Method for preparing to change a wiper blade of a vehicle, computer program, and corresponding vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preparing to replace a wiper blade (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising the steps: authentication of a first entity as an authorized user of the vehicle (1), recognition of a request by the first entity to replace the wiper blade (2), retrieval of wiper information about the wiper blade (2) of the vehicle (1), wherein the wiper information enables the identification of a replacement part, forwarding the wiper information to a second entity different from the first entity, and granting a right of use to control a wiper system (10) of the vehicle (1) comprising the wiper blade (2) to the second entity.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preparing to replace a wiper blade in a vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program corresponding to the method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a correspondingly configured vehicle.

[0002] Software applications for user devices, such as mobile phones, are known from the state of the art. These applications assist a user in determining the required spare part when replacing their vehicle's wiper blades. For example, the software application can assist in determining the required type of wiper blade and / or a suitable offer in an online shop.

[0003] If the user wants to change the wiper blade, the user usually has to instruct the vehicle to move the windshield wiper into a service position. The windshield wipers are usually arranged for optimal aerodynamics, so that changing the wiper blades in a normal idle state is not possible. In order to move the windshield wipers, the vehicle's ignition must usually be switched on beforehand. When the vehicle is parked with the ignition switched off, the windshield wiper drive is usually not supplied with electrical power. In electric vehicles, the state in which the ignition is switched on normally corresponds to the state in which the vehicle's high-voltage battery is connected to the vehicle's electrical system and the vehicle is ready to drive off. When the vehicle is parked and not ready to drive off, the high-voltage battery is normally disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system. Disclosure of the inventionThe inventive

[0004] The method according to the invention for preparing to change a wiper blade of a vehicle comprises the following steps: First, a first entity is authenticated as an authorized user of the vehicle. This can be done using a software key or hardware key, or by entering a code. The first entity can, for example, be an owner of the vehicle who authenticates themselves using an application on their mobile device. Subsequently, a request from the first entity to change the wiper blade is recognized. This occurs, in particular, by means of a corresponding input by the first entity.

[0005] Wiper information about the vehicle's wiper blade is also retrieved. The retrieved wiper information enables the identification of a spare part to replace the wiper blade. This eliminates the need to select a suitable spare part for the vehicle from a multitude of available spare parts; instead, the necessary spare part, i.e., a necessary replacement wiper blade, can be directly identified. This wiper information is passed on to a second entity that is different from the first entity. The second entity could be, for example, service personnel who are to replace the wiper blade.

[0006] Furthermore, the second entity is granted a right of use to control a wiper system of the vehicle that includes the wiper blade. Therefore, the second entity does not have to be an authorized user of the vehicle. The second entity can nevertheless cause the vehicle to move the wiper blade into a service position in order to perform a wiper blade replacement.

[0007] A user of the vehicle who is authorized to use the vehicle can therefore easily and inexpensively arrange for the wiper blade to be replaced. The user does not need to be present in the vehicle to perform the replacement and, ideally, does not need to hand over any hardware keys or similar to the second entity, i.e., in particular, a service center.

[0008] The right of use is preferably limited to controlling the wiper system. This prevents the second entity from starting or driving the vehicle. This ensures that only the wiper blade can be changed, preventing any unintended use of the vehicle.

[0009] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, in addition to retrieving wiper information, vehicle information is also retrieved from the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be easily identified using the vehicle information. The vehicle information includes, in particular, a location and / or a type and / or visual characteristics of the vehicle. The vehicle information is also transmitted to the second entity. This allows the first entity to prepare for changing the wiper blade without parking the vehicle at a previously agreed or predetermined location. The second entity then receives the location, as well as a type and / or visual characteristics of the vehicle. Using this data, the second entity can identify the location of the vehicle and the vehicle itself. The wiper blade can then be changed without the first entity needing to be present at any time.

[0011] In particular, the right of use is only valid for a predefined period of time. This ensures that the necessary right of use is only granted for the intended change of the wiper blade, but that continuous or prolonged access to the vehicle is prevented. The predefined period of time can be determined in advance by the first entity.

