GB2566512A

GB2566512A - Windscreen wiper arrangement for vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2566512A
Application number: GB1714920.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: lam Albert
Original assignee: Detroit Electric EV Technologies Zhejiang Ltd
Current assignee: Detroit Electric EV Technologies Zhejiang Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-15
Filing date: 2017-09-15
Publication date: 2019-03-20
Also published as: GB201714920D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a windscreen wiper arrangement 100 for a vehicle. The windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes at least one elongate member 102 that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator 104 arrangement. The actuator arrangement 104 is operable to move the at least one elongate member 102 in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen of the vehicle 106. The at least one elongate member 102 is further provided with a radiation source 116 arrangement included thereon, for example mounted thereupon. The radiation source arrangement 116 is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen 106 to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen 106.

Description

WINDSCREEN WIPER ARRANGEMENT FOR VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a windscreen of a vehicle, and more specifically, to a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle. Moreover, the present disclosure is concerned with method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a vehicle's windscreen (or rear window) is provided with a wiper assembly to provide a clear vision through the windscreen or rear window. Specifically, the wiper assembly is responsible for clearing and removing precipitation, dirt and other forms of debris that may accumulate on an external surface of the windscreens. Typically, a wiper assembly includes a wiper blade operable to reciprocate back and forth across the windscreen to clean the external surface thereof. However, in cold weather conditions, such wipers blades and their windscreens are subjected to ice and snow build up. For example, a mild frost may build up on the windscreen when the vehicle experiences a sub-zero temperature. Such build-ups can restrict vision and increase safety risks. Moreover, in such sub-zero conditions, performance of a conventional wiper blade having a rubber strip may not be efficient. For example, the rubber strip of the wiper blade may not be efficient in removing frost from the windscreen. Additionally, under these circumstances, the back and forth movement of the wiper blade across the windscreen may cause the ice formed on the leading edge of the wiper blade to typically produces streaks and smears of slush or water across the external surface of the windscreen, which may cause visual obstructions for the driver.

Conventionally, to overcome the aforementioned problems, the wiper assembly is provided with a heating element. Generally, such heating element includes a resistance wire that runs along a length of a wiper blade to heat the wiper blade when the heating element is electrically connected to a battery arrangement of a vehicle. Typically, a path through which the resistance wire travels and how the resistance wire is electrically connected to the battery arrangement are quite complex. Therefore, maintenance of such wiper blade assembly and associated components thereof may become complex and cumbersome. Furthermore, complex connections of the resistance wire may limit the reciprocal motion of the wiper blade. Moreover, the resistance wire is typically made of metal and due to excessive water exposure may suffer from corrosion, which may cause failure of the wiper assembly.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exist problems associated with conventional wiper assemblies.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide an improved method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement that is operable to move the at least one elongate member in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen of the vehicle, characterized in that the elongate member is further provided with a radiation source arrangement included thereon, wherein the radiation source arrangement is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen.

The improved windscreen wiper arrangement includes the radiation source arrangement that is operable to expel efficiently moisture and/or ice from the external surface of the windscreen; moreover, the windscreen wiper arrangement allows for a simplified connection thereof with respect to the windscreen of the vehicle.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement that is operable to move the at least one elongate member in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the elongate member with a radiation source arrangement included thereon; and (ii) operating the radiation source arrangement to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbable at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is included in the general business context, which aims to substitute vehicles powered by traditional fuels, for example gasoline or diesel, by electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in electric vehicles used within cities, which can be highly beneficial to the local environment due to significant reduction of gaseous emissions as well as significant reduction of noise. Overall environmental benefits can also be significant when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIGs. 1 to 3 are schematic illustrations of a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates steps of a method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle that is operable to expel moisture and/or ice from a windshield. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with methods of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle to expel moisture and/or ice from a windshield.

Referring to FIG.l, illustrated is a windscreen wiper arrangement 100 for a vehicle (not shown), to operate over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen 106 of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes at least one elongate member, such as an elongate member 102 that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement 104. The actuator arrangement 104 is operable to move the elongate member 102 in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen 106 of the vehicle; however, alternatively, it will be appreciated that the elongate member 102 is optionally moved in a combination of a pivotal motion and a linear displacement motion. The vehicle of the present disclosure may be an electrical vehicle, an internal combustion engine vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 of the present disclosure may be implemented in other transportation means, such as ships, an airplane, and so forth.

