Wiper device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper device comprising: a wiper arm (28a; 28b); at least one wiper blade (24a; 24b) which is coupled to the wiper arm (28a; 28b) and which has at least one wiper lip (26a; 26b) for wiping a surface (20a; 20b) of a protective element (18a; 18b) of a sensor device (14a; 14b), in particular a lidar device, the sensor device having a housing (16a; 16b); and a wiper-arm guiding unit (30a; 30b) which is provided for moving the wiper arm (28a; 28b) at least substantially translationally along a guide path (32a; 32b) and which includes at least one bearing rail (36a; 36b) for that purpose. According to the invention, in at least one mode of operation, the wiper-arm guiding unit (30a; 30b) is provided for moving the wiper arm (28a; 28b) into a parked position (62a; 62b) in a region next to the protective element (18a; 18b) to be wiped, in particular laterally next to the housing (16a; 16b).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Wiper device

[0003] State of the art

[0004] A wiper device having a wiper arm, at least one wiper blade coupled to the wiper arm, which comprises 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 having a wiper arm guide unit which is provided for moving the wiper arm at least substantially translationally along a guide path and for this purpose has at least one bearing rail, has already been proposed.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on a wiper device with a wiper arm, with at least one wiper blade coupled to the wiper arm, which comprises at least one wiper lip for wiping a surface of a protective element of a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, which has a housing, and with a wiper arm guide unit which is provided for moving the wiper arm at least substantially translationally along a guide track and for this purpose has at least one bearing rail.

[0007] 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 an area next to the protective element to be wiped, in particular laterally next to the housing. A "wiper device" should preferably be understood to mean at least a part, preferably a subassembly, of a windshield wiper. Preferably, the wiper device can also comprise the entire windshield wiper, in particular with a wiper blade. Preferably, the wiper device is provided for use on a vehicle and on the sensor device. Preferably, the wiper device, in particular as part of the windshield wiper, is provided for cleaning a surface, preferably a window of the sensor device on a vehicle. Preferably, the wiper device is coupled to the vehicle."Intended" should preferably be understood as specifically designed, configured, configured, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should preferably be understood as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0008] The sensor device is preferably designed as a lidar device. The sensor device is in particular at least a part, preferably at least a subassembly, of at least one lidar sensor, in particular of a lidar sensor assembly. The sensor device can in particular also comprise the entire lidar sensor, in particular the entire lidar sensor assembly. The sensor device preferably has at least one lidar unit, which in particular comprises at least one lidar sensor element. In particular, the sensor device can have a plurality, such as two, three, four, five or similar lidar sensor elements. The sensor device is preferably arranged on a vehicle for environmental detection, in particular for autonomous driving. The sensor device can be arranged on construction sites for surveying buildings, for scanning 3D contours and / or in the laboratory for research purposes.In particular, the sensor device is provided for detecting and / or measuring objects, in particular by means of the at least one lidar sensor element. The sensor device is preferably provided for use on a vehicle. The sensor device is preferably designed as a component of the vehicle. Alternatively, the sensor device can be designed as a retrofit kit for the vehicle. The sensor device is preferably provided for detecting objects in an environment of the vehicle. The sensor device is preferably coupled to the vehicle for detecting objects, preferably in a roof area, a front area, at least one side area and / or a rear area of ​​the vehicle. The sensor device is preferably connected to the vehicle, in particular to a computing unit, such as an on-board computer, of the vehicle.The sensor device preferably has the protective element, in particular a cover wall, which in particular allows a laser beam to emerge from a housing of the sensor device and which in particular is at least substantially transparent to detection wavelengths of the laser beam of the at least one lidar sensor element. The protective element is preferably designed as a cover wall. The protective element, in particular the cover wall, of the sensor device preferably defines the surface of the sensor device as an outer surface of the protective element, in particular the cover wall. The sensor device, in particular the protective element, preferably the cover wall, is preferably arranged at least partially on an outer side of the vehicle. The protective element, preferably the cover wall, preferably covers the sensor device at least partially, in particular outwards.For example, the protective element, preferably the cover wall, is formed at least to a large extent from glass and / or a plastic.

