Wiping control device and method for managing the wiping device

Abstract

TITLE: Wiper control device and method for managing the wiper device. Wiper control device for a wiper device (12a), particularly one of an autonomous vehicle, having a fluid distribution unit (14a) for applying a cleaning fluid (16a) to a surface to be cleaned, and the wiper device (12a) includes a cleaning unit (20a) for removing the cleaning fluid (16a; 18a) from the surface. At least one action control element (22a) is provided to control the wiper device (12a) so that the cleaning fluid (20a) is applied during an action step (24a), between the application of the cleaning fluid (16a; 18a). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Wiping control device and method for managing the wiping device. SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for wiping a vehicle wiping device, in particular autonomous, this wiping device comprising a liquid distribution unit for applying cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned, this wiping device comprising a cleaning unit for removing the cleaning liquid from the surface. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Such a wiper control device is already known.

[0003] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a windshield wiper control device for a windshield wiper device, in particular of an autonomous vehicle, the windshield wiper device having a liquid distribution unit for applying a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned and the wiping device includes a cleaning unit for removing the cleaning liquid from the surface, windshield wiper control device characterized by at least one action control element provided to control the wiping device so that the cleaning liquid exerts action during an action step, between the application of the cleaning liquid and the removal of the cleaning liquid, to achieve a predefined action time of the cleaning liquid.

[0005] The cleaning unit may be a wiper blade of a wiping device for removing the cleaning fluid and / or be identical to the fluid dispensing unit for rinsing the cleaning fluid with another cleaning fluid, in particular a jet of water. The wiping control device preferably includes control electronics. The term "control electronics" refers in particular to a unit with a processor unit and a memory unit, as well as a management program stored in the memory unit. The wiping control device is preferably designed to control or regulate the cleaning unit, in particular the movement of the wiper blade and / or the dispensing of cleaning fluid and / or the dispensing of the other cleaning fluid. The action control element is preferably part of the control electronics.The action control element can be, for example, a physical compound, in particular a distinct control compound, for example, a clock, an element. of timing in regulation technique, a dead time element in regulation technique or a similar means or even a routine of the management program.

[0006] The wiping device preferably comprises a wiper arm unit equipped with a wiper blade, in particular mounted pivotally. The wiping device preferably comprises a motor, in particular a reversible motor, to drive the wiper arm unit, in particular to guide the wiper blade over the surface to be cleaned. The control electronics preferably comprise at least one motor interface to transmit the control signal to the motor, in particular to control or regulate the cleaning unit. Preferably, the wiping device is coupled, for example, by a wiper arm to the wiper arm unit to clean the surface.The wiping device is preferably designed to clean a window, such as the windshield, rear window, or side window of the vehicle, or a sensor, such as a vehicle lidar device, vehicle camera, vehicle headlight, or similar component. The surface to be cleaned is preferably the window and / or the protective lens and / or the viewing lens of the sensor, camera, and / or headlight. The vehicle is preferably a partially or fully autonomous vehicle. The vehicle has at least a level of automation of Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 according to SAE J3016.

[0007] The fact that an object is designed to perform a certain function preferably means that the object performs this specified function in at least one application or operating state, or will perform this function. The term "operating state" preferably means a state in which the wiping device is ready to operate to perform a wiping operation and / or a wiping mode and / or is at least coupled to a wiper arm and / or a wiper blade and / or is in a wiping mode in which the wiping blade unit, preferably the wiping lip of the wiping device, is being driven onto the surface to be cleaned by being applied against that surface.

[0008] The fluid distribution unit is preferably installed on the wiper blade, and the wiper arm unit is preferably equipped with at least one fluid line to supply the fluid distribution unit with cleaning fluid and / or the other cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the fluid distribution unit is installed on the wiper arm unit. Alternatively, the fluid distribution unit is installed away from the wiper arm unit and is mounted in the wiper blade. The wiper control device preferably includes at least one container for storing the cleaning fluid and / or the other cleaning fluid. The wiper control device preferably includes at least one transfer unit, including a pump for transporting the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the distribution unit. The control unit preferably includes at least one transfer interface to transmit a control signal to the transfer unit, in particular to control or regulate the cleaning unit.

