JP6790444B2 - Vehicle wiper device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle wiper device that injects washer fluid and wipes with a wiper blade.

A wiper device for vehicles that injects a washer fluid and wipes with a wiper blade in conjunction with each other is generally known.

In recent years, it has been known that a nozzle for injecting washer fluid is provided on a wiper arm or a wiper blade due to a problem of a washer fluid injection position or a problem in vehicle design (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). ..

In the vehicle wiper device of Patent Document 1, a main nozzle is provided at the tip of the wiper arm, and the nozzle main body of the main nozzle protrudes to one side in the width direction of the wiper arm. Further, the inclined surface forming the outer peripheral portion of the nozzle main body portion is arranged on the arm base end side with respect to the first main nozzle injection hole of the nozzle main body portion, and becomes the arm lower side as it goes toward the arm base end side in the side view. It is tilted. Therefore, most of the air flow flowing from the base end side of the arm to the tip end side of the arm on the side of the wiper arm is rectified by the inclined surface and flows to the upper side of the nozzle main body along the inclined surface. As a result, the inflow of air flow between the windshield glass and the nozzle main body can be suppressed, and the contact between the cleaning liquid injected from the first main nozzle injection hole and the air flow can be suppressed.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the pores provided in the wiper blade.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-217842 Special Table 2014-501199

However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, although the washer fluid can be sprayed from the wiper arm or the wiper blade, it is wiped off before the washer fluid effectively contributes to the visibility obstruction such as dirt, so that the visibility of dirt and the like is seen. There is room for improvement in the efficient removal of inhibitors.

In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle wiper device capable of efficiently removing visibility obstructions such as dirt.

The vehicle wiper apparatus of the present invention includes a wiper motor to perform the wiping operation of the wiping surface by the wiper blade which is connected to the distal end of the wiper arm, provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm, injection in the forward rotational direction A washer that is provided with a first injection unit and a second injection unit that injects in the direction of return rotation, and a washer that pumps the washer fluid from the injection unit to the wiper surface by pumping the washer fluid to the injection unit. The washer fluid is introduced into either the first injection portion or the second injection portion by a mechanism for switching the path between the pump and the washer fluid supplied from the washer pump, or the washer fluid is introduced into the first injection portion. A direction control unit that drives only one of the washer pump that supplies the wiper liquid and the washer pump that supplies the washer liquid to the second injection unit to control the direction in which the washer liquid is injected from the injection unit, and a predetermined signal. When is detected, the wiper motor and the washer so as to execute the first operation of performing the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid in the direction opposite to the traveling direction side of the wiper blade during the wiping operation. The pump and a control unit for controlling the direction control unit are provided, and the control unit does not inject the washer fluid after the first operation, and the wiping operation or the washer fluid is injected toward the traveling direction. The wiper motor, the washer pump, and the direction control unit are controlled so as to execute the second operation of performing the wiping operation.

According to the vehicle wiper device having the above configuration, the wiper blade connected to the tip of the wiper arm by the wiper motor wipes the wiped surface.

The injection section is provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm, and includes a first injection section that injects in the outward rotation direction side and a second injection section that injects in the return path rotation side, and ishes the injection section by a washer pump. By pumping the liquid, the washer liquid is sprayed from the injection portion to the wiper surface. In the direction control unit, the washer fluid is introduced into either the first injection unit or the second injection unit by a mechanism for switching the path of the washer fluid supplied from the washer pump, or the washer fluid is introduced into the first injection unit. The direction (outward path direction and return path direction) of injecting the washer fluid of the injection unit is controlled by driving only one of the washer pump that supplies the washer pump and the washer pump that supplies the washer fluid to the second injection unit .

Then, when the control unit detects, for example, a predetermined signal indicating that a visibility obstruction has been detected or a signal indicating an operation of a switch or the like for removing the visibility obstruction, the wiping operation is in progress. The wiper motor, the washer pump, and the direction control unit are controlled so as to execute the first operation of performing the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid in the direction opposite to the traveling direction side of the wiper blade. By performing the wiping operation while spraying the washer fluid on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade in this way, the washer fluid is not immediately wiped off, and the washer fluid is effectively removed from visibility obstacles such as dirt. Can contribute.

Also, as before Symbol controller, after the first operation, to perform the second operation of performing the wiping operation while spraying the wiping operation or the washer fluid not injected washer fluid to the traveling direction, the wiper motor , The washer pump, and the direction control unit.

Thereby, after the first operation, the wiping operation or the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid can surely remove the visibility obstruction such as dirt. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle wiper device capable of efficiently removing visibility obstructions such as dirt.

Further, the vehicle wiper device of the present invention is provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm, and the wiper motor for wiping the wiping surface by the wiper blade connected to the tip of the wiper arm, and is provided on the outward rotation direction side. The washer fluid is injected from the injection unit to the wiper surface by pumping the washer fluid to the injection unit and the injection unit having the first injection unit to inject into the injection unit and the second injection unit to inject in the return path rotation direction side. A mechanism for switching the path of the washer pump to be operated and the washer liquid supplied from the washer pump is used to introduce the washer liquid into either the first injection unit or the second injection unit, or to the first injection unit. A direction control unit that controls only the washer pump that supplies the washer fluid and the washer pump that supplies the washer fluid to the second injection unit to control the direction in which the washer fluid is injected from the injection unit is determined in advance. When the signal is detected, the wiper motor, so as to execute the first operation of performing the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid on the side opposite to the traveling direction side of the wiper blade during the wiping operation. wherein a washer pump, and a control unit for controlling the direction control unit, when injecting the washer fluid from the jet unit, Bei Eteiru a meandering portion which meanders injection trajectory of washer fluid, the.

