Wiper device
By designing the wiper arm guide unit and the spring-loaded support part, effective concealment and protection of the wiper device during parking is achieved, and the problem of exposed wiper device during parking in the prior art is solved, thereby improving the appearance aesthetics and the life of the device.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380062790.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-31
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing wiper devices are difficult to effectively hide when parked, affecting the appearance, and are susceptible to external environments to cause damage when not in use.
A wiper device is designed, and its wiper arm guide unit can be moved to the housing side of the sensor device in the operating state and guided to the parking position when not in use. The parking position is arranged next to the housing of the sensor device. The wiper arm and the support rail are connected to the spring-loaded support part to ensure that the wiper arm is protected when parked.
It realizes effective concealment and protection of the wiper device when not in use, reduces exposure to the external environment, thereby avoiding damage, and improving the appearance of the device.
Smart Images
Figure CN119790320A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a windshield wiper device. Background Art
[0002] A wiper device has been proposed, which has a wiper arm; at least one wiper blade coupled to the wiper arm, the wiper blade comprising at least one wiper lip for wiping a surface of a protective element of a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, having a housing; and a wiper arm guide unit, which is configured to move the wiper arm at least essentially translationally along a guide rail and has at least one supporting rail for this purpose. Summary of the invention
[0003] The invention relates to a wiper device, comprising: a wiper arm; at least one wiper blade coupled to the wiper arm, the wiper blade comprising at least one wiper lip, the wiper lip being used for wiping the surface of a protective element of a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, having a housing; and a wiper arm guide unit, the wiper arm guide unit being configured to move the wiper arm at least substantially translationally along a guide rail and having at least one supporting rail for this purpose.
[0004] It is proposed that the wiper arm guide unit is provided in at least one operating state for moving the wiper arm into a parking position, in particular laterally of the housing, in an area next to a protective element to be wiped.
[0005] A "wiper device" should preferably refer to at least a part of a windshield wiper, preferably a subassembly. Preferably, the wiper device can also include an entire windshield wiper, in particular with a wiper blade. Preferably, the wiper device is configured for use on a vehicle and on a sensor device. Preferably, the wiper device is configured, in particular as a part of a windshield wiper, for cleaning surfaces on a vehicle, in particular the glass of a sensor device. Preferably, the wiper device is coupled to the vehicle. "Provided" should preferably mean specially constructed, established, designed and / or equipped. "An object is configured for a specific function" should preferably mean that the object performs and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.
[0006] The sensor device is preferably configured as a laser radar device. The sensor device is in particular at least one laser radar sensor, in particular at least one part of a laser radar sensor assembly, preferably at least one subassembly. The sensor device can also include an entire laser radar sensor, in particular an entire laser radar sensor assembly. The sensor device preferably has at least one laser radar unit, which in particular includes at least one laser radar sensor element. In particular, the sensor device can have multiple laser radar sensor elements, such as two, three, four, five, etc. The sensor device is preferably arranged on a vehicle to perform environmental detection, in particular for autonomous driving. The sensor device can be arranged on a construction site to measure a building, scan a 3D profile and / or be arranged in a laboratory for research purposes. In particular, the sensor device and more precisely, in particular, by means of at least one laser radar sensor element, is configured to detect and / or measure an object. The sensor device is preferably configured for use on a vehicle. The sensor device is preferably configured as a component of a vehicle. As an alternative, the sensor device can be configured as a retrofit kit for a vehicle. The sensor device is preferably configured to detect objects in the environment of the vehicle. Preferably, the sensor device is coupled to the vehicle in the top area, the front area, at least in the side area and / or the rear area of the vehicle for detecting an object. Preferably, the sensor device is connected to the vehicle, in particular to a computing unit of the vehicle, such as, for example, an onboard computer. Preferably, the sensor device has a protective element, in particular a cover wall, which in particular allows the laser beam to emerge from the housing of the sensor device and is at least substantially transparent to the detection wavelength of the laser beam of the at least one laser radar sensor element. Preferably, the protective element is configured as a cover wall. Preferably, the protective element, in particular the cover wall of the sensor device defines the surface of the sensor device as the outer surface of the protective element, in particular the cover wall. Preferably, the sensor device, in particular the protective element, preferably the cover wall is at least partially arranged on the outer side of the vehicle. Preferably, the protective element, preferably the cover wall at least partially, in particular covers the sensor device outwardly. For example, the protective element, preferably the cover wall is at least mostly formed by glass and / or plastic.
