Wiper device, sensor system and equipped vehicle

Abstract

TITLE: Wiper device, sensor system and equipped vehicle. Wiper device comprising a wiper arm (20a), equipped with a wiper blade (18a) having a wiping lip for wiping the surface (16a) of a protective element (14a) of a sensor device (12a), in particular a lidar device, and a guide unit (24a) for guiding the wiper arm (20a) at least practically in a translational motion along a guide path (50a). A pivot joint connects the wiper blade (18a) to the wiper arm (20a). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Wiping device, sensor system and equipped vehicle FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiping device comprising a wiper arm, a wiper blade coupled to the wiper arm and having a wiping lip for wiping the surface of a protective element of a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, and an arm guide unit for moving the arm at least practically in translation along a guide path. PRIOR TECHNIQUE

[0002] Such a wiping device is already known.

[0003] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a wiping device comprising a wiper arm, at least one wiper blade coupled to the wiper arm and having at least one wiping lip for wiping a top surface of a protective element of a sensor device, in particular a lidar device, and a wiper arm guide unit for guiding the wiper arm at least practically in a translational movement along a guide path, this wiping device being characterized by a rotational joint by which the wiper blade is pivotally mounted on the wiper arm.

[0005] The term "wiping device" preferably refers to at least a part, and more preferably a subset, of a windshield wiper. The wiping device may also consist of the entire windshield wiper assembly, in particular, including a wiper blade. The wiping device is preferably applied to a vehicle and is mounted on a sensor device of the vehicle. Preferably, the wiping device is, in particular, a part of the windshield wiper and serves to clean a surface, preferably a window, of the sensor device fitted to a vehicle.

[0006] Preferably, the wiping device is coupled to the vehicle. The expression "designed for" means that it is a means specially designed, installed, made, or equipped to perform a certain function. The fact that an object is designed to perform a certain function means that the object performs this function in at least one state of use or operation, or executes this function. The expression "state of operation" refers to a state in which the wiping device is performing a wiping operation or a wiping mode, or is in wiping mode; in this wiping mode, the wiping lip of the wiper blade, in particular the wiper arm, preferably passes over a window, in particular the surface of the element of The protective element or shield of the sensor device is applied to this surface. The surface of the sensor device's protective element may be part of a vehicle window. Specifically, the protective element is part of a vehicle window.

[0007] Preferably, the sensor device is a lidar device. The sensor device is, in particular, a part and preferably at least a subset of at least one lidar sensor, in particular a lidar sensor module. The sensor device comprises a lidar unit having at least one lidar sensor element. In particular, the sensor device comprises several, for example, two, three, four, five, or more lidar sensor elements. The sensor device is installed on a vehicle to capture its environment, in particular for autonomous driving. On construction sites, the sensor device makes it possible to measure structures, scan 3D contours, and / or be used in laboratories for research purposes. In particular, the sensor device makes it possible to capture or measure objects, in particular using at least one lidar sensor element.

[0008] The sensor device is intended to be applied to a vehicle. The sensor device is preferably implemented as a component of the vehicle. Alternatively, the sensor device may also be retrofitted to the vehicle. Preferably, the sensor device is intended to detect objects in the vehicle's environment. The sensor device is intended to detect objects using the vehicle, preferably at the roof, the front, and a side and / or rear area of ​​the vehicle. Preferably, the sensor device is connected to the vehicle, in particular to a processing unit such as the vehicle's on-board computer.The sensor device includes the protective element, in particular the cover wall which allows, in particular, the laser beam to exit the housing of the sensor device and which is in particular at least practically transparent to the detection wavelengths of the laser beam of the lidar sensor element.

[0009] The protective element is preferably made as a cover panel. The protective element defines, in particular, the cover panel, the sensor device, and the surface of the sensor device as the outer surface of the protective element, in particular the cover panel. Preferably, the sensor device, which is in particular the protective element, preferably the cover panel, is provided at least partially on the outer side of the vehicle. The protective element, preferably the cover panel, at least partially covers the sensor device from the outside. By way of example, the protective element, preferably the cover panel, is made at least largely of glass and / or plastic. In particular, the wiper blade is provided to clean the protective element, Preferably, the cover wall is cleaned mechanically, particularly using the wiping lip. The wiping lip is advantageously made of a rubber-type material.

