DE102021206729A1 - Wiper device, wiper system and method of operating the wiper device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a wiper device (10a-10g) for wiping a sensor system (30a-30g), in particular a lidar system, with at least one wiper unit (12a-12g) which comprises at least one wiper lip (16a-16g) for wiping a surface (38a-38g) of the sensor system (30a-30g), with at least one pump unit (60a-60g), in particular for conveying a wiper fluid to the wiper unit (12a-12g), and with at least one pressing unit (14a-14g) . It is proposed that the pressing unit (14a-14g) comprises at least one hydraulic pressing element (24a; 74b, 74b'; 24c-24g), which is hydraulically coupled to the pump unit (60a-60g) for pressing the wiper lip (16a -16g) to the surface (38a-38g).

Description

State of the art

There is already a wiper device for wiping a sensor system, in particular a lidar system, with at least one wiper unit, which comprises at least one wiper lip, for wiping a surface of the sensor system, with at least one pump unit, in particular for delivering a wiper fluid to the wiper unit, and with at least one pressing unit has been proposed.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on a wiper device for wiping a sensor system, in particular a lidar system, with at least one wiper unit, which comprises at least one wiper lip, for wiping a surface of the sensor system, with at least one pump unit, in particular for conveying a wiping liquid to the wiper unit, and with at least one pressing unit.

It is proposed that the pressing unit comprises at least one hydraulic pressing element which is hydraulically coupled to the pump unit for pressing the wiper lip against the surface.

A “wiper device” should preferably be understood to mean at least a part, preferably a subassembly, of a windshield wiper. The wiper device can preferably also include the entire windshield wiper, in particular with a wiper blade. The wiper device is preferably intended for use on a vehicle and on the sensor system. The wiper device, in particular as part of the windshield wiper, is preferably provided for cleaning a surface, preferably a windshield, of the sensor system on a vehicle. Preferably, the wiper device is coupled to a vehicle. “Provided” is to be understood as meaning preferably specially designed, set up, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should preferably be understood to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. An “operating state” should preferably be understood to mean a state in which the wiper device is ready for a wiping process and/or a wiping operation and/or is in a wiping operation, in which the wiper lip of the wiper unit, in particular the windshield wiper, preferably over a window , In particular the surface of the sensor system is guided and advantageously rests against the surface. The surface of the sensor system can be designed as part of a vehicle window of the vehicle.

The sensor system is preferably designed as a lidar system. The sensor system is in particular at least one part, preferably at least one subassembly, of at least one lidar sensor, in particular a lidar sensor assembly. In particular, the sensor system can also include the entire lidar sensor, in particular the entire lidar sensor assembly. The sensor system preferably has at least one lidar unit, which in particular comprises at least one lidar sensor element. In particular, the sensor system can have a large number, such as two, three, four, five or the like lidar sensor elements. The sensor system is preferably arranged on a vehicle for detecting the surroundings, in particular for autonomous driving. The sensor system can be arranged on construction sites for surveying buildings, for scanning 3D contours and/or in the laboratory for research purposes. In particular, the sensor system is provided for detecting and/or measuring objects, in particular by means of the at least one lidar sensor element. The sensor system is preferably intended for use on a vehicle. The sensor system is preferably designed as a component of the vehicle. Alternatively, the sensor system can be designed as a retrofit kit for the vehicle. The sensor system is preferably provided for detecting objects in the surroundings of the vehicle. The sensor system is preferably coupled to the vehicle for detecting objects, preferably in a roof area, a front area, at least one side area and/or a rear area of the vehicle. The vehicle can be designed as a road vehicle, for example a car or a truck or the like, as a rail vehicle such as a train, a railcar, a tram or the like and/or as a watercraft such as a ship, a boat or the like. The vehicle can be embodied as a cleaning vehicle, in particular a cleaning robot, for example a wiping robot and/or a vacuum cleaning robot. The sensor system is preferably connected to the vehicle, in particular to a computing unit, such as an on-board computer, of the vehicle. The sensor system preferably has a cover wall, which in particular allows a laser beam to exit from a housing of the sensor system and which is in particular at least essentially transparent for detection wavelengths of the laser beam of the at least one lidar sensor element. Preferably defi the cover wall of the sensor system defines the surface of the sensor system as an outer surface of the cover wall. The sensor system, in particular the cover wall, is preferably arranged at least partially on an outside of the vehicle. The cover wall preferably covers the sensor system at least partially, in particular from the outside. For example, the cover wall is formed at least to a large extent from glass and/or a plastic. In particular, the wiper unit is intended to clean the cover wall mechanically, in particular by means of the wiper lip. Preferably, the wiper lip is rubber-like.

