Method of retrofitting a vehicle and cleaning device thus equipped

Abstract

TITLE: Method for retrofitting a vehicle and the cleaning device thus fitted. Method for retrofitting a vehicle (10a) equipped with a spray unit (14a), fixed relative to the window (12a) of the vehicle (10a), with another spray unit (16a; 18a) mounted movably relative to the vehicle window (10a), comprising a windshield wiper (18a). The fixed spray unit (14a) includes a pump (20a) for supplying the cleaning fluid under pressure to the fixed unit (14a). In an installation step (58a), the other spray unit (16a; 18a) of the windshield wiper (18a) is connected to the pump (20a) of the fixed spray unit (14a). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for retrofitting equipment to a vehicle and cleaning device thus equipped. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for retrofitting a vehicle having a spray unit, fixed relative to the vehicle window, with another spray unit mounted movable relative to the vehicle window comprising a windshield wiper, the fixed spray unit comprising a pump to supply a pressurized cleaning fluid to the fixed unit.

[0002] The invention also relates to a management method and a cleaning device as well as to an aftermarket equipment system, equipment and the vehicle thus equipped. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] A method for retrofitting a vehicle already equipped with a fixed spray unit relative to the vehicle's windshield and a windshield wiper comprising another spray unit that moves relative to the windshield is already known. The fixed spray unit is connected to a pump that supplies pressurized cleaning fluid to this spray unit.

[0004] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a method for retrofitting a vehicle having a spray unit, fixed relative to the vehicle window, with another spray unit mounted movable relative to the vehicle window, comprising a windshield wiper, the fixed spray unit comprising at least one pump to supply a pressurized cleaning fluid to the fixed unit, this method being characterized in that in an installation step, the other spray unit of the windshield wiper is connected to the pump of the fixed spray unit.

[0006] The method according to the invention for the secondary equipment of a vehicle has the advantage of installing a cleaning device to improve, through various operating modes, the cleaning capacity of the vehicle's windshield. Advantageously, the consumption of cleaning fluid is reduced, particularly thanks to the targeted application on the vehicle's windshield. Advantageously, the method according to the invention can be installed on any vehicle in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner with a windshield wiper incorporating an additional spray unit.

[0007] The expression "retrofitting" or synonym "retrofitting" refers to the retroactive installation of a device, particularly a cleaning device. Preferably, the cleaning device can be installed in Secondary installation on vehicles already manufactured, in particular passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, rail vehicles, boats, aircraft, or drones. Advantageously, depending on the vehicle's secondary installation method, a wiper incorporating another spray unit is installed on the wiper arm, or a wiper with another spray unit and a wiper arm on the wiper drive, or another spray unit is installed on the existing wiper, in particular the wiper blade, by attaching it, in particular, by a form connection.

[0008] The term "windshield wiper" preferably refers to at least one part, and in particular a subset, of a windshield wiper. Preferably, the windshield wiper is intended for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, a rail vehicle or a boat, an aircraft or a drone. The windshield wiper constitutes a part of the overall windshield wiper assembly. Preferably, the windshield wiper is in particular a part of the windshield wiper system that cleans the surface of the glass, preferably a vehicle window. The windshield wiper is intended to clean the glass, such as a vehicle window, for example, the windshield, by being coupled to the vehicle's windshield wiper drive.

[0009] The fact that an object is intended to perform a certain function or is made or designed for a certain function means that the object performs that function in an application or operating state.

[0010] The expression "operating state" preferably means a state in which the wiper is ready for a wiping phase or wiping mode or is already in wiping mode, the wiper, preferably the wiper blade, being applied against the vehicle window and passing over it.

[0011] Preferably, the other wiper spray unit will be connected to the pump during installation by a piping unit, in particular in a sealed manner. The piping unit is preferably flexible. The piping unit comprises at least one fluid line and an electrical line. Preferably, the fixed spray unit and the other spray unit are supplied with cleaning fluid via the fluid line. The two free ends of the line constitute sealed connection points. One free end of the fluid line is connected to the fixed spray unit or to the other spray unit, and the other end of the line is connected to the pump.

[0012] Preferably, the fixed spraying unit or the other spraying unit is supplied with electrical energy by the power line to operate or control the fixed spraying unit or the other spraying unit. Preferably, the fluid line is connected to the pump to supply the other spraying unit with cleaning fluid, and the power line is connected to the control and regulation unit to control the fixed spraying unit or the other spraying unit.

