Vehicle control device

Abstract

To address a problem in conventional vehicles in which a rear wiper is difficult to operate at an appropriate timing and produces chattering noise when operated, causing discomfort to a passenger.SOLUTION: In a vehicle control device 10, a vehicle control section 11 determines a start of operation of a rear wiper device 14 based on image data from an imaging section 15, a detection result from a raindrop sensor 16, precipitation duration measured by the vehicle control section 11, and the number of output signals to a front wiper device 13. By operating the rear wiper device 14 at an appropriate timing and reducing a cost of manufacture using this method, the vehicle control device prevents generation of chattering noise by a rear wiper, thereby improving passenger comfort.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that automatically controls a rear wiper device that wipes the rear window of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As a vehicle equipped with a conventional window wiper control device, for example, the structure described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Conventional windshield wiper control devices can individually control the operation of the front and rear wiper devices based on a measurement signal from a rain sensor disposed on the windshield, which is a measure of the wetness or wetness of the windshield within the wiping area of the windshield wiper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2001-501554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a conventional vehicle, a windshield wiper control device controls the rear wiper device based on a measurement signal from a rain sensor installed on the windshield, and adjusts the wiping frequency ratio between the rear wiper and the front wiper in advance, taking into account the vehicle speed.

[0006] However, because the windshield wiper control device uses the measurement signal from the rain sensor on the front windshield as a reference, the rear wiper operates on the rear windshield, which is relatively clean, resulting in a rattle noise that is unpleasant for occupants. Another issue is that the rear wiper does not move smoothly over the rear windshield, making it prone to deterioration due to sliding resistance with the glass surface. Furthermore, the rear windshield coating surface is prone to peeling, reducing occupants' visibility and requiring more frequent coating work, resulting in increased maintenance costs.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and relates to a vehicle control device that operates a rear wiper device at an appropriate timing using image data acquired by the vehicle, detection results from a sensor unit, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle control device, which controls a front wiper device that wipes off deposits adhering to the front window of a vehicle and a rear wiper device that wipes off deposits adhering to the rear window of the vehicle, and is equipped with an imaging unit that photographs the area in front of the vehicle, a sensor unit that detects the deposits adhering to the front window, and a vehicle control unit that controls the front wiper device and the rear wiper device based on a detection signal from the sensor unit.When the vehicle control unit determines that the road surface in front of the vehicle is wet using the photographic data from the imaging unit, it starts outputting an operation signal to the rear wiper device when the duration of rainfall measured based on the detection signal from the sensor unit exceeds a predetermined time and the number of times an operation signal is output to the front wiper device exceeds a predetermined number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle control device determines whether to start operating the rear wiper device based on the captured image data from the imaging unit, the detection results from the sensor unit, the duration of rainfall measured by the vehicle control unit, and the number of times an operation signal is output to the front wiper device. This control method reduces manufacturing costs and operates the rear wiper device at the appropriate timing, preventing rattle noise from the rear wiper and improving passenger comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle control device 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the vehicle control device 10 according to this embodiment. Figs. 3 and 4 are flowcharts illustrating modified examples of the control method for the vehicle control device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 1, the vehicle control device 10 mainly includes a vehicle control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a front wiper device 13, a rear wiper device 14, an imaging unit 15, a raindrop sensor 16, a vehicle speed sensor 17, and a network communication unit 18. In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 is a device that automatically controls the rear wiper device 14 using image data acquired by the imaging unit 15, detection results acquired from the raindrop sensor 16, and the like.

[0014] The vehicle control unit 11 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The vehicle control unit 11 is an electronic control unit (ECU) having one or more processors that execute various calculations for controlling the vehicle control device 10 and a vehicle drive unit (not shown), such as an engine.

[0015] In addition, as will be described in detail later, the vehicle control unit 11 calculates the timing for starting and stopping the rear wiper device 14 using the photographic data acquired by the imaging unit 15 and the detection results of the raindrop sensor 16, etc.