[0012] Preferably, the right of use includes permission to unlock and / or open a hood and / or service hatch to refill windshield washer fluid. This allows not only changing the wiper blade but also refilling the windshield washer fluid. By appropriately structuring the right of use, the first entity can enable or prevent access to certain vehicle components.

[0013] The invention further relates to a method for preparing to change a wiper blade of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: First, wiper information identifying a wiper blade to be changed is received. Furthermore, a usage right for controlling a wiper system of the vehicle having the wiper blade is received. The method thus enables the wiper blade to be changed, wherein the method is particularly intended for entities that are not permanent users of the vehicle or do not have a permanent usage right. These receive a usage right that at least allows the wiper blade to be moved, which is advantageous, for example, for service personnel. Based on the wiper information, the wiper blade to be replaced can be uniquely identified in order to obtain a suitable replacement part.The method further comprises the step of sending a control command to the vehicle to move the wiper blade to a predefined service position. This transmission occurs, in particular, in response to a user input. Thus, using the obtained usage right, the vehicle can be controlled to move the wiper blade. Particularly advantageously, vehicle information is also received as described above.

[0014] The invention also relates to a computer program. The computer program is designed to execute a method as described above.

[0015] Particularly advantageously, the computer program is designed to run on a user terminal. The user terminal is, in particular, a mobile phone. The first entity can thus prepare the replacement of the wiper blade as described above at any time, at least as long as access to the user terminal is available. Alternatively, the computer program is designed to run on a vehicle computer of the vehicle or on a server connected to the vehicle for communication purposes. This allows the replacement of the wiper blade to be prepared easily and with minimal effort from within the vehicle.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle. The vehicle has a wiper system and a control unit. The wiper system, in turn, has at least one wiper blade and a drive. The wiper blade is movable by the drive. The control unit is designed to control the drive. Furthermore, the control unit is designed to receive a control command for the drive from an entity. The entity is not part of the vehicle and thus has, in particular, an independent right of use to the vehicle. The control unit is designed, upon receipt of the control command, to cause the drive to move the wiper blade into a predefined service position. Thus, the vehicle allows external control of the drive of the wiper system, wherein "external" is understood in particular to mean that the control does not originate from a component of the vehicle itself.Rather, a communication connection is preferably provided between the vehicle and an external device, with the control command being transmitted via said communication connection. Particularly advantageously, the external device, i.e., the aforementioned entity, has no rights to open or start the vehicle. It can merely be provided that the vehicle's service hatches can be unlocked or opened by said entity.

[0017] The control unit advantageously comprises a zone control unit and a vehicle computer. The zone control unit is networked with the vehicle computer for data transmission and advantageously serves to control and / or regulate a sub-area of ​​the vehicle. The zone control unit is particularly designed to control the drive. The zone control unit thus allows the wiper system drive to be controlled at any time, regardless of the vehicle's operating state.

[0018] Advantageously, the control unit is designed to control the drive for moving the wiper blade while the vehicle's ignition is off and / or a high-voltage battery is disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system. Thus, for example, control can also occur when the vehicle is parked, and in particular, locked. Short description of the drawings

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 2 a schematic view of the integration of a drive of a windscreen wiper system of the vehicle into a communication-capable environment. Embodiments of the invention

[0020] Preferably, all identical components, elements and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0021] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 has a wiper system 10 and a control unit 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wiper system 10 has two wiper blades 2 and a drive 3 provided for moving the wiper blades 2. According to the invention, the wiper system can also have several or fewer wiper blades. The drive serves in particular to move the wiper blades 2 so that they clean or wipe a surface, such as a window of the vehicle 1.

