DE102016207364A1 - Water-repellent coating of a vehicle window - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a system for applying a water repellent coating to a window of a vehicle, wherein a hydrophobic liquid can be applied to the pane via a duct associated with a windshield wiper and distributed to the pane by the movement of the windshield wiper. Furthermore, a method for applying a water-repellent coating to a window of a vehicle is provided.

Description

The invention relates to a system for applying a water-repellent coating on the surface of a pane of a vehicle by means of at least one windscreen wiper.

Water-repellent coatings are often applied to the panes of vehicles, particularly the windshields, to improve visibility under humid conditions, e.g. in rain or snow. The hydrophobic properties of water-repellent compounds cause a high wetting angle through which droplets distributed on the disc converge to form large round drops which have a low adhesion to the discs. These can be easily removed by the action of a windscreen wiper from the disc. At higher speeds, no windshield wiper is necessary because the drops are removed by the action of the wind from the disc.

The water-repellent coatings are produced by applying a water-repellent liquid. Different ways of applying exist, for example, apply the liquids by means of a cotton cloth, so to distribute the liquid manually on the disc, or spray. For this, however, the disc must be manually coated each time, if the water-repellent effect wears off. This is very complicated. Other possibilities include the application of hydrophobic liquid or hydrophobic particles on the disc and distribution by means of the wiper. For this example, hydrophobic particles may be distributed in the material of the windshield wiper, which are continuously applied and distributed on a movement of the windshield wipers on the disk ( US2008 / 0040880A1 . US2013 / 0045332A1 ). The material of the windscreen wiper, however, must also be regularly refilled. In addition, hydrophobic material is applied continuously, regardless of need. It is therefore the task to control the discs mechanically coated, if needed.

This object is achieved by a system according to the main claim. Further advantageous embodiments and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and claims, the figures and the embodiments.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for applying a water-repellent coating on the outside of a window of a vehicle, comprising at least one hydrophobic liquid reservoir, a windshield wiper and a controller, a first line leading from the reservoir to the windshield wiper to the hydrophobic liquid into the area of the windscreen wiper.

The system of the invention is advantageous in that controlled hydrophobic material can be applied to the disc as needed, i. if the water-repellent effect of the disc does not correspond to a nominal value which is specified. By applying the hydrophobic liquid via the windshield wiper, it is not necessary to apply a water-repellent coating manually to the pane manually. Furthermore, hydrophobic material can advantageously be refilled conveniently via the reservoir.

The term "water-repellent" is used here as a property word in connection with surfaces, the term "hydrophobic" in connection with substances that impart the water-repellent effect. The term "vehicle" in a broader sense, all possible vehicles, including aircraft and rail vehicles understood, but in the narrower sense, especially motor vehicles for road traffic.

"Disc" is understood in a broader sense to mean all the windows of a vehicle, in the narrower sense above all the windows of a vehicle which are equipped with a windshield wiper, and thus in particular a windshield of a motor vehicle, but also e.g. a rear window of a motor vehicle.

Due to its nature, the water-repellent coating can also be referred to as a water-repellent film.

As the hydrophobic liquid for forming a water-repellent film on the disk, any liquid suitable for application to and forming a film on a glass sheet can be used. Commercially available hydrophobic liquids which can also be applied by hand by rubbing on a glass pane, especially a pane of a motor vehicle, are suitable. Preferably, an ethanol-based liquid is used. This can be used advantageously even at temperatures in the freezing range, without the liquid freezing and must be heated before use.

Preferably, the windshield wiper arm of the windscreen wiper has a hollow profile through which the hydrophobic liquid can be conducted to a windshield wiper blade of the windshield wiper. The hollow profile is ideally tubular. In this case, the first line can pass through the hollow profile, or even open into the hollow profile. Particularly preferred is the hollow profile in two subdivided parallel tubes, of which a first tube for guiding the hydrophobic liquid and a second tube for guiding mop water are provided. In this case, the tubes can be designed directly for conducting the corresponding liquid or for receiving corresponding lines, ie the first line in the first tube and a second line for conducting water in the second tube.

The first line preferably has at least one first pump by means of which the hydrophobic liquid can be pumped from the storage container to the windshield wiper.

