WO2011039158A1

WO2011039158A1 - Window-cleaning method and wiper system, in particular for an automobile

Info

Publication number: WO2011039158A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/064315
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Calluiere; Raphaël MEJEAN
Original assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
Priority date: 2009-09-29
Filing date: 2010-09-28
Publication date: 2011-04-07
Also published as: FR2950588B1; FR2950588A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a window-cleaning method and to a wiper system, in particular for an automobile. A fluid stored in a tank (1) is sprayed onto the window (2) using a pump (3) that is controlled by a controller (4, 5). The window (2) is wiped by a mobile assembly (6, 7) which includes a blade mounted on an arm and which is actuated by a motor (8) controlled by the controller (4, 5). The fluid is sprayed in accordance with at least two separate cycles (D1,D2,L1 to L10) actuated by the controller, and defined by one or more of the following parameters and by the variation in the parameter(s) during a single cycle: the amount of fluid; the temperature of the fluid; the angular area of the spraying of the fluid; backward and/or forward spraying relative to the movement of the blade; the speed of the arm; the frequency of wiping; the delay at the beginning of the wiping and/or when changing the wiping direction. The activation of either of the two cycles (D1,D2,L1 to L10) depends on the value of the outside temperature and on the moving speed of the window.

Description

METHOD OF CLEANING A GLASS AND WIPER SYSTEM,

IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

The present invention relates to a window cleaning method and a wiper system, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Generally, wiper systems such as those used on a motor vehicle make it possible to project on the windshield a fluid, preferably a liquid, having both cleaning and de-icing properties, so that the system is used both to wash the glass or the windshield in case of accumulation of dust or dirt, and to defrost the windshield in case of climatic conditions favoring frost.

[0003] Such wiper systems generally comprise at least one actuating arm connected to a motor, as well as a wiper blade connected to the actuating arm.

A pump, connected to a reservoir of deicing and cleaning fluid, allows the liquid to spray on the windshield, during the sweep, through nozzles projection. These nozzles may optionally be integrated in the brush, or separated and placed for example on the hood of the vehicle, near the windshield. In the first case, the blade is therefore connected directly to the pump to bring the fluid directly into the ramps arranged in the brush.

For deicing to be effective, it must include a large amount of fluid spray on the windshield.

In addition, a defrost cycle when the vehicle is moving is usually unnecessary because inefficient.

Conversely, a wash cycle, including less fluid sprayed on the windshield, is not effective below a certain

temperature at which frost may form.

Also, for the cleaning cycle (s), which are generally configured in system control means, to be effective both for defrosting and cleaning, the parameters defining a cycle, for example amount of fluid projected and / or the angular projection zone, and its or their evolution during the cycle, in kind of a compromise.

Thus, for example the amount of fluid is set at a large value, for defrosting, while this amount of fluid is too important for washing.

The significant use of liquid for deicing is indeed not

necessary in the case of a wash. It is therefore in the presence of an overconsumption of cleaning fluid which reduces the autonomy of the system and is expensive.

[001 1] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem among other problems.

The solution of the invention is to provide at least two different management in the control arms and brushes and the actuation of the pump, depending on the outside temperature and the speed of the vehicle.

[0013] Precisely, the invention relates, in a first aspect, to a

method for cleaning a window, in particular for a motor vehicle, in which a fluid stored in a tank is projected on the window by means of a pump controlled by a controller.

The window is scanned by at least one movable assembly consisting of a blade mounted on an arm. This moving assembly is actuated by a motor controlled by the controller.

The fluid is projected according to at least two different cycles, which are

activated by the controller.

These cycles are defined by one or more of the parameters and by the

variation of the parameter (s) during the same cycle. This or these parameters can be: the quantity of fluid; the temperature of the fluid; the angular zone of projection of the fluid; the projection back and / or forward of the movement of the broom; the speed of the arm; the scanning frequency; the delay at the beginning and / or the change of direction of the scan.

The activation of one or the other of the two cycles is a function of the value of the outside temperature and the speed of movement of the window.

Thus, it is possible to configure two distinct cycles, for example a washing cycle and a defrost cycle, and to adapt the activation of the washing or defrosting cycle to the circumstances, and to trigger a defrost cycle only under circumstances that favor the formation of frost and effective a defrost cycle , depending on the speed of the vehicle and the outside temperature.

In this way, it reduces considerably the fluid consumption of

cleaning, since a fluid-consuming defrosting cycle is triggered only when necessary.

The gain in autonomy obtained can further reduce the volume of the tank, this reduction then participating in the reduction of the overall weight of vehicles with a cleaning system implementing the method of the invention.

This reduction also promotes the integration of the system.

