US1666107A

US1666107A - Windshield cleaner

Info

Publication number: US1666107A
Application number: US648818A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr John X Phillips
Original assignee: Trico Products Corp
Current assignee: Trico Products Corp
Priority date: 1923-06-30
Filing date: 1923-06-30
Publication date: 1928-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 1945-04-17
Also published as: US1693665A

Description

J. X. PHILLIPS, JR

April 17, 1928.

WI NDSH I ELD CLEANER April 17, 1928.

J. x. PHILLIPS. JR

WINDSHIELD CLEANER Filed June 50, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 W1 SEE iwagza i J. X. PHILLIPS, JR

WINDSHIELD CLEANER Filed June 30. 1923 April 17, I928.

Patented Apr. 17, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN X. PHILLIPS, JR., OF WASHINGTON. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO TBICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION, OF BUFFALO, m

YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

WINDSI-IIELD CLEAN? i.

Application filed June 30, 1923.

This invention relates to improvements in windshield leaners, and more particularly to a windshield clcancr operated by a fluid pressure motor.

An object of the invention is to provide means for moving the cleaner element to a substantially horizontal position when the power is cut ofi'.

A further object is the provision of means for automatically swinging the cleaner arm away from the glass when it assumes a position at rest at the end of a stroke.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for locking the valve to prevent the snap-over mechanism from functioning to start the cleaner element on another stroke. 7

More specifically, the invention comprises a cleaner motor consisting of a substantially air-tight casing and a movable element in the casing adapted to be actuated by differential pressure on opposite sides thereof. The apparatus is provided with a main valve and an automatically operated valve to alternately connect opposite ends of the cylinder to a source of suction or pressure. The main valve is normally held in open position by a spring or other suitable means and the automatic valve is adapted to be moved from one of its positions to the other by means of suitable snap-over mechanism connected to the movable member. Suitable cut ofi mechanism is provided by means of which the main valve is locked in closed position against the action of the spring and the snap-over mechanism is rendered inopcrative. The cleaner element is then moved to a substantially horizontal position beyond the end of its normal operating stroke, and means are provided for throwing the cleaner element outwardly awa from the glass when it assumes such position.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window, such as a trolleg car window, showing the invention applic Figure 2 is a central vertical sectional view,

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the motor casing on line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Serial No. 648,818.

Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the motor casing or cylinder with the cover plate over the valve mechanism removed,

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view of the cleaner shaft and associated parts, whereby the main valve is locked in closed ition and the snap-over mechanism ren ered inoperative,

Figure 6 is a detail perspective view of the automatically operated valve showing the side of the valve not shown in Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the window casing and sash, showing the cleaner in elevation,

Figure 8 is a sectional view on line 88 of Figure 2,

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the valve and operating mechanism removed,

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic front elevation of the path of movement of the cleaner arm, and,

Figure 11 is a Ian view thereof.

Referring to t e drawings, the reference numeral 1 designates a ort-ion of the front of a trolley car or simi ar vehicle. A window frame 2 is arranged therein and is provided with a pane 3 of glass or other transparent material. As shown, the bottom of the window frame is provided with a pair of spaced ribs 4 forming a groove for the reception of the bottom of the sash. A pocket 5 is formed at the top to receive the top of the window sash. The vehicle body is pro vided with a pocket 6 of the usual construction into which the window is adapted to be lowered when desired.

The cleaner comprises a cylinder or one ing 7 mounted on the body of the car above the window sash, as shown in Figures 1 and 6 of the drawings. The ends of the cylinder are closed by heads 8 havin suitable packing 9 arranged therein. web or plate 10 is arranged substantially centrally of the cylinder and forms a. support for the valves and valve actuating mechanism. The cylinder is cut away adjacent this plate and the front of the cylinder is closed by a cover plate 11 secured to the web 10, by means of screws 12. The rear side is closed by a somewhat similar plate 13 of smaller size and the space between the plate 13 and the web 10 forms the valve chamber.

