Vehicle device for detecting and removing an ice layer on the roof of a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle device for detecting and removing an ice layer (19) on a vehicle roof (18) of a vehicle (10), comprising a detection unit (30) for detecting the ice layer (19) on the vehicle roof (18), a melting unit (40) for melting the ice layer (19) present on the vehicle roof (18), and a control unit (50) which is configured to control the melting unit (40) depending on the signal from the detection unit (30) such that the ice layer (19) melts, wherein the melting unit (40) has a current module (42) which is configured to supply the electrically conductive vehicle roof (18) with an alternating current such that the protons of the ice layer (19) can be excited by the alternating current and thereby the ice layer (19) can be melted.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle device for detecting and removing a layer of ice on the roof of a vehicle and to a vehicle.

[0002] In winter, especially at low ambient temperatures, ice, i.e., layers of ice, can form on vehicle roofs due to snowfall or freezing rain. If these ice layers are not removed from the vehicle roof before driving, they pose a danger to other road users, as they can break off during the journey and fall uncontrollably from the vehicle roof onto the road or onto other road users.

[0003] Commercial vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, and buses, often have large roofs that are typically located at a height inaccessible without assistance. Drivers usually have to use ladders and brooms to clean these roofs. Besides the significant time investment, which disrupts operations and incurs direct costs, cleaning roofs is also dangerous, as a slip while de-icing the vehicle could result in a fall. To simplify the process, stationary de-icing equipment is available at parking areas and rest stops, but this is not always accessible. Alternatively, some vehicles already have their own internal de-icing systems that can remove ice from the roof.For example, DE 20 2023 102 297 U1 discloses a vehicle device that can tilt the roof surface to cause the ice layer to slide off. Another embodiment of a vehicle device is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2023 107 181 A1, in which an ice layer on a vehicle roof can be detected and a melting process initiated based on this detection. The melting process is carried out by energizing a heating device located on the vehicle roof, which has several heating wires. A disadvantage of this is that a separate heating device must also be provided on the vehicle roof.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle device by which ice on the vehicle roof can be detected in a simple, cost-effective and reliable manner and the vehicle roof can be cleared of ice.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] The vehicle device comprises a detection unit for detecting an ice layer on a vehicle roof, a melting unit for melting the ice layer present on the vehicle roof, and a control unit connected to the detection unit and the melting unit. The control unit is designed to activate the melting unit based on the signal from the detection unit, thereby melting the ice layer present on the vehicle roof.

[0007] According to the invention, the melting unit has a current-energizing module which is designed to supply the vehicle roof, which is electrically conductive, with an alternating current, such that the protons of the ice layer are excited by the alternating current and the ice layer is thereby melted.

[0008] This process utilizes the effect that ice, which is a poor electrical conductor at low alternating current frequencies, becomes a good electrical conductor at higher frequencies, i.e., from 1 kHz upwards, preferably from about 100 kHz upwards. In this case, it is not electrons that move within the ice, but protons. These protons originate from ionized hydrogen atoms, since all hydrogen atoms in ice are ionized, meaning they no longer possess electrons and are therefore protons. The high-frequency alternating current allows these protons to move very rapidly from one position in the molecular lattice to another, creating friction within the ice and thus generating heat. The alternating current therefore not only moves the protons but also heats the ice until it reaches its melting point.

[0009] The ice layer on the vehicle roof melts due to the heating of the ice layer caused by the alternating current.

[0010] Such a vehicle device allows for the simple and cost-effective melting of the ice layer and thus the removal of ice from the vehicle roof, requiring only an electrically conductive roof and an AC power source. Furthermore, this type of de-icing process significantly reduces the amount of energy required for de-icing compared to conventional electric heating devices.

[0011] Furthermore, the proposed vehicle device enables the detection unit to automatically detect any ice layer on the vehicle roof and, based on this, automatically initiate the de-icing process. This de-icing process occurs independently of the driver, meaning it does not need to be manually initiated by a person, and results in relatively rapid melting of the ice. Additionally, the vehicle can include a control element connected to the control unit, allowing a person to manually initiate the de-icing process by activating this element.

