阅读说明：本技术 基于视野的背光车窗除霜系统 (Backlight vehicle window defrosting system based on visual field ) 是由 玛丽·卡耶·凯瑟琳·斯皮思 穆克什·库马尔 劳伦斯·C·卡拉斯 大卫·斯图尔特 安德鲁·菲利 于 2020-09-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“基于视野的背光车窗除霜系统”。一种用于加热车辆的车窗的设备,包括：蓄电单元,所述蓄电单元被配置成存储电荷；以及多个加热电路,所述多个加热电路设置在所述车辆的车窗上。所述设备还包括控制器,所述控制器被配置成监测所述蓄电单元的所述电荷,并基于所述电荷而选择性地启动所述加热电路中的一个或多个。(The present disclosure provides a "field-of-view based backlit window defrost system". An apparatus for heating a window of a vehicle, comprising: an electrical storage unit configured to store charge; and a plurality of heating circuits provided on a window of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to monitor the charge of the power storage unit and to selectively activate one or more of the heating circuits based on the charge.)

1. An apparatus for heating a window of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

an electrical storage unit configured to store charge;

a plurality of heating circuits provided on a window of the vehicle; and

a controller configured to:

monitoring the charge of the electrical storage unit; and is

Selectively activating one or more of the heating circuits based on the electrical charge.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical storage unit is configured to power a driveline of the vehicle.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating circuits comprises at least:

a first electrical circuit disposed over a first region of the vehicle window; and

a second electrical circuit disposed over a second region of the vehicle window.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first region is disposed over a central portion of the vehicle window and the second portion is disposed over a second region surrounding a periphery of the first region.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first region forms a triangular shape including a base extending substantially parallel to a bottom of the vehicle window.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the vehicle window is a backlight of the vehicle and the first region is aligned with a viewing cone defining a field of view reflected from a rear view mirror of the vehicle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the viewing cone is defined by a range of heights of an operator of the vehicle, and the first region extends to a perimeter of the viewing cone reflected by the backlight.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the selective activation of the heating circuit comprises:

in response to the charge being greater than a first threshold charge, the first circuit and the second circuit are enabled.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the selective activation of the heating circuit comprises:

in response to the charge being less than the first threshold charge, activating the first circuit and inhibiting the activation of the second circuit.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heating circuit further comprises a third circuit, wherein the third circuit is disposed over a third portion disposed around the perimeter of the first region.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first region forms a triangular shape comprising a base, wherein the second portion is disposed below the base and the third portion is disposed above the base.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the selective activation of the heating circuit comprises:

responsive to the charge being less than greater than the first threshold charge, activating the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit; and

inhibiting the activation of the second circuit and the third circuit in response to the charge being less than a second threshold charge.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1-12, further comprising a user interface, wherein the controller is configured to identify a state of the user interface and selectively inhibit activation of at least one of the heating circuits based on the state.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the user interface comprises a movable switch comprising a plurality of positions identifying the state.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the user interface comprises a selection menu accessible via a Human Machine Interface (HMI) comprising a display screen.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for heating a portion of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for heating or defrosting a window of a vehicle.

Background

Modern motor vehicles include several convenient features that can contribute to ease of use and operating efficiency. Typically, motor vehicles rely on an internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle and supply energy to various vehicle systems and accessories. Vehicles, however, increasingly rely on electrical storage units to power the drive train and other systems. The present disclosure relates to a backlit defrost or heating system for a vehicle that may provide various benefits, particularly for electric or hybrid vehicles that rely on power from a battery or storage unit to maintain operation.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for heating a window of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an electrical storage unit configured to store charge; and a plurality of heating circuits provided on a window of a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to monitor a charge of the power storage unit and to selectively activate one or more of the heating circuits based on the charge.

