Wiper control device and wiper control method

Abstract

To provide a wiper control device and a wiper control method capable of inhibiting the occurrence of visibility obstruction while preventing interference between opposing-type wipers.SOLUTION: A control unit 15 of an opposing-type wiper 3 executes: first synchronous control of alternately executing an operation for causing both a first wiper 4 and a second wiper 5 to perform forward motions to move both to a second reversal position Pb and an operation for causing both of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 to perform backward motions to move both to a first reversal position Pa; and second synchronous control of causing one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 to perform the forward motion and causes the other to perform the backward motion. The control unit 15 selectively executes the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper control device and a wiper control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a wiper device that wipes a windshield by reciprocating opposed wipers has been well known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Opposed wipers, for example, operate a pair of wipers facing each other to wipe rain, dirt, and the like off the windshield. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 6-67717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because the engine hood is located below the windshield, when it snows, even if the wipers wipe away snow that has accumulated on the windshield, the snow often accumulates on the hood. When a leading wiper detects snow accumulation, it slows down or temporarily stops to avoid interference between the leading wipers, causing the trailing wiper to stop at a higher position in front of the leading wiper. This can cause visibility, especially driving visibility, to be obstructed by the trailing wipers.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper control device and a wiper control method that can prevent mutual interference between opposed wipers while reducing the likelihood of obstructing visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wiper control device (14) that solves the above problem is a device used for an opposed wiper (3) that performs a reciprocating wiping action by repeatedly swinging and reversing a first wiper (4) driven by a first drive source (11) and a second wiper (5) driven by a second drive source (12) at each reversal position (P) between a first reversal position (Pa) that is an initial position and a second reversal position (Pb) that is a position opposite to the first reversal position, and the wiper control device (14) synchronizes the first wiper and the second wiper with each other in a forward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the second reversal position and in a backward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the first reversal position. a control unit (15) that performs a reciprocating wiping operation in synchronization with the first wiper and the second wiper, and the control unit performs a first synchronization control that alternately performs an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the forward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the second reversal position and an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the backward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the first reversal position; and a second synchronization control that controls one of the first wiper and the second wiper to operate in the forward direction and the other to operate in the backward direction, and further the control unit selectively performs the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control.

[0007] The wiper control method for solving the above problem is a method used for an opposed-type wiper (3) that performs a reciprocating wiping action by repeatedly swinging and reversing a first wiper (4) driven by a first drive source (11) and a second wiper (5) driven by a second drive source (12) at each of reversal positions (P) between a first reversal position (Pa) that is an initial position and a second reversal position (Pb) that is a position opposite to the first reversal position, and the opposed-type wiper performs a forward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the second reversal position (Pa) and a backward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the first reversal position (Pb) by synchronous control. and a second synchronization control that alternately executes an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the forward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the second reversal position and an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the backward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the first reversal position, and a second synchronization control that controls one of the first wiper and the second wiper to operate in the forward direction and the other to operate in the backward direction, and further executes the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control selectively.

[0008] According to the wiper control device and wiper control method of this configuration, the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control can be selectively executed, so that both the first wiper and the second wiper can be moved as far as possible to the reverse position while avoiding interference with each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the likelihood of the wipers obstructing visibility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can prevent mutual interference between opposed wipers while making it difficult for obstruction of visibility to occur. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a wiper control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of an opposed wiper. [Figure 3] 10(a) to 10(d) are explanatory diagrams of the first synchronization control. [Figure 4] 10(a) to 10(d) are explanatory diagrams of the second synchronization control. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of switching between first synchronization control and second synchronization control. [Figure 6] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of opposed wipers when snow accumulates. [Figure 7] 10 is a table summarizing the contents of each control of synchronization control. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a wiper control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the opposing wiper during first synchronous control. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of switching between first synchronization control and second synchronization control. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the opposing wiper during second synchronous control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. (Wiper device 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the wiper device 1 includes an opposed wiper 3 that wipes a surface 2 to be wiped on a vehicle to which the wiper device 1 is attached. The opposed wiper 3 performs a reciprocating wiping operation by repeatedly swinging and reversing a first wiper 4 and a second wiper 5 between a first reversal position Pa, which is an initial position, and a reversal position P, which is a position opposite the first reversal position Pa. The first reversal position Pa is, for example, a position where the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 approach each other. The second reversal position Pb is, for example, a position where the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 move away from each other. Each of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 includes a wiper arm 7 that rotates around a rotary shaft 6 and a wiper blade 8 that is detachably attached to the tip of the wiper arm 7.

[0012] The wiper apparatus 1 has a first drive source 11 that serves as a drive source for operating the first wiper 4 and a second drive source 12 that serves as a drive source for operating the second wiper 5. In this manner, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are operated by their respective separate drive sources. The first drive source 11 and the second drive source 12 are, for example, motors. The first drive source 11 and the second drive source 12 may have motor output shafts that are the rotation shaft 6 of the first wiper 4, or the motor output shafts may be drivingly connected to the rotation shaft 6 of the first wiper 4 via a link mechanism (not shown).

