COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 672/2010

of 27 July 2010

concerning type-approval requirements for windscreen defrosting and demisting systems of certain motor vehicles and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (1), and in particular Article 14(1)(a) thereof,

Whereas:

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 is a separate Regulation for the purposes of the type-approval procedure provided for by Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (Framework Directive) (2) .

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 repeals Council Directive 78/317/EEC of 21 December 1977 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the defrosting and demisting systems of glazed surfaces of motor vehicles (3) . The requirements set out in that Directive should be carried over to this Regulation and, where necessary, amended in order to adapt them to the development of scientific and technical knowledge, in particular to take into account the specific characteristics of hybrid and electrical vehicles.

The scope of this Regulation is in line with that of Directive 78/317/EEC and thus limited to vehicles of category M1.

Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 lays down fundamental provisions on requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to windscreen defrosting and demisting systems. Therefore, it is necessary to also set out the specific procedures, tests and requirements for such type-approval.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Technical Committee — Motor Vehicles,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Scope

This Regulation applies to motor vehicles of category M1, as defined in Annex II to Directive 2007/46/EC, which are fitted with a windscreen.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

the shape, size, thickness and characteristics of the windscreen and its mounting,

the external and internal forms and arrangements within the 180° forward field of vision area of the driver which may affect visibility,

‘vehicle type with regard to the windscreen defrosting and demisting systems’ means vehicles which do not differ in such essential respects as:

‘defrosting system’ means the system intended to eliminate frost or ice on the outside surface of the windscreen;

‘defrosted area’ means the area of the windscreen having a dry outside surface or an outside surface covered with melted or partially melted wet frost which can be removed by the vehicle’s windscreen wiper system;

‘demisting system’ means the system intended to remove mist on the inside surface of the windscreen;

‘mist’ means a film of condensate on the inside face of the glazed surface of the windscreen;

‘demisted area’ means the area of the windscreen having a dry inside surface, without any drops or traces of water, after previously being covered by mist;

‘vision area B’ means reduced test area B as defined in paragraph 2.4 of Annex 18 of UN-ECE Regulation 43, without the exclusion of the area defined in paragraph 2.4.1 thereof;

‘design torso angle’ means the angle measured between a vertical line through the R-point or seating reference point and the torso line in a position which corresponds to the design position of the seat-back as declared by the vehicle manufacturer;

‘R-point’ or seating reference point means the design point defined by the vehicle manufacturer for each seating position with respect to the three-dimensional reference system;

‘three-dimensional reference system’ means a reference grid which consists of a vertical longitudinal plane X-Z, a horizontal plane X-Y and a vertical transverse plane Y-Z in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 2 of Annex II;

‘primary reference marks’ means holes, surfaces, marks or other identification signs on the vehicle body or chassis of which the X, Y and Z coordinates within the three-dimensional reference grid are specified by the vehicle manufacturer;

‘vehicle master control switch’ means the device by which the vehicle’s on-board electronics system is brought from being switched off, as is the case when a vehicle is parked without the driver being present, to normal operation mode.

Article 3

Provisions for EC type-approval of a vehicle with regard to windscreen defrosting and demisting systems

1. The manufacturer or his representative shall submit to the type-approval authority the application for EC type-approval of a vehicle with regard to windscreen defrosting and demisting systems.

2. The application shall be drawn up in accordance with the model of the information document set out in Part 1 of Annex I.

3. If the relevant requirements set out in Annex II are met, the approval authority shall grant an EC type-approval and issue a type-approval number in accordance with the numbering system set out in Annex VII to Directive 2007/46/EC.

A Member State may not assign the same number to another vehicle type.

4. For the purposes of paragraph 3, the type-approval authority shall deliver an EC type-approval certificate established in accordance with the model set out in Part 2 of Annex I.

Article 4

Validity and extension of approvals granted under Directive 78/317/EEC

National authorities shall permit the sale and entry into service of vehicles type-approved before the date referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 and continue to grant extension of approvals to those vehicles under the terms of Directive 78/317/EEC.

Article 5

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

(1) OJ L 200, 31.7.2009, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 263, 9.10.2007, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 81, 28.3.1978, p. 27.

(4) Hasn’t been published yet. Will be published by August 2010.

Description of the interior arrangements or fittings that might affect the tests: …

Brief description of the vehicle type as regards its structure, dimensions, lines and constituent materials: …

(11) If the means of identification of type contains characters not relevant to describe the vehicle, component or separate technical unit types covered by this information document, such characters shall be represented in the documentation by the symbol ‘?’ (e.g. ABC??123??).

