DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A DRIVE MECHANISM FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORY

The invention concerns a device for controlling a drive mechanism (70), e.g. for windshield wipers (5, 6), wiping/washing systems, sliding roofs and tops of motor vehicles dependent on how moist or dirty the windshield is on the outside. With help of a sensor (3) and a special computation circuit, the degree and type of moisture or dirt can be ascertained. Depending on whether or not there is only a fine mist or a heavy thundershower, the appropriate circuits on the windshield wipers (5, 6), sliding roofs or tops are automatically actuated. If dirt is detected on the windshield (2), then a wiping/washing system is switched on. Sudden splashes on the windshield, which appear just before the last wiping action of a wiper (5, 6) is completed, are definitely detected and lead to a new wiping action.