[0013] Preferably, the pump supplies cleaning fluid under applied pressure to the fixed spray unit, in particular, washing water. Preferably, the fixed spray unit comprises at least one fixed spray element relative to the vehicle's windshield, in particular a spray nozzle for applying cleaning fluid to the windshield. The fixed spray unit is separate from the other spray unit and its installation is different. In particular, the fixed spray unit is integrated into the vehicle's engine hood or in the edge area around the vehicle's windshield. Preferably, the other wiper spray unit and the fixed spray unit are activated by their connection via the common line unit and are supplied with cleaning fluid by the pump.

[0014] The term "cleaning fluid," also called "windshield washer fluid," refers in particular to water or washing water with an additive such as antifreeze, a cleaning additive, or other additive to improve cleaning efficiency or operating properties. Cleaning fluid that is solely water may also be considered.

[0015] According to another feature, during the installation step, the additional wiper spray unit is connected, in addition to the fixed spray unit, to the pump of this fixed spray unit. Advantageously, this provides a simple and economical solution for any vehicle with a wiper incorporating an additional spray unit. Advantageously, the amount of cleaning fluid applied to the windshield can be increased because, in particular, both the fixed spray unit and the additional spray unit are supplied with cleaning fluid. Advantageously, the cleaning capacity is improved because more cleaning fluid is applied to the windshield.Preferably, in an installation step, the other wiper spray unit is connected to the pump of the fixed spray unit, in particular by a piping unit which includes at least one fluid line and one electrical line.

[0016] Preferably, the fluid line or the electrical line of the control unit is attached to the wiper arm. Preferably, the other wiper spray unit is connected to the pump so that the fixed spray unit and the other mobile spray unit are connected to the pump at the same time, in particular in a series arrangement so that they are supplied with the cleaning fluid or washing water only at the same time.

[0017] According to another feature, the other wiper spray unit is connected in the installation step to the pump instead of the fixed spray unit. Advantageously, this allows for a simple and economical solution that can be implemented on any vehicle with a windshield wiper that incorporates the other spray unit. Advantageously, the cleaning fluid is applied in a very targeted manner, particularly on specific spots or areas on the vehicle's windshield.

[0018] The quantity of cleaning fluid can be advantageously reduced because, in particular, the application of the cleaning fluid is very targeted. Preferably, the supply line from the pump to the fixed spray unit is cut, disconnected, or closed off during the installation step. Preferably, the supply line of the other spray unit, which is movable relative to the vehicle window, is sealed to the pump, in particular to the fitting provided for the supply line of the fixed spray unit.

[0019] Preferably, the other wiper spray unit is connected to the pump so that only this other mobile spray unit is connected to the pump and supplied with cleaning fluid.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for managing a vehicle thus equipped as an aftermarket installation, according to which, in a step, either the other wiper spray unit or the fixed spray unit is activated, in particular with a switchable valve. Advantageously, depending on the cleaning condition, one can choose between maximum cleaning power or reduced consumption of cleaning fluid. Preferably, the valve is, in particular, an electronically controlled three-way valve. The valve is hermetically sealed to the line. The electrical line and the other electrical line of the control unit are connected to the valve to control it via the vehicle's control and regulation unit.The other wiper spray unit is connected to the pump so that the fixed spray unit and the other mobile spray unit are supplied simultaneously, separately, or independently of each other, particularly in a parallel or series arrangement.

[0021] In addition, the cleaning device is in a vehicle, in particular a vehicle retrofitted to clean the vehicle's windshield with cleaning fluid using a fixed spray unit, at least one spray element fixed relative to the vehicle's windshield for applying cleaning fluid to the windshield, a pump for supplying pressurized cleaning fluid to the fixed spray unit or to the other spray unit, and a piping unit for distributing the cleaning fluid pressurized by the pump; the cleaning device includes another spray unit movable relative to the vehicle's windshield for applying the cleaning fluid to the windshield, this unit being fitted to the windshield wiper, in place of the fixed unit, or in addition to the fixed unit, and is connected by the unit of the line to the pump.

[0022] Advantageously, the cleaning fluid is applied locally, in a highly targeted manner, to the windshield. In particular, depending on the required level of cleaning, one can choose between maximum cleaning power or reduced consumption of cleaning fluid. The spray element, which is fixed relative to the vehicle windshield, may have one or more spray nozzles. The spray nozzles may be located on the windshield wiper or on the wiper blade.

