JPH03128748A - Wiper control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To add an automatic wiper function by providing a second control means which is located between a drive means and a first control means and feed a power to the source input terminal of the drive means so that, when the first control means in a state to be selected by a second operation mode, a wiper is brought into an operation state responding to a rainfall state. CONSTITUTION:A control device 3 (second control means) is located between an existing switch circuit 1 (first control means) and a wiper motor 2 (drive means). When a wiper switch 11 is set to an IMT mode being an intermittent mode, a capacitor C1a is charged, in order, through a contact INT1, a contact INT2, a diode D1, and a diode resistor R1C, and when a voltage is increased to a value higher than a given value, a transistor Tr1 is energized. As a result, L1 is excited, a switch S1 is changed over, and a voltage IG is fed to a constant voltage circuit 30. When a power is energized in a manner described above, a control circuit 31 detects the switching state of the switch 11 and performs auto wiper control operation based on an output from a raindrop sensor 4 through a waveform shaping circuit 34.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Overview A first operating mode in which a wiper blade is continuously driven;
a second operation mode of intermittent driving is manually selected;
In a wiper control device that selectively supplies power to at least two types of power input terminals, one for low speed and one for high speed, of a drive means to drive a wiper blade in a forward and backward direction so as to achieve the selected operation mode, 1311) It: A second control means is interposed between the ¥- stage and the driving means. This second
The control means controls the driving means so as to be in the first mode (when the wholesale means is selected in the second dynamic mode), the driving means is in the dynamic state corresponding to the rain condition detected based on the output of the raindrop detection means. Power is supplied to the low-speed power supply input terminal.In this way, by adding the second control means to the first control means, a so-called auto wiper function can be achieved.

Further, the second ii control means directs the output of the cam switch to the first control means when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop detection means, and drives the drive means at predetermined intermittent times, so that when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop detection means, The present invention ensures intermittent operation, industrial application field.
The present invention relates to a so-called automatic wiper control +31 device that controls a wiper, and more particularly to a configuration for adding an automatic wiper function to a wiper control device that does not have an automatic wiper control function.

Existing wiper control that does not include Ct's latest technology and wiper function'
In order to reduce the size of the device, the device includes a wiper switch that selects the wiper operation mode and a control circuit that performs the wiper operation according to the setting state of the switch.
It is arranged on one printed circuit board and is constructed as one piece. In order to add a new automatic wiper function to this wiper system (wholesale equipment), it is necessary to detect that the wiper switch is set to intermittent mode, and also to respond to rain conditions detected based on the output of the raindrop sensor. A new control circuit was developed to calculate the intermittent period and control the wiper operation.
It is necessary to add 1.

However, as described above, the existing control circuit and wiper switch are integrated, and therefore it is difficult to detect the setting state of the wiper switch from the outside. For this reason, in typical prior art, when adding a configuration for automatic wiper operation, a dedicated switch for automatic wiper operation is separately added.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, in order to operate the auto wiper, the existing wiper switch (manual operation) must be set to intermittent mode, and a dedicated switch for the newly added auto wiper must be operated. Additionally, the presence of the two switches in different positions is confusing and provides poor operability.

In addition, in order to add a dedicated switch for the auto wiper,
Problems arise, such as the need to modify the area around the added auto wiper, and the shape of the added auto wiper dedicated switch and the existing wiper switch not being in balance.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper control device that can add an auto wiper function without adding a dedicated switch.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides a driving means for moving a wiper blade back and forth and comprising at least two types of power input terminals, one for low speed and one for high speed, and continuously driving the wiper blade. A first operating mode and a second operating mode of intermittent driving are manually selected, and a first control means for selectively supplying power to each power input terminal of the driving means; The switching state changes depending on whether or not the wiper blade is in a predetermined rest position, and when the first control means selects the stop mode while the wiper blade is being driven, the wiper blade is in the rest position. a cam switch for supplying power to the driving means until returning; a raindrop detection means; interposed between the driving means and the first means, responsive to the switching state of the cam switch;
When the suppression means is selected in the second r1=mode,
a second control means for supplying power to the power input terminal of the drive means so as to be in an operating state corresponding to the rain state detected based on the output of the raindrop detection means, the second control means: When an abnormality occurs in the rT7 drop detection means, the output of the cam switch is directly led to the first control I means, and the wiper system is characterized in that the drive means is driven at predetermined intermittent times. be.