[0009] The action step controlled by the action control element includes, for example, commanding the motor to hold the wiper arm unit in a wiping stop position for a predefined duration, reducing the wiper arm unit's wiping speed below a threshold determined by the predefined duration, or reducing the wiping speed of the wiper arm unit to below a threshold determined by the predefined duration, or reducing the wiping speed of another area of ​​the surface to be cleaned by the wiper arm unit. The action step controlled by the action control element includes, for example, commanding the transfer unit to block the distribution of the cleaning fluid and / or other cleaning fluid for a predefined duration.The predefined action duration can be stored in the memory unit or determined by the processor unit, in particular, depending on the operating state of the vehicle, for example, by the sensor and / or camera of the captured traffic situation and / or environmental or similar conditions.

[0010] The embodiment according to the invention allows for advantageously thorough cleaning. In particular, the cleaning effect of the cleaning fluid will be advantageously and effectively utilized.

[0011] According to another feature, the wiper control device comprises at least one cleaning fluid reservoir, in particular the one already mentioned for receiving the cleaning fluid, and at least one other cleaning fluid reservoir for receiving another cleaning fluid as already mentioned. Both the cleaning fluid reservoir and the other cleaning fluid reservoir have at least one fluid connection for connection to the fluid distribution unit. The cleaning fluid reservoir and the other cleaning fluid reservoir may be separate, in particular spaced apart, or be a single unit. The expression "a single unit" means, in particular, a single component.Preferably, this component is obtained from a single blank, a mass, and / or a casting, and particularly preferably from an injection casting, notably in a one- or multi-component injection molding process. For example, the cleaning fluid reservoir and the other fluid reservoir can be formed from chambers, particularly separated from a single fluid reservoir. The cleaning fluid is preferably a high-performance fluid. The cleaning fluid is preferably more aggressive than the other cleaning fluid. This other cleaning fluid is preferably windshield washer fluid. The cleaning fluid and / or the other cleaning fluid may optionally contain additional products such as, for example, antifreeze or insect repellent. or others. Preferably, the cleaning fluid reservoir has a smaller volume than the other cleaning fluid reservoir. The embodiment according to the invention makes it advantageous to combine the cleaning action of different cleaning agents.

[0012] According to another feature, the wiping control device includes a regulating unit for alternately connecting the cleaning fluid reservoir and the other cleaning fluid reservoir to the fluid connection. The controlling unit is preferably a three-way valve. Alternatively, the regulating unit is a mixer and includes a mixing chamber, particularly for diluting a concentrated cleaning fluid with another cleaning fluid. Alternatively, or in addition, the regulating unit includes a valve installed downstream of the cleaning fluid reservoir and another valve upstream of the other cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0013] The control electronics are connected, preferably via signal transmission technology, to the control unit to control or regulate the transport of the cleaning fluid and / or the other cleaning fluid to the fluid distribution unit. The fluid distribution unit preferably comprises at least one distribution element, in particular a nozzle for projecting the cleaning fluid and the other cleaning fluid separately or in a mixture. The fluid distribution unit preferably comprises several distribution elements, in particular nozzles connected to a common supply line. The fluid connection is preferably provided for connection to the common supply line. The embodiment according to the invention makes the wiping control device compatible with a large number of wiping devices.

[0014] According to another feature, the cleaning fluid reservoir includes the fluid connection, and the other cleaning fluid reservoir has another fluid connection separate from the connection described above. Preferably, the fluid distribution unit has at least one distribution element, in particular a nozzle with at least one supply line for dispensing the cleaning fluid, and at least one other distribution element, in particular a nozzle with at least one other supply line separate from the supply line described above, for dispensing the other cleaning fluid. The fluid connection is preferably designed to be connected to the supply line. Preferably, the other fluid connection is designed to be connected to the other supply line. The embodiment according to the invention allows for the targeted application of the cleaning fluid.

