JP2023033892A - Wiper control method and wiper control device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a wiper control technique which makes it possible to improve the recognizability of wrong operation in wiper storage movement and to prevent a vehicle from being damaged.SOLUTION: A wiper control method is configured so as to stop a wire arm in a prescribed temporary stop position P3 that the wiper arm is situated more highly than a lower inversion position and then to hold a stop state when oscillating the wiper arm in a downward direction by directing to a storage position during storage movement which stores a wiper held in a service position capable of locking-back the wiper arm in a storage position PC which positions between a rear end of an engine hood and a windshield.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a wiper control method and a wiper control device.

Conventionally, wiper devices used in vehicles such as automobiles have been designed to prevent foreign matter such as snow and dust from accumulating between the wiper blade and the windshield (windshield) when the vehicle is stopped. There is a wiper device having a configuration that allows the wiper blade to move away from the windshield for the purpose of replacing the windshield, that is, lockback. Lockback is performed by bending the wiper arm in the direction normal to the windshield (the direction rising from the windshield) to move the wiper blade away from the windshield.

However, in the case of a fully concealed wiper device in which the wiper is hidden under the rear end of the engine hood when the wiper is not in use, the wiper interferes with the rear end of the engine hood when the wiper is in the retracted position. the wiper arm cannot be locked back.

Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a fully concealed wiper device, by performing a predetermined operation, the wiper is moved from the retracted position to the replaceable position where the wiper arm can be locked back, and A wiper control device has been proposed in which the wiper can be retracted (that is, returned to the retracted position). In this wiper control device, the wiper arm can be locked back by moving the wiper to the replaceable position.

JP 2014-177228 A

In the wiper control device described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where a predetermined operation is performed by mistake while the wiper arm is raised with respect to the windshield at the replaceable position and locked back. In this case, the wiper is retracted while the wiper arm is locked back, causing various damages to the vehicle, specifically damages to the windshield and the wiper arm due to the ends of the wiper blades. There is a risk.

That is, in the case of a fully concealed wiper device, when the wiper arm, which is still locked back, swings about the pivot shaft from the upper reversing position toward the retracted position hidden behind the rear end of the engine hood, the wiper arm will not move. When the wiper arm returns to near the retracted position, it interferes with the rear end of the engine hood, causing the wiper arm to fall toward the windshield. At this time, if the wiper arm continues to swing toward the retracted position while falling toward the windshield, the wiper blade provided at the tip of the wiper arm comes into contact with the rear end of the engine hood (see FIG. 11), and the wiper blade There is a risk of falling to the windshield side as if the windshield is twisted. In that case, there is concern that the end of the wiper blade, for example, a hard portion such as a cap attached to the tip of the wiper blade, may come into contact with the windshield and the impact of the contact may damage the windshield.

In addition, when the wiper is retracted while the wiper arm is raised and locked back as described above, the wiper arm and the engine hood are damaged due to contact between the raised wiper arm and the rear end of the engine hood. is also a concern. Therefore, in order to avoid such damage to the vehicle, it is necessary to improve the recognition of the erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm while keeping it upright.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a wiper control method and a wiper control apparatus capable of improving recognition of erroneous operation during wiper retraction and preventing damage to the vehicle.

A wiper control method according to the present invention includes a wiper blade for wiping a windshield of a vehicle, and a wiper arm to which the wiper blade is attached and which is swingable along the surface of the windshield about a predetermined pivot axis. a wiper; and a driving unit for reciprocatingly swinging the wiper along the surface of the windshield between a predetermined upper reversing position and a lower reversing position, from a basic position where the wiper blade contacts the windshield. The wiper arm can be locked back to a retracted position in which the wiper blade is spaced apart from the windshield, and is located below the lower inverted position and between the rear end of the engine hood and the windshield. A wiper control method for a wiper device having a configuration that allows the wiper to be stored in a predetermined retracted position, wherein the wiper is moved to a predetermined service position where the wiper arm can be locked back and held at the service position. Further, when the wiper arm is swung toward the retracted position during the retracted operation of retracting the wiper from the service position to the retracted position when a retraction start signal is input, the wiper arm is swung toward the retracted position. The wiper arm is stopped at a predetermined temporary stop position above the lower reversing position, and the stopped state is maintained.

According to this feature, during the retraction operation of retracting the wiper held at the predetermined service position in which the wiper arm can be locked back to the retracted position, when the wiper arm is swung toward the retracted position, The wiper arm is stopped at a predetermined temporary stop position above the lower reversing position, and the stopped state is maintained. As a result, even if the wiper arm is raised and the wiper blades are in the retracted position, even if the wiper is accidentally returned to the retracted position, it will stop before it interferes with the rear end of the engine hood. It is possible to make the occupant recognize the erroneous operation by the wiper entering the field of view of the , and the recognition of the erroneous operation is improved. In addition, since the wiper arm temporarily stops at the temporary stop position, if the occupant recognizes an erroneous operation, he/she manually lays down the wiper arm outside the vehicle, returns the wiper blade from the retracted position to the basic position, and then retracts the wiper. It can be returned to position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the vehicle due to erroneous operation caused by the wiper blade coming into contact with the windshield or the wiper arm coming into contact with the rear end of the engine hood.