[0023] The spray nozzles are evenly distributed along the main extension direction of the windshield wiper blade. The spray direction of the nozzles is at least practically parallel to the vehicle window, in particular parallel to the wiper blade's wiping plane.

[0024] The expression "the principal direction of extension of an object" refers in particular to a direction parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric parallelepiped that closely and completely surrounds the object.

[0025] Preferably, the piping unit comprises at least one fluid line and one electrical line. The fluid line supplies cleaning fluid to the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit. The two free ends of the fluid line constitute sealed connection points. One free end of the fluid line is connected to the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit; the other end of the fluid line is attached to the pump; both connection points being sealed.

[0026] Preferably, the power line supplies electrical energy to the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit to activate it. The fluid line is connected to the pump to supply the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit with cleaning fluid; the power line is connected to the control and regulation unit to control the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit. The pump supplies pressurized cleaning fluid to the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit, including washing water. The fixed spray unit preferably includes at least one spraying element fixed relative to the vehicle window, in particular, a spray nozzle for applying cleaning fluid to the window.

[0027] According to another feature, the control unit includes a switchable valve for supplying cleaning fluid to the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit. It is advantageous to alternate, particularly depending on the cleaning condition, between maximum cleaning power and reduced cleaning fluid consumption. Advantageously, reducing cleaning fluid consumption improves cleaning capacity, especially depending on the cleaning condition. of the state of dirtiness of the vehicle window, at least temporarily by connecting the fixed spray nozzle.

[0028] Preferably, the switchable valve is connected to the power line. The electrical valve is actuated by the fixed spray nozzle or by the other spray unit. The valve is preferably in the form of a three-way valve. A valve for other operating modes by actuating the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit can also be considered, in particular the exclusive activation of the fixed spray unit.

[0029] According to another feature, the conduit of the fixed spray unit or the other spray unit of the wiper includes a non-return valve to prevent the return of the cleaning fluid. This advantageously reduces the consumption of cleaning fluid because it prevents the dripping of residual cleaning fluid. Advantageously, it prevents the glass from being soiled by drops of residual cleaning fluid. The proper functioning of the cleaning device is ensured because, in particular, the return of cleaning fluid prevents the pump from emptying.

[0030] Advantageously, the non-return valve prevents uncontrolled leakage or backflow, particularly onto the vehicle's windshield. The non-return valve prevents cleaning fluid from flowing back into the fluid reservoir to prevent the pump from emptying or drawing air through the pump. The non-return valve is automatic. The non-return valve is oriented to allow fluid, particularly cleaning fluid, to flow only in one direction, specifically from the pump to the nozzle. The valve is installed between the pump and the spray nozzle.

[0031] The invention also proposes a retrofit system for a vehicle with a cleaning device; this system comprises at least one windshield wiper with the other spray unit, the drive unit, and a switchable valve or a non-return valve. This allows for the advantageous retrofitting of a vehicle, in particular with a cleaning device, for different vehicle models. The retrofit system includes mounting aids, such as cable ties or adhesive tape, mounting instructions or mounting tools, or control programs. Preferably, the retrofit system is individualized for each vehicle model.

[0032] The invention also relates to equipment for retrofitting on various vehicles with cleaning devices comprising at least one set of windshield wipers different from each other and designed for different vehicles or which have different spray nozzle units as well as a set of different piping units for different vehicles or different spraying functions or optionally a set of different adapters for different pumps.

[0033] Advantageously, the cleaning device can be retrofitted to any vehicle model. The equipment includes mounting aids, such as cable ties, adhesive tape, mounting instructions, a mounting tool, or a control program. The equipment is universally applicable to a wide range of vehicle models. In particular, a retrofit system suitable for a large number of different vehicle models can be assembled in place of the equipment.

[0034] In addition, the invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a cleaning device. Advantageously, the cleaning capacity is improved because, in particular, the quantity of washing water available to clean the window is increased, or the quantity of water or cleaning fluid is directed directly for distribution onto the windshield wiper blade, in a targeted manner, onto the vehicle's window. Preferably, the cleaning device is applied to a windshield. The cleaning device can also be designed for the rear window, side windows, headlights, or sensors.