The wiper device preferably has a drive unit which moves the wiper unit linearly over the surface in order to clean the surface. The drive unit is preferably designed to move the wiper unit linearly, and in particular bidirectionally, over the surface for cleaning the surface, with the pressing unit in particular pressing the wiper lip onto the surface. The drive unit is preferably designed to move the wiper unit along the surface over the entire surface, in particular for the mechanical cleaning of the surface over the entire surface. The pressing unit, in particular the at least one pressing element, is preferably designed to exert a pressing force on the wiper lip, in particular for the wiper lip to lie flat against the surface along a longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. The pressing unit, in particular the at least one pressing element, is preferably designed to exert a minimum pressing force on the wiper lip, in particular to press the wiper lip against the surface with a uniform pressure of at least 10 N/m, preferably at least 14 N/m, in particular preferably at least 20 N/m. The wiper lip of the wiper unit is preferably designed to be replaceable. In particular, the wiper lip of the wiper unit can be designed to be exchangeable without tools. A “longitudinal axis” of an object is to be understood in particular as an axis that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just about completely encloses the object, and preferably runs through a geometric center point of the object. The pressing unit is preferably designed differently from a spring rail. The pressing unit is preferably designed to exert a pressing force on the wiper lip, with a counter-force being derived from the wiper arm and from the wiper arm via the drive unit, and in particular via the sensor system, onto an object such as the vehicle or a housing of the sensor system. The pressing unit is preferably designed differently from a rod, in particular a metal rod, which in particular has a curved shape in an unloaded state, such as in particular a spring rail.

The drive unit is preferably designed to move the wiper unit, in particular between operating states of the wiper unit, into a parking position in which the wiper lip is pushed away, in particular by the pressing unit up to a stop, to relieve the at least one pressing element and/or in which the wiper lip spaced from the surface. For example, the surface can be tapered on at least one side. In particular, the at least one cover wall can have at least one ramp element on at least one side, in particular on at least two, preferably opposite, sides. For example, the drive unit can be designed to move the wiper unit from the parking position over the at least one ramp element onto the surface for wiping. For example, the drive unit can be designed to move the wiper unit from the surface over the at least one ramp element into the parking position for wiping the surface.

The at least one wiper unit preferably comprises at least one wiper arm. The wiper lip is preferably arranged in particular for the most part in the wiper arm. The wiper lip is preferably movably mounted in the wiper arm, in particular counter to and along, in particular parallel to, a contact pressure force of the contact pressure element. A longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm is preferably aligned parallel to the at least one surface. Preferably, the at least one surface is at least substantially rectangular. The at least one wiper arm preferably extends over at least one edge length of the at least one surface. The at least one wiper arm is preferably connected to the drive unit at at least one end of an extension of the at least one wiper arm along the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. The at least one wiper arm is preferably connected to the drive unit at both ends of the extent of the at least one wiper arm along the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. The at least one wiper arm is preferably designed as a strip, in particular a metal strip, which is U-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. The at least one wiper arm preferably has a U-shaped profile, in particular in relation to the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one wiper arm. The at least one wiper arm is preferably at least essentially cuboid. The at least one wiper arm preferably delimits a wiper cavity in which the wiper lip is arranged for the most part. The pressing unit is preferably arranged at least for the most part in the wiper cavity. An open side, in particular in relation to the U-shaped profile, of the wiper arm is preferably aligned to face the surface. The pressing unit is preferably designed to press the wiper lip onto the window through the open side of the at least one wiper arm. The pressing unit is preferably arranged between the wiper lip and a closed side of the wiper arm that faces away from the open side. The drive unit is preferably firmly connected to the vehicle or the sensor system. The at least one wiper arm is preferably firmly connected to the drive unit. The pressing unit is preferably designed to press the wiper lip onto the surface against the at least one wiper arm, in particular against the drive unit, in particular against the vehicle, in particular against the sensor system. The at least one wiper lip is preferably mounted displaceably in the wiper cavity. The at least one wiper lip is preferably mounted on the wiper arm in a displaceable manner perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. For example, the wiper unit can have a linear guide unit which supports the wiper lip movably on the wiper arm. For example, the pressing unit can be designed as part of the linear guide unit.

The wiper unit is preferably provided for additional cleaning of the cover wall by means of the wiping liquid. The pump unit is preferably provided to convey the wiper fluid from a fluid reservoir to the wiper unit. Preferably, the vehicle includes the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be a same fluid reservoir coupled to windshield wipers of the vehicle and/or to a rear window wiper of the vehicle for dispensing fluid onto the windshield and/or rear window. The fluid reservoir can be an additional fluid reservoir which, in particular, is exclusively coupled to the at least one wiper unit of the wiper device according to the invention. The pump unit is provided for conveying the wiper fluid to the wiper unit, in particular to the wiper arm of the wiper unit. The pump unit may be a same pump unit coupled to windshield wipers of the vehicle and/or to a rear window wiper of the vehicle for delivering fluid to the windshield and/or rear window. The pump unit can be an additional pump unit which is in particular exclusively coupled to the at least one wiper unit of the wiper device according to the invention. A junction box unit can be arranged between the pump unit and the windshield wipers of the vehicle, the at least one pressing element and/or the rear window wiper. In particular, the pump unit can include the junction box unit.

The wiper device preferably comprises at least one fluid line which fluidly connects the fluid reservoir to the pump unit, to the wiper unit, in particular to the wiper arm and to the at least one hydraulic pressure element. The wiper device preferably has at least one check valve, in particular for maintaining the pressure of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure element. The at least one check valve is preferably arranged in front of the at least one hydraulic pressure element with respect to a fluid flow of the wiper fluid through the fluid line.