[0007] In particular, the wiper blade is provided for cleaning the protective element mechanically and more precisely by means of a wiper lip. Preferably, the wiper lip is designed to be rubber-like. Preferably, the wiper arm guide unit has a drive unit which moves linearly on the surface in order to clean the surface. Preferably, the drive unit is designed to move the wiper blade along a path defined by the wiper arm guide unit. Preferably, the wiper arm guide unit defines a linear path. Preferably, the wiper device comprises a connecting unit by means of which the wiper arm and the wiper arm guide unit are releasably connected to each other. Preferably, the connecting unit is designed as a snap-on connection. Preferably, the wiper arm and the support element of the wiper arm guide unit are connected to each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner by means of at least one connecting device in the fully mounted state. Preferably, the connecting device is provided for pressing the wiper arm and the support element together starting from two sides of the wiper arm facing away from each other. The drive unit is preferably designed to move the wiper blade over the entire surface along the surface in order to mechanically clean the surface over the entire surface.
[0008] The wiper lip of the wiper blade is preferably designed to be replaceable. In particular, the wiper lip of the wiper blade can be designed to be replaceable without tools. Preferably, the wiper lip is arranged in particular for the most part in the wiper arm. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of at least one wiper arm is oriented parallel to at least one surface. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of at least one wiper arm is oriented parallel to the outer edge of at least one surface. Preferably, at least one surface is designed at least substantially rectangular. Preferably, at least one wiper arm extends within the range of the length of at least one edge of at least one surface. Preferably, at least one wiper arm is connected to the drive unit at at least one end of the at least one wiper arm extending along the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. The “longitudinal axis” of an object is intended to mean in particular an axis that extends parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object and preferably extends through the geometric center point of the object. Preferably, at least one wiper arm is designed as a U-shaped sheet metal strip, in particular a metal strip, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. Preferably, at least one wiper arm has a U-shaped profile, in particular with respect to a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. Preferably, at least one wiper arm defines a wiper cavity, in which the wiper blade is mostly arranged. Preferably, an open side of the wiper arm, in particular with respect to the U-shaped profile, is oriented toward the surface. Preferably, the drive unit is fixedly connected to the vehicle or the sensor device.
[0009] A "wiper arm guide unit" is intended to be understood as a unit which moves the wiper arm along a preferably straight guide relative to the surface of the protective element to be wiped. A "parking position" is preferably intended to be understood as a position of the wiper arm into which the wiper arm is moved when not in use. The wiper arm is arranged in the parking position in the idle state of the wiper device. The parking position of the wiper arm is arranged in particular to the side of the housing of the sensor device. The parking position is in particular not arranged in an area which overlaps with the area of the protective element to be wiped. In the parking position, the wiper arm moves out of the area in front of the protective element to be wiped. In the parking position, the wiper arm is preferably arranged protected behind the cover element.
[0010] “Beside the housing” should preferably mean beside the housing relative to a viewing line standing on the surface to be wiped.
[0011] By means of the design of the windshield wiper device according to the invention, the wiper arm can be arranged in a particularly advantageous position, namely the parking position, when not in use, that is, when the protective element is not being cleaned. By arranging the parking position next to the protective element to be wiped, in particular next to the housing of the sensor device, the wiper arm can be advantageously parked in an area with poor visibility or not visible when not in use. Thus, a particularly advantageous appearance can be achieved. In addition, the wiper arm can advantageously be parked behind a corresponding cover element, whereby the wiper arm is arranged in the parking position in a particularly protected manner. Thus, the wiper arm and the components of the windshield wiper device connected thereto are particularly well protected in the parking position to prevent environmental influences and damage from the outside. By means of the design according to the invention, a particularly advantageous wiper device can be provided that is particularly advantageous in appearance and is particularly advantageously protected from damage.
[0012] It is further proposed that the wiper arm guide unit has a guide rail which is provided for lifting the wiper arm together with the wiper lip off the surface to be wiped when it is moved into the parking position. A "guide rail" should preferably be understood to mean a rail along which another element, such as in particular the wiper arm, is guided. The guide rail preferably has a contact surface against which the wiper arm or an element coupled to the wiper arm, such as in particular a connecting element, rests and is guided thereby. As a result, the wiper arm can be moved into the parking position particularly advantageously.
[0013] It is furthermore proposed that the guide rail has a raised portion in the transition region relative to the parking position of the wiper arm, which is directed away from the surface to be wiped. Thus, the guide rail can be particularly advantageously configured to guide the wiper arm into the parking position.
[0014] It is further proposed that the wiper arm is provided for connection to the support rail via two spring-loaded bearing locations. A "spring-loaded bearing location" is preferably intended to be a bearing location via which two elements are supported so as to be movable relative to one another in at least one degree of freedom, wherein a spring element is provided which exerts a spring force on the elements supported so as to be movable relative to one another, the spring force moving in a direction in which the elements can move relative to one another. The wiper arm can thereby be supported particularly advantageously.
