JP2005178677A - Wiper control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wiper control device capable of preventing a wiper blade from deterioration. <P>SOLUTION: The wiper control device 10 is equipped with a wetted condition sensing part 18 to sense the wetted condition of the wiper blade 16, a wiper motion control part 19 to allow the wiper to make wiping operation by putting the wiper blade 16 in slide contact on glass to make sliding only when the wiper blade is sensed as wetted by the wetted condition sensing part 18, and a motion restricting part 19b to restrict the wiping operation of the wiper when the sensing part 18 senses that the wiper blade is not wet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass, and particularly relates to a wiper control device that can prevent deterioration of the wiper blade. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a vehicle or the like is provided with a wiper control device that performs control so that a wiping operation by a wiper is performed by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass. This wiper control device removes raindrops and dirt adhering to the glass by reciprocatingly rotating the wiper blade while being in sliding contact with the glass (front glass or rear glass).

  Furthermore, when the wiper control device is activated, the washer switch integrated with the wiper switch is turned “ON” as necessary, and the washer liquid is sprayed from the nozzle port of the washer device toward the glass, thereby causing dirt, etc. The removal effect is enhanced.

  For example, in the window washer device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technique for delaying the operation of the wiper for a predetermined time from the injection of the washer liquid is disclosed. That is, this window washer device delays the operation of the wiper for a predetermined time from the injection of the washer liquid, thereby interposing the washer liquid between the glass surface and the wiper blade, thereby protecting the glass surface and the life of the wiper blade. It is intended to prolong life.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 05-076920

  However, even if the operation of the wiper is delayed for a predetermined time from the washer liquid injection as in the above-described prior art, the wiper blade is not always wet and deterioration of the wiper blade cannot be prevented. There was a problem.

  That is, the above prior art is merely intended to ensure that the glass surface is wet by delaying the operation of the wiper for a predetermined time from the washer liquid injection, and the wiper blade is wet. Is not guaranteed. For this reason, a wiper will operate | move in the state where the wiper blade was dried, and deterioration of a wiper blade cannot be prevented. In particular, if the wiper blade is not wet when the wiper is started, dirt such as gravel is caught in the dry state of the wiper blade, and the wiper blade is significantly deteriorated.

  Furthermore, since the delay time that delays the operation of the wiper from the washer fluid injection is fixed uniformly regardless of the environment in which the vehicle is placed, this delay time and the wet state of the glass surface There is no logical relevance, and it cannot be said that the entire glass surface is secured. For this reason, if the delay time for delaying the operation of the wiper is too short, the wiper is operated in a state where both the glass surface and the wiper blade are not wetted, and the load on the wiper blade is increased.

  Also, if it is raining, there is no need to delay the operation of the wiper, and it is necessary to operate the wiper as soon as possible. There was a risk of impairing the functional function.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wiper control device that can prevent deterioration of the wiper blade.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the wiper control device according to the invention of claim 1 is controlled so as to perform the wiping operation by the wiper by sliding the wiper blade slidably contacted on the glass. A wiper control device comprising: an operation control unit that controls a wiping operation by the wiper; and a wet state detection unit that detects a wet state of the wiper blade, wherein the operation control unit includes the wet state detection unit. When the wiper blade is detected to be wet, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled.

  A wiper control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass, and the wiping by the wiper. An operation control means for controlling the operation, and a wet state detection means for detecting the wet state of the wiper blade, wherein the operation control means is detected by the wet state detection means that the wiper blade is not wet. In this case, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled to be restricted.

A wiper control device according to a third aspect of the invention is a wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is slidably contacted on glass, the wiping by the wiper. An operation control means for controlling the operation, a wetting state detecting means for detecting the wetting state of the wiper blade, a detecting means for detecting the environment of the vehicle,
Injecting means for injecting washer liquid, and waiting time determination for determining the time from when the washer liquid is injected by the injecting means until the operation of the wiper is started according to the vehicle environment detected by the detecting means And when the wiper blade is not wet by the wetness state detection means, the operation control means is configured to wait for the wiper blade after the standby time determined by the standby time determination means has elapsed. It controls to perform the wiping operation by.

