Abstract:
A wiper has a wiper arm having first and second ends. A leaf spring urges the wiper arm and a compliant force distribution arrangement toward the surface, and a mounting arrangement couples the first end of the wiper arm and the leaf spring element to a source of motion. The wiper arm has a first end coupling the first end of the wiper arm member to a source of motion, and a compliant force distributor is coupled to the second end, having plural resilient beam members integrally formed with each other and adapted to engage a wiper blade. A wiper mount has a mounting element having a mounting portion coupled to a source of motion and a drive portion for engaging the wiper arm. The leaf spring element also has a mounting portion coupled to the source of motion, and has a drive portion for engaging the wiper arm.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to arrangements for wiping a liquid from a surface, and more particularly, to a wiper arrangement that is biased against the surface to be wiped at the source of wiper motion. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Wiper arrangements, particularly for vehicle glass, typically are formed of metal and have a mounting portion that mounts onto a source of motion, such as a wiper motor post. The mounting portion is coupled to a wiper arm by a hinge, and the wiper arm is then coupled to a wiper blade support, and ultimately to a wiper blade. A helical spring that is coupled at one end thereof to the mounting portion and at a distal end to the wiper arm serves to urge the wiper arm toward the vehicle glass. The combination of the interconnecting hinge and the helical spring accommodate out-of-plane displacement of the wiper blade as it follows the non-planar contour of the vehicle glass. 
         [0005]    The conventional coupling between the metal wiper arm and the wiper blade support is a latching arrangement that also functions as a hinge. In addition, the conventional wiper blade support typically is formed of hinged arms, whereby a conventional wiper arrangement will have five hinge joints. 
         [0006]    In addition to mechanical complexity, conventional wiper arrangements suffer from stylistic shortcomings. Modern automobiles are stylistically incongruent with the mechanically complex presentation of conventional wipers. This is particularly true of rear window and other wiper arrangements that are not parked when not in use, and therefore are continuously visible. 
         [0007]    There is, therefore, a need for a mechanically simpler wiper arrangement that conforms stylistically to modern principles of vehicle styling, while meeting the aerodynamic demands imposed by high air speeds. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The foregoing is met by this invention which provides a wiper arrangement for a surface. The wiper arrangement includes a wiper arm member having first and second ends. A mounting arrangement disposed on the first end of the wiper arm for coupling the first end of the wiper arm member to a source of motion. A compliant wiper force distribution arrangement is coupled to the second end of the wiper arm member and has a plurality of resilient beam members that are integrally formed with each other. The plurality of resilient beam members are adapted to engage a wiper blade. In one embodiment, the wiper arm member and the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement are integrally formed. In a further embodiment, the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement is provided with a resilient beam member. In embodiments where a plurality of resilient beam members are provided, such plural resilient beam members are optionally configured as respective resilient triangles. In an advantageous embodiment, the wiper arm member and the mounting arrangement are integrally formed. 
         [0009]    In a practicable embodiment of the invention the mounting arrangement is pivotally coupled to the first end of the wiper arm member so as to facilitate angular translation of the wiper arm member in directions away and toward the surface. This accommodates for translation of the wiper arrangement in response to variations in the contour of the surface that is to be wiped. In one embodiment, the mounting arrangement is formed of a metallic material. 
         [0010]    In a highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is further provided a leaf spring element that is coupled at a first end thereof to the mounting arrangement for urging the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement in the direction of the surface. The leaf spring element engages at its first end with the mounting arrangement for urging the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement laterally across the surface. The leaf spring urges the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement in the direction of the surface with a force that had been predetermined in its magnitude in response to a resilience characteristic of the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement. In embodiments of the invention wherein the surface has a non-linear contour, the leaf spring element urges the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement in the direction of the surface with a force adequate to maintain contact between the compliant force distribution arrangement and the non-linear contour of the surface throughout a wipe cycle. 
         [0011]    A fastener engages the wiper arm member to the source of motion. Moreover, the leaf spring element is biased toward the surface in response to engagement of the fastener with the source of motion. In one embodiment, the leaf spring element is configured to be accommodated within the wiper arm member. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments of the invention, the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement is configured to apply a non-uniform force to the surface. The wiper arm member is provided with an elongated portion intermediate of the first and second ends, and there is further provided a hinge element for coupling the elongated portion to the first end. An actuatable locking element having locked and unlocked positions, is provided in some embodiments for preventing the elongated portion of the wiper arm member from being urged in a direction away from the surface when the actuatable lock is in the locked position. 
