Wiper washer control unit

Abstract

To make operation performed by a driver easy and enable thaw to be achieved in a short time.SOLUTION: A wiper washer control device 1 includes an ignition sensor 10, a shift position sensor 20, a wiper lever detection unit 130, a wiper drive unit 140, a washer spray unit 150, and a wiper washer control unit 160. In a state where a travel drive unit is in a start state and a shift position is the parking range, when receiving information indicating that a delay mode DM is started, the wiper washer control device 1 controls the wiper drive unit 140 to make a transition to the delay mode DM. When receiving information indicating that a spray mode MM is started during the delay mode DM, the wiper washer control device 1 controls the wiper drive unit 140 to make a transition to the spray mode MM.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a good forward visibility of the front windshield is important not only for the driver's forward visibility in a vehicle but also for the stable operation of various sensors such as a visible light camera that controls the operation of the vehicle. Particularly in winter, when the front windshield is frozen with frost or the like, it is necessary to thaw the front windshield to obtain a good forward visibility, and it takes about 5 minutes even when using a defroster.

[0003] On the other hand, when the front windshield is frozen with frost or the like, there are cases where frost or the like is wiped by spraying a cleaning liquid and further operating the wiper. At this time, when the outside air temperature is very low, the temperature on the surface of the window glass falls below the freezing temperature of the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid may freeze in a state spread on the front windshield, further obstructing the visibility.

[0004] In addition, when the wiper is operated in a state where the wiper is attached to the front windshield due to the freezing of the front windshield, the wiper may deteriorate or break.

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for control that enables the front windshield to be thawed in a short time by switching the operations of the wiper and the cleaning liquid injection (washer spraying) according to the freezing situation of the front windshield.

[0006] In response to such demands, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology having an ignition switch, a cleaning fluid spray switch for turning the cleaning fluid spray by the cleaning fluid spray unit on and off, and a control unit connected to the cleaning fluid spray unit, the wiper drive unit, the ignition switch, and the cleaning fluid spray switch, which switches between an interlocked mode in which the cleaning fluid spray unit and the wiper are interlocked and an uninterlocked mode in which the cleaning fluid spray unit and the wiper are not interlocked, depending on whether the condition "the cleaning fluid spray switch is held on while the ignition switch is turned on from off" caused by the operation of the ignition switch and the cleaning fluid spray switch is met (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-155318 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, switching between linked mode and non-linked mode requires switching the ignition switch from off to on. Therefore, there was a problem that the switching operation performed by the driver may take time.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a wiper washer control device that simplifies the operation performed by the driver and defrosts the frozen front windshield in a short time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Embodiment 1; One or more embodiments of the present invention include: an ignition sensor that receives information on whether the drive unit is in a running or stopped state; a shift position sensor that receives information on the position selected on the shift lever; a wiper drive unit that operates a wiper to wipe the front windshield; a washer spray unit that sprays cleaning fluid onto the front windshield; a wiper lever detection unit that receives operation information on the wiper lever that operates the wiper and washer spray; and a wiper washer control unit that controls the wiper drive unit and the washer spray unit based on the wiper lever operation information from the wiper lever detection unit, wherein the wiper washer control unit The proposed wiper washer control device transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the delay mode when it receives information from the ignition sensor that the driving unit is in the starting state, information from the shift position sensor that the shift position is in the parking range, and information from the wiper lever detection unit that it will start a delay mode in which the time from the start of washer spraying to the start of wiper operation will be delayed compared to the normal mode. The wiper washer control unit also transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the spray mode when it receives information from the wiper lever detection unit during the delay mode that it will start a spray mode in which only the washer spraying unit operates.

[0011] Embodiment 2; One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a wiper washer control device that, when the wiper washer control unit receives stop information from the ignition sensor or information from the shift position sensor that the shift position is other than the parking range during the delay mode, transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the normal mode.

[0012] Embodiment 3; One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a wiper washer control device that, when the wiper washer control unit receives information from the wiper lever detection unit to cancel the spray mode during the delay mode, transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the normal mode.