Reliable cleaning of the window element can be achieved by the configuration of the wiper device according to the invention. In particular, advantageous properties can be achieved with regard to the reliability of the sensor system to be cleaned. In particular, an advantageously high safety standard can be achieved for operating the sensor system to detect objects.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one pump unit is coupled to the at least one pressure element in order for the wiper fluid to build up a pressure in the hydraulic pressure element. The at least one hydraulic pressing element is preferably hydraulically coupled to the pump unit by the fluid line and by the wiper fluid. The pump unit is preferably designed to build up a pressure of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure element in order to press the wiper lip against the surface. The at least one hydraulic pressure element is preferably at least partially elastic, in particular made of a natural or synthetic elastomer. The hydraulic pressure element is preferably designed to change a volume of the at least one hydraulic pressure element as a function of the pressure of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure element, in particular to press the wiper lip onto the surface. For example, the at least one hydraulic pressure element can be designed as a hydraulic spring. The at least one hydraulic pressing element can be designed as a hose. The at least one hydraulic pressure element can be designed in one piece with the wiper lip. The at least one hydraulic pressure element can be designed as part of the wiper lip. “In one piece” is to be understood in particular as being at least cohesively connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and/or another process that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by a Production from a single casting and/or by production using a single-component or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. As an alternative to the wiping liquid, the pressure in the at least one hydraulic pressure element could be built up by a fluid, such as a gas, a liquid and/or air. An advantageous dual function of the wiper fluid can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously space-saving arrangement of the fluid line and the pressing unit can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the pressing unit comprises at least two hydraulic pressing elements for uniform pressing of the wiper unit onto the surface. Preferably, the at least two hydraulic pressure elements are configured in the same way, in particular to produce pressure of the same magnitude on the wiper lip. The pressing unit can have three, four, five, or the like, equidistant along the extension of the wiper lip along the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip, pressing elements, in particular for uniformly pressing the wiper lip onto the surface. In particular, the at least two pressing elements can be coupled to the same fluid line, in particular the same pump unit. An advantageous selective pressing effect can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the wiper unit has at least one fluid dispensing element, which is arranged parallel to the at least one pressing element with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning liquid. The wiper unit can have at least a large number of fluid dispensing elements, in particular fluid nozzles, which are provided for spraying the cleaning liquid onto the cover wall, in particular the surface, in particular in the operating state. The at least one fluid dispensing element is preferably designed as a fluid nozzle. The at least one fluid dispensing element is preferably arranged on the at least one wiper arm. Preferably, the at least one fluid dispensing element faces the at least one surface. The at least one fluid dispensing element is preferably connected to a further fluid line. The wiper device preferably comprises the at least one further fluid line. The at least one further fluid line is preferably fluidically connected to the pump unit. The at least one further fluid line is preferably connected to the fluid line, in particular by a valve unit, for example a three-way valve unit. The wiper device preferably comprises the one valve unit, for example the three-way valve unit. The at least one further fluid line preferably runs along at least 50% of a length of the further fluid line adjacent to the at least one fluid line. The further fluid line is preferably free of a check valve. An advantageously equally large pressure of the cleaning fluid can be achieved on the at least one fluid dispensing element and on the hydraulic pressure element.

It is also proposed that the wiper unit has at least one fluid dispensing element, which is arranged in series with the at least one pressing element with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning liquid. The at least one fluid output element is preferably connected to the at least one fluid line, in particular to the same fluid line as the hydraulic pressure element. An advantageously unequal pressure of the wiper fluid on the hydraulic pressing element and on the at least one fluid dispensing element can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously space-saving arrangement of the fluid line and the pressing unit can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one fluid dispensing element is arranged behind the at least one pressing element with respect to the fluid flow of the cleaning fluid. The wiper device preferably has at least one pressure valve unit. The pressure valve unit is preferably arranged between the at least one hydraulic pressure element and the at least one fluid dispensing element in the fluid line. The at least one fluid dispensing element is preferably arranged behind the at least one pressing element along the fluid flow of the cleaning fluid. An advantageously higher pressure of the wiper fluid on the hydraulic pressure element and an advantageously lower pressure on the at least one fluid dispensing element can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the at least one pressing element extends over at least 50% of an extension of the wiper lip along a longitudinal axis of the wiper lip, in particular the already mentioned longitudinal axis. The at least one pressing element preferably extends over at least 50%, preferably at least 75% and very particularly preferably completely over an extension of the wiper lip along the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. An advantageously flat, uniform pressing of the wiper lip onto the surface can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least two pressing elements are arranged at opposite ends of an extension of the wiper lip along a longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. The at least two identical pressing elements are preferably arranged at end regions of the extension of the wiper lip, which face away from one another, along the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. Preferably, the at least two pressing elements each extend over at least 25%, preferably over at least 40%, of the extension of the wiper lip along the longitudinal axis of the wiper lip. The at least two contact pressure elements in series are preferably supplied with cleaning fluid by the pump unit. Alternatively, the at least two pressing elements can be supplied with cleaning fluid in parallel by the pump unit, in particular at least in sections through two different fluid lines. An advantageous local effect of the pressing force can be achieved. In particular, an unfavorably large wiping liquid volume of a single pressing element can advantageously be achieved by two advantageously smaller wiping liquid volumes of two pressing elements, as a result of which the pump unit in particular can advantageously consume less energy.

In addition, a wiper system is proposed with the sensor system and with a wiper device according to the invention. An advantageous compatibility of the components of the sensor system and the wiper device can be achieved.