In the above wiper control method, the temporary stop position is such that the wiper blade is in the field of view of an occupant in the driver's seat when the wiper arm is erected and the wiper blade is in the retracted position, and the wiper arm is in the engine hood. It is preferable that the position be such that it does not interfere with the rear end of the .

According to this feature, it is possible to improve the recognizability of an erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm while keeping it upright, and to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

In the above wiper control method, when a retraction operation start signal for moving the wiper arm to the retraction position is input, the retraction operation is started, and in a state in which the wiper arm is stopped at the temporary stop position, the It is preferable that the stopped state at the temporary stop position is canceled when the signal for starting the retraction operation is input again.

According to this feature, even if the wiper arm is erroneously retracted with the wiper arm upright, the retraction start signal must be input again in order to release the stopped state of the wiper arm, which complicates the return operation. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

In the wiper control method described above, it is preferable that the wiper arm stops at the pause position after a predetermined period of time elapses.

According to this feature, the wiper is in the field of vision from the driver's seat for a predetermined period of time, which makes the occupant aware of the erroneous operation, and allows the occupant to lay down the wiper and give the wiper blade time to return from the retracted position to the basic position. It is possible. After the predetermined time has passed, the stopped state at the temporary stop position is canceled, so the return operation becomes unnecessary.

In the wiper control method described above, it is preferable to display a warning display on a display in the vehicle when the retraction operation of the wiper is started.

According to this feature, when the retracting operation of the wiper is started, by displaying a warning display on the display in the vehicle, it is possible to make the occupant quickly notice the erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm while standing. It is possible to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

In the above wiper control method, if the value of the load of the drive unit during the retraction operation of the wiper is lower than a predetermined value, the wiper is stopped at the temporary stop position, and if the load value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, preferably moves the wiper to the retracted position without stopping the wiper at the pause position.

According to this feature, when the load of the drive unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value during the retracting operation of the wiper, it is indirectly detected that the wiper blade is in contact with the windshield, and the wiper blade is stopped at the temporary stop position. It is possible to move to the storage position without having to In this case, there is no need to restore the wiper from the temporary stop.

A wiper control device of the present invention comprises a wiper blade for wiping a windshield of a vehicle, and a wiper arm to which the wiper blade is attached and which is swingable along the surface of the windshield about a predetermined pivot axis, a wiper having a structure capable of locking back the wiper arm from a basic position where the wiper blade contacts the windshield to a retracted position where the wiper blade is separated from the windshield; and a control unit for controlling the driving of the driving unit, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit, The wiper arm is controlled to be moved to and held at a predetermined service position in which the wiper arm can be locked back, and further, when a signal for starting a retracting operation is input, the wiper arm is moved from the service position to below the lower reversing position. control is performed to store the wiper at a predetermined retracted position positioned between the rear end of the engine hood and the windshield; and during the retracted operation, the wiper arm is moved to the retracted position. The wiper arm is stopped at a predetermined temporary stop position above the lower reversing position when the wiper arm is swung downward, and is controlled to maintain the stopped state.

According to this feature, during the retraction operation of retracting the wiper held at the predetermined service position in which the wiper arm can be locked back to the retracted position, when the wiper arm is swung toward the retracted position, The wiper arm is stopped at a predetermined temporary stop position above the lower reversing position, and the stopped state is maintained. As a result, even if the wiper arm is raised and the wiper blades are in the retracted position, even if the wiper is accidentally returned to the retracted position, it will stop before it interferes with the rear end of the engine hood. It is possible to make the occupant recognize the erroneous operation by the wiper entering the field of view of the , and the recognition of the erroneous operation is improved. In addition, since the wiper arm temporarily stops at the temporary stop position, if the occupant recognizes an erroneous operation, he/she manually lays down the wiper arm outside the vehicle, returns the wiper blade from the retracted position to the basic position, and then retracts the wiper. It can be returned to position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the vehicle due to erroneous operation caused by the wiper blade coming into contact with the windshield or the wiper arm coming into contact with the rear end of the engine hood.

In the above wiper control device, the temporary stop position is such that the wiper blade is in the field of view of an occupant in the driver's seat when the wiper arm is erected and the wiper blade is in the retracted position, and the wiper arm is in the engine hood. It is preferable that the position be such that it does not interfere with the rear end of the .

According to this feature, it is possible to improve the recognizability of an erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm while keeping it upright, and to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

In the above wiper control device, the control unit starts the retraction operation and stops the wiper arm at the temporary stop position in response to input of a retraction operation start signal for moving the wiper arm to the retracted position. It is preferable that the stopped state at the temporary stop position is canceled when the signal for starting the retraction operation is input again in the state where the retraction operation is started.

According to this feature, even if the wiper arm is erroneously retracted with the wiper arm upright, the retraction start signal must be input again in order to release the stopped state of the wiper arm, which complicates the return operation. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

In the above wiper control device, it is preferable that the control section cancels the stopped state at the paused position after a predetermined period of time has passed while the wiper arm is stopped at the paused position.