  A wiper control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is slidably contacted on glass, the wiping by the wiper. An operation control means for controlling the operation; a wet state detection means for detecting a wet state of the wiper blade; and a determination means for determining a pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass in the wiping operation by the wiper. The means determines to weaken the pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass at the start of the wiping operation by the wiper as compared to the pressing force against the glass of the wiper blade during the steady state of the wiping operation by the wiper, The operation control means is controlled by the wet state detection means. Wherein when the wiper blade is detected and not wet, on the basis of the pressing force determined by said determining means, and controlling to perform a wiping operation by the wiper.

  A wiper control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the wiper control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the operation instruction to the wiper is performed by switching a wiper switch. Provided with a rebound switch, and further comprises an operation instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction of a wiping operation for the wiper by the rebound switch, and a notifying means for notifying an operation state of the wiping operation for the wiper. Based on the wiping operation received by the operation instruction receiving unit and the wiping operation controlled by the operation control unit, the operating state of the wiping operation on the wiper is notified.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the wiper control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the notification means includes a wiping operation received by the operation instruction receiving means and a wiping operation controlled by the operation control means. When different, it notifies that the wiping operation | movement with respect to the said wiper is controlled.

  A wiper control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the wiper control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the wiper control device controls the wiping operation by the wiper by sliding the wiper blade that is slidably contacted on the glass. In addition, there is provided spraying means for spraying washer liquid onto the wiper blade, and the wiper blade is wetted with the washer liquid sprayed by the spraying means.

  A wiper control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass. Supply means for supplying washer liquid, and injection means for causing the washer liquid supplied by the supply means to exude from the wiper blade, and the wiper blade with the washer liquid exuded by the injection means It is characterized by wetting.

  According to the present invention, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled, the wet state of the wiper blade is detected, and when the wiper blade is detected to be wet, the wiping operation by the wiper is performed. The wiper control device capable of preventing the wiper blade from being deteriorated can be obtained. In particular, it is possible to prevent biting of dirt such as gravel when the wiper blade is dry when the wiper is started.

  Further, according to the present invention, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled, the wet state of the wiper blade is detected, and when it is detected that the wiper blade is not wet, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled. As a result, the wiper control device capable of reliably preventing the wiper blade from being deteriorated can be obtained. In particular, it is possible to prevent biting of dirt such as gravel when the wiper blade is dry when the wiper is started.

  Further, according to the present invention, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled, the wet state of the wiper blade is detected, the vehicle environment is detected, the washer liquid is ejected, and the washer liquid is discharged according to the detected vehicle environment. The time until the wiper operation is started after being sprayed is determined, and when it is detected that the wiper blade is not wet, the wiper performs a wiping operation after the determined waiting time has elapsed. The wiper blade can be wiped with a very high probability that the wiper blade is wet, and a wiper control device capable of preventing the wiper blade from deteriorating with a simple configuration is obtained. Play.

  Further, according to the present invention, the wiping operation by the wiper is controlled, the wet state of the wiper blade is detected, the pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass in the wiping operation by the wiper is determined, and the wiper at the normal time of the wiping operation by the wiper is determined. When the wiper blade is determined to be weaker than at the start of the wiping operation by the wiper, compared to the pressing force of the blade against the glass, and the wiper blade is detected not wet, the determined pressing force is determined. Since the control is performed so that the wiping operation by the wiper is performed based on the pressure, a wiper control device capable of more reliably preventing the deterioration of the wiper blade is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, the operation instruction to the wiper is performed by switching the wiper switch, and a rebound switch is provided as the wiper switch, and the instruction of the wiping operation to the wiper is received by the rebound switch, The operation state of the wiping operation is notified, and the operation state of the wiping operation on the wiper is notified based on the received wiping operation and the controlled wiping operation. There is an effect that a wiper control device capable of notifying the driver of the operation state of the wiper while maintaining consistency with the actual operation is obtained. Further, in this connection, it is possible to prevent the wiper from forgetting to turn off while maintaining consistency between the wiper operation state indicated by the wiper switch and the actual operation of the wiper.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the received wiping operation is different from the controlled wiping operation, the fact that the wiping operation on the wiper is restricted is notified, so the wiping operation by the wiper is restricted. Thus, there is an effect that a wiper control device capable of reliably informing the user is obtained.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the washer liquid is sprayed onto the wiper blade, and the wiper blade is wetted with the sprayed washer liquid, so that the wiper blade can be more reliably prevented from deteriorating. The effect that is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, the washer liquid is supplied to the wiper blade, the supplied washer liquid is exuded from the wiper blade, and the wiper blade is wetted by the exuded washer liquid. There is an effect that a wiper control device capable of effectively preventing deterioration can be obtained.

