US3041652A - Windshield cleaning system - Google Patents

Windshield cleaning system Download PDF

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US3041652A
US3041652A US748558A US74855858A US3041652A US 3041652 A US3041652 A US 3041652A US 748558 A US748558 A US 748558A US 74855858 A US74855858 A US 74855858A US 3041652 A US3041652 A US 3041652A
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valve
motor
casing
fluid
wire
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US748558A
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Erwin C Horton
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Trico Products Corp
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Trico Products Corp
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60SSERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60S1/00Cleaning of vehicles
    • B60S1/02Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
    • B60S1/46Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices using liquid; Windscreen washers
    • B60S1/48Liquid supply therefor
    • B60S1/481Liquid supply therefor the operation of at least part of the liquid supply being controlled by electric means
    • B60S1/482Liquid supply therefor the operation of at least part of the liquid supply being controlled by electric means combined with the operation of windscreen wipers

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  • This invention relates generally to the window cleaning art, and more specifically to a new and useful washing and wiping system particularly adapted for the cleaning of vehicle Windshields.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a window cleaning system wherein the wipers are operated at full speed automatically upon actuating the washer.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a vehicle window cleaning system having the aforesaid characteristics and which is of a relatively simple and inexpensive construction.
  • a window cleaner system is characterized by the provision of a wiper unit including a wiper motor having a control valve movable between off and full running positions, first control means for selectively actuating said control valve to initiate a wiper action, a washer unit, second control means for selectively actuating said washer unit to initiate a washing action, and third control means interconnecting the washer and wipe: units and automatically responsive to actuation of the washer unit to move said control valve to a running position for high speed wiper operation during the washing operation, said third control means being operative to move said control valve from its position prior to Washer actuation to such running position and back Without relative movement in said first control means.
  • a window cleaner system is characterized in one form thereof by the provision of a movable wiper motor control valve, a control cable therefor having a wire slidable within a casing and connected at one end to said control valve, the other end of said wire being connected to a first control member for selective actuation of the motor, a washer unit, a second control member for selectively actuating the washer .unit, meansresponsive to actuation of the Washer unit and connected to the control cable casing for moving the control cable and the control valve bodily as a unit to place the motor control valve in full running position, and stop means positively precluding movement of the motor 3,41,652 Patented July 3, 1962 control valve beyond its full running position, the means responsive to actuation of the washer unit being of sufficient strength to move the cable bodily as a unit without sufficient power to cause relative movement between the wire and casing thereof.
  • a window cleaning system is characterized by the provision of means enabling'overtravel of the motor control valve, beyond its full running position as determined by the first control means, without restriction of motor speed because of such overtravel.
  • FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic view of one embodi ment of a window cleaning system according to this invention installed in place on a vehicle;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic layout of the washer responsive wiper control means of the system of FIG. 1, with the motor control valve shown in full running position; 1
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic fragmentary detail view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the motor control valve in parked position;
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating another. embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic layout of still another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view through the Washer responsive wiper control of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of an automotive vehicle equipped with another embodiment of a coordinating system constructedin accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the wiper motor valve casing, taken on line VIIIVIII ofFIG. 10 and showing the control valve in its parked position;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view of the wiper motor valve casing, partly in section and showing the control valve in its full on position;
  • FiG. 10 is a view taken'on line X-X of FIG; 9;
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the bleed valve
  • FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the Bowden cable connections at the control valve
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate additional forms of the invention.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 show the manner in which the coordinator cable is actuated in the modified form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14.
  • 1 designates the vehicle windshield, 2 the cowl therebeneath, 3 the instrument panel or shelf interiorly of the vehicle, and 4 the firewall separating the motor compartment from the passenger compartment.
  • the wiper unit of this system comprises a power unit 5 herein shown as a pneumatic motor, and a wiper 6 carried by an oscillating arm 7 which is mounted on a rock shaft 8 'journalled in a suitable housing 9 mounted on the vehicle cowl 2.
  • Motor 5 communicates with a' suitable source of suction, such as the intake manifold 10, through a conduit 10.
  • Motor 5 is connected to'rock shaft 8 by a suitable I transmission generally designated 11, and is controlled by a valve 12 slidable on the motor casing and operated by V a cable comprising a wire 13' slidable through a casing iits between pinion16 and housing 17 to resiliently rptain pinion 16 in its adjusted position.
  • valve 12 By selectively rotating knob 19 valve 12 will be moved from its parked position illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein the wipers 6 are caused to assume a predetermined positionof rest, to its full runningposition illustrated in FIG. -2 or many position therebetween to cause a throttled wiper action.
  • the washer unit illustrated in this embodime t of the invention is more fully disclosed in Patent 2,743,473 issued May 1 19 56, and includes a rese rvoir 23 for washing fluid and a pump in the form of a bellows 24 mounted on firewall 4 as by a tubular fitting 25 and a lock nut 26.
  • Bellows 24 is adapted to be compressed by a foot operated pedal 27 pivoted on any pin 28 carried by a bracket 29 secured to firewall 4 byfitting 25, and a spring 31 is provided for urging pedal27 to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 permitting bellows'24to expand and draw in a charge of fluidfrom reservoir 23.
  • a conduit 32 extends fromjfitting 2S to a checkvalve unit 33 which communicates with reservoir 23 through a conduit 34 and with ;a discharge nozzle 35,'adapted to spray fluid onto wind- 7 shield 1, through a delivery conduit 36.
  • Check valve unit 33 is arranged so that when bellows 24 is compressed by depressing pedal 27, the charge of fluid will be discharged therefrom through fitting 25, conduit 32, check valve unit '33 and delivery conduit 36 to lows 24 to expand and resume its normal shape, it will withdraw a charged fluid from reservoir 23 through concharge of washing fluid.
  • a pair of stop posts 40 are provided on the casing of motor in position to abut a stop washer 41 carried by wire ,13 when control valve 12 assumes its full running prising a wire'42slidable through a casing43 interconnects thebellows and the wiper motor, wire 42 being connected at one end thereof to pedal 27 and at its opposite end to a member 44 which is clamped to the adja- Ycent end of casing 14.
  • Casing 43 is secured to bracket :29 and the casing of motor 5 by clamps 45' and'46, re-
  • casing -43 is designed to have insutficient strength to eifect relative movement between wire 13 and its casing'14 There is friction between wire 13 and so that While it is of sufl'icient strength to cause wire 42 toslide' therethrough and effect movement of fcasing 14, wire 13 and valve 12 'as a unit, itis not sufliselective wiper operation independently of the washer system.
  • valve 12 having been moved to its position in FIG. 2 by turning knob 19, and it is desired to initiate a washing operation, the following action ensues.
  • washer 41 abuts against posts 40, or substantially so, whereby wire 13 and valve 12 are blocked against further movement in this direction.
  • Pedal 27 is depressed to initiate the washingaction, causing a measured charge of fiuid' to be discharged from bellows 24 through nozzle 35 onto window 1, and pushing wire 42 into casing 43-.
  • valve 12 has been moved by actuation of knob 191p a position intermediate its parked and full running positions, as illustrated by the broken line showing in "cie'ntlys trong to enable wire 42to overcome the aforefriction such as to cause relative motion between etisiug and wire 13 once valve 12 is blocked against I 'move'ment'. Instead, upon washer 41 abuttingagainst 'FIG. 2, whereby the wipers are running at throttled speed,
  • the wiper control cable casing 14 is provided with sufficient curvature between motor '5 and its first point of anchorage on the vehicle to enable free swinging movement thereof as a unit with wire 13 by wire 42 as previously described.
  • a stop 47 can be provided for abutting against valve 12, in place of the stops 4t engaging washer 41 on the wire 13, as shown in broken lines at 47 in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a system according to the invention wherein the motor 5 and the manually operated wiper control comprising wire 13, casing 14, washer 41, valve 12 and stop posts 40 remain the same, and wherein a piston and cylinder unit actuated by hydrostatic pressure developed in the washer system upon operation thereof is substituted for the pedal controlled cable of FIG. 1.
