Intelligent windscreen wiper system and control method

Abstract

According to the intelligent windscreen wiper system and the control method, the swing frequency and the bending tension of a windscreen wiper arm can be detected, and when the bending tension of the windscreen wiper arm is larger than a preset threshold value, the swing frequency of the windscreen wiper arm is controlled to be reduced till the bending tension of the windscreen wiper arm is smaller than or equal to the preset threshold value. Meanwhile, a prompt for controlling the vehicle speed is output to a user. Therefore, the problem that driving dangers are caused by the fact that the windscreen wiper is prone to breakage in use due to heavy rain and storm wind or long-term use can be solved, and the problem of driving risks or parking risks caused by overload stress breakage of the windscreen wiper is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, and in particular to an intelligent wiper system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The wiper is an important accessory installed on the windshield. Its function is to sweep away the rain, snow and dust on the windshield that obstructs the view. Therefore, it plays an important role in driving safety. The wiper switch of most models on sale is set on the lever on the right side behind the steering wheel, and the style is lever type. Push the push rod upwards, and the wiper starts to work in a continuous manner. After releasing the push rod, the push rod automatically returns to its original position and the wiper stops working.

[0003] In heavy rain and strong winds, in order to ensure visibility, the driver often pulls the push rod all the way down, and the wiper will work at high speed. However, if the wiper is operated at high speed for a long time in heavy wind and rain, or if the wiper is used for a long time, the wiper arm is easy to break. Once the wiper is damaged, the driver will not be able to see the road ahead clearly, which is very dangerous. And the driver's response measures are only to stop the vehicle on the spot to replace the wiper or wait for rescue. In heavy wind and rain or when driving on a highway, stopping and waiting is also prone to danger. At present, there is no relevant control system developed in the vehicle field to prevent wipers from breaking. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention provide an intelligent windshield wiper system and a control method to solve the problem in the related art that windshield wipers are prone to breakage during use in heavy rain and storm weather or when they are old, causing driving hazards.

[0005] In a first aspect, an intelligent wiper system is provided, comprising:

[0006] A windshield wiper, the windshield wiper comprising a windshield wiper arm;

[0007] A frequency detection device, used to detect the swing frequency of the wiper arm;

[0008] A tension detection device, used to detect the bending tension of the wiper arm;

[0009] a signal transmitting device, for transmitting the bending tension detected by the tension detecting device to the wiper control device;

[0010] A wiper control device, used to control the swing frequency of the wiper arm according to the bending tension of the wiper arm; wherein, when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than a preset threshold, the wiper control device controls to reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm until the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold;

[0011] The alarm prompt device is used to receive the alarm signal of the wiper control device when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than a preset threshold value, and output a prompt for controlling the vehicle speed to the user.

[0012] In some embodiments, the preset threshold is that the maximum bending tension that the wiper arm can withstand is N%, wherein N is a value in the interval [90, 100].

[0013] Through this embodiment, it can be ensured that when the wiper arm is in the maximum bending tension it can withstand, the wiper control device can intervene in time to reduce the bending tension on the wiper arm, thereby avoiding breakage of the wiper arm due to long-term overload bending tension.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tension detection device includes a plurality of tension sensors, and the tension sensors are evenly arranged on the wiper arm to detect the bending tension of the wiper arm.

[0015] Through this embodiment, it is possible to ensure real-time monitoring of the bending tensions exerted on multiple positions of the wiper arm, and the number of the tension sensors is reasonably adapted as required.

[0016] In some embodiments, the wiper control device includes a controller, which receives signals from the multiple tension sensors and obtains a maximum bending tension value in the signals from the multiple tension sensors for comparison with the preset threshold value.

[0017] In some embodiments, the signal transmission device is a wireless signal transmission device, preferably, one or more of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi can be used.

[0018] Through this embodiment, the signal is transmitted wirelessly, avoiding the wiring or damage problems caused by the wired method.

[0019] In some embodiments, the alarm prompt device includes a vehicle-mounted central control screen for receiving an alarm signal from the wiper control device, and outputting voice and / or image prompts for controlling the vehicle speed to the user through the vehicle-mounted central control screen.

