Wiper control unit

Abstract

Wiper control device (10), comprising: a rotation angle detection unit (44) which detects a rotation angle of an output shaft (36, 38) of a wiper motor (18, 20) for reciprocal wiping with a wiper blade (30, 32) on a windshield (12);and a control unit (60, 62) which, in a case where, based on the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit (44), it is determined that the wiper blade (30, 32) has stopped at a position other than a predetermined position (P1, P2, P3), stops a power supply to rotate a wiper motor (18, 20) for a predetermined time, and which, in a case where a difference between a rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit (44) at a time when the wiper blade (30, 32) has stopped and a rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit (44) after the power supply to the wiper motor (18, 20) has stopped for the predetermined time becomes a predetermined value, performs an energizing control to carry out a self-locking operation.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper control device. background

[0002] A wiper assembly that operates a wiper blade on one side of the driver's seat and a wiper blade on the other side of the passenger's seat with a wiper motor includes a linkage mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the wiper motor to a wiper arm. In a case where an external force, due to wind or similar factors, acts on a wiper blade or wiper arm, the linkage mechanism also includes a function of suppressing the movement of the wiper blade to an undesired position by the external force.

[0003] In many cases, the wiper mechanism, which operates the driver's side and passenger's side wiper blades with separate and independent motors, does not include this connection mechanism between the wiper arm and the wiper motor. With such a wiper mechanism, when the wiper blade receives external force due to the vehicle's airflow or similar forces, the likelihood of the wiper blade moving to an undesired position is higher than with a wiper mechanism that includes this connection mechanism.

[0004] Japanese National Publication (JP-A) No. 2011-512285, Japanese Patent No. 4691165 and Japanese Patent No. 5535738 disclose a wiper device that actuates a wiper motor to cancel an external force when a wiper blade stopped at a stop reference position, such as a lower invert position, is moved by the action of the external force, and performs a self-locking or self-locking action to return the moved wiper blade to an origin position, such as the lower invert position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

[0005] In the techniques described in JP-A No. 2011-512285, Japanese Patent No. 4691165 and Japanese Patent No. 5535738, when an obstacle such as snow, a snowfield or slush is present on a windshield, a load can be applied to a wiper motor in a case where a wiper blade cannot reach a predetermined position, such as a lower reversal position or a storage position.

[0006] Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of a wiper blade position, a wiper blade wiping speed and a motor output in a wiper device capable of self-locking. Fig. Figure 7 shows that a wiper blade initiates an OPEN operation from a storage position to an upper inverted position and a CLOSE operation from the upper inverted position back to the storage position after the wiper blade reaches the upper inverted position. The wiper blade wiping speed and motor output are at their maximum in the middle of the OPEN operation and are zero at the upper inverted position, and then increase to their maximums in the opposite direction to the OPEN operation in the middle of the CLOSE operation.

[0007] Additionally shows Fig. 7. An example of a case in which the CLOSE operation is prevented by snow, a snowfield, slush, or similar, and the wiper blade is stopped in a position before the storage position or the lower return position. The wiper blade wiping speed is rapidly slowed by the snow, and the motor output increases to maintain the wiping speed. In such a case, the wiper mechanism, which performs a self-locking function, executes the self-locking control, with the wiper blade stopped in a position before the lower return position as the stop reference position.

[0008] However, in a case where the wiper blade is stopped at the stop reference position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a voltage causing the wiper arm to deflect is exerted on an output shaft of the wiper mechanism due to an obstruction, such as snow. If the self-protection mechanism is activated in this state, the wiper motor will continue to be driven against the voltage that deflects the wiper arm. As a result, the wiper motor, the motor control circuit, or similar components will overheat, and the wiper motor's operation could be immediately stopped by the failsafe to prevent overheating.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention were carried out with regard to the foregoing fact, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a wiper control device which performs a self-locking function by eliminating the influence of a deflection of a wiper arm due to an obstacle on a windshield. Solution to the problem

[0010] To solve the above problem, the present disclosure comprises: a rotation angle sensing unit that detects a rotation angle of an output shaft of a wiper motor for reciprocating wiping with a wiper blade on a windshield, and a control unit that, in a case where, based on the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensing unit, it has been determined that the wiper blade has stopped at a position other than a predetermined position, stops a power supply to rotate the wiper motor for a predetermined time, and that, in a case where a difference between a rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensing unit at a time when the wiper blade has stopped and a rotation angle detected by the rotation angle sensing unit after the power supply to the wiper motor has been stopped for the predetermined time becomes a predetermined value,performs an energy control system to carry out self-protection.

