Computer-implemented method for installing a windshield wiper blade

Abstract

Title: Computer-implemented method for installing a windshield wiper blade. A computer-implemented method for installing a windshield wiper blade (8, 9) onto a wiper arm (6, 7) of a motor vehicle (1), the wiper arm (6, 7) being placed in a service position (20, 21) for mounting the wiper blade (8, 9), characterized in that: - a reference is entered, applied at least indirectly to the wiper blade (8, 9) and / or to the wiper blade packaging (8, 9), and - the wiper arm (6, 7) is moved into the service position (20, 21) according to the entered reference. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Computer-implemented method for installing a windshield wiper blade FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for installing a windshield wiper blade on a motor vehicle and to a device and a computer program for this installation.

[0002] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a device and a computer program for installing a wiper blade on a wiper arm of a motor vehicle, the wiper arm being placed in a service position for installing the wiper blade. The invention relates especially to the field of passenger vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] According to document EP 0 268 131 A1, a vehicle windscreen wiper installation is known. In this known installation, the windscreen wiper oscillates in normal wiping mode between two reversing positions, but after stopping by the operating switch the wiper blade is stopped in a parking position, recessed, outside the field of vision.

[0004] In a windscreen wiper system in which the windscreen wiper is moved to a storage position outside the field of vision, it can be envisaged that in order to change the wiper blade, the wiper arm with the wiper is moved from the storage position to a service position on the window. The movement to the service position can be done manually by a switch installed on the steering wheel and, if necessary, appropriate programming with a program of an electronic control unit (ECU) of the wiping system is required. The program cannot be changed by the driver. The windscreen wiper system can only be operated when the ignition is connected, in particular via the positive ignition terminal (terminal 15).

[0005] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for installing a windscreen wiper blade on a windscreen wiper arm of a motor vehicle, the windscreen wiper arm being placed in a service position for mounting the windscreen wiper blade, characterized in that a reference applied at least indirectly to the windscreen wiper blade and / or to the packaging of the windscreen wiper blade is entered and the windscreen wiper arm is moved into the service position as a function of the entered reference.

[0007] The invention also relates to a device applying the computer program. The invention allows for better operation. The mounting of the wiper blade on the wiper arm of the installation is improved, in particular, the mounting of the wiper blade is simple and nevertheless reliable.

[0008] The service position is a position on the vehicle window. The service position is predefined to enable the wiper blade to be fitted as comfortably as possible and, if necessary, the old wiper blade to be removed comfortably. The service position is not necessarily fixedly predefined.

[0009] A motor vehicle applying the method may also have several wiper arms, in particular two wiper arms fitted to the windshield. The method may also be applied to several wiper arms at the same time or successively. For this, the wiper arms will be placed at the same time or successively in their respective service position. The method may also be applied to wiper arms of different windows, in particular to the windshield and the rear window.

[0010] Advantageously, the reference is entered at least when the vehicle ignition is switched off. This allows the wiper blade to be replaced comfortably from the outside.

[0011] Advantageously, the reference is captured by a vehicle sensor, in particular by the vehicle environment capture sensor and / or with a mobile device, in particular a mobile telephone.

[0012] For example, an outward-facing camera or an external camera may be used. In particular, the camera that captures the reference of the capture installation may be installed in the rearview mirror mount. The capture may also be made with a mobile or with a mobile connected via the internet, in particular a mobile phone or a tablet.

[0013] Advantageously, it is checked whether the reference entered is an authorized reference for the vehicle. This prevents any mistaken fitting of an unsuitable wiper blade. In particular, this ensures the safety of the vehicle in its operation because it prevents, for example, the fitting of a wiper blade that is too short.

[0014] Advantageously, the user is informed of the result of the check, in particular on a mobile device. For this purpose, the user is informed from the outset whether the wiper blade is suitable for the vehicle or the wiper arm of the vehicle or is not suitable. The user can, if necessary, do this when ordering or purchasing a wiper blade if the input is made, for example, with a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a tablet.

[0015] Advantageously, the wiper arm is put into the service position when the result of the verification is that the reference entered is an authorized reference. for the vehicle. This can be done, for example, by entering the reference on the vehicle, which is done with a vehicle installation or with a mobile allowing particularly simple installation of the appropriate wiper blade.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one method of installing the wiper blade is displayed to the user, depending on the reference entered. This simplifies installation by the user. The user manual can be displayed on a mobile phone or on the vehicle screen.

[0017] Advantageously, the reference is recorded in a QR-Code and / or an RFID tag and / or a Blockchain, in particular a VeChain, which allows reliable entry of the reference. The Blockchain can also allow tracking of a windshield wiper blade. For this, data is transmitted, if necessary, to a manufacturer to enable them, for example, to monitor quality and / or improve quality.