[0016] The storage unit 12 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory), and stores data necessary for controlling the vehicle and one or more programs executable by the one or more processors.

[0017] In addition, as will be described in detail later, the memory unit 12 stores the photographic data acquired by the imaging unit 15 and the detection results of the raindrop sensor 16, as well as threshold values for automatically controlling the rear wiper device 14.

[0018] The windshield wiper device 13 is disposed on the windshield of the vehicle and is a device for wiping off rain, snow, mud, wash fluid, and other deposits that have adhered to the outer surface of the windshield. The windshield wiper device 13 mainly includes a windshield wiper that wipes the outer surface of the windshield, a wiper motor that operates the windshield wiper, a wash supply device that sprays wash fluid onto the outer surface of the windshield, and an operating unit.

[0019] The rear wiper device 14 is disposed on the rear window of the vehicle and is a device for wiping off rain, snow, mud, wash fluid, and other deposits that have adhered to the outer surface of the rear window. The rear wiper device 14 mainly includes a rear wiper that wipes the outer surface of the rear window, a wiper motor that operates the rear wiper, a wash supply device that sprays wash fluid onto the outer surface of the rear window, and an operating unit.

[0020] Although details will be described later, the front wiper device 13 and the rear wiper device 14 are controlled by the vehicle control unit 11. The front wiper device 13 and the rear wiper device 14 operate the front wiper and the rear wiper to move back and forth once on the front window and the rear window, for example, in response to a single operation signal input from the vehicle control unit 11. In other words, in the front wiper device 13 and the rear wiper device 14, the operation signal is repeatedly input from the vehicle control unit 11, causing the front wiper and the rear wiper to repeatedly wipe the front window and the rear window, thereby ensuring the visibility of the occupants.

[0021] The imaging unit 15 is connected to the vehicle control unit 11 via an in-vehicle network. The imaging unit 15 is a device that captures an image of the road surface ahead of the vehicle and transmits the captured image data to the storage unit 12. The imaging unit 15 is, for example, a camera module having an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. The imaging unit 15 may be, for example, a camera module or a drive recorder that constitutes a driving assistance system. The driving assistance system is a system that assists the driver in driving the vehicle when the vehicle is being manually driven, or assists the driver in driving the vehicle when the vehicle is being automatically driven.

[0022] The raindrop sensor 16 is a device disposed around the windshield of the vehicle to detect raindrops on the windshield. The raindrop sensor 16 is configured using, for example, an optical element, and detects the amount of raindrops by utilizing the change in reflectivity caused by raindrops on the windshield. The raindrop sensor 16 then inputs its detection signal to the vehicle control unit 11. The sensor unit of the present invention corresponds to the raindrop sensor 16 of this embodiment.

[0023] The vehicle speed sensor 17 detects the speed of the vehicle and inputs the detection signal to the vehicle control unit 11 .

[0024] The network communication unit 18 performs processing for data communication by a known telematics communication system using a main antenna 21 and a sub-antenna 22 installed in the vehicle. The telematics communication system is a communication service system that provides various information such as traffic congestion information and emergency information to each vehicle through communication between each vehicle and a service provider (not shown).

[0025] The vehicle may be, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine using gasoline or other fuel.

[0026] Next, a control method for automatically controlling the rear wiper device 14 using the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] 2, in step S10, when a passenger gets into the vehicle and presses an ignition switch (not shown), the vehicle enters an ignition-on state. Then, by pressing the ignition switch, the vehicle control device 10 of the vehicle also enters an on state.

[0028] In step S11, the vehicle control unit 11 starts a vehicle drive mechanism (not shown) such as an engine, and the driver operates the steering wheel and the like to start driving the vehicle.

