Method for determining the wear of a windshield wiper blade of a windshield wiper device of a motor vehicle, computer program product and electronic computing device

Abstract

Method for determining the wear of a windscreen wiper blade (16, 18) of a windscreen wiper device (12) of a motor vehicle (10) using an electronic computing device (24), comprising the steps: - Receiving an electrical signal by means of the electronic computing device (24), wherein the electrical signal describes a quantity influencing the wiper blade (16, 18); - Evaluation of the electrical signal using a predefined mathematical model (34) to determine the wear using the electronic computing device (24); - Based on the evaluation, a usage profile (44) is created for the use of the windshield wiper blade (16, 18); and - Determining the wear of the wiper blade (16, 18) based on the usage profile (44) using the electronic computing device (24), taking into account the use of a humidifying device (40) for a disc (12) during the evaluation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining the wear of a windshield wiper blade of a windshield wiper device of a motor vehicle by means of an electronic computing device according to the applicable claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and an electronic computing device.

[0002] Typically, wear on windshield wiper pads or blades becomes apparent through visual inspection during routine maintenance or when a customer complains about reduced cleaning performance. This wear occurs spontaneously and is dependent on usage, making it difficult to predict its duration. From an environmental perspective, or in terms of customer value, premature replacement is not always advisable.

[0003] Systems for indicating wear and tear on components such as oil, brakes, and filters are already known from the prior art. So-called CBS systems (wear-dependent service indicators for operating fluids) are state-of-the-art. Optical wear indicators using wear markings on tires and wiper pads are also state-of-the-art. However, systems that provide reliable information on the wear of wiper pads through performance and function monitoring of windshield washer systems are currently unknown.

[0004] DE 20 2017 106 704 U1 describes a system for determining the need for a vehicle windshield wiper blade replacement, comprising: a detection device for detecting a wiper blade operating noise; a processor designed to determine a wear condition from the detected wiper blade operating noise that requires a wiper blade replacement; and a user interface, wherein the processor provides a display that includes at least a windshield wiper blade wear condition warning and a list of one or more suggested replacement wiper blades.

[0005] DE 10 2016 002 181 A1 relates to a method for monitoring visibility conditions from a vehicle with at least one windshield wiper by means of a camera looking through an area of ​​the vehicle windshield wiped by the wiper. It is provided that the image captured by the camera is evaluated with regard to wear of the windshield wiper.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and an electronic computing device by means of which the wear of a windshield wiper blade can be effectively determined.

[0007] This problem is solved by a method, a computer program product, and an electronic computing device according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining the wear of a windshield wiper blade of a windshield wiper device using an electronic computing device. The electronic computing device receives an electrical signal, the electrical signal describing a quantity influencing the windshield wiper blade. The electrical signal is evaluated by the electronic computing device using a predefined mathematical model to determine the wear. Based on this evaluation, a usage profile for the windshield wiper blade is created, and the wear of the windshield wiper blade is then determined based on this usage profile using the electronic computing device.

[0009] This allows for highly effective and precise determination of wiper blade wear. In particular, a usage profile can be established and a wear forecast for the respective wiper blade optimized, which then prompts a replacement at a specific time. If necessary, an early replacement is possible to improve safety. However, frequent, unnecessary replacements are avoidable and cost-effective for customers. A wiper blade replacement should only be carried out when truly necessary. This increases customer satisfaction and safety, and ensures the timely provision of materials.

[0010] Particularly in the case of at least partially autonomous or fully autonomous operation of the vehicle, it is necessary that the corresponding detection devices, such as cameras or lighting systems, are cleaned to enable improved environmental perception. It is crucial that lenses or covers, for example, are clean so that the environment can be detected and light emitted. Windscreen wipers are also used, for instance, to wipe and thus clean the detection or light-emitting area. The invention now also makes it possible to replace such wiper blades, thereby enabling improved environmental perception during semi-autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention also enables a windscreen wiper system, for example for a windscreen or rear window, to reliably clean the glass and indicate to the user the need for early replacement, thus increasing road safety as it does not impair visibility.