[0015] It is further proposed that the wiper arm guide unit has a connecting element, by means of which the wiper arm is fixed to the support rail in an articulated manner. A "connecting element" should preferably be understood to mean an element by which two other elements are connected to one another. As a result, the wiper arm can be connected to the support rail particularly advantageously.
[0016] It is further proposed that the wiper arm guide unit has a first bearing point designed as a pivot bearing, via which the wiper arm is connected to the connecting element, wherein the wiper arm guide unit has a first spring element which is integrated into the first bearing point and is provided for providing a prestressing force in the direction of the surface to be wiped. As a result, the wiper arm can be supported particularly easily for the purpose of forming the prestressing force.
[0017] It is further proposed that the wiper arm guide unit has a second bearing location, via which the connecting element is coupled to the support rail, wherein the wiper arm guide unit has a second spring element, which is integrated into the second bearing location. The connecting element is preferably not directly connected to the support rail. The connecting element is preferably connected to a guide element movably supported on the support rail. The connecting element is coupled to the support shaft via the guide element. As a result, the connecting element can be connected to the support rail particularly advantageously in order to allow displacement into the parking position.
[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second spring element of the wiper arm guide unit has a greater stiffness than the first spring element. As a result, the spring element can be designed particularly advantageously in order to allow the wiper arm to be easily and reliably displaced into the parking position.
[0019] It is further proposed that the second bearing point is designed as a pivot bearing. As a result, the bearing point can be designed particularly easily.
[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second bearing point is designed as a linear bearing. As a result, the second bearing point can be designed particularly easily for the displacement movement of the wiper arm into the parking position.
[0021] It is further proposed that the windshield wiper device has a bearing element which is arranged next to the surface to be wiped and is provided for the wiper lip or the wiper arm to rest against it in the parked position. A "bearing element" should preferably be understood to mean an element which, in the parked position, provides a support surface for the wiper blade or the wiper arm so that the wiper blade cannot pivot behind the surface of the surface to be wiped in the parked position. As a result, the windshield wiper device can be designed to be particularly functionally reliable and the wiper arm can be advantageously fixed in the parked position.
[0022] The windshield wiper device according to the invention is not to be restricted to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the windshield wiper device according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units other than the number mentioned at this point in order to implement the functional principle described at this point. Furthermore, for the numerical ranges specified in this disclosure, the values within the mentioned limits are also to be regarded as disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Further advantages are apparent from the following description of the drawings. Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a large number of features in combination. A person skilled in the art will also appropriately consider the features individually and combine them into other meaningful combinations.
[0024] in:
[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a sensor system in a first embodiment;
[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sensor system and a windshield wiper device according to the invention is shown in the first exemplary embodiment;
[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a sensor device with a wiper device having a guide rail and two spring-loaded bearing points is shown in a side view, wherein the wiper arm is during a wiping process;
[0028] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a sensor device with a wiper device, wherein the wiper arm is during a wiping process;
[0029] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a windshield wiper device, with the wiper arm in its parked position;
[0030] Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a windshield wiper device, with the wiper arm in its parked position;
[0031] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor device with a wiper device in a second exemplary embodiment, wherein the wiper arm is during a wiping process; and
[0032] Figure 8 A schematic side view of a windshield wiper device is shown, wherein the wiper arm is in its parked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Figure 1 A vehicle 10a is shown. The vehicle 10a comprises a sensor system 12a. The sensor system 12a is designed as a lidar system. The vehicle 10a is designed as a road vehicle, here for example as a passenger car. Figure 2 The sensor system 12a is shown abstractly and by way of example. The sensor system 12a has a sensor device 14a. The sensor device 14a is configured as a laser radar device. The sensor device 14a is configured to detect and / or measure an object. The sensor device 14a is configured to be used on a vehicle 10a. The sensor device 14a has at least one laser radar sensor element (not shown). The sensor device 14a has a housing 16a. The housing 16a is configured as a sensor housing, in which the laser radar sensor element is arranged. The housing 16a preferably forms a cavity, in which the laser radar sensor element is arranged. The housing 16a has an opening. The sensor device 14a has a protective element 18a. In the installed state, the opening of the housing 16a is closed by the protective element 18a. The sensor device 14a, in particular the protective element 18a, is arranged on the outer side of the vehicle 10a. The protective element 18a is provided to allow the laser beam of the sensor device 14a to be emitted from the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a and is particularly transparent to the detection wavelength of the laser radar sensor element. The protective element 18a is constructed as a cover wall. The protective element 18a partially covers the sensor device 14a outward. The protective element 18a particularly forms the front part of the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The protective element 18a is made of glass and / or plastic, such as polycarbonate. The protective element 18a defines the surface 20a for the sensor device 14a as the outer surface of the protective element 18a. The surface 20a is preferably rectangular. The protective element 18a constitutes a part of the outer surface of the vehicle 10a and is therefore subject to various environmental influences and may be contaminated. For the correct function of the sensor device 14a, it is important that the protective element 18a is as clean as possible, so it may be necessary to clean the protective element 18a.