[0013] The wiper device 1 is installed in, for example, a vehicle, and the surface to be wiped 2 is, for example, the surface of the windshield of the vehicle. (Reciprocating wiping action) 2(a) and 2(b), in the normal reciprocating wiping operation, the opposed wiper 3 performs a reciprocating wiping operation by repeatedly swinging back and forth between a first reversal position Pa where the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 approach each other and a second reversal position Pb where the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 move away from each other under a first synchronization control described later. Thus, the reversal positions P include the first reversal position Pa where each of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 reverses from a backward movement to an forward movement, and the second reversal position Pb where each of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 reverses from a forward movement to a backward movement.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2A, the first reversal position Pa is, for example, a lower reversal position that is the lowest position of the reciprocating wiping operation. The first reversal position Pa includes "Pa1," which is a reversal position at the lowest position of the first wiper 4, and "Pa2," which is a reversal position at the lowest position of the second wiper 5. When the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are both located at the first reversal position Pa, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 overlap (are close to) each other in the reciprocating movement direction. In this example, when the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are both located at the first reversal position Pa, the first wiper 4 is located further forward in the forward movement direction than the second wiper 5.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the second reversal position Pb is, for example, an upper reversal position that is the uppermost position of the reciprocating wiping operation. The second reversal position Pb includes "Pb1," which is a reversal position at the uppermost position of the first wiper 4, and "Pb2," which is a reversal position at the uppermost position of the second wiper 5. When the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are both located at the second reversal position Pb, they are separated from each other (a spaced apart state). When the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are both located at their uppermost positions ("Pb1" and "Pb2" in this example), they are the most spaced apart from each other.

[0016] (Wiper control device 14) As shown in FIG. 1 , the wiper device 1 includes a wiper control device 14 that controls the operation of the wiper device 1. The wiper control device 14 includes a control unit 15 that controls the reciprocating wiping action of the opposed wiper 3 (first wiper 4 and second wiper 5). The control unit 15 is configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 15 controls the first drive source 11 via a first drive circuit 16 and also controls the second drive source 12 via a second drive circuit 17.

[0017] The wiper device 1 includes a switch 18 that is operated to switch the operation mode of the wiper device 1. The operation positions of the switch 18 include, for example, an off position, an intermittent operation position, a low operation position, and a high operation position. The operation modes of the wiper device 1 include, for example, an off mode, an intermittent operation mode, a low mode, and a high mode, depending on the operation positions of the switch 18. The low mode is an operation mode in which the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 reciprocate at a low speed. The high mode is an operation mode in which the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 reciprocate at a high speed.

[0018] The control unit 15 controls the operation of the opposing wiper 3 based on the switch signal Sa input from the switch 18. Specifically, the control unit 15 controls the first drive source 11 and the second drive source 12 via the first drive circuit 16 and the second drive circuit 17 so that the opposing wiper 3 operates in the operation mode set by the switch 18.

[0019] (Detection unit 20) 1, the wiper control device 14 includes a detection unit 20 that detects the positions of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 during movement. The detection unit 20 is, for example, a position detection unit 20a that directly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5. The position detection unit 20a can be provided, for example, inside at least one of the first drive source 11 and the second drive source 12. In FIG. 1, the detection unit 20 includes a first detection unit 21 that detects the position of the first wiper 4 that reciprocates, and a second detection unit 22 that detects the position of the second wiper 5 that reciprocates.

[0020] The position detection unit 20a is, for example, an angle detection sensor that detects the angles of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 during reciprocating motion, and in the first embodiment, the angle of the rotary shaft 6 (the angle of the output shaft of the first drive source 11 and the second drive source 12). In this case, the detection unit 20 outputs the angle values ​​of the rotary shafts 6 of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 as detection signals Sb to the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls the reciprocating wiping motion of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 while determining the angles of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 based on the detection signals Sb.

[0021] (Synchronous control of opposing wiper 3) 3 and 4, the control unit 15 controls the reciprocating wiping operation by synchronous control to simultaneously operate the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5. In this example, in a normal reciprocating wiping operation, the control unit 15 controls the reciprocating wiping operation by the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 by executing a forward operation in which the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are moved from a first reversal position Pa, where they are close to each other, to a second reversal position Pb, where they are separated from each other, and a backward operation in which the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are moved from the second reversal position Pb to the first reversal position Pa. In this way, the synchronous control is a control in which the wiping surface 2 is wiped by the forward operation and backward operation of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5.

[0022] (Switching between first and second synchronous control) 3(a) to 3(d), the synchronous control includes a first synchronous control in which both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 alternate between a forward operation and a backward operation. In this example, the first synchronous control alternates between a forward operation in which both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 move from the first reversal position Pa to the second reversal position Pb and a backward operation in which both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 move from the second reversal position Pb to the first reversal position Pa. In the first synchronous control, the rotation direction of the first wiper 4 about the rotation shaft 6 and the rotation direction of the second wiper 5 about the rotation shaft 6 are opposite to each other.