(9) The number of seating positions to be mentioned shall be the one when the vehicle is in motion. A range can be specified in case of modular arrangement.

(8) Vehicles can be fuelled with both petrol and a gaseous fuel but, where the petrol system is fitted for emergency purposes or starting only and of which the petrol tank cannot contain more than 15 litres of petrol, will be regarded for the test as vehicles which can only run a gaseous fuel.

(5) This value shall be calculated (π = 3,1416) and rounded off to the nearest cm3.

(4) In the case of a vehicle that can run either on petrol, diesel, etc., or also in combination with another fuel, items shall be repeated. In the case of non-conventional engines and systems, particulars equivalent to those referred to here shall be supplied by the manufacturer.

(2) Classified according to the definitions set out in Directive 2007/46/EC Part A of Annex II.

(1) If the means of identification of type contains characters not relevant to describe the vehicle, component or separate technical unit types covered by this information document, such characters shall be represented in the documentation by the symbol ‘?’ (e.g. ABC??123??).

0.9. Name and address of the manufacturer’s representative (if any): …

with regard to Regulation (EU) No 672/2010, as last amended by Regulation (EU) No …/… (10)

9.10.1.3. Photographs, drawings and/or an exploded view of the interior fittings, showing the parts in the passenger compartment and the materials used (with the exception of interior rear view mirrors), arrangement of controls, roof and opening roof, backrest, seats and the rear part of seats: …

9.5.1.5. Windscreen accessories and the position in which they are fitted together with a brief description of any electrical/electronic components involved: …

9.4.2. Drawing(s) or photograph(s) showing the location of component parts within the 180° forward field of vision: …

9.4.1. Particulars of the primary reference marks in sufficient detail to enable them to be readily identified and the position of each in relation to the others and to the R-point to be verified: …

9.1. Type of bodywork using the codes defined in Part C of Annex II of Directive 2007/46/EC: …

3.6.3. Maximum exhaust temperature at the point in the exhaust pipe(s) adjacent to the outer flange(s) of the exhaust manifold or turbocharger: … K

3.1.1. Manufacturer’s engine code (as marked on the engine or other means of identification): …

0.9. Name and address of the manufacturer’s representative (if any): …

If the systems, components or separate technical units referred to in this annex have electronic controls, information concerning their performance shall be supplied.

The following information shall be supplied in triplicate and include a list of contents. Any drawings shall be supplied in appropriate scale and in sufficient detail on size A4 or on a folder of A4 format. Photographs, if any, shall show sufficient detail.

Information document No … relating to the EC type-approval of a motor vehicle with regard to windscreen defrosting and demisting systems.

ANNEX II

Requirements for windscreen defrosting and demisting systems

1. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

1.1. Windscreen defrosting

1.1.1. Every vehicle shall be equipped with a system for removing frost and ice from the exterior glazed surface of the windscreen. The windscreen defrosting system shall be effective enough to ensure adequate visibility through the windscreen in cold weather.

1.1.2. The efficiency of the system shall be verified by determining the defrosted area of the windscreen periodically after starting, the vehicle having been kept in a cold chamber for a certain amount of time.

1.1.3. The requirements of paragraphs 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 shall be checked using the method set out in paragraph 2.1 of this Annex.

1.1.4. The following requirements shall be satisfied:

1.1.4.1. 20 minutes after the start of the test period, vision area A, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex II, shall be 80 % defrosted;

1.1.4.2. 25 minutes after the start of the test period, the defrosted area of the windscreen on the passenger side shall be comparable to that specified in paragraph 1.1.4.1 for the driver’s side;

1.1.4.3. 40 minutes after the start of the test period, vision area B, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex II, shall be 95 % defrosted.

1.2. Windscreen demisting

1.2.1. Every vehicle shall be equipped with a system for removing mist from the interior glazed surface of the windscreen.

1.2.2. The demisting system shall be effective enough to restore visibility through the windscreen in case it is fogged up with mist. Its efficiency shall be verified by the procedure described in paragraph 2.2 of this Annex.

