Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A washer bottle heating assembly (100) having a heating means (102) to maintain fluid in the washer bottle (104) at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius and thereby, maintain the fluid in a liquid state without the use of antifreeze.
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washer bottle (104) includes a first temperature sensor (106) for switching on said heating means (102) when temperature of the fluid in said washer bottle (104) starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius.
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heating means (102) is configured to circulate pumped heated coolant from the radiator (108) through said washer bottle (104).
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the circulation circuit comprises a first circuit which is configured to recover waste heat from the battery (110) via a heat storage device (112), and a second circuit which includes a heater (114) and an auxiliary battery (116) for heating the coolant from the radiator (108) as it passes through said washer bottle (104).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first circuit includes a degassing unit (118) for removing gas from the coolant as the coolant passes through said first circuit.
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first circuit includes a second temperature sensor (120) connected to the heat storage device (112), which senses the temperature of coolant pumped through said heat storage device (112) in the first circuit, and is coupled to a first flow control valve (122) such that if the sensed temperature in said heat storage device (112) is below threshold, said first flow control valve (122) will be configured to direct the flow of coolant through said second circuit where the coolant is heated by said electric heater (114) connected to said auxiliary battery (116).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first circuit includes a third temperature sensor (124) coupled to said heating means (102), which senses the temperature of coolant passed through said washer bottle (104), and is coupled to a second flow control valve (126) such that if the sensed temperature of coolant passed through said washer bottle (104) is above 25 degrees Celsius, said second flow control valve (126) will be configured to direct the flow of coolant through said radiator (108) for cooling.
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said heat storage device (112) encapsulates a phase change material to recover and store the waste heat from the battery (110), and further release the stored heat when said heating means (102) is switched on.
9. A method for maintaining the fluid in a washer bottle (104) at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius, and thereby maintain the fluid in a liquid state without use of antifreeze, said method comprising the following steps:
• sensing the temperature of the fluid in the washer bottle (104) by a first temperature sensor;
• switching on a heating means (102) for circulating pumped heated coolant through the washer bottle (104) when temperature of fluid in the washer bottle (104) starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius;
• passing the coolant through a first circuit having a heat storage device (112) for heating the coolant; and
• passing the coolant through a second circuit having an electric heater (114) for heating the coolant, if the temperature in the heat storage device (112) is below threshold.

, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of washer bottle assemblies of vehicles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A washer fluid is employed in vehicles for cleaning the windshield, the wipers, the headlamps and the cameras of the vehicle. The washer fluid is stored in a bottle that is located at the back of the engine, typically, near the base of the windshield. In cold climatic conditions, the fluid tends to freeze, thereby making the process of cleaning the windshield tedious. As a result, visibility is severely hampered.
To eliminate freezing of the washer fluid, conventionally, antifreeze like methanol and ethylene glycol are added to the washer fluid. However, these additives are costly and toxic in nature. Sometimes, an operator may forget to add the antifreeze to the washer fluid. As a result, the washer fluid may start to anomalously expand, thereby leaking out of the bottle. Moreover, freezing of the washer fluid may cause cracking of the reservoir. Further, the antifreeze may cause sedimentation over the period of time.
There is therefore felt a need for an assembly for maintaining the washer fluid in liquid state.
OBJECT
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a washer bottle heating assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that is environment friendly.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly that is economical to use.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a washer bottle heating assembly having a heating means to maintain fluid in the washer bottle at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius and thereby, maintain the fluid in a liquid state without the use of antifreeze.
In an embodiment, the washer bottle includes a first temperature sensor for switching on the heating means when temperature of the fluid in the washer bottle starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius.
In another embodiment, the heating means is configured to circulate pumped heated coolant from the radiator through the washer bottle.
In yet another embodiment, the circulation circuit comprises a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit is configured to recover waste heat from the battery via a heat storage device. The second circuit includes a heater and an auxiliary battery for heating the coolant from the radiator as the coolant passes through the washer bottle.
In still another embodiment, the first circuit includes a degassing unit for removing gas from the coolant as it is passed through the first circuit.
