WO2019177530A1

WO2019177530A1 - Windshield wiper device

Info

Publication number: WO2019177530A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Morgan Colling; Nadim BOUCHOUIKA; Göran Ramfelt; Pierre Jacobsson
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2018-03-16
Filing date: 2019-03-15
Publication date: 2019-09-19
Also published as: SE542353C2; SE1850299A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a windshield wiper device (W) comprising a drive unit (10) coupled to a drive shaft (12) and a link arm configuration (30) for a first and second wiper blade (42a, 42b). The link arm configuration (30) is rotatably arranged to the drive shaft (12) by means of and via a rotation arm (20) arranged to rotate about a rotation axis (X) of the drive shaft (12). The first wiper blade (42a) is mounted pivotally about a first pivoting axis (P1) and the second wiper blade (42b) is mounted pivotally about a second pivoting axis (P2) to the link arm configuration (30) so that a tandem wiping motion of the wiper blades (42a, 42b) is obtained when the rotation arm (20) is rotated. One of the first and second pivoting axis (P1, P2) is displaceable so as to extend the wiping surface of the corresponding wiper blade (42a, 42b) in the vertical position of the wiper blade. The present invention also relates to a vehicle.

Description

WINDSHIELD WIPER DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a windshield wiper device for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

Vehicles, and in particular heavy goods vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are usually equipped with a windshield in the front regions of said vehicles. The windshield serves to protect the driver and passengers from weather conditions such as rain and wind. As rain, or water from other sources, impair the visibility for the driver, windshield wipers are commonly used to wipe the windshield by means of a wiper blade swiping over the windshield. Windshield wiper devices and systems are known in the art and typically comprise a drive unit coupled to a wiper shaft via a transmission device, wherein the transmission device rotates the wiper shaft back and forth by means of the power provided by the drive unit. The wiper shaft is further equipped with a link arm configuration to which a wiper blade suitable for the particular vehicle can be mounted. Windshield wiper devices and systems may be designed in several ways depending on the vehicle. Said wiper devices and systems may have a link arm configuration with one wiper arm and wiper blade swiping over the majority of the windshield, or a plurality of wiper arms and wiper blades, wherein each arm and blade covers separate portions of the windshield. Usually the speed of the movement of the wiper device may be controlled by means of a control unit, which control unit typically has a user interface within reach of the driver operating the vehicle. One of the most common types of windshield wiper device utilized a tandem mechanism driven by a single drive unit. Such a solution has the advantage that only a single drive unit is required for operating the windshield wiper device. The single drive unit is coupled to a drive shaft and a link arm configuration for a first wiper blade and a second wiper blade. Pivoting axis are typically located at the centre and driver’s side of the vehicle and the arms with the wiper blades are parked along the lower edge of the windshield.

Wiper devices and systems as described above are well designed to wipe an essentially flat surface with good results. However, as aerodynamics is of great importance for the wind resistance affecting the vehicle when driving, the shape of the windshield may not always be essentially flat in shape. To decrease wind resistance and increase the aerodynamic behaviour of vehicles it is more and more common, for heavy goods vehicles in particular, to design the windshield with a sharper curvature, and/or having curved lateral edges to lower said wind resistance.

One issue with the tandem mechanism is that the design restricts the wiper blade on driver side to wipe further out along the corners, i.e. curved lateral edges, due to improper attack angle of wiper blade towards windshield. This will leave the side area of the windshield unwiped. With an essentially rectangular shaped windshield without curved lateral edges, similar problem may also occur since the height of the windscreen will prevent you from arranging the pivoting axis as far out on the driver side as desired, leaving an area far out on the drive side of the windshield unwiped.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a windshield wiper device for a motor vehicle which facilitates wiping further out on the driver side of the windshield when utilizing a tandem mechanism driven by a single drive unit. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle comprising such a windshield wiper device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by windshield wiper device for a motor vehicle and a vehicle, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the windshield wiper device are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a windshield wiper device, for a motor vehicle. The windshield wiper device comprises a drive unit which is coupled to a drive shaft and a link arm configuration for a first wiper blade and a second wiper blade. The link arm configuration is rotatably arranged to the drive shaft by means of and via a rotation arm. The rotation arm is arranged to rotate about a rotation axis of the drive shaft in a rotational plane essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive shaft. The first wiper blade is mounted pivotally about a first pivoting axis to the link arm configuration and the second wiper blade is mounted pivotally about a second pivoting axis to the link arm configuration so that the link arm configuration provides a tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper blades when the rotation arm is rotated by means of the drive unit. The windshield wiper device is configured so that one of the first and second pivoting axis is displaceable so as to extend the wiping surface of the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position of the wiper blade.

