Vehicle washing fluid management system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle wash fluid management system. An apparatus may include a purge fluid mixing tank located within a cabin of a vehicle. The apparatus may include a concentrate container external to the cabin, the concentrate container configured to accommodate a supply of a cleaning liquid concentrate fluid. The apparatus may include a conduit fluidly coupling the concentrate container to the cleaning fluid fluid mixing tank such that a cleaning fluid concentrate fluid contained in the concentrate container may flow to the cleaning fluid fluid mixing tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the management of cleaning fluids used in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle windshields can get dirty due to various environmental factors, such as dust, grime, insects, and other debris encountered while driving. Vehicles are typically equipped with a windshield washer fluid system to clean the windshield. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid management system comprising: a wash fluid mixing tank located within a vehicle compartment; a concentrate container located outside the compartment, the concentrate container being configured to contain a supply source of a wash fluid concentrate stream; and a conduit fluidly connecting the concentrate container to the wash fluid mixing tank, such that a wash fluid concentrate stream contained in the concentrate container can flow into the wash fluid mixing tank.

[0004] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid management system, wherein the wash fluid mixing tank is configured to receive a flow of collected fluid from the windshield of the vehicle.

[0005] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle washing fluid management system, which further includes: a level sensor that measures the amount of fluid collected within the washing fluid mixing tank.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid management system, which further includes: a valve located between the windshield and the wash fluid mixing tank, the valve being configured to block the flow of the collected fluid from the windshield in response to a level sensor determining that the amount of collected fluid in the wash fluid mixing tank is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid management system, wherein the valve is configured to block the flow of collected fluid from the windshield when the concentrate container is empty.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid fluid management system, wherein the amount of wash fluid concentrate flowing into the wash fluid mixing tank is adjusted based on the amount of fluid collected within the wash fluid mixing tank.

[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid management system, which further includes a filter configured to filter the flow of collected fluid from the windshield before it is received in the wash fluid mixing tank.

[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle cleaning fluid fluid management system, which further includes: a flow sensor connected to the conduit and configured to measure the amount of cleaning fluid concentrate flowing into the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle cleaning fluid management system, wherein the compartment is an engine compartment.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle washing fluid management system, wherein the concentrate container is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle washing fluid management system, wherein the concentrate container is accessible from inside the glove box.

[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle washing fluid management system, wherein the concentrate container is configured adjacent to a charger port.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle washing fluid management system, wherein the concentrate container is configured adjacent to the vehicle's blade shield.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle wash fluid management method, comprising: receiving collected fluid in a wash fluid mixing tank located inside a vehicle compartment; and guiding a concentrated wash fluid stream from a concentrate container located outside the compartment to the wash fluid mixing tank to allow the collected fluid and the concentrated wash fluid stream to mix within the wash fluid mixing tank, the concentrate container being fluidly connected to the wash fluid mixing tank via a conduit.

[0017] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the collected fluid is collected from the windshield of the vehicle.

[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: measuring the amount of fluid collected in the cleaning fluid mixing tank before directing the concentrated cleaning fluid stream into the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

[0019] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: preventing the collected fluid from being received within the cleaning fluid mixing tank in response to determining that the amount of collected fluid within the cleaning fluid mixing tank is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes: preventing the collected fluid from being received in the cleaning fluid mixing tank in response to determining that the concentrate container is empty.

[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method that further includes adjusting the amount of concentrated cleaning fluid stream directed into the cleaning fluid mixing tank based on the amount of fluid collected within the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which the ratio of the collected fluid to the concentrated cleaning fluid within the cleaning fluid mixing tank is controlled by the user, weather, external temperature, or any combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0023] According to the specific embodiments, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments can be briefly described as follows:

[0024] Figure 1 A cleaning fluid management system according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0025] Figure 2 Examples Figure 1 A perspective view of the concentrate container located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, which is part of the cleaning fluid fluid management system.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the concentrate container. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This disclosure generally relates to a washer fluid management system for cleaning vehicle windshields. The washer fluid management system collects fluids, such as rainwater, and mixes the collected fluid with a washer fluid concentrate. The washer fluid management system maintains an appropriate ratio of windshield washer fluid to the collected fluid. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this specific embodiment.

[0028] Figure 1Selective portions of vehicle 10 are illustrated schematically. Although specific component relationships are illustrated in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The layout and orientation of the various components of vehicle 10 are shown schematically and may vary within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various drawings accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to emphasize certain details of particular components or systems.

[0029] Vehicle 10 includes a first compartment (here, passenger compartment 12) and a second compartment (here, engine compartment 14) (each compartment is shown in dashed lines for illustrative purposes). Passenger compartment 12 and engine compartment 14 are separated by a barrier 16 (which is shown in dashed lines for illustrative purposes).