[0034] The sensor system 12a has a wiper device 22a. Figures 3 to 6A sensor system with a wiper device 22a is shown in a first embodiment. The wiper device 22a is provided for wiping the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper device 22a is provided for mechanically cleaning the protective element 18a, in particular the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper device 22a comprises a wiper blade 24a. The wiper blade 14a is provided for wiping the surface 22a of the protective element 16a. The wiper blade 24a has a slightly elongated extension. The wiper blade 24a is rubber-like in shape. In particular, the wiper blade 24a is formed of a natural and / or artificial elastomer. The longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 24a is oriented parallel to the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper blade 24a extends within the range of the shorter edge length of the rectangular surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper blade 24a extends in the installed state over the entire extension of the shorter edge length of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper blade 24a has a wiper lip 26a. The wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a contacts the surface 20a of the protective element 18a in the installed state, at least in the wiping operating state. The wiper lip 26a extends over the entire longitudinal extension of the wiper blade 24a. The wiper lip 26a is arranged on a first side of the wiper blade 24a, which faces the front of the protective element 18a in the installed state. Preferably, the wiper blade 24a is provided for cleaning the protective element 18a mechanically and more precisely by means of the wiper lip 26a.
[0035] The wiper device 22a has a wiper arm 28a. The wiper arm 28a is provided for receiving and supporting the wiper blade 24a. By means of the wiper arm 28, the wiper blade 24a is moved relative to the protective element 18a of the sensor device 14a in order to clean the protective element. The wiper arm 28a is constructed as a metal strip that is U-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The wiper arm 28a has a U-shaped profile in particular relative to a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The open side of the wiper arm 28a faces the surface 20a of the protective element 18a in the installed state. Preferably, the side of the wiper arm 28a that faces away from the surface 20a in the installed state is a flat outer surface. Preferably, the outer surface of the wiper arm 28a is oriented parallel to the surface 20a. The longitudinal axis of the wiper arm 28a is oriented parallel to the outer edge of the surface 20a to be wiped. The wiper arm 28a extends within the entire shorter edge length of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper arm 28a defines a wiper cavity, in which the wiper blade 24a is arranged for the most part. The wiper arm 28a is rigidly designed. The wiper arm 28a is preferably made of plastic.
[0036] The wiper device 22a has a wiper arm guide unit 30a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a is provided for moving the wiper arm 28 at least substantially translationally along a guide rail 32a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a is provided for guiding the wiper arm 28a on the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped and thereby for guiding the wiper blade 24a connected to the wiper arm 28a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a drive unit 34a which linearly moves the wiper blade 24a on the surface 20a in order to clean the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The drive unit 34a is provided for moving the wiper blade 24a along a guide rail 32a defined by the wiper arm guide unit 30a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a defines a linear path, in particular a linear guide rail 30a. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the drive unit 34a. The wiper blade 24a is guided by a drive unit 34a on the surface 20a for wiping. The drive unit 34a is provided for moving the wiper blade 24a along the surface 20a in a full-scale manner, in particular for mechanically cleaning the surface 20a in a full-scale manner, wherein "full-scale" refers in particular to the contact with the wiper lip 26a along the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip 26a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a, in particular the drive unit 34a, is fixedly connected to the sensor device 14a. The drive unit 34a is designed for moving the wiper blade 24a linearly and in particular bidirectionally on the surface 20a in order to clean the surface 20a.
[0037] The wiper arm guide unit 30 has a support rail 36a for translationally movable support. The support rail 36a is constructed as a linear support structure. The support rail 36a defines a guide rail 32a, along which the wiper arm 28a is supported. The support rail 36a is preferably fixedly mounted on the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The support rail 36a is arranged on the upper side of the housing 16a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a guide element 38a. The guide element 38a is connected to the support rail 36a in an axially movable manner. The guide element 38a is coupled to the support rail 36a in a form-locking manner. By means of the guide element 38a, the wiper arm 28 is supported in a movably manner on the support rail 36a along the guide rail 32a. The wiper arm 28a is coupled to the guide element 38a. The wiper arm 28a is preferably indirectly connected to the guide element 38a.
[0038] The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a connecting element 40a. The wiper arm 28a is fixed to the support rail 36a by means of the connecting element 40a. The connecting element 40a is provided for connecting the wiper arm 28a to the guide element 38a. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the guide element 38a by means of the connecting element 40a. The connecting element 40a is provided for connecting the wiper arm 28a to the support rail 36a in an articulated manner. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the guide element 38a in an articulated manner by means of the connecting element 40a. The connecting element 40a is arranged between the wiper arm 28a and the guide element 38a. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the connecting element 40a at a first supporting portion 42a. The first supporting portion 42a is arranged at a first end of the connecting element 40a. The connecting element 40a is connected to the guide element 38a at a second supporting portion 44a.
