VEHICLE WIPER AND WASHER DEVICE

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle wiping and washing device comprising: a wiper motor that effects a back-and-forth wiping action on a wiping surface by means of a wiper blade coupled to a wiper arm; a wash pump that supplies washing fluid under pressure to a discharge section provided on at least one of the wiper blades or the wiper arm to cause washing fluid to be discharged from the discharge section in the direction of the wiping surface on an outward-moving side of the wiper blade during the back-and-forth wiping action;and a control unit which, when a predetermined signal is detected, controls the wiper motor and the washer pump in such a way that the back-and-forth wiping operation is carried out, and in such a way that washer fluid is ejected from the discharge section towards the wiping surface on the outward direction of movement, while a return path wiping operation of the back-and-forth wiping operation is carried out.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle wiping and washing device that discharges washing fluid and performs a wiping operation with a wiper blade. State of the art

[0002] Vehicle wiper devices that coordinate the ejection of washer fluid with a wiping action by a wiper blade are widely known.

[0003] In recent years, devices in which nozzles for discharging washer fluid are provided on wiper arms or wiper blades have become known in order to solve problems related to the discharging position of washer fluid and problems related to vehicle design, etc. (see, for example, JP 2015-217842 A).

[0004] In the vehicle wiper device disclosed in JP 2015-217842 A, a main nozzle is provided at a front end portion of a wiper arm, and a nozzle body portion of the main nozzle protrudes toward a width direction side of the wiper arm. An inclined surface configuring an outer peripheral portion of the nozzle body portion is disposed at an arm base end side of a first main nozzle ejection hole of the nozzle body portion and inclines toward the arm bottom side as it advances toward the arm base end side in a side view. Thus, most of an airflow flowing along the wiper arm from the arm base end side toward the arm front end side is guided by the inclined surface to flow along the inclined surface toward the top side of the nozzle body portion.This prevents the airflow from flowing between the windshield and the nozzle body portion, preventing the cleaning fluid ejected from the first main nozzle ejection hole from coming into contact with the airflow.

[0005] DE 10 2007 029 338 B4 discloses a vehicle wiping and washing device according to the preamble of claim 1. Further vehicle wiping and washing devices are known from US 10 328 905 B2, DE 10 2014 114 687 A1, JP 2007-55 562 A, the subsequently published DE 11 2017 002 423 T5 and DE 10 2013 003 729 A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTechnical problem

[0006] However, in JP 2015-217842 A, although washer fluid can be ejected from the wiper arm, the washer fluid is wiped away before it has a chance to effectively act on obstructive substances such as dirt. Therefore, there is potential for improvement in the effective removal of obstructive substances such as dirt.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a vehicle wiper device in which washer fluid can be effective in removing obstructive matter such as dirt. Solution to the task

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved with a vehicle wiping and washing device according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle wiper device comprising: a wiper motor that causes a reciprocating wiping action on a wiping surface by a wiper blade coupled to a wiper arm; a washer pump that supplies washer fluid under pressure to a discharge portion provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm, the washer pump causing washer fluid to be discharged from the discharge portion toward the wiping surface on an outward movement direction side of the wiper blade during the reciprocating wiping action;and a control unit configured to, in a case where a predetermined signal has been detected, control the wiper motor and the washer pump such that the reciprocating wiping operation is performed, and such that the reciprocating wiping operation starts only after the discharge of a predetermined amount of washer fluid toward the outward movement direction side has started, and washer fluid is discharged from the discharge portion toward the wiping surface on the outward movement direction side while a return path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation is performed.

[0010] According to the vehicle wiper device of the first aspect, the wiper motor uses the wiper blade coupled to a front end of the wiper arm to perform the wiping operation on the wiping surface.

[0011] The discharge section is provided on at least one of the wiper blade and the wiper arm. Washer fluid is supplied to the discharge section under pressure by the washer pump, so that the washer fluid is discharged from the discharge section toward the wiping surface on the outward-moving side of the wiper blade during the reciprocating wiping operation.

[0012] Furthermore, in a case where the predetermined signal is detected, the control unit controls the wiper motor and the washer pump to perform the reciprocating wiping operation, and to discharge washer fluid from the discharge portion toward the wiping surface on the outward movement direction side while performing the return path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation. Thus, the return path wiping operation is performed while discharging the washer fluid toward the side opposite to the movement direction of the wiper blade during the return path wiping operation. Accordingly, in the vehicle wiper device of the first aspect, the washer fluid is not immediately wiped away, so that the washer fluid can effectively act when removing obstructive matter such as dirt.