[0010] Preferably, the wiper arm guide unit includes a drive unit that moves the wiper blade used to clean the surface by passing over it in a linear motion. Preferably, the drive unit moves the wiper blade along a path defined by the wiper arm guide unit. Preferably, the wiper arm guide unit ensures a straight path. The wiping device includes a connecting unit by which the wiper arm and the wiper arm guide unit are removably connected. The connecting unit is advantageously in the form of a snap-fit ​​connection. The wiper arm and the support element of the wiper arm guide unit, in the fully installed state, are connected to each other by at least one connecting means ensuring a connection by force and / or by form.Preferably, the connecting means compresses the wiper arm and the support element from two opposite sides of the wiper arm. Preferably, the drive unit is designed to move the wiper blade across the entire surface along the outer surface, in particular to ensure complete mechanical cleaning of this surface.

[0011] The wiper blade of the windshield wiper is preferably interchangeable. In particular, the wiper blade can be replaced without tools. The term "longitudinal axis" of an object refers, in particular, to the axis parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric parallelepiped that completely surrounds the object and preferably passes through the geometric center of the object.

[0012] Preferably, the drive unit moves the wiper blade, particularly between its operating states, from a storage or parking position in which the wiping lip is moved away from the pressure unit to a stop to relieve at least the compression element and / or in which the wiping lip is moved away from the surface. For example, the surface (also called the outer surface), particularly the protective element, may decrease in size on at least one side. In particular, the protective element, particularly the cover, on at least one side, and in particular on at least two sides, and preferably on two opposite sides, has a ramp-shaped element. The drive unit is designed to move the wiper blade from the storage position over at least one ramp element on the outer surface, in particular, over the protective element.The drive unit is specifically designed to drive the wiper blade to wipe the exterior surface by passing over at least one ramp element from the exterior surface towards the . storage position.

[0013] Preferably, the wiping device specifically comprises a wiper arm. The wiping lip is largely formed within the wiper arm. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of at least one wiper arm is parallel to at least one external surface. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of at least one wiper arm is parallel to the external edge of at least one external surface. Preferably, at least this external surface is at least practically perpendicular. Preferably, at least the wiper arm extends along an edge length of the external surface. Preferably, the wiper arm has, at at least one end, an extension of the wiper arm along its longitudinal axis, connected to the drive unit.Alternatively, this wiper arm is connected to both ends of the wiper arm extension along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm. Preferably, this wiper arm has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the U-shaped blade of the wiper arm, in particular a metal blade.

[0014] Preferably, the wiper arm has a U-shaped profile, particularly for its section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The wiper arm is practically parallelepiped in shape. Preferably, the wiper arm defines a wiper arm cavity that largely receives the wiper lip. The open side relative to the U-shaped profile of the wiper arm faces the outer surface. The drive unit is rigidly connected to the vehicle or the sensor device. Preferably, the wiper arm is rigidly connected to the drive unit. The compression unit is designed to push the wiper lip against the wiper arm, particularly against the drive unit, especially against the vehicle, and in particular against the outer surface of the sensor device.To regulate the application pressure, the wiper device could include a linear guide unit that receives the wiping lip in a movable manner on the wiper arm.

[0015] Preferably, the wiper blade detaches without tools via the pivot joint connecting it to the wiper arm. The wiper blade is preferably connected exclusively to the wiper arm by the pivot joint. The pivot joint receives the wiper blade pivotally about an axis of rotation on the wiper arm. The axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm. Preferably, the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade. Preferably, the axis of rotation is oriented parallel to the outer surface. The axis of rotation is preferably parallel to at least one outer edge of the outer surface. external. Preferably, the axis of rotation is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. The pivot joint may include, for example, a bearing stud permanently connected to the wiper arm. Alternatively, the pivot joint includes a recess into which the wiper blade can be hooked. The wiper blade preferably includes a connecting element shaped to correspond to the bearing stud or the recess. The wiping device includes a locking unit for permanently connecting the pivotally mounted wiper blade, via the pivot joint, to the wiper arm. Preferably, the pivot joint is housed, at least for the most part, within the cavity of the wiper blade.

[0016] The wiping device according to the invention makes it possible to clean the window element. In particular, it provides advantageous properties with regard to the reliability of the sensor device to be cleaned. Specifically, it offers the advantage of a high level of safety for the operation of the sensor device used to detect objects. In particular, the movement of the vehicle can be used to effectively clean the sensor device.

[0017] According to another feature, the pivot joint considered along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm is at least practically in the middle of the wiper arm. Preferably, the pivot joint considered along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm is precisely in the middle of the arm. The pivot joint can be installed along the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm, in an area around the middle of the wiper arm (or wiper arm) having, preferably, a maximum of 25%, and preferably a maximum of 10%, of the longitudinal extension of the wiper arm along its longitudinal axis. Advantageously, a regular distribution of the wiping lip is obtained on the outer surface, the wiping lip advantageously sliding over the irregular points of the outer surface.

