Raindrop recognition function
Models in gradation «SOL» equipped with windshield wipers with rain sensor.
Pic. 1.48. Rain sensor
Raindrop recognition function: when the automatic wiper mode is on, the rain sensor built into the windshield will detect raindrops and turn on the windshield wipers, the speed of which will correspond to the intensity of the rain (pic. 1.48).
Washer jets
Pic. 1.49. Direction of liquid jets and washer jets
The windshield washer jets in the new models are no longer located in four places, as in previous models, but in six. Washer fluid sprays onto the windshield and helps the windshield wipers work (pic. 1.49).
Automatic wiper activation system1
Pic. 1.50. System block diagram
The auto wiper system sets the wiper blades according to the amount of rain when the wiper control switch is set to «AUTO». The control is carried out according to the signal of the rain sensor, which determines the intensity of wetting the windshield, and the input signals of the wiper controller.
Rain sensor design
Pic. 1.51. Rain sensor design
The rain sensor consists of the following main components: eight infrared LEDs, an infrared receiving photodiode, and a sensor tape. The eight LEDs are divided into two groups. Each group has four LEDs (pic. 1.51).
Principle of operation
Pic. 1.52. The principle of operation of the rain sensor
If there is no raindrops in the sensor's sensitivity zone, all eight infrared rays from the LEDs are reflected from the windshield and fall on the photodiode.
If raindrops are present in the sensor's sensitivity zone, part of the infrared radiation, due to a change in the refractive index, goes through the raindrops outside the windshield, while the amount of infrared radiation falling on the photodiode decreases. From this decrease, the intensity of the rain is determined. This system controls the wiper, including intermittent mode, high frequency mode and low frequency mode, selecting the optimal frequency of switching on the wiper blades.
Maintenance recommendation
The rain sensor bracket is supplied complete with the windshield.
Since it is necessary to ensure the tightness of the installed windshield, the rain sensor is a one-time use part.
Pic. 1.53. Rain sensor release time marking
Before replacing a rain sensor, check its date of manufacture. If more than a year has passed since the date of manufacture, the sensor should not be installed, as its tightness may be compromised (pic. 1.53).