[0029] In step S12, the vehicle control unit 11 uses the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16 to determine whether rain has started to fall in the area where the vehicle is traveling. As described above, when rain starts to fall in the area where the vehicle is traveling, raindrops adhere to the front windshield of the vehicle. When the vehicle control device 10 is turned on, the raindrop sensor 16 starts sensing the outer surface of the front windshield, and when raindrops are detected, the raindrop sensor 16 inputs a detection signal to the vehicle control unit 11.

[0030] If the result of step S12 is YES, the vehicle control unit 11 determines that rain has started to fall in the area where the vehicle is traveling when the detection signal is detected from the raindrop sensor 16. Then, the vehicle control unit 11 stores the determination result that rain has started to fall in the memory unit 12, and then proceeds to step S13.

[0031] On the other hand, if the result of step S12 is NO, the vehicle control unit 11 determines that it is not raining in the area where the vehicle is traveling if it does not detect the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16. The vehicle control unit 11 continues to monitor the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16, and the vehicle continues traveling.

[0032] In step S13, the vehicle control unit 11 measures the duration of rainfall since it determined that rain has started. The vehicle control unit 11 determines that rainfall is continuing while the detection signal is repeatedly input from the raindrop sensor 16 at set intervals, and measures the duration of rainfall.

[0033] In step S14, the vehicle control unit 11 determines whether the road surface ahead of the vehicle is wet due to rain, using the photographed data acquired by the imaging unit 15. As described above, the imaging unit 15 photographs the front side of the vehicle, and transmits the photographed data including the road surface ahead of the vehicle acquired while the vehicle is traveling to the vehicle control unit 11. The photographed data is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0034] If the answer to step S14 is YES, the vehicle control unit 11 performs image analysis on the captured image data, and if it determines that the road surface ahead of the vehicle is wet due to rain, the process proceeds to step S15. For example, the vehicle control unit 11 analyzes the density of the road surface, and if the density of the road surface is higher than a reference value, it determines that it is raining.

[0035] If the result of step S14 is NO, the vehicle control unit 11 performs image analysis of the photographed data, and if it determines that the road surface ahead of the vehicle is not wet due to rainfall, the process returns to step S12, where the vehicle control unit 11 again monitors the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16, and the vehicle continues traveling. In this case, it is assumed that the vehicle temporarily traveled through a rainy area due to a passing shower or a sudden downpour, but immediately left the rainy area.

[0036] In step S15, the vehicle control unit 11 determines whether or not the rainfall duration exceeds a predetermined time period that has been set in advance.

[0037] If the result of step S15 is YES, and the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the duration of rain has exceeded the predetermined time stored in the memory unit 12, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the result of step S15 is NO, and the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the duration of rain has not exceeded the predetermined time stored in the memory unit 12, the vehicle control unit 11 continues to measure the duration of rain and repeatedly compares it with the predetermined time.

[0038] In step S16, the vehicle control unit 11 determines whether the number of times the front wiper of the front wiper device 13 has operated exceeds a predetermined number of times. As described above, the front wiper performs one reciprocating wiping operation on the windshield in response to one operation signal input from the vehicle control unit 11. In this embodiment, the one reciprocating wiping operation of the front wiper is counted as one operation. In other words, the vehicle control unit 11 counts the operation signals input to the front wiper device 13.

[0039] If the result of step S16 is YES, and the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the number of activations has exceeded the predetermined number of times stored in the memory unit 12, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the result of step S16 is NO, and the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the number of activations has not reached the predetermined number of times stored in the memory unit 12, the vehicle control unit 11 continues to measure the number of activations and repeatedly compares it with the predetermined number of times.

[0040] In step S17, when the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the rainfall duration has exceeded the predetermined time and that the number of activations has exceeded the predetermined number of times, it starts operating the rear wiper device 14. As described above, the vehicle control unit 11 outputs an activation signal to the rear wiper device 14, and the rear wiper device 14 causes the rear wiper to make one reciprocating movement across the rear window in response to one activation signal input from the vehicle control unit 11. The rear wiper device 14 then repeats the wiping operation of the rear wiper in response to the activation signal input at regular intervals, thereby ensuring the visibility of the occupants through the rear window.