[0018] According to another feature, the wiping device comprises at least one pressure unit with at least one spring element for exerting pressure to apply the wiping lip against the outer surface of the protective element. Preferably, the wiping device comprises the pressure unit for pressing the wiping lip against the outer surface. Preferably, the drive unit moves the wiper blade used to clean the outer surface in a linear motion, particularly bidirectional, on the outer surface, and in particular, the pressure unit pushes the wiping lip against the outer surface. The pressure unit preferably comprises at least one basic pressure element.Preferably, the pressure unit, in particular the basic pressure element, is designed to exert pressure on the wiping lip, in particular to ensure the surface application of the wiping lip along its longitudinal axis. against the outer surface. Preferably, the pressure unit, in particular at least the basic pressure element, is designed to exert a minimum pressure on the wiping lip. In particular, to press the wiping lip against the outer surface with a constant pressure of at least 10 N / m and, preferably, at least 14 N / m and, particularly preferably, at least 20 N / m.

[0019] Preferably, the pressure unit, in particular the spring element, is different from an elastic rail.

[0020] Preferably, the pressure unit is designed to exert pressure on the wiper lip and the reaction force on the wiper arm and from the wiper arm, via the drive unit and in particular via the sensor device, on an object; this object is, for example, the vehicle or a housing of the sensor device. Preferably, the pressure unit is not a rod, in particular a metal rod which, especially in its unstressed state, has a curved shape such as, for example, that of the elastic rail. The wiper blade may also include an elastic rail. The pressure unit preferably has an adjustment template for adjusting the pressure exerted by the wiper lip on the outer surface for installation on the wiper arm.Preferably, the pressure unit has an adjustment screw at the connection between the wiper arm and the drive unit, allowing adjustment of the distance between the wiper arm and the surface normal to the outer surface. The central part of the dirt is advantageously removed by using a reduced wiping power; in particular, a forceful action allows for the removal of stubborn stains.

[0021] According to another feature, the wiper arm guide unit comprises a support element coupled to the wiper arm. Preferably, a guide frame for the wiper arm guide unit is permanently connected to the sensor device, in particular to the sensor housing. The support element is preferably permanently connected to the guide frame. Preferably, the wiper arm is removably connected to the support element. This provides advantageous interchangeability of the wiper arm, and in particular, facilitates maintenance of the wiping device.

[0022] According to another feature, the longitudinal axis of the support element is at least practically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm, in particular the wiper lip. The expression "practically perpendicular" here refers in particular to the orientation of a direction with respect to a reference direction, the direction and the reference direction, considered in particular in a projection plane, forming an angle of 90° with each other, and this angle has a maximum deviation in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the element of The support is inclined at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, most preferably at least 60°, and exceptionally, preferably at least 75°, relative to the longitudinal axis of the wiper arm. In particular, the wiper lip is angled. An advantageously simple compression unit can be combined with the wiper arm's guide unit.

[0023] According to another feature, the wiper arm is designed to be fitted onto the support element. For example, the wiper arm can be connected by a plug-in connection to a clip-on unit, in particular by a clip-on connection to the support element. Alternatively, the wiper arm is fixed by a plug-in connection secured by another plug-in connection from a different safety element to the support element. This provides an advantageously protected and removable connection of the wiper arm to the support element.

[0024] According to another feature, the wiper arm, in at least one mounting position, is mounted to slide along the adjustment axis relative to the support element. Preferably, the adjustment axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support element. The wiper arm slides along the adjustment axis relative to the outer surface, in particular relative to the protective element, via the adjusting screw. This leads to an advantageous basic position for the pressure force of the wiper lip on the outer surface.

[0025] According to another feature, the adjustment axis is at least practically perpendicular to the outer surface of the protective element. Preferably, along the entire length of the adjustment axis, the wiper arm slides perpendicular to the outer surface. Preferably, the distance between the wiper arm and the outer surface is adjusted by a quick-thread screw along the adjustment axis. Advantageously precise adjustment of the application pressure can be achieved if the wiper arm requires only a small movement.

[0026] Furthermore, the adjustment axis is angled between 10° and 80° with respect to the outer surface of the protective element. Preferably, the adjustment axis is angled at least 15°, preferably at least 25°, and particularly preferably at least 35°, and exceptionally preferably at least 45° with respect to the outer surface of the protective element. Preferably, the adjustment axis is angled at a maximum of 80°, preferably a maximum of 70°, particularly preferably a maximum of 60°, and very particularly preferably a maximum of 50° with respect to the outer surface of the protective element. Lateral access to the outer surface or the wiper arm is also provided.

