A method for cleaning and removing insect marks from vehicle glass surfaces.

Abstract

To provide a method for cleaning a glass surface of a vehicle that is automatically and autonomously executed and does not require a human intervention.SOLUTION: There is provided a cleaning method for cleaning a glass surface 20 of a vehicle, said vehicle comprising a cleaning device 21 comprising a wiping system 210 with at least one spray device for spraying a liquid Lq, characterized in that said cleaning method involves the steps of: verifying E1 a first condition C1 that the current season sc is spring or summer; verifying E2 a second condition C2 which is the probability pb of there being insect strike is on said glass surface; verifying E3 a third condition C3 that said vehicle is stopped; if all of the conditions C are satisfied, then activating E4 the cleaning device to begin a cleaning cycle Cy; and executing E5 the cleaning cycle using said cleaning device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention is applicable to automobiles, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] A method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is provided with a cleaning device, is known to those skilled in the art. The cleaning device includes a wiper system having at least one device for spraying a liquid. Thereby, in particular, insect marks on the glass surface of the front glass of the vehicle can be washed away.

[0003] One drawback of the current prior art is that the cleaning method involves human intervention. This is because it is the user who manually (remotely or in other ways) starts the cleaning method as needed.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle that is automatically and autonomously implemented and no longer requires human intervention.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] For this purpose, the present invention A cleaning method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is provided with a cleaning device including a wiper system having at least one spraying device for spraying a liquid, The cleaning method - Verifying a first condition that the current season is spring or summer; - Verifying a second condition that there is a possibility of insect marks on the glass surface; - Verifying a third condition that the vehicle is stopped; - When all the above conditions are satisfied, turning on the cleaning device to start a cleaning cycle; - Executing the cleaning cycle using the cleaning device; We propose a cleaning method characterized by comprising the following features.

[0006] By testing various conditions that enable the detection of insect impact marks on the glass surface, the method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle according to the present invention allows for the automatic initiation of cleaning the vehicle's glass surface when necessary, i.e., when insect impact marks are present on the glass surface and the glass surface is dirty. Furthermore, because the cleaning is automatic, the glass surface can be cleaned well in advance of the insect impact marks obstructing the driver's view. This allows for optimal use of the cleaning fluid without consuming more than necessary.

[0007] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle may also have one or more additional properties, which are employed individually or in any technically possible combination of the following:

[0008] In one non-limiting embodiment, the step of verifying the current season is carried out using the current date and the hemisphere in which the vehicle is located.

[0009] In one non-limiting embodiment, the step of verifying the possibility of insect impact marks being present on the glass surface is based on the vehicle's speed exceeding a primary threshold.

[0010] In one non-limiting embodiment, the primary threshold is equal to 70 km / h.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment, the step of verifying the possibility of insect marks being present on the glass surface is based on geographical location information indicating that the vehicle is outside an urban area.

[0012] In one non-limiting embodiment, the cleaning method further comprises an additional step of verifying a fourth condition: that the glass surface is so dirty with insect marks that it impairs the driver's view of the vehicle.

[0013] In one non-limiting embodiment, the step of verifying that the glass surface is soiled by insect impact marks is: - The vehicle's running time exceeds the secondary threshold, or - The number of insect impact marks exceeds the tertiary threshold. Based on.

[0014] In one non-limiting embodiment, the secondary threshold is equal to 3 hours.

[0015] In one non-limiting embodiment, the cleaning method further comprises an additional step of verifying a fifth condition that the vehicle is outdoors.

[0016] In one non-limiting embodiment, the tertiary threshold is equal to 15.

[0017] In one non-limiting embodiment, the liquid is an insect repellent.

[0018] In one non-limiting embodiment, the liquid is a glass cleaning fluid or water.

[0019] In one non-limiting embodiment, the liquid is a heated glass cleaning fluid or heated water.

[0020] In one non-limiting embodiment, the verification that the vehicle is outdoors is performed. - Information regarding the open fuel refueling flap, -Information regarding the fact that there is no one in the driver's seat, Based on.

[0021] In one non-limiting embodiment, the step of verifying that the vehicle is outdoors is carried out using a rain / luminance sensor.

[0022] In one non-limiting embodiment, the step of verifying that the vehicle is outdoors is performed using a geolocation device.

[0023] In a non - limiting embodiment, the electronic control device - cooperates with an internal clock to receive information regarding the current date, and - acts with a geographical location information device to receive information regarding the hemisphere in which the motor vehicle is located. is configured as such.