[0012] In particular, the invention is based on the principle of monitoring, classifying, and recording a usage profile of windshield wiper operation using, for example, sensors, currents, voltages, or power data, such as from a drive unit of the windshield wiper device. This is based on wear assumptions according to, for example, the so-called Arrhenius equation, environmental data acquisition, power consumption profiles, and load pattern recognition of a windshield wiper cycle. The necessary sensors are often already present in the vehicle and are processed by a controller-controlled evaluation to generate a forecast, which is then communicated to the customer or service department.

[0013] The electronic computing unit can be integrated into the windshield wiper system. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a central electronic computing unit, particularly within the vehicle, receives only the corresponding raw data from sensors or actuators and can perform the appropriate analysis.

[0014] It is also planned that the use of a windshield humidification system will be taken into account during the evaluation. Specifically, this humidification system refers to a windshield wiper cleaning system that, for example, uses a suitable cleaning agent, particularly one consisting of water and an additive. Wear and tear is reduced on a humidified windshield, which is why this can be considered. For example, the activation of the windshield wipers can be detected and factored in accordingly. Alternatively, the activation of the windshield wipers can be detected using a camera, such as a front-facing camera behind the windshield.Furthermore, it is also possible for a user to input a specific windshield washer fluid composition, or for a sensor, such as one located within a washer fluid reservoir, to detect this composition and take it into account. This allows for a reliable assessment of wear and tear.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical signal used is a voltage and / or current from a drive unit of the windshield wiper system. In particular, the windshield wiper system includes, for example, at least one electric drive motor designed to control the wiper blade. Based on the corresponding currents or voltages within the electric motor, it is possible to determine the current operating state of the windshield wiper system. For example, if a wiper blade is frozen to the windshield, it can be determined that an increased current draw is necessary to initiate the wiping process.Furthermore, subsequent wiping, particularly due to the icy windshield, results in jerky movements of the wiper blade, which can also be identified by the voltage or current draw. This electrical signal can be analyzed, leading, for example, to the conclusion that increased wear occurs when the windshield is icy. With a snow-covered windshield, the first and second wiping cycles involve increased pressure on the wiper blade due to the snow load. Afterward, however, the windshield is cleared, resulting in a lower load on the electric motor. These electrical signals can then be analyzed to determine the usage profile and thus reliably infer wear.

[0016] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to determine an environmental condition based on a specific voltage and / or current using the electronic computing device, and to incorporate this environmental condition into the mathematical model. For example, a cold season can be inferred as an environmental condition based on a specific current or voltage, since, for instance, the increased voltage or current demand can indicate a frozen windshield. It is also possible to determine, for example, a sandy windshield, provided corresponding current and voltage consumption is available. Thus, the environmental condition can be taken into account, and here, too, increased wear, for example, in sandy conditions, must be considered.

[0017] It is also advantageous to detect when a windshield wiper is changed and to take this point into account when determining wear. For example, wear can be reset to zero when a windshield wiper is changed. Specifically, it is intended that when a windshield wiper is changed, the mathematical model or usage profile is reset to zero, and thus the wear counting process starts anew. Furthermore, it can also be implemented that the type of windshield wiper blade can be recorded in the mathematical model, for example, entered by the user, allowing for inferences about the corresponding quality parameters of the wiper blade to be included in the mathematical model. This enables highly effective and reliable determination and detection of windshield wiper blade wear.

[0018] Another advantageous design involves receiving an environmental sensor signal (the electrical signal) from the electronic computer and taking this signal into account during evaluation. For example, environmental parameters such as temperature, light levels, rainfall, weather conditions, or similar factors can be determined and analyzed. This allows for a highly reliable and detailed determination of windshield wiper blade wear.

[0019] Another advantageous design provides that when a wear threshold is exceeded, an output signal is generated for a display device. For example, the display device could be a screen. A corresponding warning message can then be displayed, indicating, for instance, that the wear threshold has been exceeded and a wiper blade replacement is necessary. Furthermore, it is possible to issue a warning message even before the wear threshold is reached or exceeded, informing the user, for example, that a wiper blade replacement will be necessary in the near future. This provides a highly convenient way for the user to be notified that a wiper blade replacement is required.