[0027] According to another feature, the wiping arm and the support element are coupled to each other by a dovetail joint. Alternatively, the wiping arm and the support element can be connected to each other by several dovetail joints. Advantageously, a stable and removable connection is obtained between the wiping arm and the support element.

[0028] According to another feature, at least one spring element is provided in the wiper blade. Preferably, this spring element is housed in the wiper cavity located between the wiping lip and an outer wall opposite the outer wall of the wiper arm. This allows for variable adjustment of the application pressure, which is advantageous.

[0029] According to another feature, the wiping arm is connected by at least one spring element to the support element. Preferably, in particular, the spring element is directly connected to the wiping arm and to the support element, in particular, to exert a force on the wiping arm, ensuring its compression towards the outer surface. This has the advantage of providing a simple preload on the wiping arm exerted directly by the connection between the wiping arm and the support element.

[0030] According to another feature, a sensor system is proposed, in particular a lidar system having at least one sensor device, in particular a lidar device with a common protective element and a wiping device according to the invention, for wiping the outer surface of the protective element.

[0031] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising at least one sensor system according to the invention as described above.

[0032] The wiping device according to the invention, the sensor system according to the invention, and / or the vehicle according to the invention are not limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the wiping device, the sensor system according to the invention, and / or the vehicle according to the invention may comprise a number of elements different from those described above to perform their function without departing from the scope of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The present invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of examples of embodiments of a windshield wiper device shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0034] [Fig. 1] Schematic representation of a vehicle equipped with a sensor system according to a first embodiment,

[0035] [Fig.2] Schematic representation of the sensor system and a device windshield wiper according to the invention, according to the first embodiment,

[0036] [Fig.3] Schematic representation of the windshield wiper device,

[0037] [Fig.4] Schematic representation of a wiper arm of the wiper device,

[0038] [Fig.5] Schematic representation of a variant of the wiper arm of the wiper device,

[0039] [Fig.6] Schematic representation of another variant of the wiper arm of the wiper device,

[0040] [Fig.7] Schematic cross-sectional view of the windshield wiper device,

[0041] [Fig.8] Schematic cross-sectional view of the wiper arm,

[0042] [Fig.9] Schematic cross-sectional view of a device adjustment jig windshield wipers,

[0043] [Fig. 10] Schematic cross-sectional view of a pressure unit of the windshield wiper device,

[0044] [Fig. 11] Schematic representation of a linkage unit of the wiper device according to a first example of a linkage as a variant of Figures 3 and 10,

[0045] [Fig. 12] Schematic cross-sectional view of a linkage unit,

[0046] [Fig. 13] Schematic cross-sectional view of a variant of the device's linking unit windshield wiper according to the first embodiment as a variant of figures 11 and 12,

[0047] [Fig. 14] Schematic cross-sectional view of a variant of a linking unit,

[0048] [Fig. 15] Schematic view of a windshield wiper device according to the invention in a second embodiment, and

[0049] [Fig. 16] Schematic representation of a windshield wiper device according to the invention corresponding to a third embodiment.

[0050] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 150a. The vehicle 150a is equipped with a sensor system 200a. The sensor system 200a is a lidar system. The vehicle 150a is a road vehicle, for example, a passenger vehicle.

[0052] Figure 2 shows, schematically and by way of example, the sensor system 200a. The sensor system 200a comprises a sensor device 12a. The sensor device 12a is a lidar device. The sensor device 12a comprises a protective element 14.

[0053] The sensor system 200a includes a wiping device 10a. The wiping device 10a is intended to wipe the surface 16a of the protective element 14a.

[0054] The wiping device 10a includes a wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a". The wiper blades 18a, 18a', 18a" shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6 correspond to different embodiments which, nevertheless, can be mounted on the wiping device 10a. The wiping device 10a includes a wiper arm 20a. The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" has a wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" (see [Fig. 3]). The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is coupled to the wiper arm 20a. The wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" is designed to wipe the surface 16a of the protective element 14a of the sensor device 12a, in particular the lidar device. The wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" is coupled to the wiper arm 20a. The wiper device 10a includes a wiper arm guide unit 24a designed to move the wiper arm 20a primarily along a translational motion corresponding to a guide path 50a. The wiper assembly 10a is equipped with a pivoting joint 26a that receives the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" onto the wiper arm 20a. The wiper arm 20a can be made in two parts. The wiper arm 20a can, in particular, be divided by a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection is indicated by dashed lines in Figures 4, 5, and 6.Part of the wiper arm 20a can thus be connected to the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" from another part of the wiper arm 20a coupled to the support element 60a. The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" can thus be quickly replaced.