[0009] In particular, the wiper blade is intended to clean the protective element mechanically, in particular by means of the wiper lip. The wiper lip is preferably rubber-like. The wiper arm guide unit preferably has a drive unit which moves the wiper blade linearly over the surface to clean the surface. The drive unit is preferably designed to move the wiper blade along a path defined by the wiper arm guide unit. The wiper arm guide unit preferably defines a rectilinear path. The wiper device preferably comprises a connecting unit by means of which the wiper arm and the wiper arm guide unit are detachably connected to one another. The connecting unit is preferably designed as a snap closure.Preferably, the wiper arm and a support element of the wiper arm guide unit are connected to one another in a fully assembled state by means of at least one connecting means in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. Preferably, the connecting means is designed to press the wiper arm and the support element together from two opposite sides of the wiper arm. Preferably, the drive unit is designed to move the wiper blade across the entire surface, in particular for mechanically cleaning the entire surface.

[0010] 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, a longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm is aligned parallel to the at least one surface. Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm is aligned parallel to an outer edge of the at least one surface. Preferably, the at least one surface is at least substantially rectangular. Preferably, the at least one wiper arm extends over at least one edge length of the at least one surface. Preferably, the at least one wiper arm is connected to the drive unit at at least one end of an extension of the at least one wiper arm along the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm.A “longitudinal axis” of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, an axis that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object, and preferably runs through a geometric center of the object. Preferably, the at least one wiper arm is designed as a U-shaped strip, in particular a metal strip, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. Preferably, the at least one wiper arm has a U-shaped profile, in particular with respect to the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. Preferably, the at least one wiper arm delimits a wiper cavity in which the wiper blade is largely arranged. Preferably, an open side of the wiper arm is oriented towards the surface, in particular with respect to the U-shaped profile.Preferably, the drive unit is fixedly connected to the vehicle or the sensor device.

[0011] A “wiper arm guide unit” is understood to mean a unit that moves the wiper arm along a preferably straight guide path relative to the surface of the protective element to be wiped. A “parking position” is preferably understood to mean a position of the wiper arm into which it is adjusted when not in use. When the wiper device is at rest, the wiper arm is arranged in the parking position. The parking position of the wiper arm is arranged in particular laterally next to the housing of the sensor device. In particular, the parking position is not arranged in an area that overlaps with an area of ​​the protective element to be wiped. In the parking position, the wiper arm is moved out of an area in front of the protective element to be wiped. In the parking position, the wiper arm is arranged, preferably protected behind cover elements.

[0012] The term “to the side of the housing” should preferably be understood in relation to a viewing line perpendicular to the surface to be wiped, to the side of the housing.

[0013] Thanks to the inventive design of the wiper device, the wiper arm can be arranged in a particularly advantageous position, the parking position, when not in use, i.e. 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 advantageously be parked in an area that is difficult to see or not visible when not in use. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly advantageous appearance. Furthermore, the wiper arm can advantageously be parked behind corresponding cover elements, whereby the wiper arm is arranged in a particularly protected manner in the parking position. This means that the wiper arm and the associated components of the wiper device can be particularly well protected from environmental influences and external damage in the parking position.The design according to the invention makes it possible to provide a visually particularly advantageous wiper device which is particularly advantageously protected against damage.

[0014] It is further proposed that the wiper arm guide unit comprise a guide rail designed to lift the wiper arm with the wiper lip from the surface to be wiped when moving it into the parking position. A "guide rail" is preferably understood to mean a rail along which another element, such as, in particular, the wiper arm, is guided. The guide rail preferably comprises 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 thereby guided.

[0015] This allows the wiper arm to be moved into the parking position particularly advantageously.

[0016] It is further proposed that the guide rail have a raised portion in a transition area to the parked position of the wiper arm, which is directed away from the surface to be wiped. This allows the guide rail to be designed particularly advantageously for guiding the wiper arm into the parked position.