A piston 14 is mounted in each end of the cyhnder and these pistons are provided with suitable packing in the usual'manner. Each piston is ada ted to move in the space between the we 10 and the end of the cylinder. These pistons are connected by a longitudinal web 15 having rack teeth 16 formed on its upper face. A se mental ear 17 having teeth 18 is mounte on a cleaner shaft 19 and meshes with rack teeth 16 to drive the cleaner shaft. As shown, the gear is secured to the shaft by means of a set screw 20. The shaft is journaled in the web 10 and the outer end of the shaft is received in a sleeve 21 carried by-the cover plate. As shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, the se ental car 19 is arranged adjacent the we 10, an the longitudinal web 15 is arranged beneath the segmental gear on one side of the web 10.

A feed pipe 22 extends to a suitable source of pressure or suction (not shown) and is provided with a control valve 23 arranged therein. This pipe is connected to an inlet chamber 24 formed in an enlargement 25 on the upper portion of the web 10. As shown, a plug 26 is screw-threaded into the upper end of the chamber 24 and receives the end of the pipe.22. This plug is provided with a valve seat 27 ada ted to receive a main supply valve 28. he valve is provided with a stem 29 extending through an 0 enin in the bottom of the chamber 24 an the va ve is normally retained in open position by means of a spring 30, surrounding the stem and engaging a pin 31 carried thereby. The chamber 24 is provided with an outlet port 32, communicating with a main feed assage 33, extending substantially the full ength of the web 10. As shown, the upper on of this passage is closed by a plug 34. The shaft 19 is provided with a groove 35 in alinement with the feed passage 33 to permit air or other fluid to pass around it. The bottom of the passage 33 communicates witha port 36 extending through one side of the web 10. A disk valve 37 is arranged on the face of the web 10 over the inlet port 36. As shown, the valve is rovided with a central opening 38 adapte to receive a pin 39 which retains it in position and permits it to oscillate. Aspring 40 is arranged around the pin to retain the valve on its seat. This valve 1s provided with a groove 41 in its face, adapted to connect the passage 36 with either of a pair of passages 42 extendmg through the web 10 and connected to suitable conduits 43 leading to opposite ends of the cylinder. The valve is likewise provided with another groove 44 of greater length and adapted to connect either of the passages 42 to an exhaust assage 45 openmg into the valve cham or. The cover plate 13 may be provided with a vent openmg 46.

An arm 47 is connected to the end of the shaft 19 and extends downwardly therefrom. The arm is provided with an offset end 48 adapted to receive one end of a coil spring 49. The other end of the spring is connected to a pin '50 carried by the valve 37, and this spring is adapted to move the valve from one position to another 15 the shaft oscillates. A pin 51 is mounted n the face of the web it) and the valve is provided with a pair of projections 52, adapted to engage this pin to limit the movement of the valve.

A sleeve 53 is mounted on the shaft 19 within the valve chamber. As shown, the sleeve is connected to the shaft by means of a key 54, permitting longitudinal movement of the sleeve but preventing relative rotary movement. One end of the sleeve is pro vided with a pair of spaced collars 55 forming a groove 56. A yoke 57 is mounted in thls groove and a rod 58 is connected to the yoke. This rod passes through the frame of the car and is provided with a handle 59 by means of which the rod may be moved to move the sleeve longitudinally of the shaft. The other end of the sleeve is provided with a. cam 60 forming a part of the control mechanism for the automatic valve 37. Adjacent the cam, the sleeve is provided with a pair of projections 61 spaced from each other substantially 180 degrees. A latch 62 is pivotally mounted on the web 10 above the disk valve 37. This latch is normally retained in a raised position by means of a spring 63. The latch is provided with a depending tooth 64 adapted to cooperate with a projecting lug 65 carried by the disk valve to lock the valve when the latch is in lowered position. When the sleeve 53 is moved longitudinally of the shaft, the cam 60 immediately lowers the latch 62, lowering the tooth 64 into the path of the lug 65, and reventing the valve 37 from shifting. At t e same time, the projections 61 are brought into vertical alinement with the valve stem 29 and upon oscillation of the shaft, the valve stem is raised to close the valve 28.