[0035] The aftermarket installation method for a vehicle according to the invention, the management method according to the invention, the cleaning device according to the invention, the aftermarket equipment system according to the invention, the equipment according to the invention, and the vehicle according to the invention are not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the aftermarket equipment method for a vehicle, the management method according to the invention, the cleaning device according to the invention, the aftermarket equipment system according to the invention, the equipment according to the invention, and the vehicle according to the invention may be modified with respect to the elements, components, and units, as well as the process steps, from what is described without departing from the scope of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to a cleaning device for aftermarket equipment of a vehicle according to the invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] [Fig. 1] Diagram of a vehicle equipped with a retrofitted cleaning device,

[0038] [Fig.2] Schematic representation of a variant of a cleaning device,

[0039] [Fig.3] Schematic representation of another variant of a cleaning device,

[0040] [Fig.4] Schematic flowchart of a method for retrofitting equipment to a cleaning device,

[0041] [Fig.5] Schematic flowchart for the implementation of a cleaning device installed as a second-hand installation,

[0042] [Fig.6] schematic representation of an aftermarket equipment system for aftermarket equipment of the vehicle with the cleaning device, and

[0043] [Fig.7] schematic representation of equipment for installing suitable aftermarket cleaning devices on different vehicles.

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10a. The vehicle 10a has a window 12a. The vehicle 10a is retrofitted with a retrofitting process. The vehicle 10a has a cleaning device 36a. The cleaning device 36a was retrofitted to the vehicle 10a. The cleaning device 36a is designed to clean the window 12a of the vehicle 10a. The window 12a of the vehicle is cleaned with cleaning fluid (or windshield washer fluid). The cleaning fluid is washer fluid. The washer fluid contains, for example, an antifreeze additive or a cleaning additive or other additive to improve cleaning efficiency or operating properties. The vehicle 10a has a windshield washer fluid reservoir 42a. The washer fluid reservoir 42a contains the windshield washer fluid. The cleaning device 36a includes a fixed spray unit 14a.The fixed spray unit 14a existed prior to the partial retrofitting of the vehicle 10a. The fixed spray unit 14a comprises two spray elements 24a fixed relative to the vehicle window 12a. The fixed spray unit 14a could also comprise one spray element 24a, fixed relative to the vehicle window 12a. The spray element 24a allows the cleaning fluid to be applied to the vehicle window 12a. Each spray element 24a has a dispensing orifice 44a. The dispensing orifices 44a have a dispensing direction 46a.

[0046] The distribution system 46a is oriented substantially parallel to the vehicle's window 12a. The fixed spray unit 14a has a pump 20a. The pump 20a supplies pressurized cleaning fluid or windshield washer fluid to the fixed spray unit 14a. The pump 20a was already fitted to the vehicle before the partial retrofitting of the vehicle 10a. The fixed spray unit 14a has a piping unit 26a. The piping unit 26a distributes the cleaning fluid pressurized by the pump 20a. The piping unit 26a is a plastic hose. The piping unit 26a could also be made of a metal tube or pipe. The vehicle 10a already had a piping unit 26a to supply the fixed spray unit 14a before the retrofitting. The 26a control unit is modified or replaced during retrofitting.

[0047] The cleaning device 36a includes a windshield wiper 18a. The windshield wiper 18a has another spray unit 16a that is movable relative to the vehicle's window 12a. The windshield wiper 18a is retrofitted to the vehicle 10a by means of another spray stage 16a. This other spray unit 16a is mounted on the wiper blade 52a of the windshield wiper 18a. This other spray unit 16a distributes the cleaning fluid onto the window 12a. This other spray unit 16a is connected, in addition to the fixed spray unit 14a, via the drive unit 26a (compared to the initial state of the vehicle 10a, modified or replaced) to the pump 20a. The other spray unit includes several other spray elements 48a. These other spray elements 48a are distributed in the main extension direction 50a of the wiper blade 52a. Each other spray element 58a has a distribution orifice 68a.The distribution ports 68a are oriented in a distribution direction 56a. The distribution direction 56a is substantially parallel to the window 12a of the vehicle. The distribution direction 56a is oriented towards the window 12a.

[0048] The drive unit 26a (modified or replaced relative to the vehicle's initial state 10a) includes a connecting piece 50a that cannot be switched. The connecting piece 54a is a sealed T-piece. The connecting piece 54a could also be made as a Y-piece. The connecting piece 54a has three ports. The ports are interconnected in each operating state. The connecting piece 54a connects the fixed spray unit 14a and the other spray unit 16a to the pump 20a. The drive unit 26a includes a non-return valve 28a to the fixed spray unit 14a or the other spray unit 16a of the wiper 18a. The non-return valve 28a prevents the return of the cleaning fluid. The check valve 28a could be, for example, a ball check valve or a spring check valve.

