JP2010247654A - Rear wiper control device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a rear wiper control device capable of causing a rear wiper to perform an appropriate operation according to surrounding rain conditions, a running state of a vehicle, and the like without requiring a driver to operate a switch for operating the rear wiper. .
After a vehicle is stopped for a predetermined time or more when a condition of either water droplet detection or front wiper operation is met and a rain condition is detected and the shift lever is operated to a forward position or a neutral position. When the brake is released, when the rain has continued for a predetermined time or more, when the front wiper is operating at high speed, or when the vehicle headlight is lit, the rear wiper control device turns the vehicle rear wiper off. Make it work. Further, when the front wiper is operating at a high speed and when the vehicle headlight is lit, the rear wiper control device may cause the rear wiper to intermittently operate at predetermined time intervals.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a rear wiper control device that controls an operation of a rear wiper that is provided at a rear portion of a vehicle and removes raindrops attached to a rear window (rear window).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, vehicles in which a rear wiper is provided not only on a front window (front window) of a vehicle but also on a rear window so that raindrops attached to the rear window can be removed are widely used. In conventional vehicles, a switch for operating the front wiper provided on the front window is provided near the driver's seat, and a switch for operating the rear wiper may be provided separately from the switch of the front wiper. Many. For this reason, there is a problem that it is troublesome for the driver to operate the switch of the rear wiper in addition to the operation of the switch of the front wiper.

  In Patent Document 1, a vehicle rear wiper driving device is proposed in which a rear wiper is operated only by putting a vehicle transmission into a reverse gear when it is raining. The driving device includes a motor device that drives the rear wiper, a battery for the motor device, a water droplet sensor that detects the presence of water droplets, a reverse switch that operates when the transmission is put into the reverse gear, and water droplets The sensor includes a select switch that detects the presence of water droplets and applies a battery voltage to the motor device when the reverse switch is activated.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-49532

  However, since the vehicle rear wiper drive device described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the rear wiper operates when the transmission is put into the reverse gear, the rear wiper operates only when the vehicle is moved backward. There is a problem that the rear wiper cannot be operated when moving forward.

  A driver of a vehicle generally confirms the rear of the vehicle through a rear-view mirror while the vehicle is traveling, but cannot sufficiently confirm the rear if raindrops are attached to the rear window. In particular, the rear confirmation through the rearview mirror is often performed unconsciously by the driver, and there is a problem that the driver is difficult to notice a decrease in the visibility due to raindrops adhering to the rear window. If sufficient backward confirmation cannot be performed, there is a risk of hindering safe driving of the vehicle, for example, delay in noticing another vehicle from behind.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to avoid the surrounding rain conditions and the running state of the vehicle without requiring the driver to operate the switch for operating the rear wiper. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rear wiper control device that can cause a rear wiper to perform an appropriate operation.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is a rear wiper control device that controls the operation of a rear wiper provided at a rear portion of a vehicle, and that a water droplet detection sensor detects the attachment of water droplets to the vehicle window, And a condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of the conditions that the front wiper provided at the front portion of the vehicle is operating is satisfied, and the shift lever of the vehicle moves forward of the vehicle. A shift position determining means for determining whether or not the vehicle is operated to a position related to the vehicle or a neutral position, a stop determining means for determining that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or more, and a brake release for detecting the release of the brake of the vehicle Detecting means; and continuation determining means for determining whether or not the establishment of the condition continues for a predetermined time or more according to a determination result of the condition determining means; Front wiper operation determination means for determining whether or not the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the vehicle light, determination result of the condition determination means, the shift position Based on the determination result of the determination means, the determination result of the stop determination means, the detection result of the brake release detection means, the determination result of the continuation determination means, the determination result of the front wiper operation determination means, and the detection result of the lighting detection means And control means for controlling the operation of the rear wiper.

  Further, in the rear wiper control device according to the present invention, the control means determines that the condition is satisfied, and the condition determination means determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position. When the shift position determination means determines that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or longer, and the brake release detection means detects release of the brake after the stop determination means determines that the vehicle When the continuation determination unit determines that establishment has continued for a predetermined time or more, when the front wiper operation determination unit determines that the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, or when the light is turned on The rear wiper is operated in any case when the lighting detection means detects.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is a rear wiper control device that controls the operation of a rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle, and the water droplet detection sensor detects the attachment of water droplets to the vehicle window. And a condition determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the conditions that the front wiper provided at the front portion of the vehicle is operating is satisfied, and the shift lever of the vehicle includes the vehicle A shift position determining means for determining whether or not the vehicle is operated to a forward position or a neutral position, a stop determining means for determining that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or more, and detecting release of the brake of the vehicle The brake release detecting means and the condition determining means determine that the condition is satisfied, and the shift lever is in a position or neutral position related to the forward movement of the vehicle. The brake release detecting means detects the release of the brake after the stop determining means determines that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or more when the shift position determining means determines that the vehicle has been operated. And control means for operating the rear wiper.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is a rear wiper control device that controls the operation of a rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle, and the water droplet detection sensor detects the attachment of water droplets to the vehicle window. And a condition determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the conditions that the front wiper provided at the front portion of the vehicle is operating is satisfied, and the shift lever of the vehicle includes the vehicle Shift position determining means for determining whether or not the vehicle is operated to a forward position or a neutral position, and whether or not the condition is satisfied for a predetermined time or more according to the determination result of the condition determining means. A continuation determining means for determining, and the condition determining means determines that the condition is satisfied, and the shift lever is operated to a position relating to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position. Control means for operating the rear wiper when the continuation determination unit determines that the establishment of the condition has continued for a predetermined time or more when the shift position determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied. Features.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention further includes vehicle speed detection means for detecting a traveling speed of the vehicle, and when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means exceeds a predetermined speed, the continuation determination means is It is determined whether or not the condition is continuously satisfied for a second predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time, and the control means determines that the condition is satisfied if the condition is satisfied. And when the shift position determining means determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to the forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position, the continuation determining means continues for the second predetermined time or longer. The rear wiper is operated when it is determined that it is established.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is a rear wiper control device that controls the operation of a rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle, and the water droplet detection sensor detects the attachment of water droplets to the vehicle window. And a condition determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the conditions that the front wiper provided at the front portion of the vehicle is operating is satisfied, and the shift lever of the vehicle includes the vehicle Shift position determining means for determining whether or not the vehicle is operated to a position related to forward movement or a neutral position, front wiper operation determining means for determining whether or not the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, and The condition determination means determines that the condition is satisfied, and the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position. Control means for operating the rear wiper when the front wiper operation determination unit determines that the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed when the shift position determination unit determines. To do.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is a rear wiper control device that controls the operation of a rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle, and the water droplet detection sensor detects the attachment of water droplets to the vehicle window. And a condition determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the conditions that the front wiper provided at the front portion of the vehicle is operating is satisfied, and the shift lever of the vehicle includes the vehicle Shift position determining means for determining whether or not the vehicle is operated to a forward position or a neutral position, lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the vehicle light, and the condition determining means when the condition is satisfied And when the shift position determination means determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position, the light When the lighting detection means lighting detects, characterized in that it comprises a control means for operating the rear wiper.