1.2.3. The following requirements shall be satisfied:

1.2.3.1. Vision area A, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex II, shall be 90 % demisted in 10 minutes;

1.2.3.2. Vision area B, as determined in accordance with Appendix 3 to Annex II, shall be 80 % demisted in 10 minutes.

2. TEST PROCEDURE

2.1. Windscreen defrosting

2.1.1. The test shall be carried out at a temperature of – 8 ± 2 °C or – 18 ± 3 °C, as selected by the manufacturer.

2.1.2. The test shall be carried out in a cold chamber large enough to contain the complete vehicle and equipped to maintain one of the temperatures mentioned in paragraph 2.1.1 in the chamber throughout the test and to circulate cold air. The cold chamber shall be maintained at or below the specified test temperature for not less than 24 hours before the start of the period during which the vehicle is exposed to cold.

2.1.3. Before the test, the inner and outer surfaces of the windscreen shall be thoroughly degreased by means of methylated spirit or an equivalent degreasing agent. After drying, a solution of ammonia of not less than 3 % and not more than 10 % shall be applied. The surface shall be allowed to dry again and then be wiped with a dry cotton cloth.

2.1.4. The vehicle shall be switched off and shall be kept at the test temperature for not less than 10 hours prior to commencement of the test.

2.1.4.1. If it is possible to check whether the vehicle’s engine coolant and lubricant are stabilized at the test temperature, this period may be shortened.

2.1.5. Following the exposure period prescribed in paragraph 2.1.4, an even layer of ice of 0,044 g/cm2 shall be applied over the entire outside surface of the windscreen by means of a water spray gun working at 3,5 ± 0,2 bar operating pressure.

2.1.5.1. The spray nozzle, adjusted to full fan pattern and maximum flow, shall be held perpendicular to and at a distance of between 200 and 250 mm from the glazed surface, and so directed as to form an even layer of ice right across the windscreen from one side to the other.

2.1.5.1.1. A spray gun having a nozzle of 1,7 mm diameter and a liquid flow rate of 0,395 l/min, and capable of producing a fan pattern of 300 mm diameter on the glazed surface at a distance 200 mm from that surface, may be used to satisfy the requirements of paragraph 2.1.5. Any other device by which the requirements can be satisfied shall also be permitted.

2.1.6. After the ice has been formed on the windscreen, the vehicle shall be kept in the cold chamber for an additional period of not less than 30 minutes and not more than 40 minutes.

2.1.7. After the period prescribed in paragraph 2.1.6 has elapsed, one or two observers shall enter the vehicle, subsequently the vehicle master operation control may be switched to the on position and any engine can be started, if necessary by some external means. The test period shall commence as soon as the vehicle master control switch has been activated.

2.1.7.1. If the vehicle is fitted with an engine, the engine speeds may be adjusted according to manufacturer’s specification recommended for warming up when starting in cold weather, during the first five minutes of the test period.

2.1.7.2. During the final 35 minutes of the test period (or during the entire test period if the five-minute warming-up procedure is not followed):

2.1.7.2.1. The engine, if fitted, shall run at a speed not exceeding 50 % of the speed corresponding to its maximum power output. However, if this is proven not to be practicable due to specific engine control strategies, for instance in the case of electric hybrid vehicles, a realistic worst case scenario shall be determined. The scenario shall take into account the engine speeds, periodical absence or complete absence of a running engine during normal driving conditions at an ambient temperature of – 8 °C or – 18 °C, whichever has been selected by the manufacturer as the designated test temperature. If the system can meet the defrosting requirements without a running engine, the engine does not have to run at all.

2.1.7.3. All batteries shall be fully charged at the start of the test.

2.1.7.4. During the test, the voltage at the terminals of the defrosting device may be not more than 20 % above the nominal rating of the system.

2.1.7.5. The temperature in the test chamber shall be measured at the level of the centre of the windscreen, at a point not significantly affected by heat from the vehicle under test.

2.1.7.6. The horizontal component of the speed of the air cooling the chamber, measured immediately prior to the test, in the median plane of the vehicle at a point 300 mm forward of the base of the windscreen and at a level half-way between the base and the top of the windscreen, shall be as low as possible and in any event less than 8 km/h.

2.1.7.7. If fitted, the engine bonnet, roof, all doors, windows and vents, except the intakes and outlets of the heating and ventilating system, shall be closed; one or two windows may be opened for a total vertical distance of 25 mm if the vehicle manufacturer so requests.

2.1.7.8. The vehicle’s defrosting system controls shall be set as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the test temperature.

2.1.7.9. The windscreen wipers may be used during the test, but this shall be done without any manual assistance apart from the operation of any controls in the interior of the vehicle.

2.1.8. The observer(s) shall outline the defrosted area on the inside surface of the windscreen, at five-minute intervals from the start of the test period.