  Exemplary embodiments of a wiper control device according to the present invention applied to a vehicle will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, below, after demonstrating the outline | summary and characteristic of the wiper control apparatus which concern on this invention, the wiper control apparatus which concerns on this Example 1 is demonstrated, and finally various modifications (Example 2) are demonstrated as another Example. ) Will be explained.

(Overview and features)
First, the outline and features of the wiper control device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the wiper control device according to the first embodiment. The wiper control device 10 shown in the figure schematically controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass.

  Here, the wiper control device according to the present embodiment is mainly characterized in that the wiper blade is controlled to perform a wiping operation only when the wiper blade is wet, thereby preventing the wiper blade from deteriorating. To be able to.

  The main feature will be described in detail. The wiper control device 10 is an embodiment that regulates the wiping operation by the wiper when the wiper blade is not wet, the vehicle from when the operation instruction to the wiper is received until the wiper is operated. Example of providing a time lag according to the environment (weather or vehicle speed), wiper until a predetermined condition (detection of wiper blade wetting or reception of wiper operation instruction passes a predetermined waiting time) is satisfied An example in which the pressing force of the blade against the glass is weakened and an example in which washer liquid is directly supplied to the wiper blade are provided.

  Therefore, only when the wiper blade is wet, by controlling to perform the wiping operation by the wiper, it is possible to ensure the wiper blade is in a wet state. It becomes possible to prevent deterioration. In particular, it is possible to prevent biting of dirt such as gravel when the wiper blade is dry when the wiper is started.

  In the first embodiment, a wiper control device that detects the wiper blade wet state and regulates the operation of the wiper when it is detected that the wiper blade is not wet will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the wiper control device 10 includes a washer liquid injection port 11, a washer pump 12, a washer tank 13, a wiper SW (bounce SW) 14, an output unit 15, a wiper blade 16, a wiper arm 17, and a wet state. A detection unit 18 and a wiper operation control unit 19 are provided.

  The washer liquid ejection port 11 is an ejection port (nozzle port) that ejects the washer liquid pumped up from the washer tank 13 by the washer pump 12. The washer pump 12 is a mechanism that receives the washer liquid injection instruction received by the wiper SW 14 via the wiper operation control unit 19 and pumps the washer liquid from the washer tank 13. The washer tank 13 is a tank for storing a washer liquid (cleaning liquid or water).

  The wiper SW (bounce SW) 14 is an operation instruction receiving unit that receives an operation instruction and / or a washer liquid injection instruction for the wiper by switching a switch. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the switch “OFF” state by switching the switch lever up and down to “intermittent low” or “intermittent high”, or “intermittent high” or “intermittent low” to switch “OFF”. The switch to the state is accepted as an operation instruction for the wiper. When the switch lever is pulled to the driver side, a washer liquid injection instruction and an operation instruction for the wiper are accepted.

  The output unit 15 is an output display unit that outputs (displays) the operation state of the wiper based on a signal input via the output control unit 19a. Specifically, the operation unit 15 instructs the wiper to operate by switching the wiper SW14. The operation state of the wiper (“OFF”, “intermittent low” or “intermittent high”) is output (displayed) based on the operation restriction on the wiper by the operation restricting unit 19b. The output (display) unit 15 may be provided with a meter device such as a speedometer or a tachometer, or may be displayed on another display device such as a liquid crystal panel mounted on the vehicle. You may do it.

  The wiper blade 16 includes a wiper rubber that performs a wiping operation in sliding contact with the windshield or rear glass, and a wiper blade fitting that connects the wiper blade 16 and the wiper arm 17 to obtain a driving force for performing the wiping operation. The wiper arm 17 is a mechanism for converting the rotation of the wiper motor into a reciprocation within a fixed rotation angle by an interlocking mechanism and transmitting the converted turning power to the wiper blade 16.

  The wet state detection unit 18 is a processing unit that detects the wet state of the wiper blade 16. Specifically, in the vicinity of the wiper blade 16, the electrical conductivity between the electrodes of the light emitting element and the light receiving element arranged in parallel on the substrate made of an insulator is measured, and the change in the electrical conductivity between the electrodes is measured. The wet state is detected by the presence or absence of. For example, when a change in electrical conductivity between the electrodes is caused by passing water drops such as rain water or washer liquid between the electrodes, it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is wet.