In addition, a method is proposed for operating a wiper device according to the invention. In particular, the features of the wiper device should also be understood analogously as method features for the method for operating the wiper device. An advantageous cleaning of the surface can be achieved.

The wiper device according to the invention, the wiper system according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention should/should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the wiper device according to the invention, the wiper system according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps that differs from the number specified here in order to fulfill a function described herein. In addition, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the specified limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used as desired.

character list

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

• 1 ein Fahrzeug mit einem Wischersystem umfassend ein Sensorsystem und eine erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 2 das Sensorsystem und die erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 3 die erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 4 die erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 5 ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 6 eine alternative erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 7 eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 8 eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 9 eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 10 eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung und
• 11 eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Wischervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung.

Show it:

• 1 a vehicle with a wiper system comprising a sensor system and a wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 2 the sensor system and the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 3 the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 4 the wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 5 a method according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 6 an alternative wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 7 a further alternative wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 8th a further alternative wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 9 a further alternative wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
• 10 a further alternative wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation and
• 11 another alternative wiper device according to the invention in a schematic representation.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

1 shows a vehicle 58a with a wiper system 48a. The wiper system 48a includes a sensor system 30a (cf. 2 ). The wiper system 48a includes a wiper device 10a (cf. 2 ). The vehicle 58a is a car, for example.

2 shows the sensor system 30a with the wiper device 10a in more detail. The sensor system 30a is designed as a lidar sensor. The sensor system 30a is provided for detecting and/or measuring objects. The sensor system 30a is provided for use on the vehicle 58a. The sensor system 30a has a lidar unit 32a. The lidar unit 32a has a lidar sensor element (not shown). The lidar unit 32a has a lidar housing 34a in which the lidar sensor element is arranged. Sensor system 30a has a cover wall 36a, which allows a laser beam of sensor system 30a to exit lidar housing 34a and which is transparent to a detection wavelength of the lidar sensor element. The cover wall 36a partially covers the sensor system 30a from the outside. The covering wall 36a forms in particular a front part of the lidar housing 34a. The cover wall 36a is made of glass. The cover wall 36a defines a surface 38a of the sensor system 30a as an outer surface 40a of the cover wall 36a. The surface 38a is rectangular. Sensor system 30a is connected to a computing unit, in particular of vehicle 58a, for data transfer.

The wiper device 10a is designed to wipe the sensor system 30a. The wiper device 10a includes a wiper unit 12a. The wiper unit 12a includes a wiper lip 16a for wiping a surface 38a of the sensor system 30a (cf. 3 ). The wiper lip 16a is rubber-like. In particular, the wiper lip 16a is made of a natural and/or synthetic elastomer. In particular, the wiper unit 12a is provided for cleaning the cover wall 36a mechanically, specifically in particular by means of the wiper lip 16a.

The wiper unit 12a has a wiper arm 18a. A longitudinal axis 20a of the wiper arm 18a is aligned parallel to the surface 38a.

The wiper lip 16a is arranged for the most part in the wiper arm 18a. The wiper lip 16a is movably mounted in the wiper arm 18a. The wiper arm 18a extends over a shorter edge length of the surface 38a.

The wiper arm 18a is designed as a metal strip that is U-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20a of the wiper arm 18a. The wiper arm 18a has a U-shaped profile, in particular in relation to the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20a of the wiper arm 18a. An open side, in particular with respect to the U-shaped profile, of the wiper arm 18a faces the surface 38a. The wiper arm 18a is cuboid (cf. 2 and 3 ). The wiper arm 18a delimits a wiper cavity 22a in which the wiper lip 16a is arranged for the most part. The wiper lip 16a is slidably mounted in the wiper cavity 22a. The wiper lip 16a is mounted on the wiper arm 18a so as to be displaceable perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 26a of the wiper lip 16a. For example, the wiper unit 12a has a linear guide unit 28a, which supports the wiper lip 16a movably on the wiper arm 18a. The wiper arm 18a is designed without a spoiler element. In particular, a side of the wiper arm 18a facing away from the surface 38a has a flat outer surface. In particular, the outer surface of the side of the wiper arm 18a facing away from the surface 38a is aligned parallel to the surface 38a. The wiper lip 16a is preferably designed to be able to be plugged into the linear guide unit 28a along its longitudinal axis 26a in order to connect the wiper lip 16a to the linear guide unit 28a.

The wiper unit 12a has a drive unit (not shown) which moves the wiper unit 12a linearly over the surface 38a in order to clean the surface 38a. The wiper arm 18a is firmly connected to the drive unit. The wiper unit 12a is guided for wiping by a drive unit (not shown) across the surface 38a. The drive unit is designed to move the wiper unit 12a over the full area along the surface 38a, in particular for the full-area mechanical cleaning of the surface 38a. The drive unit is permanently connected to the sensor system 30a. The sensor system 30a is permanently connected to the vehicle 58a. The wiper arm 18a is connected to the drive unit at one end of an extension of the wiper arm 18a along the longitudinal axis 20a of the wiper arm 18a. The drive unit is designed to move the wiper unit 12a linearly, and in particular bidirectionally, over the surface 38a for cleaning the surface 38a, with a pressing unit 14a pressing the wiper lip 16a onto the surface 38a.