[0023] 4(a) to 4(d), the synchronization control includes second synchronization control that controls the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 so that when one of them operates in the forward direction, the other operates in the backward direction. When a certain event is determined to have occurred during the execution of the reciprocating wiping operation under the first synchronization control, the second synchronization control controls the operation of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 in the same direction, so that when one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 operates in the forward direction, the other operates in the backward direction. In other words, under the second synchronization control, the rotation direction of the first wiper 4 about the rotation shaft 6 and the rotation direction of the second wiper 5 about the rotation shaft 6 are the same.

[0024] The control unit 15 selectively executes the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control. In this example, the control unit 15 executes the selection between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on the detection signal Sb of the detection unit 20. Specifically, the control unit 15 controls the operations of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 based on the detection signal Sb of the detection unit 20 so that the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 do not obstruct the user's field of vision.

[0025] When the detector 20 is the position detector 20a, if the controller 15 determines, using the detection signal Sb of the position detector 20a, that at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 has stopped midway through the range of movement between the reversal positions P while the first synchronization control is selected, the controller 15 switches from the first synchronization control to the second synchronization control. In this way, for example, when at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 is not normally positioned at the lower reversal position during the reciprocating wiping operation, the controller 15 determines that at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 has stopped midway through the range of movement between the reversal positions P, and switches the synchronization control from the first synchronization control to the second synchronization control.

[0026] Next, the operation of the wiper control device 14 and the wiper control method of this embodiment will be described. (First synchronous control) 5, in step 101, the control unit 15 normally operates the opposed wiper 3 under the first synchronous control. In this example, the normal state means, for example, that both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are capable of wiping the entire area between the first reversal position Pa and the second reversal position Pb.

[0027] 3A, in the case of the first synchronous control, at the start of the wiping operation, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are both in an initial position located at the first reversal position Pa. In this way, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 use the first reversal position Pa as the movement starting point at the start of wiping.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 perform forward movement starting from the first reversal position Pa. Specifically, the first wiper 4 moves from the first reversal position Pa toward the second reversal position Pb by rotating about the rotary shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7 in a first rotation direction (the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 3(b)). On the other hand, the second wiper 5 moves from the first reversal position Pa toward the second reversal position Pb by rotating about the rotary shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7 in a second rotation direction (the direction of arrow B2 in FIG. 3(b)), which is opposite to the first rotation direction. In this way, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 both move toward the second reversal position Pb, where they are spaced apart from each other. When both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are operating in the forward direction, it is preferable to start operating the first wiper 4, whose first reversal position Pa is set inside the wiping range of the second wiper 5 (forward in the forward operating direction), before the second wiper 5.

[0029] 3(c), the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 operate in the forward movement up to the second reversal position Pb, which is the end of the forward movement range. When the first wiper 4 is located at the second reversal position Pb and the second wiper 5 is located at the second reversal position Pb, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 are in the most separated state.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3(d), the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 that have reached the second reversal position Pb perform a return operation with the second reversal position Pb as the movement starting point. Specifically, the first wiper 4 rotates from the second reversal position Pb around the rotation shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7 in a second rotation direction (the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 3(d)), thereby moving from the second reversal position Pb toward the first reversal position Pa. Meanwhile, the second wiper 5 rotates around the rotation shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7 in a first rotation direction (the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 3(d)), which is opposite to the second rotation direction, thereby moving from the second reversal position Pb toward the first reversal position Pa. In this way, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 both move toward the first reversal position Pa, where they are close to each other. In addition, when both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 operate in the return direction, it is preferable to start operating the second wiper 5, whose second reversal position Pb is set outside the wiping range of the first wiper 4, before the first wiper 4.

[0031] Then, when the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 return to the first reversal position Pa, they repeat the reciprocating wiping action by performing the movements shown in Figures 3(b) to 3(d) described above. As described above, in the normal reciprocating wiping action, the wiping surface 2 is wiped reciprocally by the first synchronous control of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5.

[0032] (Visibility obstructed by opposing wipers 3) 5, in step 102, when the reciprocating wiping operation is being performed under the first synchronization control, the control unit 15 determines whether the opposing wiper 3 has stopped midway during its return movement. That is, based on the detection signal Sb from the detection unit 20, the control unit 15 determines whether the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 have stopped midway due to an obstacle or the like.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6(a), when driving in snowy conditions, the opposing wipers 3 performing a reciprocating wiping operation may not be able to push out the snow, causing it to accumulate near the hood below the windshield. When this occurs, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 cannot reach the reversal position P due to the snow, and the following wiper (the first wiper 4 in the case of Figure 6(a)) in particular slows down or stops midway to avoid colliding with (interfering with) the preceding wiper, thereby obstructing visibility.

[0034] Therefore, in step 102, in order to monitor whether the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5 is obstructing visibility, it is determined whether an obstacle exists on the movement path of the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5, i.e., whether the wiper has stopped midway during its return movement. If it is not determined in step 102 that the opposing wiper 3 has stopped midway, the process returns to step 101, and the first synchronization control continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 102 that the opposing wiper 3 has stopped midway, the process proceeds to step 103.