[0039] The second bearing point 44a is arranged at a second end of the connecting element 40a, which is opposite to the first end. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the guide element 38a in an articulated manner via the two bearing points 42a, 44a. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the support rail 36a in an articulated manner via the two bearing points 42a, 44a.
[0040] The wiper arm 28a is provided for connection to the support rail 36a via two spring-loaded bearing locations 42a, 44a. The bearing locations 42a, 44a are designed to be spring-loaded for this purpose. The wiper blade 24a can be advantageously pressed with its wiper lip 26a during operation against the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped by means of the spring-loaded bearing locations 42a, 44a. This allows particularly advantageous cleaning results to be achieved. A pressing force acting in the direction of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped is provided by means of the spring-loaded bearing structures 42a, 44a.
[0041] The wiper arm guide unit 30a comprises a first bearing portion 42a. The first bearing portion 42a is configured as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm 28a is coupled to the connecting element 40a in a pivotable manner via the first bearing portion 42a configured as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm 28a is supported in a pivotable manner relative to the support rail 36a via the first bearing portion 42a configured as a rotary bearing. The bearing portion 42a configured as a rotary bearing forms an axis of rotation. The wiper arm 28a is supported in a pivotable manner relative to the connecting element 40a around the axis of rotation of the bearing portion 42a. The axis of rotation of the bearing portion 42a is oriented parallel to the guide rail 32a of the wiper arm guide unit 30a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a comprises a first spring element 46a. The first spring element 46a is integrated into the first bearing portion 42a. The first spring element 46a is provided for providing a preload in the direction of the surface 20a to be wiped. The first spring element 46a is provided in the normal operating state for pressing the wiper blade with its wiper lip 26a against the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a during wiping. The first spring element 46a is arranged between the connecting element 40a and the wiper arm 28a in terms of operation. The first spring element 46a is designed as a torsion spring. The spring element 46a designed as a torsion spring has a first arm, which is coupled to the wiper arm 28a. The spring element 46a designed as a torsion spring has a second arm, which is coupled to the connecting element 40a. As a result, the spring element 46a can apply a rotational torque from the connecting element 40a to the wiper arm 28a.
[0042] The wiper arm guide unit 30a comprises a second bearing portion 44a. The second bearing portion 44a is designed as a rotary bearing. The connecting element 40a is pivotably coupled to the guide element 38a, that is, the support rail 36a, via the second bearing portion 44a designed as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm 28a is supported in a pivotable manner relative to the support rail 36a via the second bearing portion 44a designed as a rotary bearing. The second bearing portion 44a designed as a rotary bearing forms a rotation axis. The connecting element 40a is supported in a pivotable manner relative to the guide element 38a about the rotation axis of the second bearing portion 44a. The rotation axis of the second bearing portion 44a is oriented parallel to the guide rail 32a of the wiper arm guide unit 30a. The rotation axis of the second bearing portion 44a is oriented parallel to the rotation axis of the first bearing portion 42a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a comprises a second spring element 48a. The second spring element 48a is integrated into the second bearing portion 44a. The second spring element 48a is provided for providing a preload in the direction of the wiper arm 28a. The second spring element 48a is provided in a normal operating state for pressing the wiper blade with its wiper lip 26a against the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a during wiping. The second spring element 48a is arranged between the guide element 38a and the connecting element 40a in terms of action technology. The second spring element 48a is configured as a torsion spring. The second spring element 48a configured as a torsion spring has a first arm, which is coupled to the connecting element 40a. The second spring element 48a configured as a torsion spring has a second arm, which is coupled to the guide element 38a. As a result, the spring element 46a can apply a rotational torque from the guide element 38a to the connecting element 40a.
[0043] By connecting the guide element 38a to the wiper arm 30a via bearing points 42a, 44a which are spring-loaded by means of spring elements 46a, 48a, the wiper blade 24a can be advantageously pressed with its wiper lip 26a against the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped during operation. The spring elements 46a, 48a provide the spring force for the required contact force.