Hereby wiping further out on the driver side of the windshield is facilitated when utilizing a tandem mechanism driven by a single drive unit.

According to an embodiment the windshield wiper device further comprises a locking arrangement arranged to provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis with the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade.

By thus preventing rotation about the one pivoting axis with the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade may be obtained in a controlled, efficient and safe way.

According to an embodiment the windshield wiper device further comprises guiding means for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis. By thus providing guiding means for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis efficient control of the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade is obtained, facilitating adapting the displacement to the configuration of the windshield. According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the locking arrangement arranged further being arranged to provide a deactivated state for deactivation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis so as to allow rotation of the one wiper blade and for activation of prevention of displacement so as to allow the rotation about the one pivoting axis, the locking arrangement providing either an activated or a deactivated state.

By thus providing a providing either an activated or a deactivated state efficient and safe control of operation of the windshield wiper device is obtained, providing normal wiping operation, allowing rotation of the one wiper blade together with the rotation of the other wiper blade in the deactivated state and providing the displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade in the activated state.

According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the guiding means is available only when the locking arrangement provides the activated state. Hereby safe operation is facilitated in that the risk of displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding wiper blade when that wiper blade is allowed to rotate is prevented.

According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the guiding means for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis is configured to provide a curved displacement adapted to a curved extended wiping surface of the windshield or to provide a straight displacement adapted to a straight extended wiping surface of the windshield.

Hereby easy and efficient control of the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis is obtained, facilitating adaption to the configuration of the windshield.

According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the guiding means comprises a guide rail.

A guide rail provides easy and efficient control of the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis. A guide rail may be adapted to the configuration of the windshield, i.e. to a curved or straight extended wiping surface of the windshield.

According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the displacement of the one pivoting axis is arranged to be obtained by means of the rotation arm.

By thus utilizing the rotation arm also for the displacement easy operation is facilitated. Thus, utilizing the rotation arm also for the displacement the rotation of the rotation arm by means of the drive unit may be used in the same way independently if normal operation with tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper blades or whether the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade are configured to be essentially horizontally displaced. According to an embodiment the windshield wiper device comprises a control device for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement.

By thus controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement control between normal operation with tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper blades and operation with essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade may be facilitated in an easy and efficient way.

The control device for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to automatically provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis with the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade in connection to activation of washer fluid device for spraying washer fluid on the windshield.

The control device for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to be manually controlled by a vehicle operator by means of an actuator or the like. The control device may thus comprise an actuator for manual activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement. Thus, the activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis with the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade may be manually activated by means of an actuator or the like. The control device for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to automatically provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis with the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade based on the wiping speed provided by the drive unit. Thus, the activated state may be activated at a certain wiping speed.

The control device for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to automatically provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis with the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis and corresponding vertical wiper blade based on the amount of precipitation, e.g. rain, on the windshield.

According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position of the wiper blade providing the extended wiping surface is the one on the driver side of the vehicle.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a windshield wiper device as set out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of a windshield wiper device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device in fig. 2 in a vertical position of wiper blades of the windshield wiper device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3b schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device in fig. 2 wherein one vertically positioned wiper blade has been displaced so as to extend the wiping surface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3c schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device in fig. 2 wherein the displaced wiper blade has been returned from its displaced position to the vertical position in fig. 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3d schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device in fig. 2 in a horizontal position of the wiper blades according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates a locking arrangement of the windshield wiper device in a deactivated state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4b schematically illustrates a locking arrangement of the windshield wiper device in an activated state according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 4c schematically illustrates a locking arrangement of the windshield wiper device in the activated state where the wiper blade has been displaced according to an embodiment of the present invention ;

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a windshield having a curved extended wiping surface; and

Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a perspective view of a windshield having an essentially straight extended wiping surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle V according to the present invention.