  The wiper operation control unit 19 is a processing unit that controls the wiping operation by the wiper by sliding the wiper blade 16 slidably contacted on the glass only when the wiper blade 16 is wet. Conceptually, an output control unit 19a and an operation regulation unit 19b are provided.

  The output control unit 19a controls the output (display) unit 15 to output (display) the operation state of the wiper based on the operation instruction to the wiper by switching the wiper SW14 and the operation restriction on the wiper by the operation restriction unit 19b. Is a processing unit.

  For this reason, there is no contradiction in which the wiping operation of the wiper is regulated in a state where the switch is in the position indicating the normal operation (“intermittent high” or “intermittent low”) as in the conventional stepped switch The driver can be notified of the operating state of the wiper while maintaining consistency between the operating state of the wiper indicated by the wiper SW and the actual operation of the wiper.

  Also, when the wiper SW is in the “ON” state and the IG key is in the “OFF” state (when the wiper is forgotten to be turned off), the normal operation (“intermittent high” or Instead of preventing the user from forgetting to turn it off with the switch in the position indicating “intermittent low”), the wiper SW as in the wiper control device according to the first embodiment is used. By using the rebound SW, the operation state of the wiper before the IG key is set to the “OFF” state can be cleared without contradiction, and consistency between the wiper operation state indicated by the wiper SW and the actual operation of the wiper can be achieved. This keeps the wiper from forgetting to turn off.

  Further, the output control unit 19a performs control so as to continuously output that the wiping operation by the wiper is restricted when the wiping operation by the wiper is restricted by the operation restricting unit 19b. Since it did in this way, it becomes possible to alert | report reliably that the wiping operation by a wiper is controlled.

  The operation restricting unit 19b is a processing unit that restricts the wiping operation by the wiper when the wet state detecting unit 18 detects that the wiper blade is not wet. Specifically, when the wet state detection unit 18 detects that the wiper blade 16 is not wet, the wiping operation by the wiper is prohibited, or the wiping operation in the “intermittent high” state is prohibited. This is because the wiper blade is reliably prevented from being deteriorated by restricting the wiping operation by the wiper when the wiper blade is not wet.

  Next, specific processing contents of the wet state detection unit 18 and the operation restriction unit 19b according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the wet state detection unit 18 and the operation restriction unit 19b according to the first embodiment. This process starts when the wiper SW 14 receives an operation instruction for the wiper (switching of the switch from the “OFF” state to “intermittent low” or “intermittent high”) when the IG key is in the “ON” state. Will be. The wet state detection unit 18 detects the wet state of the wiper blade 16 (step S301).

  When it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is wet (No at Step S302), the wiper operation control unit 19 performs an operation instruction for the wiper received by the wiper SW14 (from the “OFF” state to “Intermittent Low” or “ The wiper performs a wiping operation based on “switching to“ intermittent high ”) (step S303), and is accepted by the wiper SW14 until the wiper SW14 switches to the switch“ OFF ”state (step S304). The wiper wiping operation is executed based on the operation instruction to the wiper (the process in step S303 is repeated).

  On the other hand, although it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is not wet (Yes at Step S302), if the wiper operation instruction is accompanied by a washer liquid injection instruction (Yes at Step S305), until the wiper blade 16 is detected to be wet, The processes in steps S301, S302, and S305 are repeated.

  If it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is not wet (Yes at Step S302), and if the wiper operation instruction is not accompanied by a washer liquid injection instruction (No at Step S305), the operation restricting unit 19b is in the “intermittent High” state. Or, the wiping operation by the wiper is prohibited regardless of the strength of the wiping operation such as the “intermittent low” state, or the wiping operation by the wiper is prohibited by prohibiting only the wiping operation in the “intermittent high” state. Regulation (step S306), and output that the wiper wiping operation is regulated (that is, the operation regulation state) via the output control unit 19a (step S307). Here, even when an operation instruction for the wiper is received by the wiper SW14, it is continuously output that the wiping operation by the wiper is restricted.

  As described above, according to the wiper control device according to the first embodiment, since the wiper wiping operation in a state where the wiper blade is not wet is regulated, it is possible to reliably prevent deterioration of the wiper blade. Is possible. In particular, it is possible to prevent biting of dirt such as gravel when the wiper blade is dry when the wiper is started.