[0015] The invention also provides a wiping system with a wiping control device according to the invention and a wiping device as mentioned Specifically for an autonomous vehicle, the wiping device comprises at least one liquid distribution unit for applying a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned and at least one cleaning unit for removing the cleaning liquid from the surface. The embodiment according to the invention provides a wiping system with a particularly effective cleaning effect.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for managing a wiping device using a wiping control device, particularly for managing a wiping system according to the invention with at least one step of applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned. The wiping control device commands the wiping device to have an action step of predefined duration, and in at least one cleaning step, the cleaning fluid is removed from the cleaned surface after a predefined action time. In the application step, the transfer unit preferably supplies the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the distribution unit. Optionally, the cleaning fluid is heated by a heating element in the application step. The heating element can be fitted to the cleaning fluid reservoir, the control unit, or the wiping device, in particular the wiper arm or the wiper blade.Preferably, the liquid distribution unit includes the other cleaning liquid according to another application step on the surface to be cleaned, which is preferably planned to be upstream or downstream of the application step.

[0017] Optionally, the control unit mixes the cleaning fluid in the application step with the other cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the fluid distribution unit supplies the cleaning fluid in the application step and the other cleaning fluid, in particular via separate distribution elements, to the surface to be cleaned. In the action step, the cleaning fluid remains on the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the wiper control device commands the wiper device so that the wiper blade is outside the area to be cleaned during the action time. Preferably, the wiper control device commands the wiper device in the action step so that the fluid distribution unit does not apply any additional amount of cleaning fluid and / or the other cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned during the action time.During this action phase, the wiping device can remain in its wiping hold position or clean another surface. In the cleaning phase, the cleaning fluid is removed by the wiper blade from the surface to be cleaned and / or is washed away by the other cleaning fluid. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously allows for thorough cleaning. In particular, the cleaning effect of the cleaning fluid will be advantageously and efficiently utilized.

[0018] According to another feature, the application step is carried out, in particular, if the above-mentioned wiping unit of the wiping device moves away from the surface to be cleaned. In a particularly preferred manner, the cleaning fluid is applied in the application step by the fluid distribution unit, in the opposite direction to the direction of movement, in particular, at an obtuse angle or antiparallel to the direction of movement of the wiper blade, onto the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the other cleaning fluid is applied in the cleaning step, in the direction of movement, in particular at an acute angle or parallel to the direction of movement of the wiper blade on the surface to be cleaned.The embodiment according to the invention makes it possible to direct the cleaning liquid, advantageously and precisely, onto the surface to be cleaned; moreover, there will be the advantage of a prolonged action time, in particular, without any special control of the wiper arm unit.

[0019] According to another feature, the application step, the action step, and the cleaning step in at least one cleaning mode are limited to a predefined partial area of ​​the surface to be cleaned. The wiping control device advantageously subdivides the surface to be cleaned into partial areas, partially into a sensor area in which, in particular, there is only the sensor, partially into a camera area in which there is, in particular, only the camera, partially into a projector area in which, in particular, there is only the projector or similar device.

[0020] Preferably, the method comprises an overall cleaning mode in which the entire surface is cleaned, in particular, all partial areas are cleaned simultaneously, successively or overlapping.

[0021] Preferably, the process includes a partial cleaning mode in which only a partial area is cleaned.

[0022] The overall cleaning mode and / or the partial cleaning mode can be applied regularly and triggered, for example, when the sensor, camera, and / or cleaning processor of the wiping control device detects dirt on the surface to be cleaned, particularly on a partial area of ​​the surface. Optionally, the application step and / or the cleaning step are performed in one partial area while the action step is applied in another partial area. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously allows for quick and efficient cleaning of the partial area. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid can be used in a targeted and economical manner. In particular, the cleaning fluid reservoir will advantageously be compact.

[0023] According to another feature, a wiping unit of the wiping device can be stopped in a wiping position to achieve a certain action time. In an advantageously simple embodiment, the wiping unit is stopped during a duration in the wiping hold position, this duration being equal to the predefined action time. Alternatively, the wiper arm unit is held in the wiping hold position for a duration that is reduced, for example, by the movement time relative to the predetermined action time, this movement time being, for example, the time it takes the wiper arm unit to move from a position at the application step to the wiping hold position and from this hold position back with the cleaning fluid wetting the surface to be cleaned. The embodiment according to the invention has the advantage of a reliably simple action time.