[0020] Another advantageous design involves comparing the wear with a predetermined quality value for the wiper blade and performing a quality assessment based on this comparison. For example, the wiper blade might be designed to perform 50,000 wiping cycles. It can then be verified whether the wiper blade actually lasts for 50,000 cycles. If, for instance, this is not the case, a corresponding quality assessment can be carried out and taken into account, for example, when purchasing a new wiper blade.

[0021] The presented method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means which, when the program code means are executed by the electronic computing device, cause a method according to the preceding aspect to be carried out.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium containing the computer program product.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention also relates to an electronic computing device for determining the wear of a windshield wiper blade of a windshield wiper device of a motor vehicle, wherein the electronic computing device is configured to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the electronic computing device.

[0024] The electronic computing device includes, for example, processors, circuits, especially integrated circuits, and other electronic components in order to carry out the corresponding process steps.

[0025] The invention also relates to a windshield wiper device comprising at least one wiper blade and an electronic computing unit. The windshield wiper device may, for example, also include a drive unit, wherein the drive unit transmits corresponding electrical signals to the electronic computing unit.

[0026] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a windscreen wiper device according to the invention.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the electronic computing device, the windshield wiper device, and the motor vehicle. The electronic computing device, the windshield wiper device, and the motor vehicle possess, in particular, tangible features to enable the corresponding method steps to be carried out.

[0028] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a front of a motor vehicle according to the invention with an embodiment of a windscreen wiper device with an embodiment of an electronic computing device; Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of a windshield wiper device; and Fig. 3 a schematic flowchart according to one embodiment of the method.

[0030] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has a window 12, in particular a windshield. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 has a windshield wiper device 14. In the present embodiment, the windshield wiper device 14 has a first wiper blade 16 and a second wiper blade 18. The windshield wiper device 12 also has a drive device 20, which is in particular designed in the form of an electric motor. The first wiper blade 16 and the second wiper blade 18 are coupled to the drive device 20 via a respective pivot point or a mechanism 22. The drive device 20 is in turn coupled to an electronic computing unit 24.

[0032] The disc 12 incorporates two sensors 26 and 28. These sensors can be configured, for example, as environmental sensors or as environmental detection devices. Specifically, they can be configured as humidity sensors, light sensors, rain sensors (for rain 42), temperature sensors, or cameras.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device 12. In the present embodiment, the drive unit 20 and the sensors 26, 28 are coupled or connected to the electronic computing unit 24. The drive unit 20 can, for example, have a torque sensor and a speed sensor. The electronic computing unit 24 can, for example, have a voltage measurement 30 and a current measurement 32. Furthermore, a mathematical model 34 is shown, which is designed in particular for evaluating corresponding electrical signals, especially from the drive unit 20 and the sensors 26, 28. The electronic computing unit 24 also has a storage device 36 for storing data. In addition, an output device 38, for example in the form of a display, is shown in the present embodiment.

[0034] In particular, it is thus provided that an electrical signal, for example from the drive unit 20 or from the sensors 26, 28, is received by the electronic computing unit 24, wherein the electrical signal describes a quantity influencing the wiper blade 16, 18. The electrical signal is evaluated using the specified mathematical model 34 to determine the wear. Based on the evaluation, a usage profile 44 for the use of the wiper blade 16, 18 is created, and the wear of the wiper blade 16, 18 is determined based on the usage profile 44 by the electronic computing unit 24.

[0035] It may be provided that a voltage and / or a current, in particular of the drive unit 20 of the windshield wiper device 12, is determined as an electrical signal. Based on the determined voltage and / or current, an environmental situation can be determined, in particular by means of the electronic computing device 24, and the environmental situation can be taken into account in the mathematical model 34.

[0036] It may also be provided that, for example, the time of a windshield wiper change is detected and that this time is taken into account when determining wear.

[0037] Furthermore, it may be provided that an environmental detection signal, in particular from the sensors 26, 28, is received as the electrical signal by the electronic computing device 24 and is taken into account as an environmental detection signal during the evaluation.

[0038] Another possibility is that an output signal is generated for output device 38 when a wear threshold is exceeded. Furthermore, the use of a humidification device 40 for the disc 12 can be taken into account during the evaluation.