  The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control means causes the rear wiper to intermittently operate at a predetermined time interval.

  Moreover, the rear wiper control device according to the present invention is characterized in that the water droplet detection sensor detects water droplets adhering to a front window of a vehicle.

In the present invention, whether at least one of the two conditions that the water droplet detection sensor detects that water droplets are attached to the vehicle window and the front wiper is operating is satisfied. The rear wiper control device determines whether or not. When the water droplet detection sensor detects the attachment of water droplets, it can be estimated that raindrops have adhered due to rainfall, and when the front wiper is operated by a user operation, it can be estimated that the raindrop is in a rainy state. Therefore, it is possible to detect rain by these condition determinations.
In the rear wiper control device, the shift lever of the vehicle is operated to a forward position (for example, a position such as “D (drive)” or “2 (second)”) or a neutral position (a position of “N (neutral)”). It is determined whether or not.
Furthermore, the rear wiper control device determines whether or not the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) or more, detects the release of the brake, and the attachment of water droplets or the operation of the rear wiper is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 30). Minutes or 10 minutes), whether or not the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, and whether or not the vehicle light is on.
The rear wiper control device operates the rear wiper based on the plurality of determination results and detection results, thereby making it possible to remove raindrops on the rear window suitable for the surrounding conditions and the running state of the vehicle. .

Further, in the present invention, when the condition of either the water droplet detection or the front wiper operation is established and the rain state is detected and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position, the vehicle is kept at a predetermined time ( The rear wiper control device operates the rear wiper when the vehicle stops for a minute or more (for example, 1 minute) and then the brake is released. Accordingly, the rear wiper can be operated when, for example, the vehicle stops due to a signal or the like in the rain and then the brake is released for departure.
In the case of a vehicle with a tilted rear window, such as a sedan type vehicle, or in the case of rainfall from behind, raindrops are likely to adhere to the rear window while the vehicle is stopped. Removal can be performed.

  Further, in the present invention, when either the condition of water droplet detection or the front wiper operation is established and the rainfall state is detected, and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position, the rainfall is detected for a predetermined time ( For example, the rear wiper control device activates the rear wiper when the operation continues for 30 minutes or more. Thus, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the driver started operating the front wiper after raining, it is highly possible that raindrops are attached to the rear window, but the raindrops can be removed.

  Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed of a predetermined speed (for example, 80 km / h) or more, raindrops on the ceiling of the vehicle flow down to the rear window due to the traveling wind accompanying the traveling of the vehicle. There is a high possibility of adhesion. Therefore, in the present invention, when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed at a predetermined speed or higher, the criterion for determining the duration of rainfall is shortened, and the second predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes or more) that is shorter than the predetermined time at low speed driving. The rear wiper control device operates the rear wiper when the rain continues over the period. Thereby, it is possible to remove raindrops flowing down from the ceiling of the vehicle by the traveling wind.

  Further, in the present invention, when the condition of either water droplet detection or front wiper operation is established and the rain state is detected, the front wiper moves at a predetermined speed when the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position. In the above-described high speed operation, the rear wiper control device operates the rear wiper. As a result, when the front wiper is operating at a high speed by the driver's switch operation, it is highly possible that the rain will be intense, and there is a high possibility that raindrops are attached to the rear window. be able to.

  Further, in the present invention, when either the condition of water droplet detection or the front wiper operation is satisfied and the rainfall state is detected, and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position, the vehicle light (head) The rear wiper control device operates the rear wiper. When raindrops adhere to the rear window at night, raindrops diffusely reflect ambient light such as headlights and street lights of other vehicles behind the vehicle, which may further reduce the visibility behind the driver. Since it can be estimated that it is nighttime when the vehicle light is on, it is possible to prevent lower visibility at night by operating the rear wiper when the light is on.