[0011] According to the wiper control unit, if the wiper blade's operation is stopped by an obstacle or similar object on the windshield, the power supply to the wiper motor is stopped to eliminate any deflection of the wiper arm due to interference from the obstacle or similar object. A self-locking mechanism is activated if the change in the rotation angle of the wiper motor's output shaft before and after the power supply stoppage reaches a predetermined value. As a result, the self-locking mechanism eliminates the influence of the windshield obstacle on the wiper arm's deflection.

[0012] Additionally, in the disclosure, the control unit determines whether the wiper blade has stopped at a position other than the predetermined position or not, based on a position of the wiper blade obtained from the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit and a rotational speed of the output shaft obtained from the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit.

[0013] According to the wiper control device, if the position of the wiper blade, calculated from the rotation angle of the output shaft, is a position other than the predetermined position, and the rotational speed of the output shaft is reduced, it can be determined that the wiper blade was stopped before the predetermined position due to an obstacle or similar.

[0014] Additionally, in the disclosure, in a case where the power supply to rotate the wiper motor is stopped for a predetermined time, the control unit performs a braking control of the output shaft by short-circuiting terminals of the wiper motor.

[0015] According to the wiper control device, the rotation of the wiper motor's output shaft is slowed by applying a voltage of the same polarity to each terminal of the wiper motor, where voltages of different polarities are applied during rotation. This braking action prevents the wiper blade from being pushed off by the deflection of the wiper arm.

[0016] Additionally, in order to maintain a stopped state of the wiper blade in a case where the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit changes, the self-locking mechanism rotates the output shaft so that the change is canceled.

[0017] According to the wiper control device, if the rotation angle of the wiper motor's output shaft, as detected by the rotation angle sensing unit, changes, the rotation of the output shaft due to the external force is suppressed by the output shaft rotation control, thus canceling the change. By implementing such control, the rotation of the output shaft due to the external force can be prevented without the need for a separate mechanical limiting mechanism. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a wiper device including a wiper control device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wiper control circuit of a right wiper device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a wiper blade position, a wiper blade wiping speed and a motor output in the wiper control device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case in which self-locking is performed when a wiper arm moves from one side of a storage position to one side of an upper reversal position after a “deflection elimination” has been performed in the wiper control device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case in which self-locking is performed when a wiper arm moves from one side of an upper reversal position to one side of a storage position after a “deflection elimination” has been performed in the wiper control device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of brake energizing by the wiper control device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a distraction elimination process in the wiper control device according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of a wiper blade position, a wiper blade wiping speed and a motor output in a wiper device capable of self-locking. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a wiper device. 100 including a wiper control unit 10 as shown in the present embodiment. The wiper device serves as an example. 100 a tandem wiper device including a left wiper device 14 on the left side (passenger seat side) of a lower part of a windshield 12 of a right-hand drive vehicle, and a right-hand wiper device 16on the right side (driver's seat side) of a lower part of the windshield 12 of the vehicle. The left and right sides in the present embodiment are the left and right sides as seen from inside the vehicle.

[0019] The left wiper assembly 14 and the right wiper mechanism 16 This includes wiper motors. 18 and 20 , slowdown mechanisms 22 and 24 , wiper arms 26 and 28 and wiper blades 30 and 32 The wiper motors 18 and 20 are located on the lower left and lower right sides of the windshield. 12 provided.

[0020] In the left wiper assembly 14 and the right wiper mechanism 16 The forward and reverse rotations of the wiper motors will be 18 and 20accordingly through the slowing-down mechanisms 22 and 24 slowed down and waves of output 36 and 38 are accordingly moved in the forward and backward directions by the deceleration mechanisms 22 and 24 They are slowed down, rotated. Furthermore, when the rotational forces of the forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft 36 and 38 on the wiper arms 26 and 28 The wiper arms move. 26 and 28 from a storage position P3 to a lower reversal position P2 and move between the lower reversal position P2 and an upper reversal position P1 back and forth. Due to the wiper arm operations. 26 and 28 , wipe the wiper blades 30 and 32 , which are located at the tips of the wiper arms 26 are provided between the lower reversal positionP2 and the upper reversal position P1 on the surface of the windshield 12 It should be noted that the slowdown mechanisms 22 and 24 for example, worm gears or similar devices are provided to control the rotations of the wiper motors. 18 and 20 accordingly to the rotational speeds required to wipe the surface of the windshield 12 through the wiper blades 30 and 32 are suitable, slow down, and the wave of output 36 and 38 Rotate accordingly at the specified speeds. It should be noted that the upper reversal position P1 , the lower reversal position P2 and the storage position P3 predetermined positions on the windshield 12 are, and the lower reversal position P2 as well as the storage position P3 It can be used, depending on the wiping device.