  • a cylinder 50 is carried by the motor casing 5, as by brackets 51, and a wall member in the form of a piston 52, mounted on a piston rod 53, is movable therein.
  • Piston rod 53 is clamped to casing 14 by a member 44 for moving casing 14, wire 13and valve 12 bodily as a unit in the manner above described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1 and piston 52 is mounted on rod 53 with a predetermined amount of friction sufiicient to move casing 14 and wire 13 as a unit until washer 41 engages against posts 40 but insufficient to overcome the friction in the wiper control and cause relative movement between casing 14 and wire 13.
  • Piston 52 is actuated by hydrostatic pressure on one side thereof caused by fluid delivered under pressure through a conduit 36' which may extend from delivery conduit 36 of FIG. 1, whereby as washing fluid is delivered under pressure from the washer to the windshield a portion thereof is diverted through conduit 36' to one side of piston 52.
  • a retracting spring 54 is arranged on the opposite side of piston 52, which side is open to the atmosphere through a collar 55, and serves to automatically restore the wipers to their original condition of operation after the Washing operation whereby to ensure thorough wiping of the window.
  • Piston 52 is provided with a boss 56 which bears against the end wall of cylinder 50 when the piston is fully retracted, and said piston bears against collar 55 when fully extended.
  • Rod 53 engages against the end wall of cylinder 50 and piston 52 thus will be restored to its retracted position illustrated in FIG. 4 with the wipers continuing to operate at full speed.
  • valve 12 Upon cessation of the washing action, spring 54 will move piston 52 and rod 5'3 in the opposite direction until rod 53 engages the end wall of cylinder 50 at which point valve 12 will be restored to its original throttled position, and because piston rod 53 is positively prevented from further movement in this direction piston 52 will move therealong until its boss 56 abuts the end wall of cylinder 59.
  • valve 12 is restored to its preset throt- Y tled position while the wipers are automatically actuated at full speed during the washing action.
  • the washer unit may comprise a reservoir 61 for Washing fluid and a pump unit 61 as described more fully, for example, in Patent 2,722,455 issued November 1, 1955.
  • the pump 61 is actuated by suction through a conduit 62 communicating with a conduit 63 extending to a source of suction such as the intake manifold of the vehicle.
  • a control valve 64 which may be adapted for either manual or foot operation is placed in "conduit 63 for selectively expo-sing the pump unit 61 to the source of suction, the pump unit including a spring hacked plunger which is retracted by suction influence to take in a charge of washing fluid, and then tripped to relieve the partial vacuum whereby the plunger is driven by its spring to discharge the fluid charge through a delivery conduit 6%, as described in said application.
  • a chamber-defining casing 65 carries a movable wall member in the form of a flexible diaphragm 66 therein, and a conduit '67 places one side of diaphragm 66 in communication with the source of suction through conduit 63 controlled by valve 64.
  • This side of the diaphragm is also exposed to the atmosphere through a bleed valve 68 which is adjustable to selectively regulate the same.
  • a rod 69, carried at one end by diaphragm 66, is connected .”a't'its ppposite end to the clamp member .44, and a spring a 71 urges diaphragm '66ag'ainst the end wall 70 of casing 65to retract rod 69 thereinto.
  • Spring 71 is designed so that the total operating pressure differential on diaphragm 66.is' suflicient ⁇ to move casing 14.;and wire 13 as a unit, but is notsufiicient to overcome the frictionforces in the wiper control cable such as to cause relative motion therein 1 l
  • the suction side of diaphragm 66 beevacu ated producing a pressure differential on diaphragm 66 causing movement thereof against the bias of .s'pring 71;
  • Diaphragm 66 pushes rod 69 to carry casing 14Fand wire .13 as a unit and move valve 12 to full runj ning position.v
  • spring '71 Upon release of the suction effect, spring '71 ,will move diaphragm 66 in the opposite directiori to retract rod 69 with the speed of this movement being regulated by adjusting bleed valve '68.
  • the motor may be of the conventional variable speed pneumatic type such as that disclosed in Patent No. 2,298,734, October 13, 1942, or one similar thereto, deriving its power from the suction influence of the intake manifold 1010f the vehicles engineby means of conduit Control of the motor is attained through the utilization of Bowden cable 13, 14 attached to rack 15 and pinion 16 extending through the instrument panel for manipulation from the'passenger' compartment of the vehicle. Rotation of the pinion results in'movement of control valve 12 from its parked or off position shown in FIG. 8 to the on position of FIG. 9.
  • one end of the wire of Bowden cable 181 is tied to .the armored casing 14 while its opposite end is attached to the spring loaded diaphragm 190.
  • the casing of the latter cable will be held stationary when its wire is moved longitudinally by the-rack and pinion to operate valve 12'.
  • switch 290 completes an'electrical-circuit to solenoid valve 210 which opens so as to make available the suction influence of manifold 10 to pneumatically powered pump 220, the air flowing through conduit 230.
  • the pump draws fluid from reservoir 240 and deliversit under. pressure to nozzles 35 via conduits 260,
  • pump 220 After a predetermined quantity of fluid has been delivered to the windshield, pump 220 will, in a manner full described in the above identified Patent 2,746,652, cease operating'and anyfluid remaining in the lines will tend to return to reservoir 240; With the drop in hydrostatic pressure plate 310 moves back into contact with its seat under the urging of spring 320, and the fluid returning to the reservoir from chamber 280 is compelled to pass'through restricted orifice 340.
  • valve At the termination of the washing cycle the valve will be returned to its partially throttled position since as stated above diaphragm 190 will always deflect by the same amount and then return to its normal undeflected position regardless of the location of valve 12' at the commencement of the cycle.
  • FIG. 13 A modified form of the invention is shown in FIG. 13.
  • a manually operated washer is employed in place of the electrically actuated washer of FIG. 7.
  • a suction bulb or bellows 24 is located on the floor board 420 of the passenger compartment of the vehicle proximate to the head light dimmer switch.
  • Conduit 32 connects the bellows and the washer while foot operated lever 27, pivoted at 28 overlies the bellows.
  • lever 27 When the operator desires to clear the windshield he depresses lever 27 causing a similar depression of the bellows. Release of the lever causes fluid to be drawn from reservoir 240, past valve 33 into the bellows. When the lever is again depressed the fluid is ejected from the bellows to the nozzles and chamber 280.
  • the remainder of the washing cycle is as described above.
  • Patent 2,717,556 issued September 13, 1955.
  • lever 27 is provided with an integral arm 40 to which the wire of Bowden cable 180' is directly tied.
  • the casing of cable 18 is held stationary by means of collar 45' rigid with the lever mounting plate 29.
  • the opposite end of the wire 181 of cable 184) is tied to the casing 14 in a manner identical to that disclosed above; ratio of the length of lever 27 to arm 40 is such that a full depression of the lever will cause the arm to swing an amount suflicient to move valve 121 a distance equal to that between its OE and full on positions.
  • the valve will be moved this distance regardless of its initial position, and will be returned to its initial position at the termination of the washing cycle.
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vebicles comprising, a wiper, avariable speed motor for driving said wiper to and, fro across an associated windshield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windsh eld, means for delivering fluid under pres-sure to said nozzle, a first control means for setting said motor in operation at a desired-speed and independently of said fluid delivery means, and a second control means including hydrostatic means responsive to actuation of said fluid delivery means and mechanically tied to said first control means for causing said motor to' run at top speed automatically concurrently with operation of said fluid delivery means.
  • A'windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a wiper, a variable speed motor for driving said wiper to and fro across an associated windshield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward said windshield, means for delivering the fluid under pressure to said nozzle, a first control'means for setting the motor in operation at a desired speed and independently of said pressure means, and a second control means mechanically tied to said first control means and including hydrostatic means for causing said motor to run at top speed concurrently with the actuation of said pressure means, at the termination of the washing operation said second control means returning said motor to the speed of operation prevailing prior to the actuation of said pressure means.
  • a windshield cleaning system for automotive vehicles comprising, a wiper, a variable speed motor for driving said wiper to and fro across an associated wind shield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, a reservoir for storage of fluid, means including an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a manually returning said motor to the speed of operation prevailing prior to the depression of said suction bulb.