[0017] It is further proposed that the wiper arm be connected to the bearing rail via two spring-loaded bearing points. A "spring-loaded bearing point" is preferably understood to mean a bearing point via which two elements are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another in at least one degree of freedom. A spring element is provided that exerts a spring force on the elements mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, acting in a direction along which the elements are movable relative to one another. This allows the wiper arm to be mounted particularly advantageously.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper arm guide unit have a connecting element by means of which the wiper arm is hingedly attached to the bearing rail. A "connecting element" should preferably be understood as an element by means of which two other elements are connected to each other. This allows the wiper arm to be connected to the bearing rail particularly advantageously.

[0019] It is further proposed that the wiper arm guide unit have a first bearing point designed as a rotary 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 intended to provide a preload force in the direction of the surface to be wiped. This allows the wiper arm to be mounted particularly easily to form a preload. It is also proposed that the wiper arm guide unit have a second bearing point via which the connecting element is coupled to the bearing rail, wherein the wiper arm guide unit has a second spring element which is integrated into the second bearing point. The connecting element is preferably not connected directly to the bearing rail. The connecting element is preferably connected to a guide element which is displaceably mounted on the bearing rail.The connecting element is coupled to the bearing axis via the guide element. This allows the connecting element to be connected to the bearing rail in a particularly advantageous manner, allowing adjustment to the parking position.

[0020] It is further proposed that the second spring element of the wiper arm guide unit be more rigid than the first spring element. This allows the spring elements to be designed particularly advantageously to enable simple and safe adjustment of the wiper arm into the parking position.

[0021] It is also proposed that the second bearing point be designed as a rotary bearing. This allows for a particularly simple design of the bearing point.

[0022] It is further proposed that the second bearing point be designed as a linear bearing. This makes it particularly easy to configure the second bearing point for adjusting the wiper arm to the parking position.

[0023] It is further proposed that the wiper device have a support element arranged next to the surface to be wiped and designed to ensure that the wiper lip or wiper arm rests against it in the stowed position. A "support element" should preferably be understood as an element that provides a support surface for the wiper blade or wiper arm in the parked position, preventing it from pivoting behind a plane of the surface to be wiped in the parked position. This allows the wiper device to be designed to be particularly functionally reliable, and the wiper arm can be advantageously secured in the parked position. The wiper device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above.In particular, the wiper device according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function 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.

[0024] drawing

[0025] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two exemplary embodiments 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.

[0026] They show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a sensor system in a first embodiment,

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the sensor system and a wiper device according to the invention in the first embodiment,

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the sensor device with the wiper device in a side view, with a guide rail and two spring-loaded bearing points, with a wiper arm during a wiping process,

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the sensor device with the wiper device, with the wiper arm during a wiping operation, Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the wiper device, with the wiper arm in its parking position,

[0031] Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of the wiper device, with the wiper arm in its parking position,

[0032] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a sensor device with a wiper device in a second embodiment with the wiper arm during a wiping process and

[0033] Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the wiper device, with the wiper arm in its parking position.

[0034] Description of the embodiments

[0035] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10a. 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 car. Figure 2 shows an abstract and exemplary view of the sensor system 12a. The sensor system 12a has a sensor device 14a. The sensor device 14a is designed as a lidar device. The sensor device 14a is intended for detecting and / or measuring objects. The sensor device 14a is intended for use on the vehicle 10a. The sensor device 14a has at least one lidar sensor element (not shown). The sensor device 14a has a housing 16a. The housing 16a is designed as a sensor housing in which the lidar sensor element is arranged. The housing 16a preferably forms a cavity in which the lidar sensor element is arranged. The housing 16a has an opening.The sensor device 14a has a protective element 18a. In an assembled 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 an exterior side of the vehicle 10a. The protective element 18a is provided to allow a laser beam of the sensor device 14a to exit the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a and is in particular transparent to a detection wavelength of the lidar sensor element. The protective element 18a is designed as a cover wall. The protective element 18a partially covers the sensor device 14a towards the outside. The protective element 18a forms in particular a 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 a surface 20a for the sensor device 14a as an outer surface of the protective element 18a.The surface 20a is preferably rectangular. The protective element 18a forms part of an exterior surface of the vehicle 10a and is therefore exposed to various environmental influences and can become contaminated. For the correct functioning of the sensor device 14a, it is important that the protective element 18a be as clean as possible, which is why it may be necessary to clean the protective element 18a.

