Abstract:
Apparatus for cleaning a window of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes: a fluid extraction opening provided on the vehicle in proximity to the window of the vehicle; a suction pump mounted in the vehicle; and a fluid tight conduit extending between the fluid extraction opening and the suction pump.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for actively drawing fluid from a window of a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Windscreen wipers are an essential component of a vehicle for ensuring the driver has unimpaired vision in all conditions. Windscreen wipers typically comprise rigid arms which sweep back and forth across the windscreen or tailgate glass. The rigid arms are typically configured to support wiper blades which comprise a rubber wiper portion held in contact with the glass of the windscreen or tailgate as the wiper arm sweeps across. 
         [0003]    In wet conditions, wiper blades scrape any water which has settled on the windscreen or tailgate glass to the edge of the glass where it can drain away and does not obstruct the vision of the driver. 
         [0004]    In dry weather, windscreen wipers allow the windscreen to be cleaned of dirt and grease by firstly spraying water onto the windscreen or tailgate glass, then operating the wipers to wipe away the water together with any dirt and grease which has become suspended in the water. 
         [0005]    Even the best conventional wiper blades leave droplets of water on the windscreen or tailgate glass when operating. This may be particularly apparent when the windscreen or tailgate glass is especially dirty or greasy. Over time the performance of the wiper blades deteriorates, as the material of the blade is degraded by dirt, oil, sunlight, ozone and airborne contaminants. When performance of the blade is reduced, the blade does not maintain contact with the glass across the full length of the blade during its full traverse over the windscreen or tailgate glass. Water droplets may therefore remain on the windscreen and may impair the vision of the driver. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a window of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises: a fluid extraction opening provided in the vehicle in proximity to the window of the vehicle; a suction pump mounted on the vehicle; and a fluid tight conduit extending between the fluid extraction opening and the suction pump. 
         [0007]    The term ‘window of a vehicle’ in this specification is intended to encompass any surface of a vehicle and in particular a windscreen, rear screen, tailgate window, side windows, sun roof, mirrors, light lenses or any transparent, translucent or reflective surface of the vehicle. 
         [0008]    The term ‘suction pump’ in this specification is intended to encompass a simple venturi, a venturi pump or any other form of pump such as a piston, rotary or peristaltic pump. 
         [0009]    The suction pump may be air powered, e.g. the suction pump may be powered by a supply of pressurised air. The suction pump may comprise a venturi duct through which air flows; and wherein the outlet of the fluid tight conduit is in fluidic communication with the flow of air at a throat of the venturi duct. The suction pump may comprise a first piston configured to be acted upon by pressurised air and a second piston configured to act upon the flow within the fluid tight conduit; wherein the first and second pistons are mechanically coupled. 
         [0010]    The air may be ram air provided by a ram air source of the vehicle. The air may be bled from a ram air system configured to provide ram air to another system of the vehicle. For example, the air may be bled from an enhanced induction system for an engine of the vehicle. 
         [0011]    The fluid extraction opening may be provided on a wiper blade. The wiper blade may be mounted on the vehicle and may engage the window. 
         [0012]    The apparatus may further comprise a controller, wherein the controller comprises one or more modules configured to determine whether the ram air source is demanded by another system of the vehicle. If the ram air source is demanded by another system of the vehicle, the controller may prevent or delay operation of the suction pump. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a controller for use in the apparatus according to any of the above-mentioned aspects of the disclosure. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for removing water from a window of a vehicle. The method comprises: providing a fluid extraction opening in proximity to the window of the vehicle; providing a suction pump; and providing a fluid tight conduit between the fluid extraction opening and the suction pump. 
         [0015]    The suction pump may be air powered. The method may further comprise supplying pressurised air to the suction pump. 
         [0016]    The pressurised air may be ram air from a ram air source of the vehicle. The pressurised air may be bled from a ram air system configured to provide ram air to another system of the vehicle. For example, the pressurised air may be bled from an enhanced induction system for an engine of the vehicle. 
         [0017]    The method may further comprise determining whether the ram air source is demanded by another system of the vehicle. If the ram air source is demanded by another system of the vehicle, operation of the suction pump may be prevented or delayed. 
         [0018]    The method may further comprise monitoring the presence of water and/or dirt on the vehicle window, and adjusting the operation of the suction pump accordingly. For example by extending or reducing the period over which the suction pump is operating if more or less water and/or dirt is present. 
         [0019]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a vehicle comprising the apparatus according to any of the above mentioned aspects of the disclosure. 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a surface of a vehicle, for example, a window, a lens of a light of the vehicle or a mirror, such as a wing mirror. The apparatus comprises: a fluid extraction opening provided on the vehicle in proximity to the surface; a suction pump mounted on the vehicle; and a fluid tight conduit extending between the fluid extraction opening and the suction pump. 
