Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Attachments – Optical-member-attachable cleaner
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-06
2001-07-31
Graham, Gary K. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Attachments
Optical-member-attachable cleaner
C239S284100, C239S303000, C015S250020
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266842
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a windshield cleaning device for motor vehicles which, under consideration of the ambient temperature, provides for the best possible clear view through the windshield.
It is already known to provide the cleaning liquid for cleaning the windshield with surface-active substances, in order to be able to remove soot, grease, lubricants, and, optionally also dust and salt from the windshield. The use of a water-based cleaning liquid at low, especially negative, ambient temperatures (Celsius scale) is possible by employing mixtures with alcohol whereby the alcohol/water composition must be matched to the expected ambient temperature. Since the ambient temperature, however, changes during the course of the day, in general, to a more positive temperature value, while, on the other hand, the wind chill from driving causes on the windshield a temperature drop, the composition with respect to the amount of alcohol must be such that, in the least favorable case, freezing of the cleaning liquid on the windshield and especially in the spray nozzles is safely prevented.
For a fast removal of snow and ice from the windshield of a vehicle that is parked outdoors, especially after an unpredicted snowstorm or temperature drop, it is favorable when heated cleaning liquid can be used. For this purpose, it is known to use electrical heating elements that are operated, in general, by electric energy taken from the motor vehicle battery. Another possibility for heating the cleaning liquid is the use of a heat exchanger which will heat the cleaning liquid with the aid of the hot cooling water circulating in the running engine so that the relatively low amount of energy stored in the battery can be saved.
With the aforementioned measures, it is possible within a certain amount of time to provide a clean windshield and thus a clear view. However, the expenditure with regard to the cleaning liquid and in the cold seasons of the year also with regard to the added alcohol mixture, are considerable.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a windshield cleaning device with which the amount of cleaning liquid as well as the required amount of alcohol or alcohol mixture (commercial windshield wiper liquids contain a water/alcohol mixture) can be considerably reduced without having a detrimental effect with regard to the quality of the cleaning action.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As a solution to this object it is suggested to provide a control circuit for controlling pumping of the cleaning liquid such that it occurs only above a certain minimum temperature value. The temperature value may relate to the ambient temperature and/or the actual cleaning liquid temperature. Furthermore, a device for collecting the excess sprayed cleaning liquid, water spray, and rain water and their return into a reservoir as well as a metering device for introducing an alcohol mixture into the cleaning liquid are provided. The metering device meters the alcohol mixture or alcohol according to the measured temperature values, whereby the alcohol mixture or alcohol can be introduced into the reservoir or directly into the supply line for the cleaning liquid extending from the reservoir into the spray nozzles. In general, cleaning liquid in the context of the invention is water with additives such as alcohol or other liquids with antifreeze action and surface-active or cleaning agents.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3738575 (1973-06-01), Somer
patent: 3846867 (1974-11-01), Bryant
patent: 3888412 (1975-06-01), Lindo
patent: 5946763 (1999-09-01), Egner-Walter et al.
patent: 6024803 (2000-02-01), Buchanan, Jr. et al.
patent: 2330488 (1975-01-01), None
patent: 2700926 (1978-07-01), None
patent: 3243173 (1984-05-01), None
patent: 3501896 (1986-07-01), None
patent: 3734130 (1989-04-01), None
patent: 2552041 (1985-03-01), None
patent: 191454 (1986-08-01), None
patent: 175242 (1987-07-01), None
Graham Gary K.
Robert W. Becker & Associates
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