Method for preparing for the replacement of a vehicle's windshield wiper blade and computer program for applying the method

Abstract

Title: Method for preparing the replacement of a windshield wiper blade of a vehicle and computer program for applying a method. Method for preparing a replacement of a windshield wiper blade (2) of a vehicle (1) comprising the steps of: - authenticating a first entity as an authorized user of the vehicle (1), - acknowledging the first entity's request to replace the windshield wiper blade (2), - retrieving wiper information concerning the wiper blade (2) of the vehicle (1), the wiper information enabling the identification of a replacement part, - transmitting the wiper information to a second entity different from the first, and - establishing a right to use the control of a windshield wiper system (10) of the vehicle (1) including the wiper blade (2) for the second unit. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for preparing the replacement of a windshield wiper blade of a vehicle and computer program for applying a method FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preparing the replacement or exchange of a windshield wiper blade of a vehicle as well as a computer program applying the method.

[0002] The invention also relates to a vehicle thus equipped. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] According to the state of the art, program applications are known for user terminals such as, for example, mobiles, with which a user is assisted in determining a spare part to order when the user wishes to replace wiper blades of his vehicle. This application makes it possible, for example, to determine the type of wiper blade required and / or a suitable offer in an online shop.

[0004] If the user wants to replace the wiper blade, he normally has to leave the vehicle and move the wiper into a service position. Windshield wipers are usually aerodynamically optimized so that replacing the wiper blades is not possible in the normal rest position. To move the wipers, it is usually necessary to first switch the vehicle's ignition to a parking position with the ignition off. The wiper drive is then usually no longer supplied with electrical energy. In the case of electric vehicles, the state of the connected clutch normally corresponds to the state in which the vehicle's high-voltage accumulator is connected to the vehicle's on-board network and the vehicle is ready to start.In the parked state in which the vehicle is not suitable for movement, the high-voltage accumulator is normally disconnected from the on-board network.

[0005] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The subject of the invention is a method for preparing a replacement windshield wiper blade for a vehicle comprising the steps of:

[0007] - authenticate a first entity as an authorized user of the vehicle,

[0008] - recognize the request of the first entity to replace the wiper blade,

[0009] - call wiper information about the wiper blade of the vehicle, wiper information allowing the identification of a spare part,

[0010] - transmitting the wiper information to a second entity different from the first, and

[0011] - establish a right of use of the control of a windshield wiper system of the vehicle including the wiper blade in the second unit.

[0012] Furthermore, there is a request for wiper information regarding the vehicle's wiper. This request for wiper information enables the identification of the spare part for replacing the wiper blade. Thus, it is not necessary to select from a set of available spare parts the appropriate spare part for the vehicle; moreover, the necessary spare part, i.e. the replacement wiper blade, required is identified directly. This wiper information is transmitted to a second entity different from the first entity. The second entity is, for example, a service personnel who has to replace the wiper blade.

[0013] Furthermore, a right of use is established to control the windshield wiper system equipped with the wiper blade in the vehicle to the second entity. The second entity is therefore not the authorized user of the vehicle. However, the second entity allows the vehicle to move the wiper blade into its service position to be able to change the wiper blade.

[0014] A user of the vehicle who is authorized to use the vehicle can thus simply and without any particular means, request the replacement of the wiper blade. The user is not necessarily next to the vehicle for the replacement of the wiper blade and he does not have to use any tool or the like by the second entity, that is to say by the service operation.

[0015] The right to use is preferably limited to controlling the windshield wiper system. Thus, the second entity can neither start nor drive the vehicle. This ensures that there will only be a wiper blade replacement and this would reciprocally avoid any use of the vehicle.

[0016] According to a preferred development, in addition to the retrieval of wiper information, vehicle information can also be retrieved from the vehicle. This makes it possible to simply identify the vehicle from the vehicle information. The vehicle information includes, in particular, the location and / or the type and / or other optical characteristic of the vehicle. The vehicle information is also transmitted to the second entity. Thus, the first entity can prepare the replacement of the wiper blade without the vehicle being parked at a fixed location agreed upon in advance. The second entity then receives the location and the type or optical characteristic of the vehicle. Using this data, the second entity can find the location of the vehicle and identify the vehicle itself. Then, it is possible replace the wiper blade without the first entity being present at any time.