[0013] According to the vehicle wiper device of the invention, the washing fluid can be distributed over the wiping surface while performing an outward path wiping operation.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit in the above-described aspect may further control the wiper motor and the washer pump such that, after performing the reciprocating wiping operation in which washer fluid is ejected from the ejection portion toward the wiping surface on the outward moving direction side while performing the return path wiping operation, the ejection of the washer fluid is stopped and the reciprocating wiping operation alone is performed.

[0015] According to the vehicle wiper device of the second aspect, after performing the return path wiping operation while ejecting the washing fluid from the ejection portion toward the outward movement direction side, the reciprocating wiping operation is performed alone, whereby the washing fluid remaining on the wiping surface can be wiped away and visibility-obstructing matter such as dirt can be reliably removed.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined signal in the above-described aspects may be a signal generated in at least one of a case where a predetermined switch has been operated or a case where dirt has been detected by a detection area that detects the dirt on the wiping surface.

[0017] According to the vehicle wiper device of the third aspect, an operation of discharging washer fluid during the return path wiping operation toward the side opposite to the moving direction of the wiper blade s can be performed in response to dirt on the wiping surface.

[0018] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described aspects, in a case where traveling is in progress, the control unit may further control the wiper motor and the washer pump such that a region in which washer fluid is jetted on the outward traveling direction side is limited to a predetermined region while the return path wiping operation is performed.

[0019] The vehicle wiper device of the fourth aspect makes it possible to ensure visibility during driving in a case where the operation of discharging washer fluid is performed while performing the return path wiping operation toward the side opposite to the moving direction of the wiper blade during driving.

[0020] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect, the control unit may control the washing pump such that a discharge amount of the predetermined amount of washing fluid discharged in a case where the predetermined signal has been detected is a smaller amount of discharged washing fluid than a washing fluid discharge amount first discharged in a case where the discharge of washing fluid has been instructed.

[0021] According to the vehicle wiper device of the fifth aspect, an increase in the washing fluid discharge amount in an operation for discharging washing fluid toward the side opposite to the moving direction of the wiper blade during the performance of the return path wiping operation can be prevented.

[0022] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the above-described aspects, the control unit may control the wiper motor and the washer pump such that, in a case where the predetermined signal is continuously detected for a predetermined period or longer due to a predetermined switch being continuously operated for a predetermined period or longer, the reciprocating wiping operation is performed, and an operation of discharging washer fluid from the discharging portion toward the wiping surface on the outward moving direction side is repeated while performing the return path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation.

[0023] According to the vehicle wiper device of the above-described configuration, in a case where unsightly dirt is present on the wiping surface, for example, by continuously operating the switch for the predetermined period or longer, during the repeated execution of the return path wiping operation, the operation of discharging washer fluid toward the side opposite to the moving direction of the wiper blade is repeatedly performed, whereby visibility-obstructing matter such as dirt can be reliably removed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view viewed from the outside of a wiping surface, illustrating the entirety of a vehicle wiper device according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram to explain the swinging of wiper arms and the ejection of washer fluid. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device for controlling a vehicle wiper device according to the present exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating a situation in which washing fluid is ejected in an outward direction of travel during a wiping operation. Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating a situation in which washing fluid is ejected in an outward movement direction during a wiping operation in a return movement direction. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram showing examples of the intended use of ejection modes. Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing specific examples of the timings of washing fluid ejection and wiping operations in both a normal mode and a fluid application mode. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of specific processing performed by a controller of a vehicle wiper device according to the present exemplary embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a cam plate is used to control ejection patterns in a normal mode and a fluid application mode. Fig. 9 is a timing chart illustrating specific examples of timings of washing fluid ejection and wiping operations in both a normal mode and a fluid application mode in a configuration using a cam plate. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A detailed explanation will follow with reference to an example of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view viewed from the outside of a wiping surface, illustrating the entirety of a vehicle wiper device according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle wiper device 10 is configured with substantially elongated wiper arms 12 and wiper blades 14 coupled to the front ends of the respective wiper arms 12 and wiping a windshield WG serving as a wiping surface of a vehicle. The vehicle wiper device 10 also includes main nozzles 18 serving as discharge portions and provided near the front end portions of the wiper arms 12.