[0041] In step S18, the vehicle control unit 11 uses the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16 to determine whether or not it is continuing to rain in the area where the vehicle is traveling.

[0042] If the result of step S18 is YES, the vehicle control unit 11 determines that rain is continuing to fall in the area where the vehicle is traveling if the vehicle control unit 11 detects the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16. Then, the vehicle control unit 11 continues to monitor the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16, and the vehicle continues traveling.

[0043] On the other hand, if the vehicle control unit 11 determines NO in step S18 and does not detect the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16, it determines that the rain has stopped in the vehicle's travel area, and proceeds to step S19.

[0044] In step S19, the vehicle control unit 11 stops outputting the operation signal to the rear wiper device 14, and the rear wiper device 14 stops its operation.

[0045] Thereafter, in step S20, the occupant arrives at the destination and parks the vehicle in a parking lot, etc. Then, in step S21, when the occupant presses the ignition switch, the vehicle enters an ignition-off state, and the vehicle control device 10 of the vehicle also enters an off state.

[0046] As described above, in the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment, the vehicle control unit 11 detects rainfall in step S12, determines the road surface conditions in the vehicle's driving area in step S14, and then operates the rear wiper device 14 when the duration of rainfall in step S15 and the number of times the front wiper has been operated in step S16 satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0047] When the vehicle is moving forward, the amount of raindrops adhering to the rear window of the vehicle is smaller than that adhering to the front window, whereas the amount of water that is kicked up from the road surface by the vehicle moving tends to be larger on the rear window.

[0048] Therefore, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment does not determine whether to start operating the rear wiper device 14 based solely on the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16, but also takes into account at least the road surface conditions, the duration of rainfall, and the number of times the front wipers have been operated. This control method prevents the rear wiper from wiping the rear window when the rear window is dry or slightly wet.

[0049] As a result, the rear wiper device 14 is prevented from generating rattle noises that may cause discomfort to vehicle occupants. The rear wiper is also prevented from being easily deteriorated due to the wiping action with a large sliding resistance against the glass surface. Furthermore, the rear wiper is prevented from having to be replaced more frequently, and vehicle maintenance costs incurred by occupants due to rear window coating work, etc., are prevented from increasing.

[0050] Next, a modified example of the control method for automatic control of the rear wiper device 14 using the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in the figures, the control method from step S10 to step S17 and the control method from step S18 to step S21 enclosed by dotted lines are the same as those described above with reference to Figure 2, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted here. In other words, in the control methods of Figures 3 and 4, control for determining the operation frequency of the rear wiper of the rear wiper device 14 is added between step S17 and step S18 in Figure 2.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S17, the vehicle control unit 11 starts the operation of the rear wiper device 14.

[0052] In step S31, the vehicle control unit 11 uses the detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 17 to determine whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds the first threshold speed stored in the storage unit 12 or not.

[0053] If the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the vehicle speed exceeds the first threshold speed (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the vehicle speed is equal to or less than the first threshold speed (NO in step S31), the vehicle control unit 11 continues to monitor the detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 17, and the vehicle continues to travel. Then, the vehicle control unit 11 continues to output an operation signal to the rear wiper device 14, maintaining the interval at the start of operation in step S17.

[0054] In step S32, the vehicle control unit 11 sets the interval at which an operation signal is output to the rear wiper device 14 to be higher than the interval at the start of operation in step S17. Then, in the rear wiper device 14, the wiping operation of the rear wiper becomes faster than at the start of operation. As a result, as the vehicle speed increases, the amount of water kicked up from the road surface increases, and the amount of raindrops adhering to the rear window increases, but this is removed by the wiping operation of the rear wiper, ensuring visibility through the rear window for occupants.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S17, the vehicle control unit 11 starts the operation of the rear wiper device 14.