The outer end of the shaft 19 is forked, as indicated at 66, and is adapted to pivotally support a cleaner arm 67. This cleaner-arm is provided with the usual cleaner element 68 adapted to contact with the glass 3 wh n in operative position. The cleaner arm extends beyond the pivot and the upper end is received between a pair of spaced members 69 carried by an arm or bracket 70 mounted on the sleeve 21. This sleeve is keyed to the shaft to oscillate therewith by means of a key 72. A plate 73 is secured to the inside of the cover plate 11 on each side of the shaft and each of these plates is provided with a cam ortion 74. The sleeve 21 is provided witl il an arm 75 adapted to ride (Ill lit

over these cam portions to move the sleeve inwardly when the shaft is oscillated a predetermined distance in either direction.

In the diagrammatic illustration shown in Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings, the normal path of the cleaner arm in operation is designated by' the lines 76. 'hen the cleaner arm oscillates through the arc designatcd by the lines 76, the arm 75 does not engage either of the cams 74 and the cleaner element is maintained in contact with the window to be cleaned. The horizontal lines 77 indicate the liluit of movement of the cleaner arm when the motor is shut off and the cleaner arm moves to the inoperative position shown in dotted lines in Figure 1 of the drawings. lVhen the cleaner arm moves through the arc designated by the

lines

76 and 77 at either side of the semi-circle shown in Figure 10 of the drawings, the arm 75 engages one of the cams 74 to move the sleeve 21 inwardly and thus swing the cleaner arm on its pivot. As the upper end of the cleaner arm is moved inwardly. the lower end, carrying the cleaner element, is moved outwardly away from the window. In Figure 11 of the drawings. the position of the cleaner element in normal operation is indicated by the dotted line 78 and the upward movement of the cleaner element away from the window is indicated by the dotted lines 79.

In operation, the casing is connected to a source of suction or pressure by opening the valve 23. Fluid is admitted or withdrawn from the fluid chamber 24 which is connected to the opposite ends of the easing by means of the automatic valve 37. \Vith the valve in the position shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, the right hand end of the casing is connected to the source of power by means of its conduit 43, passage 42, the passage 41 in the disk valve, and passages 33 and 36 in the web 10. The pistons'will then be moved toward the left, as in Fig. 2, oscillatin the shaft 19 in a clockwise direction. The arm 47 moves with the shaft, causing the upper end of the spring to move toward the opposite side of the web 10. When the spring passes dead center and is again placed under tension, the valve 37 will be moved in a clockwise direction to place the opposite side of the cylinder in communication with the source of power. The movement of the valve is limited by the stops 52 and the pin 51 so that the groove 41 in the face of the valve will always bridge the space between the passage 36 and one of the passages 42. If the cleaner is to be operated by suction. the connection of the end of the cylinder to the source of suction will move the pistons in a reverse direction as will be apparent, and it. is therefore necessary to reverse the position of the valve. lVhen either end of the cylinder is in communication with the source of power, the opposite end is in communication with the atmosphere through the port -12, port 1-1 of the valve 37 and the exhaust port Herctol'ore in operating windshield cleaners by fluid pressure motors, it has been cu.-.tomary to close the valve corresponding to the valve :23 when the cleaner is to be shut off. The fluid in the conduits corresponding to the conduit 22, then passes into the motor casing and the cleaner clement stops at any pmition in its stroke. frequently in a position mid try of a stroke, thus interfering with the vision of the operator of the vehicle. To cut oil' the motor in the present device, the rod 58 is pulled outwardly, moving the sleeve 53 outwardly on the shaft 19. This brings the projections (31 into alincment with the valve stem 20 and as the shaft is oscillated, one of the projections til cngages the valve stem, forcing it upwardly and closing the valve 28. At the same time, the cam (it) lowers the locking member or latch 6:! into the path of the lug (i5 and locks the automatic valve against operation. As the automatic valve 37 is then locked against rotation, the supply of fluid from one end of the cylinder to the other will not shift when the cleaner arm reaches the normal end of its stroke, indicated by the dotted l nes 76 in Figure 10 of the drawings. The cleaner arm will then continue to move upwardly to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 1 of the drawings, and indicated by the dotted line in Figure 10 of the drawings. As the cleaner arm moves through the are indicated by the dotted lines To and 77. the arm 75 engages the cam Tit to swing the cleaner element outwardly away from the window, as previously described and as indicated by the dotted line it) in Figure 11 of the drawings. This outward movement of the cleaner permits it to ride over the frame 1 of the vehicle body and further permits the window to be lowered without danger of the cleaner element being struck by the upper frame bar of rash 2.

