JP7579208B2 - Wiper device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wiper device that wipes away rainwater, dust, etc. that has adhered to a wiping surface.

Conventionally, vehicles such as automobiles are equipped with a wiper device that ensures visibility for the driver and passengers. The drive source for the wiper device is a wiper motor whose output shaft rotates in forward and reverse directions. This causes the wiper blades to oscillate within a specified wiping range, thereby wiping away rainwater, dust, and other debris that has adhered to the wiping surface. In addition, the wiper device is also equipped with a washer device that moistens the dust and other debris that has adhered to the wiping surface. This allows the wiper device to work in conjunction with the wiper device to wash away the dust and other debris that has adhered to the wiping surface.

To improve cleaning performance, it is necessary to spray a large amount of washer fluid onto the wiping surface to thoroughly moisten the dust and other particles adhering to the wiping surface. However, after the wiper blade moves forward, a large amount of dirty washer fluid collects at the upper inversion position of the wiper blade, and immediately after that, when the wiper blade moves back, a so-called "water drawing phenomenon" occurs, which can result in the dirty washer fluid being returned to the clean wiping area.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that reduces the occurrence of water dripping by devising a wiper blade shape.

JP 2020-090240 A

However, the wiper blade described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 uses the wind generated by the vehicle to control downforce, thereby suppressing the water pulling phenomenon. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed, it is not possible to sufficiently suppress the return of dirty washer fluid collected at the upper reversal position to the wiping range (water pulling phenomenon).

The object of the present invention is to provide a wiper device that can sufficiently prevent dirty washer fluid collected at the upper reversal position from being returned to the wiping range (water pulling phenomenon) regardless of whether the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed.

In one aspect of the present invention, a wiper device includes a wiper blade that reciprocates between a lower reversal position and an upper reversal position, a wiper motor having an output shaft that oscillates the wiper blade, and a controller that controls the wiper motor, wherein the controller is electrically connected to a rotation angle detection member that detects the rotation angle of the output shaft and a washer switch that outputs a washer signal, and when the washer signal is input, the controller adjusts the rotation angle of the output shaft to change the upper reversal position of the wiper blade to an upper reversal position for washer wiping that is located beyond the upper reversal position , and further, a vehicle speed signal that indicates the traveling speed of the vehicle is input to the controller, and when the vehicle speed signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the washer signal is input, the controller prohibits the upper reversal position of the wiper blade from being changed to the upper reversal position for washer wiping .

According to the present invention, when a washer signal is input, the controller adjusts the rotation angle of the output shaft to change the upper reversal position of the wiper blade to a washer wiping upper reversal position located beyond the upper reversal position.

This allows the dirty washer fluid collected at the upper inversion position to be expelled (discharged) outside the wiping surface, for example over the vehicle pillar (window frame). This makes it possible to sufficiently prevent dirty washer fluid from returning to the clean wiping area (water attraction phenomenon).

1 is a diagram showing an example of an opposed wiping type wiper device applied to a vehicle; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a wiper motor. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the wiper device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reversal position control map stored in the controller. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation for selecting a reversal position control map. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the wiper blade during wiping with the washer. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a wiper device according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an operation for selecting a reversal position control map according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an operation for selecting a reversal position control map according to the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing an example (fourth embodiment) of a tandem wiper device applied to a vehicle; FIG.

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example of application of an opposing wiping type wiper device to a vehicle, Figure 2 shows a diagram explaining the structure of the wiper motor, Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the wiper device in Figure 1, Figure 4 shows a diagram explaining the reversal position control map stored in the controller, Figure 5 shows a flowchart explaining the flow of the reversal position control map selection operation, and Figure 6 shows a diagram explaining the operation of the wiper blades during washer wiping.

As shown in FIG. 1, a windshield 11 is provided at the front of a vehicle 10 such as an automobile. The windshield 11 is surrounded by a roof 10a of the vehicle 10 and a pair of front pillars 10b arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle 10. A wiper device 12 is provided below the windshield 11 (lower side in the figure) to wipe away rainwater, dust, etc. adhering to the wiping surface of the windshield 11, thereby ensuring visibility for the driver and passengers.

The wiper device 12 includes a DR-side wiper motor 20 disposed on the DR side (driver's side) of the vehicle 10, and an AS-side wiper motor 30 disposed on the AS side (passenger's side) of the vehicle 10. These wiper motors 20, 30 are formed identically and disposed opposite each other on the left and right sides of the vehicle 10.