  In the present invention, when the rear wiper is operated at night according to the lighting of the light, it is intermittently operated at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 30 minutes). When operating the rear wiper according to the lighting of the light, the amount of rainfall is not always large, and the amount of raindrops adhering to the rear window is not always large. The operation of the rear wiper can be suppressed, and deterioration of the rear wiper can be prevented.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is set as the structure which provides the sensor which detects a water drop in the front window of a vehicle or its periphery, and detects the water drop adhering to a front window. In many cases, a sensor for detecting water droplets is provided in a control device that operates the front wiper, and it is preferable that the rear wiper control device share this sensor.

  In the case of the present invention, various conditions of detection and detection are performed when the condition of either water droplet detection or front wiper operation is established and the rain state is detected and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position. By configuring the rear wiper to operate according to the vehicle's surroundings and driving conditions based on the results, the rear visibility through the rear window during driving of the vehicle can be enhanced. Can be realized.

1 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration of a vehicle equipped with a rear wiper control device according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a chart for demonstrating the operation control process of the rear wiper by the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the rain detection process which the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the rain continuation determination process which the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the rain continuation determination process which the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the stop continuation determination process which the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation control process of the rear wiper which the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the operation control process of the rear wiper which the rear wiper control apparatus which concerns on this invention performs.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a rear wiper control device according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle. The front window 1 a of the vehicle 1 is provided with two front wipers 2 for removing raindrops, and the rear window 1 b of the vehicle 1 is provided with one rear wiper 3. The operations of the front wiper 2 and the rear wiper 3 of the vehicle 1 are controlled by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 5 mounted at an appropriate position in the vehicle 1. Further, a raindrop detection sensor 17 for detecting raindrops attached to the front window 1a is provided on the front window 1a of the vehicle 1, and the detection result of the raindrop detection sensor 17 is given to the ECU 5.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the rear wiper control device according to the present invention. In the vicinity of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1, a front wiper operation switch (hereinafter referred to as SW) 11 for operating the front wiper 2 by the driver and a rear wiper operation SW 12 for operating the rear wiper 3 are provided. It has been. The front wiper operation SW11 is configured to have a plurality of contacts that can adjust the operation speed of the front wiper 2 in multiple stages, as well as switching on / off the front wiper 2 according to the operation of the driver. The front wiper operation SW11 gives an operation state (that is, contact connection state) by the driver to the ECU 5. Similarly, the rear wiper operation SW 12 is configured to have a plurality of contacts that can turn on / off the rear wiper 3 and adjust the operation speed, and gives an operation state by the driver to the ECU 5.

  Further, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 13, a shift lever position SW14, a brake SW15, a headlight lighting SW16, a raindrop detection sensor 17, and the like. The vehicle speed sensor 13 detects the traveling speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle 1 based on, for example, the rotational speed of the wheels, and gives the detection result to the ECU 5.

  A shift lever (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 so that the driver can position “P”, “N”, “D” or “R” according to the driving situation of the vehicle 1. The shift lever can be moved. The shift lever position SW14 is a switch having a plurality of contacts that are switched according to the position of the shift lever, and provides the ECU 5 with information related to the operation position of the shift lever.

  A brake (foot brake or side brake) is provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1, and the driver performs a brake operation when stopping the traveling of the vehicle 1. The brake SW 15 is a switch that switches according to the on / off state of the brake, and gives information related to the on / off state of the brake to the ECU 5. In the vicinity of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1, a headlight lighting SW 16 for the driver to turn on the headlight of the vehicle 1 is provided. The headlight lighting SW 16 is a switch for switching on / off of the headlight, and gives information related to on / off of the headlight to the ECU 5.

  The raindrop detection sensor 17 is a sensor that detects the amount of raindrops, and may be configured to receive, for example, light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the glass surface by the light receiving element. In this configuration, the amount of raindrops is detected according to the amount of light received by the light receiving element, utilizing the fact that the reflectance changes due to diffused reflection of light when water drops such as raindrops adhere to the glass surface. Can do. The raindrop detection sensor 17 is disposed on or around the front window 1a of the vehicle 1 and detects raindrops attached to the front window 1a. The raindrop detection sensor 17 notifies the detected raindrop amount to the ECU 5.

  The ECU 5 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), and a front wiper operation SW11 to a raindrop detection sensor 17. A communication interface for exchanging information with an external device. The ECU 5 performs processing for controlling operations of the front wiper 2 and the rear wiper 3 mounted on the vehicle 1 in accordance with information given from the front wiper operation SW 11 to the raindrop detection sensor 17.

  The ECU 5 gives a control signal having information related to on / off of the operation of the front wiper 2 and the operation speed to the front wiper driving unit 21. The front wiper drive unit 21 includes a motor or an actuator for reciprocating the front wiper 2 and a drive circuit that generates a voltage for driving the motor. The front wiper drive unit 21 uses the drive circuit according to a control signal from the ECU 5. Then, a driving voltage is generated, and the front wiper 2 is operated by operating a motor or an actuator.

  Similarly, the ECU 5 provides the rear wiper drive unit 22 with a control signal having information related to on / off of the operation of the rear wiper 3 and the operation speed. The rear wiper drive unit 22 includes a motor or an actuator for reciprocating the rear wiper 3 and a drive circuit that generates a voltage for driving the motor, an actuator, and the like. The drive circuit according to a control signal from the ECU 5 The drive voltage is generated to operate the rear wiper 3 by operating a motor or an actuator.

  When the front wiper operation SW 11 is turned on by the driver, the ECU 5 gives the control signal to the front wiper driving unit 21 to operate the front wiper 2. Further, when the rear wiper operation SW 12 is turned on by the driver, the ECU 5 gives a control signal to the rear wiper drive unit 22 to operate the rear wiper 3. Furthermore, the ECU 5 according to the present embodiment attaches raindrops to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1 in accordance with information given from the vehicle speed sensor 13 to the raindrop detection sensor 17 even when the rear wiper operation SW12 is off. The rear wiper 3 can be automatically operated by estimating the situation of the vehicle 1 and estimating the situation around the vehicle 1.