It is necessary in constructing the motor casing to provide a casing slightly longer than the normal movement of the pistons 14, to allow for the additional movement of the pistons toward either end of the cylinder when the supply of fluid is cut oil and the cleaner is moved to its inoperative position. The cleaner is then in position for further operation by returning the sleeve 5:2 to its normal position. \Vhen the arm 75 disengages the cam 74 upon reopening the valve 23. the sleeve 21 is moved to its normal position by means of a spring 80 arranged on the shaft 19 and engaging the sleeve at one end. The opposite end of the spring engages the segmental gear 17 and is compressed when the sleeve is moved inwardly by the cam.

The present invention is directed principally to the motor construction, the features involving the windshield cleaner mechanism being divided out, and forming the subject matter of my cownding application, filed August 5, 1925, Serial No. 48,419.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes in the shape, sizdi and arrangement of parts may rcsorted to without departing from the spirit of .the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor comprising a casing, a movable member mounted in said casing to be actuated by differential pressure, a conduit connected to said motor, a main supply valve controlling the flow of fluid through said conduit, an automatic valve to alternately place said motor casing on opposite sides of said movable member in communication with said conduit, and means for locking said automatic valve against operation, and

closing said main supply valve.

2. In a windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor com rising a casing, a movable member mounte in said casing to be actuated by differential pressure, a conduit connected to said motor, a main supply valve controlling the flow of fluid through said conduit, a shiftable valve to alternately place said motor casing on opposite sides of said movable member in communication with said conduit, means for operatively connecting said valve to said movable member to shift said valve, and means for lockin said shiftable valve to prevent movement t iereof and closing said main supply valve.

3. In a windshield cleaner motor, a eas ing divided intospaced cylinders and hav ing an intermediate web, a piston operable in each cylinder, a shaft jou-rnaled in the web transversely of the cylinder, means 0 eratively connecting the pistons to the sha t, said web having a valve seat on one face and three passages opening through said valve seat, one of said passages being connectible to a source of operating pressure and the other two passages being connected to the respective end cylinders of the casing, a

valve co-acting with said seat for connecting the pressure passage alternately with the end cylinder passages, mechanism operable by the shaft for actuating the valve, a sleeve slidable on the shaft for locking the valve against moveaaznt, and means for operating the sleeve. 4. In a windshield cleaner, a flllld motor comprising a substantially air tight casing, an actuatmg member mounted in said casing, means for connecting said casing to a source of differential pressure, a main supply valvc, an automatic valve to alternately place said casing on opposite sides of said actuating member in comnnmication with said source of differential pressure, a projection formed on said automatic valve. a latch lock arranged adjacent said projection and normally maintained in an inoperative position, and manually controlled means for locking said main supply valve and moving said latch lock to an operative position to engage said projection and render said automatic valve inoperative.

5. In a windshield cleaner, a fluid motor comprising a substantially air tight casing, an actuating member mounted in said casing, means for connecting said casing to a source of differential pressure, a main supply valve, an automatic valve to alternately place said casing on opposite sides of said actuating member in communication with said source of differential pressure, a shaft operatively connected to said motor, a sleeve mounted on said shaft and capable of movement longitudinally of said shaft, a cam carried by said sleeve to render said automatic valve inoperative when said sleeve is in one position, and means carried by said sleeve for closin said main supply valve.