[0021] As described above, since the wiper motors 18 and 20 according to the present embodiment, the deceleration mechanisms 22 and 24 These include the speeds and rotation angles of the output shafts, which are equipped with worm gears. 36 and 38 not the same as the rotational speeds and angles of rotation of the main body of the wiper motors 18 and 20 In the present embodiment, since the wiper motors 18 and 20 and the slowdown mechanisms 22 and 24 However, if they are shaped in one piece and are inseparable, the rotational speeds and angles of rotation of the output shafts will be determined. 36 and 38 The following are the speeds and angles of rotation of each of the wiper motors. 18 and 20 considered.

[0022] Wiper control circuits 60 and 62to control the rotation of the wiper motors 18 and 20 are accordingly connected to the wiper motors 18 and 20 connected. The wiper control circuit 60 According to the present embodiment, a control circuit or drive circuit comprises 60A and a wiper ECU 60B , and the wiper control circuit 62 includes a control circuit or drive circuit 62A and a wiper ECU 62B A rotary angle sensor 42 , which determines the rotational speed and angle of rotation of the output shaft 36 of the wiper motor 18 It is recorded and connected to the wiper ECU. 60B connected. A rotary angle sensor 44 , which determines the rotational speed and angle of rotation of the output shaft 38 of the wiper motor 20 It includes the wiper ECU. 62B connected. The wiper ECUs 60B and 62B calculate the positions of the wiper blades accordingly30 and 32 on the windshield 12 based on signals from the rotary angle sensors 42 and 44 Additionally, the wiper ECUs control 60B and 62B the control circuits 60A and 62A accordingly, so that the rotational speeds of the output shafts 36 and 38 according to the calculated positions of the wiper blades 30 and 32 change. It should be noted that the rotary angle sensors 42 and 44 correspondingly in the slowdown mechanisms 22 and 24 the wiper motors 18 and 20 are provided, and the magnetic fields (magnetic forces) of excitation coils or magnets that are associated with the output waves 36 and 38They rotate, convert the current into electricity, and detect it. Additionally, when self-locking is activated, the rotation angle sensors detect the rotation. 42 and 44 It detects whether the wiper blade deviates from a stop reference position or not. The stop reference position varies depending on the wiper assembly specification. 100 and changes when an external force is applied to the wiper blades 30 and 32 This has the effect described below, but in the previous embodiment, the stop reference position is usually the storage position. P3 .

[0023] The control circuits 60A and 62A They generate voltages (currents) to operate the wiper motors accordingly. 18 and 20 through pulse width modulation control (PWM control) and apply the voltages (currents) accordingly to the wiper motors.18 and 20 to. The control circuits 60A and 62A comprise a circuit using a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) as a switching element. The driver circuit 60A It provides a voltage with a predetermined relative duty cycle under the control of the wiper ECU. 60B off, and the control circuit 62A It provides a voltage with a predetermined relative duty cycle under the control of the wiper ECU. 62B out of.

[0024] The wiper ECU 60B and the wiper ECU 62B synchronize the operations of the left wiper device 14 and the right wiper mechanism 16 through cooperation via communication using a protocol, such as a local interconnect network (LIN). Additionally, a wiper switch is required. 66 with the wiper ECU 62Bthe wiper control circuit 62 through a vehicle control circuit 64 tied together.

[0025] The wiper switch 66 is a switch for turning on and off a power supply from a vehicle's battery to the wiper motors 18 and 20 is supplied. The wiper switch 66 can the wiper blades 30 and 32 Switch to a low-speed operating mode selection position for operation at low speed, a high-speed operating mode selection position for operation at high speed, an intermittent operating mode selection position for intermittent operation with a constant cycle, or a stop operating mode selection position. Additionally, a command signal to rotate the wiper motors is sent. 18 and 20 according to the selection position of each operating mode to the wiper ECU62B through the vehicle control circuit 64 Output. Additionally, the instruction signal that goes into the wiper ECU is displayed. 62B is entered into the wiper ECU as well. 60B entered, through communication using a protocol such as LIN.

