JP6290630B2 - Vehicle washer device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle washer device that suitably controls the amount of washer fluid sprayed onto a window glass of a vehicle.

  In general, in order to clean a window glass of a vehicle such as an automobile and secure a good field of view, a washer liquid (cleaning liquid) is sprayed toward the window glass. Conventionally, in order to reduce the driver's operation and improve safety, the window wiper driving speed and the amount of washer fluid injection are automatically detected by detecting the dirt on the window glass, the condition of the surface, the rainfall and the vehicle speed. It is known to control (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In order to avoid running out of washer fluid while driving, an alarm sensor is provided to inform the driver that the remaining amount of washer fluid is low, and a fuel gauge is displayed to display the remaining amount of washer fluid. It is known (for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3)

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-221287 (page 2-4, FIG. 1) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-127847 (page 3-4, FIG. 1) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-14849 (page 4-5, FIG. 1)

  However, as in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the method of automatically controlling the spray amount of the washer liquid in response to dirt on the window glass may cause a lack of washer liquid during traveling. There was a point.

  In other words, without considering the remaining amount of washer liquid and the amount of future use, the spray amount is controlled only depending on the current necessity of cleaning, such as dirt and rain on the window glass. There is a risk. If the washer liquid is cut off, the window glass cannot be properly wiped off when necessary, and it becomes difficult to ensure a good field of view for the driver, which is not preferable for safety.

  In addition, informing the driver of the remaining amount of the washer liquid as in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 prompts the driver to replenish the washer liquid, and helps prevent the washer liquid from running out. However, even if we know that the remaining amount of the washer liquid is small, it is not always in an environment where the washer liquid can be replenished. Therefore, if the timing of replenishing the washer liquid is incorrect, the washer liquid may be used up. .

  In particular, the remaining amount notification of the prior art cannot indicate how long the remaining washer liquid can be washed, and this difficult judgment is left to the driver. In other words, the driver knows the road conditions to the destination, weather conditions, etc., and predicts the consumption of the washer fluid, and also predicts the number of times that the washer fluid can be washed empirically from the remaining amount of the washer fluid. Had to judge when and where to refill.

  It is also conceivable to reduce the risk of washer fluid shortage by increasing the capacity of the washer tank and increasing the amount of washer fluid retained. However, increasing the capacity of the washer tank is not preferable because it reduces the size and weight of the vehicle and leads to a decrease in fuel efficiency.

  Furthermore, if the consumption amount of the washer liquid is reduced by simply reducing the amount of washer liquid sprayed in order to avoid running out of the washer liquid, the performance of wiping the window glass is lowered and the safety is impaired. There is also a problem that the operational feeling is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is excellent in safety that can properly control the injection amount of the washer liquid without increasing the driver's burden and can prevent the washer liquid from running out. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle washer device.

A vehicle washer device according to the present invention includes: an injection unit that injects a washer liquid in a tank toward a window glass of a vehicle; and a control unit that drives the injection unit to control the injection of the washer liquid. in washer system for a vehicle, and information communicating means for receiving the external information provided from outside of the vehicle, a route calculating means for calculating the route information from the current position to the destination, the remaining amount of the washer fluid in the tank includes a remaining amount detecting means for detecting information, and said control means, the external information, and based on the said route information and the residual information to calculate the washer available time at the present time, the driving time of the injection means JP said washer allows to stop the injection means at the time of exceeding the time, to control the injection amount of the washer fluid is jetted from the injection means To.

  According to the vehicle washer device of the present invention, the washer fluid to be ejected from the ejection means based on the external information provided from the outside of the vehicle, the route information from the current location to the destination, and the remaining amount information of the washer fluid. Control the injection amount. Thereby, without increasing the burden on the driver, it is possible to suitably control the injection amount of the washer liquid over the entire stroke to the destination, and to suppress the consumption amount of the washer liquid while ensuring a safe view. it can.