[0055] The sensor device 12a is in the form of a lidar device. The sensor device 12a is intended for capturing and / or measuring objects. The sensor device 12a is intended for application to a vehicle 150a. The sensor device 12a is intended for capturing and / or measuring objects, particularly for autonomous driving. The sensor device 12a is intended for capturing objects in the environment of the vehicle 150a. The sensor device 12a is in the form of a component of the vehicle 150a. The sensor device 12a, in particular the protective element 14a, is installed on the exterior side of the vehicle 150a. The sensor device 12a comprises at least one lidar unit 32a. The lidar unit 32a comprises a lidar sensor element (not shown). The lidar unit 32a includes a sensor housing 34a which houses the lidar sensor element (see [Fig.3]).The sensor device 12a includes the protective element 14a, which emits the laser beam from the sensor device 12a from the sensor housing 34a and is transparent to the detection wavelength of the lidar sensor element. The protective element 14a is in the form of a cover partition. The protective element 14a partially covers the sensor device 12a on its outer side. The protective element 14a forms, in particular, the front part of the sensor housing 34a. The protective element 14a is made of glass and / or a plastic material such as, for example, polycarbonate. The protective element 14a defines the surface 16a of the sensor device 12a as the outer surface of the protective element 14a, which is made in the form of a cover partition. The outer surface 16a is rectangular. The sensor device 12a is connected to a computer, in particular the vehicle's computer 150a, for data transfer.

[0056] The wiping device 10a is designed to wipe the protective element 14a; in particular, the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is designed for mechanical cleaning The protective element 14a, and in particular the wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a'. The wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a' is made of a type of rubber. In particular, the wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a' is made of a natural and / or synthetic elastomer. The wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a' is largely associated with the wiper arm 20a (see [Fig. 7]). The longitudinal axis 36a of the wiper arm 20a is oriented parallel to the surface 16a. The wiper arm 20a extends along the shorter edge of the rectangular surface 16a (see [Fig. 2]). The wiping device 10a specifically comprises a wiping arm 20a. The longitudinal axis 36 of the wiping arm 20a is parallel to the outer edge of the outer surface 16a. The outer surface 16a is rectangular in shape. The wiping arm 20a extends along the edge length of the outer surface 16a.

[0057] The wiping arm 20a is a metal rod with a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiping arm 20a ([Fig. 7]). The wiping arm 20a has a U-shaped profile, particularly its cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiping arm 20a. The open side, in particular, with respect to the U-shaped profile of the wiping arm 20a, is oriented towards the outer surface 16a. In particular, the side of the wiping arm 20a not facing the outer surface 16a has a flat outer surface. In particular, the outer surface of the side of the wiping arm 20a not facing the outer surface 16a is parallel to this outer surface 16a.

[0058] The wiping arm 20a is quadrangular in shape (see Figures 1 and 2). The wiping arm 20a defines a wiping cavity 38a which largely receives the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a". The wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" is pivotally mounted in the cavity 38a (see Figures 4-6).

[0059] The wiper arm guide unit 24a includes a drive unit 42a that moves the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" to clean the surface 16a by linear movement along the outer surface 16a. The drive unit 42a is designed to move the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" along the guide path 50a defined by the wiper arm guide unit 24a. The wiper arm guide unit 24a defines a rectangular path, specifically a straight guide path 50a. The wiper arm 20a is connected to the drive unit 42a. The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is guided by the drive unit 42a on the outer surface 16a to clean it.

[0060] The drive unit 42a is designed to move the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" over the entire surface along the outer surface 16a, in particular for mechanical cleaning over the entire outer surface 16a; the expression "over the entire surface" means in particular that the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" is completely applied along the longitudinal axis 40a of the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a". The wiper arm guide unit 24a, in particular the drive unit 42a, is permanently connected to the sensor system 200a. The sensor system 200a is permanently connected to the vehicle 150a. The wiper arm 20a is connected at one end of the wiper arm extension 20a along the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiper arm 20a to the drive unit 42a. The drive unit 42a is designed to move the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" to clean the outer surface 16a along a linear and in particular bidirectional path on the outer surface 16a; the pressure unit 44a pushes the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" against the outer surface 16a (see [Fig.3]).