According to this feature, the wiper is in the field of vision from the driver's seat for a predetermined period of time, which makes the occupant aware of the erroneous operation, and allows the occupant to lay down the wiper and give the wiper blade time to return from the retracted position to the basic position. It is possible. After the predetermined time has passed, the stopped state at the temporary stop position is canceled, so the return operation becomes unnecessary.

The above wiper control device may further include a display provided in the vehicle, and the control unit may control the display to display a warning when the retraction operation of the wiper is started. preferable.

According to this feature, when the retracting operation of the wiper is started, by displaying a warning display on the display in the vehicle, it is possible to make the occupant quickly notice the erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm while standing. It is possible to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

The above wiper control device further includes a load detection section for detecting the load of the driving section, and the control section detects the load when the load value of the driving section during the retraction operation of the wiper is lower than a predetermined value. The drive unit is controlled so as to stop the wiper at the temporary stop position and move the wiper to the retracted position without stopping the wiper at the temporary stop position when it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. is preferred.

According to this feature, when the load of the drive unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value during the retracting operation of the wiper, it is indirectly detected that the wiper blade is in contact with the windshield, and the wiper blade is stopped at the temporary stop position. It is possible to move to the storage position without having to In this case, there is no need to restore the wiper from the temporary stop.

According to the wiper control method and the wiper control device of the present invention, it is possible to improve the recognition of erroneous operation in the wiper retraction operation and prevent damage to the vehicle.

1 is an enlarged perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle equipped with a wiper control device that is an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a movable portion and a windshield of the wiper control device with the engine hood of the vehicle of FIG. 1 removed; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the first wiper of FIG. 2 in a lockback state stops at a temporary stop position for a predetermined time in the wiper control method according to the embodiment of the present invention; In the wiper control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the occupant manually causes the first wiper to fall against the windshield while the first wiper in the lockback state of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a process. 3 is a diagram for explaining states in which the first wiper of FIG. 2 is in a service position, a pause position, and a retracted position in the wiper control method according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the first wiper of FIG. 2 in a lockback state; FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing an extension coil spring provided on a wiper arm of the first wiper of FIG. 6 and its peripheral portion; It is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a wiper control device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a wiper control method according to one embodiment of the present invention; It is a flow chart which shows the procedure of the wiper control method concerning the modification of the present invention. In the conventional wiper control device, when the wiper is retracted while the wiper arm remains in the lockback state, the wiper blade is a diagram showing a state in which the wiper blade contacts the rear end of the engine hood.

1 and 2 show a vehicle 1 to which a wiper control device 5 of this embodiment is applied. The wiper control device 5 has a configuration capable of controlling the driving of two wipers that wipe the windshield 3 (front glass) on the front side of the vehicle 1, that is, the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8. have. The windshield 3 is attached between a pair of front pillars 2 (A pillars) spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Both the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8 have a structure that can be locked back, that is, can be lifted and separated from the windshield 3 manually by an occupant outside the vehicle. The wiper control device 5 is of a fully concealed type, that is, has a configuration in which the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8 can be stored below the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 when the wipers are not in use.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the wiper control device 5 of the present embodiment includes the basic configuration of a wiper device having a wiper and a drive section. Specifically, a first wiper 7 and a second wiper 8, a drive unit 9 comprising an electric motor as a drive source for reciprocating the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8 along the surface of the windshield 3, and a rotational drive generated from the drive unit 9 A link mechanism 10 that converts the force into driving force for reciprocating swing and transmits it to the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8, respectively. The wiper control device 5 also includes a control unit 21, an ignition switch 22, and a wiper switch 23 shown in FIG. 8 as a control system.

The first wiper 7, the second wiper 8, the drive unit 9, and the link mechanism 10 are located near the driver's seat in the vehicle body component 6 (for example, cowl grille) located behind the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4. part (for example, the left part in FIGS. 2-4 in the case of right-hand drive cars such as Japanese cars). The vehicle body constituent member 6 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the pair of front pillars 2 .

(Description of the first wiper 7)
The first wiper 7, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, includes a wiper blade 7a for wiping the windshield 3 and a wiper arm 7b having the wiper blade 7a attached to the tip. The wiper arm 7b can swing along the surface of the windshield 3 with the wiper blade 7a about the first pivot shaft 11 as the swing center. In this configuration, the first pivot shaft 11 is rotatably attached near the left end of the vehicle body component 6 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 near the driver's seat. A base end of the wiper arm 7 b is fixed to the first pivot shaft 11 .

The first wiper 7 moves from a basic position PA (see FIGS. 2 and 4) where the wiper blade 7a is in contact with the windshield 3 to a retracted position PB (see FIGS. 2 and 3) where the wiper blade 7a is separated from the windshield 3. 7b can be locked back. Specifically, the wiper arm 7b is configured to bend in the normal direction of the windshield 3 (the direction toward the outside). It has a hinge portion 7b3 that hinges 7b1 and the root side portion 7b2. The tip side portion 7b1 can swing in a direction rising from the windshield 3 with the hinge portion 7b3 as the center of rotation.

