and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/420,001, filed Oct.
21, 2002, entitled "System And Method For Swift Cleaning Or Deicing
Windshields"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatus and
method for cleaning or de-icing vehicle elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The following publications are believed to represent the
current state of the art:
[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos.: 6,164,564; 6,199,587; 5,509,606; 5,118,040;
4,090,668; 5,012,977; 5,354,965; 3,979,068; 4,090,668; 4,106,508;
5,012,977; 5,118,040; 5,254,083; 5,354,965; 5,383,247; 5,509,606;
5,927,608; 5,947,348 and 5,988,529.
[0005] Published PCT Applications: WO 02/092237, WO 00/27540 and WO
98/58826.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention seeks to provide improved apparatus
and method for cleaning or de-icing vehicle elements.
[0007] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating assembly
including a heat-conductive displaceable element and a liquid
heating enclosure defining a liquid heating volume including a
primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid
heating volume portion, separated by the heat-conductive
displaceable element, the primary liquid heating volume portion
including a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in the
primary liquid heating volume portion and for indirectly heating
liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion via the
heat-conductive displacement element.
[0008] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heat-conductive displaceable element includes
a resilient, flexible element. Additionally or alternatively, the
heat-conductive displaceable element forms at least a wall both of
the primary liquid heating volume portion and of the secondary
liquid heating volume portion.
[0009] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention at least the liquid heating enclosure defines a
primary liquid flow pathway in the primary liquid heating volume
portion and a secondary liquid flow pathway in the secondary liquid
heating volume portion, the secondary liquid flow pathway supplying
liquid to the primary liquid flow pathway.
[0010] Preferably, the primary liquid heating volume portion is
formed of a relatively rigid, highly heat conductive material.
Additionally, the secondary liquid heating volume portion is formed
of a material which is less rigid and less heat conductive than the
material forming the primary liquid heating volume portion.
[0011] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention at least the primary liquid flow pathway is
defined by the liquid heating enclosure and by the heat-conductive
displacement element. In accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention at least the liquid heating
enclosure defines an at least partially turbulent flow primary
liquid flow pathway in the primary liquid heating volume portion
and an at least partially turbulent flow secondary liquid flow
pathway in the secondary liquid heating volume portion, the at
least partially turbulent flow secondary liquid flow pathway
supplying liquid to the at least partially turbulent flow primary
liquid flow pathway.
[0012] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the primary liquid heating volume portion is
formed at least partially of a metal material, which is relatively
highly heat conductive and the secondary liquid heating volume
portion is formed at least partially of a plastic material, which
is relatively heat insulative, separated by the heat-conductive
displaceable element, formed of a material which is less heat
conductive than the metal material. Additionally, the
heat-conductive displaceable element is formed of a material which
is more heat conductive than the plastic material.
[0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heat-conductive displaceable element is
apertured to permit liquid communication from the secondary liquid
heating volume portion to the primary liquid heating volume
portion.
[0014] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the secondary liquid heating volume portion
includes at least one displaceable outer wall portion providing
freeze protection by virtue of its displaceability. Additionally,
the heat-conductive displaceable element is operative to be
displaced into the secondary liquid heating volume portion upon
freezing of liquid inside the primary liquid heating volume
portion.
[0015] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heat-conductive displaceable element is an
intervening liquid impermeable diaphragm.
[0016] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the primary liquid heating volume portion is a
first conduit element and the secondary liquid heating volume
portion is a second conduit element. Additionally, the heat
exchanger is defined by the first conduit element and the second
conduit element.
[0017] There is also provided in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention vehicle including a vehicle
chassis including a drive train, a vehicle body including at least
one vehicle surface which requires washing, a vehicle washing
liquid reservoir, a vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly, a
vehicle surface washer assembly operative to employ the vehicle
washing liquid discharge assembly and a washing liquid from the
vehicle washing liquid reservoir for washing the at least one
vehicle surface which requires washing and a liquid heating
assembly operative to employ the vehicle washing liquid discharge
assembly and the washing liquid from the vehicle washing liquid
reservoir for providing a spray of heated liquid onto the at least
one vehicle surface which requires washing, the liquid heating
assembly including a heat-conductive displaceable element and a
liquid heating enclosure defining a liquid heating volume including
a primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid
heating volume portion, separated by the heat-conductive
displaceable element, the primary liquid heating volume portion
including a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in the
primary liquid heating volume portion and for indirectly heating
liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion via the
heat-conductive displacement element.
[0018] There is further provided in accordance with yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a vehicle including a
vehicle chassis including a drive train, a vehicle body including
at least one vehicle surface which requires washing, a vehicle
washing liquid reservoir, a vehicle washing liquid discharge
assembly, a vehicle surface washer assembly operative to employ the
vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly and a washing liquid from
the vehicle washing liquid reservoir for washing the at least one
vehicle surface which requires washing, a liquid heating assembly
operative to employ the vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly
and the washing liquid from the vehicle washing liquid reservoir
for providing a spray of heated liquid onto the at least one
surface which requires washing and a normally closed automatically
operative valve interconnecting the vehicle washing liquid
reservoir to the vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly and
being operative, when open, to bypass the liquid heating
assembly.
[0019] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the vehicle also includes a vehicle pump
connected upstream of the at least one vehicle washing liquid
reservoir and downstream of the normally closed automatically
operative valve. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid heating
assembly includes a heat-conductive displaceable element and a
liquid heating enclosure defining a liquid heating volume including
a primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid
heating volume portion, separated by the heat-conductive
displaceable element, the primary liquid heating volume portion
including a heat exchanger for directly heating liquid in the
primary liquid heating volume portion and for indirectly heating
liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion via the
heat-conductive displacement element.
[0020] Preferably, the heat-conductive displaceable element
includes a resilient, flexible element. Additionally or
alternatively, the heat-conductive displaceable element forms at
least a wall both of the primary liquid heating volume portion and
of the secondary liquid heating volume portion.
[0021] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention at least the liquid heating enclosure defines a
primary liquid flow pathway in the primary liquid heating volume
portion and a secondary liquid flow pathway in the secondary liquid
heating volume portion, the secondary liquid flow pathway supplying
liquid to the primary liquid flow pathway.
[0022] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the primary liquid heating volume portion is
formed of a relatively rigid, highly heat conductive material.
Additionally, the secondary liquid heating volume portion is formed
of a material which is less rigid and less heat conductive than the
material forming the primary liquid heating volume portion.
[0023] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention at least the primary liquid flow pathway is
defined by the liquid heating enclosure and by the heat-conductive
displacement element. Additionally or alternatively, at least the
liquid heating enclosure defines an at least partially turbulent
flow primary liquid flow pathway in the primary liquid heating
volume portion and an at least partially turbulent flow secondary
liquid flow pathway in the secondary liquid heating volume portion,
the at least partially turbulent flow secondary liquid flow pathway
supplying liquid to the at least partially turbulent flow primary
liquid flow pathway. Additionally or alternatively, the primary
liquid heating volume portion is formed at least partially of a
metal material, which is relatively highly heat conductive and the
secondary liquid heating volume portion is formed at least
partially of a plastic material, which is relatively heat
insulative, separated by the heat-conductive displaceable element,
formed of a material which is less heat conductive than the metal
material. Preferably, the heat-conductive displaceable element is
formed of a material which is more heat conductive than the plastic
material.
[0024] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heat-conductive displaceable element is
apertured to permit liquid communication from the secondary liquid
heating volume portion to the primary liquid heating volume
portion. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary liquid
heating volume portion includes at least one displaceable outer
wall portion providing freeze protection by virtue of its
displaceability. Additionaly, the heat-conductive displaceable
element is operative to be displaced into the secondary liquid
heating volume portion upon freezing of liquid inside the primary
liquid heating volume portion.
[0025] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the at least one vehicle surface which requires
washing includes at least one of the following surfaces: a front
vehicle windshield surface, a back vehicle windshield surface, a
side vehicle window surface, a vehicle headlight surface, a vehicle
rear light surface, a vehicle radar antenna surface and a vehicle
exterior mirror surface.
[0026] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heat-conductive displaceable element is an
intervening liquid impermeable diaphragm. In accordance with yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention the primary
liquid heating volume portion is a first conduit element and the
secondary liquid heating volume portion is a second conduit
element. Additionally, the heat exchanger is defined by the first
conduit element and the second conduit element.
[0027] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the normally closed automatically operative valve
is a differential pressure responsive one-way valve.
[0028] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention user activation activates the spray of heated
liquid onto the at least one vehicle surface which requires
washing. Additionally or alternatively, automatic activation
activates the spray of heated liquid onto the at least one vehicle
surface which requires washing. Preferably, the automatic
activation is provided by an AGC actuation signal.
[0029] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid heating assembly is operative to
employ the vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly and the
washing liquid from the vehicle washing liquid reservoir for
providing a spray of liquid onto a vehicle windshield surface and a
vehicle radar antenna surface.
[0030] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the vehicle also includes a normally-open valve
interconnecting vehicle windshield sprayers of the vehicle
windshield surface to the vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly
and being operative, when open, to bypass vehicle radar antenna
sprayers of the vehicle radar antenna surface. In accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention the vehicle
also includes a flow restrictor, restricting flow to the vehicle
radar antenna sprayers to ensure liquid is supplied to the vehicle
windshield sprayers when the normally-open valve is open.
[0031] There is further provided in accordance with yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating
method including providing a liquid heating enclosure defining a
liquid heating volume including a primary liquid heating volume
portion and a secondary liquid heating volume portion, separated by
a heat-conductive displaceable element and directly heating liquid
in the primary liquid heating volume portion, thereby indirectly
heating liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion via
the heat-conductive displacement element.
[0032] There is further provided in accordance with still another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a vehicle operation
method including providing a vehicle including at least one vehicle
surface which requires washing and washing the at least one vehicle
surface which requires washing by supplying heated liquid from a
reservoir as a spray of heated liquid onto the at least one surface
which requires washing including causing liquid from the reservoir
to be directly heated in a primary liquid heating volume portion
and to be indirectly heated in a secondary liquid heating volume
portion via a heat-conductive element separating the primary and
secondary liquid heating volume portions.
[0033] There is yet further provided in accordance with still
another preferred embodiment of the present invention a vehicle
operation method including providing a vehicle including at least
one vehicle surface which requires washing and washing the at least
one vehicle surface which requires washing by at least one of
supplying heated liquid from a liquid reservoir via a liquid
heating assembly as a spray of heated liquid onto the at least one
surface which requires washing and supplying unheated liquid from
the liquid reservoir via a normally closed automatically operative
valve which, when open, bypasses the liquid heating assembly.
[0034] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention a vehicle pump connects upstream of the liquid
reservoir and downstream of the normally closed automatically
operative valve.
[0035] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the vehicle operation method also includes
providing a vehicle including the at least one vehicle surface
which requires washing and washing the at least one vehicle surface
which requires washing by supplying heated liquid from the liquid
reservoir as a spray of heated liquid onto the at least one surface
which requires washing including causing liquid from the liquid
reservoir to be directly heated in a primary liquid heating volume
portion and to be indirectly heated in a secondary liquid heating
volume portion via a heat-conductive element separating the primary
and secondary liquid heating volume portions.