In one embodiment, the first circuit includes a second temperature sensor connected to the heat storage device which senses the temperature of coolant pumped through the heat storage device in the first circuit. The second temperature sensor is coupled to a first flow control valve such that if the sensed temperature in the heat storage device is below threshold, the first flow control valve will be configured to direct the flow of coolant through the second circuit where the coolant is heated by the electric heater connected to the auxiliary battery.
In another embodiment, the first circuit includes a third temperature sensor coupled to the heating means which senses the temperature of coolant passed through the washer bottle. The third temperature sensor is coupled to the second flow control valve such that if the sensed temperature of coolant passed through the washer bottle is above 25 degrees Celsius, the second flow control valve will be configured to direct the flow of coolant through the radiator for cooling.
In yet another embodiment, the heat storage device encapsulates a phase change material to recover and store the waste heat from the battery, and release the stored heat when the heating means is switched on.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for maintaining the fluid in a washer bottle at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius, and thereby maintaining the fluid in a liquid state without use of antifreeze. The method comprises the following steps:
• sensing the temperature of the fluid in the washer bottle by a first temperature sensor;
• switching on a heating means for circulating pumped heated coolant through the washer bottle when temperature of fluid in the washer bottle starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius;
• passing the coolant through a first circuit having a heat storage device for heating the coolant; and
• passing the coolant through a second circuit having an electric heater for heating the coolant, if the temperature in the heat storage device is below threshold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A washer bottle heating assembly, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Assembly
102 – Heating means
104 – Washer bottle
106 – First temperature sensor
107 – Body control module
108 – Radiator
110 – Battery
112 – Heat storage device
114 – Electric heater
116 – Auxiliary battery
117 – Fuse box
118 – Degassing unit
120 – Second temperature sensor
122 – First flow control valve
124 – Third temperature sensor
126 – Second flow control module
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
A preferred embodiment of washer bottle heating assembly (100), of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.
The washer bottle (104) is configured to store the washer fluid therein. The washer fluid is used for cleaning not only the windshield, but also the wiper, the headlamps and the camera of the vehicle. In cold weather conditions, due to freezing of the washer fluid, it becomes difficult to clean the windshield.
The washer bottle heating assembly (100) (hereafter referred to as ‘the assembly 100’), of the present disclosure, facilitates cleaning of the windshield. More specifically, the assembly (100) is configured to absorb heat rejected from the battery (110) of a vehicle and channelize the absorbed heat to elevate the temperature of the washer fluid.
The assembly (100) has a heating means (102) configured to maintain fluid in the washer bottle (104) at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius and thereby, maintain the washer fluid in a liquid state without the use of antifreeze. In an embodiment, the heating means (102) is a coil or a conduit that allows coolant to flow therethrough and thus facilitate exchange of heat between the coolant and the washer fluid.
The washer bottle (104) includes a first temperature sensor (106) for switching on the heating means (102) when temperature of the fluid in the washer bottle (104) starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius. The first temperature sensor (106) senses the temperature of the washer fluid in the heating means (102) and generates a corresponding signal. Based on the generated signal, the body control module (107) of the vehicle switches on the heating means (102).
The heating means (102) is coupled to a circulation circuit. The heating means (102) is configured to circulate pumped heated coolant from the radiator (108) through the washer bottle (104). The radiator (108) is connected to the battery (110) by means of a pump.
The circulation circuit comprises a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes a heat storage device (112). The first circuit is configured to recover waste heat from the battery (110) via the heat storage device (112). The second circuit includes an electric heater (114) and an auxiliary battery (116) for heating the coolant from the radiator (108) as the coolant passes through the washer bottle (104). A fuse box (117) is coupled to the auxiliary battery (116) to protect the second circuit from undesired electric risks.
In an embodiment, the first circuit includes a degassing unit (118) for removing gas from the coolant as the coolant passes through the first circuit.