The drive unit is designed to move the wiper unit 12a, in particular between operating states of the wiper unit 12a, into a parking position in which the wiper lip 16a is pressed away in particular from the pressing unit 14a up to a stop for relieving a pressing element 24a and in which the wiper lip 16a is arranged at a distance from the surface 38a. The cover wall 36a has a ramp element 42a on one side. The drive unit is configured to move the wiper unit 12a for wiping from the parking position over the ramp element 42a onto the surface 38a. The drive unit is configured to move the wiper unit 12a from the surface 38a into the parking position via the ramp element 42a in order to stop wiping from the surface 38a.

The wiper device 10a includes the pressing unit 14a. The pressing unit 14a is arranged in the wiper cavity 22a. The pressing unit 14a is arranged between the wiper lip 16a and a closed side of the wiper arm 18a that faces away from the open side. The pressing unit 14a is designed to press the wiper lip 16a through the open side of the wiper arm 18a onto the cover wall 36a, in particular the surface 38a. The pressing unit 14a is designed to press the wiper lip 16a via the wiper arm 18a by means of the drive unit against the vehicle 58a onto the surface 38a. The pressing unit 14a includes a hydraulic pressing element 24a. The pressing unit 14a has the hydraulic pressing element 24a for pressing the wiper unit 12a, in particular the wiper lip 16a, against the surface 38a. The wiper lip 16a is movably mounted in the wiper arm 18a against and along a contact pressure of the hydraulic contact pressure element 24a. The hydraulic pressing element 24a is designed as a hydraulic spring. The hydraulic pressure element 24a extends completely over an extension of the wiper lip 16a along the longitudinal axis 26a of the wiper lip 16a. The pressing unit 14a, in particular the hydraulic pressing element 24a, is designed to exert a pressing force on the wiper lip 16a, in particular for a planar contact of the wiper lip 16a along the longitudinal axis 26a of the wiper lip 16a on the surface 38a. The pressing unit 14a, in particular the pressing element 24a, is designed to exert a minimum pressing force on the wiper lip 16a, in particular for pressing the wiper lip 16a against the surface 38a with a uniform pressure of at least 14 N/m. The wiper lip 16a of the wiper unit 12a is designed to be replaceable. In particular, the wiper lip 16a of the wiper unit 12a is designed to be exchangeable without tools. The pressing element 24a extends over 100% of the extension of the wiper lip 16a along the longitudinal axis 26a of the wiper lip 16a.

The wiper arm 18a is firmly connected to the drive unit, for example by a screw unit, by means of which a global contact pressure, in particular at a level of P1, of the wiper lip 16a on the surface can be adjusted. The wiper device 10a comprises, for example, a calibration element 25a with which the global contact pressure, in particular at the level of P1, of the wiper arm 18a and the wiper lip 16a on the surface 38a can be measured. In particular, the screw unit can be used to set the global contact pressure, in particular at the level of P1, of the wiper lip 16a on the surface 38a, which can be finely tuned, in particular adjustable, is. The calibration element 25a is attached to the wiper arm 18a, in particular in a detachable manner. The calibration element 25a is designed as a force and/or pressure sensor which is connected to an on-board computer 58a of the vehicle. In particular, P1 + P2 is at least substantially 14 N/m.

5 shows a method for operating the wiper device 10a. In a method step, in particular an operating step 44a, the wiper unit 12a is moved from the parked position onto the surface 38a and back and forth over the surface 38a at least once. In a method step, in particular a parking step 46a, the wiper unit 12a is moved from the surface 38a into the parking position.

The wiper unit 12a is provided for additional cleaning of the covering wall 36a by means of the wiping liquid. 4 shows a pump unit 60a of the wiper device 10a in a schematic fluidic coupling with the hydraulic pressure element 24a.

The wiper device 10a includes the pump unit 60a. The pump unit 60a is designed in particular to deliver a wiper fluid to the wiper unit 12a, in particular connected to the wiper unit 12a. The pump unit 60a is intended to convey the wiper fluid from a fluid reservoir 62a to the wiper unit 12a. The wiper device 10a includes the fluid reservoir 62a. The fluid reservoir 62a is located in the vehicle 58a. The fluid reservoir 62a is a like fluid reservoir 62a that is coupled to vehicle windshield wipers 58a and/or to a vehicle rear window wiper 58a for dispensing fluid onto the windshield and/or rear window.

The pump unit 60a is provided for conveying the wiper fluid to the wiper unit 12a, in particular to the wiper arm 18a. The pump unit 60a is a same pump unit 60a coupled to vehicle windshield wipers 58 and/or to a vehicle rear window wiper 58a for delivering fluid to the windshield and/or rear window.

The wiper device 10a includes a fluid line 64a. The fluid line 64a fluidly connects the fluid reservoir 62a to the pump unit 60a, to the wiper unit 12a, in particular to the wiper arm 18a and the at least one hydraulic pressing element 24a. The hydraulic pressing element 24a is hydraulically coupled to the pump unit 60a in order to press the wiper lip 16a against the surface 38a. The pump unit 60a is coupled to the pressure element 24a to build up a pressure through the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure element 24a, in particular to press the wiper lip 16a onto the surface 38a by the pressure element 24a. The pump unit 60a is designed to build up a pressure in the pressing unit 14a, in particular in the pressing element 24a, which increases the global pressing pressure P1 to a level P2>P1.

The wiper device 10a has a check valve 66a, in particular for maintaining the pressure of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressing element 24a, in particular when the pump unit 60a is in an off state.

