DE102018006993A1 - Automatically managing windscreen washer system - Google Patents

Abstract

My invention is an automatically managed windscreen washer system. So far, washer fluid, which was essential for cleaning the windows of the car, had to be manually refilled by humans. Water is often used, which could just as well have been drinking water. Regardless of this, manual refilling takes a few minutes and thus takes time and attention.My invention is able to collect rainwater as well as wiping water that has already been used and to use concentrate to process it into new wiping water. The water is first filtered and stored in tank 1. A control computer calculates the optimal mixing ratio of concentrates and water depending on the temperature. We then dispense the necessary concentrate and mix it with the water in tank 1. As soon as tank 2 is empty, tank 1 is completely emptied into tank 2. Washer fluid can be removed from there. The process is now repeated. Installed in a motor vehicle, this system makes it possible that as long as it rains regularly, no wiping water has to be refilled manually. On the one hand, this saves time as well as water that has already been treated since rainwater and wiping water that has already been used can now be used.

Description

My patent is an invention from the field of electrical engineering.

In Germany alone, around 6 billion liters of water are required each year to fill the vehicle's internal windscreen washer system. Previously, this water always had to be added manually as soon as the associated tank was empty. Often water was used which was of higher quality than necessary.

The automatically managing windshield washer system puts an end to these outdated standards. The system works in 10th Steps. In step 1 water is absorbed and filtered by the rainwater inlet. Since rainwater is rarely and only slightly contaminated with dirt, dust or earth, this only serves to ensure the safety, durability of the system and optimal results. Is the tank 1 step becomes empty 2nd initiated. The water that was in the inlet is now through the opening solenoid valve 1 in the tank 1 calmly. The water level will now fill continuously as it rains. As soon as the water level has reached a certain necessary level, the previously opened solenoid valve 1 closed. The water level in the tank 1 is through the water level sensor 1 checked.

The Tank 1 is now filled. In step 4th The control computer uses the temperature sensor to measure the outside temperature. Depending on the measured temperature, either concentrate for high or low temperatures is introduced. At temperatures that are not clear, the computer can receive useful data such as the current date or the location to calculate the optimal mixing amount of the concentrate to avoid that the system freezes. Additional data such as location and date can help to guess the temperature development over the next few days and weeks and thus to calculate a predictive mixing ratio.

In step 5 the calculated concentrate is through the solenoid valves 2nd and or 3rd in the tank 1 calmly. As soon as the concentrate has arrived, the previously opened solenoid valves close again. The solenoid valve is on during the entire mixing process 1 closed - there can be no more water in the tank 1 reach. Is step 5 is completed in step 6 the concentrate is mixed with the water using an electric motor. The system is now protected from low temperatures.

Is the tank 2nd step becomes empty 7 initiated. Since the second water level sensor is on a rise, the lack of wiping water is detected early enough so that wiping water can still be used while the system is working.

As soon as the sensor water level sensor 1 The solenoid valve opens and no longer detects water 4th and the entire contents of the tank 1 is in the tank 2nd headed.

In step 8th the washer fluid is now stored in the tank 2nd . step 9 is the extraction of water, for example by a pump.

As soon as step 7 the solenoid valve closes 4th , the solenoid valve 1 opens and the steps can be repeated. Insofar as both tanks are full, the solenoid valves 2-4 closed.

Remarks:

The system adapts its procedure depending on the outside temperature. If the temperature goes to 0 degrees Celsius or will reach it in the near future, the emergency lock will lock while the system is at a standstill while the solenoid valve 1 remains open. If the temperature is high enough when the system shuts down, the solenoid valve will turn itself off 1 close while the emergency lock remains open. This can increase the efficiency of the system, as water can be collected in months with higher temperatures even when the system is at a standstill.

The two concentrates are not filled to the brim so that they could expand as far as the temperatures require.

All electronic commands are given by the control computer, which can be replaced or supplemented by the on-board computer in the case of a motor vehicle.

If it has not rained for a long time and both tanks are empty, you can manually wash the washer fluid into the 2nd . Tank to be filled. The solenoid valve 4th only opens when all previous steps are done. In the event of drought, it remains closed until enough water has been collected. In this case, the control computer can reduce the amount of water required and recalculate the associated concentrates.

Since it is possible that there may still be water in the filter when the system is switched off, the emergency lock is closed while the solenoid valve 1 remains open. This means that the water remaining in the filter can pass through the valve and into the tank 1 reach.

If there is only a small need for cleaning water, it can happen that water with summer concentrate is stored unused in the tanks for several months. To prevent this from freezing at lower temperatures, the control computer regularly measures the temperature and can empty both tanks in an emergency. When filling the next time, appropriate concentrate is used for the respective temperature.