The wiper motors 20, 30 have a DR-side wiper member 21 and an AS-side wiper member 31. The DR-side wiper member 21 has a DR-side wiper arm 21a and a DR-side wiper blade 21b, and the AS-side wiper member 31 has an AS-side wiper arm 31a and an AS-side wiper blade 31b. The base ends of the wiper arms 21a, 31a are fixed to the output shafts 22, 32 of the wiper motors 20, 30, and the wiper motors 20, 30 directly swing the wiper members 21, 31 without using a link mechanism or the like. In other words, the wiper device 12 is an opposed wiping type wiper device and employs a direct drive system.

The wiper blades 21b, 31b move back and forth, that is, perform a reciprocating wiping operation, within wiping ranges 11a, 11b of approximately 90° between the lower reversal position LRP and the upper reversal position URP. The wiper motors 20, 30 detect the rotation angles of the output shafts 22, 32 to cause the wiper blades 21b, 31b to perform a reversing operation at the lower reversal position LRP and the upper reversal position URP.

The wiper motors 20, 30 house a DR-side control board 23 and an AS-side control board 33. A communication line 13 is provided between the control boards 23, 33, and the wiper motors 20, 30 communicate with each other via the communication line 13. By communicating rotation angle information of the output shafts 22, 32 (position information of the wiper blades 21b, 31b) with each other via the communication line 13, the wiper blades 21b, 31b can move back and forth on the windshield 11 without colliding (interfering).

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the controller 23a of the DR side control board 23 is electrically connected to the wiper switch 14 provided in the vehicle cabin (not shown). By operating the wiper switch 14, the wiper motors 20, 30 are synchronously controlled to rotate at high speed (High), low speed (Low), or intermittent (Int). Specifically, by operating the wiper switch 14, a high speed signal High, a low speed signal Low, an intermittent signal Int, and a power off signal Off are output from the wiper switch 14 to the controller 23a.

The washer switch 15, which is provided near the wiper switch 14, is electrically connected to the controller 23a of the DR side control board 23. As a result, when the washer switch 15 is turned on, a washer signal Wsg is output from the washer switch 15 to the controller 23a.

Here, the DR-side control board 23 and the AS-side control board 33 of the AS-side wiper motor 30 are each electrically connected to an on-board battery (power source) BT mounted on the vehicle 10. This causes a drive current to be supplied to each of the wiper motors 20, 30, and the wiper motors 20, 30 are rotated and driven so as to be synchronized.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, a washer device 16 is provided at the front side of the vehicle 10, which sprays washer fluid W toward the wiping surface of the windshield 11. The washer device 16 includes a washer pump and a washer tank (neither shown), and the washer pump is activated by operating the washer switch 15. As a result, the washer fluid W stored in the washer tank is sprayed toward the wiping surface of the windshield 11 (within wiping ranges 11a and 11b) via a pair of tubes 17 and a pair of washer nozzles 18.

The DR-side wiper motor 20 and the AS-side wiper motor 30 are both formed in the same way. Therefore, hereinafter, the explanation of the AS-side wiper motor 30 will be omitted, and the detailed structure of the DR-side wiper motor 20 will be explained as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 2, the DR-side wiper motor 20 includes a motor section 40 and a gear section 50. The motor section 40 has a yoke 41 formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom by deep drawing or the like of a steel plate made of a magnetic material. A plurality of permanent magnets 42 are provided inside the yoke 41. An armature 43 is provided rotatably inside the permanent magnet 42 via a predetermined gap (air gap). A coil (not shown) is wound around the armature 43 in a predetermined winding manner and with a predetermined number of turns.

The armature shaft 44 is fixed to the center of rotation of the armature 43. The base end side (left side in the figure) of the armature shaft 44 is rotatably supported at the bottom of the yoke 41 via a radial bearing (not shown). The tip side (right side in the figure) of the armature shaft 44 extends into the case 51 of the gear section 50.

A worm 45 is integrally provided on the tip side of the armature shaft 44. The worm 45 is engaged with the teeth 52a of the worm wheel 52. The worm 45 and the worm wheel 52 form a speed reduction mechanism SD, which reduces the speed of rotation of the armature shaft 44 to increase the torque. The increased torque is then output to the DR side wiper arm 21a (see FIG. 1) via the output shaft 22 fixed to the center of rotation of the worm wheel 52.