[0013] Embodiment 4; One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a wiper washer control device further comprising a display control unit that indicates the control state of the wiper washer control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the operation performed by the driver is made easier and the frozen front windshield can be thawed in a short time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a wiper washer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of the wiper washer control ECU in the wiper washer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the operating modes of the wiper drive ECU in the wiper washer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where a) is the normal mode, b) is the delayed mode, and c) is the spray mode. In each figure, the vertical axis shows the operating and non-operating states of the wiper drive unit and the washer spray unit, and the horizontal axis shows the elapsed time from the start of washer spraying. [Figure 4] This is a processing flow diagram of the wiper washer control ECU in the wiper washer control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the configuration of a wiper washer control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is a diagram showing the configuration of a wiper washer control ECU in a wiper washer control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a wiper washer control ECU in a wiper washer control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Note that the vehicle V in the embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an automobile having an internal combustion engine or a motor as a traveling drive unit DS. The vehicle V may be, for example, a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of traveling drive units DS of an internal combustion engine and a motor.

[0017] <First Embodiment> The wiper washer control device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0018] <Configuration of Wiper Washer Control Device 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the wiper washer control device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ignition sensor 10, a shift position sensor 20, a wiper lever ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 30, a wiper drive ECU 40, a washer spray ECU 50, and a wiper washer control ECU 100.

[0019] The ignition sensor 10 transmits whether the traveling drive unit DS is in a starting state or a stopped state. The ignition sensor 10 is, for example, an ignition key. When the ignition key is in the ON state, it transmits information that the traveling drive unit DS is in the starting state, and when the ignition key is in the OFF state, it transmits information that the traveling drive unit DS is in the stopped state. The ignition sensor 10 transmits the information detected by the ignition sensor 10 to the wiper washer control ECU 100. Note that the "starting state" includes not only the state where the actual running drive unit DS is running the vehicle V, but also the state where the vehicle V can run.

[0020] The shift position sensor 20 detects and transmits the position selected on the shift lever. The shift position sensor 20 detects shift position information by, for example, a gear position sensor GS or the like, and transmits information on whether or not the shift position is the parking position to the wiper washer control ECU 100.

[0021] The wiper lever ECU 30 receives the operation information of the wiper lever WL that operates the wiper WI and the washer spraying device WS. The wiper lever WL is provided, for example, on the front side of the vehicle of the steering wheel so that the operation of the wiper and the operation of the washer spraying can be performed by one hand of the driver. The operation information in the wiper lever WL can exemplify, for example, wiper switch ON, delay mode ON, wiper intermittent operation ON, pulling the wiper lever WL, etc. Also, "spray mode start" and "spray mode cancellation" are the same operation, and it can be exemplified by "pulling the wiper lever WL twice". The wiper lever ECU 30 transmits the operation information in the wiper lever WL to the wiper washer control ECU 100.

[0022] The wiper drive ECU 40 operates the wiper WI that wipes the front windshield. Specifically, the wiper drive ECU 40 operates or stops the wiper WI based on the information transmitted from the wiper washer control ECU 100.

[0023] The washer spray ECU 50 sprays the cleaning liquid onto the front windshield by the washer spraying device WS. Specifically, the washer spray ECU 50 operates or stops the washer spraying device WS based on the information transmitted from the wiper washer control ECU 100.

[0024] The wiper washer control ECU 100 controls the wiper drive ECU 40 and the washer spray ECU 50 based on the operation information of the wiper lever WL transmitted from the wiper lever ECU 30. Further details are described below.

[0025] <Configuration of the Wiper Washer Control ECU100> As shown in Figure 2, the wiper washer control ECU 100 is configured to include a wiper lever detection unit 130, a wiper drive unit 140, a washer spray unit 150, and a wiper washer control unit 160. The wiper washer control ECU 100 is connected to the ignition sensor 10, the shift position sensor 20, the wiper lever ECU 30, the wiper drive ECU 40, and the washer spray ECU 50. The ignition sensor 10 and the shift position sensor 20 are directly connected to the wiper washer control unit 160. Furthermore, the wiper lever ECU 30, wiper drive ECU 40, and washer spray ECU 50 transmit and receive information with the wiper washer control unit 160, for example, via CAN (Control Area Network).