Further, in the present invention, the first control means includes a first control means and a second control means.
It is equipped with a plurality of contacts that are in a switching state corresponding to the dynamic f1 mode, and the impedance in the circuit changes according to the switching state of the contacts.
The present invention is characterized in that a test pulse is derived to the first control means, and the switching state is detected based on a change in the level of a contact in the first control means, which changes depending on each of the operating modes.

Function &1 According to the present invention, the first control means continuously drives the wiper blade when the first operation mode is selected, and drives the wiper blade intermittently when the second operation mode is selected. In this way, power is selectively supplied to at least 2FIi class power input terminals for low speed and high speed use of the driving means.

Between the first control means and the drive means there is a second control means according to the present invention.
ml D11 means are interposed, the second control means being powered r= by the power to be supplied to the low speed power input terminal of the drive means.

On the other hand, a cam switch is provided in connection with the driving means, and the switching state of this cam switch changes depending on whether or not the wiper blade is at a predetermined rest position. When the unloading means is selected to the stop mode, power continues to be supplied to the drive means until the wiper blade is retracted to the rest position.

The first control means is provided with a plurality of contacts for switching switching states in accordance with the first and second operation modes, and the second control means is configured to switch between the first and second operation modes. Deriving test pulses to the wholesale means. Thereby, the second control means 3i1 detects the switching state of the first control means based on the change in the level of the test pulse due to the impedance within the first control means, which changes in accordance with the switching state.

As a result of the detection, when the first control means is selected in the second operation mode, the second control means is responsive to the force l and the switching state of the switch, and detects raindrops based on the output of the raindrop detection means. Power is supplied to the power supply input terminal of the driving means so that the operating state corresponds to the rainfall conditions.In this way, the wiper switch can be operated without adding a new dedicated auto wiper switch to the existing wiper switch. It is possible to detect the switching state and realize auto-fiber operation.

Further, the second control means directs the output of the cam switch to the first control means when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop detection means, and drives the drive means at predetermined intermittent times. Ensure operation.

Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. Existing switch circuit 1 which is the first control means
By interposing the control device 3, which is the second control stage 11, between the wiper switch 11 and the wiper motor 2, when the wiper switch 11 is set to the intermittent mode NT mode, the rain detected by the raindrop sensor 4 is The wiper blade is driven at a wiping interval that corresponds to the state, achieving automatic wiper operation.

Therefore, in the existing wiper control device, the terminal +1d connected to the low speed power input terminal P1 of the motor 21 is the terminal of the switch circuit 1 → -1a
The terminal +2 d connected to the high-speed power input terminal P2 is connected to the terminal +2a of the switch circuit ■, and the terminal +S d connected to the common contact S2a of the cam switch 22 is the terminal of the switch circuit l. +Sa is connected.

The switch circuit 1 includes a wiper switch 11 and a circuit connected to the wiper switch 1 on one printed circuit board. + 1 a changes in potential. Power is supplied from the battery 6 to the terminal B a via the ignition key switch 5, and the terminal Ga is grounded.

The wiper switch 11 can be set to four operating modes: OFF, INT, LO, and HI. OF
When set to F mode, wiper operation is suspended. When set to the INT mode, which is the second dynamic fii mode, the wiper blade is driven at a wiping interval corresponding to the rain condition. When set to the first operating mode, LO mode t3, and HI mode, the wiper blade is driven continuously.
It is driven at low speed in LO mode and at high speed in HI mode.