         [0021]    To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0022]    For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional view of a vehicle wiper assembly according to an example of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a schematic sectional view of a wiper blade for a wiper assembly of a vehicle according to an example of the present disclosure; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional view of a suction pump for a vehicle wiper assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment including a mechanical pump having first and second pistons. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    A vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, may comprise a windscreen  2  and a windscreen wiper assembly  10 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , the vehicle wiper assembly  10 , according to an example of the present disclosure, comprises a wiper arm  12  and a wiper blade  14 . The wiper arm is configured to couple to the wiper blade  14  at a first end of the wiper arm  12 . 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the wiper blade  14  comprises a flexible wiper portion  14   a . The wiper arm  12  and wiper blade  14  are together configured such that the wiper portion  14   a  maintains contact with the windscreen  2 , as the wiper blade is passed across the windscreen  2 . 
         [0029]    In order to maintain contact between the wiper blade  14  and the windscreen  2 , the wiper blade  14  may be pivotally connected to the wiper arm  12 , and the wiper arm  12  may include a resilient element such as a spring (not show) which acts to hold the wiper arm  12  and the wiper blade  14  against the windscreen. The wiper blade  14  itself may be resilient or may comprise one or more resilient elements (not shown) which act to curve the wiper portion  14   a  of the wiper blade  14  in order to adapt it to the shape of the windscreen  2 , and thereby maintain contact between the wiper portion  14   a  and the windscreen  2  across the full length of the wiper blade. 
         [0030]    The wiper assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  further comprises a wiper motor and actuator assembly  16 , which is coupled to a second end of the wiper arm  12 . The wiper motor and actuator assembly  16  is operable to control the movement of the wiper arm  12  to sweep the wiper blade  14  across the windscreen  2 . 
         [0031]    As the wiper blade  14  is moved across the windscreen  2 , the wiper portion  14   a  scrapes across the surface of the windscreen sweeping any water or dirt present on the windscreen toward the sides of the windscreen. Additionally, water may collect on the wiper portion  14   a  as it moves across the windscreen  2  and may run down the wiper blade  14  to the bottom of the windscreen. In this way the wiper assembly  10  acts to maintain good visibility for a driver of the vehicle. 
         [0032]    The driver may operate the windscreen wipers during bad weather for the removal of precipitation such as rain water from the windscreen  2 . The driver may also use the windscreen wipers together with a windscreen washer (not shown) which introduces water or a cleaning solution onto the windscreen, allowing dirt to be loosened by the windscreen wipers and carried away with the water. 
         [0033]    As the wiper blade  14  moves across the windscreen  2 , some of the water which has settled on the windscreen  2  may not be collected by the wiper blade  14 . The wiper blade may sweep over the water without it being scraped to the side of the windscreen. This may be especially likely if the windscreen is dirty or greasy, or if the material of the windscreen wiper blade has begun to deteriorate. If the windscreen wipers are affected by this, water droplets and dirt may remain on the surface of the windscreen and the vision of the driver may be impaired. 
         [0034]    Even when the wiper blades are operating with optimal performance, it is still possible that some small water droplets will be left on the windscreen. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the wiper blade  14 , according to an example of the present disclosure, is provided with one or more openings  102 . The one or more openings  102  are provided on the wiper portion  14   a  of the wiper blade  14 . 
         [0036]    On the wiper blade depicted in  FIG. 2 , the one or more openings  102  comprise a single elongated slot which extends substantially along the full length of the wiper blade  14 . However, it is equally envisaged that the openings  102  could comprise a plurality of discrete openings along part or all of the length of the wiper blade  14 . 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 2 , the opening  102  is depicted on the edge of the wiper blade  14  which is in contact with the windscreen  2  and the opening is located between a leading surface  104  and a trailing surface  106  of the wiper portion  14   a . Additionally or alternatively, the opening  102  may be provided on the leading surface  104  of the wiper blade  14 . Again, additionally or alternatively the opening  102  may be provided on the trailing surface  106  of the wiper blade  14 . The opening  102  may be positioned such that it is closest to any water on the windscreen  2  which has not been collected by the wiper blade as it sweeps across the windscreen. 
         [0038]    One or more channels  108  are provided within the wiper blade  14 . The opening  102  extends into the wiper blade  14  to meet the one or more channels  108 . The opening  102  is thereby in fluidic communication with the one or more channels  108 . 
         [0039]    In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the one or more channels  108  comprise a single channel with a substantially circular cross section which extends along the full length of the wiper blade  14 . It is equally envisaged that the channel  108  may comprise a plurality of channels, and each of the channels may be connected in fluidic communication with a different subset of the openings  102 . For example, the one or more channels  108  could comprise two channels, the first of which is connected to a subset of openings  102  provided on the leading surface  104  of the wiper blade  14  and the second of which is connected to a subset of the openings  102  provided on the trailing surface  106  of the wiper blade. Alternatively, the channels  108  may extend different lengths along the wiper blade  14  and may connect to different subsets of the openings  102  separated along the length of the wiper blade  14 . Alternative configurations are also contemplated. 