6. In a windsliield cleaner motor, a casing divided into spaced cylinders andhaving an intermediate web, a piston operable in each cylinder, a shaft journaled in the web transversely of the cylinder, means operatively connecting the pistons to the shaft, said web having a valve seat on one face and three passages opening through said valve seat, one of saidpassages being connectible to a source of operating pressure and the other two assages being connected to the respective en cylinders of the casing, a valve co-acting with said seat for connecting the pressure passage alternately with the end cylinder passages, mechanism 0 erable by the shaft for actuating the va ve, means for arresting the valve against operation whereby the pistons will be urged to continue their movement in the direction they are traveling when they reach the normal. limit of their travel, said pistons being movable beyond their normal limits of movement when said valve is held against operation, and means operable by and during movement of the pistons beyond one of their normal limits of movement for closing said pressure passa e.

7. In a win shield cleaner. a fluid pressure motor comprising a casing, a movable member mounted in said casing to be actuated by fluid pressure, an automatic valve to alternately place said motor casing on opposite sides of said movable member in communication with a source of operating pressure and a single locking member operable to selectively lock said automatic valve in either of two positions to arrest said member in either end of the casing.

8. In a windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor comprising a casing, an actuating member mounted in said casing and alternately movable in opposite directions by differential pressure, valve mechanism operative by said actuating member at each limit of its movement to alternately connect said casing on opposite sides of said actuating member to a source of operating pressure, and a member having a portion movable into the path of travel of a portion of said valve mechanism t'or positively holding the latter inoperative in either of its two positions.

1.). In a windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor comprising a casing, a movable member mounted in said casing and operable by differential pressure, said member having a normal movement shorter than that permitted by said casing, oscillatory valve mechanism to alternately connect said casing on opposite sides of said movable mcmher to a source of operating pressure at each normal limit of movement of said member, and means operable to prevent actuation of said valve mechanism as said movable member reaches one of its normal limits of movement whereby said member will move beyond its said normal limit.

10. A device constructed in accordance with claim 9 provided with means for disconnecting said valve mechanism from the source of operating pressure after said member has moved beyond its normal limits.

11. In a windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor comprising a cylinder, :1 piston to reciprocate in said cylinder, valve mechanism for alternately connecting opposite ends of said cylinder to a source of operatin" pressure, and means en ageable with S:I.i( valve mechanism for rendering the same inoperative at either limit of the stroke of said piston.

12. In a windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor comprising a cylinder, a piston to reciprocate in said cylinder through a normal predetermined stroke, said piston being movable in the. cylinder beyond the limits of said normal stroke, valve mechanism for alternately connecting opposite ends of said cylinder to a source of operating pressure, means for arresting operation of said valve mechanism whereby the operating pressure will act to continue the movement of the piston beyond the corresponding limit of its normal stroke, and means for disconnecting said valve mechanism from the source of operating pressure when the piston passes either limit of its normal stroke.

13. In a Windshield cleaner, a fluid pressure motor comprising a cylinder, a iston mounted to reciprocate in said cy inder through a normal predetermined stroke, said piston being movable in the cylinder beyond the limits of said normal stroke, valve mechanism operative by said piston at the limits of its normal stroke for alternately connecting the opposite ends of said cylinder to a source of differential pressure, and means movable into the path of travel of a portion of said valve mechanism for arresting the latter whereby said valve mechanism will fail to function when said piston reaches its respective normal limit of travel so that the piston will continue to move beyond its normal path.

14. A device constructed in accordance with claim 13 provided with means for disconnecting said valve mechanism from the source of difi'erential pressure after said piston has passed a predetermined distance beyond either limit of its normal stroke.