  Next, a wiper control device according to the second embodiment will be described. In this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the wiper wiping operation is not prohibited, but the time from the spray of a liquid such as a washer liquid to the start of the wiper wiping operation is delayed, The delay time is appropriately determined in accordance with the environment of the vehicle, so that the wiper wiping operation is regulated to prevent the wiper blade from deteriorating.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the wiper control device according to the second embodiment is compared with the wiper control device according to the first embodiment. A humidity sensor 21b for detecting the humidity, a wind speed sensor 21c for detecting the wind speed, a vehicle environment detection unit 21 having a vehicle speed sensor 21d for detecting the vehicle speed from the wheel speed, and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle environment detection unit 21 A standby time for calculating a wind speed relative to the windshield from the wind speed, and selecting a standby time corresponding to the calculated wind speed, weather and humidity relative to the windshield from the time lag table 22 (see FIG. 5). And a determination unit 19c.

  Then, in response to the processing of the vehicle environment detection unit 21 and the standby time determination unit 19c, the wiper operation control unit 19 injects the washer liquid for the standby time determined by the standby time determination unit 19c, and waits. Control is performed so that the wiper performs a wiping operation after the standby time has elapsed.

  The time lag table 22 is a table that stores the relative wind speed with respect to the windshield, the weather, the humidity, and the standby time from when the washer liquid is sprayed to when the wiper performs the wiping operation. The stand-by time is set shorter as the relative wind speed with respect to is higher and the humidity is higher. Further, if “weather” is “rain”, it is assumed that the wiper blade and the glass are already wet with rain, so the standby time is set to “0” or a value approximate to “0”. . Further, if “weather” is “cloudy” or “sunny”, it is assumed that the wiper blade and the glass are less likely to get wet. Therefore, the standby time is set to be sequentially increased.

  With this configuration, the wiper wiping operation can be performed in a state where the probability that the wiper blade is wet is extremely high, and the wiper blade can be prevented from being deteriorated with a simple configuration.

  Next, specific processing contents of the wiper control device according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, after explaining the processing procedure of the wiper control device when both the washer liquid injection instruction and the wiper operation instruction are received, the wiper control device when the wiper operation instruction is received after receiving the washer liquid injection instruction is described. A processing procedure will be described.

  First, the processing procedure of the wiper control device when both the washer liquid injection instruction and the wiper operation instruction are received will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the wiper control device when both the washer liquid injection instruction and the wiper operation instruction are received. This process is started when both the washer liquid injection instruction and the wiper operation instruction are received by the wiper SW14 when the IG key is in the “ON” state. Generally, the wiper SW14 is on the driver side. When it is pulled, the washer liquid injection instruction and the wiper operation instruction are both accepted (see FIG. 2).

  First, the wet state detection unit 18 detects the wet state of the wiper blade 16 (step S601). If it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is not wet (Yes at Step S602), the vehicle environment detection unit 21 detects the weather (weather, humidity, wind speed) and / or the vehicle speed (Step S603).

  Here, the standby time determination unit 19c calculates the wind speed relative to the windshield from the vehicle speed and wind speed detected by the vehicle environment detection unit 21 (step S604), and the calculated relative wind speed relative to the windshield, The “standby time” corresponding to the weather and humidity is selected from the time lag table 22 (see FIG. 5) and determined (step S605).

  When the standby time has elapsed since the washer liquid was jetted (Yes at Step S606), the wiper operation control unit 19 starts the wiping operation by the wiper based on the wiper operation instruction (Step S607). However, the “wiper operation instruction” here is a wiper operation instruction received together with the washer liquid injection instruction when the wiper SW 14 is pulled to the driver side. If the operation is performed for the number of times or a predetermined time (Yes in step S608), the wiping operation is terminated.

  Next, a processing procedure of the wiper control device when a wiper operation instruction is received after receiving a washer liquid injection instruction will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the wiper control device when the wiper operation instruction is received after the washer liquid injection instruction is received. This process is started when the wiper SW 14 receives a washer liquid injection instruction when the IG key is in the “ON” state. Generally, the button at the tip of the wiper SW 14 is pressed. Will be accepted (see FIG. 2).