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a wiper, a variable speed motor for driving said wiper to and fro across an associated windshield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward said windshield, a reservoir for storage of the fluid, an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to the reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the nozzle, a first control means for setting the motor in operation at a desiredfspeed, a lever for depressing the suction bulb so as to eject the fluid con- V tained therein, -a second control means mechanically tied a tea portion of said lever for setting the motor in operpressure on said movable wall member for pushing said second cable'wire into its casing, said, second cable casing being of coiled form wound with suflicient tightness to cause said second cable wire to efiect movement of said first cable as a unitfor moving said control valve to full running position While stretching apart as necessary to I accommodate further pushing of said second cable wire reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said res- I V
  • a window cleaning system comprising a wiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across awindow surface, a motor control valvemovable between parked and full running positions, stop means preventing movement of said;control valve beyond full running position, first control means comprising a cable and a control member for selectively moving said control valve, said cable comprising a wire movable Within a fleXible casing and operatiyely connected at one end to said control valve and at, its other end to said control member, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control means including a second control member for selectively actuating said washer unit, .andmeans responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating a wiper operation during the washer operation, said last-named 'means comprising ,a
  • second cable having a wire movable within a casing, said secondwire being operatively connected at its opposite ends to said first cable casing and to said second control emperrdr' being pushed by the latter into said second casing, said second casing being of coiled form wound with a suificient degreetof tightness to.constrain said second wire to move said first cable and said control valve as a unit while resiliently yielding by spreading apart to accommodate further pushing of said second wire therein after said control valve is in full running position, whereby to prevent relative movementrin said first control means, andmeans for-retracting said second wire through its casingfto restore said control valve to its position prior to actuation of the washer unitas determined by said first control member.
  • Awindowcleaning system comprising acwiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across a window surface, a
  • first control means comprising a first cable and a first control member rarseneavaymnng said control valve, said first cable comprising a wire movable withinaflexible casing and op- -era tively connected atone end to said control valve and at its other end to said first control member, a washer unit Having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control .means including a second con- .trol imember forfs elective'ly actuating.
  • said washer unit and means responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating a wiper operation during the washes operation, said last-named means comprising a second cable having a wire movable within a casing, said end thereof to said first cable casing and at its opposite end to a movable-wall member, means responsive to .actuation' of saidwasher unit for creating an operating second cable wire being :operatively connected atone" 'full running positions, stop means preventing movement of said control valve beyondfull running position, a first control cable comprising a wire slidable within a casing.
  • a window cleaning system com prising, in combination a wiper unit having-a wiper and means including a motor for driving said wiper, motor control means movable -between full on and ofi positions, first actuating meansfor moving said control means between on and ofi positions to selectively actuate said wiper unit, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window in the path of said wiper, second actuating means for selectively actuating said washer unit, said first ac tuating means being operableindependently of said second actuating means, and means responsive to actuation of .saidwasher unit by said second actuating means for movbeing pushed through said casing to move said control 13 unit and said casing resiliently expanding to accommodate further pushing of said wire therein when said control means is in full on position.
  • a window cleaning system comprising a wiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across a window surface, a motor control valve slidable on the motor casing between parked and full running positions, first stop means carried by said motor casing, first control means 14. shield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, means for delivering fluid under pressure to said nozzle, a first control means operatively connected to said control valve for moving the same relative to said seat to set said motor in operation at a desired speed independently of said fluid delivery means, and a second control means responsive to actuation of said fluid delivery means and mechanically tied to said first comprising a cable and a control member for selectively moving said control valve, said cable comprising'a wire movable within a flexible casing and operatively connected at one end to said control valve and at its other end to said control member, second stop means carried by said wire for abutting said first stop means to prevent movement of said control valve beyond full running position, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a
  • a window cleaning system comprising a wiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across a window surface
  • first control means comprising a cable and a control member for selectively-moving said control valve, said cable comprising a wire movable within a flexible casing and operatively connected at one end to said control valve and at its other end to said control member, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control means for selectively actuating said washer unit, and means responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating wiper operation during washer operation, said last-named means being operable to move said cable bodily 'as a unit for moving said control valve from its position as determined by said first control member to full running position and then back again and comprising a rod clamped adjacent one end thereof to said cable casing, a movable wall member operatively connected to said rod adjacent the opposite end thereof for moving the same, means for producing a fluid pressure differential on said wall member in response to operation r of said washer unit for moving said
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a valve seat, a control valve slidable on said seat, the crosssection of a portion of at least one of said passageways adjacent said valve seat being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways to enable overtravel of said control valve beyond its full on position relative to said valve seat substantially without restricting said one passageway, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windcontrol means for causing the same to move said control valve relative to said seat to cause said motor to run at top speed automatically concurrently with the actuation of said fluid deliveryzmeans.
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the cross-section of the seat portion of at least one of said passageways being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward said windshield, means for delivering the fluid under pressure to said nozzle, a first control means for moving said valve on said seat to set the motor in operation at a desired speed and independently of said pressure means, and a second control means operatively connected to said first control means and including hydrostatic means for moving said valve on said seat to cause said motor to run at top speed concurrently with the actuation of said pressure means, at the termination of the washing operation said second control means returning said motor to the speed of operations prevailing prior to the actuation of said pressure means, said larger passageway portion enabling overtravel of said valve on
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through i a valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the cross-section of the seat portion of at least one of said pasageways being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, a reservoir for storage of fluid, means including an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a first control means operatively connected to said control valve for moving the same on said seat and thereby setting said motor in operation at a desired speed, a lever for depressing said suction bulb so as to eject the fluid contained therein, a second control means mechanically tied to a portion of said lever and to said first control means for moving said, valve on said seat and thereby setting said ,motor in operation at top
  • hicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the crosssection of the seat portion of at least one of said passageways beinglarger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, a reservoir for storage of fluid, means including an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under presa valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the
  • a windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a the washing operation said control means returning said sure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a first control means operatively connected to said control valve for moving the same on said seat, and thereby setting said motor in operation at a desired speed, and a second control means responsive to operation of said suction bulb for moving said valve on said seat and thereby causing said motor to run at top speed automatically concurrently with p the delivery of fluid by said suction bulb, a predetermined time after the termination of the washing cycle said second control means returning said motor to its speed of operation prevailing prior .to the delivery of fluid said larger passageway portion enabling overtravel of said valve on said seat substantially without restriction of said one passageway.

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Description

July 3, 1962 E. c. HORTON 3, 2
' WINDSHIELD CLEANING'SYSTEM Original Filed March 11. 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 K H1. f7 :1 INVENTOR. l3
Rw/N C. HORTON /4 4/ /2 y A 7'TORNE VS.
July 3, 1962 E. c. HORTON WINDSHIELD CLEANING SYSTEM Original Filed March 11. 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 6 E rw/n C. Horzon BY @u,@w%,@aawyf@m,
ATTORNEYS.
y 1962 Q E. c. HORTON 3,041,652,
WINDSI-IIELD CLEANING SYSTEM Original Filed March 11, 1954 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig/0 INVENTOR,
MYQM,
' TTOR/VEYS.
Erwin C. Horion July 3, 1962 E. c. HORTON WINDSHIELD CLEANING SYSTEM Original Filed March 11. 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 my E MO m V C A .m N M E.
3,041,652 WINDSHIELD CLEANING SYSTEM Erwin C. Horton, Hamburg, N.Y., assignor to Trico Products Corporation, Bufialo, NY.
Continuation of applications Ser. No. 415,544 and Ser.
No. 415,619, Mar. 11, 1954. This application July 7,
1958, Ser. No. 748,558
17 Claims. (Cl. 15250.02)
This invention relates generally to the window cleaning art, and more specifically to a new and useful washing and wiping system particularly adapted for the cleaning of vehicle Windshields.
This application is a continuation of applications 415,- 544 and 415,619 filed March 11, 1954.