[0036] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the primary and secondary liquid heating volume
portions are defined by a liquid heating enclosure and the primary
liquid heating volume portion includes a heat exchanger for
directly heating the liquid in the primary liquid heating volume
portion and for indirectly heating the liquid in the secondary
liquid heating volume portion via the heat-conductive displacement
element.
[0037] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heat-conductive displaceable element is
resiliently and flexibly displaceable. Additionally or
alternatively, the heat-conductive displaceable element separates
the primary liquid heating volume portion and the secondary liquid
heating volume portion. In accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention the liquid flows into a primary
liquid flow pathway in the primary liquid heating volume portion
from a secondary liquid flow pathway in the secondary liquid
heating volume portion. Additionally or alternatively, at least the
liquid flows in at least partially turbulent flow primary liquid
flow through the primary liquid heating volume portion following
flowing in at least partially turbulent flow secondary liquid flow
through the secondary liquid heating volume portion.
[0038] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid flows via an aperture formed in the
heat-conductive displaceable element to permit liquid communication
from the secondary liquid heating volume portion to the primary
liquid heating volume portion.
[0039] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention at least one displaceable outer wall portion of
the secondary liquid heating volume portion is displaced into the
secondary liquid heating volume portion upon freezing of liquid
inside the primary liquid heating volume portion.
[0040] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the washing includes an initial spray cycle.
Additionally, the indirectly heating liquid in the secondary liquid
heating volume portion during a relatively long time duration after
initial operation of a motor of the vehicle causes the initial
spray cycle to be relatively longer than when the indirectly
heating liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume portion is
during a relatively short time duration after initial operation of
the motor of the vehicle. Additionally, the supplying heated liquid
onto the at least one surface is nearly instantaneous when the
indirectly heating liquid in the secondary liquid heating volume
portion is for a relatively long time duration after the initial
operation of the motor of the vehicle.
[0041] There is also provided in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid discharge
system including a main assembly which provides liquid heating and
includes electrical and liquid flow control functionalities, a
liquid inflow conduit supplying liquid from a liquid reservoir to
the main assembly and a liquid outflow conduit supplying liquid to
at least one sprayer located at at least one location on a motor
vehicle, the main assembly including a liquid heating chamber
communicating with the liquid inflow conduit and the liquid outflow
conduit and being formed with a liquid drain aperture located on a
side thereof which permits draining of liquid from the liquid
heating chamber generally down to a level of the liquid drain
aperture.
[0042] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the draining takes place when a vehicle pump
supplying liquid to the liquid inflow conduit is not in operation.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the at least one location includes at least one of the
following locations: front vehicle windshield, back vehicle
windshield, side vehicle windows, surface vehicle headlights,
vehicle rear lights and vehicle exterior mirrors.
[0043] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention a vehicle operator actuation switch is
electrically coupled to the main assembly. Additionally or
alternatively, the main assembly is connected to a vehicle
computer. Alternatively or additionally, the main assembly is
connected to a vehicle ignition switch.
[0044] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the main assembly includes a principal housing
portion and a cover housing portion. Additionally, the principal
housing portion defines a generally circular cylindrical liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume in a major portion of which is
disposed a liquid heating assembly including the liquid heating
chamber.
[0045] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid heating chamber includes a generally
circular cylindrical outer sleeve. Additionally, the liquid heating
assembly includes a plurality of heating elements located within
the liquid heating chamber. In accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention electrical characteristics of
individual ones of the plurality of heating elements are different
from each other.
[0046] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the principal housing portion defines a liquid
inlet channel and a heated liquid outlet channel, both
communicating with the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume
and respectively communicating with the liquid inflow conduit and
the liquid outflow conduit. Additionally, the principal housing
portion also defines a heated liquid temperature sensor mounting
aperture which communicates with the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume.
[0047] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention liquid supplied to the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume via the liquid inlet channel enters the liquid
heating chamber via at least two liquid inlet apertures formed in
the liquid heating chamber including a first aperture located near
a base of the liquid heating chamber and a second aperture located
at an opposite side of the liquid heating chamber from the first
aperture and near a middle of a height of the liquid heating
chamber. Additionally, during operation of the vehicle pump
supplying liquid to the liquid inflow conduit a level of the liquid
exceeds the height of the liquid heating chamber and fills the
liquid heating chamber accommodating volume.
[0048] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid drain aperture is located on a side of
the liquid heating chamber just below the top thereof, which
permits draining of the liquid from the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume generally only down to the level of the liquid
drain aperture when the vehicle pump is not in operation. In
accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the liquid from the liquid reservoir is supplied by the
vehicle pump via the liquid inlet conduit via a liquid inlet
pathway portion of a liquid connector assembly, which also defines
a liquid outlet pathway portion.
[0049] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid connector assembly defines a
differential pressure bypass pathway portion, which is controlled
by a one-way valve and which permits liquid flow from the liquid
inlet pathway portion to the liquid outlet pathway portion when a
pressure differential thereacross reaches a predetermined
threshold, which indicates the existence of a blockage in a liquid
path through the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume.
Additionally, the liquid inlet pathway portion includes a leaky one
way valve which permits supply of liquid under pressure to the
liquid heating chamber accommodating volume but restricts backflow
therethrough to a relatively slow rate.
[0050] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid passes through the liquid inlet
channel, fills the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume and
flows into the liquid heating chamber via the first and second
apertures. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of
the present invention the liquid is heated in the liquid heating
chamber and a temperature of the liquid or of air overlying the
liquid, depending on the liquid level of the liquid, is sensed by
at least one temperature sensor. In accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one
temperature sensor is mounted onto a printed circuit board which is
mounted within the principal housing portion and located outside of
the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume.
[0051] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge system also includes
control circuitry, for operation of the main assembly, which is
connected to the at least one temperature sensor.
[0052] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge system also includes
an overheating cut-off fuse for shutting off electrical power to at
least part of the main assembly in the event of overheating of the
liquid heating chamber. In accordance with still another preferred
embodiment of the present invention the fuse is formed with an
undersurface of a resilient material and is retained in tight
thermal engagement with the underside of a base of the liquid
heating element.
[0053] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid drain aperture together with a leaky
one-way valve provides both overheating and anti-freezing
protection for the main assembly.
[0054] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention when the liquid is not being pumped into the
liquid heating chamber, the liquid tends to drain slowly from the
liquid heating chamber via the leaky one-way valve until a level of
liquid in the liquid heating chamber reaches the level of the
liquid drain aperture, at which point air, rather than liquid is
drawn into the liquid outflow conduit, effectively terminating
drainage and retaining liquid inside the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume generally at the level of the liquid drain
aperture.
[0055] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention retention of liquid inside the liquid heating
chamber at a level generally not lower than that of the liquid
drain aperture ensures that the level of liquid in the liquid
heating chamber at least covers most of the heating elements
located therein, ensuring rapid heating of the liquid and avoiding
burning out of the heating elements due to lack of the liquid in
the vicinity thereof and retention of the liquid inside the liquid
heating chamber at a level no higher than that of the liquid drain
aperture ensures that sufficient freezing expansion volume is
provided so that when the vehicle is not being operated and is in a
freezing environment, freezing of the liquid therein does not cause
cracking of the liquid heating chamber.
[0056] There is yet further provided in accordance with yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid
discharge system including a main assembly which provides liquid
heating and includes electrical and liquid flow control
functionalities, a liquid inflow conduit supplying liquid from a
liquid reservoir to the main assembly and a liquid outflow conduit
supplying liquid to at least one sprayer located at at least one
location on a motor vehicle, the liquid inflow conduit having
connected in series therewith a leaky one-way valve which permits
limited backflow of liquid from the main assembly to the
reservoir.
[0057] There is even further provided in accordance with yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated
liquid discharge system including a main assembly which provides
liquid heating and includes electrical and liquid flow control
functionalities, a liquid inflow conduit supplying liquid from a
liquid reservoir to the main assembly and a liquid outflow conduit
supplying liquid to at least one sprayer located at at least one
location on a motor vehicle, the main assembly including a liquid
heating chamber and an electrical circuit board having mounted
thereon a liquid temperature sensor which senses temperature of the
liquid in the liquid heating chamber.
[0058] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the main assembly includes a liquid heating
chamber communicating with the liquid inflow conduit and the liquid
outflow conduit and being formed with a liquid drain aperture
located on a side thereof which permits draining of liquid from the
liquid heating chamber generally down to level of the liquid drain
aperture via the leaky one-way valve.
[0059] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the draining takes place when a vehicle pump
supplying liquid to the liquid inflow conduit is not in operation.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the at least one location includes at least one of the
following locations: front vehicle windshield, back vehicle
windshield, side vehicle windows, surface vehicle headlights,
vehicle rear lights and vehicle exterior mirrors.
[0060] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention a vehicle operator actuation switch is
electrically coupled to the main assembly. Alternatively or
additionally, the main assembly is connected to a vehicle computer.
Additionally or alternatively, the main assembly is connected to a
vehicle ignition switch.
[0061] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the main assembly includes a principal housing
portion and a cover housing portion. Additionally, the principal
housing portion defines a generally circular cylindrical liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume in a major portion of which is
disposed a liquid heating assembly including the liquid heating
chamber.
[0062] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid heating chamber includes a generally
circular cylindrical outer sleeve. Preferably, the liquid heating
assembly includes a plurality of heating elements located within
the liquid heating chamber. Additionally, electrical
characteristics of individual ones of the plurality of heating
elements are different from each other.
[0063] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the principal housing portion defines a liquid
inlet channel and a heated liquid outlet channel, both
communicating with the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume
and respectively communicating with the liquid inflow conduit and
the liquid outflow conduit. Additionally, the principal housing
portion also defines a heated liquid temperature sensor mounting
aperture which communicates with the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume. In accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention liquid supplied to the liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume via the liquid inlet channel
enters the liquid heating chamber via at least two liquid inlet
apertures formed in the liquid heating chamber including a first
aperture located near a base of the liquid heating chamber and a
second aperture located at an opposite side of the liquid heating
chamber from the first aperture and near a middle of a height of
the liquid heating chamber.
[0064] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention during operation of the vehicle pump supplying
liquid to the liquid inflow conduit a level of the liquid exceeds
the height of the liquid heating chamber and fills the liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume. Additionally, the liquid
drain aperture is located on a side of the liquid heating chamber
just below the top thereof, which permits draining of the liquid
from the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume generally only
down to the level of the liquid drain aperture when the vehicle
pump is not in operation. In accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention the liquid from the liquid
reservoir is supplied by the vehicle pump via the liquid inlet
conduit via a liquid inlet pathway portion of a liquid connector
assembly, which also defines a liquid outlet pathway portion.
[0065] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid connector assembly defines a
differential pressure bypass pathway portion, which is controlled
by a one-way valve and which permits liquid flow from the liquid
inlet pathway portion to the liquid outlet pathway portion when a
pressure differential thereacross reaches a predetermined
threshold, which indicates the existence of a blockage in a liquid
path through the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume. In
accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention the liquid inlet pathway portion includes a leaky one way
valve which permits supply of liquid under pressure to the liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume but restricts backflow
therethrough to a relatively slow rate.