[0061] The pressure unit 44a is partly implemented as an adjusting screw 54a at the connection of the wiper arm 20a to the drive unit 42a, and allows adjustment of the distance 52a between the wiper arm 20a in the direction of the normal to the outer surface 16a and the outer surface 16a. This pressure unit 44a sets the base value of the pressure 46a of the wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a" against the outer surface 16a (see [Fig. 7]). The pressure unit 44a pushes the wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a" by the wiper arm 20a through the drive unit 42a against the vehicle 150a on the outer surface 16a. The pressure unit 44a is designed to exert a pressure 47a on the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" in particular to ensure the surface application of the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" along the longitudinal axis 40a of the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" against the outer surface 16a.The wiping device 10a includes the pressure unit 44a. The pressure unit 44a is designed to exert a minimum pressure on the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" in particular to press the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" against the outer surface 16a with a constant pressure of at least 1 N / m, preferably at least 14 N / m.

[0062] The wiping device 10a includes the pressure unit 44a for pressing the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" against the surface 16a.

[0063] The pressure unit 44a is made to exert a pressure 47a on the wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a", a reaction exerted on the wiper arm 20a and from the wiper arm 20a, by the drive unit 42a in particular, by the sensor device 12a on an object, for example, the vehicle 150a or the housing of the sensor device 12a.

[0064] The drive unit 42a is designed to move the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" in particular between the operating states of the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" in a stowed position in which the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" is moved away from the outer surface 16a. The protective element 14a has, on one side, a ramp element 48a (see [Fig. 7]). The drive unit 42 is designed to move the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" for wiping, from the position of storage, on the ramp element 48a and on the outer surface 16a. The drive unit 42a is made to move the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" to a wiping stop on the outer surface 16a by passing over the ramp element 48a of the outer surface 16a in the storage position.

[0065] The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is interchangeable (see Figures 4-6). In particular, the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is interchangeable without the need for tools. The wiper arm 20a is designed to be electrically heated. The side of the wiper arm 20a opposite the outer surface 16a of the protective element 14a is at least practically rectangular. The side of the wiper arm 20a opposite the outer surface 16a of the protective element 14a is at least essentially flat.

[0066] The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is removably coupled without tools to the wiper arm 20a via the pivot joint 26a (see Figures 4-6). The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" is connected to the wiper arm 20 solely via the pivot joint 26a. The pivot joint 26a receives the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" by pivoting it around a pivot axis 28a on the wiper arm 20a. The pivot joint 26a is in the form of a pivot. The pivot joint 26a has a circular cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The pivot joint 26a forms the pivot axis 28a. The pivot axis 28a is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiper arm 20a.

[0067] The axis of rotation 28a is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 56a of the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a". The axis of rotation 28a is oriented parallel to the outer surface 16a. The axis of rotation 28a is parallel to the outer edge of the outer surface 16a. The axis of rotation 28a is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 44a of the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a".

[0068] The wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" preferably has a connecting element 58a, 58a', 58a" which has a shape corresponding to that of the bearing stud. The connecting element 58a, 58a', 58a" defines a recess to receive the pivot joint 26a. The connecting element 58a, 58a', 58a" is centrally connected to the wiper lip 22a, 22a', 22a". The pivot joint 26 is installed in the wiper cavity 38a.

[0069] The rotation joint 26a considered along the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiper arm 20a is located primarily in the middle of the wiper arm 20a. The rotation joint 26a considered along the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiper arm 20a is precisely in the middle of the wiper arm 20a. The rotation joint 26a is installed along the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiper arm 20a in an area around the middle of the wiper arm 20a with a maximum of 25% of the maximum extension of the wiping arm 20a along its longitudinal axis 56a (see figures 4-6).

[0070] The wiper arm guide unit 14a includes a support element 60a. The support element 60a is coupled to the wiper arm 20a. A guide frame 62a of the wiper arm guide unit 24a is rigidly connected to the sensor device 12a, in particular to the sensor housing 34a. The support element 60a is rigidly connected to the guide frame 62a. The support element 60a is movably integrated by the guide frame 62a. The wiper arm 20a is removably connected to the support element 60a.

[0071] The longitudinal axis of the support element 60a is cast perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36a, 40a of the wiping arm 20a, in particular of the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a". In principle, the longitudinal axis of the support element 60a could also be installed at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 36a of the wiping arm 20a.

[0072] The wiping arm 20a is intended to be fitted onto the support element 60a. For example, the wiping arm 20a is connected by a plug-in connection and / or by a clip-on connection, in particular by a hook-on connection to the support element 60a.