[0026] Each wiper arm 12 is configured with an arm head 12A, a holder 12B, an arm piece 12C, and an arm-side coupling member 12D. The arm head 12A configures a base end portion of the wiper arm 12, the holder 12B configures a longitudinally intermediate portion of the wiper arm 12, and the arm piece 12C and the arm-side coupling member 12D configure the front end portion of the wiper arm 12.

[0027] The arm head 12A is formed in a substantially rectangular columnar shape and is made of, for example, die-cast aluminum. A mounting portion 15 is formed at a base end portion of the arm head 12A. A front end portion of a substantially circular columnar propeller shaft 17 is fixed and secured to the mounting portion 15. The propeller shaft 17 is pivotally supported by a pivot bracket (not shown in the drawings) fixed to a vehicle frame or the like, and coupled to a wiper motor (not shown in the drawings) via a link mechanism.The propeller shafts 17 are reciprocated by a driving force of the wiper motor, so that the respective wiper arms 12 are reciprocated, and the wiper blades 14 coupled to the front ends of the wiper arms 12 are reciprocated between a lower return position and an upper return position. Note that a stowed position is configured at a position further toward the arrow B direction side in FIG. Fig. 1 (the vehicle underside) as the lower reset position. The wiper blades 14 are concealed by a vehicle hood in the stowed position. The wiper blades 14 can be moved to the stowed position and stowed therein when wiping has been stopped. In such cases, a configuration is adopted in which the wiper motor swings the wiper blades 14 back and forth by reversing its rotation at the upper reset position and the lower reset position, rather than continuously rotating in one direction. An electric motor having a control circuit that controls the rotation speed by pulse width modulation (PWM) or the like can be adopted as the wiper motor.

[0028] It should be noted that the arrow A direction is from the lower reset position towards the upper reset position in Fig. 1 is an outward pivoting direction of the wiper blades 14 and the arrow B direction from the upper reset position towards the lower reset position in Fig. 1 is a return pivoting direction of the wiper blades 14. Namely, the position where each wiper blade 14 switches from the outward path to the return path configures the upper return position, and the position where each wiper blade 14 switches from the return path to the outward path configures the lower return position.

[0029] Each of the wiper blades 14 is formed in a substantially elongated shape and arranged adjacent to the respective wiper arm 12 in its longitudinal direction. A longitudinal center portion of the wiper blade 14 is coupled to a front end portion of the arm-side coupling member 12D of the corresponding wiper arm 12 via a coupling lever 19. Thus, viewed along a direction perpendicular to a wiping surface S, each wiper blade 14 is arranged on the outward swing direction side with respect to the corresponding wiper arm 12 (portions of the wiper arm 12 excluding the arm-side coupling member 12D). Each wiper blade 14 performs a reciprocating wiping action due to the reciprocating swing of the corresponding wiper arm 12.

[0030] The washer fluid is ejected from the main nozzles 18 provided on the wiper arms 12. The main nozzles 18 eject washer fluid toward the outward swing direction side of the respective wiper arms 12. The main nozzles 18 each have a plurality of ejection holes, and the washer fluid is ejected through these multiple ejection holes. For example, the main nozzles 18 each have three ejection holes. As shown in Fig. 2, washing fluid can be ejected through these ejection holes in directions intersecting the pivoting directions of the wiper arms 12.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control device 50 that controls the vehicle wiper device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0032] The control device 50 includes a wiper motor 32, a washer pump 34 and a control device 30 which serves as a control unit.

[0033] The wiper motor 32 is driven to reciprocate the wiper arms 12. The washer pump 34 supplies the washer fluid under pressure to the respective main nozzles 18, so that the washer fluid is discharged through the respective discharge holes provided on the main nozzles 18. The wiper motor 32 and the washer pump 34 are each connected to the controller 30 and driven under the control of the controller 30.

[0034] A washer switch 36, a wiper switch 38, a fluid application mode switch 40, a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) 42, and a dirt detecting section 43, all provided on the vehicle side, are also connected to the controller 30.

[0035] The washer switch 36 is a switch for instructing the discharge of washer fluid. An operation result is input to the controller 30 when the washer switch 36 is operated by a passenger.