[0017] The right of use is in particular valid for a pre-defined period of time. This ensures that the right of use, necessary for the planned change of the wiper blade, avoids prolonged or long-term access to the vehicle. The pre-defined period is in particular set in advance by the first entity.

[0018] Preferably, the right to use contains the authorization to unlock and / or open the engine hood and / or the service flap to top up the windshield washer fluid. Thus, in addition to simply replacing the windshield wiper blade, the windshield washer fluid can also be topped up. The appropriate form of the right to use gives the first entity the ability to authorize or prohibit access to certain components of the vehicle.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for preparing a replacement vehicle windshield wiper blade comprising the following steps:

[0020] - first receive wiper information that identifies the wiper wiper blade to be replaced. In addition, the right of use is received to control the wiper system of the vehicle equipped with the wiper blade in question. The method thus enables the replacement of the wiper blade, the method being intended in particular for entities that are not the permanent user of the vehicle or do not have a permanent right of use. They receive the right of use that enables at least the method relating to the wiper blade, which is, for example, advantageous for service personnel. Using the wiper information, it is possible to unambiguously identify the wiper blade to be replaced in order to obtain a suitable spare part. The method further comprises the step of sending a control command to the vehicle to move the wiper blade and place it in the predefined service position. This sending is done in particular as a response to a user input.Thus, using the obtained right of use, the vehicle can be controlled to move the wiper blade. Particularly advantageously, information from the vehicle is also received, as described above.

[0021] The invention also relates to a computer program. This computer program is designed to execute a method as described above.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous manner, the computer program is designed to be executed on a user terminal. The user terminal is, in particular, a mobile telephone. This first entity can thus, at any time, access the user terminal. The replacement of the wiper blade can be prepared as indicated previously. Alternatively, the computer program is designed to be executed on the vehicle's on-board computer or to be executed on a server in communication with the vehicle. Thus, the change of windshield wipers can be prepared simply and with reduced means, from the vehicle.

[0023] The invention also relates to a vehicle. The vehicle has a windshield wiper system and a control unit. The windshield wiper system comprises a wiper blade and its drive. The wiper blade is moved by the drive. The control unit allows the drive to be controlled. Furthermore, the control unit receives a command to the drive from an entity. The entity is not part of the vehicle and thus in particular has no right to use the vehicle itself. The control unit is designed to actuate the drive upon receipt of the control command to move the wiper blade into its predefined operating position. Thus, the vehicle allows external control of the drive of the windshield wiper system; the term external means that the command does not come from a component of the vehicle itself.Furthermore, preferably, there is a communication link between the vehicle and an external device, the control command being transmitted via this communication link. Particularly advantageously, the external device, i.e. the entity mentioned above, has no right to open or start the vehicle. It can only be provided that the service flaps of the vehicle can be unlocked or opened by this entity.

[0024] The control unit advantageously has a zone control unit and an on-board computer. The zone control unit is connected to the on-board computer for data transmission and advantageously serves to control and / or regulate a part of the vehicle. The zone control unit is designed in particular to control the drive. The zone control unit thus allows the control of the drive of the windscreen wiper system at any time, regardless of the operating state of the vehicle.

[0025] The control unit is advantageously designed so that the drive moves the wiper blade while the vehicle's ignition is switched off and / or the high-voltage accumulator is disconnected from the vehicle's on-board network area. This means, for example, that control can be provided when the vehicle is parked and in particular when it is closed. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of embodiments of the method for preparing the replacement of a windshield wiper shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig.l] schematic view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, and

[0028] [Fig.2] schematic view of the integration of a drive of a wiper system ice in the vehicle, in an environment that allows communication.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] [Fig.l] schematically shows a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 has a windscreen wiper system 10 and a control unit 4. The windscreen wiper system 10 of the embodiment shown has two wiper blades 2 and a drive 3 for moving the wiper blades 2. According to the invention, the windscreen wiper system can also have more or less two wiper blades. The drive serves in particular to move the wiper blades 2 and to clean or wipe the surface, for example, of a window of the vehicle 1.