         [0013]    In embodiments of the invention that are used for vehicles, the surface is a translucent surface of a vehicle, such as a windshield, a rear window, a headlight lens, etc. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a further apparatus aspect of the invention, there is provided a wiper arrangement having a compliant wiper force distribution arrangement. The wiper arrangement includes a wiper arm member having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. A leaf spring element urges the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement in the direction of the surface. Additionally, a mounting arrangement couples the first end of the wiper arm member and the leaf spring element to a source of motion. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment of this further apparatus aspect, there is provided a compliant wiper force distribution arrangement that is coupled to the second end of the wiper arm member. The compliant wiper force distribution arrangement has a plurality of resilient beam members that are integrally formed with each other. The plurality of resilient beam members are adapted to engage a wiper blade. In a highly advantageous embodiment the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement is integrally formed with the wiper arm member. 
         [0016]    There is further provided in some embodiments a decorative cover that is arranged to overlie first end of the wiper arm member and the source of motion. Such a cover affords a pleasing appearance that conforms to modern vehicle styling. 
         [0017]    In accordance with a still further apparatus aspect of the invention, there is provided a wiper mounting arrangement for a wiper having an elongated wiper arm. The wiper mounting arrangement includes a mounting element having a mounting portion thereof adapted for coupling to a source of wiper motion and a drive portion for engaging the elongated wiper arm. Additionally, a leaf spring element is provided having a mounting portion thereof adapted for coupling to a source of wiper motion and a drive portion that engages the elongated wiper arm. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment of this apparatus aspect, the mounting element is configured to engage the leaf spring element to preclude relative motion in the direction of the wiper motion. This is achieved, in some embodiments, by providing the mounting element with a key portion. The leaf spring element is provided with a corresponding key way portion, or a flattened portion, that is configured to engage that key portion of the mounting element. 
         [0019]    In an advantageous embodiment the mounting element is configured to engage pivotally with the elongated wiper arm. In this manner, the elongated wiper arm is afforded limited freedom of motion towards, and away from, the surface to be wiped. 
         [0020]    As previously noted, the leaf spring element biases the elongated wiper arm toward the surface to be wiped. In an advantageous embodiment, a fastener couples the mounting element and the leaf spring element to the source of wiper motion, and serves to bias the elongated wiper arm toward the surface to be wiped. 
         [0021]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wiper arrangement for a surface. The wiper arrangement is provided with a wiper arm member that has first and second ends. In addition, a mounting arrangement is disposed on the first end of the wiper arm for coupling the first end of the wiper arm member to a source of motion. The mounting arrangement imparts a torque to the wiper arm member for urging the wiping motion, and concurrently affords a limited pivoting action for accommodating motion of the wiper arm member toward and away from the surface. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is further provided a compliant wiper force distribution arrangement coupled to the second end of the wiper arm member. The compliant wiper force distribution arrangement has an integrally formed resilient beam member adapted to engage a wiper blade, and in an advantageous embodiment, is formed integrally with the wiper arm member. 