In this FIG. 1, the wiper switch 1■ shows the connection state of the contacts in each of the above-mentioned operation modes, that is, in the OFF mode, the contacts +1 and +S conduct, and the contacts 1NTl and B1 conduct, and in the INT mode, the contacts +1 and +S conduct. Then, contacts +1 and +S conduct, and contacts lNTl and I
NT2 is electrically conductive, contact B and +1 are electrically conductive in the LO mode, and contact B and +2 are electrically conductive in the HI mode.

When the wiper switch 11 is set to the OFF mode, the constant voltage circuit 30 in the control device 3 is connected to the terminal +1.
b-terminal +I El-contact +1 to contact +S-contact 5la
- The voltage IG of the battery 6 via the ignition key switch 5 is applied through the contact 5lc one terminal + Sa one terminal + sb - low resistance R2 - resistor R1 one terminal + Bb. , due to flow restriction,
Sufficient power is not supplied to energize the automatic wiper control circuit 31, which performs immediate operation, and therefore the automatic wiper control circuit 31 is in a dormant state.

In the OFF mode, one terminal of the capacitor C1 is connected via resistors R1 and R2, and the other terminal is connected to resistors R1rt and R1b for setting the intermittent time, and the resistor R
1a, connected in parallel to R1b, the resistors R1a,
Since the voltage IG is applied via the resistor R1e having a resistance value smaller than the resistance value of R1b, the capacitor C1 is discharging.

Therefore, when fiber switch ll is set to INT mode, contact rNT1-contact TNT2 diode Di
- The capacitor C1a is charged via the resistor R1c, and when the capacitor C1a becomes fully charged and the voltage between the terminals becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the transistor T r l becomes conductive.

This excites the relay coil L1, switches the relay switch Sl, and terminal + Ba - contact 51b - contact 5la - contact + S - contact + 1 terminal + la terminal + 1 b
The voltage IG is supplied to the constant voltage l18i1 circuit 3° via
is supplied. When the power t- is applied to the υ11 wholesaler 31 in this way, it detects the switching state of the wiper switch 11 as described later, and when it is in the INT mode, it detects the raindrop sensor 4 via the waveform shaping circuit 34. The automatic wiper control operation is performed based on the output from the controller.

Note that, as described above, the resistor R1e is connected in parallel to the resistors R1b and 'R1a in the OFF mode to reduce the time constant for charging the capacitor c1. therefore,
The setting mode of the wiper switch 11 is I N'l'-0F.
Even if the capacitor C1 is once discharged, as in the case of switching to F-I NT, it can be quickly charged, and thereby the control circuit 31 can be started up quickly.

The output of the control circuit 31 during auto wiper operation is sent to the relay coil L3 via the diodes D3a and D4a, respectively.
．． It is derived to L4. That is, during low-speed wiper driving, relay coil L3 is excited and relay coil L4 is demagnetized. As a result, power from the battery 6 is supplied to the low-speed power input terminal P1 of the motor 21 via the terminal +Bb-contact 53b-contact 53a-contact S4a-contact 54c one terminal +1c one terminal +1d. be done. Also, when driving the wiper at high speed, relay coil L3. Both L4 are excited, and power is supplied to the high speed power input terminal P2 of the motor 21. Furthermore, at the time of intermittent operation, relay coil L3
．． Both L4 are demagnetized.

When the wiper switch 11 is set to the LO mode, the voltage IG is supplied to the constant voltage circuit 30 via the terminal 10Ba, the contact 10B, the contact +1, the terminal +1a, and the terminal +1b. As a result, the control +i circuit 31 receives 11 power, detects the switching state of the wiper switch 11 as described above, and when in the LO mode, relay coil L is activated so as to continuously drive the motor 21 at low speed.
3 is held in an excited state.