According to the vehicle wiper device having the above configuration , the washer fluid can be uniformly sprayed onto the wiping surface by providing the meandering portion .

Further, in the vehicle wiper device of the present invention, the direction in which the injection portion intersects the traveling direction of the wiper blade on the traveling direction side and the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade on the opposite direction side. The washer fluid can be injected in each direction, and the meandering portion controls the washer pump so that the injection pressure of the washer fluid changes when the washer fluid is ejected from the injection portion.

According to the vehicle wiper device having the above configuration, the washer fluid can be injected in each of the directions intersecting the traveling direction of the wiper blade and the direction opposite to the traveling direction, and the injection locus of the washer fluid can be changed by changing the injection pressure. Can meander.

Further, in the vehicle wiper device of the present invention, the angle at which the injection portion injects the washer fluid on each of the traveling direction side and the opposite direction side can be changed, and the meandering portion injects the washer liquid. When injecting from the unit, the injection unit is controlled so as to change the angle at which the washer liquid is injected on each of the traveling direction side and the opposite direction side of the injection unit.

According to the vehicle wiper device having the above configuration, the angle at which the washer fluid is injected to each of the traveling direction side and the opposite direction side of the wiper blade can be changed, and the injection trajectory of the washer fluid can be changed by changing the injection angle. It can meander.

Further, in the vehicle wiper device of the present invention, the wiper motor, the washer pump, and the washer pump so that the control unit performs the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid also on the traveling direction side as the first operation. Controls the direction control unit.

According to the vehicle wiper device having the above configuration, during the first operation, the wiper operation is performed while injecting the washer fluid also on the traveling direction side of the wiper blade to more efficiently remove visibility obstructions such as dirt. It can be removed.

Further, the vehicle wiper device of the present invention further includes a changing unit for changing the wiping range of the wiping surface by the wiper blade, and the control unit performs the wiping operation while changing the wiping range. Further control the change part.

According to the vehicle wiper device having the above configuration, since the wiping operation is performed while changing the wiping range, it is possible to remove visibility obstructions such as dirt over a wider range than when the wiping operation is performed without changing the wiping range. It becomes.

It is a top view seen from the outside of the wiping surface which shows the whole of the wiper device for a vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the injection direction of a washer liquid. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control device which controls the wiper device for a vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing a wiping operation of the wiper blade in the outward rotation direction while injecting the washer fluid toward the return rotation direction side, and (B) is a diagram showing a wiping operation in the outward rotation direction while injecting the washer fluid toward the outward rotation direction side. It is a figure which shows the wiping operation in the return direction rotation direction of the wiper blade. (A) is a diagram showing how the injection locus of the washer fluid meanders, and (B) is a diagram showing a periodic change in the injection pressure of the washer fluid. (A) is a diagram showing the position of the wiper arm during the reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper arm, (B) is a diagram showing an example of the drive voltage of the second washer pump, and (C) is a diagram showing an example of the drive voltage of the first washer pump. It is a figure which shows an example of a voltage. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed by the controller of the wiper device for a vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing the position of the wiper arm during the reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper arm, (B) is a diagram showing a modified example of the drive voltage of the second washer pump, and (C) is a diagram showing a modified example of the drive voltage of the first washer pump. It is a figure which shows the modification of the drive voltage. It is a figure which shows the state which the injection locus of a washer liquid is ejected without meandering. It is a figure which shows the structure of the wiper device for a vehicle which can change the wiping range by a wiper blade. (A) is a diagram showing a state in which the wiper arm is apparently extended, and (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the wiper arm is apparently contracted. (A) is a diagram showing the operation of the link mechanism in the wiping range Z1, and (B) is a diagram showing the operation of the link mechanism in the wiping range Z2.

Hereinafter, an example of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the entire vehicle wiper device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the outside of the wiping surface.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle wiper device 10 includes a substantially long wiper arm 12 and a wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12 and wiping the windshield glass WG as a wiping surface of the vehicle. It is configured to include. Further, the vehicle wiper device 10 includes a first main nozzle 18 and a second main nozzle 20 provided near the tip of the wiper arm 12, and a first sub nozzle 21 and a second sub nozzle 22 provided near the middle of the wiper arm 12. And are provided as an injection unit.

The wiper arm 12 includes an arm head 12A, a retainer 12B, an arm piece 12C, and an arm-side connecting member 12D. The arm head 12A constitutes a base end portion of the wiper arm 12, the retainer 12B constitutes a longitudinal intermediate portion of the wiper arm 12, and the arm piece 12C and the arm side connecting member 12D form a tip portion of the wiper arm 12.