[0024] In a non - limiting embodiment, the electronic control device - cooperates with a speedometer to receive information regarding the speed of the motor vehicle, or - cooperates with a dent measuring device to receive information regarding the number of insect dents on the glass surface, or - cooperates with a geographical location information device to receive information indicating whether the motor vehicle is outside an urban area. is configured as such.

[0025] In a non - limiting embodiment, the electronic control device - cooperates with a running time meter to receive information regarding the running time of the motor vehicle, or - cooperates with a dent measuring device to receive information regarding the number of insect dents on the glass surface. is configured as such.

[0026] In a non - limiting embodiment, the electronic control device - cooperates with a fuel filling flap sensor to receive information indicating that the fuel filling flap is open, and - cooperates with a presence sensor to receive information regarding the absence of anyone in the driver's seat. is configured as such.

[0027] In a non - limiting embodiment, the electronic control device - cooperates with a rain / brightness sensor to receive information regarding the brightness outside the motor vehicle, and - cooperates with a geographical location information device to receive information indicating whether the geographical location information is functioning. is configured as such.

[0028] Furthermore, the proposed cleaning system for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle comprises a cleaning device equipped with a wiper system having at least one spraying device for spraying a liquid onto the glass surface of the vehicle, and the cleaning device is configured to perform a cleaning cycle comprising the step of spraying the liquid onto the glass surface using at least one of the spraying devices, The cleaning system further comprises an electronic control unit, The aforementioned electronic control unit is -Verify the first condition that the current season is spring or summer, -The second condition, which is the possibility of insect impact marks being present on the glass surface, was examined. -Verify the third condition that the vehicle is stopped, - A cleaning system configured to turn on the cleaning device to initiate a cleaning cycle if all the aforementioned conditions are met.

[0029] The present invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and carefully examining the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for cleaning the glass surface of a vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the cleaning method of Figure 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment, the cleaning method comprising additional steps. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system configured to carry out the cleaning method described in Figures 1 and 2, according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning apparatus for the cleaning system shown in Figure 3, according to a non-limiting embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Elements that are identical in structure or function and appear in multiple drawings shall use the same reference numeral unless otherwise specified.

[0032] A cleaning method 1 for cleaning the glass surface 20 of a vehicle 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which are non-limiting embodiments. In one non-limiting embodiment, vehicle 2 is an automobile. An automobile means any type of electric vehicle. This embodiment is considered a non-limiting example in the following specification. Therefore, in the following specification, vehicle 2 will be referred to separately as automobile 2. In one non-limiting embodiment, the glass surface 20 is the glass surface of the windshield of vehicle 2.

[0033] Automobile 2 is shown in Figure 3.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the automobile 2 is equipped with a cleaning device 21 configured to clean the glass surface 20 of the automobile 2.

[0035] In a non-limiting embodiment as shown in Figure 3, the automobile 2 further comprises one or more of the following elements: -Internal clock 22. -Geolocation device 23. - Insect impact mark measuring device 24. - Total driving time: 25. - Accelerometer 26. - At least one presence sensor 27 located in the driver's seat 29 of the automobile 2. -Rain / luminance sensor 28. This sensor may be divided into two sensors, one for rain and the other for luminance. -Speedometer 30. - Fuel supply flap sensor 31. - Stop sensor 32.

[0036] For clarity, elements 22, 23, 25, 30, and 32 are combined into one in Figure 3, and elements 24, 26, and 28 are also combined into one in Figure 3.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the cleaning device 21 is - Wiper system 210 and, - Drive motor 212 and, -Duct system 213 and, - A tank 214 for storing cleaning liquid Lq, -At least one pump 215, It is equipped with.

[0038] The cleaning liquid Lq is also referred to separately as liquid Lq.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the wiper system 210 is - A spraying device 2100 having at least one orifice 2100a, wherein liquid Lq can be sprayed onto a glass surface 20 through the orifice 2100a, -At least one wiper blade 2101 (referred to separately as wiper), -At least one drive arm 2102 (referred to separately as an arm) connected to at least one of the wiper blades 2101 via a connecting device (not shown), It is equipped with.

[0040] In one non-limiting embodiment shown, the wiper system 210 includes a drive arm 2102 connected to at least one wiper blade 2101. The drive arm 2102 moves angularly back and forth across the glass surface 20 between a low position PB and a high position PH. The drive arm 2102 is configured in particular as a rod extending along its longitudinal axis, with one end connected to the wiper blade 2101 by a connecting device (not shown) and the other end connected to means for driving the wiper blade 2101, such as a drive motor 212.