[0026] The wiper lever detection unit 130 receives operation information for the wiper lever WL, which operates the wiper WI and washer spray, from the wiper lever ECU 30. The wiper lever detection unit 130 transmits operation information for the wiper lever WL, such as wiper switch ON, delay mode ON, intermittent wiper operation ON, and pulling the wiper lever, to the wiper washer control unit 160.

[0027] The wiper drive unit 140 operates the wiper WI that wipes the front windshield. The wiper drive unit 140 receives control information from the wiper washer control unit 160 and transmits it to the wiper drive ECU 40 to operate or stop the wiper WI.

[0028] The washer spray unit 150 sprays cleaning fluid onto the front windshield. The washer spray unit 150 receives control information from the wiper washer control unit 160 and transmits it to the washer spray ECU 50 to operate or stop the washer spray device WS.

[0029] The wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether the drive unit DS is in the starting state based on information from the ignition sensor 10. The wiper washer control unit 160 also determines whether the shift position is in the parking position based on information from the shift position sensor 20. Furthermore, the wiper washer control unit 160 determines the operation of the wiper lever WL based on the operation information of the wiper lever WL in the wiper lever detection unit 130. Furthermore, the wiper washer control unit 160 controls the wiper drive unit 140 and the washer spray unit 150 based on the ignition sensor 10, the shift position sensor 20, and the operation information of the wiper lever WL in the wiper lever detection unit 130.

[0030] Specifically, the wiper washer control unit 160 transitions the control of the wiper drive unit 140 based on information from the ignition sensor 10 indicating whether the drive unit DS is in the starting state, information from the shift position sensor 20 indicating whether the shift position is in the parking position, and operation information of the wiper lever WL from the wiper lever detection unit 130. As shown in Figure 3, the control of the wiper drive unit 140 transmitted by the wiper washer control unit 160 can be exemplified by the operating modes: normal mode NM, delayed mode DM, and spray mode MM. In normal mode NM, as shown in Figure 3(a), for example, the wiper washer control unit 160 operates the washer spray device WS, and after time t1 has elapsed, the wiper WI is automatically operated. As shown in Figure 3(b), the delay mode DM is a control that, for example, when the delay mode DM is selected in the wiper lever WL, the wiper washer control unit 160 transitions to the delay mode DM operation mode, and further, when the wiper lever WL is pulled once, the washer spray device WS is activated, and the wiper WI is automatically activated after time t2 has elapsed. In this case, time t2 is longer than time t1; for example, time t2 can be set to three times the length of time t1. As shown in Figure 3(c), in spray mode MM, for example, when the wiper lever WL is pulled twice, the wiper washer control unit 160 switches the operating mode to spray mode MM, and when the wiper lever WL is pulled once more, the washer spray device WS is activated, but the wiper WI is not activated. For example, the wiper washer control unit 160 can be configured to continuously operate the washer spray device WS while the wiper lever WL is pulled.

[0031] Then, if the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from the ignition sensor 10 that the drive unit DS is in the starting state, information from the shift position sensor 20 that the shift position is in the parking range, and information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 that it will start a delay mode DM which delays the time from the start of washer spraying to the start of wiper operation compared to the normal mode NM, the wiper washer control unit 160 will switch the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to delay mode DM. Here, information indicating a switch from normal mode NM to delayed mode DM can be illustrated, for example, by lowering the wiper lever WL towards the lower side of the vehicle to the position for "starting delayed mode DM".

[0032] Furthermore, if the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 to start spray mode MM while the wiper drive unit 140 is in delay mode DM, the wiper washer control unit 160 will switch the wiper drive unit 140 to spray mode MM. Here, the information indicating that spray mode MM should be started can be illustrated, for example, by pulling the wiper lever WL twice in quick succession.

[0033] Furthermore, if the wiper washer control unit 160 receives engine stop information from the ignition sensor 10, or information that the shift position is other than the parking range, while the wiper washer control unit 160 is in delay mode DM, the wiper washer control unit 160 will switch the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM.

[0034] Furthermore, if the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 to cancel the spray mode MM while the wiper drive unit 140 is in delay mode DM, the wiper washer control unit 160 will transition the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM. Here, information indicating the cancellation of spray mode MM can be illustrated, for example, by pulling the wiper lever WL twice in quick succession while in spray mode MM mode. This operation is equivalent to transitioning from delay mode DM to spray mode MM.