[0036] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the washer switch 36 has been operated by the occupant to instruct the discharge of washer fluid, the operation result of the washer switch 36 is input to the controller 30. When the operation result of the washer switch 36 is input to the controller 30, the controller 30 drives the washer pump 34 based on the operation result of the washer switch 36 to immediately discharge a preset amount of washer fluid and then starts driving the wiper motor 32. Namely, when the washer switch 36 has been operated, the controller 30 controls the wiper motor 32 and the washer pump 34 such that the discharge of washer fluid and a wiping operation using the wiper blades 14 are performed in coordination with each other.

[0037] The wiper switch 38 is a switch for commanding the start of wiping by the wiper blades 14. An operation result is input to the controller 30 when the wiper switch 38 is operated by the occupant. The wiper switch 38 is capable of commanding a plurality of speeds for the speed of wiping by the wiper blades 14. When the operation result of the wiper switch 38 is input to the controller 30, the controller 30 drives the wiper motor 32 at the commanded speed based on the operation result of the wiper switch 38 and starts wiping by the wiper blades 14.It should be noted that in the example of the present exemplary embodiment, there are four wiping speeds of the wiper blades 14 when the wiper switch 38 has been operated, which are an intermittent operation, a low speed, a medium speed, and a high speed.

[0038] The fluid application mode switch 40 is a switch for a state in which washer fluid remains on the windshield WG to remove obstructive matter such as dirt that adheres to the surface of the windshield WG and serves as an obstructive matter. Specifically, when the fluid application mode switch 40 is operated, washer fluid is jetted for a preset duration, and the wiper blades 14 perform a wiping operation. The washer pump 34 is driven such that the washer fluid is jetted toward the outward movement direction side of the wiper blades 14 during a wiping operation in the return movement direction. The washer fluid is then wiped away by performing the wiping operation.Namely, during the return path wiping operation, washer fluid is ejected toward the side opposite the moving direction of the wiper blades 14, and the washer fluid then remains (is deposited) on the windshield WG before being wiped away. In the present exemplary embodiment, the fluid application mode switch 40 may be provided as a standalone switch separate from the washer switch 36 and the wiper switch 38 to distinguish between the fluid application instruction and the respective instructions for wiping by the wiper blades 14 and ejecting washer fluid. An operation result is input to the controller 30 when the fluid application mode switch 40 is operated by the occupant. The controller 30 controls the driving of the washer pump 34 and the wiper motor 32 based on the operation result of the fluid application mode switch 40.

[0039] The vehicle ECU 42 is connected to the controller 30 to obtain various information related to the vehicle. In the present exemplary embodiment, the controller 30 is capable of obtaining information from the vehicle ECU 42 to detect whether the vehicle is stationary or traveling. For example, the controller 30 obtains a detection result for a gear position of a vehicle transmission, a detection result for vehicle speed, a detection result for acceleration, and the like as information from the vehicle ECU 42. In the present exemplary embodiment, the controller 30 changes the fluid application regions in which fluid is deposited depending on whether the vehicle is traveling or the vehicle is stationary. In particular, the fluid application region is limited to ensure visibility during traveling.

[0040] The dirt detection section 43 detects dirt on the windshield WG and outputs a detection result to the controller 30. For example, the dirt detection section 43 detects dirt on the windshield WG using an optical detector, a camera, or the like. In a case where dirt on the windshield WG has been detected by the dirt detection section 43, the controller 30 performs an operation similar to that in cases where the previously described fluid application mode switch 40 has been operated. Note that the dirt detection section 43 may be omitted.

[0041] A detailed explanation will now be given regarding the operation of the vehicle wiper device 10 in a case where the fluid application mode switch 40 has been operated or dirt on the windshield WG has been detected by the dirt detecting section 43. In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4A, in a case where the washer switch 36 has been operated, washing fluid is ejected toward the outward movement direction side during an outward movement direction wiping operation.

[0042] In contrast, the fluid, as in Fig. 4B, in a case where the fluid application mode switch 40 has been operated or dirt on the windshield WG has been detected by the dirt detecting portion 43. Namely, the fluid is deposited by ejecting washing fluid toward the outward moving direction side during wiping in the return moving direction and is not immediately wiped away, so that the washing fluid can effectively act on dirt before being wiped away.