[0036] The sensor system 12a has a wiper device 22a. Figures 3 to 6 show the sensor system with the wiper device 22a in a first exemplary 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 24a is provided for wiping the surface 22a of the protective element 16a. The wiper blade 24a has an elongated extension. The wiper blade 24a is rubber-like. In particular, the wiper blade 24a is made of a natural and / or synthetic elastomer. A longitudinal axis of the wiper blade 24a is aligned parallel to the surface 20a of the protective element 18a.The wiper blade 24a extends over a shorter edge length of the rectangular surface 20a of the protective element 18a. In an assembled state, the wiper blade 24a extends over an entire extent of the shorter edge length of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The wiper blade 24a has a wiper lip 26a. In an assembled state, the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a contacts the surface 20a of the protective element 18a in at least one wiping operating state. The wiper lip 26a extends over the entire longitudinal extent of the wiper blade 24a. The wiper lip 26a is arranged on a front first side of the wiper blade 24a, which in the assembled state faces the protective element 18a. Preferably, the wiper blade 24a is designed to mechanically clean the protective element 18a, in particular by means of the wiper lip 26a. 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 28a, the wiper blade 24a is moved relative to the protective element 18a of the sensor device 14a in order to clean the latter. The wiper arm 28a is designed as a metal strip with a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The wiper arm 28a has a U-shaped profile, in particular with respect to the cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. An open side of the wiper arm 28a faces the surface 20a of the protective element 18a in the assembled state. Preferably, a side of the wiper arm 28a facing away from the surface 20a in the assembled state has a flat outer surface. The outer surface of the wiper arm 28a is preferably aligned parallel to the surface 20a. The longitudinal axis of the wiper arm 28a is aligned parallel to an outer edge of the surface 20a to be wiped.The wiper arm 28a extends over 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 largely arranged. The wiper arm 28a is rigid. The wiper arm 28a is preferably made of a plastic.

[0037] The wiper device 22a has a wiper arm guide unit 30a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a is designed to move the wiper arm 28a at least substantially translationally along a guide track 32a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a is designed to guide the wiper arm 28a, and thus the wiper blade 24a connected to the wiper arm 28a, over the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped. The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a drive unit 34a that moves the wiper blade 24a linearly over the surface 20a to clean the surface 20a of the protective element 18a. The drive unit 34a is designed to move the wiper blade 24a along the guide track 32a defined by the wiper arm guide unit 30a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a defines a linear path, in particular the linear guide track 30a. The wiper arm 28a is connected to the drive unit 34a.The wiper blade 24a is guided by the drive unit 34a for wiping across the surface 20a. The drive unit 34a is designed to move the wiper blade 24a across the entire surface 20a, in particular for mechanically cleaning the entire surface 20a, wherein "across the entire surface" refers in particular to the wiper lip 26a being in contact along a 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 to move the wiper blade 24a linearly, and in particular bidirectionally, across the surface 20a for cleaning the surface 20a.

[0038] The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a bearing rail 36a for translationally displaceable mounting. The bearing rail 36a is designed as a linear bearing. The bearing rail 36a defines the guide track 32a along which the wiper arm 28a is mounted. The bearing rail 36a is preferably fixedly mounted to the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The bearing rail 36a is arranged on an upper side of the housing 16a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a guide element 38a. The guide element 38a is axially displaceably connected to the bearing rail 36a. The guide element 38a is positively coupled to the bearing rail 36a. The wiper arm 28a is displaceably mounted on the bearing rail 36a along the guide track 32a via the guide element 38a. The wiper arm 28a is coupled to the guide element 38a. The wiper arm 28a is preferably indirectly connected to the guide element 38a.