In an embodiment, the elongated member 102 is made of corrosionresistant material such as galvanized metal, stainless steel, anodized aluminium and the like. Alternatively, the elongated member 102 may be made of material such as plastic, fiberglass, metal and so forth.

Furthermore, the elongate member 102 may be configured to have suitable dimensions, such as a length to suitably cover (or reach) the part of a surface of the windscreen 106. The elongated member 102 is operable to clear and remove precipitation, ice, dirt and other forms of debris, which may accumulate on an external surface of the windscreen 106.

According to an embodiment, the elongate member 102 includes a wiper blade portion 108 and a supporting portion 110. The wiper blade portion 108 is pivotally connected with the supporting portion 110. The wiper blade portion 108 includes a flexible blade 112 having a flat wiping edge that engages with the external surface of the windscreen 106. The flexible blade 112 is supported by a rigid backing portion or backing member 114. The backing member 114 is formed of a sheet of material optionally having corrosion-resistant properties and good material strength. In an embodiment, the flexible blade 112 is detachably mounted on the backing member 114. Additionally, the supporting portion 110 of the elongated member is pivotally mounted to the actuator arrangement 104. Furthermore, the elongate member 102 may be operable to have reciprocating angular motion with the help of the actuator arrangement 104. For example, the actuator arrangement 104 may include a motor, powered by a battery arrangement of a vehicle, operable to provide the reciprocating angular motion to the elongate member 102.

The elongate member 102 is further provided with a radiation source arrangement 116 included thereon, for example mounted thereupon. The radiation source arrangement 116 is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen 106 to expel moisture and/or ice from the external surface of the windscreen 106. The electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in waves or particles at different wavelengths and frequencies. The wavelength and the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation may be predetermined or can be deduced based on the requirement; for example, electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of greater than 1 pm is employed, more optionally greater than 5 pm, and more optionally greater than 10 pm. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement 116 provides heat energy on the windscreen 106. Furthermore, the generated heat energy causes temperature at the external surface of the windscreen 106 to rise, which leads to melting/ removal of the ice or mist. Moreover, the moisture and/or the ice may be swept from the external surface of the windscreen 106 by the flexible blade 112.

In an embodiment, the radiation source arrangement 116 includes one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements. Optionally, the radiation source arrangement 116 may include a combination of the one or more infra-red LEDs, the one or more infra-red lasers, and/or the one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements. In an example, the radiation source arrangement 116 may include one or more infrared heater (having a carbon filament arrangement, a tungsten filament arrangement and the like) along with the one or more infra-red lasers. In another example, the radiation source arrangement 116 may include the one or more infra-red LEDs and the one or more infra-red laser.

Optionally, the radiation source arrangement 116 is detachably mounted upon the elongate member 102. According to an embodiment, the radiation source arrangement 116 may be mounted on the wiper blade portion 108 and/or the supporting portion 110 of the elongate member 102, which is explained herein later in conjunction with subsequent figures. As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation source arrangement 116 is detachably mounted on the backing member 114 of the wiper blade portion 108. For example, the backing member 114 may be machined to have a socket, configured to removably receive the radiation source arrangement 116 therein and thereby providing detachable coupling to the elongate member 102. In another embodiment, the radiation source arrangement 116 may be integrally fabricated with the elongate member 102.

Furthermore, optionally, the radiation source arrangement 116 includes a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the elongate member 102. Specifically, the term disposed as a linear array relates to an arrangement of the plurality of infra-red radiation sources in such a manner that the plurality of infra-red radiation sources are disposed linearly along a length of the elongated member 102. Furthermore, the spacing between the plurality of infra-red radiation may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. More specifically, the plurality of the infra-red radiation sources is arranged on the elongated member 102 to heat up a maximum portion of the windscreen 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation source arrangement 116 is mounted on the wiper blade portion 108 of the at least one elongated member 102. Moreover, the radiation source arrangement 116 is arranged linearly sideways of the flexible blade 112 such that the electromagnetic radiation is largely incident on the windscreen 106.

Optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes a resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118 at the proximate end of the elongate member 102 for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement 116; in such an embodiment, a vehicle-mounted exciter module is operable to excite a resonant transmitter coil that is vehiclemounted, and a windscreen wiper-mounted resonant receiving coil is operable to couple to the resonant receiving coil, wherein an output from the windscreen wiper-mounted resonant receiving coil is rectified to generate a d.c. supply to provide to the aforementioned radiation source arrangement 116; such rectification is optional when the radiation source arrangement 116 is capable of operating using an a.c. excitation signal.

Specifically, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes a magnetic coupling coil in the radiation source arrangement 116. More specifically, the magnetic coupling coil is operable to receive electrical power, and use the electrical power to excite the radiation source arrangement 116. The magnetic coupling coil is provided with a magnetic core or a stray magnetic field screening arrangement (not shown), or both. Examples of material of the magnetic core include, but are not limited to, ferromagnetic metals such as iron, sandwich structures of thin ferrous metal sheets, bundles of ferrous wires, ferromagnetic compounds such as ferrites or ceramic ferrites, but not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118 includes an external coil. The external coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic coupling coil. More optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118 is arranged to be positioned vertically or horizontally proximate to the magnetic coupling coil of the radiation source arrangement 116. Therefore, the magnetic coupling coil provides continuous power to the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118, when in operation. Consequently, the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118 is operable to provide wireless charging to the radiation source arrangement 116. It will be appreciated that the external coil of the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118 receives power from a battery source of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the radiation source arrangement 116 may include an in-built battery for storing the power generated by the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118. In such embodiments, the stored power may be used at a later time and thus the radiation source arrangement 116 may be operated when the vehicle is not in operation.

Optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes an image sensor 120 that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen 106, and a data processing arrangement 122 that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor 120 and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen 106. In an example, the image sensor 120, may be one of a CMOS active pixel sensor, digital camera and the like, mounted inside the vehicle. Specifically, the image sensor 120 is mounted behind the windscreen 106 such that at least a portion of the windscreen 106 is clearly captured to identify clarity associated with the at least portion of the windscreen 106. Furthermore, the image sensor 120 is further operable to transmit the sensor signal, conveying the at least one image, to the data processing arrangement 122. In an embodiment, the image sensor 120 is wirelessly coupled with the data processing arrangement 122. In another embodiment, the image sensor 120 may be coupled with the data processing arrangement 122 via a wired connection.

According to an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 122 is operable to receive the sensor signal from the image sensor 120. The data processing arrangement 122 is further operable to process the image received from the sensor. Based on the processed image, the processing arrangement determines whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 for applying infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen 106. The data processing arrangement 122 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof operable to perform the above mentioned task.

In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 122 may further include a memory unit (not shown). Specifically, the memory unit of the data processing arrangement 122 may be configured to store an image having an optimal view. The term optimal view of the image relates to an image of the windscreen without any dirt or distortion, and which provides clear view through the windscreen.

According to an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 122 is operable to determine the clarity of vision through the windscreen 106. For example, the data processing arrangement 122 compares a real time image, of the windscreen 106 taken by the image sensor 120, with the image having the optimal view. If there is some deformity (or clarity issue) in the compared images, the data processing arrangement 122 transmits signal to the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 118 to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement 100. In one embodiment, the data processing arrangement 122 may be configured to have a predetermined clarity threshold value associated with clarity of the windscreen 106, such that when the predetermined threshold value is less than such threshold, a signal for energizing the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 is transmitted. For example, if the predetermined threshold value is set at 90% clarity of the windscreen 106 and the data processing arrangement 122 determines clarity of the windscreen 106 is about 80% based on analysis of the compared images then the data processing arrangement 122 transmits a signal of energizing the windscreen wiper arrangement 100. Similarly, if the data processing arrangement 122 determines clarity of the windscreen 106 about 95% then no signal will be transmitted for energizing the windscreen wiper arrangement 100.