15. In a windshield cleaner motor, a casing, a wiper-operating piston movable therein, valve mechanism for automatically controlling the alternate application of operating fluid pressure to the opposite sides of the piston, said valve mechanism being ope"- ated by and during movement of the piston at the operative limits of movement of said piston, said piston being movable beyond one of its operative limits of movement for moving a connected wiper to one side of its normal path of movement, and means for holding the valve mechanism against operation when the piston reaches said specified operative limit of movement whereby the operating pressure may continue the movement of said piston beyond said specified limit.

16. In a windshield cleaner motor, a casing, a piston movable therein, valve mechanism for automatically controlling alternate application of operating fluid pressure to the opposite sides of the piston, said alve mechanism being operated by and during movement of the piston at the operative limits of movement of said piston, said pis ton being movable beyond one of its operative limits of movement, mechanism for arresting the actuation of said valve means as the piston reaches said specified limit of movement whereby the piston will continue its movement beyond said specified limit, and means operable after the piston passes said specified limit of movement for shutting otf the supply of operating pressure to said valve mechanism.

17. In a windshield cleaner motor com prising, a casing, a piston movable therein, valve mechanism for applying operating pressure alternately to the opposite sides of the piston, a shaft operable by the piston, said piston being movable beyond its normal path of travel when said valve mechanism is arrested from actuation, means for arresting said valve mechanism, a valve for shutting ofi the supply of fluid pressure to said valve mechanism, and means operable to successively render operativesaid arresting means and said shut-ofi valve.

18. In a windshield cleaner motor comprising a casing, a piston movable therein, valve mechanism for applying operating pressure alternately to the op osite sides of the piston, a shaft operable y the piston, said piston being movable beyond its normal path of travel when said valve mechanism is arrested from actuation, means for arresting said valve mechanism, a cam on the shaft for rendering the arresting means operative, a valve'for shutting off the supply of fluid pressure to said valve mechanism, and means on the shaft adapted to render the shut-off valve operative upon movement of the piston beyond its normal path of travel.

19. In a windshield cleaner motor comprising a casing, a piston movable therein.

valve mechanism for applying operating pressure alternately to the opposite sides of a the piston, a shaft operable y the piston, said piston being movable beyond its normal path of travel when said valve mechanism is arrested from actuation, means for arresting said valve mechanism, a valve for shutting off the supply of fluid pressure to said valve mechanism, and a sleeve slidable on the shaft and having a part for rendering said arresting means operative upon movement of the sleeve on the shaft whereby said 35 operative plane upon movement of said sleeve to actuate the arresting means, said second part acting to render said shut-0E valve operative.

"a testimony whereof, I aflix my signature.

JOHN X. PHILLIPS, JR.

CERTIFICATE OF GORRECTIOE- Patent No. 1,666,107.

"ommaimn 11, ms. to

1mm x. PHILLIPS, m.

it is hereby certified that error appears in the printed SPQCillClliOll of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Page 5, line 2, claim 7, before the word "and" insert a comma, and line 115, claim'lfi, for the I'M;

"mechanismlread "means" and line 116,

for "means" read "mechanism"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein'that the seine may confprm to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 15th day ofeMay, A. D. [928.

(Seal M. J. Moore, Acting Commissioner of mm;

arrested from actuation, means for arresting said valve mechanism, a valve for shutting ofi the supply of fluid pressure to said valve mechanism, and means operable to successively render operativesaid arresting means and said shut-ofi valve.

CERTIFICATE or Patent N0. 1,666,107.

"a testimony whereof, I aflix my signature.

JOHN X. PHILLIPS, JR.

CORRECTIOH.-

"ommaimn 11, ms. o

1mm x. PHILLIPS, m.

Page 5, line 2, claim 7, before the word "and" insert a comma, and line 115, claim'lfi, for the nor "mechanismlread "means" and line 116,

for "means" read "mechanism"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein'that the seine may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 15th day ofeMay, A. D. [928.

(Seal M. J. Moore, Acting Commissioner of mm;