[0043] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the ejection modes include a normal ejection mode corresponding to a case where the washer switch 36 has been operated, and a fluid application mode corresponding to a case where the fluid application mode switch 40 has been operated. As examples of the intended use of each mode, the normal mode activated by operating the washer switch 36 is intended for use with normal dirt, and the fluid application mode is intended for use with stubborn dirt, frost, or the like. Conceivable examples of stubborn dirt include cases where dirt is detected in a detection area if the vehicle has detection devices or the like, and such dirt is removed using the fluid application mode.It should be noted that in the fluid application mode of the present exemplary embodiment, the fluid application area is limited to ensure visibility while driving.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing specific examples of the timings of ejection and wiping operations in both the normal mode and the fluid application mode.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 6, in the case of the normal mode, which is performed in response to the operation of the washer switch 36, the discharge of the washer fluid first starts. A determination period of the short press is set in advance, so that in a case where the operation of the washer switch 36 is stopped within the determination period of the short press, the discharge of the washer fluid is stopped and no further action is taken. In a case where the washer switch 36 is continuously operated for the determination period of the short press or longer, washer fluid is discharged for a preset duration from the start of the operation, wiping by the wiper arms 12 is started, and the discharge of the washer fluid is stopped after the start of the wiping. The wiper arms 12 perform two reciprocating wipes and then stop.It should be noted that in a case where the washer switch 36 is turned on for a longer time than one in . Fig. 6 is operated (in a case where the wash switch 36 is operated until a timing corresponding to a determination period of the long press (repeatedly)), the above-described operation is repeated until the operation of the wash switch 36 stops.

[0046] In the case of the fluid application mode performed in response to the operation of the fluid application mode switch 40, the ejection of the washing fluid begins similarly to the normal mode, but the duration for which the washing fluid is ejected is set to be shorter than in the normal mode (the ejection amount is smaller than in the normal mode). A wiping operation by the wiper arms 12 begins after the ejection of the washing fluid is stopped. Then, during the wiping operation in the return movement direction, washing fluid is ejected such that the washing fluid is ejected toward the outward movement direction side, which is the side opposite to the movement direction of the wiper arms 12.The ejection of washing fluid is then stopped before the wiping operation reaches the lower reset position (or at the lower reset position), and the deposited washing fluid is wiped away by a back-and-forth wiping action. In the fluid application mode, the washing fluid is ejected and deposited on the side opposite the direction of movement of the wiper arms, so that the washing fluid is not immediately wiped away, allowing the washing fluid to penetrate the dirt. The washing fluid is then wiped away after penetrating the dirt, enabling more reliable dirt removal than in a case where the washing fluid is immediately wiped away.

[0047] The ejection time of the washing fluid in the fluid application mode, namely the sum of an ejection time B and an ejection time C, which in Fig. 6 is set to the same duration as a discharge duration A of the washing fluid in the normal mode, whereby an increase in the discharge amount of the deposited washing fluid can be prevented.

[0048] It should be noted that, as in Fig. 6 is represented by a dashed line, in a case where the fluid application mode is activated while driving, there is a short pause after the washer fluid is ejected once before ejection begins again. This delays the time at which fluid application begins, thereby limiting the ejection area.

[0049] In Fig. 6, the timing at which the washing fluid is first ejected in the fluid application mode is set so that it does not coincide with the timing at which the wiping operation starts. However, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6, the timing of the washing fluid ejection and the wiping operation can coincide with each other.

[0050] The following is an explanation of the specific processing performed by the controller 30 of the vehicle wiper device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment configured as described above. Fig. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of specific processing performed by the control device 30 of the vehicle wiper device 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that the processing of Fig. 7 in a case where the ejection of washing fluid has been instructed using the washer switch 36, in cases where fluid application has been instructed by the fluid application switch 40, and in cases where dirt on the windshield WG has been detected by the dirt detecting section 43.

[0051] At step 100, the controller 30 determines whether the fluid application mode has been instructed or not. The determination is negative in a case where the ejection of washer fluid has been instructed using the washer switch 36, and the processing proceeds to step 102. On the other hand, the determination is affirmative in a case where the fluid application mode has been instructed using the fluid application mode switch 40, and in cases where dirt on the windshield WG has been detected by the dirt detecting section 43, and the processing proceeds to step 104.