Furthermore, in the system according to the invention, a windscreen wiper blade of the windscreen wiper preferably has a nano-coating. The nano-coating advantageously makes it possible to adjust the friction between the material of the windscreen wiper blade and the hydrophobically coated disc.

Furthermore, in the system according to the invention preferably additionally a sensor in the region of the disc is arranged. The sensor is preferably a rain sensor.

Preferably, the first conduit extends over the entire length of the windscreen wiper and has openings in the region of the windscreen wiper over which the hydrophobic liquid can be applied to the windscreen.

Preferably, in the system according to the invention, the sizes of the openings of the first conduit are variably adjustable. As a result, advantageously, the size of the surface to be coated can be matched with the amount of hydrophobic liquid to be applied.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a system according to the invention.

• – S1) Ermitteln des Status der wasserabweisenden Eigenschaften der Scheibe, wobei der Status anhand eines auf die Wassermenge auf der Scheibe bezogenen Schwellenwertes festgestellt wird,
• – S2) Senden eines Signals von der Steuereinrichtung an die Pumpe zum Leiten von hydrophober Flüssigkeit vom Vorratsbehälter zum Scheibenwischer, wenn der Status in Schritt S1 anzeigt, dass die Wassermenge auf der Scheibe den Schwellenwert erreicht hat,
• – S3) Leiten von hydrophober Flüssigkeit vom Vorratsbehälter zum Scheibenwischer,
• – S4) Verteilen von hydrophober Flüssigkeit auf der Scheibe mittels einer Bewegung des Scheibenwischers,

wobei die Schritte S1 bis S4 solange wiederholt werden, bis die Wassermenge auf der Scheibe unter den Schwellenwert fällt.A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for applying a water-repellent coating on a pane of a vehicle by means of a system according to the invention, comprising the steps:

• S1) determining the status of the water-repellent properties of the disc, the status being determined by a threshold value based on the amount of water on the disc,
• Sending a signal from the controller to the pump for passing hydrophobic liquid from the reservoir to the windshield wiper when the status at step S1 indicates that the amount of water on the disk has reached the threshold,
• S3) passing hydrophobic liquid from the reservoir to the windshield wiper,
• S4) distributing hydrophobic liquid on the disk by means of a movement of the windscreen wiper,

wherein steps S1 to S4 are repeated until the amount of water on the disc falls below the threshold.

The advantages of the method correspond to the advantages of the system according to the invention. The threshold refers to a lot of water that sticks to the glass without sparking off. In this case, exceeding the threshold value means that water remains on the disk in an amount that obstructs the view through the disk, and thus the water-repellent properties of the disk are rated as insufficient. Below the threshold, the water repellency is considered sufficient. The amount of water is measured by sensors arranged on the disk. In this case, to detect whether the water-repellent coating is sufficient to reduce the amount of water on the disc below the threshold, a certain amount of water from the water reservoir via the second line is sprayed onto the disc.

Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the hydrophobic liquid is applied while the vehicle is not in motion. The application is advantageously carried out in a stationary vehicle to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants and road users, since during the application, the view is limited by the disc.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the status ascertained in step S1 is transmitted to the driver who sends a signal to the pump for transport via the control device of hydrophobic liquid enters the disk when the amount of water on the disk has reached the threshold. In this case, the status is determined on the basis of determined sensor data by a computing device which inputs the status by means of a display device in the driver's area of the vehicle. When the amount of water on the disc has fallen below the threshold again, the driver or other user of the vehicle may then instruct the controller to send a signal for transporting hydrophobic liquid onto the disc to the pump.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the status determined in step S1 is transmitted directly to the control device, which automatically sends a signal to the pump for transporting hydrophobic liquid onto the pane when the amount of water on the pane has reached the threshold.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention.

2 a fragmentary schematic representation of the embodiment according to 1 ,

3a a schematic representation of a cross section through a windshield wiper arm.

3b a schematic representation of a cross section through a windshield wiper arm.