[0026] If the signal from the wiper switch 66 according to the selected position of each operating mode in the wiper ECUs 60B and 62B When entered, the wiper ECU executes 60B and 62B a control system based on the signal output from the wiper switch 66 through. Specifically, the wiper ECUs calculate 60B and 62B the rotational speeds of the output shafts 36 and 38 based on the instruction signal from the wiper switch 66 Furthermore, the wiper ECUs control 60B and 62B the control circuits 60A and 62A, so that the waves of output 36 and 38 rotate at the calculated speed.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the wiper control circuit. 62 the right wiper mechanism 16 as shown in the present embodiment. Additionally, as an example, the wiper motor is shown. 20 , who in Fig. Figure 2 shows a DC motor with a brush. The configuration of the wiper control circuit... 60 the left wiper mechanism 14 which is the same as that of the wiper control circuit 62 the right wiper mechanism 16 A detailed description of it is omitted.

[0028] The wiper control circuit 62 , which in Fig. Figure 2 shows a control circuit. 62A, which generates a voltage that is applied to a winding terminal of the wiper motor 20 to be created, and a microcomputer 48 the wiper ECU 62B , which controls the on and off of a switching element that controls the control circuit 62A forms. A battery's performance 80 is connected to the microcomputer 48 through a diode 56 The voltage of the supplied power is measured by a voltage sensing circuit. 50 , which are between the diode 56 and the microcomputer 48 The data is collected and stored. The collection result is then sent to the microcomputer. 48 Issued. Additionally, an electrolytic capacitor is included. C1 provided, of which one end between the diode 56 and is connected to microcomputer 48, and the other end (-) is grounded. The electrolytic capacitor C1 is a capacitor used to stabilize the power supply of the microcomputer48 The electrolytic capacitor C1 protects the microcomputer 48 by accumulating a sudden high voltage, such as an overvoltage, and discharging it into a grounding area.

[0029] A command signal to control the speed of the wiper motor. 18 is controlled by the wiper switch 66 and the vehicle control circuit 64 in the microcomputer 18 through the signal input circuit 52 entered. When the instruction signal, which comes from the wiper switch, is received. 66 The output signal is an analog signal; the signal is processed in the signal input circuit. 52 digitized and integrated into the microcomputer 48 entered.

[0030] Additionally, the rotation angle sensor 44 to detect the magnetic field of the sensor magnet 70 , which changes according to the rotation of the output shaft 38 changes, with the microcomputer 48connected. The microcomputer 48 determines the positions of the wiper blades 32 on the windshield 12 by calculating the rotation angles of the output shaft 38 based on the signal generated by the rotation angle sensor 44 is issued.

[0031] Furthermore, the microcomputer controls 48 the control circuit 62A , so that the rotation of the wiper motor 20 the rotational speed according to the specified positions of the wiper blades 30 and 32 exhibits, with reference to the data on the speed of the wiper motor 20 , which according to the positions of the wiper blades 33 and 32 is defined, which is in the memory 54 are stored.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control circuit uses 62A transistors Tr1 , Tr2 , Tr3 and Tr4, which are N-type field-effect transistors (FETs), as switching elements. The drains of the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are connected to the battery 80 via a noise reduction coil 76 connected, and the sources of these are accordingly connected to the drains of the transistor. Tr3 and the transistor Tr4 connected. Additionally, the transistor sources are Tr3 and Tr4 grounded.

[0033] The source of the transistor Tr1 and the drain of the transistor Tr3 are connected to one end of the wiper motor winding 18 connected and the source of the transistor Tr2 and the drain of the transistor Tr4 are connected to the other end of the wiper motor winding 18 tied together.

[0034] Since a high-level signal is fed into the gates of the transistors Tr1 and Tr4 When the input is entered, the transistors are... Tr1 and Tr4switched on and, for example, a CW current flows 72 (“CW: clockwise”) to operate the wiper blades 30 and 32 in a clockwise direction, when viewed from inside the vehicle, through the wiper motor 20 Furthermore, if one of the transistors Tr1 and the transistor Tr4 While one is controlled so that it is on, the other is subjected to on / off control at a small step size by a PWM control, thereby changing the voltage of the CW current. 72 can be modulated.