         [0040]    In another example, not shown, the leading surface  104 , and/or trailing surface  106  may be discontinuous or comprise one or more recesses, crenulations or serrations, such that the leading and/or trailing surface does not contact the surface of the windscreen  2  continuously along its length. The serrations may comprise triangular shaped cut outs from the leading and/or trailing surface of the wiper portion  14   a . Alternatively the cut outs may be circular, semi-circular, square or any other shape. The serrations may improve the flow of air, water, dirt and/or grease past the leading and/or trailing surfaces of the wiper portion  14   a  and may increase the amount of air, water, dirt and/or grease drawn through the one or more openings  102  and the one or more channels  108 . The serrations may be substantially aligned with the one or more openings  102 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the vehicle wiper assembly  10  further comprises a conduit  18 . The conduit  18  is coupled to the wiper blade  14  and is in fluidic communication with at least one of the one or more channels  108  at a first end of the conduit  18 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1  the conduit  18  comprises a flexible tube, however the conduit  18  may alternatively comprise a rigid tube or pipe, or may comprise a bore formed through a body of the vehicle wiper assembly  10 . 
         [0042]    The conduit  18  is connected, at a second end, to a suction pump  22 . The suction pump  22  is configured to pump air through the conduit  18 , thereby pumping air through the openings  102  and through the channels  18  within the wiper blade  14 . 
         [0043]    In the wiper assembly  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the suction pump  22  comprises a suction pump which is driven by pressurised air. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the pressurised air is supplied by a ram air source  4 . The ram air source may comprise a ram air duct provided on the vehicle. Ram air is supplied to the suction pump  22  via a ram air pipe  26 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the suction pump  22  achieves a pumping effect by passing a flow of ram air over the outlet of the conduit  18 . The ram air passing over the outlet of the conduit  18  is at a greater velocity than the air within the conduit  18 . The static pressure of the ram air is therefore lower than the static pressure of the air within the conduit  18  and at the openings  102 . A pressure difference is therefore created across the conduit  18  which acts to draw air through the conduit  18  from the openings  102  to the suction pump  22 . The suction pump  22 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , therefore comprises no moving components. 
         [0044]    The ram air source  4  may also provide ram air to another system of the vehicle. For example, the ram air duct may be provided as part of an enhanced engine induction system which increases the static pressure within an intake manifold of an engine of the vehicle. Ram air may be bled off from the engine induction system to power the suction pump  22  when the wiper assembly  10  is operating. 
         [0045]    In order to improve the performance of the suction pump  22 , with reference to  FIG. 3 , the suction pump  22  may comprise a venturi duct  302 . The venturi duct comprises an inlet end  302   a  and an outlet end  302   b . The venturi also comprises a narrowing or throat  302   c  between the inlet and outlet ends  302   a ,  302   b . The ram air pipe  26  is connected to the inlet end  302   a  of the venturi duct. The ram air flows through the venturi to the outlet end  302   b . The outlet end  302   b  of the venturi duct may be open to atmosphere. At the throat  302   c  of the venturi duct, the velocity of the flow of ram air is increased due to the narrowing of the duct. The static pressure of the ram air is therefore reduced. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the conduit  18  is connected to the venturi duct  302  at the throat  302   c , and is in fluidic communication with the flow of ram air through the venturi duct. Air is therefore drawn through the conduit  18  by virtue of the reduced pressure at the throat of the venturi  302 . By providing the venturi  302  within the suction pump, the pressure of the ram air at the outlet of the conduit  18 , i.e. at the throat  302   c  is lower compared to the pressure in the arrangement described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The increased pressure difference between the ends of the conduit  18  may lead to greater quantities of air being drawn through the conduit  18  which may lead to more effective removal of water, dirt and/or grease from the windscreen  2 . 
         [0046]    In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the supply of ram air is used to power a mechanical pump  22  which pumps air through the conduit  18 . The mechanical pump  22  may comprise a first piston  402  which is acted upon by the ram air. The piston  402  may be mechanically coupled by connecting rod  404  to a second piston  406  which acts upon the flow within the conduit  18 . An arrangement of valves  408 ,  410 ,  412 ,  414 , such as unidirectional valves, may allow the flow of ram air to be directed to act upon each side of the first piston  402  in an alternating fashion, developing a reciprocating movement of the first and second pistons  402 ,  406 . The valves  408 ,  410 ,  412 ,  414  may be electrically operated. Valves  416 ,  418 , e.g. unidirectional valves, may be provided to ensure the flow within the conduit  18  is pumped in a uniform direction by the second piston  406 . It is also envisaged that the suction pump  22  may comprise any other form of mechanical pump which can be driven by a supply of pressurised air. 