[0022] The control unit 4 is shown schematically in Fig.2 and has a zone control unit 5 and a vehicle computer 6. The zone control unit 5 is provided for controlling a sub-area of ​​the vehicle 1 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, serves, at least among other things, to control the drive 3. The drive 3 and the zone control unit 5 are connected, for example, via a field bus 12, in particular via a local interconnect network, also called a LIN bus, or via a controller area network, also called a CAN bus. The zone control unit 5 is networked with the vehicle computer 6 for data transmission, wherein the communication between the zone control unit 5 and the vehicle computer is, for example, an Ethernet-based network connection 11 and is based on the Internet Protocol (IP). In this way, the drive 3 is integrated into a communication environment and can be controlled very flexibly. In particular, networking via a mobile data connection is possible.The drive 3 is not limited to control by means of the vehicle 1 itself, such as switches, levers or touchscreens.

[0023] The control unit 4 is designed to receive a control command for the drive 3 from an entity that is not part of the vehicle 1. This entity has, in particular, an independent right of use for the vehicle 1, which is, however, preferably restricted. Thus, the entity can be permitted to control the drive 3 or perform other service functions, wherein opening or starting the vehicle 1 is particularly prevented. Thus, the vehicle 1 is optimally prepared for maintenance purposes, since service personnel can be granted independent rights of use to carry out necessary measures. Further rights can be denied to the service personnel. In particular, it is provided that the control unit 4, upon receiving the aforementioned control command, causes the drive 3 to move the wiper blade 2 into a predefined service position.Furthermore, the control unit 4 is preferably configured to control the drive 3 while the ignition is switched off and / or a high-voltage battery is disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system 1, in order to move the wiper blade 2. Thus, for example, opening a passenger compartment or entering the vehicle 1 is not necessary; it is possible to adjust the wiper blades 2 to a service position even when the vehicle 1 is parked. Unintentional use of the vehicle 1 can thus be prevented.

[0024] A change of the wiper blades 2 can be prepared particularly advantageously. For this purpose, a method according to a first embodiment of the invention is carried out, wherein the method is carried out in particular by a computer program. The computer program is preferably executed on a user terminal 9, for example, on a mobile phone.

[0025] In preparation for changing the wiper blades 2 of vehicle 1, a first entity is first authenticated as an authorized user of vehicle 1. This can be achieved, for example, by the first entity, which corresponds to an owner of vehicle 1, having a suitable key. The key is particularly advantageously a software key stored on user device 9 or in a cloud. This ensures that only authorized users of the vehicle can act as the first entity.

[0026] A request from the first entity to change the wiper blade is then detected. This can be done, in particular, by a corresponding input, for example, on user terminal 9.

[0027] Wiper information is then retrieved about the wiper blade 2(s) to be replaced on vehicle 1. The wiper information enables the identification of a spare part and includes, for example, a unique identification number and / or a type and / or a dimension and / or a designation of the respective wiper blade to be replaced. For example, the wiper information can be stored in a database that assigns wiper blades to be used for a specific vehicle type. By retrieving wiper information, the first entity does not have to first determine the spare part to be used.

[0028] In addition to retrieving wiper information, it is particularly advantageous to also retrieve vehicle information from the vehicle. The vehicle information preferably includes a location and / or a type and / or visual characteristics of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be clearly identified based on the vehicle information.

[0029] The wiper information, and in particular the vehicle information, is forwarded to a second entity that is different from the first entity. The second entity is, in particular, a service facility and / or service personnel. This entity receives an order to replace wiper blades 2 on the vehicle 1. A replacement can also be carried out mobile if a location of the vehicle was transmitted based on the vehicle information. The second entity has the necessary information at its disposal to obtain a replacement part for the used wiper blades 2 of the vehicle 1, thus carrying out a replacement. A prior inspection of the vehicle 1 to determine the required type of wiper blade 2 is not necessary.

[0030] To enable the wiper blades 2 to be replaced, the second entity is also granted a right of use to control the wiper system 10 of the vehicle 1. This right of use allows the drive 3 to be controlled to move the wiper blades 2 to a predefined service position.