[0024] According to another feature, the application step, the action step, and the cleaning step are automatically triggered when the vehicle equipped with the wiper device is in the parked or stopped position. Preferably, the wiper control device queries the vehicle's on-board computer whether the vehicle is in the parked or stopped position and, preferably, how long the vehicle will remain in the parked or stopped position and / or why the vehicle is in the parked or stopped position. Preferably, the wiper control device triggers the application step if the estimated time spent in the parked or stopped position is longer than the predefined action duration. Alternatively, the wiper control device specifies a shorter action duration than the estimated time spent in the parked or stopped position.

[0025] The wiper control device distinguishes between evaluating the duration of a stay in the parked or stopped position due to, for example, a stop caused by a traffic signal, such as a red light, a railway crossing, or the like, by a traffic jam, or by loading or unloading the vehicle, according to planned breaks along a route, and stopping the vehicle in a parking space, garage, or the like. Optionally, the control device has an Internet of Things (IoT) interface that triggers the application step before the driving step. The IoT interface can be, for example, an alarm clock, a smartwatch, or a home automation system or the like, paired to evaluate the time for the start of driving.Preferably, the wiper control device prematurely stops the action step and proceeds to the cleaning step if the vehicle's on-board computer signals that the vehicle needs to leave the parked or stopped position. The embodiment according to the invention allows for advantageous use of the time spent in the parked or stopped position. In particular, it has the advantage of reducing the time spent in the parked or stopped position. Specifically, if necessary, the specific cleaning time can be advantageously reduced. Furthermore, the cleaning of [the vehicle / the vehicle / the vehicle] is advantageously reduced. the surface depending on the degree and / or duration of the functional inconveniences of the camera sensor, projector or similar related to the dirt on the surface to be cleaned.

[0026] According to another characteristic, the operating time in at least one cleaning mode is greater than one minute. Preferably, the duration is greater than one minute. In particular, depending on the cleaning fluid used, the operating time in the parked position will be longer or shorter than one minute. Optionally, the operating time in the parked position can be adjusted manually. In the vehicle's stopped position, the operating time is preferably less than one minute. Preferably, the wiper control device selects the operating time in a stopped vehicle position based on the estimated time spent in the stopped position and / or based on the reason why the vehicle is stopped.Preferably, the predefined action time, particularly when the vehicle is stationary, is at least greater than 10 seconds, preferably greater than 15 seconds, and most preferably greater than 20 seconds. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously allows for thorough cleaning.

[0027] According to another feature, the method includes a pre-cleaning step in which a cleaning fluid, different from the cleaning fluid described above, is applied to the surface to be cleaned. The pre-cleaning step is carried out, in particular, before the application step. Preferably, in the pre-cleaning step, the other cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned, or only to a partial area of ​​the surface to be cleaned, using the fluid dispensing unit. Preferably, the other cleaning fluid is removed from the surface to be cleaned in the pre-cleaning step using the wiper blade. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously reduces the amount of cleaning fluid required.

[0028] According to another feature, the method includes a post-cleaning step in which a cleaning fluid other than the above-mentioned cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned. The post-cleaning step is applied, in particular, after, simultaneously with, or overlapping the cleaning step. Preferably, in the cleaning step, the other cleaning fluid is applied by the fluid dispensing unit to the surface to be cleaned or to a partial area of ​​the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the other cleaning fluid is removed from the surface to be cleaned with the wiper blade during the post-cleaning step. The embodiment according to the invention advantageously reduces the risk of cleaning fluid remaining on the surface to be cleaned after the cleaning step.

[0029] The wiper control device according to the invention, the wiper system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention are not limited to the application and embodiments described above. In particular, the control device The wiping system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention may have a different number of component elements or units, as well as different process steps, than those described above. Furthermore, the stated numerical ranges are provided only as examples. These ranges are open-ended. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of a wiping device and its application method shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] Diagram of the wiper control device according to the invention,

[0032] [Fig.2] Flowchart of a process according to the invention,

[0033] [Fig.3] Schematic chronogram of the wiping position according to the method of the invention,

[0034] [Fig.4] Schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a control device wiping device according to the invention, and

[0035] [Fig.5] diagram of another variant of an embodiment of a wiper control device according to the invention.