[0035] <Processing by the wiper washer control device 1> The processing of the wiper washer control device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 4.

[0036] The wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether or not the drive unit DS is in the starting state based on information from the ignition sensor 10 (step S101). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the drive unit DS is not in an activated state ("NO" in step S101), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0037] On the other hand, if the drive unit DS is determined to be in the starting state (YES in step S101), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether the shift position is the parking position or not based on the information from the shift position sensor 20 (step S102). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the shift position is not the parking position (NO in step S102), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0038] On the other hand, if it is determined that the shift position is the parking position ("YES" in step S102), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether the operation information of the wiper lever WL is "delay mode ON" based on the information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S103). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the operation information of the wiper lever WL is not "delay mode ON" ("NO" in step S103), it proceeds to step S101.

[0039] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL is determined to be "delay mode ON" ("YES" in step S103), the wiper washer control unit 160 transitions the operation mode to delay mode DM (step S104).

[0040] If the delayed mode DM is started, the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether or not the delayed mode DM has been canceled based on the information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S105). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the operation information of the wiper lever WL indicates that the delay mode DM has been released ("YES" in step S103), it transitions the operation mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0041] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that the delay mode DM has not been released ("NO" in step S103), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether or not the drive unit DS is in the started state based on the information from the ignition sensor 10 (step S106). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the drive unit DS is not in an activated state ("NO" in step S106), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0042] On the other hand, if the drive unit DS is determined to be in the starting state ("YES" in step S106), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether the shift position is the parking position or not based on the information from the shift position sensor 20 (step S107). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the shift position is not the parking position ("NO" in step S107), it transitions to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined that the shift position is the parking position ("YES" in step S107), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether the operation information of the wiper lever WL is "spray mode ON" based on the information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S108). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that the operation information of the wiper lever WL is not "spray mode ON" (NO in step S108), it proceeds to step S105.

[0044] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL is determined to be "spray mode ON" (YES in step S108), the wiper washer control unit 160 transitions the operation mode to spray mode MM (step S109).

[0045] If spray mode MM is started, the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether or not spray mode MM has been canceled based on information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S110). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines from the operation information of the wiper lever WL that "the spray mode MM should be canceled" (YES in step S110), it transitions the operation mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0046] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that "the spray mode MM will not be canceled" ("NO" in step S110), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether or not the drive unit DS is in the running state based on the information from the ignition sensor 10 (step S111). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that "the drive unit DS is stopped" (NO in step S111), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0047] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that "the drive unit DS is in the starting state" ("YES" in step S110), the wiper washer control unit 160 determines whether the shift position is the parking position or not based on the information from the shift position sensor 20 (step S112). If the wiper washer control unit 160 determines that "the shift position is not the parking position" (NO in step S112), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM (step S113).

[0048] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that "the shift position is the parking position" (YES in step S110), the wiper washer control unit 160 proceeds to step S112.