[0012] Preferably, the detection unit includes a capacitance measurement module that can be electrically coupled to the vehicle roof and is designed to determine or measure the electrical capacitance of the vehicle roof. The control unit is designed to detect the presence of an ice layer on the vehicle roof based on the information from the capacitance measurement module. An ice layer changes the electrical capacitance of the vehicle roof, so that by detecting this change in capacitance, an ice layer on the vehicle roof can be detected. A capacitance threshold can be stored in the control unit for detecting the ice layer, and an ice layer on the vehicle roof is inferred when the predefined capacitance threshold is exceeded or fallen below. This allows for the simple and cost-effective detection of an ice layer on the vehicle roof, whereby the control unit...The capacity measurement module only needs to be electrically coupled to the vehicle roof.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the detection unit includes an optical sensing element designed to detect the vehicle roof. The control unit uses the information from this optical sensing element to detect the ice layer present on the vehicle roof. The optical sensing element can be a camera or an optical sensor. In the case of a camera, the camera images are analyzed, while in the case of an optical sensor, the sensor signal is analyzed with respect to the ice layer. For example, the optical sensor can analyze the reflectance of emitted and received light rays. If the optical sensing element is provided in addition to the capacity measurement module, the detection of the ice layer on the vehicle roof can be performed redundantly.The optical detection element can be an existing optical detection element used for vehicle environment perception, which serves to provide driver assistance systems, so that no additional optical detection element is required.

[0014] Preferably, the detection unit includes a conductivity measurement module that can be electrically coupled to the vehicle roof and is designed to detect the conductivity of the vehicle roof, particularly between two roof sections or between two electrodes. The control unit is designed to determine, based on the information from the conductivity measurement module, whether ice or water is present on the vehicle roof. This utilizes the fact that ice and water have different electrical conductivities. To detect whether ice or water is present on the vehicle roof, a conductivity threshold can be stored in the conductivity measurement module. The measured conductivity of the vehicle roof is compared to this threshold, and if the conductivity falls below or exceeds the threshold, the presence of water or ice is inferred.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit includes a temperature sensor which is connected to the control unit via a signal. The control unit is configured to estimate, based on the temperature sensor signal, whether an ice layer is present on the vehicle roof. In particular, the temperature sensor signals can be used to estimate whether there is a risk of ice formation on the vehicle roof, which is to be expected below 0°C.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the detection unit includes a humidity sensor which is connected to the control unit via a signal. The control unit is configured to estimate, based on the humidity sensor signal, whether water is present on the vehicle roof. This allows the control unit to estimate, using the humidity sensor signals and, if necessary, the temperature sensor signals, whether there is a risk of ice formation on the vehicle roof.

[0017] Preferably, the melting unit comprises an AC power source and a switching element, wherein the switching element is connected to the control unit via a signal, and the control unit is configured to adjust the switching element between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the AC power source is electrically connected to the vehicle roof, and in the open position, it is disconnected from the vehicle roof. This allows the AC power source to be electrically coupled to and decoupled from the vehicle roof in a simple and cost-effective manner. The switching element is generally in the open position, but is adjusted to the closed position based on information from the detection unit.In other words, as soon as the detection unit detects a layer of ice on the vehicle roof, the switching element is moved into the closed position, thereby connecting the vehicle roof to the AC power source.

[0018] The invention is also solved by a vehicle with a vehicle roof and a vehicle device according to one of claims 1 to 9.

[0019] The vehicle roof can be made entirely of an electrically conductive material and electrically connected to the vehicle's electrical system. Specifically, the vehicle roof can be made of an electrically conductive metal sheet. Alternatively, the vehicle roof can be made of a non-conductive material and incorporate several electrical conductors that are electrically connected to the vehicle's electrical system. In this case, the electrical conductors are primarily used to conduct alternating current to melt the ice. Additionally, the electrical conductors can also be used for ice detection by measuring capacitance and / or for temperature measurement by determining thermal resistance. Thus, the electrical conductors can function as a temperature sensor and / or a capacitance measurement module.Preferably, the vehicle roof is made of a plastic or fabric material with electrical conductors embedded within it.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 Vehicle in a side view, which has a vehicle device for detecting and removing ice from the vehicle roof, Fig. 2a Excerpt of a first version of a vehicle roof of the vehicle from Fig. 1 in cross-section, Fig. 2b Excerpt of a second version of a vehicle roof of the vehicle from Fig. 1 in cross-section,

[0021] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10, in particular a truck, which has a tractor unit 12 with a driver's cab 121 and a trailer 14 attached to the tractor unit 12. The trailer 14 has a front wall 141, a rear wall 142, a floor 143, two side walls 144 and a roof 146, which together define a cargo space 16. The roof 146 forms a roof 18 of the vehicle 10 or of the trailer 14 by means of one side facing the outside environment.