[0041] In a non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the spraying devices 2100 is located on the wiper blade 2101, or on the drive arm 2102, or on the arm / blade connector, or on the hood of the automobile 2. These various embodiments can also be combined. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spraying device 2100 comprises a plurality of orifices 2100a. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the orifices 2100a are located on the wiper blade 2101, or on the drive arm 2102, or on the arm / blade connector, or on the hood of the automobile 2. The orifices 2100a can be positioned to spray liquid Lq toward the top of the wiper blade 2101, i.e., toward the top of the glass surface 20, or they can be positioned to spray liquid Lq toward the bottom of the wiper blade 2101, i.e., toward the bottom of the glass surface 20.

[0042] In one non-limiting embodiment, each wiper blade 2101 is provided with at least one hydraulic line set (also referred to as a line set) having an orifice 2100a. Through the orifice 2100a, liquid Lq can be sprayed onto the glass surface 20. Thus, the hydraulic line set forms a spraying device 2100. In a variation of one non-limiting embodiment, each wiper blade 2101 is provided with two line sets. One line set has an orifice 2100a configured to spray liquid Lq toward the top of the glass surface 20, and the other line set has an orifice 2100a configured to spray liquid Lq toward the bottom of the glass surface 20. These line sets can spray liquid Lq simultaneously or alternately depending on the direction of travel of the wiper blade 2101. Liquid Lq is supplied to each line set of the wiper blade 2101 by a duct system 213.

[0043] The drive motor 212 is configured to drive one or more wiper blades 2101 between their respective low position PB and high position PH via the drive arm 2102.

[0044] The duct system 213 connects the storage tank 214 to the orifice 2100a of at least one of the spraying devices 2100.

[0045] In a non-limiting first embodiment, tank 214 is a glass cleaning fluid tank. In a non-limiting second embodiment, tank 214 is a tank independent of the glass cleaning fluid tank, and each tank is associated with a different pump. In a non-limiting third embodiment, tank 214 may be partitioned and may have two storage compartments, one for liquid Lq and the other for glass cleaning fluid. Each compartment is associated with a different pump.

[0046] At least one of the pumps 215 is associated with a tank 214 containing liquid Lq and is configured to pass the liquid Lq through the duct system 213 until the liquid Lq is discharged to the glass surface 20, i.e., to the glass surface 20 of the windshield in a hypothetical non-limiting example, by an orifice 2100a of at least one of the sprayers 2100.

[0047] Regarding the application of liquid Lq to the glass surface 20 of the vehicle 2, cleaning method 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which represent a non-limiting embodiment. Cleaning method 1 is carried out by a cleaning system Sys, which includes the cleaning device 21 and electronic control unit ECU described above.

[0048] The electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to verify the following condition C. - The current season is spring or summer. - There is a possibility that insect indentations may be present on the glass surface 20. - Whether the aforementioned vehicle 2 is stopped or not.

[0049] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit (ECU) is further configured to verify the following additional condition C. - Whether the glass surface 20 is soiled by insect impacts.

[0050] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit (ECU) is further configured to verify the following additional condition C. - Is car 2 located outdoors, or in an underground parking lot or garage?

[0051] Therefore, in step E1 shown in F1(ECU, C1(sc)) in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the electronic control unit ECU verifies the primary condition that the current season sc is spring or summer.

[0052] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit (ECU) verifies the current season by the current date dt and the hemisphere hs in which the vehicle 2 is located. In one non-limiting embodiment, the current date information is provided to the ECU by the vehicle 2's internal clock 22. In one non-limiting embodiment, the hemisphere (north or south) information is provided to the ECU by a geolocation information device 23. By using these two pieces of information, it is possible to determine whether the current season is spring or summer. During these two seasons, there are a great many insects, and it is highly likely that there will be insect marks on the glass surface 20, and that the surface will be dirty, potentially impairing the driver's visibility.

[0053] In step E2 shown in F2(ECU, C2(pb, is)) in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the electronic control unit ECU verifies the secondary condition pb, which is the probability that insect impact marks is present on the glass surface 20.

[0054] In a non-limiting first embodiment, the verification of the possibility pb is based on the speed vt of the vehicle 2 exceeding a primary threshold. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary threshold is equal to 70 km / h (kilometers per hour). When vehicle 2 is traveling at more than 70 km / h, this means that vehicle 2 is on a relatively high-speed route. Above this speed vt, insects are more likely to hit the windshield and be crushed. Speed ​​information is provided to the electronic control unit ECU by the speedometer 30 of vehicle 2. When traveling at high speeds, there is a high probability that insects will hit the glass surface 20 and be crushed, and therefore there is a high probability that the surface will be soiled by insect impacts is, impairing the driver's visibility.