[0036] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Figure 1 shows a wiping system 32a. The wiping system 32a includes a wiping control device 10a. The wiping system 32a includes a wiping device 12a for a vehicle, in particular a self-propelled vehicle. The wiping device 12a preferably includes a wiper blade 52a, in particular with a wiping lip for contact with the surface to be cleaned. The wiping device 12a preferably includes a wiper arm unit 40a which is coupled to the vehicle, in particular by a wiper arm. The wiper blade 52a is preferably provided on the wiper arm unit 40a, in particular by a pivoting mount.The wiping system 32a preferably includes a motor 54a for moving the wiper arm unit 40a relative to the surface to be cleaned, in particular for moving the wiper blade 52a along the surface to be cleaned, specifically, a movement with the wiping lip on the surface to be cleaned. The wiping device 12a includes at least one fluid distribution unit 14a for applying a cleaning fluid 16a to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution unit 14a is fitted, for example, to the wiper blade 52a. The wiping device 12a includes at least one cleaning unit 20a for removing the cleaning fluid 16a from the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning unit 20a preferably includes the wiper blade 52a, in particular the wiping lip and / or the fluid distribution unit 14a.

[0038] The wiping control device 10a of the wiping device 12a is designed to control the liquid distribution unit 14a of the wiping device 12a so that it applies the cleaning liquid 16a to the surface to be cleaned. The wiping control device 10a is designed to control the wiping device 12a so as to remove the cleaning liquid 16a from the surface. The wiping control device 10a includes at least one action control element 22a. The action control element 22a is intended to control the cleaning unit 20a so that this cleaning unit 20a performs an action step 24a between the application of the cleaning fluid 16a and the removal of the cleaning fluid 16a, to arrive at a predetermined action time 26a of the cleaning fluid 16a (see figures 2 and 3).

[0039] The wiper control device 10a includes a cleaning fluid reservoir 28a for holding the cleaning fluid 16a. The wiper control device 10a further includes another cleaning fluid reservoir 30a for receiving another cleaning fluid 18a. The cleaning fluid reservoir 28a and the other cleaning fluid reservoir 30a each include at least one fluid connection, in particular a common one, for connecting the fluid distribution unit 14a. The wiper control device 10a includes an adjustment unit 31a. The adjustment unit 31a is designed to alternatively connect the cleaning fluid reservoir 28a and the other cleaning fluid reservoir 30a to the fluid connection, in particular, to the fluid distribution unit 14a. The adjustment unit 31a includes, for example, a three-way valve.The adjustment unit 31a preferably includes a fluid transfer device, for example, a pump for transferring the cleaning fluid 16a and / or the other cleaning fluid 18a from the cleaning fluid reservoir 28a and / or the other cleaning fluid reservoir 30a, in particular, through the wiper arm unit 40a to supply the fluid distribution unit 14a. The cleaning fluid 16a is preferably an intensive cleaner. The other cleaning fluid 18a is preferably windshield washer fluid.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method 34a for controlling the wiping device 12a using the wiping control device 10a. The method 34a preferably includes at least one application step 36a. The method 34a preferably includes one action step 24a. The method 34a preferably includes one cleaning step 38a. In the application step 36a, the cleaning fluid 16a is applied to the surface to be cleaned. The wiping device 12a carries out the action step 24a to reach the predefined action time 26a. In at least one cleaning step 38a, the cleaning unit 20a removes the cleaning fluid 16a from the surface at the end of the predefined action time 26a.

[0041] Optionally, process 34a includes a pre-cleaning step 48a. In this pre-cleaning step 48a, another cleaning fluid 18a, different from the cleaning fluid 16a, is applied to the surface to be cleaned and is preferably removed again. The pre-cleaning step 48a is preferably carried out before, overlapping with, or concurrently with the application step 36a in which the cleaning fluid 16a is applied. Optionally, process 34a includes a post-cleaning step 50a. In this post-cleaning step 50a, the other cleaning fluid 18a, different from the cleaning fluid 16a, is applied to the surface to be cleaned and is preferably removed again. Post-cleaning step 50a is carried out preferably after, overlapping or at the same time as cleaning step 38a.