The arm head 12A is formed in a substantially rectangular columnar shape, and is made of, for example, aluminum die-cast. A fixing portion 15 is formed at the base end portion of the arm head 12A, and the tip end portion of a substantially cylindrical pivot shaft 17 is fastened and fixed to the fixing portion 15. The pivot shaft 17 is rotatably supported by a pivot holder (not shown) fixed to a vehicle frame or the like, and is connected to a wiper motor (not shown) via a link mechanism. Then, the pivot shaft 17 reciprocates due to the driving force of the wiper motor, so that the wiper arm 12 reciprocates, and the wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12 moves between the lower reversal position and the upper reversal position. It is designed to rotate back and forth. Further, in the present embodiment, the position where the wiper blade 14 is hidden between the wiper blade 14 and the engine hood of the vehicle on the side in the direction of arrow B (lower side of the vehicle) of the downward reversal position is set as the storage position, and is stored when the wiping operation is stopped. The wiper blade 14 is stored at the position. Therefore, the wiper motor is not continuously rotated in one direction, but is configured to reciprocate the wiper blade 14 by reversing the rotation between the upper reversing position and the lower reversing position. Further, the wiper motor uses an electric motor provided with a control circuit for controlling the rotation speed by PWM (pulse width modulation) control or the like. The direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 from the downward reversal position to the upward reversal position of the wiper blade 14 is the outward rotation direction, and the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1 from the upward reversal position to the downward reversal position is the return path rotation. It is said to be the direction of movement. That is, the reverse position of the wiper blade 14 from the outward path to the return path is set as the upper reverse position, and the reverse position from the return path to the outward path is set as the downward reverse position. Further, in the present embodiment, since the wiper blade 14 is stored in the storage position as described above, a configuration example in which the wiper motor is driven in the forward rotation and the reverse rotation will be described, but the wiper motor is set with the storage position (stop position) as the downward reverse position. You may apply a configuration that rotates in one direction.

On the other hand, the wiper blade 14 is formed in a substantially elongated shape and is arranged side by side with the wiper arm 12 in the longitudinal direction, and the central portion of the wiper blade 14 in the longitudinal direction is an arm of the wiper arm 12 via a connecting lever 19. It is connected to the tip of the side connecting member 12D. As a result, the wiper blade 14 is arranged on the outward rotation direction side with respect to the wiper arm 12 (the portion excluding the arm side connecting member 12D) when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the wiping surface S. Then, the reciprocating rotation of the wiper arm 12 causes the wiper blade 14 to perform a reciprocating wiping operation.

Further, the washer fluid is ejected from each of the first main nozzle 18, the second main nozzle 20, the first sub nozzle 21, and the second sub nozzle 22 provided on the wiper arm 12.

The first main nozzle 18 and the first sub-nozzle 21 inject the washer fluid toward the outward rotation direction side of the wiper arm 12, and the second main nozzle 20 and the second sub-nozzle 22 eject the washer fluid toward the return path rotation direction side of the wiper arm 12. Is sprayed.

Further, the first main nozzle 18 and the second main nozzle 20 each have a plurality of injection holes, and the washer fluid is injected from the plurality of injection holes. In the present embodiment, the first main nozzle 18 and the second main nozzle 20 each have three injection holes, and as shown in FIG. 2, a washer from each injection hole in a direction intersecting the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12. Inject the liquid.

On the other hand, the first sub-nozzle 21 and the second sub-nozzle 22 are provided on the pivot shaft 17 side of the first main nozzle 18 and the second main nozzle 20, and are provided from the injection holes provided in the first sub-nozzle 21 and the second sub-nozzle 22. The washer fluid is sprayed in a direction intersecting the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12.

In the present embodiment, when the washer switch 36 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is operated to inject the washer fluid, the wiper is ejected from the first main nozzle 18 and the first sub nozzle 21 when the wiper arm 12 rotates in the outward path. The washer fluid is injected to the outward rotation side of the blade 14. On the other hand, when the wiper arm 12 rotates in the return path, the washer fluid is injected from the second main nozzle 20 and the second sub nozzle 22 to the return path rotation side of the wiper blade 14. At this time, the washer fluid is sprayed at each predetermined position immediately before rotating in the outward rotation direction and reaching the upper inversion position and immediately before reaching the lower inversion position by rotating in the return rotation direction. Stop. Then, by switching the nozzles (first main nozzle 18 and second main nozzle 20 and first sub-nozzle 21 and second sub-nozzle 22) to be injected at each reversal position and restarting the injection, wasteful injection of washer fluid is prevented. It is designed to do.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device 50 that controls the vehicle wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment.

The control device 50 includes a wiper motor 32, a first washer pump 34, a second washer pump 35, and a controller 30 as a control unit.

The wiper motor 32 reciprocates the wiper arm 12 by being driven. Further, the first washer pump 34 pumps the washer fluid to the first main nozzle 18 and the first sub nozzle 21, so that the washer is made from each of the injection holes and the first sub nozzle 21 provided in the first main nozzle 18. Inject the liquid. Further, the second washer pump 35 pumps the washer fluid to the second main nozzle 20 and the second sub-nozzle 22, so that the washer is made from each of the injection holes and the second sub-nozzle 22 provided in the second main nozzle 20. Inject the liquid. The wiper motor 32, the first washer pump 34, and the second washer pump 35 are each connected to the controller 30, and their drives are controlled by the controller 30.