[0035] Since a high-level signal is fed into the gates of the transistors Tr2 and Tr3 The transistor is entered Tr2 and the transistor Tr3 switched on, and for example a CCW current flows 74 (“CCW: counterclockwise”) to operate the wiper blades 30 and 32in one direction counterclockwise, when viewed from inside the vehicle, through the wiper motor 20 Furthermore, if one of the transistors Tr2 and the transistor Tr3 While one is controlled to be on, the other is subjected to on / off control in small steps by a PWM control, thereby changing the voltage of the CCW current. 74 can be modulated.

[0036] In the present embodiment, a reverse connection protection circuit is used. 58 and a noise reduction coil 76 between the battery 80 , which is the power source, and the control circuit 62A provided, and is an electrolytic capacitor C2 parallel with the control circuit 62A provided. The noise reduction coil 76 is an element for suppressing noise, which is achieved by switching the control circuitry 62A is generated.

[0037] The electrolytic capacitor C2 is an element for mitigating noise, controlled by the drive circuit 62A is generated to store a sudden high voltage, such as an overvoltage, and to discharge it into the grounding area to prevent excessive current from entering the control circuit. 62A is issued.

[0038] The reverse connection protection circuit 58 is a circuit for protecting elements that control the wiper control circuit 62 form when a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery are connected 80 Conversely, this case is linked to the one that is in Fig. 2 is shown. As an example, the reverse connection protection circuit includes 58 a so-called diode-connected FET or similar, where its drain is connected to its gate. Additionally, although it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in the present embodiment a current sensor is used to detect the current value of each of the wiper motors. 18 and 20 provided.

[0039] The function and effect of the wiper control device are described below. 10 as described in the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of the wiper output shaft position, wiper blade wiping speed, and motor output in the wiper control unit. 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 3 shows that the wiper blades 30 and 32 an OPENING operation of the operation from the storage position P3 to the upper reversal position P1 start and perform a CLOSE operation of the operation from the upper reversal position P1 to the storage position P3 start after the wiper blades 30 and 32the upper reversal position P1 have achieved.

[0040] Additionally shows Fig. 3. An example of a case in which the CLOSE operation is prevented by an external force such as snow, a snowfield or slush, and the wiper blades 30 and 32 are stopped in a position before the storage position or the lower reversing position. The wiper blade wiping speed is rapidly slowed due to the collision with snow as an obstacle, and the motor output increases to maintain the wiping speed. However, since the wiper blades 30 and 32 When the wiper arms are in a state of "collision with an obstacle", they will 26 and 28 distracted. If the wiper arms are distracted 26 and 28 As the number of waves increases, so does the resistance that affects the waves of output. 36 and 38It works, and the time at which the rotations of the output waves begin. 36 and 38 Being stopped by resistance is referred to as "restriction detection", as in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0041] In the present exemplary embodiments, in the case of "restriction detection," a "distraction elimination" is implemented, which is described in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, this was done to reduce the tension on the wiper arms. 26 and 28 The system works to eliminate the distraction, and then a self-protection measure is implemented. In the "distraction elimination" process, the power supply to the wiper motors is cut off. 18 and 20 stopped.

[0042] Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case in which self-locking is carried out when the wiper arms move 26 and 28 from the side of the storage position P3 to the side of the upper reversal position P1move after the “distraction elimination” has been performed. Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a case in which self-locking is performed when the wiper arms move 26 and 28 from the side of the upper reversal position P1 to the side of the storage position P3 move after the “distraction elimination” has been performed.

[0043] Even if the movements of the wiper blades 30 and 32 and the wiper arms 26 and 28 The wiper arms are prevented from moving due to snow, a snowfield or slush, or similar obstacles. 26 and 28 bent, and thus a rotation of the output shafts occurs. 36 and 28 the wiper motors 18 and 20 even after the "collision with the obstacle" it continues for a while. If the wiper arms are deflected 26 and28 once the limit is reached, the waves of output can begin. 36 and 38 no longer rotate and the output waves 36 and 38 stop the rotation. In the present embodiment, the time at which the output waves stop is 36 and 38 Stopping a rotation is called "limit detection". The microcomputer 48 determines the "restriction detection" in a case where the wiper blades 30 and 32 in positions other than the storage position P3 or the lower reversal position P2 be stopped based on the positions of the wiper blades 30 and 32 , which depend on the rotation angles of the output shafts 36 and 38 are obtained through the rotation angle sensors 42 and 44 be detected, and the rotational speeds 36 and 38, which are obtained from the rotation angles, which are obtained from the rotation angle sensors 42 and 44 be recorded.