[0044] The wiper arm guide unit 30a is provided in at least one operating state for moving the wiper arm 28a into a parking position 62a, in particular beside the housing 16a, in an area beside the protective element 18a to be wiped. The parking position 62a is arranged beside the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The parking position 62a is designed as a position of the wiper arm 28a and the wiper blade 24a connected thereto, in which the wiper blade 24a is not arranged in the area of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped. The wiper blade 24a is arranged beside the protective element 18a in the parking position 62a. The wiper blade 24a together with the wiper arm 28a is arranged beside the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The wiper arm 28a is arranged beside the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a when viewed orthogonally to the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a. In the parking position 62a, the wiper arm 28a is preferably arranged at a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm and particularly preferably greater than 8 mm from the side of the housing 16a. By arranging the wiper arm 28a in the parking position 62a, the wiper arm 28a and the wiper blade 24a connected thereto can advantageously be arranged outside the area in front of the protective element 18a of the sensor device 14a when not in use. As a result, the wiper arm 28a is advantageously not visible or is difficult to see from the outside when not in use. Advantageously, this can also advantageously reduce or prevent damage to the wiper arm 28a and the wiper blade 24a when not in use.
[0045] The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a guide rail 50a. The guide rail 50a is provided for guiding the wiper arm 28a when moving along the guide rail 32a. The guide rail 50a is provided for guiding the wiper arm 28a during wiping so that the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a rests on the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a. The guide rail 50a is provided for lifting the wiper arm 28a together with the wiper lip 26a from the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a when moving into the parking position 62a. The guide rail 50a is arranged in the region of the support rail 36a. The guide rail 50a extends within the entire length and width of the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The guide rail 50a extends up to the region of the parking position 62a of the wiper arm 28a. The guide rail 50a extends within the same region as the support rail 36a. The guide rail 50a forms a contact region. The contact region of the guide rail 50a faces the wiper arm 28a and in particular the connecting element 40a. The contact region is provided for supporting the connecting element 40a which is supported so as to be pivotable. The connecting element 40a rests with its back side on the contact region of the guide rail 50a. The connecting element 40a rests on the contact region of the guide rail 50a over the entire range of motion in which the wiper arm 28a is movably supported by the supporting rail 36a.
[0046] The guide rail 50a has a raised portion 52a in the transition region relative to the parking position 62a of the wiper arm 28a. The raised portion 52a of the guide rail 50a points away from the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a. When the raised portion 52a is crossed, the connecting element 40a is pressed out of the protective element 18a. As a result, the connecting element 40a is swung out of the protective element 18a at its second bearing point 44a against the elastic force of the second spring element 40a. By deflecting the connecting element 40a at its second bearing point 44a relative to the guide element 38a, the wiper arm 28a and thus the wiper blade 24a together with its wiper lip 26a are lifted off the surface 20a to be wiped of the protective element 18a. As a result, the wiper blade 24a can be removed from the protective element 18a particularly gently and transferred into the parking position 62a. The raised portion 50a has a first partial region 54a, which faces the front region of the protective element 18a. The wiper arm 28a is lifted off the surface 20a of the protective element 18a after the wiping process by means of the first partial region 54a. The raised portion 52a has a second partial region 56a facing the parking position 62a. The wiper arm 28a is guided into the parking position 62a or guided out of it by means of the second partial region 56a. The second partial region 56a extends further in the direction of the surface 20a than the first partial region 54a, viewed orthogonally to the surface 20a.
[0047] The wiper device 22a has a support element 58a. The support element 58a is arranged next to the surface 20a to be wiped. The support element 58a is arranged next to the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The support element 58a is arranged in the area of the parking position 62a of the wiper arm 28a. The support element 58a is provided for the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a to rest against it in the parking position 62a. In principle, it is also conceivable that the wiper arm 28a itself rests against the support element 58a in the parking position 62a. The support element 58a has a contact surface 60a, on which the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a rests in the parking position 62a. The support element 58a, in particular the contact surface 62a of the support element 58a, is arranged in front of the surface 20a, as seen in a direction orthogonal to the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The support element 58a is provided to prevent the wiper arm 28a from being deflected further in its parking position 62a toward the protective element 18a than in wiping operation. The support element 58a is provided to prevent the wiper arm 28a from being deflected behind the level of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped.
[0048] When the wiper arm 28a is displaced out of its parking position 62a beside the housing 16a, the wiper arm 28a is pivoted out of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped by the deflection of the connecting element 40a through the second sub-region 56a of the projection 52a of the guide rail 50a. The wiper arm 28a moves in the direction of the protective element 18a to be wiped. By guiding the connecting element 40a along the first sub-region 54a of the raised part 52a of the guide rail 50a, the wiper arm 28a is deflected in the direction of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped. The wiper lip 26a rests on the surface 20a to be wiped and is moved along the guide rail over the surface 20a by the wiper arm guide element 30a. At the lateral end of the protective element 18a, the wiper arm guide unit 30a reverses the movement of the wiper blade 28a and moves it back in the direction of its parking position 62a. If a further cleaning cycle is to be carried out, the wiper arm guide unit 30a reverses the direction of movement of the wiper arm 28a again before the end of the protective element 18a, in particular before the raised portion 52a of the guide rail 50a, and moves the wiper blade 24a again over the surface 20a to be wiped. If the wiper arm 28a is to be moved into its parking position 62a after cleaning, the wiper arm guide unit 30a moves the wiper arm 28a over the raised portion 52a of the guide rail 50a, thereby deflecting the connecting element 40a against the spring force of the second spring element 48a. The second spring element 48a of the wiper arm guide unit 30a advantageously has a greater rigidity than the first spring element 46a. As a result, the wiper blade 28a can be lifted off the surface 20a particularly easily when the wiper arm 28a is moved over the raised portion 52a of the guide rail 50a. The wiper arm guiding unit 30a with the wiper arm 28a passes over the raised portion 52a. The wiper arm 28a is pivoted again in the direction of the protective element 18a via the second subregion 56a of the raised portion 52a and is parked on the supporting element 58a in the parking position 62a.