[0049] <Effects and Actions> As described above, the wiper washer control device 1 according to this embodiment includes an ignition sensor 10 that receives information on whether the drive unit DS is in a running state or a stopped state, a shift position sensor 20 that receives information on the position selected on the shift lever, a wiper drive unit 140 that operates the wiper WI that wipes the front windshield, a washer spray unit 150 that sprays cleaning fluid onto the front windshield, a wiper lever detection unit 130 that receives operation information of the wiper lever WL that operates the wiper WI and the washer spray unit WS, and a wiper washer control unit that controls the wiper drive unit 140 and the washer spray unit 150 based on the wiper lever operation information from the wiper lever detection unit 130. The wiper washer control unit 160 is equipped with a wiper washer control unit 160, and when the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from the ignition sensor 10 that the driving unit is in the starting state, receives information from the shift position sensor 20 that the shift position is in the parking range, and receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 that it will start a delay mode DM which delays the time from the start of washer spraying to the start of wiper operation compared to the normal mode NM, it transitions the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to delay mode DM. When the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 that it will start a spray mode MM which operates only the washer spraying unit 150 while in delay mode DM, it transitions the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to spray mode MM. In other words, the wiper washer control unit 160 can quickly switch the operating mode of the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM, delayed mode DM, or spray mode MM by the driver operating the wiper lever WL. Therefore, it makes it easier for the driver to operate the device and allows the frozen front windshield to thaw in a short amount of time.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wiper washer control device 1 transitions the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM when the wiper washer control unit 160 receives stop information of the driving unit DS from the ignition sensor 10 or information that the shift position is other than the parking range from the shift position sensor 20 during delay mode DM. In other words, if the driver stops the drive unit DS, or if the driver changes the shift position to a position other than the parking range in order to drive the vehicle V, the wiper washer control unit 160 can determine that the driver has finished thawing the ice on the front windshield and can automatically switch the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM. Therefore, it makes it easier for the driver to operate the device and allows the frozen front windshield to thaw in a short amount of time.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wiper washer control device 1 transitions to normal mode NM when the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 to cancel the spray mode MM while in delay mode DM. In other words, the driver can deactivate spray mode MM and switch back to normal mode NM by performing the same operation as switching to spray mode MM using the wiper lever WL. Therefore, it makes it easier for the driver to operate the device and allows the frozen front windshield to thaw in a short amount of time. <Second Embodiment> The wiper washer control device 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0052] <Configuration of Wiper Washer Control Device 1A> As shown in Figure 5, the wiper washer control device 1A according to this embodiment is configured to include an ignition sensor 10, a shift position sensor 20, a wiper lever ECU 30, a wiper drive ECU 40, a washer spray ECU 50, a display ECU 200, and a wiper washer control ECU 100A. The wiper washer control ECU100A is connected to the ignition sensor 10, the shift position sensor 20, the wiper lever ECU 30, the wiper drive ECU 40, the washer spray ECU 50, and the display device DP.

[0053] The display ECU200 displays the control status of the wiper drive ECU40 and the washer spray ECU50. Specifically, based on the operating mode of the wiper drive ECU40 and the washer spray ECU50, it displays the operating mode as either normal mode NM, delayed mode DM, or spray mode MM on the display device DP.

[0054] The wiper washer control ECU 100A controls the wiper drive ECU 40 and the washer spray ECU 50 based on the operation information of the wiper lever WL transmitted from the wiper lever ECU 30, and displays the operating mode on the display device DP via the display ECU 200. Details are explained below.

[0055] <Configuration of Wiper Washer Control ECU100A> As shown in Figure 6, the wiper washer control ECU 100A is configured to include a wiper lever detection unit 130, a wiper drive unit 140, a washer spray unit 150, a display control unit 210, and a wiper washer control unit 160A. Furthermore, the wiper lever ECU30, wiper drive ECU40, washer spray ECU50, and display device DP transmit and receive information with the wiper washer control unit 160A, for example, via CAN (Control Area Network).

[0056] The display control unit 210 displays the control status of the wiper drive unit 140 and the washer spray unit 150 on the display device DP via the display ECU 200. The display control unit 210 receives control information from the wiper washer control unit 160A and, based on the operating mode of the wiper drive unit 140 and the washer spray unit 150, transmits information to the display ECU 200 to display normal mode NM, delayed mode DM, or spray mode MM, and displays the operating mode on the display device DP.

[0057] The wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether the drive unit DS is in the starting state based on information from the ignition sensor 10. The wiper washer control unit 160A also determines whether the shift position is in the parking position based on information from the shift position sensor 20. Furthermore, the wiper washer control unit 160A determines the operation of the wiper lever WL based on the operation information of the wiper lever WL in the wiper lever detection unit 130. Furthermore, the wiper washer control unit 160A controls the wiper drive unit 140, the washer spray unit 150, and the display control unit 210 based on the ignition sensor 10, the shift position sensor 20, and the operation information of the wiper lever WL in the wiper lever detection unit 130.

[0058] Specifically, the wiper washer control unit 160A transitions the control of the wiper drive unit 140 based on information from the ignition sensor 10 indicating whether the drive unit DS is in the starting state, information from the shift position sensor 20 indicating whether the shift position is in the parking position, and operation information of the wiper lever WL from the wiper lever detection unit 130, and displays the operation mode on the display device DP via the display control unit 210 based on the operation mode.