[0055] In a non-limiting second embodiment, the verification of the possibility pb is based on the fact that the geolocation information gl of the vehicle is outside an urban area. The geolocation information gl is provided to the electronic control unit ECU by the geolocation information device 23. Outside urban areas, for example in rural areas, there are more insects than in cities, so insect impact marks is more likely to be present on the glass surface 20, and the surface may become dirty due to insect impact marks, potentially impairing the driver's visibility.

[0056] In step E3 shown as F3 (ECU, C3(2)) in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the electronic control unit ECU verifies the third condition C3, which is that the automobile 2 is stopped.

[0057] Therefore, in order to start the washing cycle Cy, vehicle 2 must be stopped. This is because if the cycle were to start while vehicle 2 was in motion, it would startle and disadvantage the driver of vehicle 2. Furthermore, it could pose a safety risk to everyone in vehicle 2.

[0058] Please note that steps E1 to E3 may be performed simultaneously, sequentially in any order, or some may be performed simultaneously while others are performed sequentially in any order.

[0059] In one non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cleaning method 1 further includes an additional step E3' in which an electronic control unit ECU, indicated as F3'(ECU, C4(is, 20)), verifies a fourth condition C4, that the glass surface 20 is so dirty that insect impact marks is impairing the driver's visibility.

[0060] In a non-limiting first embodiment, verification of contamination of the glass surface 20 by insect impact marks is based on the fact that the driving time tr of the automobile 2 exceeds a secondary threshold. In a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary threshold is substantially equal to 3 hours. This 3-hour time is estimated to represent the total time it takes for the glass surface 20 to become contaminated and impair the driver's visibility. The driving time information tr is provided to the electronic control unit ECU by the driving time meter 25.

[0061] Therefore, for example, if a vehicle travels at a speed exceeding 70 km / h for more than 3 hours, visibility may be impaired due to insect bite marks. When this first embodiment is combined with the non-limiting first embodiment in step E2 (speed vt exceeding 70 km / h) in a non-limiting embodiment, the 3-hour travel time tr may be continuous or discontinuous. Therefore, if the travel time tr is discontinuous, the travel time meter 25 is configured to activate when the speed vt of the vehicle 2 first exceeds 70 km / h and is not reset even if the speed drops below this level. The travel time meter 25 continues to increment when the speed vt returns to above 70 km / h.

[0062] In a non-limiting second embodiment, verification of contamination of the glass surface 20 by insect impact marks is is based on whether the number of insect impact marks is on the glass surface 20 exceeds a tertiary threshold. In a non-limiting first embodiment, the tertiary threshold is equal to 15; therefore, when the number of insect impact marks exceeds 15, the contamination on the glass surface begins to impair the driver's visibility. Information regarding the number nb of insect impact marks is is provided to the electronic control unit ECU by the insect impact mark measuring device 24. In a non-limiting embodiment, the insect impact mark measuring device 24 is an accelerometer attached to the glass surface 20, or an accelerometer attached to the wiper blade 2101 or the drive arm 2102.

[0063] In one non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 2, the cleaning method 1 further comprises an additional step E3” in which an electronic control unit ECU, indicated as F3”(ECU, C5(2))” verifies a fifth condition C5 that the automobile 2 is outdoors.

[0064] This fifth condition C5 prevents the washing cycle Cy from being initiated when car 2 is in a garage or underground parking lot. This prevents the liquid Lq from spreading across the garage or underground parking lot floor and soiling it.

[0065] In a non-limiting first embodiment, information that the automobile 2 is outdoors is, - Information regarding the open fuel refueling flap, -Information regarding the fact that there is no one in the driver's seat 29, Based on. If these two conditions are met, it means that car 2 is stopped and outdoors, because someone is in the process of refueling car 2.

[0066] Information tp indicating that the fuel supply flap is open is provided to the electronic control unit ECU by the fuel supply flap sensor 31. Information o indicating that no one o is in the driver's seat 29 is provided to the electronic control unit ECU by the presence sensor 27. The latter sensor can detect whether someone o is seated in the driver's seat 29, and therefore whether the driver's seat 29 is in use.

[0067] In a non-limiting second embodiment, information that the vehicle 2 is outdoors is provided to the electronic control unit ECU in the form of luminance information lx from the rain / luminance sensor 28, combined with information for determining whether the geolocation information gl of the vehicle 2 is functioning. Luminance lx is also known separately as illuminance or brightness.

[0068] It should be noted that this rain / luminance sensor 28 is generally present in the vehicle 2. In a non-limiting example, the rain / luminance sensor 28 may be used to perform a function that automatically activates the lights when it gets dark or when the vehicle 2 enters a tunnel, and a function that automatically activates the wipers when it starts raining.