[0039] Furthermore, it may be provided that the wear is compared with a predetermined quality value for the wiper blade 16, 18 and that a quality assessment is carried out for the wiper blade 16, 18 depending on the comparison.

[0040] In particular, the invention utilizes the fact that the standardized electric motors have a common mechanical component 22, which is used accordingly. These motors, or rather this drive unit 20, can be monitored for speed, voltage, and power, for example, via Hall sensors or sensor elements. With pattern recognition of the operating cycle, event-based wear can be qualified and quantified. If a higher mechanical resistance is required when the windshield is iced over, resulting in a ripple-like movement, high wear must be assumed. A wet windshield 12 exhibits lower power consumption and is classified as having low wear. In snowfall, a higher load profile is noticeable upon initial activation, which decreases in the second wiping cycle.The number of wiping cycles under corresponding qualified load collectives then provides a quantification of the load cycles and, when stored with a timestamp, a statement about wear.

[0041] By utilizing metadata from the sensors present in the vehicle, such as outside temperature, rain sensor data, humidity sensor data, air and oil filter contamination data, or similar information, correlations can be made according to algorithms such as the Arrhenius algorithm to achieve classification. High levels of air filter or oil contamination correlate with high levels of sand or dust and promote wear. A wet windshield reduces wear. Higher temperatures or frequent temperature changes also increase the aging factor, and thus, by utilizing and storing this data and considering its temporal dependencies, the wear of the windshield wiper pads can be predicted.During a regular inspection, these predictions are then qualified, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the quality of the wiper blades 16 and 18, or the pads, from the respective manufacturers or production batches. This enables corrections to the service life prediction.

[0042] Furthermore, this also allows for a predictive bonus or penalty in the form of recourse or recommendations from suppliers and manufacturers during the production run. This enables added value for customers and indirect quality assurance / product improvement.

[0043] Fig.Figure 3 shows a schematic flowchart according to one embodiment of the method. For example, in a first step S1, sensor data acquisition or environmental data acquisition can be performed. In a second step S2, the drive unit 20 is monitored. In a third step S3, the data is evaluated, classified, or recorded, in particular via the mathematical model 34 or the storage device 36. In particular, this data is then stored in a fourth step S4 in the storage device 36, specifically in the data memory. In the fifth step S5, a visualization, for example on the output device 38, an initialization, or a reset can then be performed.

Claims

[1] Method for determining the wear of a windscreen wiper blade (16, 18) of a windscreen wiper device (12) of a motor vehicle (10) using an electronic computing device (24), comprising the steps: - Receiving an electrical signal by means of the electronic computing device (24), wherein the electrical signal describes a quantity influencing the wiper blade (16, 18); - Evaluation of the electrical signal using a predefined mathematical model (34) to determine the wear using the electronic computing device (24); - Based on the evaluation, a usage profile (44) is created for the use of the windshield wiper blade (16, 18); and - Determining the wear of the wiper blade (16, 18) based on the usage profile (44) using the electronic computing device (24), taking into account the use of a humidifying device (40) for a disc (12) during the evaluation. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that a voltage and / or a current of a drive unit (20) of the windscreen wiper device (12) is determined as an electrical signal. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by , that based on the specified voltage and / or current an environmental situation is determined by means of the electronic computing device (24) and the environmental situation is taken into account in the mathematical model (34). [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the time of a windshield wiper change is detected and the time is taken into account when determining wear. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an environmental sensing signal is received as the electrical signal from the electronic computing device (24) and the environmental sensing signal is taken into account during the evaluation. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that if a wear threshold is exceeded, an output signal is generated for an output device (38). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wear is compared with a predetermined quality value for the wiper blade (16, 18) and a quality assessment for the wiper blade (16, 18) is carried out depending on the comparison. [8] Computer program product comprising program code means which cause an electronic computing device (24) to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when the program code means are executed by the electronic computing device (24). [9] Electronic computing device (24) for determining the wear of a windscreen wiper blade (16, 18) of a windscreen wiper device (12) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the electronic computing device (24) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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