A commutator 46 is provided on the armature shaft 44 in the vicinity of the armature 43. The ends of the coil are electrically connected to the commutator 46, and multiple brushes 47 are in sliding contact with the commutator 46. Thus, by supplying a drive current to the multiple brushes 47, the drive current flows through the coil via the commutator 46, generating an electromagnetic force in the armature 43. This causes the armature shaft 44 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction at a predetermined rotation speed.

A worm wheel 52 is rotatably housed in a case 51 that forms the gear portion 50. Rotation from the worm 45 is transmitted to the worm wheel 52. The base end of the output shaft 22 is fixed to the center of rotation of the worm wheel 52, and the tip end of the output shaft 22 extends outside the case 51. The base end of the DR side wiper arm 21a is fixed to the tip end of the output shaft 22 (see FIG. 1).

A sensor magnet 53 formed in a roughly disk shape is attached to the front surface 52b of the worm wheel 52. The sensor magnet 53 is fixed to a portion of the worm wheel 52 close to the center of rotation and rotates together with the worm wheel 52. One radial side of the sensor magnet 53 is magnetized to the N pole, and the other radial side of the sensor magnet 53 is magnetized to the S pole. In other words, the sensor magnet 53 is magnetized to two poles, the N pole and the S pole, at 180° intervals around its circumference.

The opening of the case 51 (the front side in FIG. 2) is closed by a cover member (not shown). The DR-side control board 23 is attached to the inside of the cover member so as to face the front surface 52b of the worm wheel 52. In other words, the DR-side control board 23 is housed inside the gear section 50.

The DR-side control board 23 controls the rotation state of the motor unit 40, specifically, the rotation speed and direction of the armature shaft 44. The DR-side control board 23 is equipped with multiple electronic components (not shown), such as transistors and resistors. The DR-side control board 23 also has a controller 23a, which is a CPU equipped with RAM, ROM, etc., mounted thereon. Furthermore, an encoder 23b is mounted on a portion of the DR-side control board 23 facing the sensor magnet 53 in the axial direction of the output shaft 22. Here, a magnetic resistance element such as an MR sensor is used for the encoder 23b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the encoder 23b outputs an electric signal (amount of change in resistance value) R whose magnitude varies depending on the direction of the magnetic flux that crosses the encoder 23b. The electric signal R from the encoder 23b, which is generated by the relative rotation of the sensor magnet 53, is sent to the controller 23a. In other words, the encoder 23b is electrically connected to the controller 23a.

The encoder 23b corresponds to the rotation angle detection member in the present invention, and the controller 23a detects the rotation angle [rad] of the worm wheel 52 (output shaft 22) relative to the case 51, i.e., the position of the DR-side wiper blade 21b (see FIG. 1) relative to the windshield 11, based on the magnitude of the electrical signal R from the encoder 23b. This allows the DR-side wiper blade 21b to perform a reversing operation at the lower reversing position LRP and the upper reversing position URP.

The controller 23a also controls the rotation state of the armature shaft 44 by a pulse control method (PWM control). Specifically, by adjusting the duty ratio to a large value (e.g., 50% or more), the armature shaft 44 rotates at high speed. On the other hand, by adjusting the duty ratio to a small value (e.g., less than 50%), the armature shaft 44 rotates at a low speed. In other words, the controller 23a controls the rotation of the output shaft 22 of the DR side wiper motor 20 via the armature shaft 44.

In this way, by controlling the rotation state of the armature shaft 44 using PWM control, it is possible to precisely control the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 and prevent overheating of the electronic components mounted on the DR side control board 23.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 23a is provided with a map storage unit 23c. As shown in FIG. 4, the map storage unit 23c stores three pre-tuned reversal position control maps Ma, Mb, and Mc. The reversal position control maps Ma, Mb, and Mc are maps that indicate the relationship between the rotation angle [rad] of the output shaft 22 (position of the DR-side wiper blade 21b) and the rotation speed [rpm] of the armature shaft 44 (rotation speed of the DR-side wiper motor 20) when the DR-side wiper blade 21b moves forward and backward through the wiping range 11a (see FIG. 1).