[0018] Advantageously, a reference is entered, in particular a reference recorded in a Blockchain of a previous wiper blade if this previous wiper blade is installed in place of the previous wiper blade on the wiper arm. This makes it possible to track the wiper blade over its lifetime.

[0019] Advantageously, the wear of the wiper blade is recorded and / or the automatic and / or manual adjustment is triggered by the user for the wiper blade, which is preferably done when the recorded wear of the wiper blade reaches a predefined wear limit. This improves the operational safety of the vehicle.

[0020] Depending on the embodiment, one or more of the following features are applied.

[0021] The possibility of activating the wiping system (the wiper installation) even when the ignition is not activated offers new possibilities for the functionality and use of a wiper system. The networking of the vehicle sensors and the corresponding logic as well as the control of the wiper motor result in new functionalities that can be offered, even in the form of program packages or program functionalities (SW functionalities) on the market. The new functionality can serve as an additional service for the vehicle user. For example, the control of the service position or service deposition of a wiper installation can be possible by an external signal so that the actuation will be independent of the steering wheel switch.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the wiper motor is integrated into a communication environment that processes data from other sensor units of the vehicle or external signals and activates, in particular, the transmission of signals. The conditions are, for example, that the wiper drive must have VSS capability and by the ECU area or an application in a vehicle computer. A VSS interface serves vehicle-specific signals (VSS signals) and is an exemplary embodiment of a standardized program / signal interface.

[0023] Possible embodiments of other advantageous functionalities are, for example, realized at least in one of the following application cases:

[0024] A service application (computer program / computer program product) may be available for a wiper blade replacement and may be offered in particular for downloading. The vehicle user has the option of receiving an app for his mobile phone, in particular his Smartphone, which assists him in replacing the wiper blade. Thus, the app can first of all determine the appropriate wiper blade for the vehicle.

[0025] A new windshield wiper as a replacement part bears a reference, for example in the form of a QR code, on the packaging. The QR code that thus appears on the packaging can be read by the smartphone application. This application is advantageously connected to the vehicle.

[0026] Scanning the QR code confirms that you have the right wiper for installation. In addition, you can activate a corresponding service position of the wiper system with the app.

[0027] Activation is done, for example, at the vehicle computer level, which allows a signal to be sent at the architecture level to the wiper ECU drive. The user thus has the advantage of avoiding installing an unsuitable wiper. In addition, he does not have to activate the vehicle's ignition to change the wiper.

[0028] In addition or alternatively to such application functions, by scanning the QR-Code one can also receive links for the operating instructions on general access platforms such as, for example, social networks, a video portal, the manufacturer's face or other Internet portal.

[0029] An app can be installed in the vehicle's computer or, for example, be installed on demand. The app can be used, for example, to replace a windshield wiper blade.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the functions can also be designed autonomously without external communication from the vehicle. Thus, the content and / or functionalities of an app that serves a mobile phone can be in the mobile phone or a smartphone or as an application that serves the vehicle computer installed thereon. An app can also be in the cloud connected to the vehicle. In addition, shared systems can be implemented. These implementations can be reduced in each application case, if necessary, to external communication.

[0031] According to an advantageous development, there is, for example, a QR-Code on the packaging of the windscreen wiper blade which is captured with a camera already fitted to the vehicle, for example, a camera of the exterior area, installed behind the windscreen or in the passenger compartment.

[0032] Functionality such as checking the compatibility of the new wiper blade and / or controlling the service position can be selected and activated with the vehicle's on-board computer.

[0033] The functionality can also be realized by the combination of the QR-Code of the wiper blade packaging and the vehicle connectivity. This allows for at least one further service function. Such a further service function is, for example, the automatic or manual subsequent adjustment of the wiper blade.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, a subscription model may be provided which allows, for example, regular adjustment of the windshield wiper blade. For example, (a windshield wiper blade is ordered...) after a certain period of use, in particular a certain number of hours of operation and / or a certain journey, in particular in kilometers or a certain duration, in particular days after the vehicle was put into service or the last windshield wiper replacement. This further improves the safety of the vehicle's operation.

[0035] Thus, according to a preferred development, an architecture is provided for the connection to the windshield wiper motor, a zone control device (zone ECU) and a vehicle computer as well as, if necessary, the cloud at the higher level.