[0069] If the luminance lx is above the luminance threshold, this means that car 2 is outdoors and it is not nighttime, or it is in a lit underground parking lot or a lit garage. If the luminance lx is below the luminance threshold, this means that car 2 is outdoors and it is nighttime, or it is in an unlit underground parking lot or a lit garage. In an unrestricted example, the luminance threshold is in the range of 5 lux to 120,000 lux. In an unrestricted example, the brightness of a parking lot is in the range of 5 lux to 20 lux. In an unrestricted example, the brightness from cloudy or stormy weather to completely cloudy is in the range of 5 lux to 40 lux. In an unrestricted example, the brightness on a cloudy day is in the range of 200 lux to 20,000 lux. In an unrestricted example, brightness at sunset or sunrise is substantially equal to 400 lux; in an unrestricted example, brightness on a clear day falls within the range of 10,000 to 25,000 lux; in an unrestricted example, brightness in direct sunlight when the sun is at its zenith is substantially equal to 120,000 lux.

[0070] Therefore, in a non-limiting modification of the first embodiment, the rain / luminance sensor 28 is used in combination with a geolocation information device 23 that provides geolocation information of the vehicle 2 in order to reliably verify that the vehicle 2 is in a garage or underground parking lot.

[0071] If the luminance lx is above the luminance threshold and the geolocation information gl of car 2 from the geolocation information device 23 is functioning, this means that car 2 is outdoors. Car 2 is not in a lit underground parking lot or garage. Therefore, the washing cycle Cy can be initiated.

[0072] If the luminance lx is above the luminance threshold and the geolocation information gl of the vehicle 2 from the geolocation information device 23 is not functioning, this means that the vehicle 2 is not outdoors but in a well-lit underground parking lot or garage. Therefore, the washing cycle Cy will not be started.

[0073] If the luminance lx is below the luminance threshold and the geolocation information gl of car 2 from the geolocation information device 23 is functioning, this means that car 2 is outdoors and it is nighttime. Car 2 is not in a well-lit underground parking lot or garage. Therefore, the washing cycle Cy can be initiated.

[0074] If the luminance lx is below the luminance threshold and the geolocation information gl of car 2 from the geolocation information device 23 is not functioning, this means that car 2 is not outdoors but in a well-lit underground parking lot or garage. Therefore, the washing cycle Cy will not be started.

[0075] In step E4 shown as F4 (ECU, 21, C, Cy) in Figure 1 or Figure 2, if all conditions C are met, the electronic control unit ECU turns on the cleaning device 21 to start the cleaning cycle Cy. Turning it on means that the electronic control unit ECU sends a command to the cleaning device 21 to operate the pump 215 and the drive motor 212.

[0076] Therefore, the following are required to initiate the cleaning cycle (Cy): - The current season is spring or summer, and, - There is a possibility that insect impact marks may be present on the glass surface, and - Car 2 is stopped.

[0077] Similarly, in the example where the fourth condition C4 is also satisfied, the following is required. - The glass surface 20 is so dirty with insect impact marks that it impairs the driver's visibility.

[0078] Similarly, in the example where the fifth condition C5 is also satisfied, the following is required. - The current season is spring or summer, and, - There is a possibility that insect impact marks may be present on the glass surface, and - The glass surface 20 is so dirty with insect impact marks that it impairs the driver's visibility, and, - The fact that car 2 is stopped, and, - Vehicle 2 is located outdoors.

[0079] Turning on the cleaning device 21 involves the following: - Turn on the drive motor 212. This drive motor 212 drives one of the wiper arms 2101 and the wiper system 210. - Turn on pump 215. Pump 215 causes liquid Lq to flow through the duct system 213 until the liquid Lq is discharged to the glass surface 20 through one or more orifices 2100a of one or more spraying devices 2100.

[0080] Therefore, in step E5 shown in F5(21(210), Cy, Lq, 20) in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaning cycle Cy is performed. The cleaning cycle Cy is performed by the cleaning device 21. The cleaning cycle Cy includes the step of spraying the liquid Lq onto the glass surface 20 using at least one of the spraying devices 2100.

[0081] In one non-limiting embodiment, the liquid Lq is an insect repellent.

[0082] In some non-limiting embodiments, the liquid Lq is a glass cleaning fluid or water.

[0083] In some non-limiting embodiments, the liquid Lq is a heated glass cleaning fluid or added water.

[0084] Thus, based on tests under conditions C1-C3 and optionally conditions C4 and / or C5, the washing of the glass surface 20 of the automobile 2 can be initiated, or performed. This is carried out automatically and autonomously without the need for personal intervention.