The first wiper 7 swings along the surface of the windshield 3 within a predetermined range around the first pivot shaft 11 by receiving the rotational driving force generated by the driving portion 9 via the link mechanism 10 . is possible. Specifically, the first wiper 7 is located below the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 from a predetermined service position PS closest to the left side end of the windshield 3, as shown in FIGS. It is possible to swing at an angle of 90 degrees or more in the range up to the retracted position PC. Further, the first wiper 7 can continuously or intermittently reciprocate between the upper reversing position P1 and the lower reversing position P2.

Here, the service position PS is a predetermined position at which the wiper arm 7b can be locked back. This is a position where the wiper 7 is aligned substantially parallel to the front pillar 2, and is a position where a crew member working outside the vehicle can easily lock back while holding the first wiper 7 by hand from the side of the vehicle. Further, the storage position PC is located below the lower reversing position P2, and is a position where the first wiper 7 can be hidden behind the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 in a substantially horizontal state.

The temporary stop position P3 is located above the lower reversing position P2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the temporary stop position P3 of the present embodiment is such that the wiper blade 7a is within the field of view of the occupant in the driver's seat when the wiper arm 7b is erected and the wiper blade 7a is at the retracted position PB. , where the wiper arm 7b does not interfere with the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4. More specifically, the temporary stop position P3 is closer to the lower reversing position P2 than to the upper reversing position P1, and is preferably the position where the wiper blade 7a comes in front of the driver's seat.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wiper arm 7b of the first wiper 7 is provided with a tension coil spring 13 as a biasing means for biasing the wiper arm 7b from the retracted position PB to the basic position PA. is provided. One end 13a of the tension coil spring 13 engages with the engaged portion 7b4 provided on the distal end portion 7b1 of the wiper arm 7b, and the other end 13b engages with the engaged portion 7b5 of the hinge portion 7b3. are in agreement. In this configuration, when the wiper arm 7b is at the raised retracted position PB, specifically, as shown in FIGS. The extension coil spring 13 is pulled between the two engaged portions 7b4 and 7b5 (specifically, the extension coil spring 13 is in a stable state beyond the neutral point toward the retracted position PB without being contracted). ). On the other hand, when the distal end portion 7b1 of the wiper arm 7b receives an operating force from an occupant working outside the vehicle, the extension coil spring 13 moves beyond the neutral point toward the base position PA and enters a contractable state. can be urged from the retracted position PB to the basic position PA (that is, the distal end portion 7b1 is urged to fall down) to reliably return to the basic position PA.

(Description of the second wiper 8)
The second wiper 8 also basically has the same configuration as the first wiper 7 . That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the second wiper 8 has a wiper blade 8a for wiping the windshield 3, and the wiper blade 8a is attached to the tip of the wiper blade 8a. A wiper arm 8b that can swing along the surface of the windshield 3 together with the wiper blade 8a is provided. The second pivot shaft 12, to which the wiper arm 8b is fixed, is rotatably attached to a portion closer to the vehicle width direction center than the first pivot shaft 11 in the vehicle body component 6 of FIGS.

In addition, the second wiper 8 has a lock-back configuration similar to that of the first wiper 7 , that is, the wiper arm moves from a basic position where the wiper blade 8 a contacts the windshield 3 to a retracted position where the wiper blade 8 a separates from the windshield 3 . 8b can be locked back. Specifically, the wiper arm 8b is configured to bend in the direction normal to the windshield 3 (the direction toward the outside). It has a hinge portion 8b3 that hinges 8b1 and the root side portion 8b2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second wiper 8 swings in a predetermined range along the surface of the windshield 3 about the second pivot shaft 12 in conjunction with the swinging of the first wiper 7. It is possible to

Like the first wiper 7, the second wiper 8 also has a biasing means (not shown) such as a tension coil spring that biases the wiper from the retracted position to the basic position.

(Description of Link Mechanism 10)
The link mechanism 10 may have any structure as long as it can convert the rotational driving force generated from the driving unit 9 into driving force for reciprocating oscillation and transmit the driving force to the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8. The present invention does not particularly limit the specific configuration.

For example, the link mechanism 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes an output shaft 10a for decelerating and outputting rotational driving force generated by a drive unit 9 made of an electric motor, and one end fixed to the output shaft 10a. a first link bar 10b, a second link bar 10c one end of which is linked to the other end of the first link bar 10b, a tip end of which is linked to the other end of the second link bar 10c, and a base end of the second link bar 10c. is fixed to the first pivot shaft 11, and a fourth link bar 10e, one end of which is linked to the other end of the second link bar 10c (together with the tip of the third link bar 10d). , and a fifth link bar 10 f having a distal end linked to the other end of the fourth link bar 10 e and a proximal end fixed to the second pivot shaft 12 .