  Upon receiving the washer liquid injection instruction, the washer liquid pumped up by the washer pump 12 from the washer tank 13 is injected (step S701), and the vehicle environment detection unit 21 detects the weather (weather, humidity, wind speed) and / or vehicle speed. (Step S702).

  Here, the standby time determination unit 19c calculates the wind speed relative to the windshield from the vehicle speed and wind speed detected by the vehicle environment detection unit 21 (step S703), and the calculated relative wind speed with respect to the windshield, The “standby time” corresponding to the weather and humidity is selected from the time lag table 22 (see FIG. 5) and determined (step S704).

  When the wiper operation instruction is received (step S705), the wet state detection unit 18 detects the wet state of the wiper blade 16 (step S706). If it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is not wet (Yes at Step S707), the system waits and waits until the standby time elapses after the washer liquid is jetted (repeat Step S708). After that, if the standby time has elapsed (Yes at Step S708), the wiper operation control unit 19 switches the operation instruction to the wiper received by the wiper SW14 (switch from "OFF" state to "Intermittent Low" or "Intermittent High"). On the basis of the operation instruction for the wiper accepted by the wiper SW 14 until the wiper SW 14 is switched to the switch “OFF” state (step S 710). Then, the wiper wiping operation is executed (the process in step S709 is repeated).

  As described above, according to the wiper control device according to the second embodiment, the wiper blade can be wiped with a very high probability that the wiper blade is wet, and the wiper blade can be deteriorated with a simple configuration. It becomes possible to prevent.

  Next, a wiper control device according to the third embodiment will be described. In this third embodiment, as in the first or second embodiment, instead of passively waiting for the wiper blade to be wet, the wiper blade is driven without being brought into sliding contact with the wet glass surface. There are features.

  That is, in the third embodiment, adjustment is made so as to weaken the pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass at the start-up as compared with the pressing force against the glass of the wiper blade during the wiping operation.

  Specifically, a tension spring is usually provided between the wiper arm and the arm head so that the wiper blade is in sliding contact with the glass surface with a sufficient pressing force. A pressing force against the glass surface of the wiper blade is obtained from the spring force in the tension direction between the wiper arm and the arm head by the tension spring.

  Here, the wiper control device according to the third embodiment includes a pressing force adjusting actuator 31 that variably adjusts the pressing force of the wiper blade 16 against the glass, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the pressing force adjusting actuator 31 is configured from the point where the wiper starts to “the point where the washer liquid injection reaches” or “the place where the glass surface is wet”, or from the time when the wiper starts. The pressing force is adjusted so that the wiper blade 16 is lifted from the glass until “when the wiper blade is detected to be wet” or “when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed”.

  The sliding contact point calculation unit 19d applies the functions of the vehicle environment detection units 21 and 19c in the second embodiment, and determines the “washer liquid injection arrival based on the relative wind speed with respect to the windshield, the wind direction, and the injection direction of the washer liquid injection port 11. "Point" is calculated. Further, the “location where the glass surface is wet” is calculated based on the time from when the washer liquid is jetted, the relative wind speed with respect to the windshield, the wind direction, and the like. As for the function of detecting the wet state of the wiper blade, the function of the wet state detection unit 18 in the first embodiment is applied, and the waiting time for adjusting the pressing force so that the wiper blade is lifted off the glass is described in the second embodiment. By applying the time lag table 22 in FIG. 5, it becomes possible to perform processing at a more accurate timing.

  Then, if the wiper blade reaches the “washer liquid injection arrival point” or “the glass surface is wet” calculated by the sliding contact point calculation unit 19d, or “the wiper blade is detected to be wet” When the “point of time” or “end point of the predetermined waiting time” has elapsed, the pressing force of the wiper blade 16 against the glass is returned to the steady pressing force, and the wiper blade 16 is slid on the glass. Thereafter, a normal wiping operation is performed. For this reason, the wiper blade can be brought into sliding contact with the wet surface of the glass surface, or the wiper blade can be brought into sliding contact with the glass surface at an appropriate timing, thereby more reliably preventing the wiper blade from deteriorating. It becomes possible.

  In addition, from the point where the wiper starts to the “point where the washer liquid injection reaches” or “the place where the glass surface is wet”, or from the time when the wiper starts, “when the wiper blade is detected to be wet” or Until the “predetermined standby time has elapsed”, the pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass is weakened compared to the steady pressing force, and the “washer liquid injection arrival point” calculated by the sliding contact point calculation unit 19d or If the wiper blade 16 reaches the “location where the glass surface is wet”, or if “the time when the wiper blade is detected to be wet” or “the end time of the predetermined waiting time” has elapsed, The same effect can be obtained even when the normal wiping operation is performed by returning the pressing force of the wiper blade to the glass to a steady pressing force. It is.