Heretofore, a plurality of manual operations were required to institute and complete the windshield washing cycle, specifically, commencing the operation of the washer, starting the wipers, shutting off the washer and stopping the wipers. Apart from the inconvenience to the operator of the vehicle resulting from the manipulation of the various controls, a distinct driving hazard exists due to the distraction of the operators attention from the road during the washing cycle. The need for a system whereby the washing cycle may be carried out with a minimum amount of attention from the operator is obvious.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a new and useful vehicle window cleaner wherein a wiper action is initiated automatically upon initiating a Window washing operation, the wipers also being selectively operable independently of the washer.
Another object of this invention is to provide a window cleaning system wherein the wipers are operated at full speed automatically upon actuating the washer.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a window cleaner unit as aforesaid and wherein at the end of the washing action the wipers'are automatically restored to the parked or running condition for which the independently operable wiper control is set.
A further object of this invention is to provide a vehicle window cleaning system having the aforesaid characteristics and which is of a relatively simple and inexpensive construction.
A window cleaner system according to the invention is characterized by the provision of a wiper unit including a wiper motor having a control valve movable between off and full running positions, first control means for selectively actuating said control valve to initiate a wiper action, a washer unit, second control means for selectively actuating said washer unit to initiate a washing action, and third control means interconnecting the washer and wipe: units and automatically responsive to actuation of the washer unit to move said control valve to a running position for high speed wiper operation during the washing operation, said third control means being operative to move said control valve from its position prior to Washer actuation to such running position and back Without relative movement in said first control means. I
More specifically, a window cleaner system according to the invention is characterized in one form thereof by the provision of a movable wiper motor control valve, a control cable therefor having a wire slidable within a casing and connected at one end to said control valve, the other end of said wire being connected to a first control member for selective actuation of the motor, a washer unit, a second control member for selectively actuating the washer .unit, meansresponsive to actuation of the Washer unit and connected to the control cable casing for moving the control cable and the control valve bodily as a unit to place the motor control valve in full running position, and stop means positively precluding movement of the motor 3,41,652 Patented July 3, 1962 control valve beyond its full running position, the means responsive to actuation of the washer unit being of sufficient strength to move the cable bodily as a unit without sufficient power to cause relative movement between the wire and casing thereof.
In another form thereof, a window cleaning system according to the invention is characterized by the provision of means enabling'overtravel of the motor control valve, beyond its full running position as determined by the first control means, without restriction of motor speed because of such overtravel.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will become clearly evident from the ensuing detailed description thereof, taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic view of one embodi ment of a window cleaning system according to this invention installed in place on a vehicle;
FIG. 2 is a schematic layout of the washer responsive wiper control means of the system of FIG. 1, with the motor control valve shown in full running position; 1
FIG. 3 is a schematic fragmentary detail view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the motor control valve in parked position; a
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating another. embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic layout of still another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view through the Washer responsive wiper control of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of an automotive vehicle equipped with another embodiment of a coordinating system constructedin accordance with the present invention;
1 FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the wiper motor valve casing, taken on line VIIIVIII ofFIG. 10 and showing the control valve in its parked position;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view of the wiper motor valve casing, partly in section and showing the control valve in its full on position;
FiG. 10 is a view taken'on line X-X of FIG; 9;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the bleed valve;
FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the Bowden cable connections at the control valve;
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate additional forms of the invention; and.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show the manner in which the coordinator cable is actuated in the modified form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14.
Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, 1 designates the vehicle windshield, 2 the cowl therebeneath, 3 the instrument panel or shelf interiorly of the vehicle, and 4 the firewall separating the motor compartment from the passenger compartment.
The wiper unit of this system comprises a power unit 5 herein shown as a pneumatic motor, and a wiper 6 carried by an oscillating arm 7 which is mounted on a rock shaft 8 'journalled in a suitable housing 9 mounted on the vehicle cowl 2. Motor 5 communicates with a' suitable source of suction, such as the intake manifold 10, through a conduit 10.
Motor 5 is connected to'rock shaft 8 by a suitable I transmission generally designated 11, and is controlled by a valve 12 slidable on the motor casing and operated by V a cable comprising a wire 13' slidable through a casing iits between pinion16 and housing 17 to resiliently rptain pinion 16 in its adjusted position.
Thus, it will be understood that by selectively rotating knob 19 valve 12 will be moved from its parked position illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein the wipers 6 are caused to assume a predetermined positionof rest, to its full runningposition illustrated in FIG. -2 or many position therebetween to cause a throttled wiper action.
The washer unit illustrated in this embodime t of the invention is more fully disclosed in Patent 2,743,473 issued May 1 19 56, and includes a rese rvoir 23 for washing fluid and a pump in the form of a bellows 24 mounted on firewall 4 as by a tubular fitting 25 and a lock nut 26. Bellows 24 is adapted to be compressed by a foot operated pedal 27 pivoted on any pin 28 carried by a bracket 29 secured to firewall 4 byfitting 25, and a spring 31 is provided for urging pedal27 to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 permitting bellows'24to expand and draw in a charge of fluidfrom reservoir 23. A conduit 32 extends fromjfitting 2S to a checkvalve unit 33 which communicates with reservoir 23 through a conduit 34 and with ;a discharge nozzle 35,'adapted to spray fluid onto wind- 7 shield 1, through a delivery conduit 36.
Check valve unit 33 is arranged so that when bellows 24 is compressed by depressing pedal 27, the charge of fluid will be discharged therefrom through fitting 25, conduit 32, check valve unit '33 and delivery conduit 36 to lows 24 to expand and resume its normal shape, it will withdraw a charged fluid from reservoir 23 through concharge of washing fluid.
' 7 Whereas in many conventional prior art systems it wouldbe necessary for the vehicle operator to depress 515117 to deliver a-charge of fluid to therwindshield and to rotateknob 19'to set the wipers'in motion, in a system according to this invention the wipers are set in motion automatically upon actuation of the Washer, as follows. I l A pair of stop posts 40 are provided on the casing of motor in position to abut a stop washer 41 carried by wire ,13 when control valve 12 assumes its full running prising a wire'42slidable through a casing43 interconnects thebellows and the wiper motor, wire 42 being connected at one end thereof to pedal 27 and at its opposite end to a member 44 which is clamped to the adja- Ycent end of casing 14. Casing 43 is secured to bracket :29 and the casing of motor 5 by clamps 45' and'46, re-
spectively.
,nozzle 35, and when pedal 27 is released to permit belposition, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A second cable com- Upon depressing pedal 27 to compress bellows 24 wire 421 will be pushed into its casing 43 which latter is of sufiicient strength to cause wire4 2 to slide therethrough arid, acting through clamp 44, to swing casing 14 and wire 13Iand carry thembodily as aunit to move control ll alve l2 to its full running position illustrated'in FIG. 2
.However, casing -43 is designed to have insutficient strength to eifect relative movement between wire 13 and its casing'14 There is friction between wire 13 and so that While it is of sufl'icient strength to cause wire 42 toslide' therethrough and effect movement of fcasing 14, wire 13 and valve 12 'as a unit, itis not sufliselective wiper operation independently of the washer system.
Now, let it be assumed that the wipers are parked with valve 12 in the position illustrated in FIG. 3, and that it is desired to initiate a windshield washing operation. The vehicle operator simply presses pedal 27 downwardly with his foot and holds the same in that position, bellows 24 being compressed thereby and functioning as previously described to deliver a charge of cleaning fluid in a steady flow through nozzle 35 to Window 1. Simultaneously therewith, pedal 27 pushes wire 42 through casing 43 moving wire 13 and casing 14 bodily to the right in FIG. 3 and move valve 12 to its full running position illustrated in'FIG. 2. The parts are arranged so that movement of pedal 27 to its fully depressed posi tion' will cause movement of valve 12 to its full running position. The Washing operation continues until the fluid charge within bellows 24 is depleted or until the vehicle operator releases his foot pressure on pedal 27, and upon releasing pedal 27, spring 31 retracts wire 42 through casing 43 which action moves wire 13 and casing 14 bodily as a unit to retract valve 12 to its parked position illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, the wiper action is stopped after the washer action, ensuring a thorough wiping of the window.