  In addition, since the washer fluid can be effectively used by controlling the amount of washer fluid jetted, the tank for storing the washer fluid can be reduced in size and weight.

  The vehicular washer device according to the present invention calculates the expected usage amount information of the washer fluid required from the current location to the destination based on the external information and the route information. Then, when the shortage of the washer liquid is predicted by comparing the predicted usage amount information and the remaining amount information, the amount of washer liquid injected is decreased. In this way, by using the washer liquid systematically based on the predicted usage information, it is possible to avoid running out of the washer liquid.

  Further, the control means of the present invention calculates the allowable usage information at the present time based on the comparison between the predicted usage information and the remaining amount information, and reduces the injection amount of the washer liquid based on the allowable usage information. Therefore, the washer liquid required in the previous process can be left in a planned manner.

  Further, the control means of the present invention shortens the drive time of the injection means to reduce the amount of washer fluid injected. Thereby, the consumption of the washer liquid can be reduced without narrowing the spraying range of the washer liquid. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in wiping performance due to a decrease in washer liquid.

  Moreover, you may provide the display means which displays whether it can reduce the injection quantity so that identification is possible. As a result, the driver can grasp in advance that the washer liquid is insufficient, and can replenish the washer liquid at an appropriate timing.

  Further, the washer fluid injection instruction information by the driver, the history information of the external information and the route information may be stored, and the expected usage information may be calculated by predicting the operation of the driver based on the history information. Thereby, the amount of washer liquid suitable for each driver can be secured.

It is the schematic which shows the piping system of the vehicle washer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the example of control operation same as the above. (A) and (B) are time charts showing the operation of the washer switch and the operation of the washer motor. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of control operation same as the above. It is a flowchart which shows the other modification of control operation same as the above. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the washer switch and the operation of the washer motor. It is a flowchart which shows the other modification of control operation same as the above. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the washer switch and the operation of the washer motor.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle washer device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a piping system of a vehicle washer device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle washer device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and sprays a washing washer liquid 9 toward the window glass 2 of the vehicle 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicular washer device 10 includes a tank 3 (washer tank) for storing a washer liquid 9, a pipe 4 for flowing the washer liquid 9, a washer pump 14 a for sending out the washer liquid 9, and a washer for driving the washer pump 14 a. And a motor 14.

  The washer pump 14 a and the washer motor 14 are ejection means that eject the washer liquid 9 in the tank 3. The washer pump 14 a is provided on the path of the pipe 4 or at the washer liquid outlet of the tank 3, and sends out the washer liquid 9 in the tank 3. The washer motor 14 drives the washer pump 14a, and is driven and controlled by a body control ECU 11 as a control means.

  When the washer motor 14 is driven by a command from the body control ECU 11, the washer liquid 9 in the tank 3 is sent out by the washer pump 14a and sprayed onto the surface of the window glass 2 through the pipe 4 and the nozzle 5 at the tip thereof. .

  In addition, the vehicle washer device 10 includes a washer remaining amount sensor 26. The washer remaining amount sensor 26 is a remaining amount detecting means for detecting remaining amount information of the washer liquid 9 stored in the tank 3. As the washer remaining amount sensor 26, for example, various sensors such as a float type liquid level sensor and a conductive type level switch can be adopted.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the vehicle washer device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle washer device 10 includes a communication device 22, a navigation device 24, a washer switch 20, a meter display unit 16, a raindrop detection sensor 27, a dirt detection sensor 28, and the like. These components are connected to the body control ECU 11 so as to communicate with each other.

  The communication device 22 is an information communication unit that receives external information provided from the outside of the vehicle 1. The communication device 22 performs wireless communication using an external information provider (30 to 33), radio waves (ultrashort wave, microwave, etc.), near infrared rays, and the like via an antenna 23 (including a sensor). The wireless communication may be either terrestrial communication or communication via satellite.