When the wiper switch 11 is set to the HI mode, main power is not supplied to the constant voltage circuit 30, and the control circuit 31 is in a rest state. However, via terminal + B 2L - contact B - contact + 2 one terminal + 2a one terminal + - 2b - diodes D3b, D4b, relay coil L3. Power is supplied to L4 and it is excited, and the power from battery 6 is
Terminal Bb-Contact 53b-Contact 53a-Contact 54a-
Motor 2 via contact S4b terminal +20 and terminal +2d
It is supplied to the high-speed power input terminal P2 of No. 1.

The wiper motor 2 is integrally configured with a motor 21 and a cam switch 22, and the cam 23 of the cam switch 22 rotates in accordance with the wiping position of the wiper blade. When the wiper blade is in the rest position and the motor 21 is stopped, the common contact S2a of the cam switch 22 becomes the individual contact S2c.
Therefore, the terminal +Sc of the control device 3 is connected to the terminal Gd connected to the ground terminal PG of the motor 21 via the terminal +Sd-contact 52a-contact S2c, and is set to the ground potential. When the force 11 switch 22 is rotated, for example, by 30 degrees or more, the common contact S2a becomes the individual contact S
Therefore, the voltage IG of the battery 6 supplied to the terminal +Bd is derived from the terminal +Sd.

In the INT mode and the L○ mode, the potential of the terminal +S of the control device 3 is the same as that of the contact 5 of the relay switch S5.
5a - control circuit 3 from contact S5b via processing circuit n32
1, and the control circuit 31 continues to excite the relay coil L3 during the wiping operation of the wiper blade to return the wiper blade to the rest position.

Further, when the wiper switch 11 is turned to the OFF mode with the wiper blade away from the rest position, the power supply to the control circuit 31 is cut off in the INT mode and the L◯ mode. -), the supply of excitation current to relay coil L3 via diode D3a is stopped, and in HI mode, diode D3b
, D4b via relay coil L3. The supply of excitation current to L4 is stopped, whereby the common contact S3a of the relay switch S3 conducts to the individual contact S3c, and the common contact S4a of the relay switch S4 becomes connected to the individual contact S/I C
, and thus the wiper blade is in the rest position.
Power is continued to be supplied to the low-speed power input terminal P1 of the motor 21 until the end of summer.

On the other hand, the raindrop sensor 4 is configured using, for example, a pair of light receiving and emitting elements, and obtains a detection output corresponding to the rain state by the raindrops passing through an optical path formed between the light receiving and emitting elements. The detection output is input to the control circuit 31 via the waveform shaping circuit 34 as a signal signal.

Further, within the m-droplet sensor 4, a circuit is provided for maintaining the light reception level of the light receiving element at a constant value when no raindrops are detected, that is, for offsetting the level of light received by the light receiving element. When the detection output from the light-receiving element decreases due to dirt adhering to the lens interposed in the optical path, this circuit
The amount of light emitted by the light emitting element is increased and the offset operation is performed.

However, when the optical path is completely blocked by mud, dust, etc., it cannot be absorbed by the above-mentioned offline operation, and therefore, the m-appropriate sensor 4 outputs a fail message indicating that an abnormality has occurred. A safe signal is derived. This failsafe signal is input to the control circuit 31 via the processing circuit 37 and is also given to the drive circuit 38.

If an abnormality occurs in the raindrop sensor 4 in this way while the wiper switch 11 is set to the INT mode, the drive circuit 38 excites the relay coil L5, and the common contact S5a of the relay switch S5 is thereby individually Contact S
Conducts to 5e. Therefore, the potential of the common contact S2a of the cam switch 22 is input to the switch circuit 1 via the terminal + Sd one terminal + Sc - contact S5a one terminal + sb one terminal + Sa. Further, at this time, the control circuit 31 can excite/demagnetize the relay coil L3 via the diode D3a at predetermined intermittent times, thereby ensuring intermittent operation.