[0030] Passenger compartment 12 establishes a space within vehicle 10 for passenger seating. Passenger compartment 12 may include various features accessible to passengers, such as storage compartments, user interface (UI) systems, and charging ports.

[0031] The engine compartment 14 is typically located in front of the passenger compartment 12 and vertically below the windshield 18 of the vehicle 10. Although the example of this disclosure is described in conjunction with the engine compartment 14, the example can be used in conjunction with other compartments of the vehicle, such as the front trunk of an electric vehicle.

[0032] The engine compartment 14 provides space for housing components of the vehicle 10, such as the engine. In this example, the engine compartment 14 additionally houses components of the electrical system, such as, for example, the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, battery, wiring harness, and various sensors.

[0033] When the vehicle 10 is operated, fluid can come into contact with the windshield 18. Some of the fluid deposited on the windshield 18 can flow downwards to the neck 19 and the blade visor 20. The neck 19 is mated to the windshield 18. The blade visor 20 is located vertically below the neck 19. In other examples, the blade visor 20 may be integrated into the neck 19.

[0034] In this example, the neck 19 is a multi-functional neck that serves as an air intake for the HVAC system (not shown) of the vehicle 10 and manages the fluid from the windshield 18. In one example, air from outside the vehicle 10 can enter through vents in the neck 19, which direct the air into the HVAC system, where the air can be heated, cooled, or otherwise circulated within the vehicle 10.

[0035] Fluid from the windshield 18 may sometimes enter the engine compartment 14. In this example, the neck 19 is configured to collect this fluid and direct it toward a specific discharge point on the vehicle 10. In this example, some of the fluid flow passes through a blade shield 20, which acts as a barrier to prevent debris (e.g., leaves, twigs, etc.) from entering the engine compartment 14, and more specifically, the HVAC system. As used herein, “fluid” can include any fluid disposed on the windshield 18, such as water, condensate vapor, rainwater, used washer fluid, etc.

[0036] The cleaning fluid management system 22 stores and uses the fluid collected from the windshield 18 (hereinafter referred to as "collected fluid F"). COL ( ), to provide, in this example, a washer fluid fluid F that can be used to clean the windshield 18. WASH In some cases, the collected fluid F COL Add to cleaning fluid F WASH Dilutable cleaning fluid F WASH This alters the effectiveness of the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid management system 22 is configured to maintain the cleaning fluid flow F. WASH The ratio is used to prevent dilution. In this example, the cleaning fluid fluid F is maintained by the cleaning fluid fluid management system 22. WASH The ratio for cleaning the windshield 18 and preventing washer fluid flow F WASH Freezing both is effective in cold weather. Although the cleaning fluid F... WASH It is described in this article as being used for cleaning windshields, but the cleaning fluid fluid F WASH Other components of vehicle 10 can be used for cleaning, including but not limited to, other windows, cameras, and sensors.

[0037] An exemplary cleaning fluid management system 22 includes a concentrate container 24, a cleaning fluid mixing tank 26, and a conduit 28 that fluidly connects the concentrate container 24 to the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26.

[0038] Further reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 And continue to refer to Figure 1 The concentrate container 24 is supported within the passenger compartment 12. In this example, the concentrate container 24 is accessible from within the glove box 30. The glove box 30 establishes space within the passenger compartment 12 for storing items. A receiver 32 is disposed within the glove box 30 to receive the concentrate container 24.

[0039] In another example, the concentrate container 24 is positioned within the passenger compartment 12 adjacent to the charger port. In other examples, the concentrate container 24 may be supported externally to the passenger compartment 12 and the engine compartment 14. For example, the concentrate container 24 may be positioned adjacent to the blade shield 20.

[0040] The concentrate container 24 includes a reservoir 34, a gasket 36, and a fluid passage 38 fluidly connected to a conduit 28. The reservoir 34 is configured to contain a concentrated cleaning fluid stream F. CON The supply source. Cleaning fluid concentrate F CON It may include cleaning agents, antifreeze, or any combination thereof.

[0041] The gasket 36 may be mounted or otherwise secured to the receiver 32 of the glove box 30. In one example, the gasket 36 is inserted into the receiver 32 and then twisted to lock the concentrate container 24 in place within the glove box 30. The twisting and locking of the concentrate container 24 establishes a primary seal between the gasket 36 and the receiver 32. Although the concentrate container 24 is described herein as being inserted via a twist-lock mounting technique, the concentrate container 24 may be adapted to be mounted using other mounting techniques, including but not limited to push-lock mechanisms and other quick-release coupling configurations.