         [0047]    Additionally or alternatively to being powered by ram air, the suction pump  22  may be powered by pressurised air supplied by a mechanical or electric pump. For example, an electric pump may be provided and may supply pressurised air to the suction pump  22  when the speed of the vehicle is too low for ram air to be provided by the ram air source  4 . Additionally or alternatively, if the ram air source also provides ram air to another system of the vehicle, the electric pump may be used to power the suction pump  22  when ram air is required by the other system. Additionally or alternatively, the suction pump  22  may itself comprise a mechanically or electrically driven suction pump or any other suitable pump capable of directly pumping air through the conduit  18 . 
         [0048]    As described previously, during use of the wiper assembly  10 , it is likely that water will be present on the windscreen, at or around the openings  102 . Water is therefore entrained in the flow of air being pumped into the openings  102 . Any dirt or grease suspended in the water is also drawn in through the openings  102 . 
         [0049]    The action of drawing water and dirt and/or grease into the openings  102  during operation of the wiper system  10  reduces the amount of water and/or dirt and/or grease which remains on the windscreen following an operation of the wiper assembly  10 . The quality of vision that the driver has through the windscreen  2  is therefore improved relative to what it would have been with a conventional vehicle wiper assembly. 
         [0050]    A water separator  20  may be provided within the vehicle wiper assembly  10 . In the illustrated example, the water separator  20  is provided on the conduit  18  between its first and second ends, such that water and any suspended dirt and/or grease, which has been entrained in the flow of air through the conduit  18 , can be separated from the flow before it reaches the suction pump  22 . 
         [0051]    A drain pipe  24  is provided in the wiper assembly  10  which carries any separated water, dirt and/or grease away from the water separator  20  to a fluid discharge outlet provided at a suitable drain point on the vehicle. 
         [0052]    Although in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 1 , the water separator  20  is provided on the conduit  18  upstream of the suction pump  22 , it is equally envisaged that the water separator may be provided downstream of the suction pump  22  and the suction pump may be configured to pump the mixture of air and water, dirt and/or grease. Alternatively, the suction pump  22  may comprise the water separator  20 . 
         [0053]    The wiper assembly  10  may further comprise a controller  28 . The controller  28  may comprise one or more modules. In the illustrated example, the controller  28  is operatively connected to the wiper motor and actuator assembly  16  and the suction pump  22 . In use, the controller  28  or one or more modules of the controller coordinate the operation of the wiper motor and actuator assembly  16  and the suction pump  22  such that the suction pump  22  operates only during periods when water is likely to be present at or around the openings  102 , for example whilst the wiper blade  14  is being swept across the windscreen  2 . 
         [0054]    The controller  28  or one or more modules of the controller may also determine whether the ram air source  4  is required by any other systems on the vehicle. For example the controller  28  may determine whether ram air is required to provide enhanced induction for an engine of the vehicle. If the ram air source  4  is required by another system on the vehicle, the suction pump  22  may not be operated by the controller  28 . 
         [0055]    Additionally or alternatively, if the ram air source  4  is required by another system on the vehicle, the controller  28  or one or more modules of the controller may operate a separate mechanical or electric pump to provide a source of pressurised air for the suction pump  22 . Alternatively, if the suction pump  22  comprises a mechanically or electrically powered pump capable of pumping the air within the conduit  18 , the controller  28  or one or more modules of the controller may operate this pump in preference to the suction pump powered by the ram air. 
         [0056]    The wiper assembly  10  may further comprise a water sensor  30  and/or a dirt sensor  32 . In the illustrated example, the water sensor  30  and the dirt sensor  32  are operatively connected to the controller  28 . The controller  28  or one or more modules of the controller  28  may consider sensor readings from the water sensor  30  and/or the dirt sensor  32  when determining how to coordinate the operation of the wiper motor and actuator assembly  16  and the suction pump  22 . For example, if a high level of water is detected, the controller  28  or one or more modules of the controller may extend the duration over which the suction pump  22  is operating. 
         [0057]    Although the invention has been described with reference to a vehicle windscreen, it is equally envisaged that the invention could be applied to a tailgate window, headlight lens, wing mirror, or any other surface of a vehicle from which is it desirable to remove water and/or dirt and/or grease. 
       ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS OF INVENTION 
       [0058]    Statement 1. A wiper assembly for a window of a vehicle, the assembly comprising: 
         [0059]    a wiper blade having a fluid extraction opening; 
         [0060]    a fluid discharge outlet remote from the wiper blade; and 
         [0061]    a fluid tight conduit connecting the fluid extraction opening to the fluid discharge outlet, the fluid tight conduit configured to carry water away from the fluid extraction opening, thereby reducing the amount of water left on the window following wiping and improving visibility for a driver of the vehicle. 
         [0000]    Statement 2. The wiper assembly according to statement Statement 1 further comprising a pump configured to draw air and water into the fluid extraction opening and through the fluid tight conduit of the wiper assembly.
 