[0066] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid passes through the liquid inlet
channel, fills the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume and
flows into the liquid heating chamber via the first and second
apertures.
[0067] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid is heated in the liquid heating
chamber and a temperature of the liquid or of air overlying the
liquid, depending on the liquid level of the liquid, is sensed by
the liquid temperature sensor.
[0068] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the at liquid temperature sensor is mounted onto
a printed circuit board which is mounted within the principal
housing portion and located outside of the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume.
[0069] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge system also includes
control circuitry, for operation of the main assembly, which is
connected to the liquid temperature sensor.
[0070] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge system also includes
an overheating cut-off fuse for shutting off electrical power to at
least part of the main assembly in the event of overheating of the
liquid heating chamber. Preferably, the fuse is formed with an
undersurface of a resilient material and is retained in tight
thermal engagement with the underside of a base of the liquid
heating element.
[0071] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid drain aperture together with the leaky
one-way valve provides both overheating and anti-freezing
protection for the main assembly.
[0072] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention when the liquid is not being pumped into the
liquid heating chamber, the liquid tends to drain slowly from the
liquid heating chamber via the leaky one-way valve until a level of
liquid in the liquid heating chamber reaches the level of the
liquid drain aperture, at which point air, rather than liquid is
drawn into the liquid outflow conduit, effectively terminating
drainage and retaining liquid inside the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume generally at the level of the liquid drain
aperture.
[0073] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention retention of liquid inside the liquid heating
chamber at a level generally not lower than that of the liquid
drain aperture ensures that the level of liquid in the liquid
heating chamber at least covers most of the heating elements
located therein, ensuring rapid heating of the liquid and avoiding
burning out of the heating elements due to lack of the liquid in
the vicinity thereof and retention of the liquid inside the liquid
heating chamber at a level no higher than that of the liquid drain
aperture ensures that sufficient freezing expansion volume is
provided so that when the vehicle is not being operated and is in a
freezing environment, freezing of the liquid therein does not cause
cracking of the liquid heating chamber.
[0074] There is yet further provided in accordance with still
another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated
liquid discharge method including supplying liquid from a liquid
reservoir to a liquid heating chamber included in a main assembly,
heating the liquid in the liquid heating chamber, supplying heated
liquid from the liquid heating chamber to at least one sprayer
located at at least one location on a motor vehicle and draining of
liquid to the liquid reservoir from the liquid heating chamber
generally down to a predetermined level in the liquid heating
chamber.
[0075] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the supplying liquid from a liquid reservoir to a
liquid heating chamber is via a liquid inflow conduit and the
supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber to the at
least one sprayer located at at least one location on a motor
vehicle is via a liquid outflow conduit. Additionally or
alternatively, the draining is via a liquid drain aperture located
on a side of the liquid heating chamber. Preferably, the draining
takes place when a vehicle pump supplying liquid to the liquid
inflow conduit is not in operation.
[0076] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the at least one location includes at least one
of the following locations: front vehicle windshield, back vehicle
windshield, side vehicle windows, surface vehicle headlights,
vehicle rear lights and vehicle exterior mirrors.
[0077] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
electrically coupling a vehicle operator actuation switch to the
main assembly.
[0078] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
connecting the main assembly to a vehicle computer. In accordance
with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the
heated liquid discharge method also includes connecting the main
assembly to a vehicle ignition switch.
[0079] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heating the liquid in the liquid heating
chamber is provided by a plurality of heating elements located
within the liquid heating chamber. In accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention electrical
characteristics of individual ones of the plurality of heating
elements are different from each other.
[0080] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid flows to the liquid heating chamber
via a liquid inlet channel and enters the liquid heating chamber
via at least two liquid inlet apertures formed in the liquid
heating chamber including a first aperture located near a base of
the liquid heating chamber and a second aperture located at an
opposite side of the liquid heating chamber from the first aperture
and near a middle of a height of the liquid heating chamber.
[0081] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention during operation of the vehicle pump supplying
liquid to the liquid inflow conduit a level of the liquid exceeds
the height of the liquid heating chamber and fills a liquid heating
chamber accommodating volume defined within the liquid heating
chamber.
[0082] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid drain aperture is located on a side of
the liquid heating chamber just below the top thereof, which
permits the draining of the liquid from the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume generally only down to the level of the liquid
drain aperture when the vehicle pump is not in operation.
[0083] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid from the liquid reservoir is supplied
by the vehicle pump via the liquid inlet conduit via a liquid inlet
pathway portion of a liquid connector assembly, which also defines
a liquid outlet pathway portion.
[0084] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
controlling a differential pressure bypass pathway portion defined
within a liquid connector assembly by a one-way valve, the one-way
valve permits liquid flow from the liquid inlet pathway portion to
the liquid outlet pathway portion when a pressure differential
thereacross reaches a predetermined threshold, which indicates the
existence of a blockage in a liquid path through the liquid heating
chamber accommodating volume.
[0085] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method and also
includes permitting supply of liquid under pressure to the liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume but restricting backflow
therethrough to a relatively slow rate.
[0086] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the liquid passes through the liquid inlet
channel, fills the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume and
flows into the liquid heating chamber via the first and second
apertures.
[0087] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
sensing a temperature of the liquid in the liquid heating chamber
or of air overlying the liquid, depending on the liquid level of
the liquid, by at least one temperature sensor.
[0088] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
operating the main assembly by a control circuitry, for operation
of the main assembly, which is connected to the at least one
temperature sensor.
[0089] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
shutting off electrical power to at least part of the main assembly
in the event of overheating of the liquid heating chamber by an
overheating cut-off fuse. Preferably, the fuse is formed with an
undersurface of a resilient material and is retained in tight
thermal engagement with the underside of a base of the liquid
heating element.
[0090] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the heated liquid discharge method also includes
providing both overheating and anti-freezing protection for the
main assembly by the liquid drain aperture together with a leaky
one-way valve.
[0091] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention when the liquid is not being pumped into the
liquid heating chamber, the liquid tends to drain slowly from the
liquid heating chamber via the leaky one-way valve until a level of
liquid in the liquid heating chamber reaches a level of the liquid
drain aperture, at which point air, rather than liquid is drawn
into the liquid outflow conduit, effectively terminating drainage
and retaining liquid inside the liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume generally at the level of the liquid drain
aperture.
[0092] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
present invention retention of liquid inside the liquid heating
chamber at a level generally not lower than that of the liquid
drain aperture ensures that the level of liquid in the liquid
heating chamber at least covers most of the heating elements
located therein, ensuring rapid heating of the liquid and avoiding
burning out of the heating elements due to lack of the liquid in
the vicinity thereof and retention of the liquid inside the liquid
heating chamber at a level no higher than that of the liquid drain
aperture ensures that sufficient freezing expansion volume is
provided so that when the vehicle is not being operated and is in a
freezing environment, freezing of the liquid therein does not cause
cracking of the liquid heating chamber.
[0093] There is also provided in accordance with still another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid
discharge method including supplying liquid from a liquid reservoir
to a liquid heating chamber, heating the liquid in the liquid
heating chamber, supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating
chamber to at least one sprayer located at at least one location on
a motor vehicle and draining of liquid to the liquid reservoir from
the liquid heating chamber via a leaky one-way valve.
[0094] There is further provided in accordance with yet another
preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid
discharge method including supplying liquid from a liquid reservoir
to a liquid heating chamber, heating the liquid in the liquid
heating chamber, supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating
chamber to at least one sprayer located at at least one location on
a motor vehicle, sensing a temperature of the heated liquid and
separately sensing a temperature of the liquid heating chamber.
[0095] 362. A heated liquid discharge method according to claim 361
and also including draining of the liquid to the liquid reservoir
from the liquid heating chamber generally down to a predetermined
level in the liquid heating chamber.
[0096] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention the supplying liquid from a liquid reservoir to a
liquid heating chamber is via a liquid inflow conduit and the
supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber to the at
least one sprayer located at at least one location on a motor
vehicle is via a liquid outflow conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND APPENDIX
[0097] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
the drawings and appendix in which:
[0098] FIG. 1 is a simplified partially pictorial and partially
schematic illustration of a heated liquid discharge system
constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention installed in a motor vehicle;
[0099] FIGS. 2A and 2B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration and a simplified partially exploded view illustration
of an assembly forming part of the system of FIG. 1;
[0100] FIG. 3 is a simplified exploded view illustration of part of
the assembly shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B;
[0101] FIG. 4 is a simplified exploded view illustration of a
subassembly of the assembly shown in FIGS. 2B and 3;
[0102] FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of one of the elements
of the subassembly shown in FIG. 4;
[0103] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are, respectively, a simplified
illustration of another embodiment of some of the elements of the
subassembly shown in FIG. 4, a sectional illustration taken along
lines VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A and a partial sectional illustration taken
along lines VIC-VIC in FIG. 6B;
[0104] FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, a simplified illustration
of another embodiment of some of the elements of the subassembly
shown in FIG. 4 and a sectional illustration taken along lines
VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7A;
[0105] FIG. 8 is a sectional illustration of the subassembly shown
in FIG. 4 in two operative orientations;
[0106] FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a simplified illustration
of another embodiment of the elements shown in FIGS. 7A & 7B
and a sectional illustration taken along lines IXB-IXB in FIG.
9A;
[0107] FIG. 10 is a sectional illustration of another embodiment of
the subassembly shown in FIG. 4 and which incorporates the
embodiment of FIGS. 9A & 9B, in two operative orientations;
[0108] FIG. 11 is a simplified timing diagram illustrating the
operation of the system of FIGS. 1-10;
[0109] FIG. 12 is a simplified partially pictorial and partially
schematic illustration of a heated liquid discharge system
constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention installed in a motor
vehicle;
[0110] FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration and a simplified partially exploded view illustration
of an assembly forming part of the system of FIG. 12;
[0111] FIG. 14 is a simplified exploded view illustration of part
of the assembly shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B;
[0112] FIG. 15 is a simplified timing diagram illustrating the
operation of the system of FIGS. 12-14;
[0113] FIG. 16 is a simplified partially pictorial and partially
schematic illustration of a heated liquid discharge system
constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention installed in a motor
vehicle;
[0114] FIGS. 17A and 17B are, respectively, a simplified pictorial
illustration and a simplified partially exploded view illustration
of an assembly forming part of the system of FIG. 16;
[0115] FIG. 18 is a simplified exploded view illustration of part
of the assembly shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B;
[0116] FIG. 19 is a simplified illustration of a heated liquid
discharge system constructed and operative in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted in a
motor vehicle;
[0117] FIG. 20 is a simplified exploded view illustration of a
portion of the heated liquid discharge system of FIG. 19;
[0118] FIGS. 21A & 21B are simplified front view and back view
pictorial illustrations corresponding to FIG. 20;
[0119] FIG. 22 is a simplified sectional illustration taken along
lines XXI-XXI in FIG. 21A;
[0120] FIG. 23 is a simplified sectional illustration taken along
lines XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 21A; and
[0121] FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C/1, 24C/2, 24C/3, 24D, 24E, 24F, 24G
& 24H are together an electrical schematic illustration of the
circuitry of the system of FIGS. 19-23.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDIX
[0122] The Appendix includes a computer listing which form a heated
liquid discharge system in accordance with a preferred software
embodiment of the present invention when installed in accordance
with installation instructions set forth hereinbelow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0123] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified
pictorial illustration of a heated liquid discharge system
constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention installed in a motor vehicle. As seen in
FIG. 1, an otherwise conventional motor vehicle 100 is seen to
incorporate a heated liquid discharge system 102 constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The heated liquid discharge system preferably includes a
vehicle washing liquid discharge assembly, a vehicle surface washer
assembly and a main assembly 104, which provides liquid heating as
well as electrical and liquid flow control functionalities. Main
assembly 104 is electrically connected via electrical cables 106 to
a vehicle battery 108. It is appreciated that vehicle washing
liquid discharge assembly and vehicle surface washing assembly are
preferably a part of conventional motor vehicle 100.