'Ii wipers 6 are already running at full speed, valve 12 having been moved to its position in FIG. 2 by turning knob 19, and it is desired to initiate a washing operation, the following action ensues. As illustrated in FIG. 2, with valve 12 thusmoved to its full running position, washer 41 abuts against posts 40, or substantially so, whereby wire 13 and valve 12 are blocked against further movement in this direction. Pedal 27 is depressed to initiate the washingaction, causing a measured charge of fiuid' to be discharged from bellows 24 through nozzle 35 onto window 1, and pushing wire 42 into casing 43-.
However, since wire 13 and valve 12 are'prohibited fi'om further movement by reason of washer 41 engaging against stop posts 40, and since casing 42 is wound with a degree of tightness less than that required to overcome the friction between wire 13 and casing 14 and in the rack and pinion assembly such as to cause relative movement between casing 14 and wire 13, casing 43 opens with the convolutions thereof spreading apart as previously deset wiping action, and the wipers continue operating at full speed after the washing operation has stopped and until varied by knob 19;
.When valve 12 has been moved by actuation of knob 191p a position intermediate its parked and full running positions, as illustrated by the broken line showing in "cie'ntlys trong to enable wire 42to overcome the aforefriction such as to cause relative motion between etisiug and wire 13 once valve 12 is blocked against I 'move'ment'. Instead, upon washer 41 abuttingagainst 'FIG. 2, whereby the wipers are running at throttled speed,
upon initiating a washing action by depressing pedal 27, wire 42 is pushed into casing 43 which constrains the 'same to move casing 14 and wire 13 bodily as a unit until valve 12 is moved to its full running position illustrated .in FIG. 2 with washer 41 abutting stop posts 40 to stop further movementof valve 12 and wire 13 in this direc- "tion. Because of the preset throttled Wiping action with valve 12 in an intermediate position when the washer action is initiated, washer 41 will abut posts '40 prior to completion of the pedal stroke. 'At this point, because casing 43 is wound with a degree of strength insuflicient to constrain wire 42 to cause relative movement between casing 14 and wire 13, the convolutions of casing 43 will expand and spread apmt as above described to accommodate the further pushing movement of wire 42 therein. When the pedal 27 is released, spring 31 will pull wire 42 to permit casing 43 to first resiliently contract to its normal condition and wire 42 will then act through clamp 44 to move casing 14 and wire 13 bodilyas a unit to retract valve 12. Inasmuch as the first part of the pedal releasing action simply restores casing 43 to its normal condition, the movement of casing 14, wire 13 and valve 12 toward parked position will be only to the extent which they were moved to the full running position, whereby valve 12 will be returned to its preset intermediate or throttled position. I
Thus, with an arrangement according to this invention, wherein movement of the motor control valve 12 beyond its full running position is precluded and wherein the washer responsive control valve moving means is designed with suficient strength to move the wiper control cable and the motor control valve as a unit and insufficient to eflect relative movement between the wiper control wire and its casing, full speed operation of the wipers is provided automatically upon actuating the washer unit, and
when the washing action is stopped the wipers are automatically restored to the condition of operation for which they were previously set, whether it be parked or throttled. It will be noted that the wiper control cable casing 14 is provided with sufficient curvature between motor '5 and its first point of anchorage on the vehicle to enable free swinging movement thereof as a unit with wire 13 by wire 42 as previously described. If desired, a stop 47 can be provided for abutting against valve 12, in place of the stops 4t engaging washer 41 on the wire 13, as shown in broken lines at 47 in FIGS. 2 and 3.
A window cleaner system according to this invention is also adapted for hydrostatic pressure operation. Thus, FIG. 4 illustrates a system according to the invention wherein the motor 5 and the manually operated wiper control comprising wire 13, casing 14, washer 41, valve 12 and stop posts 40 remain the same, and wherein a piston and cylinder unit actuated by hydrostatic pressure developed in the washer system upon operation thereof is substituted for the pedal controlled cable of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a cylinder 50 is carried by the motor casing 5, as by brackets 51, and a wall member in the form of a piston 52, mounted on a piston rod 53, is movable therein. Piston rod 53 is clamped to casing 14 by a member 44 for moving casing 14, wire 13and valve 12 bodily as a unit in the manner above described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1 and piston 52 is mounted on rod 53 with a predetermined amount of friction sufiicient to move casing 14 and wire 13 as a unit until washer 41 engages against posts 40 but insufficient to overcome the friction in the wiper control and cause relative movement between casing 14 and wire 13. Piston 52 is actuated by hydrostatic pressure on one side thereof caused by fluid delivered under pressure through a conduit 36' which may extend from delivery conduit 36 of FIG. 1, whereby as washing fluid is delivered under pressure from the washer to the windshield a portion thereof is diverted through conduit 36' to one side of piston 52. A retracting spring 54 is arranged on the opposite side of piston 52, which side is open to the atmosphere through a collar 55, and serves to automatically restore the wipers to their original condition of operation after the Washing operation whereby to ensure thorough wiping of the window. Piston 52 is provided with a boss 56 which bears against the end wall of cylinder 50 when the piston is fully retracted, and said piston bears against collar 55 when fully extended.
The result achieved by this embodiment is the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Should the wipers be parked when a washing action is initiated, valve 12 being in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, the washing fluid being discharged creates sufficient pressure against piston 52 to overcome the counter pressure of spring 54 and cause piston 52 and piston rod 53 to move together in a direction causing clamp 44 to carry casing 14 and wire 13 as a unit to move valve 12 to its full running position. Upon cessation of the washing action, the fluid pressure is relieved and piston 52 is restored to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 by spring 54. When the wipers have been preset for full speed operation by knob 19, washer 41 will bear against stop posts 40 to prevent movement of valve 12 beyond its full running position (FIG. 2) and upon initiating a washing action the hydrostatic pressure on piston 52 will cause the same to move along piston rod 53 because the friction therebetween is designed to be less than the friction in the wiper control whereby to avoid relative motion between wire 13and its casing 1-4. Thus, the wipers will not be disturbed and upon cessation of the washing action piston 52 will simply be moved in the opposite direction along rod 53 by spring 54.
Rod 53 engages against the end wall of cylinder 50 and piston 52 thus will be restored to its retracted position illustrated in FIG. 4 with the wipers continuing to operate at full speed.