The base end of the wiper arm 7b of the first wiper 7 and the base end of the third link bar 10d are fixed to a common first pivot shaft 11. As shown in FIG. Since the first pivot shaft 11 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body component 6, the wiper arm 7b and the third link bar 10d can swing about the first pivot shaft 11 at the same timing. is.

The base end of the wiper arm 8b of the second wiper 8 and the base end of the fifth link bar 10f are fixed to a common second pivot shaft 12. As shown in FIG. Since the second pivot shaft 12 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body component 6, the wiper arm 8b and the fifth link bar 10f can swing around the second pivot shaft 12 at the same timing. is.

With the configuration of the link mechanism 10 described above, when the driving portion 9 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the output shaft 10a of the link mechanism 10 to the first to fifth link bars 10b to 10f which are linked to each other. As a result, the wiper arm 7b of the first wiper 7 reciprocates about the first pivot shaft 11 between the upper reversing position P1 and the lower reversing position P2, and the wiper arm 8b of the second wiper 8 also reciprocates. The second wiper 8 can be reciprocally oscillated between predetermined upper reversing positions and lower reversing positions with the second pivot shaft 12 as the center of rotation.

(Description of the control unit 21)
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the wiper control device 5 includes a control section 21 that controls the driving of the drive section 9. Further, the control section 21 (specifically, a microcomputer 24 described later) As input means for giving input signals, an ignition switch (IG-SW) 22 for switching start and stop of a vehicle power unit (such as an engine), a wiper switch (wiper SW) 23, a display 28, a drive unit 9 (motor ), and a load detection unit 29 for detecting the load (voltage or current) of . The wiper switch 23 is a switch for switching the operation of the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8, such as continuous swing (low speed, high speed), intermittent swing, mist (swing only once), and stop. It is possible to switch the mode of

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 21 of the present embodiment includes a microcomputer 24 having a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, etc., a timer 25 for measuring time, and receiving commands from the microcomputer 24. and a position sensor 27 for detecting the rotational position of the output shaft of the motor constituting the driving section 9 and sending a detection signal to the microcomputer 24 . By detecting the rotational position of the output shaft of the motor by the position sensor 27, it is possible to accurately detect the positions (that is, turning angles) of the first wiper 7 and the second wiper 8. FIG.

When the control unit 21 receives a predetermined signal for lockback from the ignition switch 22 and the wiper switch 23 (for example, after the ignition switch 22 is continuously turned on and off, the wiper switch 23 is pushed down twice at the mist position). ), the drive unit 9 is controlled to move the first wiper 7 from the storage position PC to the service position PS and hold it at the service position PS. The first wiper 7 can be locked back by raising the wiper arm 7b from the windshield 3 without being interfered with by the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 in the service position PS. At this time, since the second wiper 8 also moves to the predetermined service position PS, the second wiper 8 can also be locked back.

The control unit 21 of the present embodiment operates when a predetermined signal for retracting operation is input from the ignition switch 22 and the wiper switch 23 while the first wiper 7 is in the service position PS during parking (for example, the ignition switch 22 (such as a unique signal generated by depressing the wiper switch 23 once at the mist position after turning ON), the first wiper 7 is driven to perform a retraction operation to retract the first wiper 7 to the retracted position PC (see FIGS. 2 to 5). It controls the part 9 . At this time, the second wiper 8 is also retracted at the same timing as the first wiper 7 at a predetermined retracted position hidden behind the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 .

The control unit 21 of the present embodiment controls the drive unit 9 as follows when the first wiper 7 is retracted.

The control unit 21 starts the retraction operation when a retraction operation start signal for moving the wiper arm 7b of the first wiper 7 held at the service position PS to the retraction position PC is input. Specifically, first, the control unit 21 causes the drive unit 9 to swing the wiper arm 7b of the first wiper 7 downward as shown in FIGS. Control is performed to store the first wiper 7 at a predetermined storage position PC located between the rear end 4 a of the engine hood 4 and the windshield 3 .

During the retraction operation, the control unit 21 causes the wiper arm 7b to move downward from the service position PS toward the retraction position PC to a predetermined temporary stop position P3 above the lower reversing position P2. Then, the wiper arm 7b is stopped and the drive unit 9 is controlled to maintain the stopped state.

Furthermore, when the wiper arm 7b is stopped at the temporary stop position P3 and the signal for starting the retraction operation to move the wiper arm 7b to the retracted position PC is input again, the control unit 21 causes the wiper arm 7b to stop at the temporary stop position P3. Execute the cancellation of the stop state.

(Description of wiper control method)
Next, the wiper control method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 9, taking the aforementioned retraction operation of the first wiper 7 as an example.

First, when the vehicle is parked and the first wiper 7 is in the service position PS and the predetermined signal for starting the retraction operation is received from the ignition switch 22 and the wiper switch 23, the wiper retraction operation is started. . At this time, the control section 21 controls the drive section 9 to perform a retraction operation of retracting the first wiper 7 to the retraction position PC (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

It should be noted that the following wiper retraction operation is carried out in a predetermined manner as shown in FIG. 9 regardless of whether the wiper arm 7b is in the lockback state.