The first circuit further includes a second temperature sensor (120) connected to the heat storage device (112). The second temperature sensor (120) senses the temperature of coolant pumped through the heat storage device (112) in the first circuit. The second temperature sensor (120) is coupled to a first flow control valve (122) such that if the sensed temperature in the heat storage device (112) is below threshold, the first flow control valve (122) will be configured to direct the flow of coolant through the second circuit where the coolant is heated by the electric heater (114) connected to the auxiliary battery (116).
The first circuit includes a third temperature sensor (124) coupled to the heating means (102). The heating means (102) senses the temperature of coolant passed through the washer bottle (104). The heating means (102) is coupled to a second flow control valve (126) such that if the sensed temperature of coolant passed through the washer bottle (104) is above 25 degrees Celsius, the second flow control valve (126) will be configured to direct the flow of coolant to the radiator (108) for cooling.
The heat storage device (112) encapsulates a phase change material (not specifically labelled in figures) to recover and store the waste heat from the battery (110). The phase change material further releases the stored heat to the coolant when the heating means (102) is switched on.
Typically, when the assembly (100) is not employed, the coolant from the radiator (108) is circulated through the battery (110) and is heated. The heated coolant is passed to the heat storage device (112), wherein the phase change material stores the heat from the coolant by absorbing the heat. The cooled coolant is circulated back to the reservoir.
In an operative configuration, the first temperature sensor (106) senses the temperature in the washer bottle (104) and generates a signal which is received by the body control module of the vehicle. When the temperature of the washer fluid inside the washer bottle (104) starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius, the body control module switches on the heating means (102). The pump starts to circulate coolant along conduits provided in the circuit. In an embodiment, a coolant jacket (not specifically shown in figures) is provided around the battery (110). The coolant jacket is configured to circulate coolant therein to facilitate absorption of heat rejected by the battery (110) and gets heated. Further as the heated coolant passes through the heat storage device (112), the phase change material releases more heat and further increases the temperature of the coolant. The heated coolant is then passed to the heating means (102). The heating means (102) facilitates heat exchange between the pumped heated coolant and the washer fluid, thereby elevating the temperature of the washer fluid.
Once the temperature of the washer fluid reaches 25 degrees Celsius, the heating means (102) is switched off by the body control module based on the signal generated by the first temperature sensor.
If the temperature of the coolant in the heat storage device (112) is not sufficient enough to heat the washer fluid, the second temperature sensor (120) generates a corresponding signal which is received by the body control module. The body control module actuates the first control module to direct the flow of the coolant through the second circuit wherein, the electric heater (114) heats the coolant. The heated coolant is thereafter passed to the heating means (102) to facilitate heat exchange between the washer fluid and the heated coolant.
When the temperature of the coolant has been reduced due to the heat exchange, the coolant is passed back to the radiator. However, if the temperature of the coolant exiting the heating means (102) is still above 25 degrees Celsius, the third temperature sensor (124) sends a corresponding signal which is then received by the body control module. The body control module actuates the second control module to direct the flow of the coolant to the radiator (108) for cooling. Conversely, if the temperature of the coolant exiting the heating means (102) is below 25 degrees Celsius, the coolant is directly passed to the degassing unit (118).
In an embodiment, the phase change material is sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate or paraffin wax or blends.
The present disclosure envisages a method for maintaining the fluid in a washer bottle (104) at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius, and thereby maintaining the fluid in a liquid state without use of antifreeze. The method comprises the following steps:
• sensing the temperature of the fluid in the washer bottle (104) by a first temperature sensor;
• switching on a heating means (102) for circulating pumped heated coolant through the washer bottle (104) when temperature of fluid in the washer bottle (104) starts to fall below 5 degrees Celsius;
• passing the coolant through a first circuit having a heat storage device (112) for heating the coolant; and
• passing the coolant through a second circuit having an electric heater (114) for heating the coolant, if the temperature in the heat storage device (112) is below threshold.
The washer bottle assembly (100) is eco-friendly as the assembly (100) does not need the use of chemical solutions to keep the washer fluid in liquid state. As a result, the assembly (100) is economical to use. Further, the assembly (100) causes no sedimentation over a period of time.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a washer bottle heating assembly, that:
• is environment friendly; and
• is economical to use.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.