[0056] In step S33, the vehicle control unit 11 controls the storage unit 12 to determine whether or not the tilt angle of the rear window of the vehicle is greater than the second threshold angle.

[0057] If the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the tilt angle of the rear window of the vehicle is greater than the second threshold angle in step S33 (YES), the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the vehicle control unit 11 determines that the tilt angle of the rear window of the vehicle is equal to or less than the second threshold angle in step S33 (NO), the vehicle control unit 11 continues to output the operation signal to the rear wiper device 14 at intervals, and the vehicle continues traveling.

[0058] In step S34, the vehicle control unit 11 sets the interval at which an operation signal is output to the rear wiper device 14 to be higher than the interval at the start of operation in step S17. Then, in the rear wiper device 14, the wiping operation of the rear wiper becomes faster than at the start of operation. As a result, in a vehicle model with a large inclination angle of the rear window, such as a wagon-type vehicle, raindrops and water that adhere to the rear window are difficult to remove due to wind while driving, but are removed by the wiping operation of the rear wiper, ensuring visibility for occupants through the rear window.

[0059] 4, the vehicle control unit 11 determines the control method for the rear wiper device 14 using the tilt angle of the rear window and the second threshold angle, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit 12 may store in advance intervals of operation signals to the rear wiper device 14 for each vehicle model.

[0060] Finally, in the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment, the vehicle control unit 11 determines whether to start, stop, or operate the rear wiper device 14 using the detection signal from the raindrop sensor 16, the image capture data acquired by the image capture unit 15, the duration of rainfall, and the number of times the front wipers have been operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle control unit 11 may determine whether to start, stop, or operate the rear wiper device 14 using traffic information, weather information for the driving area, and the like acquired by the vehicle via the network communication unit 18.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle control device 10, the frequency of outputting an operation signal from the vehicle control unit 11 to the rear wiper device 14 is maintained from the start of operation when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than the first threshold speed or when the tilt angle of the rear window of the vehicle is equal to or less than the second threshold angle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than the first threshold speed or when the tilt angle of the rear window of the vehicle is equal to or less than the second threshold angle, and when the tilt angle is equal to or less than a third threshold speed or a fourth threshold angle that are smaller than the first threshold speed or the second threshold angle, the frequency of outputting an operation signal from the vehicle control unit 11 to the rear wiper device 14 may be set low from the start of operation. In addition, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 Vehicle control device 11 Vehicle control unit 12 Storage section 13 Front wiper device 14 Rear wiper device 15 Imaging unit 16 Raindrop sensor 17 Vehicle speed sensor 18 Network Communications Department

Claims

1. A vehicle control device that controls a front wiper device that wipes off deposits adhering to a front windshield of a vehicle and a rear wiper device that wipes off the deposits adhering to a rear windshield of the vehicle, an imaging unit that captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle; a sensor unit that detects the matter adhering to the windshield; a vehicle control unit that controls the front wiper device and the rear wiper device based on a detection signal from the sensor unit, The vehicle control unit When the photographic data from the imaging unit is used to determine that the road surface in front of the vehicle is wet, the vehicle control device starts outputting an operation signal to the rear wiper device when the duration of rainfall measured based on the detection signal from the sensor unit exceeds a predetermined time and the number of times an operation signal is output to the front wiper device exceeds a predetermined number.

2. a vehicle speed sensor for measuring the speed of the vehicle; The vehicle control unit 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein when the speed from the vehicle speed sensor exceeds a first threshold speed, the frequency of outputting the operation signal to the rear wiper device is set higher than when the rear wiper device starts operating.

3. a storage unit that stores the tilt angle of the rear window, The vehicle control unit 3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein when the tilt angle is equal to or greater than a second threshold angle, the frequency of outputting the operation signal to the rear wiper device is set higher than when the rear wiper device starts operating.

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