[0035] 5, when it is determined that the opposing wiper 3 has stopped midway through movement, the control unit 15 operates the opposing wiper 3 by the first transition control in step 103. That is, the control unit 15 executes the first transition control to switch the synchronous control to the second synchronous control. In this way, the first transition control is a control for transitioning the synchronous control from the first synchronous control to the second synchronous control.

[0036] Specifically, if one reciprocating wiping operation is one cycle, the first transition control is a control in which, in the first half cycle, only the first wiper 4 moves forward while the second wiper 5 remains stopped, and in the second half cycle, the first wiper 4 moves backward and the second wiper 5 moves forward. This creates a state in which the second synchronization control can be performed.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6(b), during the latter half of the first transition control, the first wiper 4 moves to a position where it will strike the snow accumulated near the hood because the second wiper 5 is not present on its movement path. That is, the first wiper 4 does not slow down or stop midway through its movement path, but moves to a position where it will not obstruct visibility. Therefore, even if snow accumulates near the hood, the first wiper 4 will not obstruct visibility. Furthermore, because the first wiper 4 moves to a position where it will strike the snow, the first wiper 4 can push out the snow, allowing it to be removed.

[0038] (Second synchronous control) 5, in step 104, after executing the first transition control, the control unit 15 continues the reciprocating wiping operation of the opposed wiper 3 under the second synchronous control. The second synchronous control is continued until the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 return to a normal state of reciprocating between the reversing positions P, that is, until the stop of the movement of the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5 during the return operation is released.

[0039] 4A, in the second synchronization control, at the start of the wiping operation, one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 is located at the first reversal position Pa, and the other is located at the second reversal position Pb. Here, for example, an example is given in which the first wiper 4 is located at the first reversal position Pa, and the second wiper 5 is located at the second reversal position Pb. In this case, the first wiper 4 starts its movement from the first reversal position Pa when starting wiping, and the second wiper 5 starts its movement from the second reversal position Pb when starting wiping.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4B, the first wiper 4 performs an outward movement operation starting from the first reversal position Pa, and the second wiper 5 performs a backward movement operation starting from the second reversal position Pb. Specifically, the first wiper 4 moves from the first reversal position Pa toward the second reversal position Pb by rotating in a first rotation direction (the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 4B) about the rotation shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7. The second wiper 5 moves from the second reversal position Pb toward the first reversal position Pa by rotating in the first rotation direction (the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 4B) about the rotation shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7. In this manner, while the first wiper 4 performs an outward movement operation, the second wiper 5 performs a backward movement operation. In this case, it is preferable that the outward movement operation of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 starts before the backward movement operation of each of them.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4(c), the first wiper 4 operates to the second reversal position Pb, which is the end of its range of movement for forward operation, and the second wiper 5 operates to the first reversal position Pa, which is the end of its range of movement for backward operation. At this time, when the second wiper 5 is located near the first reversal position Pa, it strikes the snow that has accumulated near the hood. Therefore, the snow that has accumulated near the hood is struck and pushed out by the second wiper 5.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4(d), the first wiper 4 that has reached the second reversal position Pb performs a backward movement operation with the second reversal position Pb as its movement starting point. Furthermore, the second wiper 5 that has reached the first reversal position Pa performs a forward movement operation with the first reversal position Pa as its movement starting point. Specifically, the first wiper 4 rotates from the second reversal position Pb around the rotation shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7 in the second rotation direction (the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 4(d)), thereby moving from the second reversal position Pb toward the first reversal position Pa. Meanwhile, the second wiper 5 rotates around the rotation shaft 6 of the wiper arm 7 in the second rotation direction (the direction of arrow B2 in FIG. 4(d)), thereby moving from the first reversal position Pa toward the second reversal position Pb. Thus, while the first wiper 4 performs a backward movement operation, the second wiper 5 performs a forward movement operation.

[0043] Furthermore, when the first wiper 4 is positioned near the first reversal position Pa, the first wiper 4 hits the snow accumulated near the hood. Therefore, the snow accumulated near the hood is also struck and pushed out by the first wiper 4. In this way, if the reciprocating movement of the opposed wiper 3 is one cycle, the opposed wiper 3 strikes the snow twice during one cycle, so the snow is efficiently pushed out and removed.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 , in step 105, the control unit 15 determines whether the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5 has stopped moving during its return path. That is, the control unit 15 determines whether at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 moves normally over the entire range or a specified range within its movement range. In this manner, it is determined whether snow accumulated near the hood has been removed. If it is determined in step 105 that at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 has stopped moving during its return path, the process returns to step 104, where the second synchronization control continues. On the other hand, if it is not determined in step 105 that the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5 has stopped moving during its return path, the process proceeds to step 106. The specified range refers to, for example, a range within which the opposing wiper 3 does not obstruct visibility.

[0045] If it is not determined in step 106 that the opposing wiper 3 is stopped midway through movement, the control unit 15 operates the opposing wiper 3 by the second transition control. That is, the control unit 15 executes the second transition control to return the synchronization control to the first synchronization control. In this way, the second transition control is a control for transitioning the synchronization control from the second synchronization control to the first synchronization control.

