A pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise and a working method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a pop-up windshield wiper device and its operating method for reducing wind noise. It includes a wiper drive motor fixed to the front spoiler panel, with the wiper drive motor's drive end connected to the wiper blade. It also includes a cover box fixed below the hood, with the rear of the cover box located above the wiper drive motor. A seal is fixed between the front of the front spoiler panel and the bottom of the cover box to fill the gap and prevent rainwater from entering the engine compartment. A cover plate is provided inside the cover box, which can extend out to fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood, or retract into the cover box. When the cover plate extends, the wiper blade can retract into the space enclosed by the front spoiler panel, the cover box, the cover plate, and the windshield. When the wiper is working, the cover plate retracts into the cover box, providing unobstructed movement space for the wiper. When the wiper is not working, the cover plate extends to fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood, significantly reducing wind noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive body parts technology, specifically to a pop-up windshield wiper device for reducing wind noise and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Safety is always the top priority when driving a car. Windshield wipers, as a water-removing device for the windshield, can effectively remove water droplets from the glass surface, ensuring clear visibility for the driver even in rainy weather. However, as a protruding component of the car, windshield wipers, like rearview mirrors, generate high-frequency wind noise, which can reduce the clarity of speech inside the car and affect driving comfort.

[0003] Currently, high-end vehicles on the market employ two methods to reduce the impact of windshield wipers: frameless wipers and concealed wipers hidden under the hood. Frameless wipers, as the name suggests, have no metal frame, only the wiper blade. These wipers are lightweight, easy to remove and clean, and also reduce the size of protruding parts on the car. Concealed wipers have two main solutions: one is to raise the rear edge of the hood to block the wipers from a horizontal perspective, preventing them from affecting airflow while the car is in motion and thus reducing wind noise; the other is to add a movable cover to the traditional wiper mounting point, i.e., the front panel of the car, to conceal the wiper blades.

[0004] However, frameless wipers are still exposed wipers after all. While they reduce wind noise to some extent, they don't fundamentally solve the problem. In the first solution for concealed wipers, the upward curve of the rear edge of the hood obstructs the driver's view, affecting ergonomics. The second solution simply adds a cover to the wiper mounting plate. This cover rotates around an axis to open and close; when open, the wipers work normally, and when closed, it reduces wind noise. However, because the cover doesn't completely eliminate the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood, it only adds a cover at the wiper mounting location. The cover is open when the wipers are in use and closed when they are not. The gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood still exists, and turbulence will still occur at high speeds, leading to reduced wind noise performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology and provide a pop-up windshield wiper device and its working method that can reduce wind noise in rainless weather, wipe water in rainy weather, and prevent fallen leaves from falling into the cabin when the vehicle is parked and stationary.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the wind noise reduction pop-up wiper device designed in this invention includes a wiper drive motor fixed to the front hood drainage channel sheet metal, with a wiper connected to the drive end of the wiper drive motor. It also includes a cover box fixed below the hood, with the rear of the cover box located above the wiper drive motor. A seal is fixed between the front of the front hood drainage channel sheet metal and the bottom of the cover box to fill the gap between them and prevent rainwater from entering the front engine compartment. The cover box contains a cover plate that can extend out of the cover box to fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood, or retract into the cover box. When the cover plate extends, the wiper can be retracted into the space enclosed by the front hood drainage channel sheet metal, the cover box, the cover plate, and the windshield.