[0042] Gasket 36 is configured to control the flow of concentrated cleaning fluid F CON Flow from the concentrate container 24 through the fluid channel 38. When the concentrate container 24 is not installed in the receiver 32, the gasket 36 prevents the flow of the cleaning fluid concentrate F. CON The concentrate container 24 is used to prevent the concentrated cleaning fluid from flowing out of the container. CON Leakage. When the concentrate container 24 is installed in the receiver 32, the gasket 36 allows the cleaning fluid concentrate flow body F to leak. CON Flow into conduit 28. It should be understood that receiver 32 may additionally or alternatively include a control for the flow of the cleaning fluid concentrate F. CON The feature of flow from concentrate container 24 through fluid channel 38.

[0043] A seal (e.g., an O-ring) 40 is positioned around the outer periphery of the gasket 36 to provide a secondary seal. The seal 40 is positioned to allow the cleaning fluid concentrate to flow through the fluid. CON The leakage provides an additional barrier to enhance the sealing performance of the concentrate container 24.

[0044] The cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 is supported within the engine compartment 14. The cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 contains cleaning fluid F. WASH The supply source. Cleaning fluid F WASH Including collected fluid F COL and the above-mentioned concentrated cleaning fluid F CONThe mixture. The user can input a signal to cause pump 42 to draw cleaning fluid fluid F from cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 through pipeline 44. WASH The pipeline connects the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 to at least one fluid jet nozzle 46. The fluid jet nozzle 46 is configured to deliver the cleaning fluid F... WASH The spray is applied to the windshield 18 so that the windshield 18 can subsequently be cleaned by a pair of wipers (not shown).

[0045] The cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 includes a level sensor 48, which measures the cleaning fluid fluid F within the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. WASH The amount.

[0046] The cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 is configured to receive the collected fluid F from the windshield 18. COL The flow. The collected fluid F COL Before being received into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26, it passes through filter 50 and valve (e.g., solenoid valve) 52. Filter 50 is configured to remove particles and contaminants to improve the collected fluid F. COL The quality of the collected fluid F. Valve 52 prevents the collected fluid F from flowing when closed. COL Enter the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26, and allow the collected fluid F to flow when opened. COL Enter the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26.

[0047] Conduit 28 fluidly connects concentrate container 24 to cleaning fluid mixing tank 26, allowing the cleaning fluid concentrate F contained in concentrate container to flow through. CON The fluid can flow into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. The conduit 28 is connected to a valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) 54, a pump 56, and a flow sensor 58. Valve 54, when closed, prevents the flow of concentrated cleaning fluid F. CON The fluid flows into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26, and when opened, it allows the concentrated cleaning fluid stream F to flow. CON The fluid flows into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. Pump 56 concentrates the cleaning fluid into volume F. CON The flow is driven into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. Flow sensor 58 measures the flow of the concentrated cleaning fluid stream F flowing into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 via pump 56. CON The amount.

[0048] Control module 60 is communicatively coupled to level sensor 48 and flow sensor 58 of cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. Control module 60 may include both hardware and software and may be part of an overall vehicle control system (such as a vehicle system controller (VSC)) or alternatively a separate controller independent of the VSC. In one embodiment, control module 60 is programmed with executable instructions for interfacing with cleaning fluid management system 22, and more specifically valves 52, 54, and pump 56, and commanding the operation of the cleaning fluid management system.

[0049] The control module 60 may include a processor and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies and modes associated with opening and closing valves 52 and 54 and starting pump 56 as described above. The processor may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any means for executing software instructions. The memory may include any or a combination of volatile memory elements and / or non-volatile memory elements.

[0050] The processor is operatively coupled to the memory and can be configured to operate based on the cleaning fluid fluid F within the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. WASH The ratio is used to execute one or more programs stored in the memory of the control module 60. Cleaning fluid fluid F WASH The ratio is determined by the collected fluid F COL and cleaning fluid concentrate F CON The quantity is determined. Cleaning fluid fluid F WASH The ratio for cleaning the windshield 18 and preventing washer fluid flow F WASH Freezing both is effective in cold weather. In one embodiment, the cleaning fluid F WASH The ratio is selected based on user preferences, weather, outside temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0051] Control module 60 can receive and process instructions for cleaning fluid flow F WASH The information pertains to changes in the ratio. In one embodiment, the control module 60, in response to the level sensor 48, determines the collected fluid F within the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. COL When the amount exceeds a predetermined threshold, valve 52 is closed to block the collected fluid F. COL The flow enters the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. The collected fluid F... COL The amount is the amount of fluid F received and collected. COL Previously, with the received collected fluid F COL The subsequent cleaning fluid F WASH The difference between the quantities. The predetermined threshold is based on the collected fluid F. COL The amount, which will change the cleaning fluid fluid F COLThe ratio of the cleaning fluid concentrate F CON The concentration can be diluted. Cleaning fluid concentrate F CON The dilution can make the cleaning fluid fluid F WASH Not very effective. By closing valve 52 after determining that a predetermined threshold has been exceeded, control module 60 ensures that the cleaning fluid flow F is maintained. WASH The ratio.