[0049] Figures 2 and 3 show further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, bearing the same reference numerals in the description and drawings; reference should be made to the description of the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1]. To distinguish the embodiments, the suffix (a) in the reference numerals of the example in [Fig. 1] is replaced by the suffixes (b) and (c) for the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a vehicle 10b. The vehicle 10b has a window 12b. The vehicle 10b is retrofitted according to the method. The vehicle 10b has a variant of a cleaning device 36b. The cleaning device 36b is designed to clean the window 12b. The cleaning device 36b has a fixed spray unit 14b with a spray element 24b fixed relative to the window 12b. The cleaning device 36b has a drive unit 26b. The drive unit 26b is retrofitted The 26b control unit replaces the original control unit of vehicle 10b. Vehicle 10b has a 42b cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0051] The cleaning fluid reservoir 42b contains a cleaning fluid, also known as windshield washer fluid. The cleaning device 36b has a windshield wiper 18b. The windshield wiper 18b has an additional spray unit 16b, which is movable relative to the vehicle's windshield 12b. This additional spray unit 16b is connected to a pump 20b in place of the fixed spray unit 14b by the line 26b. The line 26b has a fitting 54b. The fitting 54b is not interchangeable. The fitting 54b is made in the form of a sealed I-beam. The fitting 54b could also be made in the form of an L-shaped piece. The fitting 54b has two ports. The fitting 54b is intended to connect the additional spray unit 16b to the pump. The fixed spray unit 14b is cut off from the drive unit 26b. The drive unit 26b has a non-return valve 28b for the other spray unit 16b of the wiper 18b.The non-return valve 28b prevents the return of the cleaning fluid. The non-return valve 28b could, for example, be in the form of a ball non-return valve or a spring non-return valve.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a vehicle 10c. The vehicle 10c has a window 12c. The vehicle 10c is retrofitted according to the process. Vehicle 10c has another variant of the cleaning device 36c. The cleaning device 36c is designed to clean the window 12c. Vehicle 10c has a cleaning fluid reservoir 42c. The reservoir 42c contains a cleaning fluid also known as windshield washer fluid. The cleaning device 36c has a fixed spray unit 14c. The fixed spray unit 14c has two spray elements 24c fixed relative to the vehicle's window 12c. The fixed spray unit 14c could also have only one spray element 24c fixed relative to the vehicle's window 12c. The spray element 24c applies cleaning fluid to the window 12c. The cleaning device 36c has a windshield wiper 18c. The windshield wiper 18c has another spray unit 16c mounted movable relative to the vehicle's window 12c. The cleaning device 36c includes a driving unit 26c.

[0053] The control unit 26c is installed as a retrofit. The control unit 26c replaces the vehicle's original control unit 10c. The other spray unit 16c is connected to the pump 20c via the control unit 26c. The control unit 26c has a switchable valve 22c. The switchable valve 22c is intended to supply the fixed spray unit 14c or the other spray unit 16c with cleaning fluid. The switchable valve 22c is a three-way valve. The switchable valve has three ports. A valve 22c can also be considered as a 3 / 2-way valve. With a 3 / 3-way valve, the fixed spray unit 14c or the other spray unit 16c could be activated because it It would have three connections and three switching positions. Fitting 54c connects the other spray unit 16c to the pump 20c. The line 26c to the other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18c is equipped with a check valve 28c. The check valve 28c prevents the return of the cleaning fluid. The check valve 28c could, for example, be a ball check valve or a spring check valve.

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method 32c for retrofitting the vehicle 10c and replacing the original fixed spray unit 14c connected only to the pump 20c. In at least one installation step 60c, the fixed spray unit 14c is separated from the pump 20c. The hose connecting the pump 20c and the fixed spray unit 14c is removed from the vehicle 10c. In an installation step 58c, the other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18c is connected to the pump 20c of the fixed spray unit 14c. In installation step 58c, a new pipe unit 26c is installed to connect the other spray unit 16c to the pump 20c in addition to the fixed spray unit 14c. The 26c control unit installed in installation step 58c is equipped with the 22c switchable valve.