The exemplified vehicle V is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle V has a cab 1. The vehicle V1 comprises a windshield 1 a. The windshield 1 a is arranged in the front portion of the cab 1. The windshield 1 a may also be referred to as windscreen.

The vehicle according to the present invention may be any suitable vehicle having a windshield being configured to be provided with a windshield wiper device. The vehicle according to the present invention may thus be a truck, a car, a bus, a boat or the like.

The vehicle is provided with a windshield wiper device W according to an embodiment of the present invention. The windshield wiper device W is arranged in connection to the windshield 1 a for wiping the windshield 1 .

The windshield wiper device W according to the present invention comprises a drive unit 10 which is coupled to a drive shaft and a link arm configuration 30 for a first wiper arm 42 provided with a first wiper blade being arranged to wipe the windshield on the driver side and a second wiper blade, not shown, being arranged to wipe the windshield on the passenger side.

The windshield 1 a has curved lateral edges to lower the wind resistance. An embodiment of such a windshield is illustrated in fig. 5a.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of a windshield wiper device W according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The windshield wiper device W is arranged in connection to a windshield 1 a.

The windshield wiper device W comprises a drive unit 10 which is coupled to a drive shaft 12. According to an embodiment the drive unit 10 comprises the drive shaft 12. The drive shaft 12 is arranged to rotate about a rotation axis X. The windshield wiper device W comprises a rotation arm 20 rotatably arranged to the drive shaft 12. The rotation arm 20 is arranged to rotate about a rotation axis of the drive shaft 12 in a rotational plane essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis X of the drive shaft 12. The rotation arm 20 has a certain extension providing a certain radius when rotated about the rotation axis X of the drive shaft 12. The rotation arm 20 has a first end portion rotatably connected to the drive shaft 12 and an opposite second end portion.

The windshield wiper device W further comprises a link arm configuration 30. The link arm configuration 30 is rotatably arranged to the drive shaft 12 by means of and via the rotation arm 20.

The link arm configuration 30 comprises according to this embodiment a first link arm 32. The first link arm 32 is pivotally connected to the rotation arm 20 via a link L. The first link arm 32 has a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion of the first link arm 32 is pivotally connected to the second end portion of the rotation arm 20 via the link L.

The link arm configuration 30 comprises according to this embodiment a second link arm 34. The second link arm 34 is pivotally connected to the rotation arm 20 via the link L. The first link arm 32 has a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion of the second link arm 34 is pivotally connected to the second end portion of the rotation arm 20 via the link L.

The windshield wiper device W further comprises a first wiper arm 42 being provided with a first wiper blade 42a for wiping of the driver side of the windshield 1 a. The first wiper arm 42 is mounted pivotally about a first pivoting axis P1 to the link arm configuration. Thus, the first wiper blade 42a is mounted pivotally about a first pivoting axis P1 to the link arm configuration. The first wiper arm 42 is mounted pivotally about the first pivoting axis P1 to the first link arm 32. The second end portion of the first link arm 32 is thus pivotally connected to the first pivoting axis P1. The first link arm 32 comprises a first link L1 arranged between the first end portion and opposite second end portion of the first link arm 32. The first link arm 32 is thus pivotally connected to the first pivoting axis P1 and the link L of the rotation arm 20 via the first link L1.

The windshield wiper device W further comprises a second wiper arm 44 being provided with a second wiper blade 44a for wiping of the passenger side of the windshield 1 a. The second wiper arm 44 is mounted pivotally about a second pivoting axis P1 to the link arm configuration. Thus, the second wiper blade 44a is mounted pivotally about a second pivoting axis P1 to the link arm configuration. The second wiper arm 44 is mounted pivotally about the second pivoting axis P2 to the second link arm 34.