[0031] The control unit 4 is shown schematically in [Fig. 2] and comprises a zone control unit 5 and an on-board computer 6. The zone control unit 5 serves to control a part of the vehicle and in the present embodiment, it serves, among other things, to control the drive 3. The drive 3 and the zone control unit 5 are connected, for example, by a field bus 12, in particular, by the local area network also called LIN Bus or by a CAN Bus network. The zone control unit 5 is connected to the on-board computer 6 for data transmission; communication between the zone control unit 5 and the on-board computer takes place, for example, by an Ethernet network connection 11 and with the Internet protocol IP. In this way, the drive 3 is integrated into the communication environment and can be controlled very flexibly. In particular, there is network connection by a mobile data connection.The drive 3 is not limited to control by means of the vehicle 1 itself, but, for example, by switches, levers or touch screens.

[0032] The control unit 4 is composed of an entity which is not part of the vehicle 1, to receive a control command of the drive 3. This entity has in particular the right of use which is specific to the vehicle 1, but which is preferably limited. Thus, the entity is authorized to control the drive 3 or other service functions while prohibiting the opening or starting of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle 1 is prepared for maintenance work because the service personnel can receive the right of use, specific to carry out the necessary operations. Rights going beyond this are prohibited for the service personnel. In particular, it is provided that upon receipt of the control command mentioned above, the service personnel can control the drive 3 to move the wiper blade 2 into its predefined service position.Furthermore, the control unit 4 is designed to control the drive 3 while the ignition is switched off and / or the vehicle's on-board network 1 is separated from the high-voltage accumulator, to move the wiper blade 2. Thus, for example, it is not necessary to open the passenger compartment and access. to the already stowed vehicle 1 to put the wiper blades 2 in a service position. This prevents unintended use of the vehicle 1.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous manner, the movement of the wiper blades 2 can be prepared. For this, a method according to the first embodiment of the invention is applied, consisting in particular of executing a computer program. The computer program is preferably executed on a user terminal 9, for example, a mobile telephone.

[0034] To prepare for the replacement of the windshield wiper blade 2 of the vehicle 1, a first entity is first authenticated as an authorized user of the vehicle 1. This may, for example, consist of the first entity, which corresponds, for example, to the owner of the vehicle 1, having an appropriate key. The key may, in particular and advantageously, be a key programmed on the user terminal 9 or stored in the cloud. This ensures that only authorized users of the vehicle can arrive as the first entity.

[0035] We then have the recognition of the request from the first entity consisting of requesting the change of the windshield wiper. This can be done in particular by a corresponding entry on the user terminal 9.

[0036] Then there is the wiper information request concerning the wiper blade 2 to be replaced or the wiper blades 2 to be replaced of the vehicle 1. The wiper information makes it possible to identify the spare part and comprises, for example, a unique reference and / or the type and / or the dimensions and / or the designation of the wiper blade to be changed. For example, the wiper information can be stored in a database which associates the wiper blades used on a given vehicle type. By requesting wiper information the first entity does not have to determine itself which spare part to use.

[0037] In addition to the wiper information request, vehicle information is advantageously requested from the vehicle in particular. The vehicle information is preferably the location and / or type and / or optical markings of the vehicle. This makes it possible to unambiguously recognize the vehicle from the vehicle information.

[0038] The wiper information and in particular also the vehicle information are transmitted to the first unit different from the second unit. The second unit is in particular a service facility and / or service personnel. This is given the task of replacing the wiper blades 2 of the vehicle 1, this replacement also being able to be carried out mobile if the vehicle information with the location of the vehicle has been determined. The second entity thus has the information necessary to obtain a replacement part for the wipers wiper blades 2 used on vehicle 1 and thus carry out the replacement. It is therefore not necessary to recognize vehicle 1 beforehand to determine the type of wiper blade 2 that is required.

[0039] To enable the replacement of the wiper blades 2, a right of use is further established to control the wiper system 2 of the vehicle 1, which right is transmitted to the second entity. The right of use makes it possible to control the drive 3 to move the wiper blades 2 and put them in a predefined service position.

[0040] The advantage of organizing the right to use is in particular that of avoiding the physical transmission of a physical key. Moreover, the right to use can be predefined without requiring a physical meeting between the user of the vehicle 1 and the service personnel. The vehicle 1 can, for example, be parked without occupants, the second entity then knowing, through the vehicle information, the location and other identification characteristics of the vehicle 1. The right to use allows the second entity to move the wiper blades 2 to put them in the service position and replace them, the necessary spare parts being known beforehand through the wiper information. Thus, the replacement of the wiper blades 2 is simple and efficient.