The reversal position control map Ma shown by the dashed line in Fig. 4 is a reference map selected when the DR-side wiper blade 21b is normally wiped when the washer device 16 (see Fig. 1) is not in operation, that is, when the washer signal Wsg is not input to the controller 23a. As shown in Fig. 4, when the moving area of the DR-side wiper blade 21b is divided into a first area AR1, a second area AR2, and a third area AR3 (approximately equal three areas) from the lower reversal position LRP toward the moving direction of the DR-side wiper blade 21b, when the reversal position control map Ma is selected (when the washer signal Wsg is not input), the controller 23a increases the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 from zero at a predetermined acceleration a1 in the first area AR1. Next, in the second area AR2, the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 is maintained at N1. Then, in the third region AR3, the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 is reduced from N1 to zero at a predetermined deceleration rate d1.

The reverse position control map Mb shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 is a map for washer wiping that is selected when the washer device 16 is in operation, that is, when the washer signal Wsg is input to the controller 23a, and the DR-side wiper blade 21b is wiped by the washer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the reverse position control map Mb is selected (when the washer signal Wsg is input), the controller 23a increases the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 from zero at a predetermined acceleration a2 in the first region AR1 (a2>a1). Next, in the second region AR2, the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 is maintained at N2 (N2>N1). After that, in the third region AR3, the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 is decreased from N2 at a predetermined deceleration d2 to zero (d2≒d1).

In addition, when the reversal position control map Mb is selected (when the washer signal Wsg is input), the controller 23a executes a process to adjust the rotation angle [rad] of the output shaft 22 to be larger. Specifically, when the washer signal Wsg is input, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation angle [rad] of the output shaft 22 to change the upper reversal position of the DR-side wiper blade 21b to the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping, which is located beyond the upper reversal position URP during normal wiping. However, when the reversal position control map Mb is selected, the lower reversal position LRP of the DR-side wiper blade 21b is not changed.

Here, the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping is set at a position where the DR-side wiper blade 21b moving forward exceeds the upper reversal position URP during normal wiping (overrun) and comes into contact with the front pillar 10b on the driver's seat side of the vehicle 10, as shown by the arrow M1 in FIG. 6. This allows the operation of the DR-side wiper blade 21b to push the washer fluid W (shaded part in FIG. 6) collected near the front pillar 10b on the driver's seat side during washer wiping, so that it exceeds the front pillar 10b and is expelled to the outside of the wiping surface, as shown by the arrow M2 in FIG. 6. This prevents the occurrence of the water drawing phenomenon in which the washer fluid W collected near the upper reversal position URP after the reversal operation at the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping is returned to the wiping range 11a.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the reversal position control map Ma is selected in the second region AR2, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 to N1, and when the reversal position control map Mb is selected, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 to N2, which is faster than N1. That is, the controller 23a controls the moving speed of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second region AR2 during washer wiping (when the washer signal Wsg is input) to a moving speed Sp1 that is faster than the moving speed Sp of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second region AR2 during normal wiping (when the washer signal Wsg is not input) (Sp1>Sp).

This is to make the wiping cycle of the DR-side wiper blade 21b the same during normal wiping and during washer wiping. In other words, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 so that the first time h1 during which the DR-side wiper blade 21b moves between the lower reversal position LRP and the upper reversal position URP during normal wiping and the second time h2 during which the DR-side wiper blade 21b moves between the lower reversal position LRP and the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping are the same (h1=h2).

As a result, the wiping cycle of the DR wiper blade 21b is the same during normal wiping and washer wiping, eliminating any discomfort felt by the driver, etc.

Here, in the first embodiment, the controller 23a controls the rotation of the motor unit 40 using two of the three reversal position control maps Ma, Mb, and Mc. The other reversal position control map Mc is used in the third embodiment (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the characteristics of the reversal position control map Mc will be described in detail later.

Next, the operation of the wiper device 12 configured as described above, particularly the selection operation of the reversal position control maps Ma, Mb by the controller 23a, will be explained in detail using the drawings.

First, when the wiper switch 14 is operated to operate the wiper device 12, the controller 23a starts selecting the reversal position control maps Ma and Mb in step S1 of FIG. 5.

