Method for operating a wiper device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a wiper device (12), in particular windshield wipers, of a vehicle (10) with which a windshield (14) of the vehicle (10) is cleaned by sweeping at least one wiper (16) of the wiper device (12) over a wiping area (20) of the windshield (14) at a wiping speed. It is proposed that, depending on at least one opening parameter of a window pane (18) and / or a convertible top (46) of the vehicle (10), a wiper speed of the wiper (16) is reduced at least in a partial area (22) of the wiping area (20) compared to normal operation.

Description

State of the art

[0001] A method for operating a wiper device, in particular a windscreen wiper, of a vehicle, with which a windscreen of the vehicle is cleaned by sweeping at least one wiper of the wiper device over a wiping area of ​​the windscreen at a wiping speed, has already been proposed. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] The invention is based on a method for operating a wiper device, in particular a windshield wiper, of a vehicle, with which a windshield of the vehicle is cleaned by sweeping at least one wiper of the wiper device over a wiping area of ​​the windshield at a wiping speed.

[0003] It is proposed that, depending on at least one opening parameter of a window pane and / or a convertible top of the vehicle, a wiper speed of the wiper is reduced at least in a partial area of ​​the wiping area compared to normal operation.

[0004] The inventive design of the method advantageously provides a high level of operating comfort, since the operator is not exposed to splash water, especially when the vehicle window is open. Advantageously, a high level of safety can be provided, since the operator is not startled during vehicle operation because they are not exposed to splash water. Advantageously, a high level of cleaning performance can be provided, since the wiper can be used to clean the windshield, especially when the windows are open.

[0005] The wiper device is preferably intended for use on a vehicle, in particular a car and / or truck. The vehicle preferably has a vehicle body having at least the windshield and the window panes, which are designed as openable side windows and / or as a roof window, for example a sunroof. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle could have a convertible top. In particular, the windshield is designed as a vehicle window and / or sensor field surface. In particular, the windshield is designed as a front window of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the window to be designed as a rear window and / or a sensor field surface of a vehicle sensor. In particular, the sensor field surface is formed and / or covered by the windshield. The wiper device is preferably designed at least as part of the windshield wiper.The wiper is preferably designed, in particular as part of the wiper device, to clean the windshield of the vehicle. The wiper device is preferably coupled to the vehicle, preferably to at least one wiper drive of the wiper device, for cleaning the windshield. In particular, the wiper drive of the vehicle is arranged on the vehicle body. The wiper drive is preferably designed as an electric motor. The wiper preferably has at least one wiper blade, which is connected to the wiper drive, for example, via a wiper arm. During a cleaning process, the at least one wiper blade of the wiper is preferably swept in a wiping motion across the vehicle window and / or sensor field surface, in particular if this is integrated into the vehicle window.In particular, the wiper blade has at least one wiper lip which contacts the vehicle window and / or the sensor field surface in at least one operating state. The wiper lip of the wiper blade is preferably designed to wipe off a liquid, such as rainwater and / or splash water and / or a cleaning fluid and / or a comparable fluid, in particular through the wiping movement. An “operating state” should preferably be understood to mean a state in which the wiper device is ready for a wiping process and / or a wiping operation and / or is in a wiping operation in which the wiper blade of the wiper strokes the windshield and / or the sensor field surface and, in doing so, rests, preferably in contact, against the windshield and / or the sensor field surface. “Designed” should in particular be understood to mean specially designed and / or equipped.The fact that an object is configured for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfils and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0006] Preferably, the wiper is moved back and forth across the windshield at the wiper speed, in particular contacting the windshield. Preferably, the wiping area of ​​the windshield is formed by an area swept by the wiper. Preferably, the wiper is moved back and forth at least substantially parallel to / along the windshield. Preferably, the wiper is moved across the windshield in a wiping movement, preferably in a rotational movement about a rotational axis of the wiper drive. Preferably, the wiper is rotated partially / section by section about the rotational axis of the wiper drive. Preferably, the wiper movement is reversed in a wiper movement direction at least in one turning area of ​​the wiper. Preferably, the wiper movement is reversed at least in the partial area arranged, in particular, in the vicinity of an A-pillar of the vehicle.The wiper movement preferably has at least one further turning area, in particular in the vicinity of a water chamber of the vehicle. In particular, the vicinity of the A-pillar / water chamber is formed by all points which are at a distance from the A-pillar / water chamber that is less than 50 cm, preferably 25 cm, advantageously 15 cm and preferably 5 cm. The rainwater and / or the spray water and / or the cleaning fluid is preferably wiped off the windshield at the wiper speed. In particular, the rainwater and / or the spray water and / or the cleaning fluid is thrown off in at least one operating state in at least the turning area, preferably as a function of the wiper speed.It is conceivable that the rainwater and / or the spray water and / or the cleaning fluid could penetrate / be thrown into at least one of the open windows during normal operation. Preferably, the opening parameter is used to determine / detect whether at least one of the windows is open. Preferably, the wiper speed is at least reduced, particularly compared to normal operation, if the opening parameter detects an open window and / or an open convertible top and / or another vehicle opening, such as an open door and / or tailgate or the like.A “reduced wiper speed” should be understood in particular to mean a reduction in the wiper speed of at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50% and in particular at least 75% compared to the preferably maximum wiper speed in normal operation. In particular, the maximum wiper speed is limited, especially when at least one of the windows is open. For example, the wiper speed could be set lower than the maximum wiper speed. It is conceivable that the wiper speed is limited to at least one of several available wiper speed levels. “Normal operation” should be understood in particular to mean wiping with the vehicle windows and / or sunroof and / or convertible top or comparable vehicle openings completely closed.In this context, “at least substantially” should be understood to mean that a deviation from a predetermined value deviates in particular by less than 25%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.