  FIG. 3 is a chart for explaining the operation control processing of the rear wiper 3 by the rear wiper control device according to the present invention, and shows the conditions under which the ECU 5 operates the rear wiper 3. There are five patterns in which the ECU 5 operates the rear wiper 3 when the rear wiper operation SW 12 is in the off state. FIG. 3 associates conditions 1 to 4 with which the operations are performed for each of the five operations 1 to 5. It is described.

  The two conditions of the rain detection of the condition 1 and the shift lever advance position or the neutral position of the condition 2 shown in the table are common conditions for all the operations 1 to 5. It should be noted that if either raindrop detection is detected by the raindrop detection sensor 17 or the front wiper operation SW11 is in the on state and the front wiper 2 of the vehicle 1 is operating, the rain falls. Detection condition 1 is satisfied. Further, when the shift lever position SW14 is in a state indicating the position “D” or “N” of the shift lever, the condition 2 of the shift lever forward position or the neutral position is satisfied.

(Operation 1)
The ECU 5 detects that rain has been detected (condition 1 is satisfied) and the vehicle 1 has stopped and a predetermined time has elapsed (condition 3 is satisfied) when the shift lever is in the forward position or the neutral position (condition 2 is satisfied). When the brake of the vehicle 1 is released (condition 4 is satisfied), the rear wiper 3 is operated. In this case, the operation of the rear wiper 3 may be performed once or several times. The ECU 5 can determine whether or not the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state from the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 13. For example, the ECU 5 may determine that the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h. The ECU 5 starts counting by a timer when the vehicle 1 is stopped, and determines that the condition 3 is satisfied when, for example, 1 minute elapses in the stopped state. Further, the ECU 5 determines whether or not the brake of the vehicle 1 has been released according to the state of the brake SW15.

  When the vehicle 1 stops for a certain time, such as waiting for a signal when it rains, especially in the case of a vehicle such as a sedan-type rear window 1b that is inclined, or when it is raining from behind, raindrops will appear on the rear window 1b. Easy to adhere. Therefore, when the brake is released after the vehicle 1 stops for a predetermined time during rain, it is estimated that raindrops are attached to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1, and therefore the rear wiper 3 is operated to The raindrops adhering to the rear window 1b during the stop of 1 are removed.

(Operation 2)
The ECU 5 detects that rain has been detected (condition 1 is satisfied), and when the shift lever is at the forward position or the neutral position (condition 2 is satisfied), the rain has continued for a predetermined time or longer (condition 3 is satisfied). Then, the rear wiper 3 is operated. In this case, the operation of the rear wiper 3 may be performed once or several times. Note that the ECU 5 starts timing by a timer when the front wiper 2 of the vehicle 1 starts operating or when the raindrop sensor 17 detects a raindrop, for example, when the operation of the front wiper 2 continues for 30 minutes or more. Alternatively, when the raindrop detection sensor 17 continuously detects raindrops for 30 minutes or more, it is determined that the rain has continued and the condition 3 is satisfied. In addition, when the rear wiper 3 is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed, the ECU 5 may reset the timer and restart timing, so that once raining continues, about once every 30 minutes. The rear wiper 3 can be automatically operated at a frequency.

  When rainfall continues for a certain period of time, there is a high possibility that raindrops are attached to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1. Therefore, when the rain continues for 30 minutes or more due to the operation of the front wiper 2 or the detection of the raindrop detection sensor 17, the ECU 5 estimates that raindrops are attached to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1. The wiper 3 is operated to remove raindrops attached to the rear window 1b.

(Operation 3)
The ECU 5 detects that rain has been detected (condition 1 is satisfied), and when the shift lever is at the forward position or the neutral position (condition 2 is satisfied), the rain has continued for a predetermined time or longer (condition 3 is satisfied). Then, the rear wiper 3 is operated. This is the same as the operation 2 described above, but when the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed (condition 4 is satisfied), the ECU 5 sets the predetermined time used for the determination of the condition 3 to be shorter than that in the case of the operation 2. . For example, in the operation 2, the rear wiper 3 is operated when the rain continues for 30 minutes or more, and in the operation 3, the rear wiper 3 is operated when the rain continues for 10 minutes or more. The ECU 5 can determine whether or not the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed according to the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 13. For example, when the vehicle speed is 80 km / h or higher, the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed. judge.

  When the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed, raindrops accumulated on the ceiling of the vehicle 1 are likely to flow down to the rear window 1b due to traveling wind accompanying the traveling of the vehicle 1, and the raindrops are likely to adhere to the rear window 1b. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed, the raindrops attached to the rear window 1b can be more effectively removed by shortening the predetermined time from the start of rain until the rear wiper 3 is operated. It can be carried out.

(Operation 4)
When the rain is detected (condition 1 is satisfied) and the shift lever is at the forward position or the neutral position (condition 2 is satisfied), the ECU 5 has the maximum operating speed of the front wiper 2 of the vehicle 1 (condition 3 is satisfied). In this case, the rear wiper 3 is operated. The driver of the vehicle 1 can adjust the operation speed of the front wiper 2 in multiple stages by operating the front wiper operation SW11. The ECU 5 determines the operation speed of the front wiper 2 according to the connection state of the front wiper operation SW11. It can be determined whether it is the maximum. Further, when the rear wiper 3 is operated in the operation 4, it is desirable to start the time measurement by the timer when the above three conditions are satisfied, and to operate the rear wiper 3 intermittently at intervals of 10 minutes, for example.