[0031] The advantage of granting the right of use is, in particular, avoiding the physical handover of a physical key. Rather, the right of use can be granted without a physical meeting between a user of vehicle 1 and the service personnel being necessary. For example, vehicle 1 can be parked and left, with the second entity knowing a location and other features for identifying vehicle 1 based on the vehicle information. The right of use allows the second entity to move the wiper blades 2 into the service position and replace them, with necessary replacement parts known in advance based on the wiper information. Changing the wiper blades 2 is thus simple and efficient.

[0032] To increase security when granting the right of use, the right of use is only valid for a predefined period of time. This ensures that the right of use expires after the replacement of wiper blades 2 has been completed. This also allows a timeframe for replacing wiper blades 2 to be specified.

[0033] The right of use may also permit the unlocking and / or opening of a hood 7 and / or service hatch 8 of vehicle 1. In this case, the service hatch 8 and / or the hood 7 must necessarily be opened, particularly for refilling windshield washer fluid. By permitting these openings, a service related to changing wiper blades, such as refilling windshield washer fluid, can be conveniently performed. However, full access to vehicle 1 is not required for this and is therefore not granted. Thus, the right of use only covers those interactions with vehicle 1 that are necessary and / or desired by the first entity.

[0034] From the perspective of the second entity, in particular, a method for preparing a replacement of a wiper blade 2 of a vehicle 1 is carried out according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The method begins with receiving wiper information that identifies the wiper blade 2 or the wiper blades 2 to be replaced. This means that the second entity knows which spare parts are required to replace the wiper blade 2 or the wiper blades 2. In addition, a usage right for controlling the wiper system 10 of the vehicle 1 is received, whereby the wiper blades 2 can be moved into a service position. The final step is to send a control command to the vehicle 1 to move the wiper blade 2 into the predefined service position. The transmission takes place in particular in response to a user input and can take place at a different time than the reception of the wiper information.In addition to the wiper information, vehicle information can also be received as described above.

Claims

[1] Method for preparing a change of a wiper blade (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising the steps - Authentication of a first entity as authorized user of the vehicle (1), - Detecting a request from the first entity to change the wiper blade (2), - Retrieving wiper information about the wiper blade (2) of the vehicle (1), wherein the wiper information enables the identification of a spare part, - Passing the wiper information to a second entity different from the first entity, and - Granting the second entity a right of use to control a wiper system (10) of the vehicle (1) having the wiper blade (2). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat in addition to retrieving wiper information, vehicle information is also retrieved from the vehicle (1) and forwarded, wherein the vehicle information includes in particular a location and / or a type and / or optical features of the vehicle (1). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the right of use is only valid for a predefined period of time. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the right of use includes permission to unlock and / or open a bonnet (7) and / or service flap (8) to refill windscreen cleaning fluid. [5] Method for preparing a change of a wiper blade (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising the steps - Receiving wiper information that identifies a wiper blade (2) to be changed, - receiving a right of use for controlling a wiper system (10) of the vehicle (1) having the wiper blade (2), and - Sending, in particular in response to a user input, a control command to the vehicle (1) for moving the wiper blade (2) into a predefined service position. [6] Computer program designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Computer program according to claim 6, characterized by that the computer program is designed to be executed on a user terminal (9), in particular a mobile phone, or to be executed on a vehicle computer (6) of the vehicle (1) or to be executed on a server communicatively connected to the vehicle (1). [8] Vehicle (1) having - a wiper system (10) with at least one wiper blade (2) and a drive (3), wherein the wiper blade (2) is movable by the drive (3), and - a control unit (4) for controlling the drive (3), wherein the control unit (4) is designed to receive a control command for the drive (3) from an entity that is not part of the vehicle (1) and to cause the drive (3) to move the wiper blade (2) into a predefined service position. [9] Vehicle (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (4) comprises a zone control unit (5) and a vehicle computer (6), wherein the zone control unit (5) is networked with the vehicle computer (6) for data transmission and wherein the zone control unit (5) is designed to control the drive (3). [10] Vehicle (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the control unit (4) is designed to control the drive (3) when the ignition is switched off and / or a high-voltage storage device is disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system (1) in order to move the wiper blade (2).

Images