[0039] The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a connecting element 40a. The wiper arm 28a is fastened to the bearing rail 36a via 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 via the connecting element 40a. The connecting element 40a is provided for articulatedly connecting the wiper arm 28a to the bearing rail 36a. The wiper arm 28a is articulated to the guide element 38a via 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 bearing point 42a. The first bearing point 42a is located at a first end of the connecting element 40a. The connecting element 40a is connected to the guide element 38a at a second bearing point 44a.The second bearing point 44a is located at a second end of the connecting element 40a, opposite the first end. The wiper arm 28a is pivotally connected to the guide element 38a via the two bearing points 42a, 44a. The wiper arm 28a is pivotally connected to the bearing rail 36a via the two bearing points 42a, 44a.

[0040] The wiper arm 28a is designed to be connected to the bearing rail 36a via the two spring-loaded bearing points 42a, 44a. The bearing points 42a, 44a are spring-loaded for this purpose. The spring-loaded bearing points 42a, 44a allow the wiper blade 24a with its wiper lip 26a to be advantageously pressed against the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped during operation. This allows particularly advantageous cleaning results to be achieved. The spring-loaded bearings 42a, 44a provide a contact force acting in the direction of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped.

[0041] The wiper arm guide unit 30a includes the first bearing point 42a. The first bearing point 42a is designed as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm 28a is pivotally coupled to the connecting element 40a via the first bearing point 42a, which is designed as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm 28a is pivotally mounted relative to the bearing rail 36a via the first bearing point 42a, which is designed as a rotary bearing. The bearing point 42a, which is designed as a rotary bearing, forms a rotation axis. The wiper arm 28a is pivotally mounted relative to the connecting element 40a about the rotation axis of the bearing point 42a. The rotation axis of the bearing point 42a is aligned parallel to the guide track 32a of the wiper arm guide unit 30a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a first spring element 46a. The first spring element 46a is integrated into the first bearing point 42a. The first spring element 46a is intended to provide a preload force in the direction of the surface 20a to be wiped.In a normal operating state, the first spring element 46a is intended to press the wiper blade with its wiper lip 26a onto the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped during wiping. The first spring element 46a is operatively arranged between the connecting element 40a and the wiper arm 28a. The first spring element 46a is designed as a torsion spring. The spring element 46a designed as a torsion spring has a first leg coupled to the wiper arm 28a. The spring element 46a designed as a torsion spring has a second leg coupled to the connecting element 40a. As a result, the spring element 46a can exert a rotational moment from the connecting element 40a onto the wiper arm 28a.

[0042] The wiper arm guide unit 30a includes the second support point 44a. The second support point 44a is designed as a rotary bearing. The connecting element 40a is pivotally coupled to the guide element 38a, i.e., the bearing rail 36a, via the second support point 44a, which is designed as a rotary bearing. The wiper arm 28a is pivotally mounted relative to the bearing rail 36a via the second support point 44a, which is designed as a rotary bearing. The second support point 44a, which is designed as a rotary bearing, forms a rotation axis. The connecting element 40a is pivotally mounted relative to the guide element 38a about the rotation axis of the second support point 44a. The rotation axis of the second support point 44a is aligned parallel to the guide track 32a of the wiper arm guide unit 30a. The rotation axis of the second support point 44a is aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the first support point 42a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a has a second spring element 48a.The second spring element 48a is integrated into the second bearing point 44a. The second spring element 48a is intended to provide a preload force in the direction of the wiper arm 28a. In a normal operating state, the second spring element 48a is intended to press the wiper blade with its wiper lip 26a onto the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped during wiping. The second spring element 48a is operatively arranged between the guide element 38a and the connecting element 40a. The second spring element 48a is designed as a torsion spring. The second spring element 48a, designed as a torsion spring, has a first leg that is coupled to the connecting element 40a. The second spring element 48a, designed as a torsion spring, has a second leg that is coupled to the guide element 38a. As a result, the spring element 46a from the guide element 38a can exert a rotational moment on the connecting element 40a.