[0044] In addition to "restriction recording", the microcomputer 48 introduces a “distraction upper limit” and a “distraction lower limit”, which are in Fig. 4 are shown. The “upper distraction limit” and the “lower distraction limit”, which are shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows an upper and lower limit of a predetermined range to determine a position other than the center when the wiper blades are in position. 30 and 32 be blocked by an obstacle. The predetermined area is specifically determined according to the specifications or similar of the wiper device.

[0045] Additionally, the microcomputer 48 a control system so that the voltage applied to the wiper arms 26 and 28and similar effects due to the obstacle, which are eliminated at the time of "restriction detection". Specifically, the supply of power to rotate the wiper motors is eliminated. 18 and 20 The system is stopped for a predetermined time. Since the time required to stop the power supply varies according to the specifications or similar guidelines of the wiper device, a specific optimal value is set for each product. As a result, the output waves are... 36 and 38 turned in a direction in which the deflection of the wiper arms 26 and 48 It relaxes when the "wiper output shaft position" returns to the position where the wiper blades 30 and 32 "have collided with the obstacle" refers to the tension on the wiper blades. 30 and 32 and the wiper arms 26 and 28 It works, eliminates, and the “distraction elimination” is complete.

[0046] However, since the power after the "distraction elimination" is not directed to the wiper motors 18 and 20 When supplied, there is a case in which the positions of the wiper blades change. 30 and 32 move from the position where the "distraction elimination" is completed due to an external force related to a moving wind. Fig. Figure 4A shows a case in which a “voltage release position”, at which the “distraction elimination” is completed, is a position to which the wiper blades 30 and 32 and similar things are pushed upwards by the wind.

[0047] Fig. Figure 4B shows a case in which a “stress release position” at the time when “distraction elimination” is complete is a position to which the wiper blades are moved. 30 and 32 and similar things are pushed down by the wind.

[0048] In the present embodiment, when the "position of the wiper output shaft" reaches the "upper deflection limit" or the "lower deflection limit," the self-locking control is activated. During self-locking, power is supplied to the wiper motors. 18 and 20 designed so that the output waves 36 and 38 be rotated sideways in the opposite direction to the displacement direction, according to the amount by which the “position of the wiper output shaft” deviates from the “upper deflection limit” or the “lower deflection limit”, i.e. the “stop reference position”.

[0049] Additionally, the microcomputer can 48 Perform a brake regeneration, as described in Fig. Figure 5 shows the distraction at the time of the "limit detection" of the wiper arms. 26 and 28 to eliminate, as the control to eliminate the voltage that is applied to the wiper arms 26 and 28due to the obstacle. In Fig. 5 are the control circuit 62A and the wiper motor 20 the right wiper mechanism 16 as an example. Since the configuration of the control circuit 60A the left wiper mechanism 14 It is the same as that of the control circuit. 62A the right wiper mechanism 16 , a detailed description of it is omitted.

[0050] As in the example of Fig. As shown in section 5, the transistor is used in brake energizing. Tr1 and the transistor Tr2 switched on accordingly to short-circuit the motor's terminals, and a current 90 The current generated in the motor's coil is applied in the direction indicated by the arrow. A positive charge voltage is applied to one terminal and the other terminal of the wiper motor. 20designed so that one terminal and the other terminal are short-circuited, thus preventing the rotation of the output shaft. 38 of the wiper motor 20 is suppressed. It should be noted that the transistor is used in brake energizing. Tr3 and the transistor Tr4 They can be grounded accordingly, so that one terminal and the other terminal of the wiper motor are grounded. Since the time required to perform brake energizing varies according to the wiper device's specifications or similar, a specific optimal value is set for each product.

[0051] The tension caused by the deflection can be relieved by releasing the energy to the wiper motor. 20 can be eliminated without performing brake energization, but the wiper arm 28 is repelled by the tension caused by the deflection, and the wiper blade 32It could move to an undesired position. In such a case, it is possible in the present embodiment to adjust the position of the wiper blade. 32 to adjust after the "distraction elimination" so that it is close to a position that is stopped by the obstacle, by suppressing the rotation of the output wave 38 of the wiper motor 20 through brake energization, which is in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0052] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a distraction elimination process in the wiper control device. 10 as shown in the present embodiment. In step 600 will determine whether the wiper switch 66 is switched off or not. In the case of a confirmatory determination, in step 602 the wiper motors 18 and 20 controlled or driven to move the wiper blades 30 and32 to move to a self-protection target position, which is a position where self-protection is carried out. A self-protection target position is, for example, the positioning position. P3 or the lower reversal position P2 .