As mentioned above, when the wiper switch 11 is set to the LO mode and the INT mode, the constant voltage circuit 3
0, the control circuit 31 detects the switching state of the wiper switch 11 as follows, performs auto wiper control operation when in INT mode, and controls the motor when in LO mode. 21 is driven continuously at low speed.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for explaining the connection state within the switch circuit 1 when the wiper switch 11 is set to the INT mode or the LO mode.

``From the control circuit 31, as shown in FIG. 3 (1),
For example, pulse width 25 seconds, pulse interval 200119
A low level pulse of ee is derived, this pulse is inverted as shown in FIG. Ru.

This pulse is applied to the contacts lNT1 and I of the wiper switch 11.
When the diode Di is conductive to NT2, the diode Di
, resistors R1c, R1d, and a transistor Tri.

That is, from an AC point of view, when the LO mode is set, the pulse from the pulse generation circuit 33 is
As shown in Figure (1), the resistor R2, the resistor R1b,
The voltage is divided by R1a and appears at terminal +sb. Also INT
When the mode is set, as shown in FIG. 4 (2), the voltage is divided by the resistor R2, the combined impedance of the resistors R1b, R1a, and the relay drive circuit 18, and appears at the terminal +sb.

Therefore, the peak value VL in INT mode is as shown in Fig. 3 (
As shown in 3), it becomes a small value, for example IV,
On the other hand, the peak value VH in LO mode is as shown in Fig. 3 (4
) is a high value, for example 3■.

By comparing these peak values VL and VH with a reference voltage V□ predetermined by the level discrimination circuit 35, the setting mode of the wiper switch 11 can be read.

In the level discrimination circuit 35, the input voltage is divided by, for example, 1/2 in a zero voltage dividing circuit composed of, for example, a voltage dividing circuit, a comparator, and a reference voltage source, and the reference voltage V□ is, for example, 1/2. ．． Set to IV.

In FIG. 5, wiper switch 11 is in INT mode or L
It is a flowchart for explaining the operation when set to O mode. In step nl, an abnormality of the raindrop sensor 4 is detected based on the output from the processing circuit 37, and when no abnormality is detected, a test pulse is derived from the pulse control circuit 33 in step n2.

In step n3, it is determined whether the wiper switch 11 is set to the LO mode based on the discrimination result in the level discrimination circuit 35, and if so, the 5 relay coil L3 is continuously excited in step n4. , after the motor 21 is driven continuously at low speed, step ? Return to l. Further, when the wiper switch 11 is set to the INT mode in step r13, the relay coil L3 is
After L4 is energized/demagnetized and auto wiper control operation 0: is performed, the process returns to step n1.

When an abnormality is detected in the raindrop sensor 4 in step n1, the process moves to step n6, where the relay coil L5 is excited and the output of the cam switch 22 is directly input to the switch circuit 1. In step r17, relay coil L3
is excited by the switch circuit 281 for a predetermined intermittent time, and then the relay coil L1 of the switch circuit 1 is demagnetized and power is no longer supplied to the constant voltage circuit 30, so the relay coil L3 is demagnetized and the wiper is stopped.

In this way, in the wiper control device according to the present invention, a control device 3 for adding an auto wiper function is provided between the existing switch circuit 1 and the wiper motor 2. The setting mode of the wiper switch 11 can be detected, and therefore there is no need to provide a dedicated switch for the auto wiper separately from the existing wiper switch 11. Therefore, the setting mode of the dedicated switch can be detected without causing confusion for the operator. It eliminates the need for setbacks due to expansion, simplifies installation work, and does not damage the aesthetics.

Furthermore, since the control circuit 31 that performs the auto wiper control operation is energized only when the wiper switch 11 is in the INT mode and the LO mode, the OF
In the F mode O3 and the HI mode, the control circuit 31 is put into a rest state, so that a fail-safe function can be ensured in the event of a malfunction due to runaway of the control circuit 31 or the like.