[0043] By connecting the guide element 38a to the wiper arm 30a via the bearing points 42a, 44a, which are spring-loaded by the spring elements 46a, 48a, the wiper blade 24a with its wiper lip 26a can be advantageously pressed 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, to move the wiper arm 28a into a parking position 62a in an area adjacent to the protective element 18a to be wiped, in particular laterally adjacent to the housing 16a. The parking position 62a is arranged adjacent to 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 an area of ​​the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped. The wiper blade 24a is arranged laterally adjacent to the protective element 18a in the parking position 62a. The wiper blade 24a is arranged with the wiper arm 28a next to the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The wiper arm 28a is arranged orthogonally to the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped, laterally next to the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a.In the parked position 62a, the wiper arm 28a is preferably arranged at least 3 mm, preferably more than 5 mm, and particularly preferably more than 8 mm laterally next to the housing 16a. By arranging the wiper arm 28a in the parked position 62a, the wiper arm 28a and the wiper blade 24a connected thereto can advantageously be arranged outside of an 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 only with difficulty, from the outside when not in use. This also advantageously reduces or prevents 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 to guide the wiper arm 28a during a movement along the guide track 32a. The guide rail 50a is provided during wiping to guide the wiper arm 28a such that the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a rests on the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped. The guide rail 50a is provided to lift the wiper arm 28a with the wiper lip 26a from the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped when moved into the parking position 62a. The guide rail 50a is arranged in an area of ​​the bearing rails 36a. The guide rail 50a extends over the entire long width of the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The guide rail 50a extends into an area of ​​the parking position 62a of the wiper arm 28a. The guide rail 50a extends over the same area as the bearing rail 36a.The guide rail 50a forms a contact area. The contact area of ​​the guide rail 50a faces the wiper arm 28a, and in particular the connecting element 40a. The contact area is provided so that the pivotably mounted connecting element 40a is supported thereon. The connecting element 40a rests with a rear side against the contact area of ​​the guide rail 50a. The connecting element 40a rests against the contact area of ​​the guide rail 50a over the entire range of movement in which the wiper arm 28a is displaceably mounted via the bearing rail 36a.

[0046] The guide rail 50a has a raised portion 52a in a transition area to the parking position 62a of the wiper arm 28a. The raised portion 52a of the guide rail 50a is directed away from the surface 20a of the protective element 18a that is to be wiped. When the guide rail 50a travels over the raised portion 52a, the connecting element 40a is pushed away from the protective element 18a. As a result, the connecting element 40a is pivoted away from the protective element 18a at its second bearing point 44a, counter to the spring force of the second spring element 48a. By pivoting 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 with its wiper lip 26a are lifted from the surface 20a of the protective element 18a that is to be wiped. As a result, the wiper blade 24a can be removed particularly gently from the protective element 18a and transferred to the parking position 62a.The elevation 50a has a first partial region 54a, which faces the area in front of the protective element 18a. The wiper arm 28a is lifted from the surface 20a of the protective element 18a via the first partial region 54a after a wiping operation. The elevation 52a has a second partial region 56a, which faces the parking position 62a. The wiper arm 28a is guided into or out of the parking position 62a via 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 laterally next to the housing 16a of the sensor device 14a. The support element 58a is arranged in a region of the parked position 62a of the wiper arm 28a. The support element 58a is provided so that the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a rests against it in the parked position 62a. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the wiper arm 28a itself to rest against the support element 58a in the parked position 62a. The support element 58a has a contact surface 60a against which the wiper lip 26a of the wiper blade 24a rests in the parked 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 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 pivoting further in its parking position 62a toward the protective element 18a than during wiping operation. The support element 58a is provided to prevent the wiper arm 28a from pivoting beyond a plane of the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped.