  And the communication apparatus 22 receives the external information relevant to the route information which the navigation apparatus 24 mentioned later calculates. That is, the communication device 22 collects external information (including predicted values) up to the estimated passing time of each passing point based on the route information.

  The external information received by the communication device 22 is road information, weather information, and other information related to dirt and cleaning of the window glass 2 (see FIG. 1). The road information is, for example, traffic jam information, traffic regulation information, traffic fault information, required time information, road surface freezing information, and the like. The weather information includes, for example, current temperature, predicted temperature, current rainfall (snowfall) information, rainfall (snowfall) prediction, snow cover information, wind conditions, sunshine, visibility, and the like.

  The road information is provided directly from the traffic information provider 31 (for example, the Japan Road Traffic Information Center) or via the VICS (registered trademark) center 30 (VICS (registered trademark): Vehicle Information and Communication System). Is done. Further, as the weather information, information provided from the weather information provider 32 (for example, the Meteorological Agency, a private weather company, etc.) via the Internet or the like can be used.

  The navigation device 24 is route calculation means for calculating route information from the current location to the destination. The navigation device 24 receives radio waves emitted from a plurality of GPS satellites via the GPS antenna 25, calculates the distance from each GPS satellite, and determines the current position of the vehicle 1. In order to obtain the current position with higher accuracy, traveling information such as the speed, steering angle, and acceleration of the vehicle 1 and received radio waves from the ground reference station may be used.

  In addition, the navigation device 24 holds map information data, and calculates route information from the current location to the destination using the map information data. Here, the route information calculated by the navigation device 24 is, for example, the route from the current location to the destination, the expected passage time of each passing point, road surface information such as paved or unpaved, and the like.

  The washer switch 20 is an operation means for inputting injection instruction information of the washer fluid 9 (see FIG. 1) by the driver. Specifically, the injection instruction information is an ON / OFF signal of the washer switch 20 operated by the driver.

  The washer switch 20 is provided at a place where a driver near the steering wheel (not shown) can easily operate. The washer switch 20 may be a so-called combination switch in which the operation unit is used in combination with an operation unit such as a wiper switch.

  The meter display unit 16 is a display unit that displays a control state by the body control ECU 11 and notifies the driver. In particular, it informs the driver whether the lack of the washer liquid 9 is expected and whether or not the use amount of the washer liquid 9 is limited.

  As the meter display unit 16, various lamps such as LEDs and various displays such as an LCD can be used. Moreover, the meter display part 16 is provided in the location which is easy to visually recognize from a driver | operator, for example in the instrument panel which is not shown arrange | positioned ahead of a driver's seat, for example.

  The raindrop detection sensor 27 is raindrop detection means for detecting current rainfall information around the vehicle 1. The raindrop detection sensor 27 is provided on the outer surface of the vehicle 1, for example, in the vicinity of the window glass 2. As the raindrop detection sensor 27, for example, a light reflection sensor (photoelectric sensor) using infrared rays or the like can be used.

  The dirt detection sensor 28 is a dirt detection unit that detects dirt information of the window glass 2. The dirt detection sensor 28 is provided on the surface of the window glass 2 or in the vicinity thereof. As the dirt detection sensor 28, for example, an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a camera, or the like can be used. Further, as the dirt detection sensor 28, it is possible to use a camera of an image recognition device for driving assistance that performs driving assistance such as collision prevention.

  The body control ECU 11 includes a calculation unit 12 and a storage unit 13. The calculation unit 12 performs a calculation for controlling the injection of the washer fluid 9 based on external information, route information, remaining amount information, and the like. The storage unit 13 is a storage unit that stores history information such as injection instruction information, external information, and route information by the driver.

  Next, the calculation of each control parameter by the calculation unit 12 of the body control ECU 11 will be described in detail. Based on the external information received from the outside by the communication device 22 and the route information calculated by the navigation device 24, the calculation unit 12 of the body control ECU 11 estimates the expected amount of washer fluid 9 required from the current location to the destination (expected usage amount). Information).