[0085] Therefore, cleaning method 1 is carried out by a cleaning system Sys for cleaning the glass surface 20 of the vehicle 2. The cleaning system Sys is shown in Figure 3.

[0086] The cleaning system Sys is - The cleaning device 21 comprises a wiper system 210 having at least one spraying device 2100, - The aforementioned electronic control unit ECU, Equipped with, The cleaning device 21 is configured to perform a cleaning cycle Cy, The cleaning cycle Cy comprises the step of spraying the liquid Lq onto the glass surface 20 using at least one of the spraying devices 2100 (this function is illustrated as f5(21(210), Cy, Lq, 20)).

[0087] Figure 3 shows the functions of the electronic control unit (ECU).

[0088] The electronic control unit (ECU) is -Verify that the current season sc is spring or summer (this function is illustrated as f1(ECU, C1(sc)), -The second condition C2, which is the possibility pb of insect impact marks is present on the glass surface, is verified (this function is illustrated as f2(ECU, C2(pb, is)), -The third condition C3 (this function is shown as f3 (ECU, C3(2))) is that the vehicle 2 is stopped. It is structured in this way.

[0089] For this purpose, in order to implement function f1, the electronic control unit (ECU) - It works in cooperation with the internal clock 22 to receive information il regarding the current date dt (this function is illustrated as f10 (ECU, 22, i1)), and, -In cooperation with the geolocation information device 23, it receives information i2 regarding the hemisphere hs in which the vehicle is located (this function is illustrated as f11 (ECU, 23, i2)). It is structured in this way.

[0090] For this purpose, in order to perform function f2, the electronic control unit (ECU) - It works in cooperation with the speedometer 30 to receive information i3 regarding the speed vt of the vehicle 2 (this function is illustrated as f12 (ECU, 30, i3)), or, -In cooperation with the geolocation information device 23, it receives information i4 indicating whether the vehicle 2 is outside an urban area (this function is illustrated as f14 (ECU, 23, i4)). It is structured in this way.

[0091] For this purpose, in order to implement function f3, the electronic control unit (ECU) - In cooperation with at least one stop sensor 32, it receives information i5 regarding the stopping of the vehicle 2 (this function is illustrated as f15 (ECU, 32, i5)), It is structured in this way.

[0092] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit (ECU) is further configured to verify a fourth condition C4 that the glass surface 20 is soiled by an impact mark is (this function is illustrated as f3'(ECU, C4(is, 20))). This function is optional and is therefore illustrated with a dotted line in Figure 3.

[0093] For this purpose, in order to implement function f3', the electronic control unit (ECU) - In cooperation with the odometer 25, it receives information i6 regarding the driving time tr of the vehicle 2 (this function is illustrated as f16 (ECU, 25, i6)), or, -In cooperation with the impact measurement device 21, information i7 regarding the number nb of insect impacts is on the glass surface 20 is received (this function is illustrated as f17(ECU, 21, i7)). It is structured in this way.

[0094] In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit (ECU) is further configured to verify a fifth condition C5 that the vehicle 2 is outdoors (this function is illustrated as ECU, C5(2) in Figure 3). This function is optional and is therefore illustrated with a dotted line in Figure 3.

[0095] For this purpose, in order to implement function f3, the electronic control unit (ECU) - In cooperation with the fuel supply flap sensor 31 of the vehicle 2, it receives information i8 indicating that the fuel supply flap tp is open (this function is illustrated as f18 (ECU, 31, i8)), and, - Working in conjunction with presence sensor 27, it receives information i9 indicating that no one is in the driver's seat 29 (this function is illustrated as f19(ECU, 27, i9)), It is structured in this way.

[0096] For this purpose, in order to implement function f3”, in a non-limiting modification of the second embodiment, the electronic control unit ECU is: -Works with the rain / luminance sensor 28 to receive information i10 regarding the luminance lx outside the vehicle 2 (this function is illustrated as f20 (ECU, 28, i10)), and - In cooperation with the geolocation information device 23, it receives information i11 indicating whether the geolocation information gl is functioning (this function is illustrated as f21 (ECU, 23, i11)). It is structured in this way.

[0097] Finally, if all conditions C1-C3, and optionally C4 and / or C5, are met, the electronic control unit ECU is configured to turn on the cleaning device 21 and start the cleaning cycle Cy (this function is illustrated as f4(ECU, 21, C, Cy)).

[0098] When turned on in this way, the cleaning device 21 executes the cleaning cycle Cy (function f5 described above).

[0099] Please note that information i1 to i11 is transmitted via the vehicle network. In non-specific examples, the vehicle network may be CAN or LIN.