[0048] When the wiper arm 28a is adjusted from its parked position 62a laterally next to the housing 16a, the wiper arm 28a is pivoted away from the surface 20a of the protective element 18a to be wiped by the deflection of the connecting element 40a through the second partial area 56a of the elevation 52a of the guide rail 50a. The wiper arm 28a is moved in the direction of the protective element 18a to be wiped. By guiding the connecting element 40a along the first partial area 54a of the elevation 52a of the guide rail 50a, the wiper arm 28a is pivoted 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 by the wiper arm guide unit 30a along the guide track on the surface 20a. At the lateral end of the protective element 18a, the wiper arm guide unit 30a reverses the movement of the wiper blade 28a and this is moved again towards its parking position 62a.If further cleaning cycles are performed, the wiper arm guide unit 30a reverses the direction of movement of the wiper arm 28a 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 to 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, whereby the connecting element 40a is deflected against the spring force of the second spring element 48a. The second spring element 48a of the wiper arm guide unit 30a advantageously has greater rigidity than the first spring element 46a. This allows the wiper blade 28a to be lifted particularly easily from the surface 20a when the wiper arm 28a moves over the raised portion 52a of the guide rail 50a. The wiper arm guide unit 30a moves the wiper arm 28a over the raised portion 52a.The wiper arm 28a is pivoted again in the direction of the protective element 18a over the second partial area 56a of the elevation 52a and parked on the support element 58a in the parking position 62a.

[0049] Figures 7 and 8 show a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 6. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 6. In the exemplary embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0050] Figures 7 and 8 show, by way of example, a sensor system 12b with a wiper device 22b in a second exemplary embodiment. 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 the 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 provided for wiping the surface 22b of the protective element 16b. The wiper device 22b comprises a wiper blade 24b. The wiper blade 24b is provided for wiping 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 provided for receiving and supporting the wiper blade 24b. The wiper device 22b has a wiper arm guide unit 30b. The wiper arm guide unit 30b is provided for moving the wiper arm 28b at least substantially translationally along a guide track 32b. The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a bearing rail 36b for translationally displaceable mounting. The bearing rail 36b is designed as a linear bearing. The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a guide element 38b. The guide element 38b is connected to the bearing rail 36b for axial movement.The guide element 38b is positively coupled to the bearing rail 36b. The wiper arm 28b is slidably mounted along the guide track 32b on the bearing rail 36b via the guide element 38b.

[0052] The wiper arm guide unit 30b has a connecting element 40b. The wiper arm 28b is attached to the bearing rail 36b via the connecting element 40b. The connecting element 40b is intended to connect the wiper arm 28b to the guide element 38b. The wiper arm 28b is intended to be connected to the bearing rail 36b via two spring-loaded bearing points 42b, 44b. The bearing points 42b, 44b are designed to be spring-loaded for this purpose. Due to the spring-loaded bearing points 42b, 44b, the wiper blade 24b with its wiper lip 26b can be advantageously pressed against the surface 20b of the protective element 18b to be wiped during operation. The wiper arm guide unit 30b comprises the first bearing point 42b. The first bearing point 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 point 42b.The first spring element 46b is functionally arranged between the connecting element 40b and the wiper arm 28b. The first bearing point is essentially the same as the corresponding bearing point in the first embodiment.