  When the front wiper 2 is operated at the maximum speed by the driver's operation, there is a high possibility that the rain is heavy (the amount of rainfall is large), and there is a high possibility that raindrops are attached to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1. Therefore, when the front wiper 2 is operating at the maximum speed, the ECU 5 estimates that raindrops are attached to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1, so the rear wiper 3 is operated and attached to the rear window 1b. Remove the raindrops. Note that the fact that the vehicle 1 is traveling at high speed in the operation 4 may be added to the conditions for the operation of the rear wiper 3.

(Operation 5)
When the rain is detected (condition 1 is satisfied) and the shift lever is in the forward position or the neutral position (condition 2 is satisfied), the headlight of the vehicle 1 is lit (condition 3 is satisfied). Then, the rear wiper 3 is operated. The driver of the vehicle 1 can turn on / off the headlight by operating the headlight lighting SW16, and the ECU 5 determines whether the headlight is turned on according to the connection state of the headlight lighting SW16. can do. Also, when the rear wiper 3 is operated in the operation 5, it is desirable to start the time measurement by the timer when the above three conditions are satisfied, and to operate the rear wiper 3 intermittently at intervals of 10 minutes, for example.

  When raindrops adhere to the rear window 1b of the vehicle 1 at night, the raindrops may diffusely reflect ambient light such as headlights and streetlights of other vehicles behind, which may reduce the visibility behind the driver. Further, when the driver turns on the headlight lighting SW16 and the headlight of the vehicle 1 is lit, it can be estimated that the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 is nighttime. Therefore, when the headlight is turned on, the ECU 5 can intermittently operate the rear wiper 3, thereby preventing the rear visibility from being lowered at night. In addition, regarding the operations 1 to 4 described above, the operation 1 to 4 may be performed only at night in addition to the operation condition of the rear wiper 3 that the headlight of the vehicle 1 is lit.

  As described above, the ECU 5 according to the present embodiment automatically operates the rear wiper 3 in the five patterns of the operations 1 to 5 even when the rear wiper operation SW 12 is in the off state. Raindrops adhering to the window 1b can be removed. The rear wiper control device according to the present invention is not limited to operating the rear wiper 3 in all the patterns of the above operations 1 to 5, but operates the rear wiper 3 in at least one pattern of the operations 1 to 5. Anything is acceptable.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of rainfall detection processing performed by the rear wiper control device according to the present invention. The rain detection process is a process performed by the ECU 5, and is a process for detecting that the surroundings of the vehicle 1 are in a rain state. In the illustrated rain detection process, the rain flag is used as a variable indicating the rain detection result. This variable is realized by a register or a memory provided in the ECU 5. The rain flag indicates that the surrounding area of the vehicle 1 is in a rain state when the value is set to 1.

  In the rain detection process, the ECU 5 first initializes the value of the rain flag to 0 (step S1). Next, the ECU 5 acquires the state of the front wiper operation SW11 (step S2), and acquires the detection result of the raindrop detection sensor 17 (step S3). The ECU 5 determines whether or not the front wiper 2 of the vehicle 1 is operating based on the information acquired in step S2 (step S4). If the front wiper 2 is not operating (S4: NO) Then, it is determined whether or not a raindrop has been detected based on the information acquired in step S3 (step S5).

  If the ECU 5 determines that the front wiper 2 is operating (S4: YES) or determines that raindrops have been detected (S5: YES), the ECU 5 sets the rain flag to 1 (step S6), step The process proceeds to S8. When the ECU 5 determines that the front wiper 2 is not operating (S4: NO) and determines that no raindrop is detected (S5: NO), it sets the rain flag to 0 (step S7), The process proceeds to step S8.

  After setting the rain flag in step S6 or S7, the ECU 5 determines whether or not the rain detection process should be terminated depending on, for example, whether or not the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off (step S8). If it is determined that the rainfall detection process should not be terminated (S8: NO), the ECU 5 returns the process to step S2 and repeats the above-described process. When it is determined that the rain detection process should be terminated (S8: YES), the ECU 5 ends the rain detection process.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the rain continuation determination process performed by the rear wiper control device according to the present invention. The rain continuation determination process is a process performed by the ECU 5, and is a process for determining whether or not the rain state continues for a predetermined time. In the illustrated rain continuation determination process, a rain continuation flag is used as a variable indicating the result of the rain continuation determination. This variable is realized by a register or a memory provided in the ECU 5. The rainfall continuation flag indicates that the rain has continued for a predetermined time or more when the value is set to 1. In the illustrated rain continuation determination process, a timer is used to measure time, but this timer is assumed to be provided in the ECU 5 and is not shown in FIG.

  In the rain continuation determination process, the ECU 5 first initializes the value of the rain continuation flag to 0 (step S11) and initializes the time count of the timer (step S12). Next, the ECU 5 checks the value of the rain flag that is the detection result of the rain detection process shown in FIG. 4 (step S13), and determines whether or not the value of the rain flag has changed from 0 to 1 (that is, it starts to rain). (Step S14).

  When the value of the rain flag changes from 0 to 1 (S14: YES), the ECU 5 starts counting with a timer (step S15) and proceeds to step S18. When the value of the rain flag has not changed from 0 to 1 (S14: NO), the ECU 5 determines whether or not the value of the rain flag has changed from 1 to 0 (that is, whether the rain has stopped). (Step S16). When the value of the rain flag changes from 1 to 0 (S16: YES), the ECU 5 stops the time measurement by the timer, resets the timer (step S17), and advances the process to step S18. If the value of the rain flag has not changed from 1 to 0 (S16: NO), that is, if the rain flag has not changed, the ECU 5 advances the process to step S18.