The invention may also include any one or combination of the following features:

the electrical storage unit is configured to power a driveline of the vehicle;

the plurality of heating circuits comprises at least: a first electrical circuit disposed over a first region of a vehicle window; and a second electrical circuit disposed over a second region of the glazing;

the first region is disposed above a central portion of the glazing and the second portion is disposed above a second region around the periphery of the first region;

the first region forms a triangular shape comprising a base extending substantially parallel to the bottom of the vehicle window;

the window is a backlight of the vehicle and the first region is aligned with a viewing cone defining a field of view reflected from a rear view mirror of the vehicle;

the viewing cone is defined by a range of heights of an operator of the vehicle, and the first region extends to a periphery of the viewing cone reflected by the backlight;

selective activation of the heating circuit comprises: responsive to the charge being greater than a first threshold charge, enabling the first circuit and the second circuit;

selective activation of the heating circuit comprises: responsive to the charge being less than a first threshold charge, enabling the first circuit and inhibiting the enabling of the second circuit;

the heating circuit further comprises a third circuit, wherein the third circuit is disposed over a third portion disposed around a perimeter of the first region;

the first region forms a triangular shape comprising a base, wherein the second portion is disposed below the base and the third portion is disposed above the base;

selective activation of the heating circuit comprises: responsive to the charge being less than a first threshold charge, enabling the first, second, and third circuits; and inhibiting activation of the second circuit and the third circuit in response to the charge being less than a second threshold charge;

a user interface, wherein the controller is configured to identify a state of the user interface and to selectively inhibit activation of at least one of the heating circuits based on the state;

the user interface comprises a movable switch comprising a plurality of positions identifying the state;

the user interface comprises a selection menu accessible via a Human Machine Interface (HMI) comprising a display screen;

the Human Machine Interface (HMI) is arranged in a centre console of a cabin of the vehicle; and/or

In response to the state indicated by the user interface, the controller is configured to prioritize suppression of charge of the heating circuit instead of the electrical storage unit based on the state.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a multi-zone backlit heating module of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes supplying operating energy to one of one or more motors of the vehicle via an electrical storage unit of the vehicle, and monitoring a charge of the electrical storage unit. The method also includes selectively supplying current from the power storage unit to a plurality of heating circuits forming the multi-region backlight heating module. Selectively supplying the current includes: each of the plurality of heating circuits is enabled in response to the charge being greater than a first threshold charge, and current flow to a first heating circuit of the plurality of heating circuits is inhibited in response to the charge being less than the first threshold charge. The method may further comprise: selectively supplying the current in response to the charge being less than a second threshold charge; suppressing current flow to the first and second heating circuits; and supplying current to a third heating circuit configured to heat a central portion of the backlight.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for heating a backlight of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an electrical storage unit configured to store electrical charge, wherein the electrical storage unit is configured to power a driveline of a vehicle; and a plurality of heating circuits provided on a window of a vehicle. The heating circuit includes: a first circuit configured to heat a central region of the backlight, wherein the central region forms a triangular shape comprising a pedestal extending substantially horizontally along the backlight and a perimeter; and a second circuit configured to heat an auxiliary area disposed outside a periphery of the central area. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to monitor a charge of the power storage unit and to selectively activate the first circuit and the second circuit in response to the charge being greater than a threshold charge. The controller is also configured to inhibit current flow to the second circuit in response to the charge being less than the threshold charge.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a projection view of a vehicle including a multi-zone backlit heating system;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a vehicle including a multi-zone backlit heating system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic profile view of a multi-zone backlight heating system;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a backlight or vehicle window showing multiple heating circuits;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a heating control circuit of the multi-zone backlight heating system; and is

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing a method for controlling a multi-zone backlight heating system according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the device may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. In addition, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction, etc., does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such direction, or that the feature or component extends only in such direction or in such plane, with no other directional component or deviation, unless otherwise specified.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 including a multi-zone heating system 12 is shown. In general, the system 12 may be implemented on various windows 14 of the vehicle 10, and as illustrated in an exemplary implementation, the system 12 may be implemented on the windows in the form of a windshield 16 and/or a backlight 18 of the vehicle 10. The multi-zone heating system 12 may include a plurality of heating zones 20. The heating zones may include a primary heating zone 20a, a secondary heating zone 20b, and/or a tertiary heating zone 20 c. As discussed later, the controller of the system 12 may be configured to selectively activate each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c to effectively heat the windows 14 of the vehicle 10 without drawing unnecessary current from the power supply or storage unit of the vehicle 10.