In step S2, the controller 23a determines whether the DR-side wiper blade 21b is moving backward based on the magnitude of the electrical signal R from the encoder 23b. If the determination in step S2 is yes, that is, if it is determined that the DR-side wiper blade 21b is moving backward, the process proceeds to step S3. If the determination in step S2 is no, that is, if it is determined that the DR-side wiper blade 21b is moving forward, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S3, the controller 23a determines that the DR side wiper blade 21b is moving in the return direction and that there is no need to expel the washer fluid W to the outside of the wiping surface, and selects the reversal position control map Ma (for normal wiping).

Then, the process proceeds to step S5, where the controller 23a determines whether the wiper switch 14 has been turned off (whether the power off signal Off has been input). If it is determined in step S5 that the wiper switch 14 has been turned off (determined as yes), the process proceeds to step S6, where the selection operation of the reversal position control maps Ma, Mb ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the wiper switch 14 has not been turned off (determined as no), the process returns to the upstream step S2 and repeats the subsequent processes.

In step S4, the controller 23a determines whether the rear wiper blade 21b is wiping with the washer, based on whether the washer signal Wsg is input or not from the washer switch 15. If it is determined in step S4 that the washer signal Wsg has been input (determined as yes), the process proceeds to step S7, and if it is determined in step S4 that the washer signal Wsg has not been input (determined as no), the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S7, the controller 23a determines that the DR wiper blade 21b is moving forward and that it is necessary to expel the washer fluid W to the outside of the wiping surface, and selects the reversal position control map Mb (for washer wiping).

In this way, the controller 23a selects either the reversal position control map Ma or Mb, and controls the rotation state of the DR-side wiper motor 20 based on the selected reversal position control map Ma or Mb. The AS-side wiper motor 30 (see Figures 1 and 3) also operates synchronously with the operation of the DR-side wiper motor 20 as described above. This also prevents the occurrence of the water-drawing phenomenon in which the washer fluid W collected near the upper reversal position URP on the AS side (passenger's side) is returned to the wiping range 11b on the AS side (see Figure 1).

The timing of switching between the reversal position control maps Ma and Mb is the timing when the DR side wiper blade 21b performs the reversal operation. This prevents the movement speed of the DR side wiper blade 21b from suddenly changing during the forward or backward movement (during the wiping operation), thereby eliminating any sense of discomfort felt by the driver, etc.

As described above in detail, in the wiper device 12 according to the first embodiment, when the washer signal Wsg is input, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation angle of the output shaft 22 to change the upper reversal position URP of the DR side wiper blade 21b to the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping, which is located beyond the upper reversal position URP.

This allows the dirty washer fluid W collected at the upper reversal position URP to be expelled (discharged) outside the wiping surface over the front pillar 10b of the vehicle 10. This makes it possible to sufficiently prevent the dirty washer fluid W from returning to the clean wiping area 11a (water attraction phenomenon).

In addition, according to the wiper device 12 of embodiment 1, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation speed of the DR-side wiper motor 20 (armature shaft 44) so that the first time h1 during which the DR-side wiper blade 21b moves between the lower reversal position LRP and the upper reversal position URP and the second time h2 during which the DR-side wiper blade 21b moves between the lower reversal position LRP and the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping are the same (h1=h2).

This makes it possible to eliminate the discomfort felt by the driver and others due to the difference in the wiping cycle (movement time) of the DR side wiper blade 21b during normal wiping and washer wiping.

Furthermore, according to the wiper device 12 of embodiment 1, when the movement area of the DR-side wiper blade 21b is divided into a first area AR1, a second area AR2, and a third area AR3 from the lower reversal position LRP toward the movement direction of the DR-side wiper blade 21b, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation speed of the DR-side wiper motor 20 (armature shaft 44) to set the movement speed of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second area AR2 when the washer signal Wsg is input to a movement speed Sp1 that is faster than the movement speed Sp of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second area AR2 when the washer signal Wsg is not input.