[0073] The wiping arm 20a is mounted to slide relative to the support element 60a in at least one mounting position by means of an adjustment shaft 64a. The adjustment shaft 64a is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support element 60a. The wiping arm 20a slides by means of the adjusting screw 54a along the adjustment shaft 64a relative to the outer surface 16a, in particular relative to the protective element 14a. The adjustment shaft 64a is oriented perpendicular to the surface 16a of the protective element 14a. The wiping arm 20a slides completely along the adjustment shaft 64a relative to the outer surface 16a. The distance 52a of the wiping arm 20a from the outer surface 16a is adjusted by the adjusting screw 54a along the adjusting axis 64a (see [Fig.3]).

[0074] The wiping arm 20a and the support element 60a are coupled to each other by a dovetail joint (see [Fig. 10]). The dovetail joint against the wiping arm 20a has one degree of freedom, in translation on the support element 60a.

[0075] The pressure unit 44a includes the adjusting screw 54a at the connection of the wiping arm 20a to the drive unit 42a which makes, in an adjustable manner, the distance 52a of the wiping arm 20a in the direction of a normal to the outer surface 16a with respect to this outer surface 16a.

[0076] Figure 8 shows a section of the wiping arm 20a. The pressure unit 44a includes a spring element 70a. The spring element 70a is designed to generate A pressure 47a is applied to press the wiper lip 22a against the surface 16a of the protective element 14a. The spring element 70a is mounted on the wiper arm 20a. The spring element 70a is installed in the wiper blade 18a. The wiper blade 18a is mounted largely within the wiper arm 20a. The spring element 70a is mounted in the wiper cavity 38a between the wiper lip 22a and the outer wall 72a of the wiper arm 20a, which is not oriented towards the outer surface 16a. According to an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to make the wiper blade 18a without spring element 70a, at least in part, out of a spring steel which presses the wiper blade 18a in particular the wiping lip 22a against the outer surface 16a.

[0077] The pressure unit 44a includes an adjustment gauge 76a which is installed on the outer surface 16a against the wiping arm 20a to adjust the pressure 47a of the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a" against the outer surface 16a. The adjustment gauge 76a is mounted largely within the wiping arm 20a. The adjustment gauge 76a applies, largely, against an outer wall 72a of the wiping arm 20a opposite the outer surface 16a. The adjustment gauge 76a is formed at least in part from an element which has at least a partial area with the same shape as the wiping lip 22a, 22a', 22a". The adjustment template 76a can be mounted on the wiper arm 20a instead of the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a" to adjust the distance 52a. After adjusting the distance 52a, the adjustment template 76a can be replaced with the wiper blade 18a, 18a', 18a".

[0078] The wiping device 10a can alternatively be attached to the support element 60a instead of being attached with an adjusting screw 54a. The wiping device 10a includes a connecting unit 66a by which the wiping arm 20a and the wiping arm guide unit 24a are removably connected to each other. The connecting unit 66a is designed as a snap-fit ​​connection. The wiping arm 20a and the support element 60a are connected to each other by a force and / or form connection in the fully installed state by the connecting means 68a. The connecting means 68a is designed to compress the wiping arm 20a and the support element 60a from two opposite sides of the wiping arm 20a. The connecting means 68a attaches to the support element 60a and presses the support element 60a against the wiping arm 20a. The connecting means 68a is pivotally mounted on the support element 60a (see [Fig. 11] and [Fig. 12]).

[0079] Figures 13 and 14 show a variant of the linkage unit 66a' of the wiping device 10a. The linkage unit 66a' includes a linkage means 68a' which penetrates laterally into the support element 60a to secure a dovetail joint between the wiping arm 20a and the support element 60a. The linkage means 68a slides translationally along the wiping arm 20a parallel to the adjustment axis. 64a. The connecting means 68a' is designed to compress the wiping arm 20a and the support element 60a against each other from two opposite sides of the wiping arm 20a. The connecting means 68a' hooks against the support element 60a and presses the support element 60a against the wiping arm 20a.

[0080] Figures 15 and 16 respectively show two other embodiments of the invention. The following description and drawings are mainly limited to the differences between the embodiments; for components of the same embodiment, reference should be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular those in Figures 1 to 14. To distinguish the embodiments, the suffix "a" in the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 14 is replaced in Figures 15 and 16 by the suffixes "b" and "c".