  Here, the expected usage information of the washer liquid 9 uses a correlation formula or the like set in advance using past data or the like (for example, a correlation formula between road information or weather information and the consumption of the washer liquid 9). Can be calculated.

  In addition, when the destination for calculating the route information is not set, a prediction is made based on external information in the vicinity of the current location on the basis of a predetermined time (for example, one day to one week) that can be set in advance. What is necessary is just to calculate usage information.

  The predicted usage information may be calculated by predicting the driver's operation based on the history information stored in the storage unit 13. That is, the body control ECU 11 has a learning function that corrects the predicted usage amount information according to the actual operation status of the driver, the usage status of the washer fluid 9, and the like. Thereby, the expected usage amount information of the washer fluid 9 suitable for each driver can be calculated more accurately.

  More specifically, the degree of dirt on the window glass 2 that the driver feels dangerous varies depending on the driver's visual acuity, driving posture, driving ability, habit, and the like. Further, the amount of washer fluid 9 used varies depending on the driver. Since the vehicular washer device 10 according to the present embodiment corrects the predicted usage amount information using the history information, the remaining amount of the washer liquid 9 necessary for maintaining a safe view suitable for each driver. Can be secured.

  Next, the calculation unit 12 of the body control ECU 11 compares the remaining amount information detected by the washer remaining amount sensor 26 with the expected usage information calculated as described above to determine whether or not the washer liquid 9 is insufficient. to decide. When it is determined that the washer liquid 9 is insufficient, that is, when it is determined that the expected usage amount exceeds the remaining amount, control is performed to decrease the amount of washer liquid 9 injected. Specifically, a control parameter indicating that the “washer restriction mode” is set to restrict consumption of the washer liquid 9 is turned ON.

  And the calculating part 12 of body control ECU11 performs the calculation which reduces the usage-amount of the washer liquid 9 so that the washer liquid 9 may be maintained to the destination based on the comparison with estimated usage-amount information and residual amount information, The allowable usage amount (allowable usage amount information) at the present time is calculated.

  Further, the calculation unit 12 of the body control ECU 11 converts the allowable usage amount of the washer fluid 9 into a washer possible time Ta (see FIG. 4). The washer possible time Ta is a time required for injecting the washer liquid 9 corresponding to the allowable use amount at the same injection speed (injection amount per unit time, for example, L / min).

  In this way, by adjusting the injection amount by changing the injection time without changing the injection speed of the washer liquid 9, the injection amount can be reduced without narrowing the range in which the washer liquid 9 is sprayed. Thereby, the fall of the wiping performance at the time of reducing the injection quantity of the washer liquid 9 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the spraying speed of the washer liquid 9 is not changed, it is not necessary to adjust the rotation speed of the washer motor 14, and a control device for that purpose is also unnecessary. Further, a flow rate adjustment valve for adjusting the flow rate of the washer liquid 9 is not necessary. The vehicle washer device 10 can control the consumption amount of the washer fluid 9 only by ON / OFF drive control of the washer motor 14.

  Further, the allowable usage amount information calculated as described above may be corrected based on the current rainfall information detected by the raindrop detection sensor 27. Specifically, when there is rainfall at the present location at the present time, the washer possible time Ta may be set short so as to further reduce the injection amount of the washer liquid 9. Thereby, unnecessary consumption of the washer liquid 9 can be suppressed, and the washer liquid 9 can be left in preparation for necessity.

  Furthermore, the amount of washer fluid 9 sprayed may be controlled based on the dirt information detected by the dirt detection sensor 28. For example, if it is determined that the window glass 2 is less dirty, the washer possible time Ta may be corrected to be shorter. Thereby, the washer liquid 9 can be saved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the control operation of the vehicle washer device 10, particularly the operation of the washer switch 20 and the injection operation of the washer fluid 9, will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the control operation of the vehicle washer device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, when the driver turns on the ignition key (step S10), the body control ECU 11 (see FIG. 2) starts calculating each control parameter based on external information, route information, remaining amount information, and the like. (Step S11). The calculation method of each control parameter is as described above. Each control parameter is repeatedly calculated at a predetermined time interval and updated to the latest value.