[0124] A liquid inflow conduit 110 supplies washing liquid, such as
water or windshield cleaning liquid, from a vehicle liquid
reservoir 112, having an associated vehicle pump 114, to main
assembly 104. Liquid inflow conduit 110 preferably includes first
and second branches 116 and 118. Branch 116 is coupled to an output
of vehicle pump 114, while branch 118 is coupled directly to the
interior of reservoir 112. Thus liquid may be obtained from
reservoir 112 independently of whether vehicle pump 114 is in
operation. A one-way valve 120 is preferably provided along branch
118, to prevent liquid pumped by vehicle pump 114 from returning to
the reservoir 112 via branch 118.
[0125] A liquid outflow conduit 122 supplies washing liquid to one
or more sprayers 124, which may be located at one or more of the
following vehicle surfaces which requires washing: front vehicle
windshield, back vehicle windshield, side vehicle windows in
general and especially in locations providing viewing access to
vehicle exterior mirrors, vehicle headlights, vehicle rear lights
and vehicle exterior mirrors.
[0126] A vehicle operator actuation switch 130, typically located
on the vehicle dashboard, is electrically coupled to main assembly
104 by a control conductor 132. Additional control conductors of
any suitable number, here designated by reference numeral 134, may
couple the main assembly 104 to a vehicle computer (not shown) or
to individual vehicle components, such as vehicle pump 114 or
vehicle windshield wipers 135. One or more sensor conductors, here
designated by reference numeral 136, may couple one or more
external sensors 137, such as, for example, temperature sensors,
vehicle speed sensors and humidity sensors, to the main assembly
104, either directly or via the vehicle computer.
[0127] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, main assembly 104 may have associated therewith,
typically in a subassembly 140, an auxiliary pump 142 in series
along the liquid inflow conduit 110. Preferably, a one-way valve
equipped bypass conduit 144 is provided in parallel to auxiliary
pump 142 for permitting liquid ingress to main assembly 104 along
liquid outflow conduit 122, even if auxiliary pump 142 fails to
function. A one way valve 146 is arranged along by pass conduit 144
so as to prevent backflow of the output of auxiliary pump 142 in a
direction away from main assembly 104.
[0128] Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a normally closed automatically operative
valve, which is preferably a differential pressure responsive
one-way valve 148 interconnects liquid outflow conduit 122 and
liquid inflow conduit 110. Differential pressure responsive one-way
valve 148 is opened when a pressure difference thereacross exceeds
a predetermined threshold, typically 0.3-0.5 bar, so as to enable
normal operation of vehicle sprayers 124 in response to
conventional vehicle actuation of vehicle pump 114, notwithstanding
malfunction of the main assembly 104.
[0129] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration and a simplified
partially exploded view illustration of the main assembly 104,
forming part of the system of FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 2A, the main
assembly 104 preferably comprises a housing 200, including a base
202 and a cover 204, which are preferably mounted onto vehicle 100
(FIG. 1) by means of a mounting bracket 206.
[0130] As seen with greater particularity in FIG. 2B, the main
assembly 104 comprises a liquid heating subassembly 208, which
preferably includes a heat exchanger preferably in the form of a
primary liquid heating volume portion and a secondary liquid
heating volume portion. Primary liquid heating volume portion and
secondary liquid heating volume portion are preferably in the form
of first and second conduit elements 210 and 212, which are
preferably bolted together. First and second conduit elements 210
and 212 define a liquid heating enclosure which an interior thereof
defines a liquid heating volume. Preferably, mounted onto liquid
heating subassembly 208 there is provided an electrical control
subassembly 214, typically comprising an electrical circuit board
216 and a plurality of heating elements, preferably three in
number, designated by reference numerals 218, 220 and 222. An
electrical connector 224, of conventional construction, provides
electrical connections for control conductors 132 & 134 and
sensor conductor 136, which are preferably connected to pads on
circuit board 216. Cables 106, which provide connection to the
vehicle battery 108 (FIG. 1), typically are coupled directly to the
circuit board 216. A liquid temperature sensor 226, which senses
the temperature of liquid as it leaves the liquid heating
subassembly 208, is also coupled directly to the circuit board
216.
[0131] Electrical circuitry on electrical circuit board 216
provides, inter alia, control of the operation of liquid heating
elements 218, 220 and 222, preferably by means of first and second
relays 228 and 230 and a FET 232 (Field-Effect Transistor),
respectively.
[0132] Communicating with first and second conduit elements 210 and
212 and with respective liquid outflow conduit 122 and liquid
inflow conduit 110 are liquid outflow and liquid inflow connectors
240 and 242 respectively, which are seen to be interconnected by
differential pressure responsive one-way valve 148. Auxiliary pump
142, bypass conduit 144 and one-way valve 146 are seen disposed in
liquid inflow connector 242, it being appreciated that
alternatively they may be located externally thereof.
[0133] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified
exploded view illustration the of part of the assembly shown in
FIGS. 2A & 2B, to FIG. 4, which is a simplified exploded view
illustration of the liquid heating subassembly 208 shown in FIGS.
2B and 3 and to FIG. 5, which is, a simplified illustration of one
of the elements of the liquid heating subassembly 208 shown in FIG.
4.
[0134] As seen in FIG. 3, relays 228 and 230 and FET 232, as well
as other electrical components (not shown), are typically mounted
onto printed circuit board 216, which is, in turn, mounted onto
first conduit element 210, preferably by means of screws 234 and
spacers 236. First conduit element 210 is preferably formed of a
good conductor, such as aluminum, and has mounted thereon, in heat
exchange relationship, the three heating elements 218, 220 and 222,
preferably by means of screws 238.
[0135] Second conduit element 212 is preferably formed of a
somewhat flexible and resilient material, such as LEXAN.RTM., and
is preferably sealed as by screws 240 to 210 and to a
heat-conductive displaceable element, which is preferably an
intervening liquid impermeable diaphragm 250. The diaphragm may be
an element separate from the second conduit element, as shown in
FIGS. 3, 4, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B & 8, or alternatively may be
integrally formed with the second conduit element, as illustrated
in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10 and described hereinbelow. FIG. 4
illustrates typical general configurations of conduits defined by
first and second conduit elements 210 and 212 extending from a
liquid ingress opening 252 in second-conduit element 212, via a
conduit 254 defined therein and via one or more apertures 256
formed in diaphragm 250, through a conduit 258 formed in first
conduit element 210 and out through a heated liquid egress opening
260 formed in the first conduit element 210.
[0136] It is a particular feature of the embodiment of FIG. 5 that
the conduit 258 defined by the first conduit element 210 includes a
plurality of bifurcated conduit portions, including straight
bifurcated portions 262 and curved bifurcated portions 264. The
function of the bifurcated conduit portions 262 and 264 is to
generate turbulence and generally to help cause the flow of liquid
therethrough to be such that generally all of the liquid flowing
through the first conduit element 210 is in heat exchange contact
with the walls of the conduit 258 to generally the same extent. For
example, the provision of bifurcated conduit portions 262 and 264
prevents the occurrence of a situation where a portion of the
liquid is generally in contact with the walls of the conduit 258
while another portion thereof is generally not in contact with the
walls of the conduit 258. The provision of bifurcated conduit
portions is intended to enhance the speed and uniformity of liquid
heating.
[0137] It is noted that conduit 258 may be configured to have side
walls having a wavy configuration so as to further enhance the
speed and uniformity of liquid heating.
[0138] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, which are,
respectively, a simplified illustration of another embodiment of
some of the elements of the subassembly shown in FIG. 4, a
sectional illustration taken along lines VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A and a
sectional illustration taken along lines VIC-VIC in FIG. 6B.
Similarly to that seen in FIG. 5, a conduit 265 defined by a first
conduit element 266 includes a plurality of bifurcated conduit
portions, including straight bifurcated portions 267 and curved
bifurcated portions 268. The function of the bifurcated conduit
portions 267 and 268 is to generate turbulence and generally to
help cause the flow of liquid therethrough to be such that
generally all of the liquid flowing through the first conduit
element 266 is in heat exchange contact with the walls of the
conduit 265 to generally the same extent.
[0139] In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A, 6B & 6C, a top conduit
wall 269 defined by first conduit element 266 and a bottom conduit
wall 270, defined by a diaphragm 271, are configured to have a
wavy, toothed or otherwise non-smooth configuration to further help
cause the flow of liquid therethrough to be turbulent and such that
generally all of the liquid flowing through the first conduit
element 266 is in heat exchange contact with the walls of the
conduit 265 to generally the same extent. Thus, a situation where a
portion of the liquid is generally in contact with the walls of the
conduit 265 while another portion thereof is generally not in
contact with the walls of the conduit 265 is substantially obviated
and the speed and uniformity of liquid heating is correspondingly
enhanced.
[0140] It is noted that conduit 265 may be additionally configured
to have side walls having a wavy configuration so as to further
enhance the speed and uniformity of liquid heating.
[0141] Reference is now made to FIG. 7A, which is a simplified
illustration of one embodiment of the second conduit element 212
shown in FIGS. 2A-5, to FIG. 7B, which is a sectional illustration
taken along lines VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7A, and to FIG. 8, which is a
sectional illustration of FIG. 4 in two operative orientations.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a relatively resilient and flexible
second conduit element 212 in association with resilient and
flexible diaphragm 250. Liquid entering second conduit element 212
at liquid ingress opening 252 travels along a labyrinthine path
defined by relatively rigid baffles 272 between a relatively
flexible and resilient base 274, preferably integrally formed with
baffles 272 and diaphragm 250. The liquid exits the second conduit
element 212 via one or more apertures 256 formed in diaphragm
250.
[0142] As illustrated particularly in FIG. 8, the provision of
second conduit element 212 provides freezing protection for the
liquid heating subassembly 208, such that, when liquid freezes in
the first conduit element 210, its expansion causes diaphragm 250
to bow outwardly from first conduit element 210 and to expand into
the volume of second conduit element 212. Accordingly, expansion of
the liquid in first conduit element 210 is accommodated without
producing possible cracking or other damage to the first conduit
element 210. Freezing of the liquid in the second conduit element
212 and displacement of the diaphragm 250 into the volume of the
second conduit element is accommodated by outward bowing of the
resilient base 274.
[0143] The structure of the liquid heating subassembly 208 as
described hereinabove, including a first conduit element 210,
having heating elements directed associated therewith, and a second
conduit element 212, not having heating elements directly
associated therewith, but nevertheless being in a relatively slow
heat exchange relationship with the first conduit element 210, also
has the advantage of providing a limited pre-heating functionality
for liquid supplied from reservoir 112 (FIG. 1), first to the
second conduit element 212 and therefrom to the first conduit
element 210.