Should the wipers have originally been running in a throttled or intermediate speed position with valve 12 pcsitioned between its parked and full running positions,
upon initiating a washing action the fluid pressure de veloped in the system will move piston 52 and rod 53 as a unit and they will act through clamp member 44 to move casing 14 and wire 13 bodily as aun it until valve 12-is moved to its full running position and washer 41 engages stop posts 41). Piston 52 will not yet abut collar 55, and will continue movement in that direction but will now move along rod 53 because valve 12 is stopped from further movement and the friction between piston 52 and rod 53 is not sufficient to overcome the friction in the control cable. Upon cessation of the washing action, spring 54 will move piston 52 and rod 5'3 in the opposite direction until rod 53 engages the end wall of cylinder 50 at which point valve 12 will be restored to its original throttled position, and because piston rod 53 is positively prevented from further movement in this direction piston 52 will move therealong until its boss 56 abuts the end wall of cylinder 59. Thus, valve 12 is restored to its preset throt- Y tled position while the wipers are automatically actuated at full speed during the washing action. 1
Still another embodiment, utilizing a control valve acthe same as described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. In this embodiment, the washer unit may comprise a reservoir 61 for Washing fluid and a pump unit 61 as described more fully, for example, in Patent 2,722,455 issued November 1, 1955. The pump 61 is actuated by suction through a conduit 62 communicating with a conduit 63 extending to a source of suction such as the intake manifold of the vehicle. A control valve 64 which may be adapted for either manual or foot operation is placed in "conduit 63 for selectively expo-sing the pump unit 61 to the source of suction, the pump unit including a spring hacked plunger which is retracted by suction influence to take in a charge of washing fluid, and then tripped to relieve the partial vacuum whereby the plunger is driven by its spring to discharge the fluid charge through a delivery conduit 6%, as described in said application. A chamber-defining casing 65 carries a movable wall member in the form of a flexible diaphragm 66 therein, and a conduit '67 places one side of diaphragm 66 in communication with the source of suction through conduit 63 controlled by valve 64. This side of the diaphragm is also exposed to the atmosphere through a bleed valve 68 which is adjustable to selectively regulate the same. A rod 69, carried at one end by diaphragm 66, is connected ."a't'its ppposite end to the clamp member .44, and a spring a 71 urges diaphragm '66ag'ainst the end wall 70 of casing 65to retract rod 69 thereinto. Spring 71 is designed so that the total operating pressure differential on diaphragm 66.is' suflicient {to move casing 14.;and wire 13 as a unit, but is notsufiicient to overcome the frictionforces in the wiper control cable such as to cause relative motion therein 1 l In this embodiment, upon manipulating valve 64 to initiate a washer action, the suction side of diaphragm 66 beevacu ated producing a pressure differential on diaphragm 66 causing movement thereof against the bias of .s'pring 71;, Diaphragm 66 pushes rod 69 to carry casing 14Fand wire .13 as a unit and move valve 12 to full runj ning position.v Upon release of the suction effect, spring '71 ,will move diaphragm 66 in the opposite directiori to retract rod 69 with the speed of this movement being regulated by adjusting bleed valve '68. By proper selecti'on of spring '71 and regulation of valve 68 the wipers can be caused to continue operation for a predetermined period of 'timeafter the washing operation, if desired. As
'diaphragrnfifi approaches the end wall 76 of casing 65 aproject ion 72 thereon'unseats a valve 73 springbiased to normally close an opening in diaphragm 66. Upon unseating this valve the pressure on opposite sides of the diaphragm will immediately equalize causing a quick final movement of diaphragm ,66 under the influence of spring 71 to quickly stop the wiping action. r
Should the wipers be set for full or intermediate operation prior to initiating the washer action, this condition is automatically restored after the washing operation. If valve is in full running position with washer 41 bearing against posts 40, upon initiating Washer action the pressure differential ondiaphragm '66 is not enough to move casing 14 relative to wire 13-, whereupon diaphragm 66 will not move and the wipers will remain in full running operation following the washer operation. Should the wipers have originally been set for throttled speed operation, upon initiating a washing action diaphragm 66 will move rod 69, casing 14 and wire 13 only until washer 41 abuts posts 40, at which point movement of diaphragm would push wire 42 into its casing 43.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 7-16 of the drawings, the motor may be of the conventional variable speed pneumatic type such as that disclosed in Patent No. 2,298,734, October 13, 1942, or one similar thereto, deriving its power from the suction influence of the intake manifold 1010f the vehicles engineby means of conduit Control of the motor is attained through the utilization of Bowden cable 13, 14 attached to rack 15 and pinion 16 extending through the instrument panel for manipulation from the'passenger' compartment of the vehicle. Rotation of the pinion results in'movement of control valve 12 from its parked or off position shown in FIG. 8 to the on position of FIG. 9. When the latter position, air is withdrawn from the pressure chamber of the motor by the intaken manifold of'the engine via passageway 111, running valve 120, passageway 130, control valve 12', passageway 140 and conduit 10'. Concurrently, air is forced intothe opposite side of the motor through passageway 159. which is exposed to the atmosphere, control valve 12' and passageway 160. A vane, not shown, is as a result forcedto move 7 toward the suction 'or low pressure side of the motor.
At the proper time, and in a manner fully described in patent 2,298,734, the running valve-is rotated so as to interconnect passageways 130 and 150 while passageway .111 i's'exposed to the atmosphere. This results in a reversal of air flow, and the vane moves in the opposite direction. The above described cycle continues for so long as control valve 12' remains in the on position. Movement of the valve to its 0 position results in the closing of passageways and and the direct connection of passageway to the source of suction viatpassageway as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 8. Therunning valve is as a'result lay-passed and the wipers are held intheir parked position.
As is best seen in FIG. 12, one end of the wire of Bowden cable 181 is tied to .the armored casing 14 while its opposite end is attached to the spring loaded diaphragm 190. As the resistance of the diaphragm is greater than the internal friction of cable 13, 14, the casing of the latter cable will be held stationary when its wire is moved longitudinally by the-rack and pinion to operate valve 12'. i Closure of switch 290 completes an'electrical-circuit to solenoid valve 210 which opens so as to make available the suction influence of manifold 10 to pneumatically powered pump 220, the air flowing through conduit 230. The pump draws fluid from reservoir 240 and deliversit under. pressure to nozzles 35 via conduits 260,
270 and 279'. .A jet stream of fluid is as a result directed on to the Windshield. For a more detailed description of the operation and construction of the above described washer reference may be made to Patent 2,746,652 issued May 22, 1956- Simultaneously with the flow of liquid to the nozzles, some of thetfluid passes into chamber 280' via conduit 290 and 'bleedvalve 300, the pressure of the fluid lifting plate 310 against the resistance'gof'spring 320 and also deflecting diaphragm 196 to the right against the resistance of spring 330. As one end of the wire 181 of Bowden cable is firmly attached to the diaphragm, the deflection of thelatter will result in a longitudinal movement of the wire. Since the'opposite end of the wire is attached to the casing '14, said casing will also be urged tomove and asthe internal friction between the wire .13
and casing 14 is of considerably greater magnitude than the sliding friction occurring between the control valve 12 and surface of the valve casing, thewire and valve will be forced to move with the casing 14. In other words, any deflection of diaphragm will be reflected in a longitudinal movement of control valve 12', cables 180, 181 and 13,114 being the transmitting media. The dimensions of chamber 280 and its related elements are so designed that the magnitude of the refiected'movement of valve 12 is exactly equal to the distance between the off? and full on position of the valve.
; It may therefore be seenthat the momentary depresfsionof switch 200 will cause pump 220 to deliver a predetermined quantity of fluid to the windshield. Simultaneously and due to the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid-diaphragm 190 deflects so as to move valve 12 'its-fullf'on position shown in phantom in the same figin conjunction with the fluid wash the wind-shield ure. Wipers 6 will as a result commence oscillating and clean of all sediment and'foreign deposits.
After a predetermined quantity of fluid has been delivered to the windshield, pump 220 will, in a manner full described in the above identified Patent 2,746,652, cease operating'and anyfluid remaining in the lines will tend to return to reservoir 240; With the drop in hydrostatic pressure plate 310 moves back into contact with its seat under the urging of spring 320, and the fluid returning to the reservoir from chamber 280 is compelled to pass'through restricted orifice 340. This results in a delay in return of diaphragm 190 to its normal 'un deflected position and a continuation'of operation of the fwipeis for several strokes after the cessation of fluid flow undeflected position, it pulls valve 12 back to its ofi position by means of cables 189, 181 and 13, 14 so as to stop the motor and park the blades.
From an inspection of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 it may be seen that the upper portion of passageway 130 has been enlarged at 43 to an extent which will permit the passageway to remain substantially unrestricted even if valve 12' is moved well beyond its normal full on position. If throttle valve 12 is already in its full on position as illustrated in full lines in FIG. 9 when the washer is activated, it will nevertheless be moved to the position indicated in phantom in FIG. 9, a distance equal to that between the ofl and full on" positions since the dia phragm and cables will be moved by the same amount regardless of the position of the valve at the commencement of the washing cycle. However, due to the enlargement of passageway 13%, this overtravel of the valve will have no deliterious affect on the motor. The flow of air will remain unrestricted and the motor will continue to operate at full speed. At the termination of the washing cycle the valve will be pulled back to its normal full on position by the cables as the diaphragm returns to its undeflected state. It should be obvious that if the wiper motor is being operated in a partially throttled condition, with valve 12' located at some point between the extremes of off and full on, commencement of the washing cycle will cause the motor to operate at top speed with the valve overtravelling its normal full on position by an amount equal to the distance between the ofl position and its partially throttled position. At the termination of the washing cycle the valve will be returned to its partially throttled position since as stated above diaphragm 190 will always deflect by the same amount and then return to its normal undeflected position regardless of the location of valve 12' at the commencement of the cycle.