Further, a washer switch 36, a wiper switch 38, a visibility obstruction release mode switch 40, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 42, and a receiver 43 provided on the vehicle side are further connected to the controller 30.

The washer switch 36 is a switch that gives an instruction to inject the washer liquid, and when the washer switch 36 is operated by an occupant, the operation result is input to the controller 30.

In the present embodiment, when the washer switch 36 is operated by an occupant to instruct the injection of the washer fluid, the operation result of the washer switch 36 is input to the controller 30. When the operation result of the washer switch 36 is input to the controller 30, the controller 30 immediately drives the washer pump 34 to inject a predetermined amount of the washer fluid based on the operation result of the washer switch 36, and then the wiper motor 32. Start driving. That is, when the washer switch 36 is operated, the controller 30 controls the wiper motor 32 and the washer pump 34 so that the injection of the washer fluid and the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14 are performed in conjunction with each other.

The wiper switch 38 is a switch that gives an instruction to start the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14, and when the wiper switch 38 is operated by an occupant, the operation result is input to the controller 30. The wiper switch 38 can instruct the wiper blade 14 to operate at a plurality of speeds of the wiping operation. When the operation result of the wiper switch 38 is input to the controller 30, the controller 30 drives the wiper motor 32 at an instructed speed based on the operation result of the wiper switch 38 to start the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14. In the present embodiment, the speed of the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14 when the wiper switch 38 is operated will be described as an example having four types of speeds: intermittent operation, low speed, medium speed, and high speed.

The visual field obstruction release mode switch 40 is a switch for instructing a predetermined visual field obstruction release operation to remove a visual field obstruction such as dirt adhering to the surface of the windshield glass WG as a visual field obstruction. .. The visibility obstruction release operation is performed by a predetermined combination of the washer fluid injection and the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14. In the present embodiment, in order to give a visibility obstruction release instruction separately from each instruction of the wiping operation of the wiper blade 14 and the injection of the washer liquid, it is provided as a dedicated switch separately from the washer switch 36 and the wiper switch 38. ing. When the visibility obstruction release mode switch 40 is operated by the occupant, the operation result is input to the controller 30. The controller 30 controls the drive of the first washer pump 34, the second washer pump 35, and the wiper motor 32 so as to perform a predetermined visibility obstruction release operation based on the operation result of the view obstruction release mode switch 40. ..

The vehicle ECU 42 is connected to the controller 30 to acquire various vehicle information, and in the present embodiment, the controller 30 can acquire information for detecting that the vehicle is stopped from the vehicle ECU 42. ing. For example, the controller 30 acquires from the vehicle ECU 42 the detection result of the shift position of the transmission of the vehicle, the detection result of the vehicle speed, the detection result of the acceleration, and the like as information for detecting that the vehicle is stopped. Then, in the present embodiment, when the controller 30 detects that the vehicle is stopped, it is controlled to perform the above-mentioned view obstruction release operation.

The receiver 43 is a receiver for receiving a predetermined instruction for removing the visibility obstruction, which is performed to remove the visibility obstruction such as dirt adhering to the surface of the windshield glass WG as the visibility obstruction. The visibility obstruction release operation is performed by a predetermined combination of the washer fluid injection and the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14. When an instruction to release the visibility obstruction operation is transmitted from an external terminal 45 such as a smartphone by an occupant (a person who will get on the vehicle from now on), the instruction is received by the receiver 43 and input to the controller 30. The controller 30 controls the drive of the first washer pump 34, the second washer pump 35, and the wiper motor 32 so as to perform a predetermined view obstruction release operation based on the instruction of the view obstruction release operation.

Here, the above-mentioned view obstruction release operation performed by operating the view obstruction release mode switch 40 will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, when the view obstruction release mode switch 40 is operated while the vehicle is stopped, the view obstruction release operation is performed by combining the injection of the washer fluid and the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14 as described above.

Specifically, when the visibility obstruction release mode switch 40 is operated, the controller 30 acquires various information (including the shift position of the transmission, the vehicle speed, and the acceleration) from the vehicle ECU 42, so that the vehicle is stopped. Detects if there is. Then, when the stopped state is detected, the controller 30 performs the wiper motor 32, the first washer pump 34, and the first washer pump 34 so as to perform a predetermined operation that combines the reciprocating wiping operation by the wiper blade 14 and the injection of the washer fluid. 2 Controls the washer pump 35.

Specifically, as an initial operation, the washer fluid is sprayed to both the outward rotation direction side and the return rotation direction side of the wiper arm 12 as shown in FIG. 2 while performing one reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper blade 14. .. That is, the wiper blade 14 performs one reciprocating wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid in both the traveling direction of the wiper blade and the direction opposite to the traveling direction. The timing of starting the injection of the washer fluid at the start of the initial operation may be the same as the start of the wiping operation on the outward path direction side (first main nozzle 18 and first sub-nozzle 21), but the washer before starting the wiping operation. By starting the injection of the liquid, the wiping operation can be smoothly performed. On the other hand, the return path side (second main nozzle 20 and second sub-nozzle 22) is out of the wiping range (cowl, etc.) by starting spraying the washer fluid after the start of the wiping operation or after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the wiping operation. It is possible to prevent the washer liquid from being unnecessarily sprayed. The first operation described later may be performed without executing the initial operation.