         [0023]    In a further embodiment, the wiper arm member is pivotally displaceable relative to the mounting arrangement. The wiper arm member and the mounting arrangement are configured to engage one another as a hinge. Structurally, the mounting arrangement is provided with a lateral protuberance, and the wiper arm member is provided with a notch for pivotally engaging the lateral protuberance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0024]    Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a simplified plan representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention in which a wiper arm member is integrally formed with a compliant wiper force distribution arrangement; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a is a simplified plan representation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  further showing the wiper arm member mounted on a source of motion and a decorative cap installed on the wiper arm member; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 3   a  to  3   f  are isometric representations of portions of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  illustrating respective stages of assembly of the mounting of the wiper arm member to the source of motion; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 4   a  to  4   f  are side plan representation that correspond to respectively associated ones of  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   f;    
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric representation of the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is an enlargement of a portion of the representation of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a side plan representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention of a wiper arm member that is configured to be coupled to a convention wiper arrangement. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]      FIG. 1  is a simplified plan representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of a wiper arrangement  100  in which a wiper arm member  110  is integrally formed with a compliant wiper force distribution arrangement  130 . As shown in this figure, wiper arm member  110  has a first wiper arm end  115  and a second wiper arm end  120 . A mounting structure  145  is formed at first wiper arm end  115  of the wiper arm member. Mounting structure  145  will be described in greater detail below in connection with  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0033]    Referring once again to  FIG. 1 , compliant wiper force distribution arrangement  130  is shown in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to be formed integrally with wiper arm member  110 . Compliant wiper force distribution arrangement  130  is shown to have a plurality of first resilient beam members  135   a,    135   b,  and  135   c,  and a further plurality of second resilient beam members  137   a,    137   b,  and  137   c.  The first and second resilient beam members couple to respectively associated ones of wiper blade receiving terminations  139   a ,  139   b,  and  139   c.  The operation of compliant wiper force distribution arrangement  130  is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,272, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0034]    It is to be understood that the practice of the invention is not limited to the number and arrangement of first and second resilient beam members presented in the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention that has been selected herein to be described. More specifically, any number of resilient beam members can be employed in the practice of the invention, as few as one or none, depending upon the wiping application to which the invention is applied. It is further to be understood that the wiper arm member and the compliant wiper force distribution arrangement need not be formed integrally. As will be described below, particularly in connection with  FIG. 7 , the wiper arm member of the present invention can be used to engage with any conventional wiper blade support arrangement using a conventional form of coupler. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a is a simplified plan representation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  further showing the wiper arm member  110  mounted on a mounting post  220  and a decorative cap  210  installed on the wiper arm member. Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. As will be described in detail below, decorative cap  210  is provided to cover the mounting system and thereby provide an aesthetic presentation consistent with modern automotive styling. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 3   a  to  3   f  are isometric representations of portions of wiper arrangement  100  that are useful to illustrate respective stages of assembly of the mounting of the wiper arm member  110  to mounting post  220 . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. It is to be understood that  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   f  do not represent a sequence of assembly of the wiper arrangement of the invention, and are presented solely as illustrative of the spatial relationship between the elements of structure. As shown in  FIG. 3   a , a source of motion, particularly of the type employed in automotive applications, is in the form of a mounting post  220  that has a coupling portion (not specifically designated) that has a splined region  310  and a threaded portion  312 . As is known, mounting post  220  operates by rotating about its longitudinal axis (not specifically designated) in a cyclically reversible manner to effect the wiping motion. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3   b  shows a mountable drive element that is generally designated in the figure as item  320 , having a coupling portion  321  with substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b  extending therefrom in opposing directions. Mountable drive element  320  additionally has an extended driving portion  323  that projects outward from coupling portion  321  in a direction transverse to substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b.  Mountable drive element  320  has at coupling portion  321  an aperture (not shown in this figure) that, when installed as shown on mounting post  220 , surrounds splined region  310  and in some embodiments, part of threaded portion  312 . As shown, extended driving portion  323  is tapered along its axis to enable pivoting of wiper arm member  110  with respect to mounting post  220 , as will be described below. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3   c  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 3   b  with the addition of a leaf spring  330  installed on mounting post  220  so as to overlie mountable drive element  320 . Leaf spring  330  has an aperture therethrough (not specifically designated in this figure) that accommodates threaded portion  312  of mounting post  220 . In addition, leaf spring  330  has a portion in the vicinity of the aperture that is configured to communicate with an indexing protuberance  324  that extends upwardly in the figure from coupling portion  321  of mountable drive element  320  and functions as a keyway. The communication between indexing protuberance  324  and leaf spring  330  ensures that leaf spring  330  remains substantially parallel to extended driving portion  323 , as will be described below in connection with  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3   d  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 3   c  with the addition of wiper arm member  110 . As shown, mountable drive element  320  and leaf spring  330  engage with mounting structure  145  at first wiper arm end  115  of wiper arm member  110 . The engagement between mounting structure  145  and substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b  will be described below in connection with  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3   e  shows the arrangement of  FIG. 3   d  with the addition of a fastener  350  that is installed threadedly on threaded portion  312  of mounting post  220 . The tightening of fastener  350  urges mountable drive element  320  onto splined region  310  of mounting post  220  thereby ensuring a coupling that can transfer to wiper arm member  110  the torque that is necessary to effect the wiping motion. In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, fastener  350  is a locking or castle nut that, when tightened, tends to lock removably onto threaded portion  312 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 3   f  shows that there has been installed over mounting structure  145  decorative cap  210  that effects an aesthetically pleasing termination to the assembly. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4   a  to  4   f  are side plan representations that correspond to respectively associated ones of the isometric representations of  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   f . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric representation of the specific illustrative embodiment of the invention of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 6  is an enlargement of a portion of the representation of  FIG. 5 . Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarly designated. As shown in these figures, mountable drive element  320  is shown to have a mounting through aperture  510 . Also, leaf spring  330  has a leaf spring through aperture  520 . Mounting through aperture  510  of mountable drive element  320  and leaf spring through aperture  520  of leaf spring  330  are shown to be axially aligned with mounting post  220  and with the aperture (not specifically designated) of fastener  350 . In some embodiments of the invention splined region  310  of mounting post  220  is formed of a harder material than coupling portion  321  of mountable drive element  320 . Thus, when fastener  350  is tightened onto threaded portion  312  of mounting post  220 , the splines splined region  310  embed themselves into the inside surface of mounting through aperture  510  of mountable drive element  320 , thereby improving the transmission of torque to mountable drive element  320 . 
         [0044]    The transmission of torque from mounting post  220  to leaf spring  330  is enhanced by indexing protuberance  324  of coupling portion  321  of mountable drive element  320 . Indexing protuberance  324  communicates with a flattened portion  522  of leaf spring  330 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 5 and 6  additionally show that mounting structure  145  of wiper arm member  110  has a wiper arm member through aperture  525 . When assembled, wiper arm member through aperture  525  accommodates mounting post  220  therethrough. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows that mounting structure  145  of wiper arm member  110  is provided with circular notches  530   a  and  530   b  that accommodate substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b,  respectively, of coupling portion  321  of mountable drive element  320 . Such coupling enables a pivoting, or hinge-like action between wiper arm member  110  and mountable drive element  320  that serves to accommodate displacement of the wiper arm member as it is urged over the contour of the surface being wiped (not shown). As previously noted, extended driving portion  323  is tapered to facilitate the pivoting or hinge-like action between wiper arm member  110  and mountable drive element  320 . 
         [0047]    In some embodiments of the invention, substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b  additionally serve to impart a wiping torque to wiper arm member  110 . It is to be noted that the engagement of mountable drive element  320  with splined region  310  precludes mountable drive element  320  from pressing against wiper arm member  110  at wiper arm member through aperture  525 . Thus, wiper arm member  110  is, as noted above, permitted a slight pivoting motion toward and away from the surface (not shown) to be wiped, and essentially floats beneath mountable drive element  320 , such flotation being limited by the engagement between substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b  and circular notches  530   a  and  530   b.  Leaf spring  330 , however, is firmly urged against mountable drive element  320  by the tightening of fastener  350 , such tightening serving to urge leaf spring  330  in the direction toward the surface that is to be wiped. 
         [0048]    Referring once again to wiper arm member through aperture  525 , this aperture is, in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, not precisely round and slightly larger that the dialer of mounting post  220 . The aperture is a close fit to the mounting post along the axially parallel sides of the aperture, but is slightly elongated along the axis to accommodate a slight pivoting action. In a practical embodiment of the invention, wiper arm member through aperture  525  is configured to allow wiper arm member  110  to pivot about substantially cylindrical protuberances  322   a  and  322   b  by approximately between 5° and 7°. In addition, in some embodiments, wiper arm member through aperture  525  is slightly tapered (conical) to enable such pivotal displacement. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a side plan representation of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention of a wiper arm arrangement  700  having a wiper arm member  710  with a first end  715  and a second end  720 . First end  715  has mounting structure  145  formed therewith, as previously described in connection with  FIGS. 1 and 3   d . In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, second end  720  of wiper arm member  710  is configured to have a conventional hook  725  that is configured to be coupled to a convention wiper arrangement (not shown). Thus, the wiper arm member of the present invention is not limited to the inclusion of a compliant force distribution arrangement, or to the integral formation of a compliant force distribution arrangement. 
         [0050]    Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art may, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the invention described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.