The check valve 66a is arranged in front of the hydraulic pressing element 24a with respect to a fluid flow of the wiper fluid through the fluid line 64a. The check valve 66a is arranged in the fluid line 64a between the pump unit 60a and the hydraulic pressure element 24a.

The wiper unit 12a has at least one fluid dispensing element 68a. In particular, the wiper unit 12a has a plurality of fluid dispensing elements 68a.

The at least one, in particular several, fluid dispensing element/s 68a are arranged on the wiper arm 18a.

The at least one, in particular several, fluid output element/s 68a is/are arranged parallel to the pressing element 24a with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning liquid.

All fluid dispensing elements 68a are designed as fluid nozzles. All fluid dispensing elements 68a are intended, in particular in an operating state, to spray the cleaning liquid onto the covering wall 36a, in particular the surface 38a. All of the fluid dispensing elements 68a are oriented to face the surface 38a.

The wiper device 10a includes a further fluid line 70a. All fluid output elements 68a are connected to the further fluid line 70a. The further fluid line 70a is fluidically connected to the pump unit 60a. The further fluid line 70a is connected to the fluid line 64a, in particular by a valve unit 72a. The valve unit 72a is, for example, a three-way valve unit 72a. The wiper device 10a includes the valve unit 72a. The further fluid line 70a is designed without a check valve. The additional fluid line 70a fluidly connects the valve unit 72a to all fluid dispensing elements 68a.

In the 6 another embodiment of the invention is shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with regard to components having the same designation, in particular with regard to components having the same reference symbols, also to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the 1 until 5 , can be referenced. To distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is the reference number of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS 1 until 4 adjusted. In the embodiments of 6 the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

6 shows an alternative fluidic connection structure of an alternative pressing unit 14b with a pump unit 60b.

The pressing unit 14b includes two hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b'. The pressing elements 74b, 74b' are designed to uniformly press a wiper unit 12b against a surface 38b. The wiper unit 12b includes a wiper lip 16b, the two pressing elements 74b, 74b' being arranged at opposite ends of an extension of the wiper lip 16b along a longitudinal axis 26b of the wiper lip 16b. The two pressing elements 74b, 74b' extend together over at least 50% of the extension of the wiper lip 16b along the longitudinal axis 26b of the wiper lip 16b.

6 shows the pump unit 60b of the wiper device 10b in a schematic fluidic coupling with the hydraulic pressure elements 74b, 74b'. The wiper unit 12b is indicated schematically by a dashed box.

The wiper unit 12b has at least one fluid dispensing element 68b. The fluid dispensing element 68b is arranged on a wiper arm 18b. The fluid output element 68b is arranged in series with the two pressing elements 74b, 74b' in relation to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid. The fluid output element 68b is arranged behind the two pressing elements 74b, 74b' with respect to the fluid flow of the cleaning fluid.

The wiper device 10b includes the pump unit 60b. The pump unit 60b is designed in particular to deliver a wiper fluid to the wiper unit 12b, in particular connected to the wiper unit 12b. The pump unit 60b is intended to convey the wiping fluid from a fluid reservoir 62b to the wiper unit 12b. The wiper device 10b includes the fluid reservoir 62b.

The pump unit 60b is provided for conveying the wiper fluid to the wiper unit 12b, in particular to the wiper arm 18b. The wiper device 10b includes a fluid line 76b. The fluid line 76b fluidly connects the fluid reservoir 62b to the pump unit 60b, to the wiper unit 12b, in particular to the wiper arm 18b and the hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b'.

The hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b' are hydraulically coupled to the pump unit 60b in order to press the wiper lip 16b against the surface 38b.
The hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b' are fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60b by the same fluid line 76b, in particular for pressing the wiper lip 16b against the surface 38b.

The pump unit 60b is coupled to the pressure elements 74b, 74b' to build up a different pressure through the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure elements 74b, 74b', in particular to press the wiper lip 16b onto the surface 38b by the pressure elements 74b, 74b'.

The wiper device 10b has a first check valve 78b, in particular for maintaining the pressure of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b', in particular when the pump unit 60b is in the off state. The first check valve 78b is arranged in front of the hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b' with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid through the fluid line 76b. The first check valve 78b is arranged in the fluid line 76b between the pump unit 60b and the hydraulic pressure elements 74b, 74b'. The wiper device 10b has a further check valve 78b', in particular for maintaining the pressure of the wiper fluid in a pressing element 74b' of the two hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b', in particular when the pump unit 60b is in the off state. The further check valve 78b' is arranged between the hydraulic pressing elements 74b, 74b' with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid through the fluid line 76b. The two pressing elements 74b, 74b' are connected in series with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid.

The wiper device 10b has a pressure valve 80b, in particular for achieving a minimum pressure of the cleaning liquid at the fluid dispensing element 68b. The pressing elements 74b, 74b' are arranged between the fluid dispensing element 68b and the pump unit 60b with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid through the fluid line 76b.

7 shows a pump unit 60c of a wiper device 10c in an alternative schematic fluidic coupling with a hydraulic pressure element 24c and a fluid output element 68c. The wiper device 10c includes a wiper unit 12c. The wiper unit 12c has a fluid dispensing element 68c. The fluid output element 68c is arranged parallel to the pressing element 24c with respect to a fluid flow of the wiper fluid. The wiper device 10c includes the pump unit 60c.

