Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automatic control of a windscreen wiper motor. The device has a moisture sensor which emits a signal depending on the moisture on the windscreen or another point on a motor vehicle so that this signal to some extent produces an analog reflection of the moisture varying in time. The output signal of the sensor is evaluated in such a way that it is continuously compared with a threshold value which can be altered. Every time this threshold value is reached or exceeded by a pulse-like change in the sensor output signal, this event is counted. After a given number Z of such events the windscreen wiper motor is switched on.

Abstract: 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.