  When the driver operates the washer switch 20 to be ON (step S20), the body control ECU 11 refers to the control parameter calculated in advance and determines whether or not the “washer limit mode” is set (step S21). That is, it is determined whether or not the expected usage amount of the washer liquid 9 exceeds the remaining amount.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the mode is the “washer limit mode” (YES), the body control ECU 11 displays on the meter display unit 16 that the mode is “washer limit mode” (step S22). Thus, the driver can know that the washer liquid 9 is insufficient and should be replenished. Therefore, the washer liquid 9 can be replenished at an appropriate timing, and the washer liquid can be avoided.

  On the other hand, when it is not in the “washer restriction mode” (NO in step S21), the body control ECU 11 proceeds to the next step S25 without displaying the “washer restriction mode” on the meter display unit 16.

  Next, the body control ECU 11 determines whether or not the time during which the washer fluid 9 is injected, that is, the time during which the washer motor 14 is driven, exceeds the washer possible time Ta (step S25). If the spray time of the washer fluid 9 is within the washer possible time Ta (YES in step S25), the body control ECU 11 drives the washer motor 14 to be ON (step S26), and if the washer switch 20 is continuously ON (step S26). (YES in S28), the process returns to step S21, and the above-described operations (steps S21 to S28) are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, when the injection time of the washer liquid 9 exceeds the washer possible time Ta in step S25 (NO), the body control ECU 11 turns off the washer motor 14 and stops the injection of the washer liquid 9 (step S25). S29).

  Even when it is determined in step S28 that the washer switch 20 has been turned off (NO), the body control ECU 11 turns off the washer motor 14 (step S29).

  If the mode is not the “washer restriction mode” (NO in step S21), the calculated washer allowable time Ta is set to a sufficiently large value (for example, infinity), so that the determination in step S25 described above is performed. The washer motor 14 is not stopped.

  However, even when the driver presses the washer switch 20, even if the driver is not in the “washer restriction mode”, the driver may enter the “washer restriction mode” by continuing to press the washer switch 20 and continuously injecting the washer fluid 9. . In such a case, the determination in step S21 is YES, the determination in step S25 is NO, and the body control ECU 11 displays on the meter display unit 16 that the “washer limit mode” is set (step S22), and the washer. The motor 14 is stopped (step S29).

  FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the washer switch 20 and the operation of the washer motor 14. FIG. 4A shows the case where the washer switch 20 is continuously turned on beyond the possible washer time Ta. ) Shows a case where the washer switch 20 is turned OFF within the washer available time Ta.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the body control ECU 11 (see FIG. 2) stops the washer motor 14 when the drive time Tm of the washer motor 14 exceeds the washer possible time Ta (Tm2). That is, the drive time Tm of the washer motor 14 is controlled to be shorter than the ON time Ts of the washer switch 20.

  As a result, even if the driver continues to push the washer switch 20 beyond the washer possible time Ta, the injection of the washer liquid 9 (see FIG. 1) can be stopped and the consumption of the washer liquid 9 can be reduced. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the driver turns off the washer switch 20 within the washer possible time Ta (Ts2), the body control ECU 11 stops the washer motor 14 (Tm2). That is, it is the same as the normal control for turning on / off the driving of the washer motor 14 in conjunction with the ON / OFF operation of the washer switch 20 by the driver.

  In this way, based on the predicted usage amount information and the remaining amount information, the use of the washer liquid 9 is limited and the washer liquid 9 is used in a planned manner only when the lack of the washer liquid 9 is predicted in the previous process. As a result, it is possible to avoid running out of the washer liquid while ensuring a safe field of view.