In this case, it is emptied by the automatic opening of the emergency valve ( M ) and the solenoid valve 1 and 4th . After emptying everyone will 3rd Valves closed again in reverse order.

Depending on the temperature difference measured between the day of mixing and the day of measurement or emptying, anti-freeze concentrate can also be added to the tank 2nd or tank 1 be left in addition. This means that the existing washer fluid can be made frost-proof if the temperature difference allows it. This means that the water does not have to be disposed of or wasted because it can still be used at low temperatures. This is done by opening the solenoid valve 5 realized.

When driving or accelerating, the water can hit the sensor wall in the tank 1 be pressed. To avoid false results, the water level required for the further steps must be held continuously for 1 minute. To prevent this in the event of a sensor failure tank 1 is overfilled, a second sensor is attached the alarm sounds as soon as the water level gets too high. In the event of a failure of the control computer or in the absence of an applied voltage, all valves are closed with the exception of the solenoid valve 1 .

Since water that has not yet been mixed with the antifreeze concentrate can freeze easily at low temperatures, all areas in which this unprocessed water is stored or located are at risk. All areas are in front of and around the solenoid valve 1 threatened. To prevent unprocessed water in the rainwater inlet, in the filter or in the solenoid valve during operation of the system and thus when the emergency lock is open 1 a weak heating system is installed here. This keeps the temperature of the water above 0 degrees Celsius. This prevents the water from freezing at low temperatures. Furthermore, the heating system is able to melt nearby snow and thus also to ensure the operation of the system in winter. The heating system is controlled by the temperature sensor of the control computer. The heating system is synonymous with all heat sources. This can also include the heat generated during engine operation.

The volumes of all parts are variable. However, it should be noted that the volume of the tank 2nd at least the combined volume of the tank 1 and the rainwater inlet and the filter should correspond. The volume of the tank 2nd is the amount of water that fits here without the volume of water under the water level sensor 2nd . The volume of the tank 1 corresponds to the volume of water which is space around the water level sensor 1 to signal to take the next step. This allows water remaining in the rainwater inlet to enter the tank 1 arrive without overfilling it.

The filter can either be integrated into the rainwater inlet or used separately.

Motor vehicles are very often exposed to rain during everyday life. When installed in a motor vehicle, this system can use this rain and, as described, convert it to mop water. This can be used to clean the windows, lights and sensors. Even in winter, the system manages to heat snow and thus gain water. As a result, several billion liters of water can be saved annually and used before reprocessing.

A -

Regenwasserzulauf mit Filter, Heizsystem und Tank

B -

Magnetventil

C -

Konzentrat für niedrige Temperaturen

D -

Konzentrat für höhere Temperaturen

E-

Tank 1

F -

Motor mit Mischblättern

G-

Tank 2

H -

Wasserstandsensor

I -

Erhöhung

J -

Wasserentnahmeleitung

K -

Steuercomputer mit Temperatursensor

L -

Manuelle Zufuhr

M -

Notventil

N -

Notverriegelung

O -

Konzentrat - Zulauf

The invention can save huge amounts of drinking water or water in general. Furthermore, it saves the driver or vehicle owner from regularly refilling the windshield washer fluid independently. What was previously cumbersome and required opening the engine compartment is now automatically regulated. The wiping water used can be optimally positioned again. Impurities can be filtered out so that the wash water can be reused by repeating all steps.

A -

Rainwater inlet with filter, heating system and tank

B -

magnetic valve

C -

Low temperature concentrate

D -

Concentrate for higher temperatures

E-

Tank 1

F -

Motor with mixing blades

G-

Tank 2

H -

Water level sensor

I -

increase

J -

Water withdrawal line

K -

Control computer with temperature sensor

L -

Manual feed

M -

Emergency valve

N -

Emergency lock

O -

Concentrate feed

Claims (10)

The invention is characterized in that it can internally prepare wash water from rain water and concentrate without the manual addition of water. The invention is characterized in that it can prepare different types of washer fluid internally. The invention is characterized in that it automatically adapts to temperatures and thus can calculate suitable conditions and start suitable protocols for scenarios. The invention is characterized in that it receives appropriate instructions for the preparation of the washer fluid from an internal computer and thus does not require any human influence insofar as all the starting products are present. The invention is characterized in that it can collect and reuse used washer fluid. The invention is characterized in that the internal heating system prevents the water from freezing within the invention. The invention is characterized in that it has a motor which internally distributes the concentrate. The invention is characterized in that it uses several tanks to prepare wash water and to store wash water and water. The invention is characterized in that it first filters the water to be used internally and thus frees it from impurities. The invention is characterized in that it can prepare or store 2 tanks of cleaning water in parallel.

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