Rain sensor system for a motor vehicle

• US 5,900,821 A
• Filed: 03/14/1997
• Issued: 05/04/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG (Vodafone Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG (Vodafone Group PLC)
• Inventors: Petzold, Sven
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mannaua, Ashok
• Application Number:
  US08/820,135
• Time in Patent Office: 781 Days
• Field of Search: 340/602, 340/604, 318/444, 318/483, 318/460, 318/DIG. 2, 15/215.001
• US Class Current: 340/604
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0822 characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0825 Capacitive rain sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0851 Resistive rain sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/66 for cleaning vehicle exterior
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 318/02 Windshield wiper controls

Abstract

In a rain sensor system for a motor vehicle, a sensor element is provided as separate part for attachment in the vicinity of a vehicle window. The sensor element is wiped by a separate wiper blade which is fastened to a windshield wiper or driven by the latter. As a function of the a degree of wetness present on its top, the sensor element supplies electric signals to an evaluation electronics. Above a limit value of the signals, the evaluation electronics connects the windshield wiper.

Claims

1. A rain sensor system for a motor vehicle comprises:

a sensor element for detecting moisture on a surface of the sensor element;

an evaluation electronics which is connected with the sensor element and is operative, above a certain limit value of the moisture, to control a windshield wiper which wipes a windshield of the motor vehicle;

wherein the sensor element is separate from the windshield, and is adapted for attachment in the vicinity of the windshield of the motor vehicle;

the system further comprises a wiper blade, separate from the windshield wiper, for wiping the sensor element, the wiper blade and the windshield wiper being pivoted about a common axis of rotation and providing respective wipings during respective pivotings about the common axis of rotation;

a hollow shaft disposed coaxially with the common axis of rotation for supporting the windshield wiper and the wiper blade during a pivoting of the wiper blade and the windshield wiper about the common axis of rotation; and

a driver element mechanically connecting the windshield wiper to the wiper blade to enable the windshield wiper to drive the wiper blade across the sensor element.

2. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, wherein

the wiper blade for the sensor element is adapted to be attached to the windshield wiper.

3. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising a spray nozzle which is directed upon the sensor element, the spray nozzle being connectable with a windshield washing system, and wherein the windshield wiper supports the spray nozzle.

4. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element has an electrical characteristic which changes during operation of the sensor element, the electrical characteristic being ohmic resistance or capacitance which changes in result of a degree of wetness.

5. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, wherein

the sensor element has two adjacent conductive paths which are arranged parallel to each other.

6. A rain sensor system according to claim 5, wherein

the conductive paths are arranged on or in a plastic plate produced by injection molding.

7. A rain sensor system according to claim 6, wherein

the plastic plate is made of a thermosetting resin.

8. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a wire which connects between the sensor element and the evaluation electronics, the wire passing through a hollow of the wiper shaft.

9. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a structural part adjoining the windshield for supporting the sensor element, and a wire which connects between the sensor element and the evaluation electronics, the wire passing through a hollow of the wiper shaft.

10. A rain sensor system according to claim 9, wherein the sensor element is located forward of a surface of the windshield.

11. A rain sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element is located forward of a surface of the windshield.

12. A rain sensor system according to claim 11, wherein the sensor element has two adjacent conductive paths which are arranged parallel to each other, the conductive paths are arranged on or in a plastic plate produced by injection molding, and the plastic plate is made of a thermosetting resin.

13. A rain sensor system for a motor vehicle comprises:

a sensor element for detecting moisture on a surface of the sensor element;

an evaluation electronics which is connected with the sensor element and is operative, above a certain limit value of the moisture, to control a windshield wiper which wipes a windshield of the motor vehicle;

wherein the element is separate from the windshield, and is adapted for attachment in the vicinity of a windshield of the motor vehicle; and

the system further comprises a wiper blade, separate from the windshield wiper, for wiping the sensor element;

a fixed guide sleeve for the windshield wiper; and

wherein the sensor element is adapted for attachment to the guide sleeve.