[0036] Preferably,

[0037] - we check whether the reference entered is an authorized reference for the vehicle, and

[0038] a) the user is informed of the result of the verification, in particular on a mobile phone, and / Or

[0039] b) the wiper arm is moved into the service position if the result of the check is that the entered reference is an authorized reference for the vehicle.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a computer program, in particular an installed application comprising the instructions that the computer-implemented method executes according to the invention.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method of installing a windshield wiper blade on a windshield wiper arm of a motor vehicle,

[0042] a person installing the wiper blade on the wiper arm,

[0043] method characterized in that

[0044] to install the wiper blade on the wiper arm the wiper arm is moved with the computer-implemented method according to the invention into a service position. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments of a computer-implemented method for installing a windshield wiper blade, presented in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] [Fig.l] vehicle shown schematically in which the wiper arms are each in their respective service position for the installation of the wiper blades,

[0047] [Fig.2] Device for implementing a computer-implemented method according to one embodiment,

[0048] [Fig.3] different wiper blades in their packaging as well as mobile the user diagramming the input of the appropriate wiper blade of [Fig.l] with the computer-implemented method.

[0049] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0050] [Fig.l] shows a motor vehicle 1 according to a schematic perspective representation. The vehicle 1 has a window 2 constituted by the windshield 2. The vehicle 1 has a window 3 which is the rear window. The vehicle has windshield wipers 4, 5 which, in this exemplary embodiment, equip the window 2 constituted by the windshield 2. According to an alternative embodiment, there is, for example, only one windshield wiper equipping the window 2. Furthermore, according to an alternative embodiment, there is at least one windshield wiper on the window 3 constituting the rear window 3. The vehicle 1 may be a passenger vehicle or a heavy goods vehicle.

[0051] The windscreen wipers 4, 5 have wiper arms 6, 7 and wiper blades 8, 9 removably attached to the wiper arms 6, 7. The wiper blades 8, 9 are connected to the wiper arms 6, 7 by suitable mechanisms, preferably designed to enable the user of the vehicle 1 to replace the wiper blade himself without having to have it done in a workshop or have service work done in a workshop. The installation of the wiper blades 6, 7 can also be carried out by a workshop or service, for example, as part of a vehicle service.

[0052] The vehicle 1 further has rearview mirrors 10, 11 connected by feet 12, 13 to the bodywork 14 of the vehicle 1.

[0053] Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to [Fig.2] and [Fig.3].

[0054] [Fig. 2] shows a device 15 for applying the computer-implemented method according to one embodiment. [Fig. 3] shows different wiper blades 16 in their packaging 17. Each packaging 18 contains the appropriate wiper blade 8, 9 for the vehicle.

[0055] A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment is used for installing the wiper blades 8, 9 on the wiper arms 6, 7 of the vehicle 1. To install the wiper blades 8, 9, the wiper arms 6, 7 are brought into their respective service positions 20, 21. The placing in the service positions 20, 21 can be done simultaneously or successively.

[0056] To trigger the movement of the wiper arms 6, 7 and put them in their respective service position 20, 21, a reference 22 is entered from the package 18 of the wiper blades 8, 9. In this example, the reference 22 is a recorded (encoded) QR-Code 23. For alternative embodiments, the characteristic 22 is additionally or alternatively recorded in an RFID tag and / or in a Blockchain, in particular in a VeChain.

[0057] The reference 22 is captured, for example, by sensors 25, 26 of the vehicle 1 and / or by the mobile 27 of the user.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the entry of the reference 22 is done with the user's mobile 27, for example, a Smartphone 27. Thus, it is already possible to select the appropriate packaging 18 for his vehicle 1 with the appropriate wiper blades 8, 9 in the packaging 17.

[0059] When the user is next to the vehicle 1 with the packaging 18 containing the wiper blades 8, 9, he enters with his mobile terminal 27 the reference 22 of the sensor 25 or the sensor 26 of the vehicle which capture the environment of the vehicle 1. The reference 22 can be entered, preferably, even when the ignition of the vehicle 1 is not switched on. For example, one or more mirror feet 12, 13 can be provided for one or more sensors 25. The sensor 26 is, for example, behind the window 2.

[0060] Then, it is preferably checked that the reference 2 entered is a reference 22 appropriate for the vehicle 1. The result of the check can be signaled to the user on his mobile 27.

[0061] When entering an authorized reference 22, the wiper arms 6, 7 are put into their respective service position 20, 21. The service positions are preferably chosen so that the user can replace the wiper blades 8, 9 as comfortably as possible. If necessary, the user can also display on his mobile 27 the installation mode of the wiper blades 8, 9.

[0062] When changing a windshield wiper blade 8, 9, it is possible in particular to enter the reference 22 of the previous windshield wiper blades 8, 9, which reference is recorded in a Blockchain. Since the Blockchain, in particular the VeChain Blockchain, codes a reference 22 uniquely associated with each windshield wiper blade 8, 9, it is thus possible to individually track the service life of the windshield wiper blades.

[0063] It is also possible to record the wear of the wiper blades 8, 9 and to carry out an adjustment of the wiper blades 8, 9 triggered automatically and / or manually by the user. For example, at certain intervals, new wiper blades 8, 9 can be regularly ordered.