In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop sensor 4, the cam switch 2
2 is directly input to the switch circuit 1, and the motor 21 is driven at predetermined intermittent times, so even when the raindrop sensor 4 is abnormal, it is possible to ensure intermittent operation at least at regular intervals. This makes it possible to ensure a fail-safe function in the event of an abnormality in the raindrop sensor 4.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the previously described embodiment and corresponding parts have the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop sensor 4, the processing circuit 3
A signal similar to the output signal of the cam switch 22 inputted via the pulse generating circuit 33 is outputted to the terminal +sb via the pulse generating circuit 33. Therefore, the constant voltage circuit 30/\ is connected to terminal 10B.
1-), and the potential of the contact +1 of the wiper switch 11 is the terminal +13.
It is detected by the three processing circuits via one terminal +1b and is input to the control circuit 31.

Therefore, the operation of this embodiment is as shown in FIG. 7, and is similar to the operation shown in FIG. 5, and corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals.

In step r+1, when an abnormality in the raindrop sensor 4 is detected, the process moves to step nil, and the output signal of the cam switch 22 inputted via the processing circuit 32 is passed directly to the terminal of the switch circuit 1 via the pulse generation circuit 33. +Sa
Derived as follows.

In step n12, the terminal +1 is connected via three processing circuits.
It is determined whether or not b is at a high level, that is, whether the wiper switch 11 is set to the INT mode. If so, intermittent wiper operation is performed in step n7, and if not, in step ri13. After the wiper operation is stopped, the process returns to step n1.

In this way, in this embodiment, the output corresponding to the output signal from the cam switch 22 is derived via the pulse generation circuit 33, so the configuration of the relay switch S5, relay coil 5, etc. described above is omitted. be able to.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, the second control means for performing an auto wiper operation is interposed between the first control means and the drive means of a wiper control device that does not have an auto wiper function,
This second control means derives an identification signal, a test pulse, etc. to the first control means and detects the switching state of the contact that changes the operating mode. Functions can be added.

Further, when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop detection means, the second control means directs the output of the cam switch to the first control means and drives the drive means at predetermined intermittent times, so that the raindrop detection means Intermittent operation when an error occurs
[can do.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a wiper control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows that the wiper switch 11 is
A circuit diagram for explaining the connection state in the switch circuit 1 when set to NT mode or LO mode, FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram for explaining the inspection operation for reading the setting mode of the wiper switch 11, Figure 4 shows the switch circuit l
Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a wiper control device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. 1... Switch circuit, 2... Wiper motor, 3...
-Control device, 4... Raindrop sensor, 5... Ignition key switch, 6... Battery, 11... Wiper switch, 30... Constant voltage circuit, 31... Control circuit, 32.37 39... Processing circuit, 33... Pulse generation circuit, 34... Waveform shaping circuit, 35... Level discrimination circuit, 38... Drive circuit

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A driving means for reciprocating the wiper blade and having at least two types of power input terminals for low speed and high speed; a first operation mode for continuously driving the wiper blade; and a first operation mode for driving the wiper blade intermittently; a second mode of operation is manually selected and a first control means for selectively supplying power to each power input terminal of the drive means; The switching state changes depending on whether the wiper blade is in the rest position, and when the first control means selects a stop mode while the wiper blade is being driven, power is supplied to the drive means until the wiper blade returns to the rest position. a cam switch, a raindrop detection means, and a first control means interposed between the driving means and the first control means, and responsive to a switching state of the cam switch, when the first control means is selected to a second operating mode; a second control means for supplying power to the power input terminal of the drive means so as to be in an operating state corresponding to the rain state detected based on the output of the raindrop detection means, the second control means: A wiper control device characterized in that when an abnormality occurs in the raindrop detection means, the output of the cam switch is directly led to the first control means, and the drive means is driven at predetermined intermittent times. (2) the first control means includes a plurality of contacts that are in switching states corresponding to the first and second operation modes;
The impedance in the circuit changes in response to the switching state of the contact, and the second control means derives a test pulse to the first control means,
2. The wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the switching state is detected based on a level change of a contact in the first control means, which changes depending on each of the operation modes.