Next, when one round-trip wiping operation of the initial operation by the wiper blade 14 is completed, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), as the first operation, the injection of the washer fluid to the outward rotation direction side is stopped and the return path is performed. While injecting the washer fluid toward the rotation direction side, the wiper blade 14 is wiped in the outward rotation direction. In other words, the wiper blade 14 rotates on the outward path while stopping the injection of the washer fluid from the first main nozzle 18 and the first sub nozzle 21 and injecting the washer fluid from the second main nozzle 20 and the second sub nozzle 22. Performs a wiping operation in the direction. Further, when the wiper blade 14 moves to the upper reverse position, it reverses and switches to the wiping operation in the return rotation direction. In the wiping operation in the return rotation direction, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the wiper is wiped while stopping the injection of the washer fluid toward the return rotation direction and injecting the washer fluid toward the outward rotation direction. The blade 14 is wiped in the return rotation direction. In other words, the return path rotation of the wiper blade 14 is performed while stopping the injection of the washer fluid from the second main nozzle 20 and the second sub nozzle 22 and injecting the washer fluid from the first main nozzle 18 and the first sub nozzle 21. Performs a wiping operation in the direction. That is, as the first operation, the wiper blade 14 performs one reciprocating wiping operation while injecting the washer fluid to the side opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade 14. When the wiping operation is performed from each inversion position in the first operation, the washer liquid is started to be sprayed after the wiping operation is started or after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the wiping operation, so that the washer is wasted outside the wiping range. It is possible to prevent the liquid from being sprayed.

Subsequently, when the first operation is completed, as the second operation, the injection of the washer fluid is stopped and the wiper blade 14 performs one reciprocating wiping operation to wipe the windshield glass WG and perform a series of operations. finish.

The controller 30 controls the wiper motor 32 so that the wiping speed of the wiper blade 14 when performing the visibility obstruction releasing operation is slower than the wiping speed when the wiper switch 38 is operated in rainy weather. You may. By setting the wiping speed slower than in rainy weather, the visibility obstruction removal performance can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the injection direction of the washer fluid intersects with the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12 (the traveling direction of the wiper blade 14), the injection pressure is changed to make the windshield glass WG uniform. The washer fluid can be distributed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the washer fluid is sprayed to the side opposite to the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12 (outward rotation direction in FIG. 5A) while wiping the wiper arm 12. By changing the injection pressure, the injection trajectory of the washer fluid (the trace connecting the water landing points of the washer fluid) meanders. As a result, the washer fluid can be uniformly sprayed on the entire surface of the windshield glass WG. The injection pressure at this time changes periodically as shown in FIG. 5B by controlling the drive voltage, for example. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (A), during one reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper arm 12 in the initial operation, as shown in FIGS. 5 (B) and 5 (C), the first washer pump 34 and By periodically changing the drive duty of each of the second washer pumps 35, the pressure of the washer fluid is changed to inject the washer fluid. As a result, the injection locus of the washer liquid meanders according to the rotation of the wiper arm 12, and the washer liquid can be uniformly injected onto the windshield glass WG. Subsequently, in the reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper arm 12 in the first operation, the injection of the washer fluid in the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12 is stopped, and the drive duty of the washer pump on the side opposite to the rotation direction is periodically changed. .. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5A, the washer fluid can be meandered and sprayed in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12. Then, in the final reciprocation of the wiper arm 12 in the second operation, the application of the voltage to the washer pump is stopped and the wiper blade 14 performs the wiping operation.

Subsequently, a specific process performed by the controller 30 of the vehicle wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the controller 30 of the vehicle wiper device 10 according to the present embodiment. The process of FIG. 7 is started when the visibility obstruction release mode switch 40 is operated, but the process is not limited to this. For example, it may be started when a visibility obstruction of the windshield glass WG is detected from a photographed image taken by a photographing device such as a camera. That is, a predetermined signal including at least one signal of the visual field obstruction release mode switch 40 operation signal, the visual field obstruction detection signal, and the visual field obstruction release operation instruction signal from the external terminal 45 received by the external receiver 43. Starts when a signal is detected.

In step 100, the controller 30 determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped. In the determination, the controller 30 acquires vehicle information such as a shift position detection result, a vehicle speed detection result, an acceleration detection result, etc. from the vehicle ECU 42, and whether or not the vehicle is stopped from the acquired vehicle information. Is determined. If the determination is denied, the process is terminated without performing the visibility obstruction release operation, and if the determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 102. That is, in the present embodiment, when the vehicle is stopped, the visibility obstruction release operation is performed by performing the subsequent processing.

In step 102, the controller 30 starts the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14 and controls to inject the washer liquid to both the outward path direction side and the return path direction side, and proceeds to step 104. That is, the controller 30 controls to drive the wiper motor 32, the first washer pump 34, and the second washer pump 35. As a result, the washer fluid is ejected from the first main nozzle 18 and the first sub nozzle 21 by the first washer pump 34 while performing the wiping operation, and the washer fluid is ejected from the second main nozzle 20 and the second sub nozzle 22 by the second washer pump 35. It is sprayed. At this time, when controlling the first washer pump 34 and the second washer pump 35, the washer fluid is injected by changing the injection pressure by periodically changing the duty ratio of the applied voltage or the like. Specifically, the controller 30 applies the voltage shown in FIG. 6 (C) to the first washer pump 34 and applies the voltage shown in FIG. 6 (B) to the second washer pump 35 while driving the wiper motor 32. Control to do. As a result, the injection trajectory of the washer fluid meanders and can be uniformly injected onto the front surface of the windshield glass WG, and visibility obstructions such as dirt can be efficiently removed.