4 a flow diagram according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

An embodiment of a system according to the invention 1 comprises according to the illustration of 1 a reservoir 2 for a hydrophobic liquid 2a , a windshield wiper 3 , a first line 4 for the transport of the hydrophobic liquid from the reservoir 2 to the windscreen wiper 3 and a first pump 5 that in the first line 4 is arranged. The first line 4 extends over the entire length of the windscreen wiper 3 , There may also be more than one windshield wiper, eg two. The windshield wiper 3 is in 1 in the area of a windshield 6 a motor vehicle arranged. Furthermore, the system points 1 a control device 7 on which the first pump 5 controls. The storage tank 2 , the first pump 5 and the controller 7 are in the engine compartment of an in 1 arranged motor vehicle arranged. On the windshield 6 is still at least one sensor 8th arranged, which is designed for detecting moisture, especially rainwater.

In 2 is a part of the system 1 in the area of the windscreen wiper 3 shown. The windshield wiper 3 has a wiper blade 9 on that in a windshield wiper arm 10 is attached. The windscreen wiper blade 9 has a lip 9a and a base section 9b on.

The first line 4 can in the area of the windscreen wiper 3 in two sub-pipes 4a and 4b be split, so that the sub-lines 4a . 4b on both sides of the lip 9a of the windscreen wiper blade. In the area of the windshield wiper 3 assigns the first line 4 a number of openings 11 on. These openings 11 serve to apply hydrophobic liquid from the first conduit 4 on the windshield 6 , The diameters of the openings 11 are variably adjustable. The openings in the first pipe 4 or in the sub-lines 4a . 4b can be arranged in several rows, eg two rows. In addition, another line for splashing water on the wiper 3 be arranged.

As in 2 represented by the arrows, becomes a hydrophobic liquid 2a from the sub-pipes 4a . 4b on the windshield 6 applied. The applied liquid is caused by the movement of the windscreen wiper 3 over the surface of the windshield 6 distributed.

In 3a is a cross section of a windshield wiper arm 10 shown. In one embodiment, the windshield wiper arm 10 a tubular hollow profile 10a on. The first line 4 runs either through the hollow profile 10a , or is with the hollow profile 10a connected such that the first line 4 opens into the hollow profile. The hollow profile has analogous to the first line 4 Openings on (not shown) to hydrophobic liquid 2a on the windscreen wiper blade 9 transferred to.

In 3b is a cross section of a windshield wiper arm 10 shown in which the hollow section in a first tube 10b and a second tube 10c is divided. Through the first tube 10b is to record or connect to the first line 4 provided, and the second tube 10c for picking up or connecting to a second line 12 used to direct water from a water reservoir 13 is formed, which is to be sprayed onto the disc. In the second line 12 is a second pump 14 arranged.

In a method of applying a water repellent coating as shown in FIG 3 In a first step S1, a status of the water-repellent properties of the windshield is determined 6 determined. The status is determined in relation to a defined threshold related to the amount of water on the windshield. This is done by the sensor 8th the water-repellent behavior of the outward-facing surface of the windshield 6 measured. The water-repellent behavior with water can be checked by eg rain and / or snowfall and / or road wetness, or by from the water reservoir 13 on the windshield 6 applied spray water. If the threshold is reached or exceeded, in a second step S2, a signal from the control device 7 to the first pump 5 for the transport of hydrophobic liquid 2a from the reservoir 2 to the windscreen wiper 3 Posted. In a third step S3 becomes hydrophobic liquid 2a from the reservoir 2 to the windscreen wiper 3 pumped. The hydrophobic liquid 2a occurs through the openings 10 from the first line 4 or the sub-lines 4a . 4b on the windshield 6 , In a fourth step S4, the hydrophobic liquid 2a by means of a typical up and down movement of the windscreen wiper 3 on the windshield 6 distributed. The movement of the windshield wiper 3 will continue until the hydrophobic liquid 2a yourself on the disk 6 has distributed and the view through the glass 6 it's clear. The steps S1 to S4 are repeated until the amount of water on the windshield 6 again falls below the threshold. This is done by detecting whether the water-repellent coating is sufficient to keep the amount of water on the windshield 6 below the threshold to lower a certain amount of water from the water reservoir 13 over the second line 12 sprayed on the glass. The procedure is performed while the vehicle is not in the moved state. The procedure can be repeated at any time, if the amount of water on the windshield 6 rises again above the threshold.