[0144] It is noted that second conduit element 212 may be provided
with heating elements (not shown).
[0145] Reference is now made to FIG. 9A, which is a simplified
illustration of an alternative to the embodiment of the second
conduit element 212 shown in FIGS. 2A-5, to FIG. 9B, which is a
sectional illustration taken along lines IXB-IXB in FIG. 9A, and to
FIG. 10, which is a sectional illustration of another embodiment of
the subassembly shown in FIG. 4 and which incorporates the
embodiment of FIGS. 9A & 9B, in two operative orientations.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a relatively resilient and flexible
second conduit element 282, preferably integrally formed with a
resilient and flexible diaphragm 284. Liquid entering second
conduit element 282 at a liquid ingress opening 286 travels along a
labyrinthine path defined by relatively rigid baffles 288 between a
relatively flexible and resilient base 290, preferably bonded to
baffles 288 and diaphragm 284. The liquid exits the second conduit
element 282 via one or more apertures 292 formed in diaphragm
284.
[0146] As illustrated particularly in FIG. 10, the provision of
second conduit element 282 provides freezing protection for the
liquid heating subassembly 208, in that, when liquid freezes in the
first conduit element 210, its expansion causes diaphragm 284 to
bow outwardly from first conduit element 210 and to expand into the
volume of second conduit element 282. Accordingly, expansion of the
liquid in first conduit element 210 is accommodated without
producing possible cracking or other damage to the first conduit
element 210. Freezing of the liquid in the second conduit element
282 and displacement of the diaphragm 284 into the volume of the
second conduit element 282 preferably is accommodated by outward
bowing of the resilient base 290.
[0147] The structure of the liquid heating subassembly 208 as
described hereinabove, including a first conduit element 210,
having heating elements directed associated therewith, and a second
conduit element 282, not having heating elements directly
associated therewith, but nevertheless being in a relatively slow
heat exchange relationship with the first conduit element 210, also
has the advantage of providing a limited pre-heating functionality
for liquid supplied from reservoir 112 (FIG. 1), first to the
second conduit element 282 and therefrom to the first conduit
element 210.
[0148] Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified
timing diagram illustrating the operation of the system of FIGS.
1-10. As seen in FIG. 11, system actuation is preferably initiated
by a user, such as the driver of motor vehicle 100 (FIG. 1)
pressing an operator actuation switch 130, typically located on the
vehicle dashboard, as seen in FIG. 1. It is noted, however, that
preferably, at all times that the vehicle is running, even prior to
operator actuation of switch 130, FET 232 (FIGS. 2B & 3)
operates heating element 222 in a continuous manner, so as to
maintain liquid within the liquid heating subassembly 208 at a
temperature of at least 65 degrees Centigrade, for example. If the
ambient temperature at the liquid heating subassembly 208 exceeds
the liquid maintenance temperature, FET 232 is preferably caused to
terminate or curtail operation of heating element 222 so as to
avoid overheating.
[0149] Upon user actuation of switch 130, relays 228 and 230 are
preferably operated to operate respective heating element 218 and
220, which provide immediate boosted heating of the liquid within
first conduit element 210. When sensor 226 senses that the
temperature of the liquid within the first conduit element 210 has
reached a first predetermined elevated temperature, typically 85
degrees Centigrade, one or both of pumps 114 and 142 are operated
to pump heated liquid out from the first conduit element 210 and to
cause the heated liquid to be sprayed by sprayers 124. The
operation of one or both of pumps 114 and 142 causes unheated or
less heated liquid from reservoir 112 to be supplied initially to
second conduit element 212 and thereafter to first conduit element
210 for heating thereof.
[0150] In the short term, the aforesaid operation of one or both of
pumps 114 and 142 causes a drop in the temperature of the liquid as
measured by sensor 226. When the temperature of the liquid, as
sensed by sensor 226, drops below a predetermined threshold
temperature, typically 55 degrees Centigrade, operation of the
pumps 114 and 142 is terminated. When further heating again raises
the temperature of the liquid, sensed by sensor 226, to a second
predetermined elevated temperature, preferably less than the first
predetermined threshold temperature, typically 65 degrees, pump
operation is resumed. This intermittent operation of one or both
pumps 114 and 142 continues for a predetermined number of cycles or
for a predetermined time duration following user actuation of
switch 130, typically four cycles.
[0151] It is noted that the electrical power requirements of the
system increase substantially upon user actuation of the switch 130
and remain generally constant until completion of the last cycle
following such actuation.
[0152] It is additionally noted that the initial spray cycle,
designated by reference numeral 300, is typically longer than the
subsequent spray cycles, designated by reference numeral 302, for
each user actuation of switch 130. It is further noted that when
the user actuation of switch 130 takes place immediately after
initiation of operation of FET 232 and heating element 222, such as
within 1-2 minutes following initial operation of the motor vehicle
100, the initial spray cycle 300, is shorter than the initial spray
cycle 304 in a case when the user actuation of switch 130 takes
place significantly later than initial operation of the motor
vehicle 100.
[0153] It is additionally noted that the time delay between
operator actuation of switch 130 and initiation of the initial
spray cycle 300 is significantly longer than the time delay between
operation actuator of switch 130 and initial spray cycle 304, which
is nearly instantaneous. This feature is due partially to the
particular structure of the liquid heating subassembly 208 as
described hereinabove, including a first conduit element 210,
having heating elements directed associated therewith, and a second
conduit element, designated by reference numeral 212 in FIGS. 2A-8
and 282 in FIGS. 9A-10, not having heating elements directly
associated therewith, but nevertheless being in a relatively slow
heat exchange relationship with the first conduit element 210.
Liquid heating subassembly 208 also has the advantage of providing
a limited pre-heating functionality for liquid supplied from
reservoir 112, first to the second conduit element, designated by
reference numeral 212 in FIGS. 2A-8 and 282 in FIGS. 9A-10, and
therefrom to the first conduit element 210. The provision of the
second conduit element, designated by reference numeral 212 FIGS.
2A-8 and 282 in FIGS. 9A-10, does not significantly adversely
affect the speed of providing an initial spray cycle 300 of heated
liquid immediately after initial vehicle operation, but does
significantly positively affect the speed of providing an initial
spray cycle 304 of heated liquid a significant time after initial
vehicle operation.
[0154] This beneficial functionality results from the fact that
diaphragm acts as a good thermal insulator in the short term and
prevents significant heat loss from the first conduit element 210
during quick heating of the liquid therein, but allows heat to pass
therethrough in the long term, for heating of liquid in both the
first and the second conduit elements to the second predetermined
temperature even prior to operator actuation of switch 130.
[0155] Accordingly, once the vehicle has been running for a
significant time, operator actuation of switch 130 produces a
nearly instantaneous initial spray cycle 304 of heated liquid and
furthermore the quantity of heated liquid which is sprayed is
significantly greater, typically up to a factor of 3, than the
quantity of heated liquid which is available for spraying
immediately following initial vehicle operation.
[0156] Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is a simplified
pictorial illustration of a heated liquid discharge system
constructed and operative in accordance with a 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 heated liquid discharge system 1102 constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The heated liquid discharge system preferably includes a
main assembly 1104, which provides liquid heating as well as
electrical and liquid flow control functionalities. Main assembly
1104 is electrically connected via electrical cables 1106 to a
vehicle battery 1108.
[0157] A liquid inflow conduit 1110 supplies washing liquid, such
as water or cleaning liquid, from a vehicle liquid reservoir 1112,
having an associated vehicle pump 1114, to main assembly 1104.
Liquid inflow conduit 1110 preferably includes first and second
branches 1116 and 1118. Branch 1116 is coupled to an output of
vehicle pump 1114, while branch 1118 is coupled directly to the
interior of reservoir 1112. Thus liquid may be obtained from
reservoir 1112 independently of whether vehicle pump 1114 is in
operation. A one-way valve 1120 is preferably provided along branch
1118, to prevent liquid pumped by vehicle pump 1114 from returning
to the reservoir 1112 via branch 1118.
[0158] A liquid outflow conduit 1122 supplies washing liquid to one
or more vehicle radar antenna sprayers 1124 operative to discharge
liquid onto an external surface of a vehicle radar antenna 1126,
typicality located between vehicle headlights.
[0159] A vehicle radar actuation switch 1130, typically located on
the vehicle dashboard, is electrically coupled to main assembly
1104 by a control conductor 1132. Additional control conductors of
any suitable number, here designated by reference numeral 1134, may
couple the main assembly 1104 to a vehicle computer (not shown) or
to individual vehicle components, such as vehicle pump 1114 or a
vehicle radar unit 1135. One or more sensor conductors, here
designated by reference numeral 1136, may couple one or more
external sensors 1137, such as, for example, temperature sensors,
vehicle speed sensors and humidity sensors to the main assembly
1104, either directly or via the vehicle computer. A radar antenna
spray control conductor 1138 couples the main assembly 1104 to an
automatic gain control circuit (AGC) forming part of the vehicle
radar unit 1135.
[0160] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, main assembly 1104 may include, typically in a
subassembly 1140, an auxiliary pump 1142 in series along the liquid
inflow conduit 1110. Preferably, a one-way valve equipped bypass
conduit 1144 is provided in parallel to auxiliary pump 1142 for
permitting liquid ingress to main assembly 1104 along liquid inflow
conduit 1110, even if auxiliary pump 1142 fails to function. A one
way valve 1146 is arranged along bypass conduit 1144 so as to
prevent backflow of the output of auxiliary pump 1142 in a
direction away from main assembly 1104.
[0161] Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a differential pressure responsive one-way
valve 1148 interconnects liquid outflow conduit 1122 and liquid
inflow conduit 1110. Differential pressure responsive one-way valve
1148 is opened when a pressure difference thereacross exceeds a
predetermined threshold, typically, 0.3-0.5 bar, so as to enable
normal operation of vehicle radar antenna sprayers 1124,
notwithstanding malfunction of the main assembly 1104.
[0162] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration and a simplified
partially exploded view illustration of the main assembly 1104,
forming part of the system of FIG. 12. As seen in FIG. 13A, the
main assembly preferably comprises a housing 1200, including a base
1202 and a cover 1204, which are preferably mounted onto vehicle
1100 (FIG. 12) by means of a mounting bracket 1206.
[0163] As seen with greater particularity in FIG. 13B, the main
assembly 1104 comprises a liquid heating subassembly 1208, which
preferably includes first and second conduit elements 1210 and
1212, which are preferably bolted together. Preferably, mounted
onto liquid heating subassembly 1208 there is provided an
electrical control subassembly 1214, typically comprising an
electrical circuit board 1216 and a heating element 1222. An
electrical connector 1224, of conventional construction, provides
electrical connections for control conductors 1132, 1134 and 1138
and sensor conductor 1136, which are preferably connected to pads
on circuit board 1216. Cables 1106, which provide connection to the
vehicle battery 1108 (FIG. 12), typically are coupled directly to
the circuit board 1216. A liquid temperature sensor 1226, which
senses the temperature of liquid as it leaves the liquid heating
subassembly 1208, is also coupled directly to the circuit board
1216.