In step 104, the controller 30 determines whether or not the rotation of the wiper arm 12 has been completed once. The determination determines whether or not the initial operation is completed based on the detection result of a sensor or the like that detects the position of the rotating shaft provided on the wiper motor 32. Then, until the determination is affirmed, the wiping operation and the injection of the washer fluid are continued, and then the process proceeds to step 106.

In step 106, the controller 30 stops the injection of the washer fluid on the outward route direction side, and controls the controller 30 to perform the wiping operation in the outward route direction while injecting the washer fluid on the return route direction side, and proceeds to step 108. That is, the controller 30 stops applying the voltage to the first washer pump 34 as shown in FIG. 6 (C) while driving the wiper motor 32, and applies the voltage shown in FIG. 6 (B) to the second washer pump 35. Control to apply. As a result, the washer fluid can be injected in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade 14 during the outbound wiping operation, and the injection locus can be meandered.

In step 108, the controller 30 determines whether or not the wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12 has rotated to the upward reversal position. The determination is made based on the detection result of a sensor or the like that detects the position of the rotating shaft provided in the wiper motor 32, waits until the determination is affirmed, and proceeds to step 110.

In step 110, the controller 30 controls to switch the injection direction of the washer fluid to the outward path direction side and perform the wiping operation on the return path direction side, and proceeds to step 112. That is, the controller 30 stops applying the voltage to the second washer pump 35 as shown in FIG. 6B while driving the wiper motor 32, and applies the voltage shown in FIG. 6C to the first washer pump 34. Control to apply. As a result, the washer fluid can be ejected to the side opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade 14 to meander the injection locus even in the wiping operation of the return path.

In step 112, the controller 30 determines whether or not the wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12 has rotated to the downward reversal position. In the determination, it is determined whether or not the first operation is completed based on the detection result of the sensor or the like that detects the position of the rotating shaft provided in the wiper motor 32, and the determination is waited until the determination is affirmed in step 114. Move to. In this way, by injecting the washer fluid on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper arm 12 while performing the wiping operation by the wiper blade 14, the washer fluid can be effectively contributed to the removal of visibility obstructions such as dirt. ..

In step 114, the controller 30 controls to stop the injection of the washer fluid and perform the wiping operation, and proceeds to step 116. That is, the controller 30 stops applying the voltage to the first washer pump 34 and the second washer pump 35, and controls the wiper motor 32 to continue driving.

In step 116, the controller 30 determines whether or not the rotation of the wiper arm 12 has been completed once. In the determination, it is determined whether or not the second operation is completed based on the detection result of the sensor or the like that detects the position of the rotating shaft provided in the wiper motor 32, and the washer fluid is injected until the determination is affirmed. After continuing the wiping operation without performing the above, the process proceeds to step 118. That is, the washer liquid sprayed on the windshield glass WG can be wiped off by performing one reciprocating wiping operation without spraying the washer liquid. In the present embodiment, the wiping operation of the washer fluid is performed without injecting the washer fluid as the second operation, but the wiping operation is performed while injecting the washer fluid toward the traveling direction side of the wiper blade 14. You may perform the wiping operation with.

In step 118, the controller 30 controls the wiper motor 32 so as to stop the wiping operation, and ends a series of visual field obstruction release operations.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the washer fluid is sprayed at least in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade 14 while performing the wiping operation, so that the sprayed washer fluid is not immediately removed and the visibility of the washer fluid is obstructed. It can contribute effectively to things. This makes it possible to improve the performance of removing visibility obstructions such as dirt.

In the above embodiment, as the view obstruction release operation, as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) to 6 (C), the injection of the washer fluid is controlled according to the rotation of the wiper arm 12, but the view. The inhibitor release operation is not limited to this. For example, the first operation of the above embodiment may be omitted and the initial operation and the second operation may be performed. Alternatively, the first operation of the above embodiment may be the same operation as the initial operation. Alternatively, the wiping operation of the wiper blade 14 in the outward rotation direction injects the washer fluid to the return rotation side, and the wiping operation of the wiper blade 14 in the return rotation direction injects the washer fluid or the washer fluid to the return rotation side. One round-trip wiping operation that prevents spraying may be applied. Alternatively, control may be performed as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C. That is, in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the wiping operation in the outward rotation direction of the initial operation drives the first washer pump 34 and the second washer pump 35 to drive the wiper arm 12 in the outward rotation direction and the return rotation. The washer fluid is sprayed on both sides in the moving direction. Then, in the wiping operation in the return rotation direction of the initial operation, only the first washer pump 34 is driven to perform the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade 14. After that, control is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

Further, in the above embodiment, the initial operation, the first operation, and the second operation are each made one round-trip wiping operation, but the wiping operation is not limited to one round-trip wiping operation, and for example, a plurality of round-trip wiping operations. May be.