Each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c of the system 12 may be disposed on the window 14 based on a prioritization of portions of the backlight 18 that may be most beneficial to the operator 22 of the vehicle 10. For example, the primary heating zone 20a may correspond to a primary heating zone that may include or substantially encompass a field of view 24 of the operator 22 reflected from a rear view mirror 26. For example, the primary heating zone 20a may include a conical or triangular zone configured to include the viewing cone of the operator 22. The viewing cone and corresponding shape of the primary heating zone 20a may be based on the desired height of the operator 22 and the corresponding seating position of the operator's seat 28 in the vehicle 10 relative to the rear view mirror 26 and the backlight 18. Accordingly, the first heating zone 20a of the multi-zone heating system 12 may be positioned such that the field of view 24 of the operator 22 may be heated independently of the rest of the backlight 18 (e.g., the second heating zone 20b, the third heating zone 20 c).

Each of the second and third heating zones 20b and 20c may be disposed on the window 14 or the backlight 18 around the periphery of the first heating zone 20 a. In this configuration, the primary heating zone 20a may be disposed above a central portion of the backlight 18, while the secondary heating zone 20b and the tertiary heating zone 20c may extend from the periphery of the primary heating zone 20a to the outer periphery of the vehicle window 14 or backlight 18. As illustrated in the exemplary implementation, the second heating region 20b may be positioned on the backlight 18 above a triangular shaped pedestal 30, which pedestal 30 may extend substantially horizontally across the width of the backlight 18. The third heating region 20c may be disposed over a portion of the backlight 18 extending below the susceptor 30. In this configuration, it may be prioritized to have the second heating area 20b heat after the first heating area 20a and before the third heating area 20c, based on the distribution of each of the heating areas 20a to 20c over the surface of the backlight 18.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. For example, a substantially horizontal depiction of the base 30 indicates that the length may include a curvature that deviates from a horizontal path but still results in the horizontal legs extending from the driver side to the passenger side of the vehicle 10. Similarly, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" may be used to describe variations in the shape, proportion, or location of each of the regions 20 a-20 c. For example, the position of the first region 20a may vary within a range of 10% to 20% of the proportion of the vehicle window 14 while still covering a substantially central portion of the vehicle window 14. Additionally, the legs and intersections forming the triangular shape may be substantially triangular in shape while including curved and rounded intersections, the extent of which may be varied to match surface contours, style variations of the vehicle window 14, and/or to accommodate manufacturing process variations. Thus, the terms "substantially" and "about" as discussed herein provide variations from the specific rigid shapes and configurations while still defining a clear boundary that can be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c may correspond to a resistive conductor or heating element disposed on or within one or more layers of transparent material (e.g., glass, polymer, etc.) used to form the backlight 18. Each of the heating zones 20a through 20c may be controlled by the controller 42 of the system 12 via a corresponding heating circuit 60. The controller 42 and the heating circuit 60 of the heating system 12 are further discussed with reference to fig. 3-5. As discussed further herein, the controller 42 may be configured to activate each of the heating circuits 60 to independently heat each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c, some of which are discussed herein, based on the state or condition of one or more operating systems and/or accessories of the vehicle 10. Thus, the present disclosure may provide a flexible solution that may be implemented to prioritize heating one or more of the regions 20 of the vehicle's window 14 based on the state or condition of the vehicle 10.