A modified form of the invention is shown in FIG. 13. Herein a manually operated washer is employed in place of the electrically actuated washer of FIG. 7. In this form of the invention a suction bulb or bellows 24 is located on the floor board 420 of the passenger compartment of the vehicle proximate to the head light dimmer switch. Conduit 32 connects the bellows and the washer while foot operated lever 27, pivoted at 28 overlies the bellows. When the operator desires to clear the windshield he depresses lever 27 causing a similar depression of the bellows. Release of the lever causes fluid to be drawn from reservoir 240, past valve 33 into the bellows. When the lever is again depressed the fluid is ejected from the bellows to the nozzles and chamber 280. The remainder of the washing cycle is as described above. For a more detailed description of the washer employed in this form of the invention resort may be had to Patent 2,717,556 issued September 13, 1955.
In the form of the invention disclosed in FIGS. l4, l5 and 16, lever 27" is provided with an integral arm 40 to which the wire of Bowden cable 180' is directly tied. The casing of cable 18 is held stationary by means of collar 45' rigid with the lever mounting plate 29. The opposite end of the wire 181 of cable 184) is tied to the casing 14 in a manner identical to that disclosed above; ratio of the length of lever 27 to arm 40 is such that a full depression of the lever will cause the arm to swing an amount suflicient to move valve 121 a distance equal to that between its OE and full on positions. As in the previously disclosed forms of the invention, the valve will be moved this distance regardless of its initial position, and will be returned to its initial position at the termination of the washing cycle. It should further be noted that herein a direct mechanical connection exists between the lever and valve with no reliance being placed upon' The . 19 ment of fluid application to the windshield, the top speed operation of the wipers, the termination of fluid flow after a predetermined amount of liquid has been delivered, and the subsequent return of the wipers to the exact condition of operation prevailing prior to the commencement of the washing cycle all takes place automatically. The operator need only momentarily close a switch or depress a lever, neither operation requiring the distraction of the operators attention from the road.
Accordingly,rit is seen that the instant invention fully accomplishes the aforesaid objects and provides a highly practical, relatively simple and completely reliable window cleaning system. While certain preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail herein as best illustrating the invention, it is to'be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the details thereof, and it is intended that this invention be defined by the scope of the appended claims.
Having fully disclosed and completely described this invention, together with its mode of operatiom'what is claimed as new is: v
l. A windshield clearing system for automotive vebicles comprising, a wiper, avariable speed motor for driving said wiper to and, fro across an associated windshield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windsh eld, means for delivering fluid under pres-sure to said nozzle, a first control means for setting said motor in operation at a desired-speed and independently of said fluid delivery means, and a second control means including hydrostatic means responsive to actuation of said fluid delivery means and mechanically tied to said first control means for causing said motor to' run at top speed automatically concurrently with operation of said fluid delivery means. 7
2. A'windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a wiper, a variable speed motor for driving said wiper to and fro across an associated windshield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward said windshield, means for delivering the fluid under pressure to said nozzle, a first control'means for setting the motor in operation at a desired speed and independently of said pressure means, and a second control means mechanically tied to said first control means and including hydrostatic means for causing said motor to run at top speed concurrently with the actuation of said pressure means, at the termination of the washing operation said second control means returning said motor to the speed of operation prevailing prior to the actuation of said pressure means.
3. A windshield cleaning system for automotive vehicles comprising, a wiper, a variable speed motor for driving said wiper to and fro across an associated wind shield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, a reservoir for storage of fluid, means including an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a manually returning said motor to the speed of operation prevailing prior to the depression of said suction bulb.
4. A windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a wiper, a variable speed motor for driving said wiper to and fro across an associated windshield, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward said windshield, a reservoir for storage of the fluid, an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to the reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the nozzle, a first control means for setting the motor in operation at a desiredfspeed, a lever for depressing the suction bulb so as to eject the fluid con- V tained therein, -a second control means mechanically tied a tea portion of said lever for setting the motor in operpressure on said movable wall member for pushing said second cable'wire into its casing, said, second cable casing being of coiled form wound with suflicient tightness to cause said second cable wire to efiect movement of said first cable as a unitfor moving said control valve to full running position While stretching apart as necessary to I accommodate further pushing of said second cable wire reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said res- I V ervoir to said nozzle, a first control means for setting said motor in operation at a desired speed independently pfsaid fiuid delivery means, and a second control means mechanically tied to said first control means and automatically operableto cause'said motor to run at. top speed concurrently with the delivery of fluid by said suction bulb, a predetermined time after the termination of the washing operation said second control means returning'said motor to the speed of operation prevailing pniorto such delivery of fluid. t
.6. A window cleaning system comprising a wiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across awindow surface, a motor control valvemovable between parked and full running positions, stop means preventing movement of said;control valve beyond full running position, first control means comprising a cable and a control member for selectively moving said control valve, said cable comprising a wire movable Within a fleXible casing and operatiyely connected at one end to said control valve and at, its other end to said control member, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control means including a second control member for selectively actuating said washer unit, .andmeans responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating a wiper operation during the washer operation, said last-named 'means comprising ,a
second cable having a wire movable within a casing, said secondwire being operatively connected at its opposite ends to said first cable casing and to said second control emperrdr' being pushed by the latter into said second casing, said second casing being of coiled form wound with a suificient degreetof tightness to.constrain said second wire to move said first cable and said control valve as a unit while resiliently yielding by spreading apart to accommodate further pushing of said second wire therein after said control valve is in full running position, whereby to prevent relative movementrin said first control means, andmeans for-retracting said second wire through its casingfto restore said control valve to its position prior to actuation of the washer unitas determined by said first control member.
7. Awindowcleaning system comprising acwiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across a window surface, a
c niotorcontrol valve movable between parked and full run.- ning position, stop means preventing movement of 'said control valvebey ond full running position, first control means comprising a first cable and a first control member rarseneavaymnng said control valve, said first cable comprising a wire movable withinaflexible casing and op- -era tively connected atone end to said control valve and at its other end to said first control member, a washer unit Having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control .means including a second con- .trol imember forfs elective'ly actuating. said washer unit, and means responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating a wiper operation during the washes operation, said last-named means comprising a second cable having a wire movable within a casing, said end thereof to said first cable casing and at its opposite end to a movable-wall member, means responsive to .actuation' of saidwasher unit for creating an operating second cable wire being :operatively connected atone" 'full running positions, stop means preventing movement of said control valve beyondfull running position, a first control cable comprising a wire slidable within a casing.
and operatively connected at one end to said control valve, a first control member operatively connected to the other end of said wire for sliding the same within said casing to selectively position said control valve, said first cable being arranged at its end adjacent said motor for movement as aunit, a reservoir for washing fluid, a pumpsfor washing fluid comprising tacollapsible bellows member, a discharge nozzle arrangedfor depositing washing fluid o'ntthe vehicle windshield, means including check valve means whereby said bellows member will take in a charge of fluid from said reservoir when expanded and will deliver the sameto said discharge nozzle when collapsed, a second'control member for collapsing said bellows to selectively initiate a washing'operation, and'means for initiating a wiper operation automatically upon initiating a washer operation comprising a second control cable having a casing of coiled form and a wire slidable therein, said second cable wire being operatively connected at .one end to said first cable casing and at its other end to said second control member for being pushed thereby into said second casing upon movement of said second control member to compress said bellows and initiate a washer operation, said second cable casing being of sufiicient strength :to cause said second cable wire to move said first cable as a unit and thereby slide said control valve to full running position while being wound with a degree of tightness below that required to produce relative movement in said first cable, the convolutions of said second cable casing spreading apart as necessary to accommodate continued pushing of said second cable wire therein uponsaid control valve reaching its full running position, and ,means automatically retracting said second cable wire to subsequently restore said control valve to its original position as determined by said first control member. I V
v} 9. A window cleaning system com prising, in combination a wiper unit having-a wiper and means including a motor for driving said wiper, motor control means movable -between full on and ofi positions, first actuating meansfor moving said control means between on and ofi positions to selectively actuate said wiper unit, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window in the path of said wiper, second actuating means for selectively actuating said washer unit, said first ac tuating means being operableindependently of said second actuating means, and means responsive to actuation of .saidwasher unit by said second actuating means for movbeing pushed through said casing to move said control 13 unit and said casing resiliently expanding to accommodate further pushing of said wire therein when said control means is in full on position.