This makes it possible to make the wiping cycle (movement time) of the DR side wiper blade 21b the same during normal wiping and washer wiping.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the wiper device of the second embodiment, and Figure 8 shows a flowchart explaining the flow of the reversal position control map selection operation of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, a vehicle speed sensor 10c provided on the vehicle 10 is electrically connected to the controller 23a of the DR side control board 23. That is, a vehicle speed signal v indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 is input to the controller 23a. The controller 23a also stores a vehicle speed threshold value Th (e.g., 60 km/h). The controller 23a then executes a comparison process to compare the input vehicle speed signal v with the vehicle speed threshold value Th.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the controller 23a uses the vehicle speed information (vehicle speed signal v) of the vehicle 10 and executes a process to select the reversal position control maps Ma, Mb based on the vehicle speed information. Here, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a high speed (60 km/h or more), the washer fluid W collected at the upper reversal position URP is immediately moved toward the roof 10a of the vehicle 10 by the traveling wind. In other words, in a vehicle speed range where the washer fluid W can be moved toward the roof 10a by the traveling wind, there is no need to perform control using the reversal position control map Mb (control to suppress the water drawing phenomenon). Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a high speed, control using the reversal position control map Mb is not performed (prohibited).

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the selection operation of the reversal position control maps Ma, Mb is performed as shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, in the second embodiment, compared to the first embodiment (see Fig. 5), a comparison step (step S10) of comparing the vehicle speed signal v with the vehicle speed threshold value Th is added between the step (step S4) of determining whether the washer is wiping or not by the controller 23a and the step (step S7) of selecting the reversal position control map Mb.

In step S10, the controller 23a determines whether the vehicle speed signal v is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold Th. If the result is yes (60 km/h or greater), the controller 23a proceeds to step S3 and selects the reversal position control map Ma (for normal wiping). On the other hand, if the result is no (less than 60 km/h) in step S10, the controller 23a proceeds to step S7 and selects the reversal position control map Mb (for washer wiping). Here, the vehicle speed threshold Th corresponds to the predetermined value in the present invention.

The second embodiment formed as described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. In addition, in the second embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a relatively high speed of 60 km/h or more (high speed traveling) and the washer signal Wsg is input, the controller 23a prohibits the selection of the reversal position control map Mb, i.e., prohibits the upper reversal position URP of the DR side wiper blade 21b from being changed to the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping.

This reduces the frequency with which the upper reversal position URP of the DR side wiper blade 21b is changed to the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping, thereby reducing the load on the DR side wiper motor 20.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Figure 9 shows a flowchart explaining the flow of the reversal position control map selection operation in embodiment 3.

In the third embodiment, the hardware configuration is similar to that of the second embodiment (see FIG. 7), but it differs in that it uses all three reversal position control maps Ma, Mb, and Mc shown in FIG. 4.

Here, when the washer signal Wsg is input and the reversal position control map Mc is selected, the controller 23a increases the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 from zero at a predetermined acceleration a3 in the first region AR1 (a2>a3>a1). Next, in the second region AR2, the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 is maintained at N3 (N2>N3>N1). That is, the controller 23a controls the movement speed of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second region AR2 to a movement speed Sp2 that is slightly faster than the movement speed Sp of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second region AR2 during normal wiping (Sp1>Sp2>Sp). Then, in the vicinity of the washer wiping upper reversal position WUR in the third region AR3 (right side in FIG. 4), the rotation speed of the armature shaft 44 is reduced from N3 to zero at a relatively large deceleration rate d3 (d3>d2≒d1).

In this way, when the DR side wiper blade 21b is moving forward and the washer signal Wsg is input and the reversal position control map Mc is selected, the controller 23a adjusts the rotation speed of the DR side wiper motor 20 (armature shaft 44) to set the deceleration of the DR side wiper blade 21b near the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping in the third region AR3 to a deceleration d3 that is greater than the deceleration d1 of the DR side wiper blade 21b in the third region AR3 when the washer signal Wsg is not input (d3>d1).

Specifically, in the third embodiment, the selection operation of the reversal position control maps Ma, Mb, Mc is performed as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, in the third embodiment, compared to the first embodiment (see FIG. 5), a step of determining whether the vehicle 10 is stopped (step S20) is added between the step of determining whether the washer is wiping (step S4) by the controller 23a and the step of selecting the reversal position control map Mb (step S7). In step S20, the controller 23a determines that the vehicle 10 is stopped (0 km/h) when the input of the vehicle speed signal v is zero.

In addition, in the third embodiment, between step S20 (determining whether the vehicle 10 is stopped) and step S5 (determining whether the wiper switch 14 has been turned off), a comparison step (step S10) of comparing the vehicle speed signal v with a vehicle speed threshold Th and a step (step S30) of selecting a reversal position control map Mc are added in that order.