[0049] exist Figure 7 and 8 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The following description and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, wherein, with respect to identically represented components, in particular with respect to components having the same reference numerals, reference can in principle be made to other embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 6 In order to distinguish the embodiments, Figures 1 to 6 The reference numerals of the embodiments in the drawings are followed by the letter a. Figure 7 and 8 In the embodiment, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.
[0050] Figure 7 and 8A sensor system 12b with a wiper device 22b in a second embodiment is shown by way of example. The sensor system 12b has a sensor device 14b. The sensor device 14b has a housing 16b. The housing 16b is designed as a sensor housing in which a lidar sensor element is arranged. The sensor device 14b has a protective element 18b. The protective element 18b defines a surface 20b for the sensor device 14b as an outer surface of the protective element 18b.
[0051] The wiper device 22b is configured to wipe the surface 22b of the protective element 16b. The wiper device 22b includes a wiper blade 24b. The wiper blade 24b is configured to wipe the surface 20b of the protective element 18b. The wiper blade 24b has a wiper lip 26b. The wiper device 22b has a wiper arm 28b. The wiper arm 28b is configured to receive and support the wiper blade 24b. The wiper device 22b has a wiper arm guide unit 30b. The wiper arm guide unit 30b is configured to move the wiper arm 28b at least substantially translationally along the guide rail 32b. The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a support rail 36b for translationally movable support. The support rail 36b is constructed as a linear support structure. The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a guide element 38b. The guide element 38b is connected to the support rail 36b in an axially movable manner. The guide element 38b is coupled to the support rail 36b in a form-fitting manner. The wiper arm 28b is supported displaceably on the support rail 36b along the guide rail 32b via the guide element 38b.
[0052] The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a connecting element 40b. The wiper arm 28b is fixed to the support rail 36b via the connecting element 40b. The connecting element 40b is provided for connecting the wiper arm 28b to the guide element 38b. The wiper arm 28b is provided for connecting to the support rail 36b via two spring-loaded bearing locations 42b, 44b. The bearing locations 42b, 44b are designed in a spring-loaded manner for this purpose. The wiper blade 24b can be advantageously pressed with its wiper lip 26b against the surface 20b of the protective element 18b to be wiped during operation via the spring-loaded bearing locations 42b, 44b. The wiper arm guide unit 30b comprises a first bearing location 42b. The first bearing location 42b is designed as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a first spring element 46b. The first spring element 46b is integrated into the first bearing location 42b. The first spring element 46b is arranged in terms of operation between the connecting element 40b and the wiper arm 28b. The first bearing point is designed essentially identically to the corresponding bearing point in the first exemplary embodiment.
[0053] The wiper arm guide unit 30b comprises a second bearing portion 44b. In contrast to the first embodiment, the second bearing portion 44b is configured as a linear bearing. The connecting element 40b is supported by the bearing portion 44b configured as a linear bearing in a manner that it can be linearly displaced relative to the guide element 38b. The bearing portion 44b configured as a linear bearing has a linear guide rail that is connected to the guide element 38b. The connecting element 40b constitutes a supporting element by which the connecting element 40b is supported in a manner that it can be displaced relative to the linear guide rail of the guide element 38a. The second bearing portion 44b configured as a linear bearing constitutes a displacement axis 66b, parallel to which the connecting element 40b is supported in a manner that it can be displaced relative to the guide element 38b. The displacement axis is configured orthogonally to the guide rail 32b of the support rail 36b. The displacement axis 66b is preferably orthogonal to the surface 20b of the protective element 18b to be wiped. The guide element 38b has a cavity 64b. The bearing point 44b is arranged in the hollow space 64b of the guide element 38b. The connecting element 40b is at least partially supported so as to be displaceable in the hollow space 64b of the guide element 38b.