  Next, specific processing contents of the pressing force adjusting actuator 31 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the pressing force adjusting actuator according to the third embodiment. This process starts when the wiper SW 14 receives an operation instruction for the wiper (switching of the switch from the “OFF” state to “intermittent low” or “intermittent high”) when the IG key is in the “ON” state. Will be. The wet state detection unit 18 detects the wet state of the wiper blade 16 (step S1001).

  When it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is wet (No at Step S1002), the wiper operation control unit 19 performs an operation instruction for the wiper received by the wiper SW14 (from “OFF” state to “Intermittent Low” or “ The wiper performs a wiping operation based on “switching to“ intermittent high ”) (step S1010), and is accepted by the wiper SW14 until the wiper SW14 switches to the switch“ OFF ”state (step S1011). The wiper wiping operation is executed based on the operation instruction to the wiper (the process in step S1010 is repeated).

  If it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is not wet (Yes at Step S1002), and if the wiper operation instruction is not accompanied by a washer liquid injection instruction (No at Step S1003), the operation restricting unit 19b is in the “intermittent High” state. Or, the wiping operation by the wiper is prohibited regardless of the strength of the wiping operation such as the “intermittent low” state, or the wiping operation by the wiper is prohibited by prohibiting only the wiping operation in the “intermittent high” state. (Step S1004), and outputs that the wiper wiping operation is restricted (that is, the operation restricted state) via the output control unit 19a (step S1005). Here, even when an operation instruction for the wiper is received by the wiper SW14, it is continuously output that the wiping operation by the wiper is restricted.

  On the other hand, if it is detected that the wiper blade 16 is not wet (step S1002 affirmative), but if the wiper operation instruction is accompanied by a washer liquid injection instruction (step S1003 affirmative), the pressing force adjustment actuator 31 moves the wiper blade 16 over. The pressing force is adjusted so as to float from the glass (see FIG. 9) (step S1006).

  Subsequently, the sliding contact point calculation unit 19d calculates the “location where the glass surface is wet” based on the time from when the washer liquid is sprayed, the relative wind speed and the wind direction with respect to the windshield, and the wiper (step S1007). If the blade 16 has reached the “location where the glass surface is wet” (Yes in step S1008), the pressing force adjusting actuator 31 returns the pressing force of the wiper blade 16 to the glass to a steady pressing force, and the wiper blade 16 Is brought into sliding contact with the glass (step S1009).

  Thereafter, the wiper operation control unit 19 executes the wiping operation by the wiper based on the operation instruction to the wiper received by the wiper SW 14 (switching of the switch from “OFF” state to “intermittent low” or “intermittent high”). (Step S1010) If the wiper SW 14 is switched to the “OFF” state (Yes in Step S1011), the wiping operation by the wiper is stopped and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the wiper control device according to the third embodiment, the wiper blade can be brought into sliding contact with the wetted glass surface, and the deterioration of the wiper blade can be more reliably prevented. become.

  Although the first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments described above, and various other implementations are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It may be implemented in an example.

  For example, in the present invention, the washer liquid may be sprayed onto the wiper blade, and the wiper blade may be wetted with the sprayed washer liquid. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the washer liquid injection port 11 may be directed toward the wiper blade 16 and the washer liquid may be directly injected onto the wiper blade 16. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the wiping operation with the wiper while the wiper blade is wet, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the wiper blade from deteriorating. Note that this function may be realized by changing the injection direction of the washer liquid injection port 11 for the existing glass, or this function may be realized by newly providing an injection port for the wiper blade.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the wiper blade 16 is provided with a tube so that the washer liquid is exuded and supplied from the wiper rubber, so that the wiper blade can be steadily used when performing the wiping operation with the wiper. It is possible to wet, and it is possible to effectively prevent deterioration of the wiper blade.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the “wetting sensor” is applied as the function of the wetting state detection unit 18 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and “raindrop sensor” or the like is used. As long as it detects liquid, it can be similarly applied.