[0059] Then, when the wiper washer control unit 160A receives information from the ignition sensor 10 that the driving unit DS is in the starting state, information from the shift position sensor 20 that the shift position is in the parking range, and information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 that it will start a delay mode DM which delays the time from the start of washer spraying to the start of wiper operation compared to the normal mode NM, the wiper washer control unit 160A transitions the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to delay mode DM and causes the display device DP to display that it is in delay mode DM via the display control unit 210.

[0060] Furthermore, if the wiper washer control unit 160A receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 to start spray mode MM while the wiper drive unit 140 is in delay mode DM, the wiper washer control unit 160A will transition the wiper drive unit 140 to spray mode MM and, via the display control unit 210, will display on the display device DP that spray mode MM is in operation.

[0061] Furthermore, if the wiper washer control unit 160A receives engine stop information from the ignition sensor 10, or information that the shift position is other than the parking range, while the wiper washer control unit 160A is in the delay mode DM for controlling the wiper drive unit 140, the wiper washer control unit 160A will transition the control of the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM and, via the display control unit 210, will display on the display device DP that it is in normal mode NM.

[0062] Furthermore, if the wiper washer control unit 160A receives information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 to cancel the spray mode MM while the wiper drive unit 140 is in delay mode DM, the wiper washer control unit 160A will transition the wiper drive unit 140 to normal mode NM and, via the display control unit 210, will display on the display device DP that it is in normal mode NM.

[0063] <Processing by the wiper washer control device 1A> The processing of the wiper washer control device 1A according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 7.

[0064] The wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether or not the drive unit DS is in the starting state based on information from the ignition sensor 10 (step S201). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the drive unit DS is not in a running state ("NO" in step S201), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0065] On the other hand, if the drive unit DS is determined to be in the starting state ("YES" in step S201), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether the shift position is the parking position or not based on the information from the shift position sensor 20 (step S202). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the shift position is not the parking position ("NO" in step S202), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that the shift position is the parking position ("YES" in step S202), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether the operation information of the wiper lever WL is "delay mode ON" based on the information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S203). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the operation information of the wiper lever WL is not "delay mode ON" ("NO" in step S203), it proceeds to step S201.

[0067] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL is determined to be "delay mode ON" ("YES" in step S203), the wiper washer control unit 160A transitions the operation mode to delay mode DM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in delay mode DM (step S204).

[0068] If the delayed mode DM is started, the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether or not the delayed mode DM has been canceled based on the information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S205). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the operation information of the wiper lever WL indicates that the delay mode DM has been released ("YES" in step S203), it transitions the operation mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0069] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that the delay mode DM has not been released ("NO" in step S203), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether or not the drive unit DS is in the started state based on the information from the ignition sensor 10 (step S206). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the drive unit DS is not in a running state ("NO" in step S206), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0070] On the other hand, if the drive unit DS is determined to be in the starting state (YES in step S206), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether the shift position is the parking position or not based on the information from the shift position sensor 20 (step S207). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the shift position is not the parking position ("NO" in step S207), it transitions to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that the shift position is the parking position ("YES" in step S207), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether the operation information of the wiper lever WL is "spray mode ON" based on the information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S208). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that the operation information of the wiper lever WL is not "spray mode ON" ("NO" in step S208), it proceeds to step S205.

[0072] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL is determined to be "spray mode ON" ("YES" in step S208), the wiper washer control unit 160A transitions the operation mode to spray mode MM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in spray mode MM (step S209).

[0073] If spray mode MM is started, the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether or not spray mode MM has been canceled based on information from the wiper lever detection unit 130 (step S210). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines from the operation information of the wiper lever WL that "the spray mode MM should be canceled" ("YES" in step S210), it transitions the operation mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0074] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that "the spray mode MM will not be canceled" ("NO" in step S210), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether or not the drive unit DS is in the running state based on the information from the ignition sensor 10 (step S211). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that "the drive unit DS is stopped" ("NO" in step S211), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0075] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that "the drive unit DS is in the starting state" ("YES" in step S210), the wiper washer control unit 160A determines whether the shift position is the parking position or not based on the information from the shift position sensor 20 (step S212). If the wiper washer control unit 160A determines that "the shift position is not the parking position" ("NO" in step S212), it transitions the operating mode to normal mode NM and causes the display control unit 210 to display that it is in normal mode NM (step S213).