[0052] At step 102, the processing for the normal mode is performed by the controller 30, and the processing routine ends. As shown in Fig. 6, in the normal mode processing, the controller 30 controls the wiper motor 32 and the washer pump 34 to perform a wiping operation after the washer fluid starts to be discharged, followed by another reciprocating wiping operation to wipe off the washer fluid.

[0053] From step 104, the control device 30 controls the wiper motor 32 and the washer pump 34 in such a way that they operate according to the Fig. 6 shown fluid application mode.

[0054] Specifically, at step 104, the controller 30 controls the washer pump 34 to discharge the washer fluid for a preset duration, and processing proceeds to step 106.

[0055] At step 106, the controller 30 controls the wiper motor 32 to start a wiping operation, and the processing proceeds to step 108.

[0056] At step 108, the controller 30 determines whether the wiping operation has switched to the return movement direction. This determination is made, for example, based on a detection result for a position of a rotary shaft within the wiper motor 32. The controller 30 waits until the determination is affirmative, then processing proceeds to step 110.

[0057] At step 110, the controller 30 determines whether or not a trip is in progress. The determination of whether or not a trip is in progress is made by obtaining various information (e.g., information from a vehicle speed detector) from the vehicle ECU 42. If the determination is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step 112, and if the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step 114.

[0058] At step 112, the controller 30 controls the washer pump 34 to pause briefly before starting to discharge washer fluid, and the processing proceeds to step 116. Namely, in cases where driving is in progress, the discharge of washer fluid begins after a short pause, so that the fluid application area on the outward path side during the return path wiping operation is limited to a lower area of ​​the windshield WG.

[0059] At step 114, the controller 30 controls the washer pump 34 to start discharging washer fluid, and the processing proceeds to step 116. Namely, the discharging of washer fluid begins after the wiping operation switches to the return movement direction, so that the washer fluid is discharged and deposited on the side opposite to the movement direction of the wiper arms 12.

[0060] At step 116, the controller 30 determines whether the timing for stopping the discharge of washer fluid has been reached. In the present exemplary embodiment, this determination is a determination of whether a timing just before reaching the lower reset position (or the timing when reaching the lower reset position) has been reached, for example, based on a detection result of the position of the rotary shaft within the wiper motor 32. Processing waits until the determination is affirmative and then proceeds to step 118.

[0061] At step 118, the controller 30 controls the washing pump 34 to stop discharging washing fluid, and the processing proceeds to step 120.

[0062] At step 120, the controller 30 determines whether or not a long press is performed on the fluid application mode switch 40. This determination is a determination as to whether the operation duration of the fluid application mode switch 40 corresponds to a continuous operation duration of the predetermined automatic operation determination period ( Fig. 6) or longer, which has reached a time corresponding to the long-press determination period. If the determination is affirmative, the processing returns to step 106 and the previously described processing is repeated, thereby repeating the operation of the fluid application mode. If the determination is negative, the processing proceeds to step 122.

[0063] At step 122, the controller 30 executes a processing routine to control the wiper motor 32 to perform a reciprocating wipe operation. The deposited washer fluid is wiped away to complete the processing of the fluid application mode. Dirt deposited by the washer fluid as a result of the fluid application can thus be wiped away.

[0064] Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, in the fluid application mode during the return path wiping operation, washer fluid is ejected in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the wiper blades 14, so that the washer fluid is deposited on the windshield WG. Accordingly, the ejected washer fluid is not immediately removed, allowing the washer fluid to effectively act on dirt or other obstructive substances. This can improve the performance in removing obstructive substances such as dirt.

[0065] Although in the above-described exemplary embodiment, an example has been explained in which ejection patterns in the normal mode and in the fluid application mode are realized by the controller 30 which performs the processing in Fig. 7, there is no limitation thereto. For example, instead of control by the controller 30, discharge patterns may be controlled in coordination with the wiper motor 32 via a cam plate provided on the wiper motor 32. The following is an explanation of an example in which discharge patterns in the normal mode and the fluid application mode are controlled via a cam plate. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an example of a configuration in which ejection patterns in the normal mode and in the fluid application mode are controlled via a cam plate.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the wiper motor 32 is connected to a wiper switch 38. When the wiper switch 38 is turned on, the wiper motor 32 is driven to pivot the propeller shafts 17. The wiper switch 38 has a +B terminal, an S terminal, a +1 terminal, and a +2 terminal. The +B terminal is connected to a positive electrode of a battery BT of the vehicle.