  Next, the ECU 5 acquires the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 from the vehicle speed sensor 13 (step S18), and determines whether or not the acquired vehicle speed is 80 km / h or higher (that is, whether or not the vehicle 1 is traveling at high speed). (Step S19). When the vehicle speed is 80 km / h or higher (S19: YES), the ECU 5 sets a predetermined time that is a criterion for measuring time by a timer (step S20), and when the vehicle speed is less than 80 km / h (S19). : NO), the predetermined time is set to 30 minutes (step S21).

  After setting the predetermined time in step S20 or S21, the ECU 5 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer exceeds the predetermined time (step S22). When the time measured by the timer exceeds the predetermined time (S22: YES), the ECU 5 sets the value of the rain continuation flag to 1 (step S23), and when the time measured by the timer does not exceed the predetermined time (S22: NO) Then, the value of the rain continuation flag is set to 0 (step S24).

  After setting the rain continuation flag in step S23 or S24, the ECU 5 determines whether or not the rain continuation determination process should be terminated depending on, for example, whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off (step S25). . If it is determined that the rain continuation determination process should not be terminated (S25: NO), the ECU 5 returns the process to step S13 and repeats the above-described process. When it is determined that the rain continuation determination process should be terminated (S25: YES), the ECU 5 ends the rain continuation determination process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the stop continuation determination process performed by the rear wiper control device according to the present invention. The stop continuation determination process is a process performed by the ECU 5, and is a process for determining whether or not the vehicle 1 has been stopped for a predetermined time. Further, in the illustrated stop continuation determination process, the stop continuation flag is used as a variable indicating the stop continuation determination result, and this variable is realized by a register or a memory provided in the ECU 5. The stop continuation flag indicates that when the value is set to 1, the vehicle 1 continues to stop for a predetermined time or more. Also, in the illustrated stop continuation determination process, the timer is used to measure the time, but this timer is provided in the ECU 5 and is different from the timer used in the processes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Is.

  In the stop continuation determination process, the ECU 5 first initializes the value of the stop continuation flag to 0 (step S31), and initializes the time count of the timer (step S32). Next, the ECU 5 acquires the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 from the vehicle speed sensor 13 (step S33), and whether or not the vehicle 1 has decelerated and the vehicle speed has changed to 0 km / h (that is, whether or not the vehicle has changed from the running state to the stopped state). ) Is determined (step S34).

  When the vehicle speed has changed to 0 km / h (S34: YES), the ECU 5 starts counting by a timer (step S36), and proceeds to step S38. If the vehicle speed has not changed to 0 km / h (S34: NO), the ECU 5 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is greater than 0 km / h (step S35). When the vehicle speed is greater than 0 km / h (S35: YES), the ECU 5 stops the time measurement by the timer, resets the timer (step S37), and advances the process to step S38. When the vehicle speed is 0 km / h or less (S35: NO), that is, when the vehicle 1 is stopped, the ECU 5 advances the process to step S38.

  Next, the ECU 5 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer exceeds a predetermined time (1 minute) (step S38). When the time measured by the timer exceeds 1 minute (S38: YES), the ECU 5 sets the value of the stop continuation flag to 1 (step S39), and when the time measured by the timer does not exceed 1 minute (S38: NO) Then, the value of the stop continuation flag is set to 0 (step S40).

  After setting the stop continuation flag in step S39 or S40, the ECU 5 determines whether or not to stop the stop continuation determination process, for example, depending on whether or not the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off (step S41). . If it is determined that the stop continuation determination process should not be terminated (S41: NO), the ECU 5 returns the process to step S33 and repeats the above-described process. When it is determined that the stop continuation determination process should be terminated (S41: YES), the ECU 5 ends the stop continuation determination process.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation control process of the rear wiper 3 performed by the rear wiper control device according to the present invention, which is a process performed by the ECU 5. In the operation control process of the rear wiper 3, the ECU 5 first determines whether or not the rear wiper operation SW12 is turned on by the driver (step S51). If the rear wiper operation SW12 is turned on (S51: YES), the ECU 5 continuously operates the rear wiper until the rear wiper operation SW12 is turned off (step S52).

  When the rear wiper operation SW12 is not operated on (S51: NO), that is, when the rear wiper operation SW12 is operated off, the ECU 5 displays the rain flag set in the rain detection process shown in FIG. It is checked and it is determined whether or not the value of the rain flag is set to 1 (step S53). When the value of the rain flag is set to 1 (S53: YES), the ECU 5 checks the connection state of the shift lever position SW14 and determines whether or not the shift lever of the vehicle 1 is operated to the forward position or the neutral position. Determination is made (step S54). When the value of the rain flag is not set to 1 (S53: NO), or when the shift lever is not operated to the forward position or the neutral position (S54: NO), the ECU 5 stops the rear wiper 3. (Step S55), the process proceeds to step S65.

  When the value of the rain flag is set to 1 (S53: YES) and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position (S54: YES), the ECU 5 is shown in FIG. The stop continuation flag set in the stop continuation determination process is checked, the state of the brake SW 15 is acquired, the value of the stop continuation flag is set to 1, and whether the brake is released (that is, the stop state is After continuing for 1 minute or longer, it is determined whether or not the brake is released (step S56). When the value of the stop continuation flag is set to 1 and the brake is released (S56: YES), the ECU 5 operates the rear wiper 3 once or several times (step S57), and sets the value of the stop continuation flag to 0. (Step S58), and the process proceeds to step S65.