[0054] The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a second spring element 48b. The second spring element 48b is integrated into the second bearing portion 44b. The second spring element 48b is provided for providing a preload in the direction of the wiper arm 28b. Unlike the first embodiment, the spring element 48b is configured as a tension spring element. The spring element 48b configured as a tension spring is arranged between the guide element 38b and the connecting element 40b. The spring element 48b configured as a tension spring is arranged in the cavity 64b of the guide element 38b. By connecting the guide element 38b to the wiper arm 28b via the bearing portions 42b, 44b spring-loaded by means of the spring elements 46b, 48b, the wiper blade 24b can be advantageously pressed with its wiper lip 26b against the surface 20b of the protective element 18b to be wiped during operation.
[0055] The wiper arm guide element 30b is provided in at least one operating state for moving the wiper arm 28b into a parking position 62b, in particular beside the housing 16b, in an area beside the protective element 18b to be wiped. The parking position 62b is arranged beside the housing 16b of the sensor device 14b. The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a guide rail 50b. The guide rail 50b is provided for guiding the wiper arm 28b along the guide rail 32b during movement. The guide rail 50b has a raised portion 52b in the transition area relative to the parking position 62b of the wiper arm 28b. The raised portion 52b of the guide rail 50b points away from the surface 20b of the protective element 18b to be wiped. The wiper device 22b has a support element 58b. The support element 58b is arranged beside the surface 20b to be wiped. The support element 58b is arranged beside the housing 16b of the sensor device 14b. The wiper arm guide unit 30 b is designed substantially the same as in the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the functions are also the same. Therefore, in order to avoid repetition, neither the wiper arm guide unit 30 b nor its functions and the displacement of the wiper arm 28 b into the parking position 62 b are described in detail again here. Reference is made here to the corresponding description of the first exemplary embodiment.
Claims
1. A windshield wiper device comprising a wiper arm (28a; 28b); at least one wiper blade (24a; 24b) coupled to the wiper arm (28a; 28b), the wiper blade comprising at least one wiper lip (26a; 26b) for wiping a surface (20a; 20b) of a sensor device (14a; 14b), in particular a protective element (18a; 18b) of a lidar device, having a housing (16a; 16b); and a wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) which is configured to move the wiper arm (28a; 28b) at least substantially translationally along a guide rail (32a; 32b) and for this purpose has at least one support rail (36a; 36b), characterized in that The wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) is provided in at least one operating state for moving the wiper arm (28a; 28b) toward a parking position (62a; 62b) into the area next to the protective element (18a; 18b) to be wiped.
2. The wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a guide rail (50a; 50b) which is provided for moving the wiper arm (28a; 28b) together with the wiper lip (26a; 26b) into a parking position (62a; 62b) is lifted off the surface to be wiped (20a; 20b).
3. The wiper device according to claim 2, characterized in that The guide rail (50a; 50b) has a raised portion (52a; 52b) in a transition region relative to a parking position (62a; 62b) of the wiper arm (28a; 28b), which is directed away from the surface (20a; 20b) to be wiped.
4. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The wiper arm (28a; 28b) is provided for connection to a support rail (36a; 36b) via two spring-loaded bearing points (42a, 44a; 42b, 44b).
5. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a connecting element (40a; 40b) by means of which the wiper arm (28a; 28b) is fastened in an articulated manner to a supporting rail (36a; 36b).
6. The windshield wiper device according to claim 5, characterized in that The wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a first bearing portion (42a; 42b) configured as a rotary bearing, and the wiper arm (28a; 28b) is connected to a connecting element (40a; 40b) via the first bearing portion, wherein the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a first spring element (46a; 46b) which is integrated into the first bearing portion (42a; 42b) and is configured to provide a preload in the direction of a surface (20a; 20b) to be wiped.
7. The windshield wiper device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a second bearing portion (44a; 44b), and the connecting element (40a; 40b) is coupled to the supporting rail (36a; 36b) via the second bearing portion, wherein the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a second spring element (48a; 48b) which is integrated into the second bearing portion (44a; 44b).
8. A windshield wiper device according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that The second spring element (48a; 48b) of the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a greater rigidity than the first spring element (46a; 46b).
9. The wiper device according to claim 7, characterized in that The second bearing point (44a) is designed as a pivot bearing.
10. The windshield wiper device according to claim 7, characterized in that The second bearing point (44a) is designed as a linear bearing.
11. A windshield wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A support element (58a; 58b) is arranged next to the surface (20a; 20b) to be wiped and is provided for bringing the wiper lip (26a; 26b) or the wiper arm (28a; 28b) into a parking position (62a; 62b) rests thereon.
12. A sensor system, in particular a lidar system, comprising at least one sensor device (14a; 14b), in particular a lidar device, comprising a protective element (18a; 18b); and comprising at least one wiper device (22a; 22b) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the wiper device being configured to wipe the surface (20a; 20b) of the protective element (18a; 18b).
13. A vehicle having at least one sensor system (12a; 12b) according to claim 12.