[0042] The application step 36a, the action step 24a and the cleaning step 38a are triggered automatically, in particular regularly and / or as required, in the parking position or in the stopped position of the vehicle equipped with the wiping device 12a.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of a timing diagram of the wiping position 56a of the wiping arm unit 40a as a function of time 58a. The application step 36a, the action step 24a and the cleaning step 38a are limited in at least one cleaning mode to a predefined partial area 42a of the surface to be cleaned. Optionally, by moving the wiper arm unit 40a towards the partial area 42a to be cleaned, the wiping device 12a cleans other areas of the surface, in particular another partial area 44a, with the other cleaning fluid 18a. Specifically, the fluid distribution unit 14a distributes the other cleaning fluid 18a in the direction of movement of the wiper arm unit 40a, so that it is subsequently removed again by the wiper blade 52a. In the pre-cleaning step 48a, the wiper arm unit 40a preferably passes over the partial area to be cleaned 42a.In particular, the fluid distribution unit 14a in the pre-cleaning step 48a distributes the other cleaning fluid 18a in the direction of movement of the wiper arm unit 40a in such a way that it can be removed again directly by the wiper blade 52a.

[0044] The application step 36a is carried out when the wiper arm unit 40a leaves the surface to be cleaned, here, for example, the partial area 42a. Preferably, the fluid distribution unit 14a directs the cleaning fluid 16a in the opposite direction to the movement of the wiper arm unit 40a, in particular so that this fluid remains on the surface to be cleaned while the wiper arm unit 40a moves away from the surface to be cleaned.

[0045] To obtain the action time 26a, the wiper arm unit 40a is stopped in a wiper stop position 46a, here, for example, the zero position of a wiper arm unit movement time 40a. The action time 26a, in at least one cleaning mode, is greater than one minute. After or before the end of the action time 26a, the wiper arm unit 40a returns to the partial zone 42a to perform the cleaning step 38a and, optionally, the post-cleaning step 50a. In the cleaning step 38a, the wiper blade 52a removes the cleaning fluid 16a from the surface to be cleaned, specifically from the partial zone 42a. Optionally, the wiper arm unit 40a pivots several times over the partial area 42a to remove the cleaning fluid 16a and / or to perform the post-cleaning step 50a.

[0046] Figures 4 and 5 each show another embodiment of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are mainly limited to the differences between the embodiments, and for components having the same reference numerals, in principle, reference should be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular, Figures 1 to 3. To distinguish the embodiments, the suffix (a) will be added to the reference numerals of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 5, the suffix a will be replaced by the suffixes b and c.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a wiping system 32b. The wiping system 32b includes a wiping control device 10b. The wiping system 32b includes a wiping device 12b, particularly for use in an autonomous vehicle. The wiping device 12b includes at least one fluid dispensing unit 14b for applying a cleaning fluid 16b to a surface to be cleaned. The wiping device 12b includes at least one cleaning unit 20b for removing the cleaning fluid 16b from the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid 16b is windshield washer fluid (windshield washer water). The wiping control device 10b of the wiping device 12b is intended to control the liquid distribution unit 14b of the wiping device 12b so that it applies the cleaning liquid 16b to the surface to be cleaned.The wiping control device 10b is designed to control the cleaning unit 20b of the wiping device 12b so that it removes the cleaning fluid 16b from the surface. The wiping control device 10b includes at least one action control element 22b. The action control element 22b is designed to control the cleaning unit 20b so that it applies an action step between the application of the cleaning fluid 16b and its removal, thus providing a predefined action time for the cleaning fluid 16b. The control device. 10b wiping includes specifically a 28b cleaning fluid container for storing the 16b cleaning fluid.