[0020] Through this embodiment, the driver can be reminded in time to slow down the vehicle speed by means of sound, light or simultaneous sound and light, and the wiper control device can be used to control and reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm, thereby reducing the bending tension of the wiper arm. At the same time, the vehicle speed can be further controlled to reduce the bending tension of the wiper arm as soon as possible to the preset threshold or below the threshold, so as to avoid the breakage of the wiper arm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vehicle-mounted central control screen further includes a wiper alarm shielding module, and the wiper alarm shielding module is used to shield driving entertainment items when the vehicle-mounted central control screen outputs a prompt to control the vehicle speed to the user.

[0022] This embodiment can ensure that the driver receives the prompt information sent by the alarm prompt device in a timely and clear manner, thereby preventing other sound sources in the cab from affecting the driver, causing the driver to fail to receive the prompt information in time to control the vehicle speed, resulting in the risk of the wiper arm breaking.

[0023] In some embodiments, the wiper control device further includes an alarm linkage module, wherein the alarm linkage module is used to link a vehicle Ecall system when the wiper arm is broken, and the vehicle Ecall system is used to send rescue information to a rescue center.

[0024] Through this embodiment, it can be ensured that if the wiper arm breaks during the use of the wiper, a rescue signal is sent out in time to reduce the risk to the vehicle and personnel.

[0025] In a second aspect, a vehicle is provided, characterized in that it comprises the intelligent wiper system as described in any one of claims 1-9.

[0026] In a third aspect, a smart wiper control method is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0027] S1, in response to the start-up action of the wiper, obtaining the swing frequency and bending tension of the wiper arm;

[0028] S2, based on the comparison between the acquired bending tension of the wiper arm and a preset threshold, when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than the preset threshold, controlling the wiper to enter an anti-breakage control mode;

[0029] S3, in response to the wiper entering the anti-break control mode, turning on the driving entertainment shield, outputting a prompt for controlling the vehicle speed to the user, and controlling to reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm;

[0030] S4, obtaining the bending tension of the wiper arm, if the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold, returning to S1;

[0031] S5. If the signal of the bending tension of the wiper arm is not obtained, a rescue inquiry of the linked vehicle Ecall system is sent to the user;

[0032] S6. In response to the user confirming the rescue inquiry, controlling the vehicle Ecall system to send out rescue information.

[0033] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the present invention include:

[0034] The current state of the art is that if the wipers break due to strong winds, the only option is to park the vehicle on the spot to replace the wipers or wait for rescue. The vehicle has no early warning and prevention and control mechanism, which poses a safety hazard whether driving or parked. The present invention provides an intelligent wiper system that can detect the swing frequency and bending tension of the wiper arm. When the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than a preset threshold, the swing frequency of the wiper arm is controlled to be reduced until the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold, and a prompt to control the vehicle speed is output to the user at the same time. Therefore, the problem of driving hazards caused by easy breakage during use due to heavy rain and storms or long service life of wipers can be solved, and driving risks or parking risks caused by wipers breaking due to overload stress can be avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an intelligent wiper system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 A flow chart of the intelligent wiper control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] See also Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an intelligent wiper system, which includes: a wiper, wherein the wiper includes a wiper arm; a frequency detection device, used to detect the swing frequency of the wiper arm; a tension detection device, used to detect the bending tension of the wiper arm; a signal transmission device, used to transmit the bending tension detected by the tension detection device to the wiper control device; a wiper control device, used to control the swing frequency of the wiper arm according to the bending tension of the wiper arm; wherein, when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than a preset threshold value, the wiper control device controls to reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm until the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold value; an alarm prompt device, used to receive the alarm signal of the wiper control device when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than the preset threshold value, and output a prompt to control the vehicle speed to the user.

[0040] The current existing technology is that if the wind speed is stronger than the weather and the wiper breaks, the vehicle can only be parked on the spot to replace the wiper or wait for rescue. The vehicle has no early warning and prevention and control mechanism, which will cause safety hazards whether driving or parked.

[0041] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention can solve the problem that windshield wipers are prone to breakage during use in heavy rain and storms or when they are old, causing driving hazards, and avoid driving risks or parking risks caused by windshield wipers breaking due to overload stress.

[0042] Furthermore, the preset threshold is that the maximum bending tension that the wiper arm can withstand is N%, wherein N is a value in the interval [90, 100].