[0067] The wiper motor 32 includes a high-speed brush, a low-speed brush, and a common brush used jointly at both low-speed and high-speed modes to accommodate a high-speed mode in which the vehicle wiper device 10 operates at high speed and a low-speed mode in which the vehicle wiper device 10 operates at low speed. A positive electrode terminal connected to the low-speed brush of the wiper motor 32 is connected to the +1 terminal of the wiper switch 38, and a positive electrode terminal connected to the high-speed brush of the wiper motor 32 is connected to the +2 terminal of the wiper switch 38. A negative electrode terminal connected to the common brush of the wiper motor 32 is grounded to GND.

[0068] A cam switch csw is provided on the wiper motor 32 and is associated with the wiping positions of the wiper blades 14. If the wiper switch 38 has been turned off in a state where the respective wiper blades 14 are in a position other than a preset stationary position, the wiper blades 14 are reset by the cam switch csw and stopped in the stationary position.

[0069] The cam switch csw has an a-contact, a b-contact, a c-contact, a d-contact, and an e-contact serving as fixed contacts, for example, fixedly mounted on a housing cover configuring a gear case of the wiper motor 32, and a cam plate cp serving as a movable contact mounted on a cam described below, which is rotatably housed within the gear case. The a-contact is connected to the +B terminal of the wiper switch 38, and the b-contact is connected to the S terminal of the wiper switch 38. The c-contact is connected to a negative electrode terminal of the wiper motor 32 and grounded to GND. The d-contact and the e-contact are connected via the fluid application mode switch 40 to one end of a coil of a relay R that drives the washer pump 34.

[0070] The other end of the coil of relay R, which drives the washer pump 34, is connected to the battery BT. One end of a switch of relay R is connected to the battery BT. Another end of relay R is connected to the washer pump 34. Namely, the washer pump 34 is powered by turning the relay R on and off, and the modes are switched between the normal mode and the fluid application mode using the fluid application mode switch 40. A washer coordination circuit 44 is connected to the washer pump 34. When the washer switch 36 is operated, the washer coordination circuit 44 controls the wiper motor 32 to coordinate the rotation of the wiper motor 32 with the discharge of washer fluid.

[0071] The cam plate cp is provided on the cam, which rotates integrally with a worm gear (not shown in the drawings) coupled to an output shaft of the wiper motor 32. While the cam plate cp makes one revolution, the wiper blades 14 make a reciprocating movement between the stationary position, which serves as the lower reset position, and the upper reset position. It should be noted that Fig. 8 illustrates a state in which the wiper blades 14 are arranged in the stationary position.

[0072] The respective contacts are provided at aligned positions on different-sized concentric circles on the cam plate cp. The a-contact, the b-contact, the c-contact, the d-contact, and the e-contact are provided in this order at aligned positions starting from the outermost concentric circle. As the cam plate cp rotates, the b-contact is connected to one of the a-contact and the c-contact through the cam plate cp. Specifically, the shape of the cam plate cp is set such that the b-contact is connected to the a-contact when the wiper blades 14 are in a position other than the stationary position. Thus, the wiper motor 32 is energized via the cam switch csw when the wiper blades 14 are in a position other than the stationary position, even when the wiper switch 38 is turned off.The shape of the contacts on the cam plate cp is also determined such that the b-contact is connected to the c-contact when the wiper blades 14 have been pivoted to the stationary position. Accordingly, the low-speed brush and the common brush of the wiper motor 32 become a closed circuit at GND potential to exert a brake (a brake on the electrical generation by an armature of the wiper motor 32), and the wiper motor 32 is stopped according to the stationary position.

[0073] The c-contact is connected to the d-contact and the e-contact via the cam plate cp. Specifically, the shape of the cam plate cp is set such that the c-contact, the d-contact, and the e-contact are all connected when the wiper blades 14 are in the stationary position. The shape of the cam plate cp is set such that the d-contact and the c-contact are connected at the time the washer fluid is ejected during a wiping operation in the normal mode, and such that the d-contact and the e-contact are connected at the time the washer fluid is ejected during a wiping operation in the fluid application mode.