As previously discussed, the shape and location of each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c on the backlight 18 may be determined based on the expected height of the operator 22 of the vehicle 10. The specific proportion of each of the heating zones 20a to 20c may vary based on the position of the operator's seat 28, the height of the operator 22, the position of the rear view mirror 26, and the distance and position of the backlight 18 relative to the operator 22 and the rear view mirror 26. In the case of vehicles having a variety of sizes for the relative positions of the operator seat 28, the rear view mirror 26, and the position/height of the backlight 18, the proportion of each of the heating zones 20a through 20c may be calculated based on the desired height range of the operator 22. Thus, the proportion of each of the heating zones 20a to 20c, and primarily the primary heating zone 20a, may be readily calculated based on the visual cone or field of view 24 that is expected for the desired change in height of the operator 22 of the vehicle 10.

As previously discussed, the primary heating zone 20a may correspond to a primary heating zone, which may be formed in a triangular or conical shape. For example, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the triangular shaped susceptor 30 of the primary heating zone 20a may be bent between a first leg 32 and a second leg 34 forming the triangular shape of the primary heating zone 20 a. Additionally, the base 30 may extend horizontally from a lower portion of the first leg 32 to a lower portion of the second leg 34, or along a substantially horizontal line that may deviate from a horizontal path along the curvature 36 of the base 30. In this configuration, the triangular or conical shape of the primary heating zone 20a may be configured to encompass the entire viewing cone of the desired height of the operator 22, as illustrated by the field of view 24.

As discussed herein, the controller 42 may correspond to a vehicle control module implemented as one or more processors in communication with a memory. The one or more processors discussed herein may be any suitable processing device or set of processing devices, such as, but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, suitable integrated circuitry, one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and/or one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The memory may be volatile memory (e.g., RAM, which may include non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, and any other suitable form); non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), non-alterable memory (e.g., EPROM), read-only memory, and/or high-capacity storage (e.g., hard disk drive, solid-state drive, etc.). In some examples, the memory includes a variety of memories, particularly volatile and non-volatile memories.

The memory referred to in this disclosure may correspond to a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions, such as software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. Additionally, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "tangible computer-readable medium" also include any tangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

Referring now to fig. 3, a profile view of the vehicle 10 is shown illustrating a schematic view of the multi-zone heating system 12. The multi-zone heating system 12 may be configured to prioritize the activation of each of the heating circuits 60 and corresponding heating zones 20a through 20c of the vehicle 10 based on a variety of control variables and/or control sensing inputs. In some implementations, the vehicle 10 may correspond to an electric or hybrid electric vehicle configured to operate or supply power to a driveline via energy stored within an electrical storage unit 40 for a battery unit. In such implementations, the controller 42 may be configured to monitor the charge of the electrical storage unit 40 and selectively activate or deactivate activation of one or more of the heating zones 20 a-20 c based on the detected charge of the electrical storage unit 40.

For example, the controller 42 may be configured to inhibit activation of the third heating zone 20c in response to the charge level of the accumulator unit 40 being less than a first threshold charge. In addition, the controller 42 may be configured to suppress the activation of the second heating zone 20b and the third heating zone 20c in response to the charge level of the accumulator unit 40 being less than the second threshold charge. In such an example, the first threshold charge may be larger than the second threshold charge, so that the first threshold charge corresponds to a higher or larger level of potential energy stored in the electric storage unit 40 than the second threshold charge. In this manner, the controller 42 may limit the energy supplied to one or more of the heating zones 20 of the multi-zone heating system 12 in order to prioritize the energy usage of the system 12.

In some implementations, the controller 42 may also be in communication with a user interface 44 and/or a selection switch 46, each of which user interface 44 and/or selection switch 46 may be configured to selectively activate one or more of the heating zones 20 a-20 c based on a user selection. For example, as shown in fig. 3, the selector switch 46 may include a plurality of positions 48, which plurality of positions 48 may include a first position PosA, a second position PosB, a third position PosC, and a fourth position PosD. The first position PosA may correspond to a deactivated position that may be configured to instruct the controller 42 to deactivate or inhibit activation of the multi-zone heating system 12. The second position PosB may be configured to instruct the controller 42 to activate all (or reject suppression of) the heating zones 20a to 20 c. The third position PosC may be configured to instruct the controller 42 to activate the first and second heating zones 20a, 20b while inhibiting activation of the third heating zone 20 c. Finally, the fourth position PosD may be configured to instruct the controller 42 to activate the first heating zone 20a while the second and third heating zones 20b, 20c are inhibited.