Further, in the above embodiment, the washer fluid is injected in the direction intersecting the rotation direction of the wiper arm 12, and the injection pressure of the washer pump is changed to meander the injection locus of the washer fluid. It is not limited to this. For example, the injection angle of the nozzle that injects the washer fluid can be changed by driving various actuators, and the actuator is driven so as to change the injection angle of the washer nozzle according to the rotation of the wiper arm 12. The trajectory may meander. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a configuration in which the washer liquid is injected at a constant injection pressure may be applied without meandering the injection locus of the washer liquid.

Further, the above embodiment may further include a configuration in which the wiping range by the wiper blade 14 can be changed. For example, the configuration of the vehicle wiper device 11 shown in FIG. 10 may be applied. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle wiper device 11 in which the wiping range of the wiper blade 14 can be changed. The same configuration as that of the above embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, in FIG. 10, the first main nozzle 18, the second main nozzle 20, the first sub nozzle 21, and the second sub nozzle 22 are omitted. Further, since FIG. 10 shows the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, the right side of the vehicle (left side of FIG. 10) is the driver's seat side, and the left side of the vehicle (right side of FIG. 10) is the passenger seat side. When the vehicle is a left-hand drive vehicle, the left side of the vehicle (right side in FIG. 10) is the driver's seat side, and the right side of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 10) is the passenger seat side. Further, when the vehicle is a left-hand steering wheel vehicle, the configuration of the vehicle wiper device 11 is reversed left and right. Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle wiper device 11 capable of changing the wiping range will be briefly described.

In the vehicle wiper device 11 of the example of FIG. 10, a pair of wiper arms 12, a wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12, a first wiper motor 32A, a second wiper motor 32B as a change portion, and a controller 30 And are configured to include.

The first wiper motor 32A reciprocates each of the pair of wiper arms 12 on the windshield glass WG by rotating the output shafts in the forward and reverse directions within a range of a predetermined rotation angle. For example, when the first wiper motor 32A rotates in the forward direction, the wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12 operates so as to wipe the upper inverted position from the lower inverted position. Further, when the first wiper motor 32A rotates in the reverse direction, the wiper blade 14 connected to the tip of the wiper arm 12 operates so as to wipe from the upper reverse position to the lower reverse position.

The second wiper motor 32B is a drive source that apparently expands and contracts the wiper arm 12 on the passenger seat side, and the wiping range can be changed to the wiping ranges Z1 and Z2 by driving the second wiper motor 32B.

As a specific mechanism for changing the wiping range, for example, a link mechanism 52 having a substantially parallel quadrilateral shape is provided on the wiper arm 12 on the passenger seat side. The link mechanism 52 is composed of a first drive lever 54, a second drive lever 56, a driven lever 58, and an arm head 12A to form a substantially parallel quadrilateral link mechanism 52.

The first drive lever 54 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 11 (A) and 11 (B) about the axis of the rotating shaft 54A provided on one end side in conjunction with the rotation of the first wiper motor 32A. The other end side of the first drive lever 54 is rotatably connected to one end side of the driven lever 58. The other end side of the driven lever 58 is rotatably connected to the lower end side of the arm head 12A.

Further, the second drive lever 56 rotates in the direction of the arrow B in FIGS. 11 (A) and 11 (B) around the axis of the rotating shaft 54A in conjunction with the rotation of the second wiper motor 32B. The negative end side of the second drive lever 56 is rotatably connected to the arm head 12A.

That is, by the rotation of the first wiper motor 32A, the wiper arm 12 reciprocates by the link mechanism 52 with the connection portion between the second drive lever 56 and the arm head 12A as the rotation center. Then, by driving the second wiper motor 32B, the second drive lever 56 rotates and the rotation center of the reciprocating rotation of the wiper arm 12 (the connection portion between the second drive lever 56 and the arm head 12A) moves to move the wiper arm. 12 apparently expands and contracts. For example, FIG. 11A shows a state when the rotation angle of the first drive lever 54 is an angle α and the rotation angle of the second drive lever 56 is an angle β, and FIG. 11B shows a state when the rotation angle of the first drive lever 56 is an angle β. The state when the rotation angle of 54 is the angle α and the rotation angle of the second drive lever 56 is the angle γ is shown. As shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the wiper arm 12 can be apparently expanded and contracted by rotating the second drive lever 56. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the rotation angle of the second wiper motor 32B (position of the second drive lever 56) is increased according to the rotation angle of the first wiper motor 32A (position of the first drive lever 54). ) Can be changed to the wiping ranges Z1 and Z2. The rotation of the first wiper motor 32A (first drive lever 54) and the rotation of the second wiper motor 32B (second drive lever 56) are separated from each other, and the rotation of the first drive lever 54 and the second drive are separated. The structure is such that the rotation of the lever 56 does not affect each other. More specifically, one end of the first drive lever 54 is fixed to a rotating shaft (not shown) that is rotated by the rotation of the first wiper motor 32A, and the other end of the second drive lever 56 is the second wiper motor 32B. It is fixed to a rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates by the rotation of. The rotating shafts are coaxial with each other, and the rotation of one rotating shaft does not affect the rotation of the other rotating shaft.