[0055] In an installation step variant 58a compared to installation step 58c, the other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18a is also connected to the pump 20a of the fixed spray unit 14a. In this installation step variant 58a, a new pipe unit 26a is also installed, which connects the other spray unit 16a, in addition to the fixed spray unit 14a, to the pump 20a. However, the pipe unit 26a installed in installation step 58c does not have a switchable valve. In an installation step variant 58b compared to installation step 58c, the other spray unit 16b of the wiper 18b is also connected to the pump 20b of the fixed spray unit 14b. In another installation step variant 58b, a new piping unit 26b is installed which connects the other spraying unit 16b to the pump 20b in place of the fixed spraying unit 14b.In this case, the fixed spray unit 14b remains unconnected after the retrofit installation and is thus deactivated. In at least one other installation step 62c, the other spray unit 16c is supplied ready for operation.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a process 34c for managing the aftermarket vehicle 10c. In an operating step 64c, either the other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18c or the fixed spray unit 14c is activated. In the operating step 64c, a choice is made between the fixed spray unit 14c and the other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18c using the switchable valve 22c. Depending on the choice, the position of the valve is adjusted. switchable 22c in another operating stage 66c to spray cleaning fluid on the vehicle window 12c with this other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18c, by the fixed spray unit 14c or by the fixed spray unit 14c and at the same time with the other spray unit 16c of the wiper 18c.

[0057] Figure 6 shows, by way of example, one of the several possible aftermarket equipment systems 38c for retrofitting the vehicle 10c with the cleaning device 36c. The aftermarket equipment system 38c includes the windshield wiper 18c with the other spray unit 16c. The aftermarket equipment system 38c includes the drive unit 26c. The aftermarket equipment system 38c includes the switchable valve 22c. The aftermarket equipment system 38c includes the non-return valve 28c.

[0058] Figure 7 shows equipment 40c for the retrofitting of cleaning devices 36c on different vehicles 10c. For example, equipment 40c includes different components for the retrofitting of another cleaning device 36c. Alternatively, equipment 40c could also have components for the retrofitting of other cleaning devices 36a, 36b described. Equipment 40c includes a set of wiper blades 18c, 18'c, 18”c, which are different from one another. These different wiper blades 18c, 18'c, 18”c are intended for different vehicles 10c. The wiper blades 18c, 18'c, 18”c have spray units 16c, 16'c, 16”c, which are different from one another. The 18c, 18'c, 18”c wipers have other different 16c, 16'c, 16”c spray units.The other 16c, 16'c, and 16”c spray units have different diameters, lengths, and fittings for connection to the 18c, 18'c, and 18”c wipers. The 40c equipment consists of a set of different 26c, 26'c, and 26”c pipe units. These pipe units differ, for example, in length and diameter.

[0059] It can also be envisaged that the pipe units 26c; 26'c; 26”c correspond to different materials or different colors to simplify association with different vehicles 10c. The pipe units 26c; 26'c; 26”c can also have vehicle-specific fixings or specific layouts such as, for example, elbows or angles. The different pipe units 26c, 26'c; 26”c are supplied for different vehicles 10c which perform the different spraying functions. The equipment 40c consists of a set of different fittings 54c; 54'c; 54”c. The fittings 54c; 54'c; 54”c are intended to connect the pipe unit 26c, 26'c, 26”c to the pump 20c; 20'c; 20"c and the other spray unit 16; 16'c; 16"c and the fixed spray unit 14c, to connect them with watertight connections. The fittings 54c; 54'c; 54"c have different diameters and different angles. Equipment 40c includes three-way valves 22c; 22'c; 22"c. Valves 22c, 22'c, and 22"c each have three ports. Equipment 40 could optionally have a set of different adapters 30c, 30', and 30"c for different pumps 20c, 20'c, and 20"c. Equipment 40c can also include components for the retrofitting of cleaning devices 36a and 36b.