As the first step of the wiper retracting operation, first, in step S1 of FIG. 9, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a signal for starting the retracting operation has been input. If the control unit 21 determines that a signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it does not determine that a signal has been input, the storage operation ends. When the process proceeds to step S2, that is, when the retracting operation of the first wiper 7 is started, the control unit 21 displays a warning display (specifically, a display informing the start of the retracting operation) on the display 28 inside the vehicle. display.

Next, in step S2, based on the detection signal from the position sensor 27, the control section 21 determines whether the wiper arm 7b is above the temporary stop position P3. When the control unit 21 determines that the wiper arm 7b is above the pause position P3, the process proceeds to step S3, and moves the wiper arm 7b of the first wiper 7 toward the pause position P3, specifically downward. The drive unit 9 is controlled to swing. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the wiper arm 7b is above the temporary stop position P3, the retracting operation is terminated.

While the wiper arm 7b is swung downward toward the temporary stop position P3 during the retraction operation of retracting the first wiper 7 to the retraction position PC, the control unit 21 controls the detection signal from the position sensor 27. When it is determined that the wiper arm 7b has reached the temporary stop position P3 (step S4), the process proceeds to step S5 to temporarily stop the storing operation.

In this step S5, the occupant sitting in the driver's seat erroneously retracts the first wiper 7 while the wiper blade 7a of the first wiper 7 is in the retracted position by raising the wiper arm 7b. When the wiper blade 7a is in the field of view from the driver's seat, it is possible to recognize the erroneous operation when the wiper blade 7a is being returned to the position. Further, when the erroneous operation is recognized, the occupant manually lays down the wiper arm 7b outside the vehicle to return the wiper blade 7a from the retracted position to the basic position, and then returns the first wiper 7 to the retracted position. is possible.

Moreover, in this embodiment, when the wiper arm 7b is at the retracted position PB and receives an operation force from an occupant working outside the vehicle, the extension coil spring 13 provided in the wiper arm 7b moves the wiper arm 7b from the retracted position PB. bias to basic position PA; As a result, the wiper arm 7b can be reliably tilted toward the windshield 3 side.

Next, in step S6, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a retraction start signal for moving the wiper arm 7b to the retracted position PC is input again while the wiper arm 7b is stopped at the temporary stop position P3.

When the signal is input again, the control unit 21 cancels the stop state at the temporary stop position P3, and in step S7, controls the drive unit 9 to restart the movement of the wiper arm 7b to the storage position PC. , and all wiper retraction operations are completed after the movement to the retracted position PC is completed.

(Features of this embodiment)
(1)
In the wiper control method of the present embodiment, the wiper blade 7a for wiping the windshield 3 of the vehicle 1 and the wiper blade 7a are attached and swing along the surface of the windshield 3 with a predetermined first pivot shaft 11 as the swing center. a first wiper 7 having a movable wiper arm 7b; and a drive unit 9 for reciprocatingly swinging the first wiper 7 along the surface of the windshield 3 between a predetermined upper reversing position P1 and a lower reversing position P2. The wiper arm 7b can be locked back from the basic position PA where the wiper blade 7a contacts the windshield 3 to the retracted position PB where the wiper blade 7a is separated from the windshield 3, and below the lower reversal position P2. This is a wiper control method in a wiper device having a configuration that allows the first wiper 7 to be stored in a predetermined storage position PC located between the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 and the windshield 3.

In the wiper control method described above, the first wiper 7 is moved to a predetermined service position PS in which the wiper arm 7b can be locked back and is held at the service position PS. During the retraction operation of retracting the wiper 7 from the service position PS to the retraction position PC, the wiper arm 7b is temporarily stopped above the lower reversing position P2 while the wiper arm 7b is swinging toward the retraction position PC. The wiper arm 7b is stopped at the position P3, and the stopped state is maintained.

The wiper control device 5 of the present embodiment also includes a control section 21 that controls driving of the drive section 9 in order to execute the wiper control method described above. The control unit 21 controls the driving unit 9 to move the first wiper 7 to a predetermined service position PS where the wiper arm 7b can be locked back and to hold the first wiper 7 at the service position PS, and further, starts the retracting operation. is input, the first wiper 7 is moved from the service position PS to the predetermined storage position PC located below the lower reversing position P2 and between the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 and the windshield 3. Further, during the retracting operation, the wiper arm 7b is brought to a predetermined temporary stop above the lower reversing position P2 when the wiper arm 7b is swung toward the retracted position PC. The wiper arm 7b is stopped at the position P3 and controlled to maintain the stopped state.

According to the wiper control method and the wiper control device 5 described above, the wiper arm 7b is retracted during the retraction operation of retracting the first wiper 7 held at the predetermined service position PS in which the wiper arm 7b can be locked back to the retraction position PC. While swinging toward the position PC, the wiper arm 7b is stopped at a predetermined temporary stop position P3 above the lower reversing position P2, and the stopped state is maintained. As a result, even if the wiper arm 7b is erected and the first wiper 7 is erroneously returned to the storage position PC while the wiper blade 7a is in the retracted position PB, the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 is prevented from interfering with the rear end 4a. By temporarily stopping, the wipers come into the field of view from the driver's seat, so that the occupant can be made to recognize the erroneous operation, and the recognition of the erroneous operation is improved.