The second end portion of the second link arm 34 is thus pivotally connected to the second pivoting axis P2. The second link arm 34 comprises a second link L2 arranged between the first end portion and opposite second end portion of the second link arm 34. The second link arm 34 is thus pivotally connected to the second pivoting axis P2 and the link L of the rotation arm 20 via the second link L2.

The link arm configuration 30 is thus provided for a first wiper blade 42a and a second wiper blade 42b.

The first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a is mounted pivotally about the first pivoting axis P1 to the link arm configuration 30 and the second wiper arm 44 with the second wiper blade 44a is mounted pivotally about the second pivoting axis P2 to the link arm configuration 20 so that the link arm configuration 30 provides a tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper arms 42, 44 with wiper blades 42a, 44a when the rotation arm 20 is rotated by means of the drive unit 10. The windshield wiper device W thus utilizes a tandem mechanism driven by a single drive unit 10, the windshield wiper device W being configured to provide a tandem motion of the wiper blades 42a, 44a during normal operation.

Thus, the rotation arm 20, rotated by means of the drive unit 10, is arranged to rotate about the rotation axis X of the drive shaft 12 in a rotational plane essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis X of the drive shaft 12. During normal operation the rotation of the rotation arm 20 is arranged to provide a tandem motion of the wiper blades 42a, 44a.

During normal operation the rotation of the rotation arm 20 results in the first end portion of the first link arm 32 pivoting about the link L, wherein the second end portion of the first link arm 32 is pivoting about the first pivoting axis P1 , resulting in the first link arm pivoting about the first link L1. The first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a mounted to the first pivoting axis P1 is hereby subjected to a wiping motion between an essentially horizontal position, illustrated in fig. 2, and an essentially vertical position, providing a wiping surface A1 on the outer surface of the windshield 1 a in connection to the driver side of the vehicle.

During normal operation, at the same time as the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a is subjected to the wiping motion, the rotation of the rotation arm 20 results in the first end portion of the second link arm 34 pivoting about the link L, wherein the second end portion of the second link arm 34 is pivoting about the second pivoting axis P2, resulting in the second link arm pivoting about the second link L2. The second wiper arm 44 with wiper blade 44a mounted to the second pivoting axis P2 is hereby subjected to a wiping motion between an essentially horizontal position, illustrated in fig. 2, and an essentially vertical position, providing a wiping surface A2 on the outer surface of the windshield 1 a in connection to the passenger side of the vehicle.

Fig. 3a-d schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device W in fig. 2 in different stages of displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 so as to extend the wiping surface of the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position of the first wiper blade.

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device W in fig. 2 in a vertical position of wiper blades 42a, 44a of the windshield wiper device W according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the vertical position of the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a and vertical position of the second wiper arm 44 with wiper blade 44a as illustrated in fig. 3a, the rotation arm 20 is in an essentially horizontal position with second end portion of the rotation arm 20 pointing toward the centre of the windshield 1 a, i.e. away from the driver side. Hereby the first end portion of the first link arm 32, connected to the link L, is at a position corresponding to a distance further away from the driver side edge of the windshield 1 a.

According to this embodiment the windshield wiper device W further comprises a locking arrangement 50 arranged to provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 with the first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a.

Thus, in order to facilitate horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a so as to extend the wiping surface of the first wiper blade 42a the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is activated by means of the locking arrangement 50. The locking arrangement 50 may be any suitable locking arrangement being operated in any suitable way, e.g. hydraulically, pneumatically, electromechanically or the like.

Fig. 4a-c schematically illustrate an embodiment of a locking arrangement 150. The locking arrangement 50 in fig. 3a-d may according to an embodiment be arranged to be operated in accordance with the locking arrangement in fig. 4a- c. The locking arrangement 50 in fig. 3a-d may according to an embodiment be constituted by a locking arrangement in accordance with the locking arrangement 150 in fig. 4a-c.