[0043] Through the above arrangement, it can be ensured that when the wiper arm is in the maximum bending tension it can withstand, the wiper control device can intervene in time to reduce the bending tension on the wiper arm, thereby avoiding breakage caused by the wiper arm being in overload bending tension for a long time.

[0044] Furthermore, the tension detection device comprises a plurality of tension sensors, and the tension sensors are evenly arranged on the wiper arm to detect the bending tension of the wiper arm.

[0045] Preferably, the tension sensor is arranged at least at one end of the wiper arm close to the connection portion with the vehicle and at a middle position of the wiper arm, so as to ensure that the position of the wiper arm which is prone to breakage can be covered.

[0046] Through the above arrangement, it is possible to ensure real-time monitoring of the bending tensions exerted on multiple positions of the wiper arm, and the number of the tension sensors can be reasonably adapted as needed.

[0047] Furthermore, the wiper control device includes a controller, which receives signals from the multiple tension sensors and obtains a maximum bending tension value in the signals from the multiple tension sensors for comparison with the preset threshold value.

[0048] Furthermore, the signal transmission device is a wireless signal transmission device, and preferably, one or more of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi can be used.

[0049] Through the above configuration, the signal is transmitted wirelessly, avoiding the wiring or damage problems caused by the wired method. In addition, each tension sensor communicates independently, thus avoiding the communication paralysis of the entire system that may be caused by a single communication. In addition, if a fault occurs, the controller can also determine the faulty tension sensor based on each independent communication signal, so as to quickly find the fault source for repair or replacement.

[0050] Furthermore, the alarm prompt device includes a vehicle-mounted central control screen for receiving an alarm signal from the wiper control device, and outputting voice and / or image prompts for controlling the vehicle speed to the user through the vehicle-mounted central control screen.

[0051] Preferably, the user can select three prompt modes through the in-vehicle central control screen: sound prompt only, image prompt only, or sound and image prompt simultaneously. In addition, the user can also adjust the volume through the in-vehicle central control screen and select the displayed image.

[0052] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the driver can be reminded in time to slow down the vehicle speed by means of sound, light or synchronous sound and light. The wiper control device can be used to control and reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm, thereby reducing the bending tension of the wiper arm. At the same time, the vehicle speed can be further controlled to reduce the bending tension of the wiper arm as soon as possible to the preset threshold or below the threshold, so as to avoid the breakage of the wiper arm.

[0053] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted central control screen also includes a wiper alarm shielding module, and the wiper alarm shielding module is used to shield driving entertainment items when the vehicle-mounted central control screen outputs a prompt to control the vehicle speed to the user.

[0054] Preferably, the user can also cancel the shielding function of the wiper alarm shielding module through the vehicle-mounted central control screen, or set the vehicle-mounted central control screen to lower the volume of other driving entertainment items when an alarm is prompted.

[0055] Through the above-mentioned setting, it can ensure that the driver receives the prompt information sent by the alarm prompt device in a timely and clear manner, avoiding other sound sources in the cab affecting the driver, resulting in the driver not being able to receive the prompt information in time to control the vehicle speed, causing the risk of the wiper arm breaking.

[0056] Furthermore, the wiper control device also includes an alarm linkage module, and the alarm linkage module is used to link the vehicle Ecall system when the wiper arm is broken, and the vehicle Ecall system is used to send rescue information to a rescue center.

[0057] Preferably, when the wiper control device does not receive the signal from one or more of the tension sensors, before the vehicle Ecall system is used to send the rescue information to the rescue center, the text display and / or sound prompt of the vehicle-mounted central control screen is used to confirm with the user whether to send the rescue information. After obtaining the user's confirmation feedback, the vehicle Ecall system executes the sending operation to avoid mistaking the wiper arm for a break due to signal loss caused by damage to the tension sensor or the signal transmission device.

[0058] Through the above arrangement, it can be ensured that if the wiper arm breaks during the use of the wiper, a rescue signal is sent out in time to reduce the risk to the vehicle and personnel.

[0059] Furthermore, the wiper control device also includes a wiper motor, and the wiper motor has a soft start mode. When encountering snowy weather, the wiper is controlled by the wiper control device to enter the soft start mode, and the wiper motor operates in a torque increasing mode.