In addition, since the wiper arm 7b is temporarily stopped at the temporary stop position, the occupant manually lays the wiper arm 7b outside the vehicle to return the wiper blade 7a from the retracted position PB to the basic position when recognizing an erroneous operation. It is possible to return the first wiper 7 to the retracted position PC. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the vehicle due to erroneous operation caused by the wiper blade 7a coming into contact with the windshield 3 or the wiper arm 7b coming into contact with the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4.

Specifically, when the wiper arm 7b falls onto the windshield 3 and returns from the retracted position PB to the basic position PA, the wiper arm 7b does not swing toward the retracted position PC. Contact with the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 (see FIG. 11) can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wiper blade 7a from twisting and falling toward the windshield 3 due to contact with the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4. It is possible to prevent the cap 7c (specifically, a hard cap such as ceramic) from coming into contact with the windshield 3 and damaging the windshield 3 due to the impact.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent the wiper arm 7b from contacting the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4 due to an erroneous operation.

(2)
In the wiper control method and the wiper control device 5 of the present embodiment, the temporary stop position P3 is such that the wiper blade 7a in the state where the wiper arm 7b is erected and the wiper blade 7a is in the retracted position PB is within the field of view of the occupant in the driver's seat. , where the wiper arm 7b does not interfere with the rear end 4a of the engine hood 4.

According to this feature, it is possible to improve the recognizability of an erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm 7b while keeping it upright, and to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

(3)
In the wiper control method and the wiper control device 5 of the present embodiment, when a retraction operation start signal for moving the wiper arm 7b to the retraction position PC is input, the retraction operation is started, and the wiper arm 7b stops at the temporary stop position P3. When the signal for starting the retraction operation is input again in the state where the retraction operation is being performed, the stop state at the temporary stop position P3 is released.

According to this feature, even if the wiper arm 7b is erroneously retracted with the wiper arm 7b standing upright, it is necessary to input the signal for starting the retraction operation again in order to release the stopped state of the wiper arm 7b. complication, which makes it possible to reliably prevent damage to the vehicle.

(4)
In the wiper control method and the wiper control device 5 of the present embodiment, when the retracting operation of the first wiper 7 is started, a warning display is displayed on the in-vehicle display.

According to this feature, when the retracting operation of the first wiper 7 is started, a warning display is displayed on the display 28 inside the vehicle, so that the occupant can quickly notice the erroneous operation of retracting the wiper arm 7b while standing. It is possible to prevent damage to the vehicle reliably.

(Modification)
(A)
In the above embodiment, as shown in steps S5 to S7 of FIG. 9, the wiper arm 7b is stopped at the temporary stop position P3 in steps S6 to S7 after the storage operation is temporarily stopped in step S5. When the signal for starting the retraction operation to move the wiper arm 7b to the retracted position PC is input again in the state of the wiper arm 7b, the stopped state at the temporary stop position P3 is canceled, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other methods may be used for the return operation after stopping.

For example, as a modification of the present invention, the stop state at the pause position P3 may be released after a predetermined time t has elapsed while the wiper arm 7b is stopped at the pause position P3. Specifically, as in step S5A of the flowchart in FIG. 10, the timer 25 in FIG. After that, the control unit 21 may restart the movement of the wiper arm 7b to the retracted position PC in step S7.

In this way, in the state where the wiper arm 7b is stopped at the temporary stop position P3, the stop state at the temporary stop position P3 is canceled after the lapse of the predetermined time t. The presence of the wiper in the field of view makes the occupant aware of the erroneous operation, and the occupant manually lays down the first wiper 7 outside the vehicle to give the wiper blade 7a time to return from the retracted position PB to the basic position PA. . Then, after the predetermined time t has elapsed, the stop state at the temporary stop position P3 is canceled, so the return operation becomes unnecessary.

The above-mentioned predetermined time t is necessary for the occupant in the driver's seat to visually recognize that the wiper arm 7b is upright and to notice the erroneous operation, and for the occupant to go out of the vehicle and manually lay down the first wiper 7. A sufficient time (for example, about 30 to 100 seconds) is set. It is preferable that the predetermined time t can be arbitrarily set by the passenger.

(B)
Further, as another modification of the present invention, when the load value of the drive unit 9 (see FIG. 8) composed of a motor for reciprocating the wiper arm 7b during the retraction operation of the first wiper 7 is lower than a predetermined value, the first wiper 7 is retracted. The first wiper 7 is stopped at the temporary stop position P3, and if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first wiper 7 is moved to the retracted position PC without being stopped at the temporary stop position P3. can be The load value of the drive unit 9, which is a motor, is detected as a voltage or current value by a load detection unit 29 (see FIG. 8).