When the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is activated with the first vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a is arranged to be essentially horizontally displaced by means of the rotation of the rotation arm 20 so as to extend the wiping surface of the first wiper blade 42. Thus, when the rotation arm 20 continues to rotate the second end portion of the first link arm 32 is alternating between the position further away from the driver side edge of the windshield 1 a to a position closest to the driver side edge of the windshield by each 180 degree turn.

Fig. 3b schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device W in fig. 2 wherein one vertically positioned wiper blade 42a has been displaced so as to extend the wiping surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Thus, here the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is activated with the first vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a. The first wiper blade 42a has been essentially horizontally displaced by means of the rotation of the rotation arm 20 so as to extend the wiping surface of the first wiper blade 42 to an extended wiping surface A3.

The rotation arm 20 has thus rotated 180 degrees from the essentially horizontal position in fig. 3a to an essentially horizontal position with second end portion of the rotation arm 20 pointing toward the driver side. Hereby the first end portion of the first link arm 32, connected to the link L, is at a position corresponding to a distance closest to the driver side edge of the windshield 1 a. During this rotation of the rotation arm 20 the rotation arm 20 and first link arm provides the essentially horizontal displacement of the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a obtaining the extended wiping surface A3. As long as the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is activated the first essentially horizontal displacement of the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a obtaining the extended wiping surface A3 continues providing the extended wiping surface A3.

According to an embodiment the windshield wiper device further comprises guiding means, not shown, for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 . The guiding means may according to an embodiment be comprised in the locking arrangement 50. According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device W the guiding means is available only when the locking arrangement 50 provides the activated state.

According to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device the guiding means for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 is configured to provide a displacement adapted to a the configuration of the extended wiping surface A3 of the windshield 1 a. Thus, according to an embodiment of the windshield wiper device W the guiding means for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 is configured to provide a curved displacement adapted to a curved extended wiping surface A3 of the windshield 1 a or to provide a straight displacement adapted to a straight extended wiping surface 1 a of the windshield.

At the same time the normal wiping motion of the second wiper arm 44 continues. The rotation of the rotation arm 20 results in the first end portion of the second link arm 34 pivoting about the link L, wherein the second end portion of the second link arm 34 is pivoting about the second pivoting axis P2, resulting in the second link arm pivoting about the second link L2. The second wiper arm 44 with wiper blade 44a mounted to the second pivoting axis P2 has hereby, when the rotation arm 20 has rotated 180 degrees from the essentially horizontal position in fig. 3a to an essentially horizontal position with second end portion of the rotation arm 20 pointing toward the driver side, been subjected to a wiping motion between the essentially vertical position, illustrated in fig. 3a, to an essentially horizontal position illustrated in fig. 3b, providing its wiping surface A2 on the outer surface of the windshield 1 a in connection to the passenger side of the vehicle.

Fig. 3c schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device W in fig. 2 wherein the displaced wiper blade 42a has been returned from its displaced position to the vertical position in fig. 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is deactivated with the first vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical and non- displaced position, i.e. the rotation arm 20 pointing away from the driver side edge, the normal wiping motion of the first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a restarts, providing the wiping surface A1. Thus, when the prevention rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is deactivated the normal operation with tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper blades 42a, 44a when the rotation arm 20 is rotated by means of the drive unit 10 is hereby provided.

Fig. 3d schematically illustrates a front view of the windshield wiper device in fig. 2 in a horizontal position of the wiper blades according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flere the prevention rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 is deactivated, wherein the normal operation with tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper blades 42a, 44a when the rotation arm 20 is rotated by means of the drive unit 10 is provided. As illustrated in fig. 3a-d the windshield wiper device may comprise a control device 100 for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement 50.

The control device 100 is operably connected to the locking arrangement 50. The control device 100 for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement 50 may be arranged to automatically provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper blade 42a in connection to activation of washer fluid device, not shown, for spraying washer fluid on the windshield. The control device 100 is hereby operably connected to the washer fluid device via a link. The control device 100 is arranged to receive data about activation of spraying of washer fluid from the washer fluid device. The control device 100 may be arranged to control activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement based on the data about activation of spraying of washer fluid.