[0076] On the other hand, if the operation information of the wiper lever WL determines that "the shift position is the parking position" (YES in step S210), the wiper washer control unit 160A proceeds to step S212.

[0077] <Effects and Actions> As described above, the wiper washer control device 1A according to this embodiment further includes a display control unit 210 that indicates the control status of the wiper washer control unit 160A. In other words, the driver can easily confirm, via the display device DP shown through the display control unit 210, whether the wiper drive unit 140 is in normal mode NM, delayed mode DM, or spray mode MM. Therefore, it makes it easier for the driver to operate the device and allows the frozen front windshield to thaw in a short amount of time.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present invention, the shift position information is exemplified as being received from a gear sensor, but for example, the shift position information may also be obtained from an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the vehicle V.

[0079] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the times t1 and t2 until the wiper WI starts operating were exemplified as the elapsed time since the washer spray device WS switched from non-operating to operating, but they may also be set as the elapsed time since the washer spray device WS switched from operating to non-operating.

[0080] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the delay mode DM was exemplified as the wiper washer control unit 160 transitioning to the delay mode DM operation mode when the delay mode DM is selected in the wiper lever WL. However, the delay mode DM may also be activated when, for example, the wiper washer control unit 160 receives information from a temperature sensor provided in the vehicle V indicating that the temperature is below a set temperature, and determines that the ambient temperature is below a set temperature.

[0081] Furthermore, the wiper washer control devices 1 and 1A of the present invention can be realized by recording the processing of the wiper washer control units 160 and 160A onto a recording medium readable by a computer system, and then loading and executing the program recorded on this recording medium into the wiper washer control units 160 and 160A. The computer system referred to here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices.

[0082] Furthermore, "computer system" includes the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment) if the WWW (World Wide Web) system is being used. The above program may also be transmitted from the computer system in which the program is stored to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

[0083] Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0084] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1; Wiper washer control unit 1A; Wiper washer control device 10; Ignition sensor 20; Shift position sensor 100; Wiper Washer Control ECU 100A; Wiper washer control ECU 130; Wiper lever detection unit 140; Wiper drive unit 150; Washer spray unit 200; Display ECU 210; Display Control Unit DP; display device DS; Drive unit DM; Delay Mode MM; Spray mode NM; Normal Mode WL; Wiper lever WI; wiper WS; Washer spray device V; Vehicle

Claims

1. An ignition sensor that receives information on whether the drive unit is in an started or stopped state, A shift position sensor that receives information about the position selected on the shift lever, A wiper drive unit that operates the wipers that wipe the front windshield, A washer spray unit that sprays cleaning solution onto the front windshield, A wiper lever detection unit that receives operation information of the wiper lever used to operate the wiper and washer spray, A wiper washer control unit controls the wiper drive unit and the washer spray unit based on the wiper lever operation information of the wiper lever detection unit, Equipped with, When the wiper washer control unit receives information from the ignition sensor indicating that the drive unit is in the starting state, information from the shift position sensor indicating that the shift position is in the parking range, and information from the wiper lever detection unit indicating that a delay mode should be started which delays the time from the start of washer spraying to the start of wiper operation compared to the normal mode, the control of the wiper drive unit is transitioned to the delay mode. A wiper washer control device characterized in that, when the wiper washer control unit receives information from the wiper lever detection unit during the delay mode to start a spray mode in which only the washer spray unit is operated, it transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the spray mode.

2. The wiper washer control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the wiper washer control unit receives stop information of the drive unit from the ignition sensor or information that the shift position is other than the parking range from the shift position sensor during the delay mode, it transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the normal mode.

3. The wiper washer control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the wiper washer control unit receives information from the wiper lever detection unit to cancel the spray mode during the delay mode, it transitions the control of the wiper drive unit to the normal mode.

4. The wiper washer control device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that indicates the control status of the wiper washer control unit.

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