[0060] With the above arrangement, it often snows in winter, especially in areas with more rain and snow. The wiper arms are easily frozen. If the wipers are forcibly opened, the wiper arms are easily broken or the wiper motor is blocked, affecting the life of the motor. Through the soft start mode, the torque of the wiper motor can be controlled in the initial stage to achieve a gradual increase in torque. The tension sensor detects the bending tension of the wiper arm. When the bending tension is close to the maximum bending tension that the wiper arm can withstand, the wiper motor is controlled to stop working or gradually reduce the torque output. At the same time, the alarm prompt device prompts the user with voice and / or image prompts that the wiper arm is frozen, reminding the user to turn on the heater or manually clear the snow to avoid damage to the wiper arm and / or wiper motor.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned intelligent wiper system.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention can also provide an intelligent wiper control method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0063] S1, in response to the start-up action of the wiper, obtaining the swing frequency and bending tension of the wiper arm;

[0064] S2, based on the comparison between the acquired bending tension of the wiper arm and a preset threshold, when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than the preset threshold, controlling the wiper to enter an anti-breakage control mode;

[0065] S3, in response to the wiper entering the anti-breakage control mode, outputting a prompt to control the vehicle speed to the user, and controlling to reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm;

[0066] S4, obtaining the bending tension of the wiper arm, if the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold, returning to S1;

[0067] S5. If the signal of the bending tension of the wiper arm is not obtained, a rescue inquiry of the linked vehicle Ecall system is sent to the user;

[0068] S6. In response to the user confirming the rescue inquiry, controlling the vehicle Ecall system to send out rescue information.

[0069] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two elements.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the present invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0071] The foregoing is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, which enables those skilled in the art to understand or implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An intelligent wiper system, characterized in that: It includes: A windshield wiper, the windshield wiper comprising a windshield wiper arm; A frequency detection device, used to detect the swing frequency of the wiper arm; A tension detection device, used to detect the bending tension of the wiper arm; A signal transmission device, used for transmitting the swing frequency and the bending tension to the wiper control device; A wiper control device, used to control the swing frequency of the wiper arm according to the bending tension of the wiper arm; wherein, when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than a preset threshold, the wiper control device controls to reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm until the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold; The alarm prompt device is used to receive the alarm signal of the wiper control device when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than a preset threshold value, and output a prompt for controlling the vehicle speed to the user.

2. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset threshold is that the maximum bending tension that the wiper arm can withstand is N%, wherein N is a value in the interval [90, 100].

3. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tension detection device comprises a plurality of tension sensors, and the tension sensors are evenly arranged on the wiper arm to detect the bending tension of the wiper arm.

4. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The wiper control device includes a controller, which receives signals from the multiple tension sensors and obtains a maximum bending tension value in the signals from the multiple tension sensors for comparison with the preset threshold value.

5. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal transmission device is a wireless signal transmission device, and preferably, one or more of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi can be used.

6. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The alarm prompt device includes a vehicle-mounted central control screen, which is used to receive the alarm signal of the wiper control device and output voice and / or image prompts for controlling the vehicle speed to the user through the vehicle-mounted central control screen.

7. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vehicle-mounted central control screen also includes a wiper alarm shielding module, which is used to shield driving entertainment items when the vehicle-mounted central control screen outputs a prompt to control the vehicle speed to the user.

8. The intelligent wiper system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The wiper control device further comprises an alarm linkage module, wherein the alarm linkage module is used to link the vehicle Ecall system when the wiper arm is broken, and the vehicle Ecall system is used to send rescue information to a rescue center.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the intelligent wiper system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A smart wiper control method, the method comprising the following steps: S1, in response to the start-up action of the wiper, obtaining the swing frequency and bending tension of the wiper arm; S2, based on the comparison between the acquired bending tension of the wiper arm and a preset threshold, when the bending tension of the wiper arm is greater than the preset threshold, controlling the wiper to enter an anti-breakage control mode; S3, in response to the wiper entering the anti-break control mode, turning on the driving entertainment shield, outputting a prompt for controlling the vehicle speed to the user, and controlling to reduce the swing frequency of the wiper arm; S4, obtaining the bending tension of the wiper arm, if the bending tension of the wiper arm is less than or equal to the preset threshold, returning to S1; S5. If the signal of the bending tension of the wiper arm is not obtained, a rescue inquiry of the linked vehicle Ecall system is sent to the user; S6. In response to the user confirming the rescue inquiry, controlling the vehicle Ecall system to send out rescue information.

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