[0064] [Fig. 2] shows a possible embodiment of the device 15 which at least partially applies the computer-implemented method. A single drive (wiper drive) 30 is presented for the wipers 4, 5. The wipers 4, 5 can also each be driven by its own drive 30.

[0065] A vehicle computer 31 can be connected via EtherNet / IP with the ECU areas 32. The steering wheel switch 33 can send signals to the vehicle computer 31 and / or to the ECU areas 32. By a UN / CAN signal the ECU areas 32 for the drive 30 can be controlled. The drive 30 can also have an ECU drive 34.

[0066] By at least one other ECU unit or terminal 35 a signal can be sent via the CAN bus to the ECU zones 32.

[0067] A computer program, in particular an application, which executes the computer-implemented method can be installed in the on-board computer 31 of the vehicle. The on-board computer 31 can use a VSS interface 40 for the ECU areas 32. By means of a wiper drive driver UN 41, the ECU drives 34 can be controlled via a UN / CAN signal connection. Application-specific steps can be executed on the ECU drive 34, which are made possible by standardized functions or standardized programs for activating the drive 30.

[0068] Via the other ECU unit or the terminal 35 the ECU zones can be controlled via the CAN signal. The other ECU unit or the terminal 35 can be used in connection with the sensor 25, 26 of the vehicle 1 and / or a connection with the mobile terminal 27 of the user and / or with internet services accessible via the Cloud or other internet service.

[0069] The BUS system of the vehicle 1 may be a CAN, CAN FD, FlexRay, Ethernet or LIN bus. In particular, different connection types or protocols may also be used for the different connections.

[0070] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0071] 1 Vehicle

[0072] 2 Window / windshield

[0073] 3 Rear window / window

[0074] 4 Windshield wiper

[0075] 5 Windshield wiper

[0076] 6 Windshield wiper arm

[0077] 7 Windshield wiper arm

[0078] 8 Windshield wiper blade

[0079] 9 Windshield wiper blade

[0080] 10 Rearview mirror [0081 ] 11 Rearview mirror

[0082] 12 Rearview mirror base

[0083] 13 Rearview mirror base

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088]

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096]

[0097]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] 14 Vehicle body 15 Device for applying the computer-implemented method 16 Wiper blade 17 Wiper blade packaging 18 Wiper blade packaging 20 Service position 21 Service position 22 Reference 23 QR-Code 25 Sensor 26 Sensor 27 Mobile 30 On-board computer 32 ECU area 33 Steering wheel switch 34 ECU drive 35 Terminal

Claims

Claims

1. Computer-implemented method for installing a wiper blade (8, 9) on a wiper arm (6, 7) of a motor vehicle (1), the wiper arm (6, 7) being brought into a service position (20, 21) for mounting the wiper blade (8, 9), characterized in that - a reference (22) applied at least indirectly to the wiper blade (8, 9) and / or to the packaging of the wiper blade (8, 9) is entered, and - the wiper arm (6, 7) is moved into the service position (20, 21) depending on the entered reference (22).

2. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference (22) is captured at least when the ignition of the motor vehicle (1) is deactivated.

3. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reference (22) is captured with a sensor (25, 26) of the vehicle (1), in particular a sensor (25, 26) for capture in the environment of the vehicle (1) and / or with a mobile device (27), in particular a mobile telephone.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that - it is checked whether the reference (22) entered is an authorized reference (22) for the vehicle (1), and a) the result of the check is signaled to the user, in particular on a mobile (27), and / or b) the wiper arm (6, 7) is moved into the service position (20, 21) if the result of the check is that the reference (22) entered is an authorized reference (22) for the vehicle (1).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one installation mode of the windscreen wiper blade (8, 9) is displayed to the user depending on the reference (22) entered.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reference (22) is recorded in a QR-Code (23) and / or an RFID and / or in a Blockchain, in particular in a VeChain.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a reference (22) in particular a reference recorded in a Blockchain, of a previous wiper blade (8, 9) is entered if the wiper blade (8, 9) is installed on the wiper arm (6, 7) in place of the previous wiper blade (8, 9).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wear of the wiper blade (8, 9) is recorded and / or an automated and / or manual, user-initiated readjustment of the wiper blade (8, 9) is carried out, which preferably takes place when the recorded wear of the wiper blade (8, 9) reaches a predefined wear limit.

9. Device designed to apply all the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Computer program, in particular an installed application, comprising the instructions that the computer-implemented method executes according to one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Method for installing a wiper blade on a wiper arm of a motor vehicle, characterized in that in order to install the wiper blade (8, 9) on the wiper arm (6, 7), the wiper arm (6, 7) is moved with the computer-implemented method according to one of claims 1 to 8 into a service position (20, 21).

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