As discussed herein, the user interface 44 or selection switch 46 may be configured to provide manual controls to the operator 22 or a user of the vehicle 10 that are configured to selectively activate one or more of the heating zones 20 a-20 c. The manual activation of the heating zones 20 a-20 c may also be arbitrated by the controller 42 to inhibit activation of one or more of the heating zones based on the charge of the accumulator unit 40. For example, if a user of the multi-zone heating system 12 manually controls the selection switch 46 to the second position PosB, the controller 42 may identify the requested activation as including the primary, secondary and tertiary heating zones 20a, 20b, 20 c. However, if the charge of the storage unit 40 is below the first threshold, as previously discussed, the controller 42 may inhibit the activation of the third heating zone 20c in order to conserve energy or charge of the storage unit 40 for operation of the vehicle 10. Further details of the control method and operation of the multi-zone heating system 12 are discussed with reference to the flow chart illustrated in fig. 6.

Although discussed with reference to the selection switch 46, the user interface 44 may be implemented as a variety of input devices, including programmable soft keys, a touch screen interface, which may also be configured to control a variety of systems or accessories of the vehicle 10. Thus, the user interface may be in communication with the controller 42 via a control or communication bus, which controller 42 may correspond to a vehicle control module. For example, in some implementations, the user interface 44 may include a Human Machine Interface (HMI) that includes a display, such as a center console mounted navigation or entertainment display of the vehicle 10. The user interface 44 may also include an input device, which may be implemented by configuring the vehicle display as a touch screen. Other forms of input may be used, including one or more joysticks, digital input pads, switches (e.g., selection switch 46), etc., instead of or in addition to a touch screen. Further, the system 12 may communicate with a user interface 44 in the form of a handheld or portable device (including one or more smartphones) via wireless communication.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the controller 42 may also be in communication with one or more environmental sensors 50. As discussed herein, the environmental sensors may include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, conductivity sensors, and/or a wide variety of sensors that may be configured to detect conditions related to defogging and/or frost on the windows 14 of the vehicle 10. In operation, the controller 42 may monitor the status of the environmental sensor 50 and automatically activate the multi-zone heating system 12 to remove frost or fog from the vehicle window 14 and/or prevent frost and/or fog from accumulating on the vehicle window 14.

For example, in some implementations, the controller 42 may monitor the status of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor implemented as environmental sensors. During operation or start-up of the vehicle 10, the controller 42 may identify whether the humidity sensor detects wetness and/or the temperature sensor registers a temperature below a freeze threshold. Accordingly, the controller 42 may monitor the environmental sensor 50 to determine whether a frost condition exists based on the indicated humidity level and/or temperature, and automatically activate the multi-zone heating system 12 to heat one or more of the vehicle windows 14 to remove frost accumulated thereon. After the automatic start of the system 12, the controller 42 may continue to arbitrate the start of each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c based on the charge of the storage unit 40, as previously discussed.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, diagrams of each of the heating zones 20a through 20c and corresponding heating circuits 60a through 60c are shown, respectively. As previously discussed, the controller 42 may be configured to selectively activate each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c or supply heat thereto by activating the corresponding heating circuit 60 a-60 c. In various implementations, the heating circuit 60 may be activated by the controller 42 by communicating a signal to one or more electronic or electromechanical switches configured to selectively deliver electrical current to resistive elements disposed in the vehicle window 14 defining each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c. For example, the controller 42 may communicate electrical signals to one or more transistors, relays, or various switching devices to selectively activate each of the heating circuits 60 and conduct current from the storage unit 40 to one or more corresponding heating zones 20 a-20 c.