Statement 3. The wiper assembly according to statement 1 or 2 further comprising a water/air separator provided upstream of the fluid discharge outlet.
 
Statement 4. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the fluid extraction opening comprises an elongate slot extending along a length of the wiper blade.
 
Statement 5. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the wiper blade comprises one or more internal channels in fluidic communication with the extraction opening and configured to connect the extraction opening to the fluid tight conduit.
 
Statement 6. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements further comprising one or more additional extraction openings.
 
Statement 7. The wiper assembly according to statement 5 further comprising one or more additional extraction openings, wherein each of the one or more internal channels is in fluidic communication with a different one of the extraction openings or a different subset of the extraction openings to the others of the one or more channels.
 
Statement 8. The wiper assembly according to statement 2 or any of statements  3  to  7  when depending upon statement 2, wherein the suction pump is powered by a supply of ram air provided on the vehicle.
 
Statement 9. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the fluid tight conduit comprises a flexible tube.
 
Statement 10. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the wiper blade comprises a leading surface and a trailing surface.
 
Statement 11. The wiper assembly according to statement 10, wherein the leading and/or trailing surface of the wiper blade comprises one or more serrations.
 
Statement 12. The wiper assembly according to statement 11, wherein at least one of the one or more serrations is substantially aligned with the fluid extraction opening.
 
Statement 13. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements further comprising a water sensor, and/or a dirt sensor configured to measure the amount of water and/or dirt present on the surface being wiped.
 
Statement 14. The wiper assembly according to any of the preceding statements when depending upon statement 2, wherein the wiper assembly further comprises a control module configured to coordinate the operation of the suction pump with the operation of an actuation unit, the actuation unit configured to control the motion of the wiper blade.
 
Statement 15. The wiper assembly according to statement 14, wherein the wiper assembly further comprises a second control module configured to monitor the presence of water and/or dirt on the vehicle window, and adjusting the operation of the suction pump accordingly.
 
Statement 16. A controller comprising one or more control modules suitable for use in the wiper assembly according to statement 14 or 15.
 
Statement 17. A method for removing water from a window of a vehicle, the method comprising:
 
         [0062]    providing a wiper blade comprising a fluid extraction opening; and 
         [0063]    a fluid discharge outlet remote from the wiper blade; and 
         [0064]    connecting the fluid extraction opening to the fluid discharge outlet with a fluid tight conduit. 
         [0000]    Statement 18. The method according to statement 17 further comprising: 
         [0065]    providing a suction pump configured to draw air and water through the fluid extraction opening of the wiper blade. 
         [0000]    Statement 19. The method according to statement 18 further comprising:
       coordinating the operation of the suction pump with the operation of an actuation unit configured to control the motion of the wiper blade.
 
Statement 20. The method according to statement 18 or 19 further comprising monitoring the presence of water and/or dirt on the vehicle window, and adjusting the operation of the suction pump accordingly.
 
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.