The control device 100 for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to be manually controlled by a vehicle operator by means of an actuator or the like. The control device 100 may thus comprise an actuator for manual activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement. Thus, the activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper blade 42a may be manually activated by means of an actuator or the like.

The control device 100 for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to automatically provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper blade 42a based on the wiping speed provided by the drive unit 10. Thus, the activated state may be activated at a certain wiping speed. The control device 100 may hereby be operably connected to the drive unit 10 via a link. The control device 100 is arranged to receive data about wiping speed from the drive unit. The control device 100 may be arranged to control activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement based on the data about wiping speed.

The control device 100 for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement may be arranged to automatically provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper blade 42a based on the amount of precipitation, e.g. rain, on the windshield. The control device 100 may hereby be operably connected to a to a precipitation sensor, not shown, via a link. The control device 100 is arranged to receive data about amount of precipitation, e.g. rain, on the windshield from the precipitation sensor. The control device 100 may be arranged to control activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement based on the data about amount of precipitation, e.g. rain, on the windshield. The windshield wiper device may according to an embodiment comprise a precipitation sensor arranged in connection to the windshield.

Fig. 4a-c schematically illustrates a locking arrangement 150 of the windshield wiper device in deactivated and activated states. Fig. 4a schematically illustrates the locking arrangement 150 of the windshield wiper device in a deactivated state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a is in the vertical position. The rotation arm 20 is in an essentially horizontal position with second end portion of the rotation arm 20 pointing toward the centre of the windshield, not shown, i.e. away from the driver side and hence away from the first pivoting axis P1 . Flereby the first end portion of the first link arm 32, connected to the link L, is at a position corresponding to a distance further away from the driver side edge of the windshield. The locking arrangement 150 comprises guiding means 152 for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1.

The locking arrangement 150 comprises a locking member 152a arranged in connection to the guiding means 152. The locking member 152a is in the deactivated state of the locking arrangement arranged to prevent horizontal displacement of the pivoting axis P1 and hence of the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a. The locking member 152a is in the deactivated state of the locking arrangement 150 locked to the first wiper arm 42, the first wiper arm 42 being pivotally attached to the pivoting axis P1. The locking arrangement 150 comprises a first locking configuration 154 having a first locking recess 154a and a second locking recess 154b.

The locking arrangement 150 comprises a second locking configuration 156 being constituted by a portion of the pivoting axis P1. The second locking configuration 156 has a first locking protrusion 156a, realisably connectable to the first locking recess 154a, and a second locking protrusion 156b, realisably connectable to the second locking recess 154b.

In the deactivated state of the locking arrangement 150 the first locking configuration 154 and the second locking configuration 156 are disconnected from each other so as to allow rotational movement of the pivoting axis P1 about an axis X1 for providing a wiping motion of the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a between the essentially vertical position and the essentially horizontal position as illustrated in e.g. fig. 2.

The locking arrangement 150 is arranged to provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 with the first wiper blade in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and first vertical wiper blade 42a.

The activated state of the locking arrangement 150 is arranged to be provided by applying a force F to the first locking configuration 154 so that the first locking configuration 154 and second locking configuration 156 of the first pivoting axis P1 are lockingly engaged for prevention of rotation of the first pivoting axis P1 about the axis X1. When applying the force F to the first locking configuration 154 the first locking recess 154a will engage with the first locking recess 156a and the second locking recess 154b will engage with the second locking recess 156b so as to provide the activated state of the locking arrangement 150 as illustrated in fig. 4b.

By applying the force F to the first locking configuration 154 the locking member 152a will at the same time disengage from the first wiper arm 42. The first wiper arm 42 will hereby be in connection to the guiding means 152.

Fig. 4b schematically illustrates the locking arrangement 150 of the windshield wiper device in an activated state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Thus, in order to facilitate horizontal displacement of the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a so as to extend the wiping surface of the first wiper blade 42a the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 has been activated by means of the locking arrangement 150.