As shown in fig. 5, each of the heating circuits 60 includes a relay switch 62, which relay switch 62 is actuatable by the controller 42 via a signal communicated to a corresponding relay coil 64. For example, the controller 42 may selectively activate the first heating circuit 60a by communicating a control signal to a corresponding relay coil configured to activate the first relay switch 62 a. Similarly, the controller 42 may selectively activate the second and third heating circuits 60b, 60c by communicating control signals to respective relay coils configured to activate the second and third relay switches 62b, 62 c. Accordingly, the controller 42 may be configured to selectively activate or deactivate activation of each of the heating zones 20 a-20 c by controlling the current delivered to the heating zones 20 a-20 c via the heating circuit 60. In this configuration, the multi-zone heating system 12 may provide preferential activation of one or more of the heating zones 20 a-20 c based on user preferences identified via the selection switch 46 or user interface, based on automatic activation of conditions detected by the environmental sensors 50, and/or the charge level of the power storage unit 40 of the vehicle 10.

Referring now to fig. 6, a flow chart illustrating a method 70 for controlling the multi-zone heating system 12 is shown. The method 70 may be controlled by the controller 42, which controller 42 may communicate with a variety of additional vehicle control systems, as discussed further later in the detailed description. The method 70 may begin in response to ignition or starting of the vehicle 10, as shown in step 72. Once activated, the controller 42 may monitor the environmental sensor 50 and the charge level of the power storage unit 40 or battery unit (74). Based on the conditions identified via the environmental sensor 50, the controller 42 may identify whether an occluded visibility condition is detected (76). For example, the controller 42 may monitor the environmental sensors 50 to detect or determine obscured visibility conditions that may correspond to ice accumulation, frost or snow accumulation, condensation, or fog conditions on one or more of the windows 14 (e.g., the backlight 18) of the vehicle 10. If the controller 42 does not identify an obscured visibility condition at step 76, the controller 42 may detect whether the selection switch 46 indicates manual activation of one or more of the heating zones 20a to 20c (78). If no manual activation is detected in step 78, the method 70 may return to step 74 to continue monitoring the status of the environmental sensor 50 and the power storage unit 40. If activation of the multi-zone heating system 12 is requested or identified in either of steps 76 or 78, the method 70 may continue to step 80. For example, the system 12 may be configured to continue to step 80 in response to manual initiation and/or in response to automatic initiation that identifies an occluded visibility condition as discussed with reference to step 76.

In step 80, the method 70 may identify the position 48 of the selector switch 46 or an input to the user interface 44 identifying the user selected heating zone 20a through 20 c. Once the user selected heating zone is identified, the method 70 may continue to identify or arbitrate operation of the system 12 based on the charge level of the power storage unit 40 (82). In step 84, if the charge level of the electrical storage unit 40 is identified as being greater than the first threshold charge, the controller 42 may proceed to step 86 to activate each of the heating circuits 60 based on the user selection identified in step 80. If the charge level of the storage unit 40 is less than the first threshold charge in step 84, the method 70 may continue to step 88.

In step 88, the controller 42 may identify whether the charge level of the electrical storage unit 40 is greater than a second threshold charge. The second threshold charge may be less than the first threshold charge and indicate a decrease in the charge level of the storage unit 40, such that activation of two or more of the heating circuits 60 may unnecessarily decrease the charge level and potentially limit the operating range of the vehicle 10. Thus, if it is determined that the charge level of the accumulator unit 40 is greater than the second threshold charge, the method may continue to step 90 and inhibit activation of the third heating circuit 60c and the corresponding third heating zone 20 c. This suppression of the third heating zone 20c may be controlled by the method 70 to override the user zone selection identified in step 80. Finally, if it is determined that the charge level of the accumulator unit 40 is less than the second threshold charge, the method 70 may continue to step 92 and inhibit activation of the second heating circuit 60b and the third heating circuit 60 c. As illustrated by reference point A, the method may continue the overall operation of the vehicle 10 by returning to step 74.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such engagement may be stationary or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or other elements of the connectors or systems may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It is to be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless such claims by their language expressly state otherwise. It should be understood that any described process or steps within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus for heating a window of a vehicle, the apparatus having: an electrical storage unit configured to store charge; a plurality of heating circuits provided on a window of the vehicle; and a controller configured to: monitoring the charge of the accumulator unit; and selectively activating one or more of the heating circuits based on the electrical charge.