[0046] Specifically, if one reciprocating wiping operation is considered to be one cycle, the second transition control is a control in which, in the first half of the cycle, the first wiper 4 is operated in the forward direction and the second wiper 5 is operated in the backward direction, and in the second half of the cycle, the second wiper 5 is stopped and only the first wiper 4 is operated in the backward direction. This creates a state in which the first synchronization control can be performed. Then, the synchronization control is returned to the first synchronization control.

[0047] (Summary of synchronous control operation patterns) 7, the first synchronous control operates both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 in the forward direction during the first half cycle, and operates both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 in the backward direction during the second half cycle. In this way, in the case of the first synchronous control, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 perform a reciprocating wiping operation by alternately operating in the backward direction and the forward direction every half cycle.

[0048] The second synchronization control operates the first wiper 4 in the backward direction and the second wiper 5 in the forward direction during the first half cycle. Also, the second synchronization control operates the first wiper 4 in the backward direction and the second wiper 5 in the forward direction during the second half cycle. In this way, in the case of the second synchronization control, a state in which one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 operates in the forward direction while the other operates in the backward direction is alternately executed, and a state in which one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 operates in the backward direction while the other operates in the forward direction is executed, thereby performing a reciprocating wiping operation.

[0049] In the first transition control, in the first half cycle, only the first wiper 4 is operated in the forward direction while the second wiper 5 is stopped, and in the second half cycle, the first wiper 4 is operated in the backward direction and the second wiper 5 is operated in the forward direction. In this way, the synchronization control is switched from the first synchronization control to the second synchronization control.

[0050] In the second transition control, in the first half cycle, the first wiper 4 is operated in the forward direction and the second wiper 5 is operated in the backward direction, and in the second half cycle, the second wiper 5 is stopped and only the first wiper 4 is operated in the backward direction. In this way, the synchronization control is switched from the second synchronization control to the first synchronization control.

[0051] As described above, for example, if snow accumulates on the rear end of the vehicle's engine hood and one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 stops before the first reversal position Pa, the synchronization control is switched from the previous first synchronization control to the second synchronization control. Therefore, while the leading wiper of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 is performing a backward wiping operation, the trailing wiper switches from backward operation to forward operation. The leading wiper and the trailing wiper move in different directions, continuing their reciprocating wiping operation. This prevents the trailing wiper from moving slowly or stopping mid-movement, which can cause visibility obstruction. Furthermore, the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 can strike snow twice during one cycle of reciprocating wiping, improving snow removal capability.

[0052] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) The opposed wiper 3 performs a reciprocating wiping action by repeatedly swinging and reversing the first wiper 4 driven by the first drive source 11 and the second wiper 5 driven by the second drive source 12 at each reversal position P between a first reversal position Pa, which is an initial position, and a second reversal position Pb, which is a position opposite the first reversal position Pa. The control unit 15 constituting the wiper control device 14 of this opposed wiper 3 controls the reciprocating wiping action of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 by synchronizing an outward operation, which is the movement of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 toward the second reversal position Pb, with a return operation, which is the movement toward the first reversal position Pa. The control unit 15 executes a first synchronization control that alternately executes an operation of operating both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 in the forward direction to move both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 to the second reversal position Pb and an operation of operating both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 in the backward direction to move both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 to the first reversal position Pa, and a second synchronization control that controls one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 to operate in the forward direction and the other to operate in the backward direction. Furthermore, the control unit 15 selectively executes the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control.

[0053] According to this configuration, the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control can be selectively executed, so that both the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 can be positioned as far as possible to the reversal position P while avoiding mutual interference, thereby making it possible to repeat the reciprocating wiping action. Therefore, in the opposed wiper 3, it is possible to avoid mutual interference while making it difficult for visibility to be obstructed.

[0054] (1-2) The first reversal position Pa is a reversal position where each of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 reverses from its return path to its forward path. The second reversal position Pb is a reversal position where each of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 reverses from its forward path to its return path. With this configuration, the surface to be wiped 2 can be wiped by a simple movement of repeatedly reversing the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 between the first reversal position Pa and the second reversal position Pb.

[0055] (1-3) The wiper control device 14 includes a detection unit 20 that directly or indirectly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 during movement. The control unit 15 selects between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on the detection signal Sb of the detection unit 20. This configuration makes it possible to detect, from the detection signal Sb of the detection unit 20, whether the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 have stopped moving midway. This allows for accurate switching of the synchronous control.

[0056] (1-4) The detection unit 20 is a position detection unit 20a that directly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5. When the first synchronous control is selected, the control unit 15 switches from the first synchronous control to the second synchronous control if it determines, using the detection signal Sb of the position detection unit 20a, that the movement of at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 has stopped midway through the movement range between the reversal positions P. According to this configuration, the synchronous control is switched using the detection signal Sb of the position detection unit 20a that directly detects the position of the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5, which further contributes to accurate switching of the synchronous control.

