Method, device and computer program for mounting a wiper blade to a wiper arm

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for mounting a wiper blade (8, 9) on a wiper arm (6, 7) of a motor vehicle (1), in which the wiper arm (6, 7) is adjusted to a maintenance position (20, 21) for mounting the wiper blade (8, 9). According to the invention, an identification (22) attached at least indirectly to the wiper blade (8, 9) and / or to the packaging of the wiper blade (8, 9) is detected; and adjusting the wiper arm (6, 7) to the maintenance position (20, 21) as a function of the detected identification (22). An apparatus and a computer program for the computer-implemented method are also described. A method for mounting a wiper blade on a wiper arm is also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a device and a computer program for mounting a wiper blade on a wiper arm of a motor vehicle, wherein the wiper arm is adjusted to a maintenance position for mounting the wiper blade. The invention relates in particular to the field of passenger cars (PKW) and trucks (LKW). Background Art

[0002] A windshield wiper system for a motor vehicle is known from EP 0268131 A1. In the known windshield wiper system, the wiper is pivoted between two reversal positions during normal wiping operation, but stops in a recessed parking position outside the wiping area after the operating switch is switched off.

[0003] For a wiper system in which the wiper can be moved into a parking position outside the wiping area, it is conceivable that the wiper arm is adjusted from the parking position into a service position on the window pane for replacing the wiper blade of the wiper. The service position can be adjusted manually by means of the steering column switch, for which purpose appropriate programming of the software of the electronic control unit (ECU) of the wiper system may be necessary. The software cannot be changed by the driver. The wiper system can only be operated when the ignition is on, in particular with respect to the ignition switch + (terminal 15). Summary of the invention

[0004] The computer-implemented method according to the invention, the device according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention and the method according to the invention having the features of the independent claims have the advantage that an improved operating principle can be achieved. In this case, the installation of the wiper blade on the wiper arm of the wiper system can be achieved in an improved manner. In particular, the wiper blade can be installed simply and / or reliably.

[0005] Furthermore, advantageous developments and refinements of the features specified in the independent claim result from the measures listed in the dependent claims.

[0006] The maintenance position may be a maintenance position on a window pane of a motor vehicle. The maintenance position may be designated such that the wiper blade can be installed as easily as possible and, if necessary, a previous wiper blade can be removed as easily as possible. The maintenance position does not necessarily have to be fixedly designated.

[0007] The motor vehicle using the method may also have a plurality of wiper arms, in particular two wiper arms, on the windshield. The method may then also be used simultaneously or successively on a plurality of wiper arms. In this case, the wiper arms may be moved simultaneously or successively to their maintenance position. The method may also be used on wiper arms of different window panes, in particular on the windshield and on the rear window.

[0008] Advantageously, the identification is detected at least when the ignition switch of the motor vehicle is deactivated. Through this, the wiper blade can be replaced from the outside in a convenient manner.

[0009] Advantageously, the identification is detected by sensors of the motor vehicle, in particular sensors detecting the surroundings of the motor vehicle, and / or by means of a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone. For example, a camera facing outwards or an external camera can be used. In particular, a detection device, in particular a camera, for detecting the identification can be installed in the mirror holder. The detection can also be carried out by means of a mobile handheld device or a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone or a tablet computer, which can be connected to the Internet.

[0010] Advantageously, it is checked whether the detected identification is an identification permitted for the motor vehicle. Thus, incorrect installation of an inappropriate wiper blade can be avoided. In particular, the safety of the motor vehicle during operation can be ensured, since, for example, installation of a wiper blade that is too short can be avoided.

[0011] It is advantageous if the result of the check is reported to the user, in particular displayed on a mobile device. In this way, the user can be informed from the outset whether the wiper blade of his motor vehicle or the associated wiper arm of his motor vehicle is suitable. If the test is performed, for example, using a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a tablet, the user can check this when ordering the wiper blade or before purchasing the wiper blade, if necessary.

[0012] Advantageously, if the result of the check is that the detected mark is a mark permitted for the motor vehicle, the wiper arm is adjusted to the maintenance position. Through this, the installation of the permitted wiper blade can be realized in a particularly simple manner, for example by detecting the mark on the motor vehicle, which can be carried out by means of the motor vehicle or a mobile device.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one installation guide for the wiper blade is displayed to the user based on the detected identification. This further simplifies the installation for the user. The installation guide can be displayed on a mobile terminal device and / or on a screen in the vehicle.