[0007] Preferably, the wiper speed is reduced across the entire wiper area. However, it is conceivable that the wiper speed, in particular at least in one operating state, is reduced only in the partial area, for example in the vicinity of the A-pillar, which is located near the open vehicle window. It is conceivable that only the forward or backward movement, in particular directed in a direction of the open vehicle window, is reduced.

[0008] It is further proposed that the wiper speed be changed during wiper operation, preferably immediately upon a change in the opening parameter. Advantageously, a particularly high level of operating comfort can be provided since, in particular when the vehicle window is opened, the wiper speed is immediately lowered / reduced, thereby preventing splash water from entering the passenger compartment in real time. Preferably, the wiper speed is reduced as soon as the vehicle window is opened. Preferably, the wiper speed is reduced by reducing the speed of the wiper drive. It is conceivable that the wiper speed is only reduced when the wiper moves towards the window pane that is being opened. Alternatively, the wiper speed could also be reduced in a subsequent wiping cycle.An "immediate change in wiper speed" is understood to mean, in particular, a real-time response, preferably at least within a latency period. A "latency period" is understood to mean, in particular, a period of time defined as a maximum permissible response time, for example, for a signal transmission.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper speed be reduced at least as a function of one operating parameter, which is at least a vehicle speed. Advantageously, a high cleaning performance can be provided since, in particular, by taking the vehicle speed into account, the wiper speed only needs to be reduced when necessary. Preferably, the wiper speed is reduced more sharply with increasing vehicle speed. For example, the operating parameter could additionally include a direction of travel. It is conceivable that the wiper speed remains unchanged at a vehicle speed of at least substantially zero km / h or when reversing.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper speed be reduced at least as a function of one operating parameter, which is designed as at least one wiper position within the wiping area. Advantageously, a high cleaning performance can be provided because, in particular, the wiper speed is only reduced where necessary. Preferably, the wiper speed is reduced at least in the vicinity of the upper turning area, in particular in the area of ​​the A-pillar. It is conceivable that the wiper speed is reduced in at least one third, preferably in one half of the wiping area facing the open window pane. For example, the wiper speed could be reduced when the wiper moves towards an open vehicle window. For example, the wiper speed could remain unreduced when the wiper is moved away from the open window pane.It is conceivable that the wiper speed is reduced in both directions of movement across the entire wiping area, for example when a roof window is open.

[0011] In addition, it is proposed that the opening parameter be configured as at least one opening state of the at least one window pane. Advantageously, this provides low complexity, since, in particular, an opening state can be easily detected, particularly with existing sensors. The opening state preferably has exactly two values, which are configured as open and closed. A wiper speed is preferably reduced when the opening state has the value "open." The wiper speed is preferably reduced when at least one of the window panes is open. Alternatively, more than two values ​​could be specified, which could, for example, be configured as open, half-open, and closed.