[0100] The cleaning system Sys may include one or more computer program products Pg having one or more instruction sequences executable by the electronic control unit ECU, and it should be noted that the execution of the instruction sequences may carry out steps E1, E2, E3, and E4, and optionally E3' and E3'', of the cleaning method 1 described above.

[0101] Such a computer program Pg may be written to a ROM-type writable non-volatile memory, or to an EEPROM or flash-type rewritable non-volatile memory. The computer program Pg may be written to or loaded into memory at the factory, or downloaded to memory remotely. The instruction sequence may be a sequence of machine code, or a sequence of control language that is decoded by an electronic control unit at runtime. In the non-limiting example of Figure 3, the computer program Pg is written to memory 34 of the cleaning system Sys.

[0102] Therefore, the cleaning system Sys comprises at least one memory 34 connected to the electronic control unit ECU. The memory 34 is a computer-readable permanent storage medium that, when executed by a computer, contains instructions causing the computer to execute steps E1, E2, E3, and E4 of the cleaning method 1, and optionally E3' and E3''.

[0103] Naturally, the description of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and fields described above. Therefore, in another non-limiting embodiment, cleaning method 1 may also be applied to the side glass surface 20 of the side window of vehicle 2. Therefore, in another non-limiting embodiment, cleaning method 1 may be applied to the glass surface 20 of the rear window of vehicle 2. Therefore, when verifying the fifth condition C5, in a variation of the non-limiting third embodiment, detection of luminance lx may be combined with determination of two time periods, day and night (which vary depending on the season). If luminance lx is less than the luminance threshold and the current time falls within the daytime period, this means that it is daytime, but vehicle 2 may be in an underground parking lot or garage without lighting. Therefore, cleaning cycle Cy is not started. If luminance lx is less than the luminance threshold and the current time falls within the nighttime period, this means that it is nighttime, but vehicle 2 may be in an underground parking lot or garage without lighting. Therefore, cleaning cycle Cy is not started. In order to determine the start of the cleaning cycle Cy, a variation of this non-limiting third embodiment may utilize a combination of tests to confirm that the geolocation information gl is functioning.

[0104] Therefore, the present invention described above has the following advantages in particular. -This invention makes it possible to verify the conditions under which the cleaning device 21 is automatically turned on without manual intervention by an individual. -By initiating the automatic cleaning of the glass surface 20, the consumption of liquid Lq used for cleaning is optimized. Specifically, cleaning is performed at just the right time, without having to wait several days before cleaning insect damage is. If cleaning is delayed for too long, the consumption of liquid Lq becomes very large, requiring a larger storage tank 214. Therefore, automating the cleaning reduces the size and weight of the storage tank 214 in the vehicle 2. - The present invention is easy to implement.

Claims

1. A cleaning method (1) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the vehicle (2) is equipped with a cleaning device (21) which includes a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq), The cleaning method (1) is as follows: - Step (E1) to verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer, - A step (E2) to verify the second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) that insect impact marks (is) exist on the glass surface (20), - A step (E3) to verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, step (E4) is to turn on the cleaning device (21) to start the cleaning cycle (Cy), - Step (E5) of performing the cleaning cycle (Cy) using the cleaning device (21), Equipped with, The step of verifying the current season (sc) is carried out using the current date (dt) and the hemisphere (hs) in which the vehicle (2) is located. Cleaning method (1).

2. The step of verifying the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20) is based on the fact that the speed (vt) of the vehicle (2) exceeds a primary threshold. The cleaning method (1) according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned primary threshold is equal to 70 km / h. The cleaning method (1) according to claim 2.

4. A cleaning method (1) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the vehicle (2) is equipped with a cleaning device (21) which includes a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq), The cleaning method (1) is as follows: - Step (E1) to verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer, - A step (E2) to verify the second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) that insect impact marks (is) exist on the glass surface (20), - A step (E3) to verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, step (E4) is to turn on the cleaning device (21) to start the cleaning cycle (Cy), - Step (E5) of performing the cleaning cycle (Cy) using the cleaning device (21), Equipped with, Step (E2) to verify the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20) is based on geographic location information (gl) that the vehicle (2) is outside an urban area. Cleaning method (1).

5. The cleaning method (1) further comprises an additional step (E3') of verifying a fourth condition (C4) that the glass surface (20) is so dirty that insect impact marks (is) impair the driver's view of the vehicle (2). The cleaning method (1) according to claim 1.