[0014] Advantageously, the identification is stored in a QR code and / or an RFID and / or a blockchain, in particular VeChain. This allows the identification to be reliably detected. The blockchain also enables the tracking of the wiper blades. For this purpose, if necessary, data can also be transmitted to the manufacturer, for example, in order to enable quality monitoring and / or quality improvement.

[0015] Advantageously, if the wiper blade is installed on the wiper arm instead of the previous wiper blade, the identification of the previous wiper blade, in particular the identification stored in the blockchain, is detected. This allows the wiper blade to be tracked during its service life.

[0016] Advantageously, the wear of the wiper blade is detected; and / or an automatically triggered and / or manually triggered additional ordering of the wiper blade is performed, the additional ordering preferably being performed when the detected wear of the wiper blade reaches a specified wear limit. By this, the operating safety of the motor vehicle is further improved.

[0017] Depending on the design, one or more of the following features and advantages can be achieved.

[0018] Since the wiper system (wiper device) can be operated even when the ignition switch is not activated, new possibilities can be created with regard to the function and use of the wiper system. Preferably, by networking the sensor systems present in the vehicle and the corresponding logic and control of the wiper motor, new functions are created, which can possibly also be offered on the market as separate software packages or SW functions (software functions). The new functions can be used as additional services for vehicle users. For example, the control of one or more maintenance positions of the wiper system can be realized by external signals, so that control can be realized independently of the steering column switch.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the wiper motor is integrated into a communication-capable environment which can process data from other sensor units in the vehicle or receive external signals and can then initiate activities, in particular output of signals. This precondition is met, for example, if the wiper drive has a VSS function and can be controlled by an application (App) in a regional ECU or vehicle computer. The VSS interface is used for vehicle-specific signals (VSS) and is an embodiment of a standardized software / signal interface.

[0020] Possible designs of advantageous functions can, for example, implement at least one of the following use cases:

[0021] A service application (computer program (computer program product)) can be used for replacing wiper blades and can in particular be provided for downloading. A user of a vehicle can obtain an application (App) (computer program) for his mobile device, in particular a smartphone, which can support the replacement of wiper blades. Thus, via the application, the associated wiper blade of the vehicle can first be determined.

[0022] As a spare part (replacement part), a newly purchased wiper blade can have an identification, for example in the form of a QR code on the packaging. The identification can be read using a smartphone application (App) via the QR code depicted on the packaging. In an advantageous design, the application is also networked with the vehicle.

[0023] By scanning the QR code, it can be confirmed whether the correct wiper blade is available for installation. In addition, the corresponding maintenance position of the wiper system can be activated by means of the application.

[0024] For example, the activation is performed at the level of the vehicle computer, whereby a signal can in turn be sent via the architecture level to the drive ECU of the wiper drive. This provides the user with the advantage of avoiding the need to assemble an inappropriate wiper blade. In addition, the user does not need to activate the vehicle's ignition system to change the wiper blade.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to this application functionality, by scanning the QR code, at least one further reference (link) related to the instructions in a generally accessible platform (such as a social networking site, a video portal, a manufacturer's web page or other Internet portal) can be displayed and / or called up.

[0026] The application can also be installed in the vehicle computer or, for example, be installed upon request of a user. The application can be used in particular for wiper blade replacement.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, these functions can also be designed autonomously without external communication of the vehicle. In this way, the content and / or functions of an application (App) for a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone, and further in particular a smartphone, can also be installed as an application (App) on the vehicle computer, which serves as an application (App) for the vehicle computer. The application can also be implemented as an application in the cloud connected to the vehicle. In addition, a distributed system can be realized. Through these design solutions, external communication can be reduced when necessary in the corresponding use case.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the QR code on the packaging of the wiper blade can be read, for example, by a camera already in the vehicle (e.g. for the exterior area, behind the windshield or in the vehicle). Functions such as a compatibility check of a new wiper blade and / or the control of a maintenance position can then be selected and activated using the vehicle's onboard computer.

[0029] The function can be realized by combining the QR code on the packaging of the wiper blade with the connectivity of the vehicle. Through this, at least one additional service function can be realized. This additional service function can, for example, trigger an automated or manual additional order for the wiper blade.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, a subscription model can be implemented, which, for example, enables regular additional orders for wiper blades. For example, wiper blades can be ordered after a certain operating time (especially a certain number of operating hours) and / or a certain driving distance (especially the number of kilometers driven) and / or a certain period of time (especially a number of days) after the motor vehicle was put into operation or the last wiper blade was replaced. This also further increases the operating safety of the vehicle.