According to this feature, when the load of the drive unit 9 consisting of the motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value during the retracting operation of the first wiper 7, it is indirectly detected that the wiper blade 7a is in contact with the windshield 3. It is possible to detect and move to the storage position PC without stopping at the temporary stop position P3. In this case, the return operation from the temporary stop of the first wiper 7 becomes unnecessary.

1 vehicle 3 windshield 4 engine hood 4a rear end 5 wiper control device 7 first wiper 8 second wipers 7a, 8a wiper blades 7b, 8b wiper arm 9 drive unit 11 first pivot shaft 12 second pivot shaft 21 control unit 25 timer 28 Display 29 Load detector P1 Upper reversal position P2 Lower reversal position P3 Pause position PA Basic position PB Retreat position PC Storage position PS Service position

Claims (12)

a wiper blade for wiping a windshield of a vehicle; a wiper having a wiper arm to which the wiper blade is attached and capable of swinging along the surface of the windshield about a predetermined pivot axis; a drive unit for reciprocally swinging along the surface of the shield between a predetermined upper reversing position and a lower reversing position, wherein the wiper blade moves from the windshield from a basic position where the wiper blade comes into contact with the windshield. The wiper arm can be locked back to a retracted position, and the wiper can be retracted to a predetermined retracted position below the reversed position and between the rear end of the engine hood and the windshield. A wiper control method in a wiper device having a storable configuration, comprising:
moving the wiper to a predetermined service position where the wiper arm can be locked back and holding the wiper at the service position;
When the wiper arm is swung toward the retracted position during the retracted operation of retracting the wiper from the service position to the retracted position when a retraction start signal is input, the wiper arm is retracted. A wiper control method, comprising stopping the wiper arm at a predetermined temporary stop position above the lower reversing position and maintaining the stopped state. The wiper control method according to claim 1,
The temporary stop position is a position in which the wiper blade is in the field of view of an occupant in the driver's seat and the wiper arm does not interfere with the rear end of the engine hood when the wiper arm is raised and the wiper blade is in the retracted position. is
Wiper control method. In the wiper control method according to claim 1 or 2,
starting a retraction operation by inputting a retraction operation start signal for moving the wiper arm to the retracted position;
In a state in which the wiper arm is stopped at the temporary stop position, when the wiper arm is input again with the signal for starting the retraction operation, the stopped state at the temporary stop position is released.
Wiper control method. In the wiper control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In a state in which the wiper arm is stopped at the pause position, the stop state at the pause position is released after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
Wiper control method. In the wiper control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
displaying a warning display on a display in the vehicle when the retracting operation of the wiper is started;
Wiper control method. In the wiper control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the value of the load of the drive unit during the retraction operation of the wiper is lower than a predetermined value, the wiper is stopped at the temporary stop position, and when it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the wiper is temporarily stopped. moving the wiper to the retracted position without stopping in position;
Wiper control method. a wiper blade for wiping a windshield of a vehicle; and a wiper arm to which the wiper blade is attached and which is swingable along the surface of the windshield about a predetermined pivot axis, wherein the wiper blade is attached to the windshield. a wiper having a configuration that allows the wiper arm to be locked back from a contact basic position to a retracted position where the wiper blade is separated from the windshield;
a driving unit for reciprocatingly swinging the wiper along the surface of the windshield between a predetermined upper reversing position and a lower reversing position;
A control unit that controls driving of the drive unit,
The control unit controls the driving unit to move the wiper to a predetermined service position in which the wiper arm can be locked back, and holds the wiper. and controlling to perform a retraction operation of retracting the wiper to a predetermined retraction position positioned between the rear end of the engine hood and the windshield from the service position to the lower reversing position, and When the wiper arm is swinging toward the retracted position during the retracting operation, the wiper arm is stopped at a predetermined temporary stop position above the lower reversing position to bring the wiper arm into a stopped state. control to hold,
A wiper control device characterized by: A wiper control device according to claim 7, wherein
The temporary stop position is a position in which the wiper blade is in the field of view of an occupant in the driver's seat and the wiper arm does not interfere with the rear end of the engine hood when the wiper arm is raised and the wiper blade is in the retracted position. is
Wiper controller. In the wiper control device according to claim 7 or 8,
When a signal for starting a retracting operation to move the wiper arm to the retracted position is input, the control unit starts the retracting operation and, in a state in which the wiper arm is stopped at the temporary stop position, canceling the stop state at the temporary stop position when the signal for starting the retraction operation of the wiper arm is input again;
Wiper controller. In the wiper control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
In a state in which the wiper arm is stopped at the pause position, the control unit cancels the pause state at the pause position after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
Wiper controller. In the wiper control device according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
Further equipped with a display in the car,
The control unit controls to display a warning display on the display when the retraction operation of the wiper is started.
Wiper controller. In the wiper control device according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
further comprising a load detection unit that detects the load of the drive unit;
The control unit stops the wiper at the temporary stop position when the value of the load of the drive unit during the retraction operation of the wiper is lower than a predetermined value, and when the load value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit stops the wiper. controlling the drive unit to move the wiper to the retracted position without stopping the wiper at the pause position;
Wiper controller.

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