The hydraulic pressing element 24c is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60c by a fluid line 64c, in particular for pressing the wiper lip 16c against a surface 38c.

The fluid output element 68c is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60c by a further fluid line 70c. The further fluid line 70c is connected to the fluid line 64c by a valve unit 72c.

The wiper device 10c has a check valve 82c, in particular for maintaining a pressure P1 of the wiping fluid in the hydraulic pressing element 24c and in a fluid line 70c to the fluid output element 68c, in particular when the pump unit 60c is in an off state. The check valve 82c is arranged in the fluid line 64c between the pump unit 60c and the valve unit 72c.

The wiper device 10c has a pressure valve 84c, in particular for achieving a minimum pressure of the cleaning fluid at the fluid dispensing element 68c. The pressure valve 84c is designed as a pressure relief valve. The pressure valve 84c is arranged between the valve unit 72c and the fluid dispensing element 68c. The pressure valve 84c is designed to let a fluid pass when the pressure at the pressure valve 84c exceeds a defined pressure P2, in particular P2>P1, to discharge fluid through the fluid discharge element 68c, in particular in an operating state of the pump unit 60c.

8th shows a pump unit 60d of a wiper device 10d in an alternative schematic fluidic coupling with a hydraulic pressure element 24d and a fluid output element 68d. The wiper device 10d includes a wiper unit 12d. The wiper unit 12d has a fluid dispensing element 68d. The fluid output element 68d is arranged parallel to the pressing element 24d with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid. The wiper device 10d includes the pump unit 60d.

The hydraulic pressing element 24d is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60d by a fluid line 64d, in particular for pressing the wiper lip 16d against a surface 38d.

The fluid output element 68d is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60d by a further fluid line 70d. The further fluid line 70d is connected to the fluid line 64d by a valve unit 72d.

The wiper device 10d has a check valve 82d, in particular for maintaining a pressure P1 of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressing element 24d, in particular when the pump unit 60d is in an off state. The check valve 82d is arranged in the fluid line 64d between the valve unit 72d and the pressing element 24d.

The wiper device 10d has a pressure valve 84d, in particular to achieve a minimum pressure of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure element 24d. The pressure valve 84d is designed as a pressure relief valve. The pressure valve 84d is arranged between the valve unit 72d and the hydraulic pressure element 24d. Pressure valve 84d is designed to allow a fluid to pass when the pressure at pressure valve 84d exceeds a defined pressure P2, with P2>P1 in particular, to adjust, in particular to increase, the contact pressure of contact pressure element 24d, in particular in an operating state of the pump unit 60d.

9 shows a pump unit 60e of a wiper device 10e in an alternative schematic fluidic coupling with a hydraulic pressure element 24e and a fluid output element 68e. The wiper device 10e includes a wiper unit 12e. The wiper unit 12e has a fluid dispensing element 68e. The fluid output element 68e is arranged parallel to the pressing element 24e with respect to a fluid flow of the wiper fluid. The wiper device 10e includes the pump unit 60e.

Hydraulic pressure element 24e is fluidically coupled to pump unit 60e by a fluid line 64e, in particular for pressing wiper lip 16e against a surface 38e.

The fluid output element 68e is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60e by a further fluid line 70e. The further fluid line 70e is connected to the fluid line 64e by a valve unit 72e.

Wiper device 10e has a check valve 82e, in particular for maintaining a pressure P1 of the wiper fluid in hydraulic pressing element 24e and in fluid line 70e to fluid output element 68e, in particular at fluid output element 68e, in particular when pump unit 60e is in the off state. The check valve 82e is arranged in the fluid line 64e between the pump unit 60e and the valve unit 72e.

The wiper device 10e has a pressure valve 84e, in particular for excluding an excess pressure of the wiper fluid on the pressing element 24e. The pressure valve 84e is designed as a pressure relief valve. The pressure valve 84e is arranged downstream of the fluid output element 68e in terms of fluid flow, viewed from the valve unit 72e. The pressure valve 84e is designed to allow a fluid to pass when the pressure at the pressure valve 84e exceeds a defined pressure P2, where in particular P2>P1, to exclude an overpressure on the pressure element 24e, in particular in an operating state of the pump unit 60e.

10 shows a pump unit 60f of a wiper device 10f in an alternative schematic fluidic coupling with a hydraulic pressure element 24f and a fluid output element 68f. The wiper device 10f includes a wiper unit 12f. The wiper unit 12f has a fluid dispensing element 68f. The fluid output element 68f is arranged parallel to the pressing element 24f with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid. The wiper device 10f includes the pump unit 60f.

The hydraulic pressure element 24f is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60f by a fluid line 64f, in particular to a Pressing the wiper lip 16f against a surface 38f.

The fluid output element 68f is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60f by a further fluid line 70f. The further fluid line 70f is connected to the fluid line 64f by a valve unit 72f.

The wiper device 10f has a check valve 82f, in particular for maintaining a pressure P1 of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressing element 24f, in particular when the pump unit 60f is in an off state. The check valve 82f is arranged in the fluid line 64f between the valve unit 72f and the pressing element 24f.