[0057] (1-5) When the second synchronization control is selected, the control unit 15 switches from the second synchronization control to the first synchronization control if it determines, using the detection signal Sb from the position detection unit 20a, that at least one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 moves normally over the entire range or a specified range within the range of movement. According to this configuration, when the first wiper 4 or the second wiper 5 returns to a state in which it can move over the entire range or a specified range without stopping midway through its movement under the second synchronization control, it is possible to return to the original first synchronization control.

[0058] (1-6) When switching the synchronization control between the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control, the control unit 15 executes transition control to stop one of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 and operate only the other. With this configuration, the transition control can be defined to control the switching between the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control in a regular and smooth manner.

[0059] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which synchronous control of the opposing wipers 3 is switched when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. Therefore, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and only the different parts will be described in detail.

[0060] (Detection unit 20) 8, the wiper device 1 includes a vehicle speed detection unit 20b as the detection unit 20. The vehicle speed detection unit 20b is, for example, a vehicle speed sensor. The vehicle speed detection unit 20b outputs a detection signal Sb corresponding to the vehicle speed V to the control unit 15.

[0061] (Visibility obstructed by opposing wipers3 when driving at high speeds) As shown in Fig. 9, when the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 both perform the return operation under the first synchronization control while the vehicle is traveling, the second wiper 5, which is the leading wiper, is directly subjected to the wind generated by traveling and is therefore more affected by the wind than the first wiper 4, which is the trailing wiper. As a result, the second wiper 5 may lag farther behind the target position than the first wiper 4. As a result, the distance between the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 becomes closer, and in order to avoid a collision (interference) between the wipers, control may be performed to slow down or stop the movement of the first wiper 4, which is the trailing wiper. In this case, the first wiper 4 would cause an obstruction to the visibility.

[0062] (Wiper control device 14) 8, in order to eliminate visibility obstruction caused by the opposing wipers 3 when driving at high speeds, the control unit 15 switches between the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control in accordance with the vehicle speed V. Specifically, when the first synchronization control is selected, the control unit 15 switches from the first synchronization control to the second synchronization control if the vehicle speed V exceeds a threshold value Vk as determined using the detection signal Sb of the vehicle speed detection unit 20b.

[0063] Next, the operation of the wiper control device 14 and the wiper control method of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, in step 201, the control unit 15 normally operates the opposed wiper 3 under the first synchronous control.

[0064] In step 202, the control unit 15 determines whether the vehicle speed V has exceeded a threshold value Vk (in this example, a first threshold value Vk1). The first threshold value Vk1 is a value at which the vehicle speed V can be determined to be high, and is, for example, a vehicle speed that is set based on the knowledge that there is a possibility that the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 may collide (interfere) with each other due to the resistance of the traveling wind. Therefore, in step 202, the control unit 15 determines whether the vehicle speed V has become high. If the vehicle speed V has not exceeded the first threshold value Vk1 in step 202, the control unit 15 returns to step 201 and continues the first synchronization control. If the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold value Vk1 in step 202, the control unit 15 proceeds to step 203.

[0065] If the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold value Vk1, the control unit 15 performs the first transition control to cause the opposed wipers 3 to perform a wiping operation in step 203. That is, the control unit 15 executes the first transition control to switch the synchronous control to the second synchronous control.

[0066] After the first transition control is executed, the control unit 15 operates the opposing wipers 3 under the second synchronous control in step 204. The second synchronous control is continued until the vehicle speed V becomes low. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the first wiper 4 performs a backward movement and the second wiper 5 performs a forward movement under the second synchronous control while the vehicle is traveling, the first wiper 4 performing the backward movement is delayed relative to the target position due to the influence of the wind, while the second wiper 5 performing the forward movement is advanced beyond the target position. As a result, the distance between the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 increases in the latter half of the second synchronous control half cycle. In this way, the second wiper 5 performing the forward movement is assisted by the wind and quickly moves from the first reversal position Pa, making the backward movement of the first wiper 4 less susceptible to the influence of the second wiper 5. In other words, this operation effectively utilizes the influence of the wind to avoid a situation in which the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5 may collide (interfere) with each other during their reciprocating wiping operations. Therefore, the first wiper 4 is less likely to obstruct visibility.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, in step 205, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to a threshold value Vk (second threshold value Vk2 in this example). The second threshold value Vk2 may be a value equal to or less than the first threshold value Vk1, and is preferably set to a value lower than the first threshold value Vk1. In step 205, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V has slowed down. In step 205, if the vehicle speed V is not less than or equal to the second threshold value Vk2, the process returns to step 204, and the second synchronization control continues. In step 205, if the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to the second threshold value Vk2, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0068] In step 206, when the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to the second threshold value Vk2, the control unit 15 performs the second transition control to cause the opposed wipers 3 to perform the wiping operation. That is, the control unit 15 executes the second transition control to return the synchronization control to the first synchronization control.

