Window and lens glass cleaning system for a motor vehicle

• US 6,257,500 B1
• Filed: 12/01/1999
• Issued: 07/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Kober, Rainer, Petzold, Sven
• Primary Examiner(s): Morris, Lesley D.
• Application Number:
  US09/451,526
• Time in Patent Office: 587 Days
• Field of Search: 239/284.1, 239/284.2, 152/500-1-2, 152/500.1, 152/500.2, 152/500.4, 152/500.5, 296/96.17
• US Class Current: 239/284.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/481 the operation of at least part of the liquid supply being controlled by electric means electrical washing liquid warming-up means B60S1/488
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/50 Arrangement of reservoir

Abstract

A window and lens glass cleaning system for a motor vehicle has a constructional unit comprising a washer fluid container (1), a plurality of control units (7-9) and an evaluating device (12) of a fluid-level sensor (12a). This enables all of the essential components of the window and lens glass cleaning system to be preassembled and tested outside the motor vehicle. The window and lens glass cleaning system can then be installed in a particularly simple manner in the motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A window and lens glass cleaning system for a motor vehicle, comprising a washer fluid container for storing washer fluid, at least one washer fluid pump which is arranged on or in the washer fluid container, for conveying washer fluid from the washer fluid container to washer nozzles to be arranged in front of motor vehicle windows and lenses, an electronic control unit for activating the washer fluid pump or the washer fluid pumps, and an evaluating device of a sensor of level of fluid in the container, wherein the control unit and the evaluating device constitute a processing unit which is constructed as an integral assembly with the washer fluid container.

2. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one further electronic control unit of a heating device for the washer fluid, of a motor drive for moveable washer nozzles, of a multiway valve for distributing the washer fluid or of a wiper, wherein said further electronic control unit is fastened on the washer fluid container.

3. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the evaluating device of a fluid-level sensor is fastened on the washer fluid container.

4. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the fluid-level sensor, wherein the fluid level sensor has a plurality of contact plates embedded in a wall of the washer fluid container, for measuring conductivity.

5. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washer fluid container has a trough for accommodating the electronic control units or the electronic control unit.

6. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the trough can be closed by a lid which is latchable in the washer fluid container.

7. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lid is connected to the washer fluid container on one side via a film hinge.

8. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an optical or acoustic signaling device for generating an overfilling warning and/or a signal when fluid level in said washer fluid container falls short of a minimum level, the signaling device being arranged on the evaluating device of the fluid-level sensor.

9. A window and lens glass cleaning system for a motor vehicle, comprising a washer fluid container for storing washer fluid, at least one washer fluid pump which is arranged on or in the washer fluid container, for conveying washer fluid from the washer fluid container to washer nozzles to be arranged in front of motor vehicle windows and lenses, and an electronic control unit for activating the washer fluid pump or the washer fluid pumps, wherein the control unit and the washer fluid container are a constructional unit which is preassemblable, and a plurality of the electronic control units and an evaluating device of a fluid-level sensor form a constructional central processing unit.

10. The window and lens glass cleaning system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electronic control units and the evaluating device of the fluid-level sensor have a common connecting socket.

11. A window and lens glass cleaning system for a motor vehicle, comprising a washer fluid container for storing washer fluid, at least one washer fluid pump which is arranged on or in the washer fluid container, for conveying washer fluid from the washer fluid container to washer nozzles to be arranged in front of motor vehicle windows and lenses, an electronic control unit for activating the washer fluid pump or the washer fluid pumps, wherein the control unit is constructed as an integral assembly with the washer fluid container.