System and a method for controlling the operation of a vehicle wiper device

A system for controlling the operation of a vehicle window wiper device, the said device comprising:

• an electric drive motor connected to at least one wiper blade arm and adapted to impart to the arm an oscillating movement;
• and
• a wiper blade for the window coupled to the said at least one wiper blade arm,
• the control system being adapted to control the operation of the wiper blade arm in a variable manner in dependence on the quantity of liquid present on the window,
• the control system comprising:
• first sensor means for detecting a first quantity dependent on the instantaneous friction between the said wiper blade and the vehicle window, adapted to provide a first output signal corresponding to this first quantity;
• second sensor means for detecting a second quantity correlated to the aerodynamic load acting on the said wiper blade, adapted to provide a second output signal corresponding to this second quantity;
• and
• a processing and control unit coupled to the said first and second sensor means for receiving the said first and second signal at its input, and arranged to:
• determine a value of a third quantity correlated to the quantity of liquid present on the window on the basis of the received signals and by comparison with a predetermined reference model;
• and
• provide output command signals for controlling the activation of the electric motor in a predetermined manner as a function of the determined value of the said third quantity.