  Further, since the washer fluid 9 can be effectively used by suitably controlling the injection amount of the washer fluid 9, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the tank 3 (see FIG. 1) into which the washer fluid 9 is placed.

  Next, a modified example of the control operation of the vehicle washer device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the thing similar to the demonstrated structure and operation | movement, the code | symbol same as FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 is attached | subjected in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modification of the control operation of the vehicle washer device 10. As shown in FIG. 5, only in the “washer restriction mode” (YES in step S21), the determination in step S25, that is, whether or not the time during which the washer liquid 9 is jetted is within the washer possible time Ta. A determination may be made.

  In this example, when it is not in the “washer restriction mode” (NO in step S21), the body control ECU 11 drives the washer motor 14 to ON without executing the determination of the washer possible time Ta (step S25) (step S25). Step S26).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another modification of the control operation of the vehicle washer device 10. As shown in FIG. 6, in the “washer restriction mode” (YES in step S21) and the time during which the washer liquid 9 is sprayed is within the washer possible time Ta (YES in step S25), the washer motor 14 may be driven intermittently (pulse drive) (step S27).

  If not in the “washer restriction mode” (NO in step S21), the washer motor 14 is continuously driven as usual (step S26).

  FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation of the washer switch 20 and the operation of the washer motor 14 when the washer motor 14 is intermittently driven. As shown in FIG. 7, the body control ECU 11 (see FIG. 2) intermittently drives the washer motor 14, and when the integrated value of the drive time Tm exceeds the washer possible time Ta (Tm2), the washer motor 14 is turned off. .

  The intermittent drive ON and OFF times may be set as appropriate based on the allowable usage amount information of the washer fluid 9 and the like. By suitably setting the period of intermittent driving, a feeling close to continuous injection can be given to the driver.

  Further, by intermittently driving the washer motor 14, the timing (Tm2) at which the injection of the washer liquid 9 stops can be delayed, and the timing at which the driver turns off the washer switch 20 (Ts2) can be approached. As a result, it is possible to reduce the injection amount of the washer fluid 9 with a natural feeling of operation with less discomfort given to the driver.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another modification of the control operation of the vehicle washer device 10. As shown in FIG. 8, in this control example, the “restriction cancel mode” is adopted so that the driver can cancel the “washer restriction mode”.

  Specifically, release instruction input means (such as a switch) (not shown) is provided for the driver to input an instruction (release instruction information) for releasing the “washer restriction mode”. Then, a control parameter indicating whether or not the “restriction cancel mode” is set is prepared, and the control parameter is turned ON or OFF based on the release instruction information input from the release instruction input unit.

  That is, the body control ECU 11 determines whether to reduce the injection amount of the washer fluid 9 based on the release instruction information.

  For example, when the driver performs an operation to cancel the “washer restriction mode”, the control parameter indicating the “restriction cancellation mode” is turned ON by the calculation of the control parameter started in step S11.

  And even if it is "Washer restriction | limiting mode" (YES of step S21), when it is "restriction cancellation mode" (YES of step S23), body control ECU11 determines the washer possible time Ta (step S25). The washer motor 14 is driven to ON without performing (step S26). That is, in the “restriction cancel mode”, the use of the washer liquid 9 is not restricted.

  In the “washer restriction mode” (YES in step S21), and in the “restriction cancel mode” (YES in step S23), the body control ECU 11 is in the “washer restriction mode” on the meter display unit 16 ( Step S22) and “restriction cancel mode” are displayed (step S24). Accordingly, the driver can know that the washer liquid 9 may be cut off and that the control for reducing the injection amount of the washer liquid 9 is not performed.

  Thus, by providing the “restriction cancel mode” for canceling the “washer restriction mode”, the control operation for restricting the use amount of the washer fluid 9 can be invalidated by the driver. This “restricted cancel mode” can be used, for example, when there is a plan to replenish the washer fluid 9 on the way. As a result, when the washer liquid 9 can be replenished, more washer liquid 9 can be used to ensure a good field of view without reducing the injection amount of the washer liquid 9.