[0069] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (2-1) The detection unit 20 is a vehicle speed detection unit 20b that detects the speed of a vehicle having the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5. When the first synchronization control is selected, the control unit 15 switches from the first synchronization control to the second synchronization control when the vehicle speed V exceeds the threshold value Vk as determined using the detection signal Sb of the vehicle speed detection unit 20b. With this configuration, even if the operation of the opposing wipers 3 is affected by wind caused by the vehicle speed V, by switching the synchronization control based on the detection signal Sb of the vehicle speed detection unit 20b, it is possible to perform reciprocating wiping operations of the opposing wipers 3 by control according to the vehicle speed V while avoiding mutual wiper interference. Therefore, even if the vehicle speed V increases, the opposing wipers 3 can be operated appropriately so as not to obstruct visibility.

[0070] (2-2) When the second synchronization control is selected, the control unit 15 executes a determination using the second threshold value Vk2, which is set to a value equal to or less than the first threshold value Vk1 as the threshold value Vk, and switches from the second synchronization control to the first synchronization control when it determines that the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to the second threshold value Vk2. With this configuration, when the vehicle speed V becomes slow enough in the second synchronization control so as not to affect the reciprocating wiping action of the opposing wiper 3, the control unit 15 can return to the original first synchronization control.

[0071] (Other embodiments) This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0072] In each embodiment, the control unit 15 may switch between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on the operation mode set by a switching operation using the switch 18 of the opposing wiper 3. With this configuration, the opposing wiper 3 can be operated with appropriate synchronous control according to each operation mode.

[0073] In each embodiment, the control unit 15 switches between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on the wiping cycle of the opposing wiper 3. This configuration allows the opposing wiper 3 to be operated under appropriate synchronous control according to the wiping cycle of the opposing wiper 3. The wiping cycle refers to, for example, the time required for one reciprocating motion of the first wiper 4 and the second wiper 5.

[0074] In each embodiment, the second synchronization control may have a time limit. Specifically, when a certain time has elapsed since switching from the first synchronization control to the second synchronization control, the control may be switched back to the original first synchronization control.

[0075] In each embodiment, the detection unit 20 is not limited to an angle detection sensor, but may be, for example, a pulse sensor that outputs pulses according to the rotational position. Also, the detection unit 20 may be a camera.

[0076] In each embodiment, the opposed wiper 3 may be set to the second reversal position Pb as the initial position (the stop position of the wiper). In each embodiment, the vehicle is not limited to a passenger car, but may be a large vehicle such as a truck or a bus.

[0077] In each embodiment, the phrase "at least one" used in this disclosure means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" used in this disclosure means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" used in this disclosure means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" when the number of options is three or more.

[0078] In each embodiment, the control unit 15 may be configured by [1] one or more processors operating according to a computer program (software), or [2] a combination of such a processor and one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that execute at least some of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, that stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processes. The memory (computer-readable medium) includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. Alternatively, instead of a computer including the processor, a processing circuit configured by one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute all of the various processes may be used.

[0079] In each embodiment, the present disclosure has been described with reference to an example, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the example or structure. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0080] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [1] A wiper control device (14) for an opposed wiper (3) that performs a reciprocating wiping action by repeatedly swinging and reversing a first wiper (4) driven by a first drive source (11) and a second wiper (5) driven by a second drive source (12) at reversal positions (P) between a first reversal position (Pa) that is an initial position and a second reversal position (Pb) that is a position opposite to the first reversal position, a control unit (15) that synchronizes the first wiper and the second wiper by synchronous control to perform a reciprocating wiping operation in a forward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the second reversal position and in a return operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the first reversal position, The control unit a first synchronization control that alternately performs an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the forward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the second reversal position and an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the backward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the first reversal position; and a second synchronization control that controls one of the first wiper and the second wiper to operate in the forward direction and the other to operate in the backward direction, Furthermore, the control unit selectively executes the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control. [2] In the wiper control device described in [1] above, the first reversal position is a reversal position of each of the first wiper and the second wiper from a backward movement to an forward movement, The wiper control device, wherein the second reversal position is a reversal position of each of the first wiper and the second wiper from an outward path to a backward path.

[0081] [3] In the wiper control device described in [1] or [2] above, a detection unit (20) that directly or indirectly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper during movement, The control unit selects between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on the detection signal (Sb) from the detection unit.

[0082] [4] In the wiper control device described in [3] above, the detection unit is a position detection unit (20a) that directly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper, The wiper control device switches from the first synchronous control to the second synchronous control when, when the first synchronous control is selected, the control unit determines, using the detection signal of the position detection unit, that the movement of at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper has stopped midway through the movement range between reversal positions.

[0083] [5] In the wiper control device described in [4] above, The wiper control device switches from the second synchronous control to the first synchronous control when the control unit determines, using the detection signal of the position detection unit, that at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper moves normally in the entire area or a specified area within the movement range when the second synchronous control is selected.

[0084] [6] In the wiper control device described in [3] above, the detection unit is a vehicle speed detection unit (20b) that detects the speed of a vehicle having the first wiper and the second wiper, The control unit switches from the first synchronous control to the second synchronous control when the first synchronous control is selected and the vehicle speed (V) exceeds a threshold value (Vk) in a determination using the detection signal of the vehicle speed detection unit.