In an alternative embodiment, at least a first cycle is a defrost cycle. This first cycle is activated when the displacement speed is zero and the outside temperature is less than or equal to a first predetermined value.

Moreover, at least one second cycle is a wash cycle. This second cycle is activated when the displacement speed is zero and the external temperature is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value or when the displacement speed is non-zero.

[0024] Optionally, at least one third of the cycles is a cycle of

defrost. This third cycle is activated when the displacement speed is zero and the external temperature is less than or equal to a second predetermined value itself lower than the first predetermined value.

One can also have at least a fourth cycle which is a wash cycle. This fourth cycle is activated when the displacement speed is zero and the external temperature is greater than a third predetermined value itself greater than the first predetermined value.

It is also possible to provide a step of adaptation, in the course of

which, when a given cycle is activated, the controller monitors, in progress cycle, outdoor temperature and travel speed. The controller then activates another cycle according to the variations of the values of the outside temperature and the speed of displacement.

The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a

windscreen wiper system, especially for motor vehicle window glass, which comprises at least one movable assembly consisting of a broom mounted on an arm for sweeping the window.

The mobile assembly is actuated by a motor controlled by a controller.

The system further comprises a pump for projecting a fluid stored in a tank on the window, controlled by the controller.

The system also comprises means for measuring the

outside temperature and speed of movement of the window.

Furthermore, the controller comprises activation means, as a function of the value of the outside temperature and the speed of displacement, of a fluid projection cycle, among at least two different cycles.

These cycles are defined by one or more of the parameters, and by the

Thus, it is possible to configure two separate cycles, for example a wash cycle and a defrost cycle, and to adapt the activation of the wash cycle or defrost cycle to the circumstances, and not to trigger a cycle of de-icing only under circumstances that favor the formation of frost and effective a de-icing cycle, depending on the speed of the vehicle and the outside temperature.

[0034] Again, such a system makes it possible to reduce considerably the

consumption of cleaning fluid, since it allows to trigger a defrosting cycle, very fluid consuming, only when necessary.

[0035] Also, the gain in autonomy obtained can make it possible to reduce the tank volume, this reduction then participating in the reduction of the overall mass of vehicles with the system of the invention, and promoting the integration of this system in a vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment, at least a first cycle is a defrost cycle and at least a second cycle is a wash cycle.

The activation means are configured to activate the first cycle when the displacement speed is zero and the outside temperature is lower than a first predetermined value.

These activation means are also configured to activate the

second cycle when the displacement speed is zero and the outside temperature is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value or when the moving speed is non-zero.

Optionally, it can be provided that at least a third cycle is a defrost cycle.

The activation means are then configured to activate this third cycle when the speed is zero and the temperature is less than or equal to a second predetermined value itself lower than the first predetermined value.

One can still have at least a fourth cycle which is a wash cycle.

The activation means are then configured to activate this fourth cycle when the displacement speed is zero and the outside temperature is greater than a third predetermined value itself greater than the first predetermined value.

It can also be provided that the controller is configured to monitor, during a given activated cycle, the outside temperature and the movement speed measured by measuring means, and to activate another cycle depending on the variations of the values of the outside temperature and the speed of displacement.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description of preferred embodiments implemented and embodiments, which are data as non-limiting examples and with reference to the following appended drawings:

- Figure 1: schematically and functionally represent a

example of system of the invention,

FIG. 2 shows schematically, in one example, the

activation parameters for a defrost or wash cycle.

The system of the invention, as shown in Figure 1 in a particular embodiment, comprises a reservoir containing a fluid, usually a liquid with cleans and de-icing properties. It may be for example water mixed with other components, such as alcohol.

This tank 1 is connected to a pump 3 for pumping the liquid

contained in the tank 1 to route it to the window 2 such as the windshield 2 of a vehicle.

More specifically, the routing of the liquid to the window 2 is by projection elements or nozzles.

These can be positioned conventionally on the hood of the

vehicle, close to the windshield 2. They are referenced 1 1 in Figure 1.

Alternatively, these liquid projection elements on the windshield 2 can be directly integrated into one of the mobile assemblies 6, 7 for sweeping the windshield 2.

Each of these mobile assemblies 6, 7, with or without integration of the projection elements, comprises an actuating arm to which a brush is connected.

The setting in motion of each mobile assembly 6, 7, and therefore the

windshield 2 is obtained by means of a motor 8.

This motor 8 is controlled by a main control device 4, which for example manages the speed and the scanning frequency. He generally receives his instructions from a control interface located in the cockpit of the vehicle and used by the driver. It can also review its instructions from different sensors, such as a soil sensor, to automatically trigger the motor 8 without user action. The main control device 4 also controls the pump 3.

The assembly is electrically powered by a power source 12 generally consisting of the battery 12 of the vehicle.