[0053] In step 604 It is determined whether the wiping operation of the wiper blades 30 and 32 through the obstacle on the windshield 12 is hindered, based on the rotation angles and speeds of the wiper motors 18 and 20 or the change in the current values ​​of the wiper motors 18 and 20 In the case of a confirmatory determination, the procedure proceeds to step 606 and in the case of a negative determination, the procedure proceeds to step 610 .

[0054] In step 606 The supply of power to the wiper motors will be 18 and 20stopped or will the brake energizing, which is in Fig. As shown in section 5, this was done to reduce the deflection of the wiper arms. 26 and 28 or similar things to stop.

[0055] In step 608 It is determined whether the positions of the wiper blades 30 and 32 After "distraction elimination", the "upper distraction limit" or the "lower distraction limit" is exceeded. In the case of a confirmatory determination in step 608 The positions of the wiper blades will be adjusted. 30 and 32 After the “distraction elimination” is set as the “stop reference position”, the self-locking mechanism is activated in the step. 610 The process is carried out, and is terminated. In the case of a negative determination in step 608 The procedure returns to step 606 , in order to continue the “distraction elimination”.

[0056] As described above, in the present embodiments, when the wiper blade operations 30 and 32 If the windshield is obstructed, the distraction elimination control for the wiper motors will be affected. 18 and 20 carried out to determine the influence of wiper arm deflection 26 and 28 to remove the obstruction so that the self-locking mechanism can be activated. As a result, it is possible to restore the stopped state of the wiper arms. 26 and 28 in the vicinity of the position where the wiper arms 26 and 28 to maintain the position stopped by the obstacle.

[0057] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, if the amount of movement of the wiper blades 30 and 32Before and after the "distraction elimination" within a predetermined range, the distraction elimination control is applied to the wiper motors. 18 and 20 continued.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiments, if the amount of movement of the wiper blades 30 and 32 If the wiper blade exceeds a predetermined range before and after the "distraction elimination," its position after the "distraction elimination" is set as the "stop reference position," and self-locking is performed at this position. This occurs when the influence of the voltage due to an obstacle or similar is significant, as the wiper motors... 18 and 20 Since they are not necessarily driven, it is possible to prevent excessive load on the wiper motors. 18 and 20 is applied.

[0059] It should be noted that the wiper control device 10 According to the present embodiment, it can also be used for a wiper device that has a different connection mechanism than the tandem wiper device. 100 , which has no connecting mechanism.

[0060] In addition, the invention is not limited to the foregoing and it is unnecessary to mention that various modifications can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the core point of the foregoing.

[0061] The disclosure of Japanese patent application No. 2016-029152, filed on February 18 2016 is included herein by reference in its entirety. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2011512285 A [0004, 0005] JP 4691165 [0004, 0005] JP 5535738 [0004, 0005] JP 2016029152

[0061]

Claims

[1] Wiper control device, with: a rotation angle detection unit that detects a rotation angle of an output shaft of a wiper motor for reciprocal wiping with a wiper blade on a windshield; and a control unit which, in a case where, based on the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit, it is determined that the wiper blade has stopped at a position other than a predetermined position, stops a power supply to rotate a wiper motor for a predetermined time, and which, in a case where a difference between a rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit at a time when the wiper blade has stopped and a rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit after the power supply to the wiper motor has been stopped for the predetermined time becomes a predetermined value, performs an energizing control to carry out a self-locking action. [2] Wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the wiper blade has stopped at a position other than the predetermined position or not, based on a position of the wiper blade obtained from the angle of rotation detected by the angle of rotation detection unit and a rotational speed of the output shaft obtained from the angle of rotation detected by the angle of rotation detection unit. [3] Wiper control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a case where the power supply to rotate the wiper motor is stopped for a predetermined time, the control unit performs a brake control of the output shaft by short-circuiting terminals of the wiper motor. [4] Wiper control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in order to maintain a stopped state of the wiper blade, in a case where the angle of rotation detected by the angle of rotation detection unit changes, the self-locking device rotates the output shaft so that the change is canceled.