Then, in step S20, the controller 23a determines whether the vehicle 10 is stopped, and if it determines yes (0 km/h), it proceeds to step S7 and selects the reversal position control map Mb (for normal wiping). As a result, when the vehicle 10 is stopped, the moving speed of the DR side wiper blade 21b gradually decreases at the deceleration d1 (deceleration smaller than the deceleration d3) and becomes zero at the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping. Therefore, compared to when the reversal position control map Mc (large deceleration d3) is selected, the DR side wiper blade 21b does not forcefully expel the washer fluid W to the outside of the front pillar 10b, so that the washer fluid W is prevented from splashing onto another vehicle parked directly beside the vehicle 10, for example.

On the other hand, if the answer in step S20 is no (driving), the process proceeds to step S10. If the answer in step S10 is yes (60 km/h or more), the process proceeds to step S3, where the reversal position control map Mb (for normal wiping) is selected. On the other hand, if the answer in step S10 is no (less than 60 km/h), the process proceeds to step S30, where the reversal position control map Mc (for washer wiping) is selected. In this way, in the third embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is driving and the driving speed of the vehicle 10 is relatively slow, less than 60 km/h (low speed driving), the reversal position control map Mc (for washer wiping) is selected.

The third embodiment formed as described above can also achieve the same effects as the first and second embodiments described above. In addition, in the third embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a relatively slow speed of less than 60 km/h (low speed traveling) and the washer signal Wsg is input, the controller 23a selects the reversal position control map Mc in which the deceleration d3 is the largest in the third region AR3. Therefore, the washer fluid W collected at the upper reversal position WUR for washer wiping can be forcefully expelled to the outside of the front pillar 10b, and the occurrence of the water pulling phenomenon in which the washer fluid W is returned to the wiping range 11a can be more reliably suppressed.

In the third embodiment, since the deceleration d3 is large, the movement speed of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second area AR2 is controlled to a movement speed Sp2 that is slightly faster than the movement speed Sp of the DR-side wiper blade 21b in the second area AR2 during normal wiping. Therefore, the wiping cycle (movement time) of the DR-side wiper blade 21b during normal wiping and during washer wiping is the same time.

Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Figure 10 shows an example of application of a tandem wiper device to a vehicle (embodiment 4).

As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth embodiment differs from the wiper device 12 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment, i.e., an opposed-wiping direct drive wiper device, in that a tandem wiper device 60 is used. The tandem wiper device 60 uses one wiper motor 61 to drive a power transmission mechanism (link mechanism) 62, which causes the DR side wiper member 63 and the AS side wiper member 64 to oscillate synchronously on the windshield 11 of the vehicle 10.

The wiper device 60 is equipped with a wiper motor 61 having the same structure as the DR-side wiper motor 20 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment. A power transmission mechanism 62 transmits the swinging motion of the wiper motor 61 to a DR-side pivot shaft 65 and an AS-side pivot shaft 66. The base ends of wiper members 63 and 64 are fixed to the pivot shafts 65 and 66, respectively, and the tip sides of the wiper members 63 and 64 swing on the windshield 11 in accordance with the swinging motion of the pivot shafts 65 and 66.

The wiper members 63, 64 are composed of a DR-side wiper arm 63a and an AS-side wiper arm 64a, and a DR-side wiper blade 63b and an AS-side wiper blade 64b attached to the wiper arms 63a, 64a, respectively. As in the first embodiment, by driving the wiper motor 61, the swinging motion of the wiper motor 61 is transmitted to the pivot shafts 65, 66 via the power transmission mechanism 62, thereby swinging the pivot shafts 65, 66. As in the first embodiment, the wiper blades 63b, 64b wipe away rainwater, dust, and the like adhering to the wiping ranges 11a, 11b.

Here, the vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 10 is also provided with a washer device (not shown), as in the first embodiment.