The wiper device 10f has a pressure valve 84f, in particular for excluding excess pressure of the wiper fluid on the pressing element 24f. The pressure valve 84f is designed as a pressure relief valve. The pressure valve 84f is arranged downstream of the fluid output element 68f in terms of fluid flow, viewed from the valve unit 72f. Pressure valve 84f is designed to allow a fluid to pass when the pressure at pressure valve 84f exceeds a defined pressure P2, with P2>P1 in particular, in order to rule out excess pressure on pressure element 24f, in particular when pump unit 60f is in an operating state.

11 shows a pump unit 60g of a wiper device 10g in an alternative schematic fluidic coupling with a hydraulic pressing element 24g and a fluid output element 68g. The wiper device 10g includes a wiper unit 12g. The wiper unit 12g has a fluid dispensing element 68g. The fluid output element 68g is arranged parallel to the pressing element 24g with respect to a fluid flow of the wiper fluid through a first fluid outlet of the pump unit 60g. The wiper device 10g includes the pump unit 60g. The hydraulic pressing element 24g has a further fluid output element 86g. The hydraulic pressing element 24g has an integrated pressure valve 84g.

The hydraulic pressing element 24g is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60g by a fluid line 64g, in particular for pressing the wiper lip 16g against a surface 38g.

The fluid output element 68g is fluidically coupled to the pump unit 60g by a further fluid line 70g. The further fluid line 70g is connected to the fluid line 64g by a valve unit 72g.

The wiper device 10g has a check valve 82g, in particular for maintaining a pressure P1 of the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressing element 24g, in particular when the pump unit 60g is in an off state. The check valve 82g is arranged in the fluid line 64g between the valve unit 72g and the pressing element 24g.

The wiper device 10g has the pressure valve 84g, in particular for excluding an excess pressure of the wiper fluid on the pressing element 24g. The pressure valve 84g is designed as a pressure relief valve. The pressure valve 84g is designed to allow a fluid to pass when the pressure at the pressure valve 84g exceeds a defined pressure P2, where in particular P2>P1, for fluid to be dispensed through the further fluid dispensing element 86g, in particular in an operating state of the pump unit 60g.

In addition, the pump unit 60g is connected to the fluid output element 68g through a further fluid outlet of the pump unit 60g and through an additional check valve 88g. The pump unit 60g is designed to supply the fluid dispensing element 86g with cleaning fluid through the further fluid outlet and through the additional check valve 88g. The pump unit 60g is designed to supply the fluid output element 68g with wiper fluid only through the first fluid outlet at a pressure P1, with P1>P3 and P1<P2 in particular, and to apply the pressure P1 to the pressure element 24g to increase the pressure applied to the wiper lip 16g to the surface 38g. The pump unit 60g is designed to supply the fluid dispensing element 68g with cleaning fluid only through the first fluid outlet at a pressure P2, in particular P2>P3 and P2>P1, and to apply the pressure P1 to the pressing element 24g, in particular for increased pressing of the wiping lip 16g to the surface 38g, and to supply the further fluid dispensing element 86g with wiping liquid through the pressure valve 84g integrated into the pressing element 24g for a fluid dispensing.

Claims (10)

Wiper device for wiping a sensor system (30a-30g), in particular a lidar system, with at least one wiper unit (12a-12g) which comprises at least one wiper lip (16a-16g) for wiping a surface (38a-38g) of the sensor system (30a -30g), with at least one pump unit (60a-60g), esp special for conveying a wiper fluid to the wiper unit (12a-12g), and having at least one pressing unit (14a-14g), characterized in that the pressing unit (14a-14g) has at least one hydraulic pressing element (24a; 74b, 74b'; 24c -24g) which is hydraulically coupled to the pump unit (60a-60g) to press the wiper lip (16a-16g) against the surface (38a-38g). wiper device after claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one pump unit (60a-60g) is coupled to the at least one pressure element (24a; 74b, 74b'; 24c-24g) to build up a pressure through the wiper fluid in the hydraulic pressure element (24a; 74b, 74b'; 24c-24g). wiper device after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the pressing unit (14b) comprises at least two hydraulic pressing elements (74b, 74b') for uniform pressing of the wiper unit (12b) on the surface (38b). Wiper device at least after claim 2 , characterized in that the wiper unit (12a; 12c-12g) has at least one fluid dispensing element (68a, 68c-68g) which is arranged parallel to the at least one pressing element (24a; 24c-24g) with respect to a fluid flow of the cleaning liquid. Wiper device at least after claim 2 , characterized in that the wiper unit (12b) has at least one fluid output element (68b) which is arranged in relation to a fluid flow of the cleaning fluid in series with the at least one pressing element (74b, 74b'). wiper device after claim 5 , characterized in that the at least one fluid dispensing element (68b) is arranged behind the at least one pressing element (74b, 74b') with respect to the fluid flow of the cleaning fluid. Wiper device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pressure element (24a; 74b, 74b'; 24c-24g) extends over at least 50% of an extension of the wiper lip (16a; 16b) along a longitudinal axis (26a-26g) of the Wiper lip (16a-16g) extends. Wiper device at least after claim 3 , characterized in that the at least two pressing elements (74b, 74b') are arranged at opposite ends of an extension of the wiper lip (16b) along a longitudinal axis (26b) of the wiper lip (16b). Wiper system with the sensor system (30a-30g) and with a wiper device (10a-10g) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th . Method for operating a wiper device (10a-10g) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th .

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