[0041] To increase security in the organization of the right of use, this right of use is not valid only for a predefined period. This ensures that after the replacement of the wiper blades 2, the right of use is deleted again. In this way, a time window for the replacement of the wiper blades 2 can also be predefined.

[0042] The right to use may also allow the hood 7 and / or the service flap 8 of the vehicle 1 to be unlocked and / or opened. The service flap 8 and / or the engine hood 7 must, in this case, be able to be opened to complete the filling with windshield washer fluid. By authorizing the opening, it is thus possible, during a replacement of the windshield wiper blade in the service, to complete the filling with windshield washer fluid in a comfortable manner. However, it is not necessary, for this, to have full access to the vehicle 1 and this access is not authorized. The right to use only includes the interactions with the vehicle 1 which are necessary and / or desired by the first entity.

[0043] From the point of view of the second entity, there is in particular a method for preparing the replacement of a windshield wiper blade 2 of a vehicle 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The method begins by receiving information from the windshield wiper blade identifying the windshield wiper blade(s) 2 to be replaced. The spare parts necessary to replace the windshield wiper blade 2 or the windshield wiper blades 2 are thus known. In addition, the right to use to order the windshield wiper system 10 of the vehicle 1, which allows the wiper blades 2 to be moved into the service position. As a final step, the control command is sent to the vehicle 1 to move the wiper blade 2 into the predefined service position. This transmission is done in particular in response to the user input and can be done separately in time from the reception of the wiper information. In addition to the wiper information, vehicle-related information can also be received, as described above.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for preparing the replacement of a wiper blade (2) of a vehicle (1) equipped with a control unit (4) and a wiper blade drive (3) connected to a zone control unit (5) by a field bus (12), - the control unit (4) being accessible to a first entity which is the authorized user of the vehicle and to - a second entity responsible for replacing the wiper blade with the limited right of use which is specific to the vehicle (1) - the control unit (4) being able to control the drive (3) while the ignition or the on-board network is switched off, Method consisting of carrying out the following steps, starting from a request from the first unit: - authenticating the first entity as an authorized user of the vehicle (1), - recognizing the request of the first entity to replace the wiper blade (2),- calling up wiper information concerning the wiper blade (2) to be replaced and enabling the identification of the spare part, - transmitting the wiper information to the second entity, and - establishing, for the second entity, a right of use of the control unit (4) of the wiper system (10) of the vehicle equipped with the wiper blade (2) to be replaced.,

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the right of use, attributed to the second entity, which is the service personnel responsible for replacing the wiper blade, is limited in time and to the operation to be carried out.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising, in addition to calling up wiper information, calling up information about the vehicle (1) and transmitting the vehicle information capturing in particular the location and / or type and / or optical characteristics of the vehicle (1).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the right of use contains the permission to unlock and / or open the engine hood (7) and / or the service flap (8) to complete the windshield washer fluid filling.

5. A method for preparing a replacement of a wiper blade (2) of a vehicle (1) comprising the steps of: - receiving wiper information which identifies a wiper blade (2) to be changed, - receiving the right to use the control of a wiper system (10) of the vehicle (1) equipped with the wiper blade (2), and - sending in particular as a reaction to a user input, a control command to the vehicle (1) to move the wiper blade (2) into the predefined service position.

6. Computer program comprising instructions, which when the program is executed by a computer, lead to implementing the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Computer program according to claim 6, characterized in that it is designed to be executed on a user terminal (9), in particular a mobile telephone or to be executed on the on-board computer (6) of the vehicle (1) or to be executed on a server communicating with the vehicle (1).

8. Vehicle (1) comprising: - a windscreen wiper system (10) with at least one wiper blade (2) and a drive (3) of the wiper blade (2), and - a control unit (4) for controlling the drive (3), the control unit (4) being designed to receive from an entity which is not part of the vehicle (1), a command to control the drive (3) and for the drive (3) to move the wiper blade (2) into a predefined operating position.

9. Vehicle (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (4) has a zone control unit (5) as well as an on-board computer (6), - the zone control unit (5) being connected to the on-board computer (6) for transmitting data and the zone control unit (5) is adapted to control the drive (3).

10. Vehicle (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the control unit (4) is designed to move the wiper blade (2) while the ignition is switched off and / or a separate high-voltage accumulator of the vehicle (1) is disconnected from the on-board network, to move the wiper blade (2).