A vehicle windshield defrosting control system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a vehicle windshield defrosting control system. The system consists of a frost detection sensor fixed to the windshield and a frost detection module fixed inside the vehicle. The frost detection sensor is connected to the frost detection module, receives operating commands from the frost detection module, and feeds back the sensor parameters. The frost detection module is connected to the vehicle communication module via the vehicle's CAN network and sends a frost-related judgment signal to the vehicle communication module. The vehicle communication module connects to and outputs control signals to the body controller, which then drives the defrosting device. This invention has advantages such as strong real-time performance, more reliable physical detection, and higher defrosting efficiency. By acquiring parameters of the windshield surface through the defrosting sensor and judging the data, it can accurately determine whether frost is present, thereby reducing the probability of false judgment and providing a better user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent defrosting in automobiles. Background Technology

[0002] In the cold winter, especially in northern regions, frost formation on windshields after vehicles have been parked outdoors overnight has become a common and frequent occurrence. Whether defrosting manually with tools or using the vehicle's air conditioning system on-site, it is time-consuming and laborious, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0003] Currently, remotely controllable defrosting systems also exist. For example, the patent document with publication number CN107176140A, publication date September 19, 2017, entitled "A Remote Defrosting System for Vehicles and Its Control Method," discloses a remote defrosting system for vehicles and its control method, relating to the field of automotive auxiliary component technology. This system includes an image acquisition unit, a remote monitoring unit, and an information transmission unit. The image acquisition unit is used to acquire an image of the windshield of the corresponding vehicle. The remote monitoring unit, based on the acquired windshield image, determines that the windshield of the vehicle is frosted, and sends a request message to the corresponding vehicle to remotely activate the defrosting system for defrosting. The information transmission unit is used to establish a data communication network between the image acquisition unit and the remote monitoring unit.

[0004] However, similar systems are prone to misjudging frost formation, which is a physical phenomenon resulting from various environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature and temperature difference, ambient humidity, and ambient wind speed. Current methods of determining defrost based on weather forecasts may suffer from low accuracy and false alarms. Visual judgment using cameras can also lead to misjudgments due to obstructions or insufficient lighting. Therefore, a remote defrosting system with accurate judgment and reduced probability of false alarms is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a method that uses a frost detection sensor on the glass to collect the frost status of the glass, processes and judges it through the controller, and reminds the user to turn on defrost (or windshield heating) when the user remotely starts the vehicle through vehicle networking technology, so as to achieve fast and effective defrosting, with the main purpose of bringing users a more accurate and timely defrosting experience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a vehicle windshield defrosting control system, comprising a frost detection sensor fixed on the windshield and a frost detection module fixed indoors. The frost detection sensor is connected to the frost detection module, receives the working instructions from the frost detection module, and feeds back the sensing parameters to the frost detection module. The frost detection module is connected to the vehicle communication module through the vehicle CAN network and sends a frost determination signal to the vehicle communication module. The vehicle communication module connects to and outputs control signals to the body controller, and the body controller drives the defrosting device to work.

[0007] The frost detection sensor includes an upper cover unit and a body unit. The body unit includes a front sensor unit and a rear sensor unit. The front sensor unit includes a heater and a humidity sensor. The rear sensor unit includes a temperature sensor. The body unit contacts the windshield. The upper cover unit is a protective device covering the body unit.

[0008] The top cover unit is a concave cavity structure with an open bottom surface. Holes are evenly provided on both sides of the top cover unit, and a wire harness hole is provided at one end. The heater is a glass patch with a heating resistance wire that is tightly attached to the glass. A humidity sensor is installed in the upper space of the heater. There is a gap between the front sensor unit and the concave cavity of the top cover unit. The glass patch has vent holes that connect the glass and the concave cavity.

[0009] The frost detection sensor is fixed at the corner of the outer side of the windshield. The holes are on the left and right sides of the upper cover unit. The wiring harness hole is on the lower side of the upper cover unit. Sealant is provided between the bottom surface of the upper cover unit and the glass. The holes have a downward sloping structure from the inside to the outside.

[0010] The frost detection module is fixed inside the vehicle using a mounting bracket.

[0011] The defrosting equipment includes automotive air conditioning and / or windshield heating devices.

[0012] The system is equipped with a central control display screen, and the frost detection module, vehicle communication module, body domain controller, entertainment domain controller, and air conditioning control module communicate with each other via the automotive CAN network.

[0013] A control method based on the vehicle windshield defrosting control system includes the following steps:

[0014] Step 1: After receiving the remote vehicle start command, the system activates the frost detection function;

[0015] Step 2: The system determines whether frost has formed;

[0016] Step 3: If otherwise, end; if yes, prompt the user whether to defrost.

[0017] Step 4: If the user selects defrosting, the defrosting device will be started; if the user selects not to defrost, the process will end.