In one embodiment of the method, the openings become 11 for applying the hydrophobic liquid 2a set to their largest possible size, in a short time to a lot of hydrophobic liquid 2a on the windshield 6 apply with a water-repellent film on the windshield 6 can be formed. Furthermore, the water-repellent film formed in this case can be formed in the shortest possible time in the largest possible thickness, so that water-repellent effect lasts longer time.

In a further embodiment of the method, the openings become 11 for applying the hydrophobic liquid 2a adjusted to their smallest possible size, with lower reserves of hydrophobic liquid 2a in the storage container 2 to limit consumption.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 system

2

 reservoir

2a

 hydrophobic liquid

3

 windshield wipers

4

 first line

4a

 first sub-line

4b

 second sub-line

5

 first pump

6

 Windshield

7

 control device

8th

 sensor

9

 wiper blade

9a

 Lip of the windscreen wiper blade

9b

 Base part of the windscreen wiper blade

10

 wiper arm

10a

 hollow profile

10b

first tube

10c

second tube

11

 Openings in the pipe

12

 second line

13

 Water reservoir

14

 second pump

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2008/0040880 A1 [0003]
• US 2013/0045332 Al [0003]

Claims (13)

System ( 1 ) for applying a water-repellent coating on the outside of a pane ( 6 ) of a vehicle, comprising at least one storage container ( 2 ) for a hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ), a windshield wiper ( 3 ) and a control device ( 7 ), wherein a first line ( 4 ) from the reservoir ( 2 ) to the windscreen wiper ( 3 ) leads to the hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) in the area of the windscreen wiper ( 3 ). System ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the windscreen wiper arm ( 10 ) of the windscreen wiper ( 3 ) a hollow profile ( 10a ), through which the hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) to a windscreen wiper blade ( 9 ) can be directed. System ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the hollow profile ( 10a ) is divided into two parallel tubes, of which a first tube ( 10b ) for conducting the hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) and a second tube ( 10c ) is provided for conducting water. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first line ( 4 ) at least one first pump ( 5 ), by means of which the hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) from the reservoir ( 2 ) to the windscreen wiper ( 3 ) can be pumped. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 2-4, wherein the windscreen wiper blade ( 9 ) has a nano-coating. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which additionally a sensor ( 8th ) in the area of the disc ( 6 ) is arranged. System ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first line ( 4 ) over the entire length of the windscreen wiper ( 3 ) and in the area of the windscreen wiper openings ( 11 ), via which the hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) on the disc ( 6 ) can be applied. System ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the sizes of the openings ( 11 ) of the first line ( 4 ) are variably adjustable. Motor vehicle with a system according to one of claims 1-8. Method for applying a water-repellent coating on a pane of a vehicle by means of a system according to one of Claims 1-6, comprising the steps: - S1) Determining the status of the water-repellent properties of the pane ( 6 ), the status being determined by means of a threshold value based on the amount of water on the disc, - S2) sending a signal from the control device to the pump ( 5 ) for conducting hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) from the reservoir ( 2 ) to the windscreen wiper ( 3 ), if the status in step S1 indicates that the amount of water on the disc has reached the threshold value, S3) conduct of hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) from the reservoir ( 2 ) to the windscreen wiper ( 3 ), if the status in step S1 indicates that the water-repellent properties of the disk ( 6 ) have fallen below the threshold, - S4) distribution of hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) on the disc ( 6 ) by means of a movement of the windscreen wiper ( 3 ), wherein the steps S1 to S3 are repeated until the amount of water on the disc ( 6 ) falls below the threshold. Process according to claim 10, wherein the hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) is applied while the vehicle is not moving. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the status determined in step S1 is transmitted to the driver, who is informed via the control device ( 7 ) sends a signal to the pump ( 5 ) for the transport of hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) on the disc ( 6 ), if the water-repellent properties of the disc ( 6 ) have fallen below the threshold. Method according to one of the claims 10-12, wherein the status determined in step S1 is sent to the control device (16). 7 ), which automatically sends a signal to the pump ( 5 ) for the transport of hydrophobic liquid ( 2a ) on the disc ( 6 ), if the water-repellent properties of the disc ( 6 ) have fallen below the threshold.

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