In the above embodiment, a mode is described in which two washer pumps (first washer pump 34 and second washer pump 35) inject washer fluid into the outward rotation direction side and the return rotation direction side of the wiper arm 12. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the washer fluid may be injected into each of the outward rotation direction side and the return rotation direction side of the wiper arm 12 by a mechanism such as switching the path of the washer fluid by using a single washer pump.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first main nozzle 18, the second main nozzle 20, the first sub nozzle 21, and the second sub nozzle 22 are provided on the wiper arm 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any nozzle or all nozzles may be provided on the wiper blade 14, or may be provided on both the wiper arm 12 and the wiper blade 14.

Further, in the above embodiment, the wiper device having the configuration of moving the wiper blade 14 to the storage position below the vehicle from the downward reversal position has been described as an example, but the wiper having the configuration where the storage position and the downward reversal position are the same. The device may be applied.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first main nozzle 18 and the second main nozzle 20 each have three injection holes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two may be provided for each, or four or more may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first sub-nozzle 21 and the second sub-nozzle 22 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the first sub-nozzle 21 and the second sub-nozzle 22 are not provided.

Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified and implemented within a range not deviating from the gist thereof.

10, 11 ... Vehicle wiper device, 12 ... Wiper arm, 14 ... Wiper blade, 18 ... 1st main nozzle, 20 ... 2nd main nozzle, 21 1st sub nozzle, 22 ... 2nd sub-nozzle, 30 ... controller, 32 ... wiper motor, 32A ... 1st wiper motor, 32B ... 2nd wiper motor, 34 ... 1st washer pump, 35 ... 2nd washer pump , 40 ... Visibility obstruction release mode switch, 42 ... Vehicle ECU, 50 ... Control device

Claims (7)

A wiper motor that wipes the wiped surface with a wiper blade connected to the tip of the wiper arm,
An injection unit provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm and provided with a first injection unit that injects in the outward rotation direction side and a second injection unit that injects in the return route rotation direction side.
A washer pump for jetting a washer fluid to the wiping surface from the jet unit by pumping a washer fluid to the jet unit,
The washer fluid is introduced into either the first injection unit or the second injection unit by a mechanism for switching the path of the washer fluid supplied from the washer pump, or the washer fluid is supplied to the first injection unit. A direction control unit that drives only one of the washer pump and the washer pump that supplies the washer fluid to the second injection unit to control the direction in which the washer fluid is injected from the injection unit.
When a predetermined signal is detected, the first operation of performing the wiping operation while injecting the washer fluid on the side opposite to the traveling direction side of the wiper blade during the wiping operation is executed. A control unit that controls the wiper motor, the washer pump, and the direction control unit,
With
The wiper motor, the wiper motor, the said, so that the control unit executes the wiping operation without injecting the washer fluid or the second operation of injecting the washer liquid toward the traveling direction side after the first operation. A wiper device for a vehicle that controls a washer pump and the direction control unit. A wiper motor that wipes the wiped surface with a wiper blade connected to the tip of the wiper arm,
An injection unit provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm and provided with a first injection unit that injects in the outward rotation direction side and a second injection unit that injects in the return route rotation direction side.
A washer pump for jetting a washer fluid to the wiping surface from the jet unit by pumping a washer fluid to the jet unit,
The washer fluid is introduced into either the first injection unit or the second injection unit by a mechanism for switching the path of the washer fluid supplied from the washer pump, or the washer fluid is supplied to the first injection unit. A direction control unit that drives only one of the washer pump and the washer pump that supplies the washer fluid to the second injection unit to control the direction in which the washer fluid is injected from the injection unit.
When a predetermined signal is detected, the first operation of performing the wiping operation while injecting the washer fluid on the side opposite to the traveling direction side of the wiper blade during the wiping operation is executed. A control unit that controls the wiper motor, the washer pump, and the direction control unit,
A meandering part that meanders the injection trajectory of the washer liquid when the washer liquid is injected from the injection part.
Wiper device for vehicles equipped with. The vehicle wiper device according to claim 1, further comprising a meandering portion that meanders the injection locus of the washer fluid when the washer fluid is injected from the injection portion. The washer fluid can be injected in each of the directions in which the injection unit intersects the traveling direction of the wiper blade on the traveling direction side and in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wiper blade on the opposite direction side.
The vehicle wiper device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the meandering portion controls the washer pump so that the injection pressure of the washer fluid changes when the washer fluid is injected from the injection portion. The angle at which the injection unit injects the washer fluid on each of the traveling direction side and the opposite direction side can be changed.
When the meandering unit injects the washer liquid from the injection unit, the meandering unit controls the injection unit so as to change the angle at which the washer liquid is injected on each of the traveling direction side and the opposite direction side of the injection unit. The vehicle wiper device according to claim 2 or 3. Claims 1 to 5 that the control unit controls the wiper motor, the washer pump, and the direction control unit so as to perform the wiping operation while injecting the washer liquid also on the traveling direction side as the first operation. The vehicle wiper device according to any one of the above. Further provided with a changing portion for changing the wiping range of the wiping surface by the wiper blade.
The vehicle wiper device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit further controls the changing unit so as to perform the wiping operation while changing the wiping range.