[0018] In step 1, if the frost detection function is enabled, the subsequent steps are executed; if it is disabled, the frost detection function is not executed.

[0019] In step 2, the current temperature of the outer surface of the glass is first determined. If the temperature is lower than the set value, the heater is turned on and the humidity information is obtained. When the humidity value is greater than the set value, frost is determined.

[0020] This invention has the advantages of strong real-time performance, more reliable physical detection, and higher defrosting efficiency. By acquiring parameters of the car window glass surface through defrosting sensors, it can accurately determine whether frost has formed by data judgment, thereby reducing the probability of false judgment and providing users with a better experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following is a brief explanation of the content and markings in each of the accompanying drawings in this specification:

[0022] Figure 1 , 2 This is a block diagram of the defrosting control system;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frost detection sensor structure;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the defrosting control system.

[0025] The markings in the above figures are: 1. Top cover unit; 2. Front-end sensor unit; 3. Rear-end sensor unit; 4. Frost detection module. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details the specific implementation of the present invention, including the shape and structure of each component, the relative positions and connections between the parts, the function and working principle of each part, the manufacturing process, and the operation and use methods, to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate, and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention.

[0027] The vehicle windshield defrosting control system and method belong to the field of automotive intelligent defrosting. For example... Figure 1As shown, the method includes: the user sets the defrost detection switch to the on state on the large screen; when the engine is remotely started, the defrost detection sensor detects the current frost data on the glass and transmits it to the defrost detection module; the defrost detection module receives the data from the defrost detection sensor and makes a judgment; if defrosting is required, it sends a defrost command through the network; the vehicle communication module receives the defrost command and prompts the user to perform defrosting through the information service platform and a mobile terminal APP; the user selects to start defrosting, and starts defrosting by activating the windshield heating device through the vehicle domain control module or the air conditioning defrost device through the air conditioning control module, thereby further improving the accuracy and efficiency of defrosting.

[0028] Specifically, the system includes a frost detection sensor fixed to the vehicle window, which is the core actuator responsible for detection; and a frost detection module mounted indoors, which is the core processor responsible for control and judgment. Figure 3 As shown, the frost detection sensor includes an upper cover unit 1 and a main body unit. The upper cover unit 1 is a protective structure with a recessed cavity structure with an opening on the bottom, similar to a cover that fits onto the main body unit to protect it. The main body unit includes a front sensor unit 2 and a rear sensor unit 3. The front sensor unit 2 integrates a heater and a humidity sensor, while the rear sensor unit is a temperature sensor. The frost detection module 4 is a processor used for signal processing, control, and judgment. The temperature sensor is used to determine the current ambient temperature of the glass. The integrated heater and humidity sensor are used to heat the unit glass patch, and the humidity sensor is used to collect humidity information, enabling more accurate detection of whether frost has appeared on the car window.

[0029] The main unit contacts the windshield, and the frost sensor is located at the corner of the windshield, outside the wiper operating area, and does not obstruct the driver's view. Holes are located on the left and right sides of the upper cover unit 1, and these holes have a downward sloping structure from the inside out to prevent debris and snow from entering the sensor. The wiring harness hole is located on the lower side of the upper cover unit 1. Sealant is applied between the bottom surface of the upper cover unit 1 and the glass to ensure ventilation and reliable fixation.

[0030] The top cover unit 1 is a recessed structure with an open bottom surface. Holes are evenly distributed on both sides of the top cover unit 1 for ventilation, ensuring consistent internal and external environmental conditions and improving sensing accuracy. A wiring harness hole is located on one side of the top cover unit 1 for easy wiring connections. The heater is a glass patch with a heating resistance wire, located inside the front sensor unit 2 of the main body, and is in close contact with the glass. A gap is provided between the main body and the recessed area of ​​the top cover unit 1 to allow moisture from the heated glass patch to escape. The front sensor unit 2 has holes only on its upper surface to ensure ventilation while preventing debris and snow from entering. When heated, the humidity sensor above the heater measures the humidity while hot air escapes through the holes. The humidity sensor, located inside the front sensor unit 2 of the main body and above the heater, senses the humidity parameters of the heated air.

[0031] The frost detection module connects to and outputs a signal indicating whether frost has formed to the vehicle communication module. The vehicle communication module communicates with the user's mobile phone, which needs to be pre-selected for pairing. The vehicle communication module connects to and outputs control signals to the body domain controller, which then drives the defrosting device. The air conditioning defrosting device is a basic configuration. When the vehicle does not have a windshield heater, the air conditioning defrosting device can be activated independently. If a windshield heater is equipped, it can be activated independently, or both the air conditioning defrosting device and the windshield heater can be activated simultaneously.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a central control display screen. The frost detection module 4, vehicle communication module, body domain controller, entertainment domain controller, and air conditioning control module communicate via the vehicle's CAN network. When the frost detection module determines that defrosting is needed, it sends a defrost command via the CAN network, which is then transmitted to the vehicle communication module via the gateway. When the frost detection module determines that defrosting is not needed, the defrosting process ends. When the user selects defrosting via a mobile terminal, the vehicle communication module sends the defrost command to the gateway via the CAN network.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the frost detection module 4 is used to receive vehicle status information, such as remote start status information and vehicle gear information. The detection module controls the detection sensor to work, receives signal processing and internal judgment, and finally sends a defrosting command to the vehicle.