[0031] Therefore, in a preferred design, an architecture for connecting to a wiper motor, a regional control unit (regional ECU) and a vehicle computer and, if necessary, a higher-level cloud can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with consistent reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 1 A motor vehicle is shown in an extracted schematic spatial representation, wherein the wiper arm is adjusted into its respective maintenance position, in which the wiper blade can be mounted;

[0034] Figure 2 An apparatus for performing a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0035] Figure 3 Various wiper blades in their packaging and a user's mobile device are shown, wherein the computer-implemented method is used to illustrate Figure 1 The choice of wiper blades allowed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is shown in an extracted schematic spatial representation. The motor vehicle 1 has a window pane 2, which is designed as a windshield 2. The motor vehicle 1 also has a window pane 3, which is designed as a rear window pane 3. The vehicle has windshield wipers 4, 5, which are arranged on the window pane 2 designed as a windshield 2 in this embodiment. In a modified design, for example, only one windshield wiper 4 can also be arranged on the window pane 2. In addition, in a modified design, at least one windshield wiper can also be arranged on the window pane 3 designed as a rear window pane 3 in a corresponding manner. The motor vehicle 1 can be designed in particular as a passenger vehicle (PKW) and a truck (LKW).

[0037] The wipers 4, 5 have wiper arms 6, 7 and wiper blades 8, 9 which are detachably fastened to the wiper arms 6, 7. The wiper blades 8, 9 are connected to the wiper arms 6, 7 via suitable mechanisms which are preferably designed such that the user of the motor vehicle 1 can carry out a wiper replacement himself, so that workshop work or maintenance work in a specialist workshop is not necessarily required for this. However, the installation of the wiper blades 6, 7 can also be carried out by a workshop or maintenance organization, for example within the framework of vehicle maintenance.

[0038] The motor vehicle 1 also has rear-view mirrors 10 , 11 which are connected to a body 14 of the motor vehicle 1 via mirror feet 12 , 13 .

[0039] In the following, also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 To further describe the preferred embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 An apparatus 15 for performing a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 Various wiper blades 16 are shown in their packaging 17. In this case, for example, the packaging 18 contains wiper blades 8, 9 that are suitable for the motor vehicle or permitted for the motor vehicle.

[0042] The computer-implemented method according to an embodiment is used for mounting a wiper blade 8, 9 on a wiper arm 6, 7 of a motor vehicle 1. In this case, for mounting the wiper blade 8, 9, the wiper arm 6, 7 is adjusted to its respective service position 20, 21. The service positions 20, 21 may be approached simultaneously or sequentially.

[0043] In order to trigger the adjustment of the wiper arms 6, 7 to the maintenance positions 20, 21, an identification 22 attached to the packaging 18 of the wiper blades 8, 9 is detected. In this embodiment, the identification 22 is stored (encoded) in a QR code 23. In a modified design, the identification 22 can also be stored in an RFID and / or blockchain, in particular VeChain, in addition or alternatively.

[0044] The identification mark 22 may be detected, for example, via sensors 25 , 26 of the motor vehicle 1 and / or via a mobile device 27 of the user.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in , the identification 22 is detected via the user's mobile device 27 designed as a smartphone 27. In this case, the package 18 with suitable wiper blades 8, 9 that is correct for the user's motor vehicle 1 can already be selected from the packages 17.

[0046] If a user carries the wiper blades 8, 9 contained in the package 18 on the motor vehicle 1, the user can detect the logo 22 from a sensor 25 or a sensor 26 of the motor vehicle 1 that detects the surroundings of the motor vehicle 1, or detect the logo with the aid of his mobile device 27. In this case, preferably, the logo 22 can be detected even when the ignition switch of the motor vehicle 1 is deactivated. For example, one or more sensors 25 can be arranged at the mirror feet 12, 13. The sensor 26 can be arranged, for example, behind the window glass 2.

[0047] Next, it is preferably checked whether the detected identification mark 22 is an approved identification mark 22 for the motor vehicle 1. The result of this check can be displayed to the user on his mobile device 27.

[0048] When the permitted mark 22 is detected, the wiper arms 6, 7 are adjusted to their respective maintenance positions 20, 21. In this case, these maintenance positions are preferably selected so that: for the user, the wiper blades 8, 9 can be replaced as conveniently as possible. If necessary, installation instructions for the wiper blades 8, 9 can also be displayed to the user on his mobile device 27.