  In the first embodiment, the “notification control means” according to claim 3 or 4 is controlled to output (display) the operation state of the wiper using the output control unit 19a. The invention is not limited to this, and control may be performed so as to perform notification by voice.

  In addition, among the processes described in this embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters (for example, “waiting time”) shown in the documents and drawings are arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. can do.

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  As described above, the wiper control device according to the present invention is useful for a wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass. It is suitable for a wiper control device that can prevent blade deterioration.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wiper control device according to a first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a rebound switch. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the wet condition detection part which concerns on the present Example 1, and an operation control part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wiper control apparatus which concerns on the present Example 2. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information memorize | stored in a time lag table. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of the wiper control device when both the washer liquid injection instruction and the wiper operation instruction are received. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of the wiper control device when the wiper operation instruction is received after receiving the washer liquid injection instruction. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wiper control apparatus which concerns on the present Example 3. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the wiper blade at the time of using a pressing force adjustment actuator. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a pressing force adjusting actuator according to a third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating injection of the washer liquid with respect to a wiper blade. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating supply of the washer liquid with respect to a wiper blade.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wiper control apparatus 11 Washer liquid injection port 12 Washer pump 13 Washer tank 14 Wiper SW (Rebound SW)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Output part 16 Wiper blade 17 Wiper arm 18 Wet state detection part 19 Wiper operation control part 19a Output control part 19b Operation control part 19c Standby time determination part 19d Sliding contact point calculation part 21 Vehicle environment detection part 21a Weather sensor 21b Humidity sensor 21c Wind speed sensor 21d Vehicle speed sensor 22 Time lag table 31 Pressing force adjustment actuator

Claims (8)

A wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass,
Operation control means for controlling the wiping operation by the wiper;
A wet state detection means for detecting the wet state of the wiper blade,
The wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the wiper to perform a wiping operation when the wet state detection unit detects that the wiper blade is wet. A wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass,
Operation control means for controlling the wiping operation by the wiper;
A wet state detection means for detecting the wet state of the wiper blade,
The wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the wiping operation by the wiper when the wet state detection unit detects that the wiper blade is not wet. A wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass,
Operation control means for controlling the wiping operation by the wiper;
Wet state detection means for detecting the wet state of the wiper blade;
Detection means for detecting the environment of the vehicle;
Injection means for injecting washer fluid;
Standby time determining means for determining a time from when the washer liquid is sprayed by the spraying means until the operation of the wiper is started according to the vehicle environment detected by the detecting means;
The operation control means performs the wiping operation by the wiper after the standby time determined by the standby time determination means has elapsed when the wet state detection means detects that the wiper blade is not wet. A wiper control device characterized by controlling the wiper. A wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass,
Operation control means for controlling the wiping operation by the wiper;
Wet state detection means for detecting the wet state of the wiper blade;
Determining means for determining a pressing force against the glass of the wiper blade in the wiping operation by the wiper,
The determination means determines to weaken the pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass at the start of the wiping operation of the wiper as compared to the pressing force of the wiper blade against the glass during a steady wiping operation with the wiper. And
The operation control means controls the wiping operation by the wiper based on the pressing force determined by the determination means when the wet state detection means detects that the wiper blade is not wet. Wiper control device characterized by. The operation instruction to the wiper is performed by switching a wiper switch,
An operation instruction receiving means for providing a rebound switch as the wiper switch, and receiving an instruction of a wiping operation on the wiper by the rebound switch;
Notification means for notifying the operating state of the wiping operation on the wiper,
The notification means notifies an operation state of the wiping operation for the wiper based on the wiping operation received by the operation instruction receiving means and the wiping operation controlled by the operation control means. Item 5. The wiper control device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   The notifying unit notifies that the wiping operation for the wiper is restricted when the wiping operation received by the operation instruction receiving unit is different from the wiping operation controlled by the operation control unit. The wiper control device according to claim 5. A wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass,
Injecting means for injecting washer fluid to the wiper blade,
The wiper control device characterized in that the wiper blade is wetted with the washer liquid sprayed by the spraying means. A wiper control device that controls to perform a wiping operation by a wiper by sliding a wiper blade that is in sliding contact with glass,
Supply means for supplying washer fluid to the wiper blade;
Spraying means for oozing out the washer fluid supplied by the supplying means from the wiper blade,
The wiper control device characterized in that the wiper blade is wetted by the washer liquid exuded by the spraying means.

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