[0164] Electrical circuitry on electrical circuit board 1216
provides, inter alia, control of the operation of liquid heating
element 1222, preferably by means of a FET 1232.
[0165] Communicating with first and second conduit elements 1210
and 1212 and with respective liquid outflow conduit 1122 and liquid
inflow conduit 1110 are liquid outflow and liquid inflow connectors
1240 and 1242 respectively, which are seen to be interconnected by
differential pressure responsive one-way valve 1148. Auxiliary pump
1142, bypass conduit 1144 and one-way valve 1146 are seen disposed
in liquid inflow connector 1242, it being appreciated that
alternatively they may be located externally thereof.
[0166] Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which is a simplified
exploded view illustration of part of the assembly shown in FIGS.
13A & 13B. As seen in FIG. 14, FET 1232 as well as other
electrical components (not shown) are typically mounted onto
printed circuit board 1216, which is, in turn, mounted onto first
conduit element 1210, preferably by means of screws 1234 and
spacers 1236. First conduit element 1210 is preferably formed of a
good conductor, such as aluminum and has mounted thereon, in heat
exchange relationship, heating element 1222 preferably by means of
screws 1238.
[0167] Second conduit element 1212 is preferably formed of a
somewhat flexible and resilient material, such as LEXAN.RTM., and
is preferably sealed as by screws 1240 to first conduit element
1210 and to an intervening liquid impermeable diaphragm 1250.
Conduits defined by first and second conduit elements 1210 and 1212
extend from a liquid ingress opening 1252 in second conduit element
1212, via a conduit 1254 defined therein and via one or more
apertures 1256 formed in diaphragm 1250, through a conduit (not
shown) formed in first conduit element 1210 and out through a
heated liquid egress opening 1260 formed in the first conduit
element 1210.
[0168] It is appreciated that the liquid flow in liquid heating
subassembly 1208 is identical to the liquid flow described
hereinabove in FIGS. 5-10.
[0169] Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a simplified
timing diagram illustrating the operation of the system of FIGS.
12-14. As seen in FIG. 15, liquid discharge from vehicle radar
antenna sprayers 1124 on vehicle radar antenna 1126 is preferably
automatically controlled. When the vehicle is running and when
vehicle radar actuation switch 1130 is in an operative orientation
(FIG. 12), accumulation of deposits on the vehicle radar antenna
1126, such as slush, mud, rain, and snow cause the AGC to activate
the heated liquid discharge system (FIGS. 12-14) as described
hereinbelow.
[0170] Preferably, at all times that the vehicle is running, even
when the vehicle radar is not activated, FET 1232 (FIGS. 13B &
14) operates heating element 1222 in a continuous manner, so as to
maintain liquid within the liquid heating subassembly 1208
preferably at a temperature of at least 65 degrees Centigrade, for
example. If the ambient temperature at the liquid heating
subassembly 1208 exceeds the liquid maintenance temperature, FET
1232 is preferably caused to terminate or curtail operation of
heating element 1222 so as to avoid overheating.
[0171] When the AGC provides a signal of at least a predetermined
threshold value, here designated by reference numeral 1300, due to
accumulations on the vehicle radar antenna 1126, one or both of
pumps 1114 and 1142 are operated to pump heated liquid out from the
first conduit element 1210 and to cause the heated liquid to be
sprayed by vehicle radar antenna sprayers 1124. The operation of
one or both of pumps 1114 and 1142 causes unheated or less heated
liquid from reservoir 1112 to be supplied initially to second
conduit element 1212 and thereafter to first conduit element 1210
for heating thereof. When the value of the AGC output signal drops
below another predetermined threshold value, designated by
reference numeral 1302, which is typically below threshold value
1300, operation of the pumps 1114 and 1142 is terminated.
[0172] In the short term, the operation of one or both of pumps
1114 and 1142 causes a drop in the temperature of the liquid as
measured by sensor 1226. When the temperature of the liquid, as
sensed by sensor 1226, drops below a predetermined threshold
temperature, typically 55 degrees Centigrade, operation of the
pumps 1114 and 1142 is terminated. When further heating again
raises the temperature of the liquid, sensed by sensor 1226, to a
predetermined elevated temperature, typically 65 degrees, pump
operation is resumed. This intermittent operation of one or both
pumps 1114 and 1142 continues typically until the value of the AGC
signal drops below predetermined threshold value 1302.
[0173] It is noted that the electrical power requirements of the
system increase substantially with increased accumulation and
corresponding AGC controlled actuation of the heated liquid
discharge system and remain generally constant until completion of
the last cycle following such actuation.
[0174] It is additionally noted that the initial spray cycle,
designated by reference numeral 1310, is typically longer than the
subsequent spray cycles, designated by reference numeral 1312, for
AGC controlled actuation of the heated liquid discharge system. It
is further noted that when AGC controlled actuation of the heated
liquid discharge system takes place immediately after initiation of
operation of FET 1232 and heating element 1222, such as within 1-2
minutes following initial operation of the motor vehicle 1100, the
initial spray cycle 1310, is shorter than the initial spray cycle
1314 in a case when AGC controlled actuation of the heated liquid
discharge system takes place significantly later than initial
operation of the motor vehicle 1100.
[0175] It is further noted that the time delay between AGC
controlled actuation of the heated liquid discharge system and
initiation of the initial spray cycle 1310 is significantly longer
than the time delay between AGC controlled actuation of the heated
liquid discharge system and initial spray cycle 1314, which is
nearly instantaneous. This feature is due partially to the
particular structure of the liquid heating subassembly 1208 as
described hereinabove, including a first conduit element 1210,
having a heating element 1222 directed associated therewith, and a
second conduit element 1212 not having a heating element directly
associated therewith, but nevertheless being in a relatively slow
heat exchange relationship with the first conduit element 1210.
[0176] Liquid heating subassembly 1208 also has the advantage of
providing a limited pre-heating functionality for liquid supplied
from reservoir 1112, first to the second conduit element 1212 and
therefrom to the first conduit element 1210. The provision of the
second conduit element 1212 does not significantly adversely affect
the speed of providing an initial spray cycle 1310 of heated liquid
immediately after initial vehicle operation, but does significantly
positively affect the speed of providing an initial spray cycle
1314 of heated liquid a significant time after initial vehicle
operation.
[0177] This beneficial functionality results from the fact that
diaphragm 1250 acts as a good thermal insulator in the short term
and prevents significant heat loss from the first conduit element
1210 during quick heating of the liquid therein, but allows heat to
pass therethrough in the long term, for heating of liquid in both
the first and the second conduit elements to the predetermined
elevated temperature even prior to AGC controlled actuation of the
heated liquid discharge system.
[0178] Accordingly, once the vehicle has been running for a
significant time, operator actuation of vehicle radar actuation
switch 1130 produces a nearly instantaneous initial spray cycle
1304 of heated liquid and furthermore the quantity of heated liquid
which is sprayed is significantly greater, typically up to a factor
of 3, than the quantity of heated liquid which is available for
spraying immediately following initial vehicle operation.
[0179] Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which is a simplified
pictorial illustration of a heated liquid discharge system
constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention installed in a motor vehicle. As seen in
FIG. 16, an otherwise conventional motor vehicle 2100 is seen to
incorporate a heated liquid discharge system 2102 constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The heated liquid discharge system preferably includes a
main assembly 2104, which provides liquid heating as well as
electrical and liquid flow control functionalities. Main assembly
2104 is electrically connected via electrical cables 2106 to a
vehicle battery 2108.
[0180] A liquid inflow conduit 2110 supplies washing liquid, such
as water or cleaning liquid, from a vehicle liquid reservoir 2112,
having an associated vehicle pump 2114, to main assembly 2104. A
vehicle computer 2115 governs the operation of the pump 2114 via a
control conductor 2116. Liquid inflow conduit 2110 preferably
includes first and second branches 2117 and 2118. Branch 2117 is
coupled to an output of vehicle pump 2114, while branch 2118 is
coupled directly to the interior of reservoir 2112. Thus liquid may
be obtained from reservoir 2112 independently of whether vehicle
pump 2114 is in operation. A one-way valve 2120 is preferably
provided along branch 2118, to prevent liquid pumped by vehicle
pump 2114. from returning to the reservoir 2112 via branch
2118.
[0181] A liquid outflow conduit 2122 supplies washing liquid to one
or more windshield sprayers 2124 operative to discharge liquid onto
a vehicle windshield 2126.
[0182] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, main assembly 2104 may have associated therewith,
typically in a subassembly 2130, an auxiliary pump 2132 in series
along the liquid inflow conduit 2110. Preferably, a one-way valve
equipped bypass conduit 2134 is provided in parallel to auxiliary
pump 2132 for permitting liquid ingress to main assembly 2104 along
liquid inflow conduit 2110, even if auxiliary pump 2132 fails to
function. A one way valve 2136 is arranged along bypass conduit
2134 so as to prevent backflow of the output of auxiliary pump 2132
in a direction away from main assembly 2104.
[0183] Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a differential pressure responsive one-way
valve 2138 interconnects liquid outflow conduit 2122 and liquid
inflow conduit 2110. Differential pressure responsive one-way valve
2138 is opened when a pressure difference thereacross exceeds a
predetermined threshold, typically, 0.3-0.5 bar, so as to enable
normal operation of windshield sprayers 2124 and vehicle radar
antenna sprayers 2140 in response to conventional vehicle actuation
of vehicle pump 2114, notwithstanding malfunction of the main
assembly 2104.
[0184] A user operated vehicle unheated liquid windshield discharge
actuator 2142, typically located in the vicinity of the vehicle
steering wheel, is electrically coupled to vehicle computer 2115 by
a control conductor 2150. In a first mode of operation, wherein the
heated liquid discharge system 2102 is not user actuated for
spraying heated liquid onto the radar antenna, operation of user
operated vehicle unheated liquid windshield discharge actuator 2142
by a user preferably causes an electrical signal to be transmitted
via control conductor 2150 to vehicle computer 2115, which causes
activation, by means of control conductor 2116, of vehicle pump
2114. Liquid outflow conduit 2122 supplies liquid from pump 2114
and/or pump 2132 to windshield sprayers 2124 via a conduit branch
2152, a normally-open valve 2154 and a conduit branch 2156. Liquid
supplied by vehicle pump 2114 and/or pump 2132 via outflow conduit
2122 is also supplied to windshield sprayers 2124 via a
bidirectional valve 2158, a conduit branch 2160 and conduit branch
2156. Bidirectional valve 2158 is normally open for liquid flow
from conduit 2122 to conduit branch 2160 and is electrically
coupled to main assembly 2104 via control conductor 2161. A one way
valve 2162 preferably is provided along conduit branch 2160, so as
to prevent flow of liquid away from windshield sprayers 2124.
[0185] A user operated heated liquid windshield discharge actuator
2170, typically located on the vehicle dashboard, is electrically
coupled to main assembly 2104 via a control conductor 2172.
Actuation by a user of user operated heated liquid windshield
discharge actuator 2170 causes heated liquid from main assembly
2104 to be supplied via conduit branch 2152, normally-open valve
2154 and conduit branch 2156 as well as via bidirectional valve
2158 to windshield sprayers 2124 via conduit branches 2160 and
2156.