[0049] When replacing a wiper blade 8, 9, in particular the identification 22 of the previous wiper blade 8, 9 stored in the blockchain can be detected. Since the blockchain, in particular VeChain, encodes the identification 22 uniquely assigned to the individual wiper blades 8, 9, individual product tracking can be achieved during the service life of these wiper blades.

[0050] Wear of the wiper blades 8, 9 can also be detected, and an automated and / or user-triggered additional order of wiper blades 8, 9 can then be performed. For example, new wiper blades 8, 9 can be ordered regularly at certain time intervals.

[0051] Figure 2 A possible embodiment of a device 15 is shown, which at least partially executes the computer-implemented method. In this case, only one drive (wiper drive) 30 for the wipers 4, 5 is shown. In this case, the wipers 4, 5 can be driven together by this drive 30.

[0052] The vehicle computer 31 can be connected to the regional ECU 32 via IP-based Ethernet. The steering column switch 33 can send a signal to the vehicle computer 31 and / or the regional ECU 32. The regional ECU 32 can control the drive 30 through a UN / CAN signal. A drive ECU 34 is provided on the drive 30.

[0053] Via at least one further ECU unit or terminal 35 , signals can be sent via the CAN to the zone ECU 32 .

[0054] A computer program, in particular an App (application), which can execute the computer-implemented method can be installed on the vehicle computer 31. In this case, a VSS interface 40 can be used from the vehicle computer 31 to the zone ECU 32. The drive ECU 34 can be controlled via a connection based on a UN / CAN signal by means of a wiper drive UN driver 41. In this case, application-specific steps can be executed on the drive ECU 34, which can realize the manipulation of the driver 30 by means of standardized functions or standardized software.

[0055] Correspondingly, the regional ECU can be controlled via CAN signals by means of a further ECU unit or terminal device 35. The further ECU unit or the terminal device 35 can realize a connection with the sensors 25, 26 of the motor vehicle 1 and / or with the mobile device 27 of the user and / or with a cloud and / or other Internet services accessible via the Internet.

[0056] The bus system of the motor vehicle 1 can be based on CAN, CAN FD, FlexRay, Ethernet or LIN, for example. In this case, in particular, different connection types or protocols can also be used for different connections.

[0057] The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for mounting a wiper blade (8, 9) on a wiper arm (6, 7) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein: The wiper arms (6, 7) are adjusted to maintenance positions (20, 21) for installing the wiper blades (8, 9), It is characterized in that A mark (22) at least indirectly attached to the wiper blade (8, 9) and / or to the packaging of the wiper blade (8, 9) is detected; and based on the detected mark (22), the wiper arm (6, 7) is adjusted to the maintenance position (20, 21).

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, It is characterized in that The identification (22) is detected at least when the ignition switch of the motor vehicle (1) is deactivated.

3. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The identification (22) is detected by sensors (25, 26) of the motor vehicle (1), in particular sensors (25, 26) detecting the surroundings of the motor vehicle (1), and / or by means of a mobile device (27), in particular a mobile phone.

4. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that checking whether the detected identification (22) is an allowed identification (22) for the motor vehicle (1); and a) reporting the results of the check to the user, in particular displaying the results of the check on a mobile device (27), and / or b) If the result of the check is that the detected identification (22) is an allowed identification (22) for the motor vehicle (1), the wiper arm (6, 7) is adjusted to the maintenance position (20, 21).

5. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that At least one installation guide for the wiper blade (8, 9) is displayed to the user based on the detected identification (22).

6. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The identification (22) is stored in a QR code (23) and / or an RFID and / or a blockchain, in particular VeChain.

7. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that If the wiper blade (8, 9) is mounted on the wiper arm (6, 7) instead of a previous wiper blade (8, 9), an identification (22) of the previous wiper blade (8, 9), in particular an identification stored in a blockchain, is detected.

8. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that Detecting the wear of the wiper blades (8, 9); and / or performing an automatically triggered and / or manually triggered additional order for the wiper blades (8, 9), wherein the additional order is preferably performed when the detected wear of the wiper blades (8, 9) reaches a specified wear limit.

9. An apparatus, which is configured to carry out all the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer program, in particular an installable application, comprising instructions for executing a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A method for mounting a wiper blade on a wiper arm of a motor vehicle, wherein: The personnel installs the wiper blade onto the wiper arm. It is characterized in that The wiper arm (6, 7) is adjusted to a maintenance position (20, 21) for mounting the wiper blade (8, 9) on the wiper arm (6, 7) by means of a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images