[0022] The vehicle roof 18 is essentially horizontally oriented, allowing water and snow to accumulate on it. In winter, snowfall or freezing rain repeatedly causes ice, i.e., ice layers, to form on the vehicle roof 18. This ice poses a hazard to other road users because it can break off during driving and fall uncontrollably from the vehicle roof 18 onto the road or onto other road users if the ice is not removed from the vehicle roof 18 before driving. Such ice or an ice layer 19 is in Fig. 1 shown as a dashed line.

[0023] To remove the ice or ice layer 19 from the vehicle roof 18 before driving and thereby prevent the danger to other road users due to falling ice layer 19 from the vehicle roof 18, the vehicle 10 has a vehicle device 20 for detecting and removing the ice layer 19 from the vehicle roof 18. The vehicle device 20 comprises a detection unit 30, a melting unit 40 and a control unit 50.

[0024] The detection unit 30 comprises a capacitance measurement module 32, a conductivity measurement module 34, an optical detection element 36 and a temperature sensor 38.

[0025] The capacity determination module 32 is integrated into the control unit 50 and electrically coupled to the vehicle roof 18, the vehicle roof 18 being electrically conductive. The vehicle roof 18 is either, as shown in Fig. 2a shown, made from an electrically conductive metal sheet or, as in Fig.Figure 2b shows a module made of an electrically non-conductive material, for example, a plastic material 181, with several electrical conductors 182 embedded in the plastic material 181. The capacitance measurement module 32 is designed such that the electrical capacitance of the vehicle roof 18 can be determined. Based on this, the control unit 50 detects an ice layer 19 present on the vehicle roof 18. A capacitance threshold value is stored in the control unit 50 for the detection of the ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18. If the determined electrical capacitance of the vehicle roof 18 exceeds or falls below the predefined capacitance threshold value, the presence of an ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18 is inferred. This utilizes the effect that the electrical capacitance of the vehicle roof 18 changes with the formation of an ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18.

[0026] The conductivity measurement module 34 is connected to the vehicle roof 18 via an electrical connection shared with the capacitance measurement module 32 and serves to determine the electrical conductivity of the vehicle roof 18, whereby the electrical conductivity of the vehicle roof 18 changes with the formation of an ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18. The conductivity measurement module 34 is integrated into the control unit 50, which is configured to determine, based on the information from the conductivity measurement module 34, whether ice or water is present on the vehicle roof 18. This utilizes the effect that ice and water have different electrical conductivities, i.e., differing electrical conductivities.To detect whether ice or water is present on the vehicle roof 18, a conductivity threshold value can be stored in the control unit 50. This threshold is compared to the measured electrical conductivity of the vehicle roof 18, and if the measured electrical conductivity falls below or exceeds the threshold value, the presence of water or ice is inferred. This prevents the false detection of an ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18 due to the presence of water. Additionally or alternatively, a humidity sensor 39 can be provided, which is connected to the control unit 50 via a signal. Based on the sensor signal from the humidity sensor 39, the control unit 50 can estimate whether water is present on the vehicle roof 18.

[0027] The optical detection element 36 is arranged on the vehicle roof 18 and aligned with it such that the vehicle roof 18 is detected. The optical detection element 36 is connected to the control unit 50 via a signal, the control unit 50 being configured to detect the ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18 based on the information from the optical detection element 36. The optical detection element 36 can be a camera or an optical sensor, whereby in the case of a camera the camera images and in the case of an optical sensor the sensor signal with respect to the ice layer are analyzed. In the case of the optical sensor, for example, the reflectance of emitted and received light rays can be analyzed.

[0028] The temperature sensor 38 is connected to the control unit 50 via a signal and serves to detect the ambient temperature. The control unit 50 is designed to estimate, based on the sensor signal from the temperature sensor 38, whether an ice layer 19 is present on the vehicle roof 18. In particular, the sensor signals from the temperature sensor 38 can be used to estimate whether there is a risk of ice formation, which is to be expected below 0°C, on the vehicle roof 18.

[0029] This allows the detection unit 30 to detect ice formation on the vehicle roof 18 in various ways. This ensures reliable detection of an ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18 and reliably prevents false detections of ice on the vehicle roof 18.