[0034] The module's internal logic is as follows: A default temperature value T0 is set (generally T0 = 0℃, adjustable according to calibration). When the measured temperature value T1 > T0, the module issues a no-defrost command. When T1 ≤ T0, the heater starts heating for 4 seconds (generally, the heating time is controlled to ≤ 5 seconds, adjustable according to calibration). After heating, the humidity sensor starts humidity detection, setting a default humidity value σ0 (generally σ0 = 65%, adjustable according to calibration). When the measured humidity value σ1 > σ0, a defrost command is executed; if σ1 ≤ σ0, no defrost command is executed. Of course, to improve the system's adaptability and accuracy in different regions, σ0 can obtain the local current humidity via network.

[0035] The frost detection function setting switch is integrated into the entertainment domain controller. Users can set it to be on or off as needed via the large screen. When the switch is on, if the user remotely starts the vehicle via a mobile terminal, the vehicle communication module will wake up the frost detection module, begin frost detection, and transmit the current detection data to the frost detection module.

[0036] After receiving a defrost command, the vehicle communication module sends a warning to the user via the mobile terminal and displays a pop-up window (with optional audio prompts) asking whether to proceed with defrosting. Selecting to defrost allows the user to proceed to the next step; selecting not to defrost ends the process.

[0037] The gateway sends a defrost command to the body controller and the air conditioning control module, which then drive the windshield heater and the air conditioning defrost device to perform the defrost operation, respectively.

[0038] The air conditioning defrost system is a basic feature. When the vehicle does not have a windshield heater, the air conditioning defrost system can be activated independently. If the vehicle is equipped with a windshield heater, the windshield heater can be activated independently, or both the air conditioning defrost system and the windshield heater can be activated simultaneously.

[0039] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle windshield defrosting control system, characterized in that: The system consists of a frost detection sensor fixed on the vehicle window and a frost detection module fixed inside the vehicle. The frost detection sensor is connected to the frost detection module. The frost detection sensor receives the working instructions from the frost detection module and feeds back the sensing parameters to the frost detection module. The frost detection module is connected to the vehicle communication module through the vehicle's CAN network and sends a frost determination signal to the vehicle communication module. The vehicle communication module connects to and outputs control signals to the body controller, and the body controller drives the defrosting device to work. The frost detection sensor includes an upper cover unit and a body unit. The body unit includes a front sensor unit and a rear sensor unit. The front sensor unit includes a heater and a humidity sensor. The rear sensor unit includes a temperature sensor. The body unit contacts the windshield. The upper cover unit is a protective device covering the body unit. The top cover unit is a concave cavity structure with an open bottom surface. Holes are evenly provided on both sides of the top cover unit, and a wire harness hole is provided at one end. The heater is a glass patch with a heating resistance wire that is tightly attached to the glass. A humidity sensor is installed in the upper space of the heater. There is a gap between the front sensor unit and the concave cavity of the top cover unit. The glass patch has vent holes that connect the glass and the concave cavity.

2. The vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frost detection sensor is fixed at the corner of the outer side of the windshield. The holes are on the left and right sides of the upper cover unit. The wiring harness hole is on the lower side of the upper cover unit. Sealant is provided between the bottom surface of the upper cover unit and the glass. The holes have a downward sloping structure from the inside to the outside.

3. The vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frost detection module is fixed inside the vehicle using a mounting bracket.

4. The vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The defrosting equipment includes automotive air conditioning and / or windshield heating devices.

5. The vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The system is equipped with a central control display screen, and the frost detection module, vehicle communication module, body domain controller, entertainment domain controller, and air conditioning control module communicate with each other via the automotive CAN network.

6. A control method based on the vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: After receiving the remote vehicle start command, the system activates the frost detection function; Step 2: The system determines whether frost has formed; Step 3: If otherwise, end; if yes, prompt the user whether to defrost. Step 4: If the user selects defrosting, the defrosting device will be started; if the user selects not to defrost, the process will end.

7. The control method for the vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step 1, if the frost detection function is enabled, the subsequent steps are executed; if it is disabled, the frost detection function is not executed.

8. The control method for the vehicle windshield defrosting control system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step 2, the current temperature of the outer surface of the glass is first determined. If the temperature is lower than the set value, the heater is turned on and the humidity information is obtained. When the humidity value is greater than the set value, frost is determined.

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