[0081] Figure 15 shows a variant of the wiping device 10b. Unlike the first embodiment, the adjustment axis 64a is oriented differently. The adjustment axis 64b is angled between 10° and 80°, in particular at 33° to the outer surface 16b of the protective element 14b. The connection of the wiping arm 20b to the support element 60b can be made as in the first embodiment.

[0082] Figure 16 shows another variant of the wiping device 10c. The wiping device 10c comprises a pressure unit 44c. Unlike the previous embodiments, the wiping arm 20c is slidably mounted on the support element 60c, particularly in the installed state. The wiping arm 20c is connected to the support element 60c by a spring element 74c of the pressure unit 44c. The spring element 74c is directly connected to the wiping arm 20c and to the support element 60c. The spring element 74c exerts a pressure 47c on the wiping arm 20c acting on the outer surface 16c. The wiping arm 20c slides along the support element 60c along an adjustment axis 64c. The spring element 74c acts as a tension spring. This spring element is designed to pull the wiping arm 20c along the adjustment axis 74c, preferably towards the support element 60c.

[0083] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0084] (nomenclature without suffixes)

[0085] 10 Wiping device

[0086] 12 Sensor device

[0087] 14 Protective element

[0088] 16 Exterior surface

[0089] 18 Windshield wiper blade

[0090] 20 Windshield wiper arm

[0091] 22 Wiping lip

[0092] 24 Wiper arm guide unit

[0093] 26 Rotation joint

[0094] 28 Axis of rotation

[0095] 32 Lidar Unit

[0096] 34 Sensor housing

[0097] 36 Longitudinal axis of the arm

[0098] 38 Wiper cavity

[0099] 40 Longitudinal axis of the wiping lip

[0100] 42 Training Unit

[0101] 44 Unit of proximity sion

[0102] 47 Application pressure

[0103] 50 Guidance path

[0104] 54 Adjustment screw

[0105] 56 Longitudinal axis of the windshield wiper blade

[0106] 58 Element of

[0107] 60 Support element

[0108] 64 Adjustment axis

[0109] 66 Linking Unit

[0110] 68 Means of connection [YES] 70 Element of res sort

[0112] 72 Outer wall of the wiper arm

[0113] 74 Element of res sort

[0114] 76 Adjustment template

Claims

Claims

1. A wiping device comprising a wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c), at least one wiper blade (18a, 18a', 18a") coupled to the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c) which has a wiping lip (22a, 22a', 22a") for wiping an outer surface (16a, 16b, 16c) of a protective element (14a, 14b, 14c) of a sensor device (12a), in particular a lidar device, and a wiper arm guide unit (24a) for guiding the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c) substantially in a translational movement along a guide path (50a), wherein the wiper arm guide unit (24a) is arranged in a guide path (50a) in a direction substantially in a translational direction, and ... wiper characterized by - a rotation joint (26a) by which the wiper blade (18a, 18a', 18a") is pivotally mounted on the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c), - the wiper arm guide unit (24a) comprises a support element (60a, 60b, 60c) coupled to the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c), - in the mounted state the wiper arm is installed by an adjustment shaft (64a,64b, 64c) slidingly on the support element (60a, 60b, 60c) and, - the adjustment axis (64b) is oriented at an angle of between 10° and 80° relative to the outer surface (16b) of the protective element (14b).,

2. Wiping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation joint (26a) considered along the longitudinal axis (36a) of the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c) is at least practically in the middle of the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c).

3. A wiping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one pressure unit (44a) having a spring element (70a, 74c) for exerting pressure (47a) for pressing the wiping lip (22a, 22a', 22a") against the outer surface (16a, 16b, 16c) of the protective element (14a, 14b, 14c).

4. Wiping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the support element (60a, 60b, 60c) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (36a) of the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c) in particular of the wiping lip (22a, 22a', 22a").

5. Wiping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c) is fitted onto the support element (60a, 60b, 60c)

6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wiper arm (20a, 20b, 20c) and the support element (60a, 60b, 60c) are coupled to each other by a dovetail connection.

7. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one spring element (70a) is provided in the wiper blade (18a, 18a', 18a").

8. Device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the wiping arm (20c) is connected by at least one spring element (74c) to the support element (60c).

9. Sensor system, in particular a lidar system, comprising at least one sensor device (12a), in particular a lidar device, with a protective element (14a) and at least one wiping device (10a, 10b, 10c) according to one of claims 1 to 8, provided for wiping the outer surface (16a, 16b, 16c) of the protective element (14a, 14b, 14c).

10. Vehicle comprising at least one sensor system (200a) according to claim 9.

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