[0030] The melting unit 40 serves to melt the ice layer when an ice layer 19 is detected by the detection unit 30. For this purpose, the melting unit 40 comprises a current-generating module 42 with an alternating current source 44 and a switching element 46. The switching element 46 is connected to the control unit 50 via a signal such that the switching element 46 can be adjusted between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the alternating current source 44 is electrically connected to the vehicle roof 18, and in the open position, it is disconnected from the vehicle roof 18. In the closed position of the switching element 46, and thus when the vehicle roof 18 is energized, the ice layer 19 is melted by the alternating current flow, which has a high frequency, particularly above 100 kHz.This process utilizes the effect that ice is a good electrical conductor at high frequencies, due to the movement of protons originating from ionized hydrogen atoms. The high-frequency alternating current causes the protons to move very rapidly from one position in the molecular lattice to another, creating friction within the ice and thus generating heat. This heats the ice until it reaches its melting point and melts.

[0031] This provides a vehicle 10 with a vehicle device 20, which allows an ice layer 19 on the vehicle roof 18 of the vehicle 10 to be detected and removed in a simple, cost-effective and reliable manner. Reference symbol list 10 vehicles 12 tractor 121 Driver's cab 14 trailers 141 Front wall 142 Rear wall 143 Floor 144 side wall 146 Ceiling 16 cargo space 18 Vehicle roof 19 Ice layer 20 Vehicle equipment 30 detection units 32 Capacity Determination Module 34 Conductivity measurement module 36 optical detection element 38 Temperature sensor 39 Humidity sensor 40 melting units 42 Power supply module 44 AC power source 46 Switching element 50 control unit

Claims

Vehicle device for detecting and removing an ice layer (19) on a vehicle roof (18) of a vehicle (10), comprising a detection unit (30) for detecting the ice layer (19) on the vehicle roof (18), a melting unit (40) for melting the ice layer (19) present on the vehicle roof (18), and a control unit (50) which is configured to control the melting unit (40) based on information from the detection unit (30) such that the ice layer (19) melts, characterized in that the melting unit (40) has a current-energizing module (42) which is configured to supply the electrically conductive vehicle roof (18) with an alternating current such that the protons of the ice layer (19) can be excited by the alternating current and the ice layer (19) can thereby be melted. Vehicle device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has a capacity determination module (32) which can be electrically coupled to the vehicle roof (18) and is designed to detect the electrical capacity of the vehicle roof (18), wherein the control unit (50) is designed to detect the ice layer (19) present on the vehicle roof (18) based on the information from the capacity determination module (30). Vehicle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has an optical detection element (36) which is configured to optically detect the vehicle roof (18), wherein the control unit (50) is configured to detect the layer of ice (19) present on the vehicle roof (18) based on the information from the optical detection element (36). Vehicle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has a conductivity measurement module (34) which can be electrically coupled to the vehicle roof (18) and is designed to detect the electrical conductivity of the vehicle roof (18), wherein the control unit (50) is designed to determine, based on the information from the conductivity measurement module (34), whether there is a layer of ice (19) or water on the vehicle roof (18). Vehicle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has a temperature sensor (38) which is connected to the control unit (50) via a signal, wherein the control unit (50) is designed to estimate, based on the sensor signal of the temperature sensor (38), whether there is a layer of ice on the vehicle roof (18). Vehicle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has a moisture sensor (39) which is connected to the control unit (50) via a signal, wherein the control unit (50) is designed to estimate, based on the sensor signal of the moisture sensor (39), whether water is present on the vehicle roof (18). Vehicle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alternating current has a frequency equal to or greater than 1 kHz. Vehicle device according to claim 7, characterized in that the alternating current has a frequency equal to or greater than 100 kHz. Vehicle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply module (42) has an alternating current source (44) and a switching element (46), wherein the switching element (46) is connected to the control unit (50) by means of a signal, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to adjust the switching element (46) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the alternating current source (44) is electrically connected to the vehicle roof (18) in the closed position of the switching element (46) and is disconnected from the vehicle roof (18) in the open position of the switching element (46). Vehicle with a vehicle roof (18) and a vehicle device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9 . Vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the vehicle roof (18) is made entirely of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected to the vehicle device (20). Vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the vehicle roof (18) is made of a metal sheet. Vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the vehicle roof (18) is made of an electrically non-conductive material and has several electrical conductors (182) which are electrically connected to the vehicle device (20). Vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the vehicle roof (18) is made of a plastic material (181) and several electrical conductors (182) are embedded in the plastic material (181).

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