When the prevention of rotation about the first pivoting axis P1 has been activated with the first vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a in the vertical position the first pivoting axis P1 and vertical first wiper arm 42 with the first wiper blade 42a is arranged to be essentially horizontally displaced by means of the rotation of the rotation arm 20 so as to extend the wiping surface of the first wiper blade 42. Fig. 4c schematically illustrates a locking arrangement 150 of the windshield wiper device in the activated state where the wiper blade 42a has been displaced according to an embodiment of the present invention. The the rotation arm 20 has continued to rotate 180 degrees and is in the essentially horizontal position with second end portion of the rotation arm 20 pointing away from the centre of the windshield, not shown, i.e. towards the driver side and hence towards the first pivoting axis P1. Hereby the first end portion of the first link arm 32, connected to the link L, is at a position corresponding to a distance closer to the driver side edge of the windshield.

During this rotation of the rotation arm 20 the rotation arm 20 and first link arm has provided the essentially horizontal displacement of the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a to an extended vertical position obtaining the extended wiping surface. The guiding means 152 has hereby guided the first wiper arm 42 with wiper blade 42a and hence the pivoting axis P1.

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a windshield 1 a having a curved extended wiping surface A3.

Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a perspective view of a windshield 1 b having an essentially straight extended wiping surface A4.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A windshield wiper device (W), for a motor vehicle (V), which windshield wiper device (W) comprises a drive unit (10) which is coupled to a drive shaft (12), a link arm configuration (30) for a first wiper blade (42a) and a second wiper blade (42b), the link arm configuration (30) being rotatably arranged to the drive shaft (12) by means of and via a rotation arm (20), the rotation arm (20) being arranged to rotate about a rotation axis (X) of the drive shaft (12) in a rotational plane essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis (X) of the drive shaft (12), the first wiper blade (42a) being mounted pivotally about a first pivoting axis (P1 ) to the link arm configuration (30) and the second wiper blade (42b) being mounted pivotally about a second pivoting axis (P2) to the link arm configuration (30) so that the link arm configuration (30) provides a tandem wiping motion between essentially horizontal positions and essentially vertical positions of the wiper blades (42a, 42b) when the rotation arm (20) is rotated by means of the drive unit (20), characterized in that one of the first and second pivoting axis (P1 , P2) is displaceable so as to extend the wiping surface of the corresponding wiper blade (42a, 42b) in the vertical position of the wiper blade.

2. A windshield wiper device according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking arrangement (50; 150) arranged to provide an activated state for activation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2) with the corresponding wiper blade (42a, 42b) in the vertical position so as to allow an essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2) and corresponding vertical wiper blade (42a, 42b).

3. A windshield wiper device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising guiding means (152) for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2).

4. A windshield wiper device according to claim 2 or 3, the locking arrangement (50; 150) arranged further being arranged to provide a deactivated state for deactivation of prevention of rotation about the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2) so as to allow rotation of the one wiper blade (42a, 42b) and for activation of prevention of displacement so as to allow the rotation about the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2), the locking arrangement (50; 150) providing either an activated or a deactivated state.

5. A windshield wiper device according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the guiding means (152) is available only when the locking arrangement (50; 150) provides the activated state.

6. A windshield wiper device according to any of claims 3-5, wherein the guiding means (152) for controlling the essentially horizontal displacement of the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2) is configured to provide a curved displacement adapted to a curved extended wiping surface (A3) of a windshield (1 a) or to provide a straight displacement adapted to a straight extended wiping surface (A4) of a windshield (1 b).

7. A windshield wiper device according to any of claims 3-6, wherein the guiding means (152) comprises a guide rail.

8. A windshield wiper device according to any of claims 1 -7, wherein the displacement of the one pivoting axis (P1 , P2) is arranged to be obtained by means of the rotation arm (20).

9. A windshield wiper device according to any of claims 3-8, comprising a control device (100) for controlling activation and deactivation of the locking arrangement.

10. A windshield wiper device according to any of claims 1 -9, wherein the corresponding wiper blade in the vertical position of the wiper blade providing the extended wiping surface (A3; A4) is the one on the driver side of the vehicle.

1 1 . A vehicle (V) comprising a windshield wiper device (W) according to any of claims 1 -10.