A second control device 5 is shown in FIG.

functional connection with pump 3, the main control device

4, the mobile assemblies 6 and 7 and possibly the projection nozzles

1 1.

This second control device 5 completes the main control device 4, for example to heat the liquid pumped by the pump 3 in the tank 1.

The main control device 4 and second device of

control 5 constitutes the controller 4, 5 of the system.

The functional architecture, as shown in Figure 1, corresponds to a cleaning system of the invention integrated into a vehicle already having a conventional cleaning system and therefore a main control device 4.

[0059] Alternatively, when the system is integrated at the beginning in a

vehicle, it is preferably provided that the main control device 4 integrates all the functions of the second control device 5, so that the main control device 4 then constitutes the controller 4 of the entire system.

Two measuring means 9 and 10 are connected to the controller 4, 5,

that is, either to the main control device 4 or to the second control device 5.

The measuring means 9 measures the outside temperature T, preferably closer to the windshield 2, and transmits it to the controller. The measuring means 10 measures the speed of movement V of the vehicle, therefore of the windshield 2, and transmits it to the controller.

If a request for actuation of the pump 3 occurs, for example via the control interface located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and used by the user, or through any other command if automated, the controller 4, 5 activates a particular cleaning cycle. Precisely, as a function of the value T of the outside temperature measured by the measuring means 9, and the moving speed V measured by the second measuring means 10, the controller 4, 5 activates a specific cycle.

A specific cycle is defined by one or more parameters, and the

variation of this or these parameters during the cycle.

These parameters are the amount of fluid projected, more or less

important, and possibly variable, for example decreasing, during the cycle.

The temperature of the fluid and its variation during the cycle is also a parameter that can be used to define a cleaning cycle.

One can also control the angular area of projection of the fluid on the windshield 2 to define a cycle.

Moreover, especially in the case of mobile assemblies 6, 7 comprising dual-boom brushes projection of the fluid, it can control the projection back and / or forward of the movement of the blade.

The speed of the brush actuating arm, the scanning frequency, and the timing at the beginning and / or the change of scan direction, are other parameters for defining a cycle.

The different available cycles, at least two in number, are

stored in the controller 4, 5, via their (s)

parameter (s) of definition controlled by this controller 4, 5.

By way of example, it is possible to define a specific cycle dedicated to

defrosting by a quantity of fluid to be projected on the windshield 2 greater than for a washing cycle. For a finer definition, it can be expected that this amount of fluid decreases during the cycle, to account for defrosting in progress and thus save the fluid.

It is also possible to define such a defrosting cycle, with or without taking into account the parameter "quantity of fluid", by a higher fluid temperature than for a wash cycle, with possibly a decrease during the cycle to keep account of the defrost in progress and thus save the energy used to heat the liquid.

As explained above, the system of the invention allows the activation of one or the other of the predefined cycles as explained above according to the outside temperature T and the speed of displacement V.

This is represented by way of example in FIG. 2.

When the measured outside temperature T is less than or equal to a first predetermined value T1, for example 5 ° C, and the vehicle is at a standstill, so that the movement speed V is zero, a control of Activating a cleaning cycle activates the first defrost cycle D1 or D2.

If the outside temperature T is greater than T1, or if the vehicle is moving so if the moving speed V is non-zero, an activation command of a cleaning cycle activates a second cycle which is one of the washing cycles L1 to L10.

Several separate defrosting cycles D1 and D2 may be provided, in

function of the external temperature T, at zero speed V.

Thus, if the outside temperature T is less than a second predetermined value T2, itself smaller than T1, so if the weather conditions further favor the formation of frost, the second cycle D2 is activated, with parameters of definition reinforcing the de-icing capacity (for example even more liquid spray, higher liquid heating temperature).

The other cycles L1 to L10, corresponding in this example to washing cycles (more economical liquid projected for example), can themselves be distinct in their definition, to correspond to outdoor temperature conditions T and different speed of movement V.

Thus, by way of example, when the outside temperature T is greater than the first predetermined value T1 and the moving speed V is zero, it is possible to actuate two distinct washing cycles L1 and L2, depending on whether the outside temperature T is less than or equal to, or

higher, at a third predetermined value T3.

This allows for example to maintain the heating of the liquid when the outside temperature T is above but close to 5 ° C, then to completely remove the heating of the liquid when this temperature external T crosses another threshold T3.

The other distinct cycles L3 to L10, given by way of example, are activated both as a function of the outside temperature T and as a function of the speed of displacement V.

In particular, taking into account the increase in the speed of the

vehicle V, for example below and above a certain speed threshold V1, optimizes the washing, for example by increasing the scanning speed, or by varying the amount of fluid projected.