[0186] Heated liquid from main assembly 2104 is also supplied to
one or more vehicle radar antenna sprayers 2140 in response to an
AGC actuation signal received by vehicle computer 2115 from a
vehicle radar unit 2173. In response to receipt of the AGC
actuation signal, the vehicle computer 2115 causes main assembly
2104 to provide a direction switch electrical signal along a
control conductor 2174 to bidirectional valve 2158, causing it to
direct liquid from conduit 2122 along a conduit branch 2176, via a
flow restrictor 2178 arranged in series therewith to vehicle radar
antenna sprayers 2140. Additionally, in response to receipt of the
AGC actuation signal, the vehicle computer 2115 causes main
assembly 2104 to provide a valve closing signal to normally open
valve 2154 along a control conductor 2182. Alternatively, the AGC
actuation signal is supplied directly to the main assembly
2104.
[0187] It is appreciated that in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, main assembly 2104 supplies heated liquid to
vehicle radar antenna sprayers 2140 only when windshield sprayers
2124 are not
[0188] It is a particular feature of the present invention that if
during radar antenna spraying operation of the system in response
to the AGC actuation signal, either of actuators 2142 and 2170 are
actuated by a user, liquid, heated or unheated as the case may be,
is immediately directed to windshield sprayers 2124. In the case of
actuation of user operated unheated fluid windshield discharge
actuator 2142, this is preferably effected by opening of a relay
2184, which is connected in series along control conductor 2182, in
response to a relay open signal supplied by vehicle computer 2115
along control conductor 2185, for preventing the valve closing
signal from reaching normally open valve 2154, thereby retaining
normally open valve 2154 in an open orientation and permitting
liquid flow therethrough from conduit 2122 via conduit branch 2152,
normally open valve 2154 and conduit branch 2156 to windshield
sprayers 2124. In the case of actuation of user operated vehicle
heated fluid windshield discharge actuator 2170, this is preferably
effected by main assembly 2104 not providing a valve closing signal
to normally open valve 2154 along control conductor 2182. Heated
liquid from main assembly 2104 is thus supplied to windshield
sprayers 2124 as described hereinabove. In both cases the operation
of flow restrictor 2178 ensures that liquid reaches windshield
sprayers 2124.
[0189] A vehicle radar actuation switch 2190, typically located on
the vehicle dashboard, is electrically coupled to main assembly
2104 by a control conductor 2192. One or more sensor conductors,
here designated by reference numeral 2194, may couple one or more
external sensors 2196, such as, for example, temperature sensors,
vehicle speed sensors and humidity sensors to the main assembly
2104, either directly or via the vehicle computer 2115.
[0190] Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A and 17B, which are,
respectively, a simplified pictorial illustration and a simplified
partially exploded view illustration of the main assembly 2104,
forming part of the system of FIG. 16. As seen in FIG. 17A, the
main assembly 2104 preferably comprises a housing 2200, including a
base 2202 and a cover 2204, which are preferably mounted onto
vehicle 2100 (FIG. 16) by means of a mounting bracket 2206.
[0191] As seen with greater particularity in FIG. 17B, the main
assembly 2104 comprises a liquid heating subassembly 2208, which
preferably includes first and second conduit elements 2210 and
2212, which are preferably bolted together. Preferably, mounted
onto liquid heating subassembly 2208 there is provided an
electrical control subassembly 2214, typically comprising an
electrical circuit board 2216 and heating elements 2218, 2220 and
2222. An electrical connector 2224, of conventional construction,
provides electrical connections for control conductors 2182, 2161,
2172, and 2194 and sensor conductors 2192, which are preferably
connected to pads on circuit board 2216. Cables 2106, which provide
connection to the vehicle battery 2108 (FIG. 16), typically are
coupled directly to the circuit board 2216. A liquid temperature
sensor 2226, which senses the temperature of liquid as it leaves
the liquid heating subassembly 2208, is also coupled directly to
the circuit board 2216.
[0192] Electrical circuitry on electrical circuit board 2216
provides, inter alia, control of the operation of liquid heating
elements 2218, 2220 and 2222, preferably by means of first and
second relays 2228 and 2230 and a FET 2232, respectively.
[0193] Communicating with first and second conduit elements 2210
and 2212 and with respective liquid outflow conduit 2122 and liquid
inflow conduit 2110 are liquid outflow and liquid inflow connectors
2240 and 2242 respectively, which are seen to be interconnected by
differential valve 2138. Auxiliary pump 2132, bypass conduit 2134
and one-way valve 2136 are seen disposed in liquid inflow connector
2242, it being appreciated that alternatively they may be located
externally thereof.
[0194] Reference is now made to FIG. 18, which is a simplified
exploded view illustration of part of the assembly shown in FIGS.
17A & 17B. As seen in FIG. 18, relays 2228 and 2230 and FET
2232 as well as other electrical components (not shown) are
typically mounted onto printed circuit board 2216, which is, in
turn, mounted onto first conduit element 2210, preferably by means
of screws 2234 and spacers 2236. First conduit element 2210 is
preferably formed of a good conductor, such as aluminum and has
mounted thereon, in heat exchange relationship, the three heating
elements 2218, 2220 and 2222 preferably by means of screws
2238.
[0195] Second conduit element 2212 is preferably formed of a
somewhat flexible and resilient material, such as LEXAN.RTM., and
is preferably sealed as by screws 2240 to first conduit element
2210 and to an intervening liquid impermeable diaphragm 2250.
Conduits defined by first and second conduit elements 2210 and 2212
extend from a liquid ingress opening 2252 in second conduit element
2212, via a conduit 2254 defined therein and via one or more
apertures 2256 formed in diaphragm 2250, through a conduit (not
shown) formed in first conduit element 2210 and out through a
heated liquid egress opening 2260 formed in the first conduit
element 2210.
[0196] It is appreciated that the liquid flow in liquid heating
subassembly 2208 is identical to the liquid flow described
hereinabove in FIGS. 5-10.
[0197] Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which is a simplified
illustration of a heated liquid discharge system constructed and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention mounted in a motor vehicle. As seen in FIG. 19,
an otherwise conventional motor vehicle 3100 is seen to incorporate
a heated liquid discharge system 3102 constructed and operative in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The heated liquid discharge system preferably includes a main
assembly 3104, which provides liquid heating as well as electrical
and liquid flow control functionalities. Main assembly 3104 is
electrically connected via electrical cables 3106 and 3107 to a
vehicle battery 3108.
[0198] A liquid inflow conduit 3110 supplies liquid, such as water
or windshield cleaning liquid, from a vehicle liquid reservoir
3112, having an associated vehicle pump 3114, to main assembly
3104.
[0199] A liquid outflow conduit 3122 supplies liquid to one or more
sprayers 3124, which may be located at one or more of the following
vehicle locations: front vehicle windshield, back vehicle
windshield, side vehicle windows in general and especially in
locations providing viewing access to vehicle exterior mirrors,
vehicle headlights, vehicle rear lights and vehicle exterior
mirrors.
[0200] A vehicle operator actuation switch 3130, typically located
on the vehicle dashboard, is electrically coupled to main assembly
3104 by a control conductor pair 3132. A pair of vehicle computer
interface conductors 3134 and 3136 interconnect the main assembly
3104 to the existing vehicle computer 3138. An ignition interface
conductor 3140 interconnects the main assembly 3104 to the existing
vehicle ignition switch.
[0201] Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 20, 21A, 21B, 22
and 23, which illustrate details of the structure and mounting of
main assembly 3104. The main assembly 3104 is preferably mounted
onto the vehicle chassis by a suitable mounting bracket, such as
mounting bracket 3142. Mounting bracket 3142 preferably comprises
suitably apertured chassis mounting portions 3144 and 3146 and a
slide and snap fit main assembly support portion 3148 having
slidable engagement indents 3150 and a snap fit engagement
protrusion 3152 having indents 3154. The snap fit engagement
protrusion 3152 may be injection molded of plastic directly onto
the remainder of mounting bracket 3142.
[0202] Main assembly 3104 comprises a liquid heating chamber
communicating with liquid inflow conduit 3122 and liquid outflow
conduit 3110 a principal housing portion 3160, which is configured
for removable snap-fit engagement therewith by a cover housing
portion 3162. As seen particularly in FIG. 21B, the back surface of
principal housing portion 3160 is formed with suitably undercut
retaining protrusions 3164 which slidably engage corresponding
corners 3166 of support portion 3148 underlying indents 3150. As
seen particularly in FIG. 21A, the top surface of principal housing
portion 3160 is formed with a pair of engagement guides 3168 and
inclined snap fit engagement protrusions 3170 which engage indents
3154 in snap fit engagement protrusion 3152.
[0203] Principal housing portion 3160 defines a generally circular
cylindrical liquid heating chamber accommodating volume 3180, in a
major portion of which is disposed a liquid heating assembly 3182.
Liquid heating assembly 3182 preferably comprises a circular
cylindrical outer sleeve 3184 having a base 3186, which defines a
sealing ring retaining socket 3188, arranged to retain an
insulative liquid sealing ring 3190.
[0204] A plurality of folded over heating elements, preferably
three in number, designated by reference numerals 3192, 3194 and
3196, are located within sleeve 3184. Preferably heating elements
3192 and 3194 partially overlie heating element 3196, as seen in
FIG. 23. Each of the folded over heating elements 3192, 3194 and
3196 preferably includes a resistance heating element 3198, located
within a heating element conductive sleeve 3200 and electrically
insulated therefrom by an insulator 3202, such as a ceramic
material.
[0205] The resistance heating element 3198 is preferably coupled at
one end thereof to an electrical connection terminal 3204 extending
outwardly of base 3186 and is coupled at an opposite end thereof to
conductive sleeve 3200. The conductive sleeves 3200 of each of the
folded over heating elements 3192, 3194 and 3196 are electrically
coupled to ground via base 3186 and an electric connector 3206. It
is appreciated that the electrical characteristics of the
resistance heating elements 3198 of the various folded over heating
elements 3192, 3194 and 3196 are typically different from each
other.
[0206] Principal housing portion 3160 also defines a liquid inlet
channel 3210 and a heated liquid outlet channel 3212, both
communicating with liquid heating chamber accommodating volume
3180, as well as a heated liquid temperature sensor mounting
aperture 3214, also communicating with liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume 3180. Liquid supplied to liquid heating
chamber accommodating volume 3180 via liquid inlet channel 3210
preferably enters a liquid heating chamber 3216, defined by the
interior of sleeve 3184, via at least two liquid inlet apertures
formed in sleeve 3184, preferably a first aperture 3218 located
near the base 3816 and a second aperture 3220, preferably located
at an opposite side of sleeve 3184 and near the middle of the
height of the sleeve 3184.
[0207] Normally, during operation of pump 3114 (FIG. 19), the level
of the liquid exceeds the height of the liquid heating chamber and
fills the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume 3180. A
liquid drain aperture 3228 is located on a side of sleeve 3184 just
below the top thereof, which permits draining of liquid from volume
3180 only down to the level of liquid drain aperture 3228, when the
vehicle pump 3114 (FIG. 19) is not in operation. The importance of
liquid drain aperture 3228 and its placement in the liquid heating
chamber accommodating volume 3180 will be described
hereinbelow.