  Further, if the “restriction cancel mode” is selected by the driver's operation and the washer switch 20 is turned on, all the washer liquid 9 in the tank 3 (see FIG. 1) can be used up. Therefore, the “restriction cancel mode” can also be used when discharging the washer liquid 9 for maintenance or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operation of the washer switch 20 and the operation of the washer motor 14, and shows another modification of the control operation. As shown in FIG. 9, when the injection amount of the washer liquid 9 is limited, the drive start of the washer motor 14 may be delayed.

  That is, after the driver turns on the washer switch 20 (Ts1), the washer motor 14 may be turned on after a predetermined delay time Td has passed (Tm1). The delay time Td is a time that does not give the driver a sense of incongruity. Thereby, the injection amount of the washer liquid 9 can be reduced while suppressing unnaturalness of the operation feeling given to the driver.

  In the embodiment described above, referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, an example of displaying “Washer restriction mode” or “Restriction cancellation mode” on the meter display unit 16 with the washer switch 20 turned ON. Indicated. However, the control information may always be displayed on the meter display unit 16 regardless of whether the washer switch 20 is ON or OFF.

  As described above, according to the vehicle washer device 10 according to the present embodiment, the injection amount of the washer fluid 9 can be suitably controlled over the entire stroke to the destination without increasing the burden on the driver. Can do. As a result, it is possible to suppress consumption of the washer liquid 9 while avoiding liquid breakage while ensuring a safe field of view.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2 Window glass 3 Tank 4 Piping 5 Nozzle 9 Washer liquid 10 Vehicle washer device 11 Body control ECU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Computation part 13 Memory | storage part 14a Washer pump 14 Washer motor 16 Meter display part 20 Washer switch 22 Communication equipment 23 Antenna 24 Navigation apparatus 26 Washer residual quantity sensor 27 Raindrop detection sensor 28 Dirt detection sensor 30 VICS (trademark) center 31 Traffic information Provider 32 Weather information provider 33 Other information providers

Claims (8)

Injection means for injecting the washer fluid in the tank toward the window glass of the vehicle;
A vehicle washer device comprising: control means for driving the jetting means to control jetting of the washer fluid;
Information communication means for receiving external information provided from outside the vehicle;
Route calculation means for calculating route information from the current location to the destination,
And a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount information of the washer fluid in the tank,
The control means, the external information, and based on the said route information and the residual information to calculate the washer available time at the present time, the injection means when the driving time of the injection means exceeds said washer available time is stopped, the washer apparatus characterized by controlling the injection amount of the washer fluid is jetted from the injection means.   The control means calculates expected use amount information of the washer liquid required from the current location to the destination based on the external information and the route information, and compares the expected use amount information with the remaining amount information. 2. The vehicle washer device according to claim 1, wherein when the washer liquid is expected to be insufficient, the injection unit is controlled to reduce the injection amount. Wherein, the estimated usage information and the based on the comparison of the remaining amount information to calculate the allowable usage information in the present time, to shorten the driving time of the injection means on the basis of the allowable usage information The vehicle washer device according to claim 2.   The vehicular washer device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising display means for displaying whether or not the control means controls the injection means to reduce the injection amount. Operation means for inputting the jetting instruction information of the washer fluid by the driver;
Storage means for storing history information of the injection instruction information, the external information, and the route information,
5. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the expected usage information by predicting an operation of the driver based on the history information. 6. Washer device. Release instruction input means for inputting release instruction information by the driver,
The vehicle washer device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control means determines whether or not to reduce the injection amount based on the release instruction information. Raindrop detection means for detecting current rainfall information around the vehicle, and
The vehicle washer device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control means controls the injection amount based on the rainfall information. Dirt detection means for detecting dirt information of the window glass,
The vehicle washer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the injection amount based on the dirt information.

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