According to an embodiment, the electric storage unit is configured to power a driveline of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of heating circuits comprises at least: a first electrical circuit disposed over a first region of a vehicle window; and a second electrical circuit disposed over a second region of the glazing.

According to an embodiment, the first region is disposed above a central portion of the glazing and the second portion is disposed above a second region around a periphery of the first region.

According to an embodiment, the first region forms a triangular shape comprising a base extending substantially parallel to the bottom of the vehicle window.

According to an embodiment, the window is a backlight of said vehicle and said first region is aligned with a viewing cone defining a field of view reflected from a rear view mirror of said vehicle.

According to an embodiment, the viewing cone is defined by a range of heights of an operator of the vehicle, and the first region extends to a periphery of the viewing cone reflected by the backlight.

According to an embodiment, the selective activation of the heating circuit comprises: in response to the charge being greater than a first threshold charge, the first circuit and the second circuit are enabled.

According to an embodiment, the selective activation of the heating circuit comprises: in response to the charge being less than a first threshold charge, the first circuit is enabled and the second circuit is inhibited from being enabled.

According to an embodiment, the heating circuit further comprises a third circuit, wherein the third circuit is disposed over a third portion disposed around a perimeter of the first region.

According to an embodiment, the first region forms a triangular shape comprising a base, wherein the second portion is arranged below the base and the third portion is arranged above the base.

According to an embodiment, the selective activation of the heating circuit comprises: responsive to the charge being less than greater than a first threshold charge, enabling the first, second, and third circuits; and inhibiting activation of the second circuit and the third circuit in response to the charge being less than a second threshold charge.

According to an embodiment, the invention also features a user interface, wherein the controller is configured to identify a state of the user interface and selectively inhibit activation of at least one of the heating circuits based on the state.

According to an embodiment, the user interface comprises a movable switch comprising a plurality of positions identifying the state.

According to an embodiment, the user interface comprises a selection menu accessible via a Human Machine Interface (HMI) comprising a display screen.

According to an embodiment, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) is provided in a center console of a cabin of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment, in response to the state indicated by the user interface, the controller is configured to prioritize suppression of charge of the heating circuit instead of the electric storage unit based on the state.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a multi-zone backlit heating module of a vehicle, the method having: supplying operating energy to one of one or more motors of the vehicle via an electrical storage unit of the vehicle; monitoring the charge of the accumulator unit; selectively supplying current from the power storage unit to a plurality of heating circuits forming the multi-region backlight heating module, wherein selectively supplying the current comprises: each of the plurality of heating circuits is enabled in response to the charge being greater than a first threshold charge, and current flow to a first heating circuit of the plurality of heating circuits is inhibited in response to the charge being less than the first threshold charge.

According to an embodiment, selectively supplying current comprises: inhibit current flow to the first and second heating circuits in response to the charge being less than a second threshold charge; and supplying current to a third heating circuit configured to heat a central portion of the backlight.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for heating a backlight of a vehicle, the apparatus having: an electrical storage unit configured to store electrical charge, wherein the electrical storage unit is configured to power a driveline of a vehicle; a plurality of heating circuits provided on a window of a vehicle, wherein the heating circuits include: a first circuit configured to heat a central region of the backlight, wherein the central region forms a triangular shape comprising a pedestal extending substantially horizontally along the backlight and a perimeter; and a second circuit configured to heat an auxiliary area disposed outside a periphery of the central area; and a controller configured to: monitoring the charge of the accumulator unit; selectively enabling the first circuit and the second circuit in response to the charge being greater than the threshold charge; and inhibiting current flow to the second circuit in response to the charge being less than the threshold charge.