[0060] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0061] (references without alphabetical suffixes)

[0062] 10 Vehicle

[0063] 12 Vehicle window

[0064] 14 Spraying unit

[0065] 16 Other spraying unit

[0066] 18 Windshield wiper

[0067] 20 Pump

[0068] 22 Switchable valve

[0069] 24 Spraying element

[0070] 26 Driving Unit

[0071] 28 Non-return valve

[0072] 32 Process

[0073] 34 Process

[0074] 36 Cleaning device

[0075] 38 Aftermarket equipment system

[0076] 58 Installation step

[0077] 64 Operating step

Claims

Demands

1. A method (32a; 32b; 32c) for retrofitting a vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c) having a spray unit (14a; 14b; 14c), fixed relative to the window (12a; 12b; 12c) of the vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c), with another spray unit (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c) mounted movable relative to the vehicle window (10a; 10b; 10c), comprising a windshield wiper (18a; 18b; 18c), the fixed spray unit (14a; 14b; 14c) comprising a pump (20a; 20b; 20c) for supplying pressurized cleaning fluid to the fixed unit (14a; 14b; 14c), method characterized in that in an installation step (58a; 58b; 58c), the other spray unit (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c) of the wiper (18a 18b 18c) is connected to the pump (20a; 20b; 20c) of the fixed spray unit (14a; 14b; 14c).

2. Method (32a; 32c), according to claim 1, characterized in that in the installation step (58a; 58c) the other spray unit (16a; 16c) of the wiper (18a; 18c) is connected in addition to the fixed spray unit (14a; 14c), to the pump (20a; 20c) of the fixed spray unit (14a; 14c).

3. Method (32b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the other spray unit (16b) of the wiper (18b) is connected to the pump (20b) in the installation step (58b), instead of the fixed spray unit (14b).

4. Method (34a; 34c) of managing a vehicle (10a; 10c) equipped as a second-hand device for its operation, according to a method of one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that in at least one operating step (64a; 64c), the other spray unit (16a; 16c) of the windshield wiper (18a; 18c) or the fixed spray unit (14a; 14c) is activated at choice, in particular with a switchable valve (22c).

5. A cleaning device (36a; 36b; 36c) for a vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c), in particular for a vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c) equipped according to the method (32a; 32b; 32c) of any one of claims 1 to 3 for cleaning a window (12a; 12b; 12c) of the vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c) with a cleaning liquid, in particular according to the method of claim 4, with at least one fixed spraying unit (14a; 14b; 14c) comprising: - a spraying element (24a; 24b; 24c) fixed relative to the vehicle window (12a; 12b; 12c) for applying the cleaning liquid to the vehicle window (12a; 12b; 12c); - a pump (20a; 20b; 20c) for supplying pressurized cleaning liquid to the fixed spraying unit (14a; 14b; 14c); and - a piping unit (26a; 26b; 26c) for distributing the pressurized cleaning liquid supplied by the pump (20a; 20b); 20c), device characterized in that it comprises: another spraying unit (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c) mounted movable relative to the vehicle window (12a; 12b; 12c) for applying the cleaning liquid to the vehicle window (12a; 12b; 12c) with windshield wipers (18a; 18b;18c) and which is connected in place of or in addition to the fixed spraying unit (14a; 14b; 14c) to the pump 20a; 20b; 20c) by the pipe unit (26a; 26b; 26c).;

6. Cleaning device (36a; 36b; 36c) according to claim 5, characterized in that the driving unit (26c) has a switchable valve (22c) for supplying cleaning liquid to the fixed spray unit (14c) or the other spray unit (16c).

7. Cleaning device (36a; 36b; 36c) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the conduction unit (26a; 26b; 26c) has a non-return valve (28a; 28b; 28c) which prevents the return of cleaning fluid to the fixed spray unit (14a; 14b; 14c) or the other spray unit (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c) of the wiper (18a; 18b; 18c).

8. Aftermarket equipment system (38a; 38b; 38c) for equipping a vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c) with a cleaning device (36a; 36b; 36c) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising at least the wiper (18a; 18b; 18c) equipped with the other spray unit (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c), the drive unit (26a; 26b; 26c) and in particular a switchable valve (22a; 22b; 22c) or a non-return valve (28a; 28b; 28c).

9. Aftermarket equipment (40a; 40b; 40c) for various vehicles (10a; 10b; 10c) with cleaning devices (36a; 36b; 36c) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising at least: - several different windshield wipers (18a; 18b; 18c) intended for different vehicles (10a; 10b; 10c) or which have different spray units (16a; 18a; 16b; 16c; 18c), - a set of different drive units (26a; 26b; 26c), for different vehicles (10a; 10b; 10c) or which perform different spray functions, and - Optionally, a set of different adapters (30a; 30b; 30c) for different pumps (20a; 20b; 20c).

10. Vehicle (10a; 10b; 10c) equipped with a cleaning device (36a; 36b; 36c) according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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