[0053] The wiper arm guide unit 30b comprises the second bearing point 44b. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the second bearing point 44b is designed as a linear bearing. The connecting element 40b is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable relative to the guide element 38b via the bearing point 44b designed as a linear bearing. The bearing point 44b designed as a linear bearing has a linear guide rail that is connected to the guide element 38b. The connecting element 40b forms a bearing element via which the connecting element 40b is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the linear guide rail of the guide element 38a. The second bearing point 44b designed as a linear bearing forms a displacement axis 66b, parallel to which the connecting element 40b is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the guide element 38b. The displacement axis is designed orthogonal to the guide track 32b of the bearing 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 cavity 64b of the guide element 38b. The connecting element 40b is displaceably mounted at least partially in the cavity 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 point 44b. The second spring element 48b is intended to provide a preload force in the direction of the wiper arm 28b. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the spring element 48b is designed as a tension spring element. The spring element 48b designed as a tension spring is arranged between the guide element 38b and the connecting element 40b. The spring element 48b designed 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 points 42b, 44b spring-loaded by means of the spring elements 46b, 48b, the wiper blade 24b with its wiper lip 26b can be advantageously pressed against the surface 20b of the protective element 18b to be wiped during operation.The wiper arm guide unit 30b is provided, in at least one operating state, to move the wiper arm 28b into a parking position 62b in an area adjacent to the protective element 18b to be wiped, in particular laterally adjacent to the housing 16b. The parking position 62b is arranged adjacent to 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 to guide the wiper arm 28b during movement along the guide track 32b. The guide rail 50b has an elevation 52b in a transition area to the parking position 62b of the wiper arm 28b. The elevation 52b of the guide rail 50b is directed 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 next to the surface 20b to be wiped. The support element 58b is arranged laterally next to the housing 16b of the sensor device 14b.The wiper arm guide unit 30b is essentially identical in design to the first embodiment, with one function also being the same. Therefore, to avoid duplication, neither the wiper arm guide unit 30b nor its function, nor the adjustment of the wiper arm 28b to the parking position 62b, will be described in detail again here. Reference is made here to the corresponding description of the first embodiment.

Claims

Claims 1 . Wiper device with a wiper arm (28a; 28b), with at least one wiper blade (24a; 24b) coupled to the wiper arm (28a; 28b), which comprises at least one wiper lip (26a; 26b) for wiping a surface (20a; 20b) of a protective element (18a; 18b) of a sensor device (14a; 14b), in particular a lidar device, which has a housing (16a; 16b), and with a wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) which is provided to move the wiper arm (28a; 28b) at least substantially translationally along a guide track (32a; 32b) and for this purpose has at least one bearing rail (36a; 36b), characterized in that the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) is provided in at least one operating state to Wiper arm (28a; 28b) into a parking position (62a; 62b) in an area next to the protective element (18a; 18b) to be wiped, in particular laterally next to the housing (16a; 16b).

2. 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 lifting the wiper arm (28a; 28b) with the wiper lip (26a; 26b) from the surface to be wiped (20a; 20b) when moving into the parking position (62a; 62b).

3. Wiper device according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide rail (50a; 50b) has, in a transition region to the parking position (62a; 62b) of the wiper arm (28a; 28b), an elevation (52a; 52b) which is directed away from the surface (20a; 20b) to be wiped.

4. Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper arm (28a; 28b) is provided to be connected to the bearing rail via two spring-loaded bearing points (42a, 44a; 42b, 44b) (36a; 36b) to be connected. Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a connecting element (40a; 40b) via which the wiper arm (28a; 28b) is articulated to the bearing rail (36a; 36b). Wiper device according to claim 5, characterized in that the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a first bearing point (42a, 42b) designed as a rotary bearing, via which the wiper arm (28a; 28b) is connected to the connecting element (40a; 40b), wherein the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a first spring element (46a; 46b) which is integrated into the first bearing point (42a; 42b) and is provided to exert a pretensioning force in the direction of the surface (20a; 28b) to be wiped. 20b).Wiper device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a second bearing point (44a; 44b) via which the connecting element (40a; 40b) is coupled to the bearing rail (36a; 36b), wherein the wiper arm guide unit (30a; 30b) has a second spring element (48a; 48b) which is integrated into the second bearing point (44a; 44b). 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). Wiper device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second bearing point (44a) is designed as a rotary bearing. Wiper device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second bearing point (44b) is designed as a linear bearing. Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a support element (58a; 58b) which, in addition to the wiping surface (20a; 20b) and is provided for the wiper lip (26a; 26b) or the wiper arm (28a; 28b) to rest against it in the parked position (62a; 62b).

12. Sensor system, in particular a lidar system, with at least one sensor device (14a; 14b), in particular a lidar device, which comprises a protective element (18a; 18b), and with at least one wiper device (22a; 22b) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which is provided for wiping a surface (20a; 20b) of the protective element (18a; 18b).

13. Vehicle with at least one sensor system (12a; 12b) according to claim

Images