[0012] It is additionally proposed that the opening parameter be designed as at least one opening position of the at least one window pane. Advantageously, high cleaning performance / efficiency can be provided since, in particular, the wiper speed is reduced as a function of the opening position of the opened window pane. Preferably, the wiper speed is reduced as a function of the opening position. It is also conceivable that a maximum wiper speed is assigned to each opening position of the window pane. Preferably, each window pane of the vehicle is assigned an opening position. For example, the opening position could be referred to as the driver's window, passenger window, sunroof, rear seat window, or the like. Preferably, a wiper speed is specified for each window.It is conceivable that the wiper speed is limited to the lowest maximum wiper speed of all open windows when several windows are open. For example, the wiper speed could be reduced more when the driver's window is open than when the rear seat window is open. It is conceivable that the wiper speed is reduced in a direction of movement facing the driver's window when the driver's window is open. It is conceivable that the wiper speed is reduced in a direction of movement facing the passenger window when the passenger window is open. For example, the wiper speed could be reduced in a back and forth movement when a roof window is open. An "outward movement" should be understood in particular to mean a wiper movement from a parked position towards a turning range of the wiper.A “forward movement” is to be understood in particular as a wiper movement from a turning area towards the parking position of the wiper.

[0013] It is further proposed that the opening parameter be configured as at least one opening portion of the at least one window pane. Advantageously, a particularly high cleaning performance / efficiency can be provided because the wiper speed can be adjusted as a function of the opening portion of the window pane. The opening portion is preferably specified as a value in percent and / or between zero and one. The wiper speed is preferably continuously controlled as a function of the opening portion. It is conceivable that the opening portion is categorized into different opening stages. It is conceivable that further parameters, such as wind speed, are taken into account for controlling the wiper speed.

[0014] Additionally proposed is a vehicle having at least one wiper device, at least one window pane, at least one sunroof, at least one convertible top and / or at least one control and / or regulating unit configured to carry out the method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims. A high level of operating comfort can advantageously be provided, since an operator is not exposed to splash water, particularly when the vehicle window is open. A high level of safety can advantageously be provided, since the operator is not startled during vehicle operation because he is not exposed to splash water. A high level of cleaning performance can advantageously be provided, since the wiper can be used to clean the windshield, particularly when the windows are open.Preferably, the vehicle has window sensors configured to detect an opening state and / or an opening percentage. It is conceivable that the control and / or regulating unit is configured as the vehicle's control unit.

[0015] The method according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the method according to the invention and the vehicle according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. drawing

[0016] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle with a wiper device and with window panes and Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the wiper device. Description of the embodiment

[0018] The Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a wiper device 12. The wiper device 12 is designed as a windshield wiper. The wiper device 12 has a wiper 16. The wiper device 12 has a wiper drive 40. The wiper 16 is attached to the wiper drive 40 via a wiper arm. The vehicle 10 has a windshield 14. The wiper 16 has a wiper lip. The wiper lip of the wiper 16 contacts the windshield 14. The wiper 16 is configured to be moved across the windshield 14. The windshield 14 has a wiping area 20. The wiper 16 is configured to be moved back and forth within the wiping area 20 of the windshield 14. The vehicle 10 has an A-pillar 38. The vehicle 10 has a water tank 42. The wiper 16 has a turning area 36. The turning area 36 is arranged in a vicinity of the A-pillar 38.The wiper 16 has a further turning area 44. The further turning area 44 is arranged in a vicinity of the water tank 42. The vehicle 10 has a plurality of window panes 18. The vehicle 10 has a vehicle body. The windshield 14 is integrated into the vehicle body. The window panes 18 are integrated into the vehicle body. The window panes 18 are designed to be openable and closable. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle 10 could also have a sunroof 48 and / or a convertible top 46. The vehicle 12 has sensors configured to detect opened / closed window panes 12. The vehicle 10 has a control and / or regulating unit 28.