  When the value of the stop flag is set to 0 or the brake is not released (S56: NO), the ECU 5 sets the rain continuation flag set in the rain continuation determination process shown in FIGS. And whether or not the value of the rain continuation flag is set to 1 (that is, whether or not the rain continues for a predetermined time) is determined (step S59). When the value of the rain continuation flag is set to 1 (S59: YES), the ECU 5 operates the rear wiper 3 once or several times (step S60), and sets the value of the rain continuation flag to 0 (step S60). The process proceeds to step S61) and step S65.

  When the value of the rain continuation flag is set to 0 (S59: NO), the ECU 5 determines whether or not the front wiper 2 is operating at a high speed by checking the connection state of the front wiper operation SW11 (Step S59). S62). Further, when the front wiper 2 is not operating at high speed (S62: NO), the ECU 5 checks whether the headlight of the vehicle 1 is lit by checking the connection state of the headlight lighting SW16 (that is, at night). (Step S63). When the front wiper 2 is operating at high speed (S62: YES) or when the headlight is lit (S63: YES), the ECU 5 sets the rear wiper 3 at a predetermined time such as 10 minutes or 30 minutes. An intermittent operation is performed (step S64), and the process proceeds to step S65.

  After the processing of step S52, S55, S58, S61, or S64 is completed, or when the headlight is not turned on in step S63 (S63: NO), the ECU 5 determines whether the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off, for example. Accordingly, it is determined whether or not the operation control process of the rear wiper 3 should be terminated (step S65). If it is determined that the operation control process should not be terminated (S65: NO), the ECU 5 returns the process to step S51 and repeats the above process. When it is determined that the operation control process should be ended (S65: YES), the ECU 5 ends the operation control process of the rear wiper 3.

  In the rear wiper control device having the above-described configuration, when either the water droplet detection or the front wiper operation condition is satisfied and the rain state is detected, the vehicle is operated when the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position. Even if the driver does not turn on the rear wiper operation SW12 by setting the ECU 5 to operate the rear wiper 3 when the brake is released after the vehicle 1 is stopped for a predetermined time or longer, the vehicle Raindrops adhering to the rear window 1b while the vehicle 1 is stopped can be automatically removed by the rear wiper 3. Rain detection by the ECU 5 can be easily and reliably performed according to the connection state of the front wiper operation SW 11 and the detection result of the rain drop detection sensor 17.

  Further, when the rain state is detected and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position and the rain continues for a predetermined time or longer, the ECU 5 is configured to operate the rear wiper 3. Even when the driver does not turn on the rear wiper operation SW 12, raindrops attached to the rear window 1 b due to rain for a predetermined time or longer can be removed by the rear wiper 3. Furthermore, when the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed of a predetermined speed or higher, the time from the start of raining to the operation of the rear wiper 3 is shortened, so that the vehicle 1 can be Raindrops flowing down from the ceiling to the rear window 1b can be removed by the rear wiper 3.

  Further, when the front wiper 2 is operating at a high speed by the driver's operation on the front wiper operation SW11 when the rain state is detected and the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position, the ECU 5 With this configuration, even if the driver does not turn on the rear wiper operation SW12, raindrops that are estimated to have a large amount of rainfall and a large amount of adhesion to the rear window 1b are removed. 3 can be reliably removed.

  Further, when a rain state is detected and the headlight of the vehicle 1 is turned on by the driver's operation on the headlight lighting SW16 when the shift lever is operated to the forward position or the neutral position, the ECU 5 3, even if the driver does not turn on the rear wiper operation SW 12, raindrops adhering to the rear window 1 b diffusely reflect the light at night so that the driver can see backwards. Can be prevented. Further, in this case, the ECU 5 is configured to intermittently operate the rear wiper 3, so that the operation of the rear wiper 3 more than necessary can be suppressed and deterioration of the rear wiper 3 can be prevented.

  Since the rear wiper control device according to the present invention can control the operation of the rear wiper 3 with these plural patterns, the rear wiper 3 is caused to perform an operation suitable for the running state of the vehicle 1 and the surrounding environment. Can do. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 equipped with the rear wiper control device according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the driver's rear visibility through the rear window 1b during a rainy run from being reduced. Travel can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the ECU 5 is configured to detect rainfall based on the operation of the front wiper 2 and the detection result of the raindrop detection sensor 17, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the raindrop detection sensor 17 is provided. Instead, it may be configured to detect rainfall based only on the operation of the front wiper 2, or conversely, may be configured to detect rainfall based only on the detection result of the raindrop detection sensor 17. The ECU 5 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 13 is 0 km / h. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the vehicle speed is 5 km / h or less. It may be determined that the vehicle is stopped (that is, the case where the vehicle 1 is traveling at a low speed may be included in the vehicle stop). Similarly, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 13 is 80 km / h or more, it is determined that the vehicle 1 is traveling at a high speed. However, the determination threshold for high-speed traveling is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the vehicle speed is 60 km / h or higher, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling at high speed.

  In the stop continuation determination process, it is determined that the vehicle 1 has stopped for 1 minute or more, and in the rain continuation determination process, it is determined that the rain has continued for 10 minutes or 30 minutes or more. However, these determination times are examples. However, it is not limited to this. Further, when the operation speed of the front wiper 2 can be adjusted in multiple stages, the ECU 5 is configured to operate the rear wiper 3 when the front wiper 2 is operating at the maximum speed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the operation speed of the front wiper 2 can be adjusted in five stages, the ECU 5 operates the rear wiper 3 when the front wiper 2 is operating at a speed exceeding the third speed, which is a medium speed. The ECU 5 may be configured to operate the rear wiper 3 at least when the operating speed of the front wiper 2 is not the lowest speed.