[0048] For the characteristics of the wiping system 32b and / or the wiping control device 10b, reference will be made in particular to figures 1 to 3 and their description.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the wiping system 32c. The wiping system 32c includes a wiping control device 10c. The wiping system 32c includes a wiping device 12c for a vehicle, in particular an autonomous vehicle. The wiping device 12c includes at least one fluid distribution unit 14c for applying a cleaning fluid 16c to the surface to be cleaned. The wiping device 12c includes at least one cleaning unit 20c for removing the cleaning fluid 16c from the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid 16c is windshield washer fluid. The wiping control device 10c of the wiping device 12c is intended to control the fluid distribution unit 14c of the wiper device 12c to apply the cleaning fluid 16c to the surface to be cleaned.The wiping control device 10c is designed to control the cleaning unit 20c of the wiping device 12c so as to remove the cleaning fluid 16c from the surface. The wiping control device 10c includes at least one action control element 22c. The action control element 22c is designed to control the cleaning unit 20c to achieve an action step of the cleaning unit 20c between the application of the cleaning fluid 16c and the removal of the cleaning fluid 16c, in order to achieve a predefined action time for the cleaning fluid 16c.

[0050] The wiping control device 10c includes a cleaning fluid reservoir 28c for holding the cleaning fluid 16c and another cleaning fluid reservoir 30c for storing another cleaning fluid 18c. The cleaning fluid reservoir 28c includes the fluid connection, and the other cleaning fluid reservoir 30c includes another fluid connection, separate from the first fluid connection. The cleaning fluid 16c and the other cleaning fluid 18c are applied by distribution elements, in particular different from the fluid distribution unit 14c. Preferably, the wiping control device 10c includes an adjustment element 31c and another adjustment unit 31c' for independently supplying the cleaning fluid 26c and the other cleaning fluid 18c to the fluid distribution unit 14c.

[0051] For other features of the wiping system 32c and / or the wiping control device 10c, reference will be made in particular to figures 1 to 3.

[0052] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN COMPONENTS

[0053] (numerical references without alphabetical suffixes)

[0054] 10 Wiper control device

[0055]

[0056]

[0057]

[0058]

[0059]

[0060]

[0061]

[0062]

[0063]

[0064]

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[0073]

[0074] 12 Wiping device 14 Fluid dispensing unit 16 Cleaning fluid 18 Other cleaning fluid 20 Cleaning unit 22 Action control element 24 Action stage 26 Cleaning fluid action time 28 Cleaning fluid reservoir 30 Other cleaning fluid reservoir 31 Adjustment unit 32 Wiping system / other cleaning fluid reservoir 34 Wiping device management method 36 Application step 38 Wiping step 40 Wiper arm unit 42 Predefined partial area of ​​the surface to be cleaned 44 Other partial area 50 Post-cleaning step 52 Wiper blade

Claims

Demands

1. A method for managing a wiping device (12a; 12b; 12c) using a wiping control device, wherein in at least one application step (36a), a cleaning liquid (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c) is applied to a surface to be cleaned, * the wiping control device of the wiping device (12a; 12b; 12c) being controlled to reach the predefined action time (26a) such that the wiping device (12a; 12b; 12c) applies an action step (24a), and * at least one cleaning step (38a) to remove the cleaning liquid (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c) from the surface at the end of the predefined action time (26a) characterized in that the action time (26a), in at least one cleaning mode, is greater than one minute.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that an application step (36a) is performed when the wiper arm unit (40a; 40b; 40c) of the wiping device (12a; 12b; 12c) has been moved away from the surface to be cleaned.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application step (36a), the action step (24a) and the cleaning step (38a) of at least one cleaning mode are limited to a partial area (42a, 44a) to be cleaned of the surface to be cleaned.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a wiper arm unit (40a; 40b; 40c) of the wiping device (12a; 12b; 12c) is stopped to reach the action time (26a) in a wiping hold position (46a).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the application step (36a), the action step (24a) and the cleaning step (38a) are triggered automatically in a parked or stopped position of a vehicle comprising a windshield wiper device (12a; 12b; 12c).

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that by a pre-washing step (48a) in which another cleaning liquid (18a; 18c) different from the cleaning fluid (16a; 16b) is applied to the surface to be cleaned.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a post-cleaning step (50a), in which another cleaning liquid (18a; 18c) different from the cleaning liquid (16a; 16b) is applied to the surface to be cleaned.

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