[0052] In another embodiment, the control module 60 is based on the fluid F collected in the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. COL The amount of cleaning fluid concentrate F flowing into the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 is adjusted to regulate the flow rate. CON The amount. If the collected fluid F COL If the amount exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control module 60 opens valve 54 and starts pump 56 to allow the cleaning fluid concentrate F to be released. CON The cleaning fluid concentrate F enters the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26. CON The amount is sufficient to maintain the cleaning fluid flow F WASH The ratio of the amount of cleaning fluid F. This ensures the cleaning fluid fluid F WASH The ratio is maintained even when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

[0053] In another embodiment, control module 60 closes valve 52 in response to the concentration container 24 being empty. The remaining cleaning fluid concentrate F in concentration container 24... CON The amount can be based on the degree to which pump 56 has been activated and the concentration of cleaning fluid F that has been pumped through conduit 28. CON The amount is determined. Closing valve 52 in this manner ensures that when the concentrate container 24 is empty, the collected fluid F is blocked. COL The flow enters the cleaning fluid mixing tank 26 without exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0054] In another embodiment, the control module 60 may notify the user that the concentrate container 24 needs to be replaced. For example, the control module 60 may display an indication on the vehicle 10's UI system that the concentrate container 24 is empty or that the cleaning fluid concentrate F in the concentrate container 24 is empty. CON The message indicates that the quantity is below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the control module 60 may automatically order replacements from the user's home or a selected address.

[0055] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications made to the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection accorded to this disclosure can only be determined by examining the appended claims.

[0056] In one aspect of the invention, the collected fluid is collected from the windshield of a vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle washing fluid management system, comprising: The cleaning fluid mixing tank is located inside the vehicle's compartment; A concentrate container located outside the cabin, the concentrate container being configured as a supply source for containing a concentrated stream of cleaning fluid; as well as A conduit connects the concentrate container to the cleaning fluid mixing tank, allowing the cleaning fluid concentrate contained in the concentrate container to flow into the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

2. The vehicle wash fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the wash fluid mixing tank is configured to receive a flow of collected fluid from the windshield of the vehicle, and optionally, the vehicle wash fluid management system further comprises: A level sensor measures the amount of fluid collected in the cleaning fluid mixing tank, and optionally, the vehicle cleaning fluid management system further includes a filter configured to filter the flow of collected fluid from the windshield before it is received in the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

3. The vehicle washing fluid management system as described in claim 2, further comprising: A valve located between the windshield and the cleaning fluid mixing tank, the valve being configured to block the flow of collected fluid from the windshield in response to a level sensor determining that the amount of collected fluid in the cleaning fluid mixing tank is higher than a predetermined threshold, and optionally wherein the valve is configured to block the flow of collected fluid from the windshield when the concentrate container is empty.

4. The vehicle washing fluid fluid management system of claim 2, wherein the amount of washing fluid concentrate flowing to the washing fluid mixing tank is adjusted based on the amount of fluid collected in the washing fluid mixing tank.

5. The vehicle washing fluid management system as described in claim 1, further comprising: A flow sensor is connected to the conduit and configured to measure the amount of concentrated cleaning fluid flowing into the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

6. The vehicle washing fluid management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is the engine compartment.

7. The vehicle washing fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the concentrate container is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle washing fluid management system of claim 7, wherein the concentrate container is accessible from inside the glove box.

9. The vehicle washing fluid management system of claim 7, wherein the concentrate container is configured adjacent to the charger port.

10. The vehicle washing fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the concentrate container is configured adjacent to the vehicle's blade shield.

11. A method for managing vehicle washing fluid, comprising: The collected fluid is received in a cleaning fluid mixing tank located inside the vehicle's compartment; as well as The concentrated cleaning fluid is guided from the concentrate container located outside the compartment to the cleaning fluid mixing tank to allow the collected fluid and the concentrated cleaning fluid to mix within the mixing tank, the concentrate container being fluidly connected to the mixing tank via a conduit.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Before guiding the concentrated cleaning fluid into the cleaning fluid mixing tank, the amount of fluid collected in the cleaning fluid mixing tank is measured.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: In response to determining that the amount of collected fluid in the cleaning fluid mixing tank is higher than a predetermined threshold, the collection of fluid is prevented from being received in the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: In response to determining that the concentrate container is empty, the collected fluid is prevented from being received in the cleaning fluid mixing tank.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The amount of concentrated cleaning fluid being directed into the cleaning fluid mixing tank is adjusted based on the amount of fluid collected within the tank, and optionally the ratio of the collected fluid to the concentrated cleaning fluid within the mixing tank is controlled by the user, weather, external temperature, or any combination thereof.

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