[0085] [7] In the wiper control device described in [6] above, When the second synchronous control is selected, the control unit performs a judgment using a second threshold (Vk2) set to a value less than or equal to the first threshold (Vk1) as the threshold, and switches from the second synchronous control to the first synchronous control when it determines that the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0086] [8] In the wiper control device according to any one of the above [1] to [7], The control unit, when switching the synchronization control between the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control, executes transition control to stop one of the first wiper and the second wiper and operate only the other.

[0087] [9] In the wiper control device according to any one of the above [1] to [8], The control unit switches between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on an operation mode set by a switching operation using a switch (18) of the opposed wiper.

[0088]

[10] In the wiper control device according to any one of the above [1] to [9], The control unit switches between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on a wiping cycle of the opposed wiper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...wiper device, 2...wiping surface, 3...opposing wiper, 4...first wiper, 5...second wiper, 11...first drive source, 12...second drive source, 14...wiper control device, 15...control unit, 16...first drive circuit, 17...second drive circuit, 18...switch, 20...detection unit, 20a...position detection unit, 20b...vehicle speed detection unit, 21...first detection unit, 22...second detection unit, Pa...first reversal position, Pb...second reversal position, Sa...switch signal, Sb...detection signal, V...vehicle speed, Vk...threshold value, Vk1...first threshold value, Vk2...second threshold value.

Claims

1. A wiper control device (14) for an opposed wiper (3) that performs a reciprocating wiping operation by repeatedly swinging and reversing a first wiper (4) driven by a first drive source (11) and a second wiper (5) driven by a second drive source (12) at reversal positions (P) between a first reversal position (Pa) that is an initial position and a second reversal position (Pb) that is a position opposite to the first reversal position, a control unit (15) that performs a reciprocating wiping operation by synchronizing the first wiper and the second wiper through synchronization control in a forward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the second reversal position and a return operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the first reversal position, The control unit a first synchronization control that alternately performs an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the forward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the second reversal position and an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the backward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the first reversal position; and a second synchronization control that controls one of the first wiper and the second wiper to operate in the forward direction and the other to operate in the backward direction, Furthermore, the control unit selectively executes the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control.

2. the first reversal position is a reversal position of each of the first wiper and the second wiper from a backward movement to an forward movement, The wiper control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second reversal position is a reversal position where each of the first wiper and the second wiper reverses from an outward movement to a return movement.

3. a detection unit (20) that directly or indirectly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper during movement, The wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on the detection signal (Sb) from the detection unit.

4. the detection unit is a position detection unit (20a) that directly detects the position of at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper, 4. The wiper control device according to claim 3, wherein when the first synchronous control is selected, the control unit switches from the first synchronous control to the second synchronous control when, using the detection signal of the position detection unit, it determines that the movement of at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper has stopped midway through the movement range between the reversal positions.

5. 5. The wiper control device according to claim 4, wherein when the second synchronization control is selected, the control unit switches from the second synchronization control to the first synchronization control if, in a judgment using the detection signal of the position detection unit, it is determined that at least one of the first wiper and the second wiper moves normally in the entire area or a specified area within the movement range.

6. the detection unit is a vehicle speed detection unit (20b) that detects the speed of a vehicle having the first wiper and the second wiper, 4. The wiper control device according to claim 3, wherein when the first synchronous control is selected, the control unit switches from the first synchronous control to the second synchronous control when the vehicle speed (V) exceeds a threshold (Vk) in a determination using the detection signal of the vehicle speed detection unit.

7. 7. The wiper control device according to claim 6, wherein when the second synchronous control is selected, the control unit performs a judgment using a second threshold (Vk2) set to a value equal to or less than the first threshold (Vk1) as the threshold, and switches from the second synchronous control to the first synchronous control when it determines that the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second threshold.

8. 2. The wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein when the synchronization control is switched between the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control, the control unit executes transition control to stop one of the first wiper and the second wiper and operate only the other.

9. 2. The wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on an operation mode set by a switching operation using a switch (18) of the opposing wiper.

10. The wiper control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit switches between the first synchronous control and the second synchronous control based on a wiping cycle of the opposed wiper.

11. A wiper control method for an opposed-type wiper (3) that performs a reciprocating wiping operation by repeatedly swinging and reversing a first wiper (4) driven by a first drive source (11) and a second wiper (5) driven by a second drive source (12) at reversal positions (P) between a first reversal position (Pa) that is an initial position and a second reversal position (Pb) that is a position opposite to the first reversal position, the opposed-type wiper performs a reciprocating wiping operation by synchronizing the first wiper and the second wiper through synchronization control in a forward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the second reversal position and a backward operation in which the first wiper and the second wiper move toward the first reversal position, The synchronous control includes a first synchronous control that alternately executes an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the forward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the second reversal position and an operation of operating both the first wiper and the second wiper in the backward direction to move both the first wiper and the second wiper to the first reversal position, and a second synchronous control that controls one of the first wiper and the second wiper to operate in the forward direction and the other to operate in the backward direction, Furthermore, the synchronization control selectively executes the first synchronization control and the second synchronization control.

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