[0208] Liquid from reservoir 3112 (FIG. 19) is supplied by vehicle
pump 3114 via liquid inlet conduit 3110 via a liquid inlet pathway
portion 3250 of a liquid connector assembly 3252, which also
defines a liquid outlet pathway portion 3254. Liquid connector
assembly 3252 preferably comprises an injection molded element
which also defines a differential pressure bypass pathway portion
3256, which is controlled by a spring loaded one-way valve 3258 and
which permits liquid flow from liquid inlet pathway portion 3250 to
liquid outlet pathway portion 3254 when the pressure differential
thereacross reaches a predetermined threshold, typically 0.3-0.5
bar, which indicates the existence of a blockage in the liquid path
through valve 3260 and the liquid heating chamber accommodating
volume 3180.
[0209] Liquid inlet pathway portion 3250 preferably comprises a
leaky one way valve 3260, preferably having a channel 3262 formed
in a valve seat 3264 thereof, as shown in detail in FIG. 22. Valve
3260 preferably permits supply of liquid under pressure to the
liquid heating chamber accommodating volume 3180 but restricts
backflow therethrough to a relatively slow rate. The liquid passes
through liquid inlet channel 3210 and fills the liquid heating
chamber accommodating volume 3180. The liquid flows into liquid
heating chamber 3216 via first and second apertures 3218 and 3220
in sleeve 3184.
[0210] The liquid is heated in liquid heating chamber 3216 and the
temperature of the liquid or the air overlying the liquid,
depending on the liquid level, is sensed by a temperature sensor
3270, commercially available from EPCOS AG. Corporate
Communications of Munich, Germany, identified by Catalog No.
G560/50K/F2 and located in heated liquid temperature sensor
mounting aperture 3214. Temperature sensor 3270 preferably is
mounted onto a printed circuit board 3272 which is mounted within
principal housing portion 3160 and located outside of liquid
heating chamber accommodating volume 3180.
[0211] Mounted on printed circuit board 3272 is control circuitry
for operation of the main assembly 3104 which is connected inter
alia to temperature sensor 3270 and via a connector 3274 and a wire
harness 3276 including a connector 3278 to control conductor pair
3132, vehicle computer interface conductors 3134 and 3136 and
ignition interface conductor 3140 (FIG. 19). Electrical cables 3106
and 3107 connect the vehicle battery 3108 (FIG. 19) to connection
terminals 3280 of a plurality of relays 3282, which supply
electrical power to electrical connection terminals 3204 of heating
elements 3192, 3194 and 3196 via electrical connectors 3284. Relays
3282 are commercially available from TYH Enterprise Limited of
Tsuen Wan, N.T., Hong Kong. Electrical connector 3206 provides a
direct ground connection between base 3186 and the vehicle ground
via one of electrical cables 3106 and 3107. An overheating cut-off
fuse 3290 is also mounted onto printed circuit board 3272 and is
connected to the control circuitry for shutting off power to the
heating elements 3192, 3194 and 3196 in the event of overheating of
the liquid heating assembly 3182. Fuse 3290 is preferably formed
with an undersurface of a resilient material and is preferably
retained in tight thermal engagement with the underside of base
3186 by a cover element 3292.
[0212] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
provision of liquid drain aperture 3228 in sleeve 3184 together
with leaky one-way valve 3260 provides both overheating and
anti-freezing protection for the main assembly 3104. This
synergetic functionality may be understood by considering the
operation of the system following completion of a spray cycle. At
this time, due to deactivation of pump 3114, liquid is not being
pumped into liquid heating chamber accommodating volume 3180 and
the liquid tends to drain slowly from volume 3180 via channel 3262,
leaky one-way valve 3260, liquid inlet pathway portion 3250, liquid
inlet conduit 3110 and vehicle pump 3114 to reservoir 3112. Such
drainage continues until the level of liquid in liquid heating
chamber accommodating volume 3180 reaches the level of liquid drain
aperture 3228, at which point air, rather than liquid is drawn into
channel 3262, effectively terminating drainage and retaining liquid
inside liquid heating chamber accommodating volume 3180 at the
level of liquid drain aperture 3228.
[0213] Retention of liquid inside liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume 3180 at a level preferably not lower than that
of liquid drain aperture 3228 ensures that the level of liquid in
liquid heating chamber 3216 at least covers most of the heating
elements 3192, 3194 and 3196, ensuring rapid heating of the liquid
at the next heating cycle and avoiding burning out of the heating
elements due to lack of liquid in the vicinity thereof. At the same
time retention of liquid inside liquid heating chamber
accommodating volume 3180 at a level preferably no higher than that
of liquid drain aperture 3228 ensures that sufficient freezing
expansion volume is provided within volume 3180 and within the
liquid heating chamber 3216 so that when the vehicle is not being
operated and is in a freezing environment, freezing of the liquid
therein does not cause cracking of the liquid heating chamber 3216
or of the liquid heating chamber accommodating volume 3180.
[0214] Reference is now made to FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C/1, 24C/2,
24C/3, 24D, 24E, 24F, 24G & 24H, which are together a
self-explanatory electrical schematic illustration of the circuitry
incorporated on PCB 3272 of the system of FIGS. 19-23. FIGS. 24A,
24B, 24C/1, 24C/2, 24C/3, 24D, 24E, 24F, 24G & 24H indicate
interconnections of the circuitry on PCB 3272 with various elements
of the system of FIGS. 19-23, whose reference numbers are indicated
in parenthesis in FIGS. 24A-24H. The circuitry of FIGS. 24A-24H
operates preferably using software contained in the Appendix. Table
I contains a list of parts used in the circuitry shown in FIGS.
24A-24H. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Reference PCB Designator(s) Part
Manufacturer Part Number Footprint C1, C2, C4, 0.01 uF, 100 V AVX
Corp., SC, 06031C103MAT4A 0603 C12, C24, C26, USA C29, C30 C3, C7,
C10, 0.1 uF, 100 V AVX Corp., SC, 12061C104MAT4A 1206 C15, C19, USA
C22 C6, C9, C16, 1000 pF, AVX Corp., SC, 06031C102MAT4A 0603 C20,
C21, C23, 100 V USA C25, C27, C28 C8, C13, C14, 0.1 uF, 10 V AVX
Corp., SC, 0603ZC104MAT4A 0603 C17, C18, C31, USA C32 C5A, C5B, 1
uF, 10 V AVX Corp., SC, 0805ZC106KAT4A 0805 C11 USA C33 10 uF, 35 V
KEMET Electronics, T491C106M035AS "C package" Simpsonville, SC or
6032 D1, D3, D6 Fast Diodes Inc., RS1D SMA Switching Westlake
Village, Rectifier CA, USA D9, D12 General Diodes Inc., S1D SMA
Purpose Westlake Village, Rectifier CA, USA D5, D7, D13, Schottky
Semiconductor MBR0540 SOD123 D14, D17 Barrier Diode Corp., Santa
Clara, CA. USA D2, D4, D15, 15 V, 500 mW, Semiconductor MMSZ5245BT1
SOD123 D16 Zener Corp., Santa Clara, CA. USA D8, D18 5.1 V,
Semiconductor MMSZ5231BT1 SOD123 500 mW, Corp., Santa Clara, Zener
CA. USA D19, D20 DUAL Semiconductor BAV99LT1 SOT-23 SWITCHING
Corp., Santa Clara, DIODE CA. USA FU1 Thermal Cut Thermtrol Corp.,
N6 THRU Off 140 C North Canton, OH, USA JP1 5 Pin Locking Molex
Inc. Downers MOLEX043650-0527 MOLEX043650- Connector Grove, IL, USA
0527 JP2 8 Pin Header Molex Inc. Downers 10-89-1081 THRU Grove, IL,
USA K1 RELAY TYH Enterprise HG4520-012-H1S RELAY-HG Limited, N.T.,
Hong 4520 Kong K2 RELAY TYH Enterprise HG4119-012-1H11-1A RELAY-HG
Limited, N.T., Hong 4119 Kong L1, L2 Ferrite Bead, Murata
BLM21AG102SN1B 0805 600ohm @ Manufacturing Co., 100 MHz Ltd.,
Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Q1, Q2 P Channel International IRFL9110
SOT-223 MOSFET, Rectifier, El 100 V Segundo, CA, USA Q3, Q6, Q7 NPN
Zetex plc, Oldham, FMMT614 SOT-23 Darlington, UK 100 V Q4, Q5
Protected N STMicroelectronics, VNN1NV0413TR SOT-223 Channel East
Bell Road, AZ, MOSFET USA N1 Temperature EPCOS AG. G560/50K/F2 THRU
Sensor Corporate Communications, Munich, Germany N2 Temperature
EPCOS AG. G560/50K/F2 THRU Sensor Corporate Communications, Munich,
Germany R11 0 OHM KOA Speer RM73Z1JLTDD 0603 Electronics Inc.,
Bradford, PA, USA R25 1.5k, 5%, KOA Speer RK73B2ELTDD152J 1210 500
mW Electronics Inc., Bradford, PA, USA R1, R5, R6, R9, 10k, 1% KOA
Speer RK73GC1JLTD1002F 0603 R14, R18, R20, Electronics Inc., R21,
R22, R27, Bradford, PA, USA R28 R7, R10, R12, 100k, 1% KOA Speer
RK73GC1JLTD1003F 0603 R13, R15, R19, Electronics Inc., R23, R24
Bradford, PA, USA R2, R4, R8 3.3k, 5%, KOA Speer RK73B2ELTDD332J
1210 500 mW Electronics Inc., Bradford, PA, USA R3, R16, R17 33.2k,
1% KOA Speer RK73GC1JLTD3322F 0603 Electronics Inc., Bradford, PA,
USA U1 8 BIT Motorola Inc. MC68HC908KX8MDW SOIC 16 Micro-controller
U2 5 V protected Micrel MIC2951-02BM SOIC 8 regulator
Semiconductor, Inc. San Jose, CA, USA
[0215] The Appendix is a software listing of the following computer
file: Appendix containing file HOTSHOT2.S19 and of length 5,434
bytes. To program the FLASH memory on the Motorola 68HC908
microcontroller that resides inside the Hotshot product the
following steps need to be conducted: [0216] 1). Provide a Personal
Computer, such as an Intel-based Pentium III 800 MHz computer, 256
MB RAM and 2 GB Hard Disk configured with Microsoft Windows 2000
operating system. [0217] 2). Start the Prog08SZ.exe programmer for
Windows version 1.38 provided from P&E Microcomputers System
Inc, PO Box 2044, Woburn Mass. 01888-00044 U.S.A. [0218] a).
Select>File>load S19 record [0219] 1). Create the file
HOTSHOT2.S19 based on the Appendix and place it into a temporary
directory. [0220] b). Select>Program [0221] 1). The Prog08SZ.exe
program will read the HOTSHOT2.S19 file and translate this
information into the FLASH program and too the threshold
parameters. [0222] 2). The program will indicate when programming
is complete.
[0223] It is appreciated that the software components of the
present invention may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read-only
memory) form. The software components may, generally, be
implemented in hardware, if desired, using conventional
techniques.
[0224] It is appreciated that the particular embodiment implemented
by the Appendix is intended only to provide an extremely detailed
disclosure of the present invention and is not intended to be
limiting.
[0225] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove but rather includes both
combinations and subcombinations of the various features described
hereinabove as well as modifications thereto which would occur to a
person reading the foregoing which modifications are not in the
prior art. TABLE-US-00002 APPENDIX
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