The whole of the description above is given by way of example, and is therefore not limiting of the invention.

In particular, the architecture of the system of the invention shown in Figure 1 is a functionally represented architecture, and therefore does not necessarily correspond to a real physical layout of the various components of the system.

For example, as explained above, the second control device 5 can be directly integrated into the main control device 4, and the fluid projection nozzles 1 1 can be directly integrated into the mobile assemblies 6 and 7.

Finally, the distinction between defrosting cycle and washing cycle, in the context or not of a motor vehicle, is only one example

application. The invention applies in fact to any system and method for cleaning a window that may be in motion, in which it is advisable to distinguish between at least two cleaning cycles, defined separately by parameters. as explained above, depending on the outside temperature and the speed of travel.

Claims

claims

1. A method of cleaning a window, in particular for a motor vehicle, in which a fluid stored in a tank (1) is projected on said window (2) by means of a pump (3) controlled by a controller (4, 5), and wherein the window (2) is swept by at least one movable assembly (6, 7) consisting of a blade mounted on an arm, said movable assembly (6, 7) being actuated by a motor (8). controlled by said controller (4, 5), characterized in that:

said fluid is projected according to at least two different cycles (D1, D2, L1 to L10), activatable by said controller (4, 5), defined by one or more of the following parameters and by the variation of said parameter or parameters during the same cycle: quantity of fluid; fluid temperature; angular zone of projection of the fluid; projection back and / or forward of the movement of the broom; arm speed; scanning frequency; delay at the beginning and / or change of direction of the scan,

the activation of one or the other of said two cycles (D1, D2, L1 to L10) is a function of the value of the outside temperature (T) and the speed (V) of displacement of said window (2 ).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a first (D1, D2) cycle is a defrost cycle, said first cycle (D1, D2) being activated when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) is less than or equal to a first predetermined value (T1), and in that at least one second (L1 to L10) of the cycles is a wash cycle, which second cycle (L1 to L7) is activated when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) greater than or equal to said first predetermined value (T1) or when the speed (V) is non-zero.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that at least a third (D2) cycle is a defrost cycle, and in that said third cycle (D2) is activated when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) is less than or equal to a second predetermined value (T2) itself smaller than the first predetermined value (T1).

4. Method according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that at least a fourth (L2) cycle is a wash cycle, and in that said fourth cycle (L2) is activated when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) is greater than a third predetermined value (T3) itself greater than the first predetermined value (T1).

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when a given cycle is activated, the controller (4) monitors, during a cycle, the outside temperature (T) and the speed (V ), and activates another cycle as a function of the variations of the values of said external temperature (T) and said speed (V) displacement.

6. Wiper system, in particular for automobile glass,

comprising at least one movable assembly (6, 7) consisting of a blade mounted on an arm for scanning said window (2), said movable assembly (6, 7) being actuated by a motor (8) controlled by a controller (4). , 5), said system further comprising a pump (3) for spraying a fluid stored in a reservoir (1) on said pane (2), said pump (3) being controlled by said controller (4, 5), characterized in what:

said system also comprises means (9, 10) for measuring the outside temperature (T) and the speed (V) for moving said window (2),

said controller (4, 5) comprises activation means (4, 5), as a function of the value of the outside temperature (T) and the speed (V) of displacement, of a projection cycle of said fluid among at least two different cycles (D1, D2, L1 to L10) defined by one or more of the following parameters, and by the variation of the one or more parameters during the same cycle: amount of fluid; fluid temperature; angular zone of projection of the fluid;

projection back and / or forward of the movement of the broom; arm speed; scanning frequency; delay at the beginning and / or change of direction of the scan.

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that at least a first (D1, D2) cycle is a defrost cycle and at least a second (L1 to L10) cycle is a wash cycle, and in that the activation means (4, 5) are configured to activate said first cycle (D1, D2) when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) is less than a first predetermined value (T1), and for activate said second cycle (L1 to L10) when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) greater than or equal to said first predetermined value (T1) or when the speed (V) is non-zero.

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that at least a third (D2) cycle is a defrost cycle, and in that the means

of activation (4, 5) are configured to activate said third cycle (D2) when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature is less than or equal to a second predetermined value (T2) itself lower than the first value predetermined (T1).

9. System according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that at least a fourth (L2) cycle is a wash cycle, and in that the activation means (4, 5) are configured to activate said fourth cycle (L2) when the speed (V) is zero and the temperature (T) is greater than a third predetermined value (T3) itself greater than the first predetermined value (T1).

10. System according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the controller (4, 5) is configured to monitor, during a given activated cycle, the outside temperature (T) and the speed of displacement (V) measured by measuring means (9, 10), and for activating another cycle as a function of the variations of the values of said outside temperature (T) and said moving speed (V).