[0019] The control and / or regulating unit 28 is configured to reduce the wiper speed when one of the window panes 18 is open. The control and / or regulating unit 28 is configured to receive / process a signal from the sensor. The control and / or regulating unit 28 is configured to provide an opening parameter. The control and / or regulating unit 28 is configured to reduce the wiper speed depending on the opening parameter. The opening parameter is configured as an opening state of the window pane 18. Alternatively or additionally, the opening parameter is configured as an opening position 26 of the window pane 18. Alternatively or additionally, the opening parameter is configured as an opening portion of the window pane 18.Alternatively or additionally, the opening parameter could also be configured as the opening state, the opening position 26, and / or the opening portion of the convertible top 46. Furthermore, the control and / or regulating unit 28 is configured to reduce the wiper speed depending on an operating parameter. The operating parameter is configured as a vehicle speed and / or a wiper position 24 within the wiping area 20. It is conceivable that the control and / or regulating unit 28 is configured as a control unit of the vehicle 10.

[0020] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the wiper device 12.

[0021] In a method step 30, the windshield 14 of the vehicle 10 is cleaned with the wiper device 12. For this purpose, the wiper 16 of the wiper device 12 is swept across the wiping area 20 of the windshield 14 at the wiper speed. The wiper 16 is moved back and forth within the wiping area 20. The wiper 16 is rotated in sections about a rotation axis of the wiper drive 40 of the wiper device 12 (see FIG. Fig. 1). In this case, any liquid adhering to the windshield 14 in the wiping area 20 is wiped off. The wiper 16 is reversed in its direction of movement near the A-pillar 38 of the vehicle 10. The wiper 16 is reversed in its direction of movement near the water chamber 42.

[0022] In a further method step 32, the opening parameter is determined. A separate opening parameter is determined for each window pane 18 and / or the convertible top 46. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating unit 28 receives the signal from the sensors of each window pane 18. The opening parameter is determined by the control and / or regulating unit 28 based on the signals. Furthermore, the vehicle speed is retrieved by the control and / or regulating unit 28. Furthermore, a wiper position 24 within the wiping area 20 is retrieved by the control and / or regulating unit 28. It is conceivable that the control and / or regulating unit 28 calculates several opening parameters, several operating parameters, and other parameters to produce a representative opening parameter.

[0023] In a further method step 34, the wiper speed is reduced compared to normal operation depending on the opening parameters of the window panes 18 and / or the convertible top 46 of the vehicle 10 (cf. Fig.1). Alternatively, the wiper speed could be reduced compared to normal operation, depending on the opening parameter of the window panes 18 and / or the convertible top 46 of the vehicle 10, only in a partial area 22 of the wiping area 20. Alternatively, the wiper speed could be reduced when the wiper 16 moves toward an open window pane 18. In addition, the wiper speed is reduced depending on the operating parameter. The wiper speed is reduced more sharply at high vehicle speeds. Alternatively or additionally, other parameters, such as wind speed, could be taken into account. For example, the wiper speed could be further reduced in strong winds. The wiper speed is changed during wiper operation immediately upon a change in the opening parameter.Alternatively, the wiper speed could be adjusted in a subsequent wiping cycle. Alternatively, the wiper speed could be limited to a maximum speed. It is also conceivable that the wiper speed could be reduced only in a portion of the wiping area.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a wiper device (12), in particular a windscreen wiper, of a vehicle (10), with which a windscreen (14) of the vehicle (10) is cleaned by sweeping at least one wiper (16) of the wiper device (12) over a wiping area (20) of the windscreen (14) at a wiping speed, characterized by that, depending on at least one opening parameter of a window pane (18) and / or a convertible top (46) of the vehicle (10), a wiper speed of the wiper (16) is reduced compared to normal operation at least in a partial area (22) of the wiping area (20). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the wiper speed is changed during wiper operation, preferably immediately when the opening parameter is changed. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the wiper speed is reduced at least as a function of an operating parameter which is at least designed as a vehicle speed. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the wiper speed is reduced at least as a function of an operating parameter which is designed as at least one wiper position (24) within the wiping area (20). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening parameter is designed as at least one opening state of the at least one window pane (18). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening parameter is designed as at least one opening position (26) of the at least one window pane (18). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the opening parameter is designed as at least one opening portion of the at least one window pane (18). [8] Vehicle (10) with at least one wiper device (12), with at least one window pane (18), with at least one sliding roof (48), with at least one convertible top (46) and / or with at least one control and / or regulating unit (28) which is designed to carry out the method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims.

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