  Further, when the rear wiper 3 is operated in response to lighting of the headlight, the rear wiper 3 is operated intermittently. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a normal operation may be used. In addition, when the brake is released after the stop state continues for a predetermined time, when the rain continues for a predetermined time or more, and when the operation speed of the front wiper 2 is maximum (in the case of operations 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 3), The fact that the headlight of the vehicle 1 is turned on may be added to the operation condition of the rear wiper 3, and the operation of the rear wiper 3 by the rear wiper control device of the present invention may be limited at night.

1 vehicle 1a front window 1b rear window 2 front wiper 3 rear wiper 5 ECU (condition determination means, stop detection means, continuation determination means, front wiper operation determination means, control means)
11 Front wiper operation SW (Front wiper operation judging means)
12 Rear wiper operation SW
13 Vehicle speed sensor (stop detection means, vehicle speed detection means)
14 Shift lever position SW (shift position determination means)
15 Brake SW (Brake release detection means)
16 Headlight lighting SW (lighting detection means)
17 Raindrop detection sensor (Waterdrop detection sensor)
21 Front wiper drive unit 22 Rear wiper drive unit

Claims (9)

In the rear wiper control device that controls the operation of the rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle,
Whether at least one of the conditions that water droplets are attached to the window of the vehicle is detected by a water droplet detection sensor and that the front wiper provided at the front of the vehicle is operating is satisfied. Condition determining means for determining whether or not,
Shift position determination means for determining whether the shift lever of the vehicle is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position;
Stop determination means for determining that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time;
Brake release detecting means for detecting the release of the brake of the vehicle;
Continuation determination means for determining whether or not the establishment of the condition continues for a predetermined time or longer according to the determination result of the condition determination means;
Front wiper operation determination means for determining whether the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed;
Lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the vehicle light;
Determination result of the condition determination means, determination result of the shift position determination means, determination result of the stop determination means, detection result of the brake release detection means, determination result of the continuation determination means, determination of the front wiper operation determination means And a control means for controlling the operation of the rear wiper based on the result and the detection result of the lighting detection means. The control means includes
When the condition determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied, and the shift position determination unit determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position,
When the brake release detection means detects the release of the brake after the stop determination means determines that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time or more,
When the continuation determination unit determines that the establishment of the condition continues for a predetermined time or more,
When the front wiper operation determining means determines that the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed,
Or
2. The rear wiper control device according to claim 1, wherein the rear wiper is operated when the lighting detection unit detects lighting of the light. 3. In the rear wiper control device that controls the operation of the rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle,
Whether at least one of the conditions that water droplets are attached to the window of the vehicle is detected by a water droplet detection sensor and that the front wiper provided at the front of the vehicle is operating is satisfied. Condition determining means for determining whether or not,
Shift position determination means for determining whether the shift lever of the vehicle is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position;
Stop determination means for determining that the vehicle has stopped for a predetermined time;
Brake release detecting means for detecting the release of the brake of the vehicle;
When the condition determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied, and the shift position determination unit determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position, the vehicle is predetermined. A rear wiper control, comprising: a control means for operating the rear wiper when the brake release detection means detects the release of the brake after the stop determination means has determined that the vehicle has stopped for an hour or more. apparatus. In the rear wiper control device that controls the operation of the rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle,
Whether at least one of the conditions that water droplets are attached to the window of the vehicle is detected by a water droplet detection sensor and that the front wiper provided at the front of the vehicle is operating is satisfied. Condition determining means for determining whether or not,
Shift position determination means for determining whether the shift lever of the vehicle is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position;
Continuation determination means for determining whether or not the establishment of the condition continues for a predetermined time or longer according to the determination result of the condition determination means;
The condition determination means determines that the condition is satisfied, and the condition is satisfied when the shift position determination means determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position. And a control means for operating the rear wiper when the continuation determination means determines that the continuation time has continued for a predetermined time or longer. Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle,
When the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting means exceeds a predetermined speed, the continuation determining means determines whether or not the condition is continuously satisfied for a second predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time. And
The control means includes
The condition determining means determines that the condition is satisfied, and the continuation determining means when the shift position determining means determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position. The rear wiper device according to claim 4, wherein the rear wiper is operated when it is determined that the condition is continuously satisfied for the second predetermined time or longer. In the rear wiper control device that controls the operation of the rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle,
Whether at least one of the conditions that water droplets are attached to the window of the vehicle is detected by a water droplet detection sensor and that the front wiper provided at the front of the vehicle is operating is satisfied. Condition determining means for determining whether or not,
Shift position determination means for determining whether the shift lever of the vehicle is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position;
Front wiper operation determination means for determining whether the operation speed of the front wiper is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed;
When the condition determination means determines that the condition is satisfied, and the shift position determination means determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position, the front wiper A rear wiper control device comprising: a control unit that operates the rear wiper when the front wiper operation determination unit determines that the operation speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. In the rear wiper control device that controls the operation of the rear wiper provided at the rear of the vehicle,
Whether at least one of the conditions that water droplets are attached to the window of the vehicle is detected by a water droplet detection sensor and that the front wiper provided at the front of the vehicle is operating is satisfied. Condition determining means for determining whether or not,
Shift position determination means for determining whether the shift lever of the vehicle is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position;
Lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the vehicle light;
When the condition determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied, and the shift position determination unit determines that the shift lever is operated to a position related to forward movement of the vehicle or a neutral position, the light is turned on. And a control means for operating the rear wiper when the lighting detection means detects the rear wiper control device. The rear wiper control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control means is configured to intermittently operate the rear wiper at a predetermined time interval. The rear wiper control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water droplet detection sensor is configured to detect water droplets adhering to a front window of a vehicle.

Images