[0074] Thus, when the washer switch 36 is turned on, the washer pump 34 is driven for a preset period, after which the wiper motor 32 starts rotating through the washer coordination circuit 44 and the ejection of the washer fluid and the wiping operations as in Fig. 9. The modes are switched between the normal mode and the fluid application mode by switching the relay R, and the timing at which the washer fluid is discharged is varied according to the mode so that the washer fluid is discharged toward the opposite side to the moving direction of the wiper blades 14 performing the wiping operation in the fluid application mode. Namely, the cam switch csw and the washing coordination circuit 44 function as a control unit instead of the controller 30 of the previously described exemplary embodiment.

[0075] In this way, a holding contact pattern used to stop the wiper blades 14 in the stationary position and contact patterns used to eject the washer fluid through the main nozzles 18 are provided on the same flat surface of the same cam in the cam plate cp. When the cam plate cp is rotated in coordination with the rotation of the wiper motor 32, the respective contacts of the cam switch csw come into contact to stop the wiper blades 14 in the stationary position and to control the timing at which the washer pump 34 is driven.

[0076] It should be noted that while the main nozzles 18 are provided on the wiper arms 12 in the exemplary embodiment described above, this is not limited to this. The main nozzles 18 may be provided on the wiper blades 14.

[0077] Although the main nozzles 18 each have three discharge holes in the exemplary embodiment described above, there is no limitation to this. For example, the nozzles may each include one, two, or four or more discharge holes.

Claims

[1] Vehicle wiping and washing device (10) comprising: a wiper motor which causes a back-and-forth wiping action on a wiping surface (S) by means of a wiper blade (14) coupled to a wiper arm (12); a washer pump (34) that supplies washer fluid under pressure to a discharge portion (18) provided on at least one of the wiper blade (14) or the wiper arm (12), the washer pump (34) causing washer fluid to be discharged from the discharge portion (18) toward the wiping surface (S) on an outward movement direction side of the wiper blade (14) during the reciprocating wiping operation; and a control unit (30) designed to control the wiper motor and the washer pump (34) such that the back-and-forth wiping operation is carried out, characterized by , that the control unit (30) is further configured to control the wiper motor and the washer pump (34) in the event that a fluid application instruction signal has been detected, to start an outward path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation after ejecting a predetermined amount of washing fluid toward the outward movement direction side with respect to the wiper blade (14) has ended, to discharge the washing fluid from the discharge section (18) toward the wiping surface (S) on the outward movement direction side, which is an opposite side with respect to a movement direction of the wiper blade (14) in a return path wiping operation, during a movement of the wiper blade (14), while the return path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation is performed after the outward path wiping operation has been performed, and to apply the washing fluid to the wiping surface (S), and to subsequently perform the reciprocating wiping operation to wipe the washer fluid applied to the wiping surface (S), and the control unit (30) is further configured to control the wiper motor and the washer pump (34) so ​​as to start discharging the washer fluid from the discharging portion (18) toward the wiping surface (S) on the outward movement direction side while performing the return path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation after a short pause in cases where travel is in progress, as compared to the case where no travel is in progress. [2] The vehicle wiping and washing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (30) is further configured to control the wiper motor and the washer pump (34) such that after performing the reciprocating wiping operation in which washer fluid is discharged from the discharge portion (18) toward the wiping surface (S) on the outward moving direction side while performing the return path wiping operation, the discharge of washer fluid is stopped and the reciprocating wiping operation alone is performed. [3] The vehicle wiping and washing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid application instruction signal is a signal generated in at least one of a case where a predetermined switch has been operated and a case where dirt has been detected by a detection area that detects the dirt on the wiping surface (S). [4] The vehicle wiping and washing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (30) is configured to control the washer pump (34) such that a discharge amount of the predetermined amount of washing fluid discharged in a case where the fluid application instruction signal has been detected is a smaller amount of discharged washing fluid than a washing fluid discharge amount first discharged in a case where the discharge of washing fluid has been instructed. [5] The vehicle wiping and washing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (30) is configured to control the wiper motor and the washer pump (34) such that, in a case where the fluid application instruction signal is continuously detected for a predetermined period or longer due to a predetermined switch being continuously operated for a predetermined period or longer, the reciprocating wiping operation is performed, and an operation for discharging washer fluid from the discharging portion (18) toward the wiping surface (S) on the outward moving direction side is repeated while performing the return path wiping operation of the reciprocating wiping operation.

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