In one embodiment, the data processing arrangement 122 may be operable to set wavelength and frequency of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source arrangement 116. For example, if the data processing arrangement 122 analyzes the image and identifies that there is smear of slush and/or ice on the external surface of the windscreen 106 of the vehicle. The data processing arrangement 122 accordingly may set the wavelength and the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation based on nature of deposit (i.e. water and/or ice) on the windscreen 106 to achieve the required heating for the removal thereof.

More optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes a control arrangement 124 for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 and its associated radiation source arrangement 116. Specifically, the control arrangement 124 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these operable to perform the above mentioned task. In an embodiment, the control arrangement 124 may be operated using a switch, mounted inside the vehicle and within the reach of a user. Therefore, when the user presses or releases the switch, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 and its associated radiation source arrangement 116 are activated and deactivate, respectively. It will be appreciated that the use of switch to operate the control arrangement 124 may be exemplary, and the control arrangement 124 may be operated using a knob, a lever, a spindle and the like.

In an embodiment, the control arrangement 124 may also include a communication module (not shown). The communication module of the control arrangement 124 may be communicably coupled to the data processing arrangement 122. Therefore, the data processing arrangement 122 may transmit a signal to the control arrangement 124 using the communication module to activate or deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 and its associated radiation source arrangement 116.

In another embodiment, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 is configured to host a software application management and infotainment arrangement (SAMI). The term 'software application management and infotainment arrangement' used herein relates to a device-functionality software and/or an operating system software configured to execute other application programs and interface between the application programs and associated hardware. In an example, the software application management and infotainment arrangement may be operating within a carputer of a car (such as an electrical vehicle) and wirelessly coupled with the windscreen wiper arrangement 100. In an example, the software application management and infotainment arrangement may be operable to provide an infotainment arrangement and/or system for the user of the vehicle, such as making phone calls, and accessing web-based content such as traffic conditions and weather forecasts and so forth.

In such examples, SAMI automatically controls the windscreen wiper arrangement 1OO depending upon time-of-day, season-of-year or weather reports from weather forecast databases. For example, if the weather reports states that heavy snowfall is expected, SAMI may automatically activate the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 while driving through the snowfall. In yet another embodiment, the user may communicate through SAMI to cause windscreen wiper arrangement 100 to demist the external surface of windscreen 106 prior to the user making a journey. For example, is the user have to drive the vehicle after a night of heavy snowfall, the user may communicate via SAMI to activate the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 before starting the journey.

Optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 includes an external layer applied to the windscreen. For example, the external layer applied may be one of a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen. The radiation absorbing external layer is operable to absorb the infrared rays being transmitted from the radiation source arrangement 116. More optionally, the radiation absorbing external layer includes radiation absorbing particles that are sized to a wavelength of the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement 116. For example, the radiation absorbing external layer may be operable to absorb the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement 116 with a set of wavelength (namely, for example, in a range of 700 nm to 1 mm).

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is an exemplary windscreen wiper arrangement 200 for a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement 200 is similar to the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 described herein above in conjunction with FIG. 1. However, as shown, a radiation source arrangement 216 is mounted on a supporting portion 210 of an elongated member 202. The radiation source arrangement 216 is arranged on the supporting portion 210 in such a manner that the electromagnetic radiation is incident on the windscreen 206. For example, the radiation source arrangement 216 may be mounted on the underside of the supporting member 210. In another example, the radiation source arrangement 216 may be mounted sideways on the supporting member 210.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a windscreen wiper arrangement 300 for a vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement 300 is similar to the windscreen wiper arrangement 100 described herein above in conjunction with FIG. 1. However, as shown, a radiation source arrangement 316 is mounted on both, a wiper blade portion 308 and a supporting portion 310 of an elongated member 302. The radiation source arrangement 316 is arranged on the wiper blade portion 308 and the supporting portion 310 in such a manner that the electromagnetic radiation is incident on the windscreen 306. For example, the radiation source arrangement 316 may be mounted sideways on the wiper blade portion 308 and underside of the supporting member 310. It will be appreciated that the radiation source arrangement 316 is arranged in such a manner that the movement of the elongated member 302 is not restricted.

Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated are steps of a method 400 of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement of the method 400 may be the windscreen wiper arrangement 100, disclosed herein above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 3.

At a step 402, at least one elongate member with a radiation source arrangement mounted thereupon is provided. Thereafter, at a step 404, the radiation source arrangement to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbable at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external source of the windscreen is operated.

The steps 402 to 404 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, method includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement to include one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements, wherein the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted upon the elongate member. Optionally, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include resonant inductive coupling arrangement at the proximate end of the at least one elongate member for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen.

Optionally, the method includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement to include a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the at least one elongate member. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the at least one elongate member to include a wiper blade portion and a supporting portion, wherein the radiation source arrangement is mounted on the wiper blade portion and/or the supporting portion. Yet more optionally, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include an image sensor that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen, and a data processing arrangement that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen. In another example, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include a control arrangement for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement and its associated radiation source arrangement.

The windscreen wiper arrangement of the present disclosure provides an optimal way of removing dirt and other forms of deposits (such as the ice or mist) that accumulates on an external surface of the windscreen. Furthermore, the windscreen wiper arrangement can be charged wirelessly; therefore, the components associated with the connection are not subjected to corrosion and thereby providing improved longevity to the windscreen wiper arrangement. Moreover, since no wires are utilized for charging, the connection is simplified and does not restrict the reciprocating movement thereof. Additionally, the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted on the elongated member, providing ease of replacing the radiation source arrangement in case of maintenance.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including, comprising, incorporating, consisting of, have, is used to 5 describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist 10 understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims

1. A windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) includes at least one elongate member (102) that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement (104) that is operable to move the at least one elongate member (102) in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen (106) of the vehicle, characterized in that the at least one elongate member (102) is further provided with a radiation source arrangement (116) included thereon, wherein the radiation source arrangement (116) is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen (106) to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen (106).

2. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 1, characterized in that the radiation source arrangement (116) includes one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infrared-radiation-emitting elements, and wherein the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted upon the elongate member.

3. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) includes a resonant inductive coupling arrangement (118) at the proximate end of the at least one elongate member (102) for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement (116).

4. A windscreen wiper arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) includes a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen.

5. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 4, characterized in that the radiation absorbing external layer includes radiation absorbing particles that are sized to a wavelength of the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement (116).

6. A windscreen wiper arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation source arrangement (116) includes a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the at least one elongate member (102).

7. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 6, characterized in that the at least one elongate member (102) includes a wiper blade portion (108) and a supporting portion (110), and wherein the radiation source arrangement (116) is mounted on the wiper blade portion (108) and/or the supporting portion (110).

8. A windscreen wiper arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including an image sensor (120) that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen (106), and a data processing arrangement (122) that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor (120) and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen (106).

9. A windscreen wiper arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, including a control arrangement (124) for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) and its associated radiation source arrangement (116).

10. A method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) includes at least one elongate member (102) that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement (104) that is operable to move at least one elongate member (102) in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen (106) of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the at least one elongate member (102) with a radiation source arrangement (116) included thereon; and (ii) operating the radiation source arrangement (116) to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbable at the windscreen (106) to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen (106).

11. A method of claim 10, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement (116) to include one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements, and wherein the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted upon the elongate member.

12. A method of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to include a resonant inductive coupling arrangement (118) at the proximate end of the at least one elongate member (102) for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement (116).

13. A method of any one of the claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to include a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen (106).

14. A method of claim 13, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to include radiation absorbing particles that are sized to a wavelength of the infrared radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement (116).

15. A method of any one of the claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement (116) to include a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the at least one elongate member (102).

16. A method of claim 15, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the at least one elongate member (102) to include a wiper blade portion (108) and a supporting portion (110), and wherein the radiation source arrangement (116) is mounted on the wiper blade portion (108) and/or the supporting portion (110).

17. A method of any one of the claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to include an image sensor (120) that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen (106), and a data processing arrangement (122) that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor (120) and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen (106).

18. A method of any one of the claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the method (400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) to include a control arrangement (124) for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement (100) and its associated radiation source arrangement (116).