10. A window cleaning system comprising a wiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across a window surface, a motor control valve slidable on the motor casing between parked and full running positions, first stop means carried by said motor casing, first control means 14. shield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, means for delivering fluid under pressure to said nozzle, a first control means operatively connected to said control valve for moving the same relative to said seat to set said motor in operation at a desired speed independently of said fluid delivery means, and a second control means responsive to actuation of said fluid delivery means and mechanically tied to said first comprising a cable and a control member for selectively moving said control valve, said cable comprising'a wire movable within a flexible casing and operatively connected at one end to said control valve and at its other end to said control member, second stop means carried by said wire for abutting said first stop means to prevent movement of said control valve beyond full running position, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control means for selectively actuating said washer unit, and means responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating wiper operation during washer operation, said last-named means being operatively connected to said cable casing and operable to move said cable bodily as a unit for moving said control valve from its position as determined by said first control member to full running 7 position and then back again while being inoperable to overcome the friction in said first control means and cause relative movement therein.
11. A window cleaning system comprising a wiper motor adapted for driving a wiper across a window surface,
a motor control valve movable between parked and full running positions, stopmeans preventing movement of said control valve beyond full running position, first control means comprising a cable and a control member for selectively-moving said control valve, said cable comprising a wire movable within a flexible casing and operatively connected at one end to said control valve and at its other end to said control member, a washer unit having means for delivering washing fluid to a window surface, second control means for selectively actuating said washer unit, and means responsive to operation of said washer unit for automatically initiating wiper operation during washer operation, said last-named means being operable to move said cable bodily 'as a unit for moving said control valve from its position as determined by said first control member to full running position and then back again and comprising a rod clamped adjacent one end thereof to said cable casing, a movable wall member operatively connected to said rod adjacent the opposite end thereof for moving the same, means for producing a fluid pressure differential on said wall member in response to operation r of said washer unit for moving said wall member in one direction to push said rod and move said control valve to full running position, and spring means biasing said wall member for return movement in the opposite direction, said spring means being designed to provide in conjunc tion with said pressure differential a total operating pressure against said wall member suflicient to move said cable and said control bodily as a unit while being less than that required to produce relative movement in said cable, together with adjustable bleed means for relatively slowly relieving the fluid pressure differential on said wall member, and valve means operable upon predetermined return movement of said wall member by the action of said spring means to quickly equalize the fluid pressure on opposite sides of said wall member.
12. A windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a valve seat, a control valve slidable on said seat, the crosssection of a portion of at least one of said passageways adjacent said valve seat being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways to enable overtravel of said control valve beyond its full on position relative to said valve seat substantially without restricting said one passageway, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windcontrol means for causing the same to move said control valve relative to said seat to cause said motor to run at top speed automatically concurrently with the actuation of said fluid deliveryzmeans.
13. A windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the cross-section of the seat portion of at least one of said passageways being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward said windshield, means for delivering the fluid under pressure to said nozzle, a first control means for moving said valve on said seat to set the motor in operation at a desired speed and independently of said pressure means, and a second control means operatively connected to said first control means and including hydrostatic means for moving said valve on said seat to cause said motor to run at top speed concurrently with the actuation of said pressure means, at the termination of the washing operation said second control means returning said motor to the speed of operations prevailing prior to the actuation of said pressure means, said larger passageway portion enabling overtravel of said valve on said seat substantially without restricting said one passageway.
14. A windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through i a valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the
cross-section of the seat portion of at least one of said passageways being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windsheild, a reservoir for storage of fluid, an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a first manually operable control means for moving said valve on said seat to set said motor in operation at a desired speed, and a sec- Y 0nd control means mechanically tied to said first control means for causing the same to move said valve on said seat to cause said motor to run at top speed whenever said suction bulb is depressed, at the termination of the washing operation said second control means returning said motor to its speed of operation prevailing prior to the depression of said suction bulb, said larger passageway portion enabling overtravel of said valve on said seat substantially without restriction of said one passageway.
15. A windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the cross-section of the seat portion of at least one of said pasageways being larger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, a reservoir for storage of fluid, means including an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a first control means operatively connected to said control valve for moving the same on said seat and thereby setting said motor in operation at a desired speed, a lever for depressing said suction bulb so as to eject the fluid contained therein, a second control means mechanically tied to a portion of said lever and to said first control means for moving said, valve on said seat and thereby setting said ,motor in operation at top speed whenever said lever is depressed, upon release of said lever said second control means returning said motor to its speed of operation prevailing prior to the depression of said suction bulb, said larger passageway portion enabling overtravel of said valve on said seat substantially without restriction of said one passageway.
16. A windshield clearing system for automotive. ve-
hicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the crosssection of the seat portion of at least one of said passageways beinglarger than the cross-sections of said other passageways, a wiper operatively connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated windshield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the windshield, a reservoir for storage of fluid, means including an operator operated suction bulb operatively connected to said reservoir for delivering fluid under presa valve seat, a control valve movable on said seat, the
cross-section of the seat portion of at least one of said pas sageways being larger than thetcross-sectio'ns of said other passageways, a wiper operative'ly connected to said motor so as to be driven to and fro across an associated winda shield by said motor, a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid toward the Windshield, electrically actuated means for delivering the fluid under pressure to the nozzle, and control means including hydrostatic means for moving said valve on said seat and thereby setting the motor in opera-v tion at top speed when said pressure means commences to deliver fluid, a predetermined time after the termination of motor to the speed of operation prevailing prior to the delivery of fluid by said pressure means said larger passage- 7 way portion enabling over'travel of said valve on said seat substantially without restriction of said one passageway.
17. A windshield clearing system for automotive vehicles comprising, a variable speed fluid operated motor having a plurality of fluid passageways opening through a the washing operation said control means returning said sure from said reservoir to said nozzle, a first control means operatively connected to said control valve for moving the same on said seat, and thereby setting said motor in operation at a desired speed, and a second control means responsive to operation of said suction bulb for moving said valve on said seat and thereby causing said motor to run at top speed automatically concurrently with p the delivery of fluid by said suction bulb, a predetermined time after the termination of the washing cycle said second control means returning said motor to its speed of operation prevailing prior .to the delivery of fluid said larger passageway portion enabling overtravel of said valve on said seat substantially without restriction of said one passageway. 1
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Oishei Mar. 17, 1959
US748558A 1958-07-07 1958-07-07 Windshield cleaning system Expired - Lifetime US3041652A (en)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2206814A (en) * 1935-08-12 1940-07-02 Trico Products Corp Windshield clearing system
US2617136A (en) * 1945-08-10 1952-11-11 Trico Products Corp Motor vehicle accessory system
US2712147A (en) * 1950-07-25 1955-07-05 Milo H Olin Windshield wiping and cleaning apparatus
US2743473A (en) * 1952-07-03 1956-05-01 Trico Products Corp Combined washer and windshield cleaner
US2769194A (en) * 1953-09-30 1956-11-06 Trico Products Corp Windshield clearing system
US2877485A (en) * 1953-09-30 1959-03-17 Trico Products Corp Windshield clearing system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2206814A (en) * 1935-08-12 1940-07-02 Trico Products Corp Windshield clearing system
US2617136A (en) * 1945-08-10 1952-11-11 Trico Products Corp Motor vehicle accessory system
US2712147A (en) * 1950-07-25 1955-07-05 Milo H Olin Windshield wiping and cleaning apparatus
US2743473A (en) * 1952-07-03 1956-05-01 Trico Products Corp Combined washer and windshield cleaner
US2769194A (en) * 1953-09-30 1956-11-06 Trico Products Corp Windshield clearing system
US2877485A (en) * 1953-09-30 1959-03-17 Trico Products Corp Windshield clearing system

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