The fourth embodiment formed as described above can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, since it is necessary to control only one wiper motor 61, the control logic can be simplified compared to the first embodiment. However, the control logic of the fourth embodiment may incorporate the same control logic as the second and third embodiments using the vehicle speed signal v (see FIG. 7).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the DR-side wiper motor 20 and the AS-side wiper motor 30 are operated synchronously, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is possible to prevent the DR-side wiper member 21 and the AS-side wiper member 31 (see FIG. 1) from colliding (interfering) with each other, it is also possible to operate only the DR-side wiper motor 20 according to the reversal position control maps Mb and Mc for washer wiping, and to operate the AS-side wiper motor 30 (independently controlled) according to the reversal position control map Ma for normal wiping at all times.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the motor section is a brushed motor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the motor section may be a brushless motor. In this case, brushes and commutators are not required, so the generation of electrical noise caused by the sliding contact between the two is suppressed, and it is possible to reliably prevent malfunction of the controller.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the wiper device 12, 60 that wipes the windshield 11 of the vehicle 10 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a wiper device that wipes the rear windshield of the vehicle 10, and wiper devices of railway vehicles, construction machinery, etc.

The material, shape, dimensions, number, installation location, etc. of each component in each of the above embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited to the above embodiments.

10: vehicle, 10a: roof, 10b: front pillar, 10c: vehicle speed sensor, 11: windshield, 11a, 11b: wiping range, 12: wiper device, 13: communication line, 14: wiper switch, 15: washer switch, 16: washer device, 17: tube, 18: washer nozzle, 20: rear-side wiper motor, 21: rear-side wiper member, 21a: rear-side wiper arm, 21b: rear-side wiper blade, 22: output shaft, 23: DR side control board, 23a: controller, 23b: encoder (rotation angle detection member), 23c: map storage unit, 30: AS side wiper motor, 31: AS side wiper member, 31a: AS side wiper arm, 31b: AS side wiper blade, 32: output shaft, 33: AS side control board, 40: motor unit, 41: yoke, 42: permanent magnet, 43: armature, 44: armature shaft, 45: worm, 46 : Commutator, 47: Brush, 50: Gear portion, 51: Case, 52: Worm wheel, 52a: Teeth portion, 52b: Front surface, 53: Sensor magnet, 60: Wiper device, 61: Wiper motor, 62: Power transmission mechanism, 63: DR side wiper member, 63a: DR side wiper arm, 63b: DR side wiper blade, 64: AS side wiper member, 64a: AS side wiper arm, 64b: AS side wiper blade, 65: DR side pivot axis, 66: AS side pivot axis, a1-a3: acceleration, AR1: first region, AR2: second region, AR3: third region, BT: vehicle battery, d1-d3: deceleration, h1: first time, h2: second time, LRP: lower reversal position, Ma-Mc: reversal position control map, SD: deceleration mechanism, Sp-Sp2: moving speed, Th: vehicle speed threshold (predetermined value), URP: upper reversal position, W: washer fluid, WUR: upper reversal position for washer wiping

Claims (4)

a wiper blade that reciprocates between a lower inverted position and an upper inverted position;
a wiper motor having an output shaft for swinging the wiper blade;
A controller for controlling the wiper motor;
A wiper device comprising:
The controller is electrically connected to a rotation angle detection member that detects a rotation angle of the output shaft and a washer switch that outputs a washer signal.
When the washer signal is input, the controller adjusts a rotation angle of the output shaft to change the upper reversal position of the wiper blade to a washer wiping upper reversal position provided at a position beyond the upper reversal position ,
Furthermore, a vehicle speed signal indicating a traveling speed of the vehicle is input to the controller,
The controller prohibits the wiper blade from changing the upper inverted position to the upper inverted position for washer wiping when the vehicle speed signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and the washer signal is input .
Wiper device. The wiper device according to claim 1,
The controller adjusts the number of revolutions of the wiper motor so that a first time during which the wiper blade moves between the lower reversing position and the upper reversing position and a second time during which the wiper blade moves between the lower reversing position and the upper reversing position for washer wiping are equal to each other.
Wiper device. The wiper device according to claim 2,
When the moving area of the wiper blade is divided into a first area, a second area, and a third area from the lower reversal position toward the moving direction of the wiper blade, the controller adjusts the rotation speed of the wiper motor so that the moving speed of the wiper blade in the second area when the washer signal is input is faster than the moving speed of the wiper blade in the second area when the washer signal is not input.
Wiper device. The wiper device according to claim 3,
The controller adjusts the number of revolutions of the wiper motor when the wiper blade moves forward and when the washer signal is input, so that the deceleration of the wiper blade in the third region is greater than the deceleration of the wiper blade in the third region when the washer signal is not input.
Wiper device.

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