6. A cleaning method (1) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the vehicle (2) is equipped with a cleaning device (21) which includes a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq), The cleaning method (1) is as follows: - Step (E1) to verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer, - A step (E2) to verify the second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) that insect impact marks (is) exist on the glass surface (20), - A step (E3) to verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - An additional step (E3') to verify the fourth condition (C4) that the glass surface (20) is so dirty that insect impact marks (is) impair the driver's view of the vehicle (2), - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, step (E4) is to turn on the cleaning device (21) to start the cleaning cycle (Cy), - Step (E5) of performing the cleaning cycle (Cy) using the cleaning device (21), Equipped with, The step (E3') of verifying that the glass surface (20) is soiled by insect impact marks (is) is, - The driving time (tr) of the vehicle (2) exceeds the secondary threshold, or - The number of insect impact marks (is) exceeds the tertiary threshold. Based on, Cleaning method (1).

7. The aforementioned secondary threshold is equal to 3 hours. The cleaning method (1) according to claim 6.

8. A cleaning method (1) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the vehicle (2) is equipped with a cleaning device (21) which includes a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq), The cleaning method (1) is as follows: - Step (E1) to verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer, - A step (E2) to verify the second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) that insect impact marks (is) exist on the glass surface (20), - A step (E3) to verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, step (E4) is to turn on the cleaning device (21) to start the cleaning cycle (Cy), - Step (E5) of performing the cleaning cycle (Cy) using the cleaning device (21), Equipped with, The cleaning method (1) further comprises an additional step (E3") for verifying a fifth condition (C5) that the vehicle (2) is outdoors. Cleaning method (1).

9. A cleaning system (Sys) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the cleaning system (Sys) comprises a cleaning device (21) having a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) of the vehicle (2), and the cleaning device (21) is configured to perform a cleaning cycle (Cy) comprising the step of spraying the liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) using at least one of the spraying devices (2100), The cleaning system (Sys) further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU), The aforementioned electronic control unit (ECU) is - Verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer. - The second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20), - Verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, the cleaning device (21) is configured to be turned on to start a cleaning cycle (Cy), The aforementioned electronic control unit (ECU) verifies the current season (sc) using the current date (dt) and the hemisphere (hs) in which the vehicle (2) is located, and is a cleaning system (Sys).

10. A cleaning system (Sys) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the cleaning system (Sys) comprises a cleaning device (21) having a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) of the vehicle (2), and the cleaning device (21) is configured to perform a cleaning cycle (Cy) comprising the step of spraying the liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) using at least one of the spraying devices (2100), The cleaning system (Sys) further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU), The aforementioned electronic control unit (ECU) is - Verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer. - The second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20), - Verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, the cleaning device (21) is configured to be turned on to start a cleaning cycle (Cy), The aforementioned electronic control unit (ECU) is a washing system (Sys) that verifies the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20) based on geographic location information (gl) indicating that the vehicle (2) is outside an urban area.

11. A cleaning system (Sys) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the cleaning system (Sys) comprises a cleaning device (21) having a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) of the vehicle (2), and the cleaning device (21) is configured to perform a cleaning cycle (Cy) comprising the step of spraying the liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) using at least one of the spraying devices (2100), The cleaning system (Sys) further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU), The aforementioned electronic control unit (ECU) is - Verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer. - The second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20), - Verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - The fourth condition (C4) is verified, which is that the glass surface (20) is so dirty that the driver's view of the vehicle (2) is impaired by insect impact marks (is). - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, the cleaning device (21) is configured to be turned on to start a cleaning cycle (Cy), The electronic control unit (ECU) detects that the glass surface (20) is soiled by insect impact marks (is). - The driving time (tr) of the vehicle (2) exceeds the secondary threshold, or - The number of insect impact marks (is) exceeds the tertiary threshold. A cleaning system (Sys) that is verified based on the following criteria.

12. A cleaning system (Sys) for cleaning the glass surface (20) of a vehicle (2), wherein the cleaning system (Sys) comprises a cleaning device (21) having a wiper system (210) having at least one spraying device (2100) for spraying a liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) of the vehicle (2), and the cleaning device (21) is configured to perform a cleaning cycle (Cy) comprising the step of spraying the liquid (Lq) onto the glass surface (20) using at least one of the spraying devices (2100), The cleaning system (Sys) further comprises an electronic control unit (ECU), The aforementioned electronic control unit (ECU) is - Verify the first condition (C1) that the current season (sc) is spring or summer. - The second condition (C2), which is the possibility (pb) of insect impact marks (is) being present on the glass surface (20), - Verify the third condition (C3) that the vehicle (2) is stopped, - Verify the fifth condition (C5) that the vehicle (2) is outdoors, - If all of the above conditions (C) are met, turn on the cleaning device (21) to start the cleaning cycle (Cy). A cleaning system (Sys) configured in such a way.

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