2.1.9. On completion of the test, the pattern of the defrosted area outlined on the inner face of the windscreen as required by paragraph 2.1.8 shall be noted and marked to identify windscreen vision areas A and B.

2.2. Windscreen demisting

2.2.1. Before the test, the inside surface of the windscreen shall be thoroughly degreased by means of methylated spirit, or an equivalent degreasing agent. After drying, a solution of ammonia of not less than 3 % and not more than 10 % shall be applied. The surface shall be allowed to dry again and then be wiped with a dry cotton cloth.

2.2.2. The test shall be carried out in an environmental chamber large enough to take the complete vehicle and capable of producing and maintaining a test temperature of – 3 ± 1 °C throughout the test period.

2.2.2.1. The temperature in the test chamber shall be measured at the level of the centre of the windscreen, at a point not significantly affected by heat from the vehicle under test.

2.2.2.2. The horizontal component of the speed of the air cooling the chamber, measured immediately prior to the test, in the median plane of the vehicle at a point 300 mm forward of the base of the windscreen and at a level half-way between the base and the top of the windscreen, shall be as low as possible and in any event less than 8 km/h.

2.2.2.3. If fitted, the engine bonnet, roof, all doors, windows and vents, except the intakes and outlets of the heating and ventilation system, shall be closed; one or two windows may be opened from the beginning of the demisting test for a total vertical distance of 25 mm if the vehicle manufacturer so requests.

2.2.3. The mist shall be produced by means of the steam generator described in Appendix 4 of Annex II. The generator shall contain enough water to generate at least 70 ± 5 g/h of steam for each seating position designated by the manufacturer, in an ambient temperature of – 3 °C.

2.2.4. The inside surface of the windscreen shall be cleaned as prescribed in paragraph 2.2.1 after the vehicle is placed in the environmental chamber. The ambient air temperature shall be lowered and stabilized at – 3 ± 1 °C. The vehicle shall be switched off and shall be kept at the test temperature for not less than 10 hours prior to commencement of the test. If it is possible to check whether the vehicle’s engine coolant and lubricant are stabilized at the test temperature, this period may be shortened.

2.2.5. The steam generator shall be placed with its outlets in the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle at a height of 580 ± 80 mm above the R-point or seating reference point of the driver’s seat. It shall normally be placed immediately behind the front seat backrests, with the seats in the manufacturer’s declared design positions and the seat-backs set in accordance with design torso angles. Where the design of the vehicle precludes this, the generator shall be placed in front of the backrests, in the nearest convenient position to that mentioned above.

2.2.6. After the generator has been operating for five minutes inside the vehicle, one or two observers shall quickly enter the vehicle, opening any access doors for a total duration not exceeding 8 seconds, and be seated on the front seating position(s), the output of the generator being then reduced by 70 ± 5 g/h for each observer.

2.2.7. One minute after the observer(s) have entered the vehicle, the vehicle master operation control may be switched to the on position and any engine can be started, if necessary by some external means. The test period shall commence as soon as the vehicle master control switch has been activated.

2.2.7.1. If the vehicle is fitted with an engine, it shall run at a speed not exceeding 50 % of the speed corresponding to its maximum power output. However, if this is proven not to be practicable due to specific engine control strategies, for instance in the case of electric hybrid vehicles, a realistic worst case scenario shall be determined. The scenario shall take into account the engine speeds, periodical absence or complete absence of a running engine during normal driving conditions at an ambient temperature of – 1 °C. If the system can meet the demisting requirements without a running engine, the engine does not have to run at all.

2.2.7.2. The vehicle’s demisting system controls shall be set as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the test temperature.

2.2.7.3. All batteries shall be fully charged at the start of the test.

2.2.7.4. The voltage at the terminals of the demisting device may be not more than 20 % above the nominal rating of the system.

2.2.8. At the end of the test, the demist pattern shall be recorded, noted and marked to identify windscreen vision areas A and B.

Appendix 1 Procedure for verification of the R-point or seating reference point The R-point or seating reference point is established in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex 3 of UN-ECE Regulation 17 (1). (1) OJ L 373, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

Appendix 2 Procedure for determining primary reference marks in the three-dimensional reference system The dimensional relationships between primary reference marks on drawings and their position on the actual vehicle are established in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex 4 of UN-ECE Regulation 125 (1). (1) Hasn’t been published yet. Will be published by August 2010.

Appendix 3 Procedure for determining vision areas on windscreens of vehicles The vision areas A and B are established in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex 18 of UN-ECE Regulation 43.