[0007] The windshield wipers are powered by a wiper drive motor mounted on the front hood's drainage channel sheet metal. The motor's drive end connects to the wiper blades, forming the basic structure for the wipers to clean the windshield. The cover box beneath the hood is a crucial component of the system. Its rear end is located above the wiper drive motor and mates with the front hood's drainage channel sheet metal. A seal fills the gap between them, effectively preventing rainwater from entering the engine compartment. This provides excellent protection for the components inside the compartment, preventing rust, short circuits, and other problems caused by rainwater corrosion. The cover plate inside the cover box can extend or retract. When extended, it fills the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood. When the cover plate is extended and the wipers are retracted, the wipers are positioned within the space enclosed by the front hood's drainage channel sheet metal, the cover box, the cover plate, and the windshield. Under normal operating conditions, the wipers, driven by the wiper drive motor, swing to clean the windshield. When the wipers are not needed or in special situations (such as parking), the cover extends, allowing the wipers to retract into a designated space. The cover also fills the gap, changing the traditional exposed wiper design. When the vehicle is in motion, the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood disrupts airflow, creating turbulence and generating wind noise. The extendable cover fills this gap, allowing airflow to pass more smoothly over the front of the vehicle, reducing noise caused by turbulent airflow. According to aerodynamic studies, a smooth airflow surface can significantly reduce wind noise; this design creates a smoother transition area for airflow at the front of the vehicle. Traditional wipers remain exposed to airflow when not in use, and their structure and position interfere with airflow, becoming a source of wind noise. The pop-up wiper cover, covering the wipers when they retract, effectively prevents the wipers from interfering with airflow, further reducing wind noise levels and improving cabin quietness, providing a more comfortable driving environment, especially at high speeds where this wind noise reduction is more pronounced. When the windshield wipers retract into the enclosed space, the cover prevents dust, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris from falling directly onto the wipers. If this debris remains on the wipers for a long time, it will wear down the wiper blades during the next wipe, reducing their cleaning effectiveness and lifespan. Additionally, when parking in inclement weather (such as heavy rain or snow), the cover protects the wipers from the effects of accumulated ice and snow, preventing them from freezing or deforming due to the weight of the ice and snow. During driving, various chemicals from the road (such as de-icing agents and oil) may splash onto the wipers with rainwater. With the cover, the chance of these chemicals coming into contact with the wipers is greatly reduced, thus lowering the possibility of corrosion of the wiper blades, ensuring the wipers remain in good working order for a longer period, reducing the frequency of wiper replacements, and saving on operating costs for the owner. The pop-up wiper system, when the cover is extended, makes the front of the vehicle look cleaner and smoother.Compared to traditional, obtrusive wiper designs, this concealed design blends more seamlessly with the vehicle's overall appearance. Especially for vehicles with a stylish design philosophy, this feature enhances the vehicle's perceived quality and gives it a more refined look, aligning with modern consumers' aesthetic preferences. The cover fills the gap between the windshield and the hood, eliminating this potentially unsightly detail and creating a more cohesive front profile, thus improving the vehicle's overall visual appeal.

[0008] Furthermore, the cover box is fixed within the coverage area of ​​the bottom surface of the machine cover.

[0009] The cover box does not extend beyond the area covered by the hood, allowing airflow to pass smoothly over this area during vehicle operation. Because there are no sudden changes in airflow caused by protrusions or indentations, air turbulence is reduced, helping to lower wind resistance. Lower wind resistance not only improves fuel economy (for gasoline vehicles) or range (for new energy vehicles), but also reduces noise generated by wind resistance, further reducing wind noise and creating a quieter cabin environment.

[0010] Furthermore, the sealing element is fixed to the front bulkhead water channel sheet metal along the width direction of the vehicle body, and the bottom of the cover box is provided with a protruding structure arranged along the width direction of the vehicle body and in close contact with the sealing element.

[0011] The raised structure makes tight contact with the seal, significantly reducing any potential micro-gaps compared to a flat, matte finish. During vehicle operation, even under vibrations and airflow, this close contact maintains a tight seal, effectively preventing rainwater and dust from entering through gaps between the bottom of the cover box and the front bulkhead drainage channel, further enhancing waterproofing and dustproofing performance. Both the seal and the raised structure are arranged along the vehicle's width, achieving a comprehensive seal across the vehicle's transverse dimension. This coordinated arrangement ensures a good seal across the entire vehicle width, preventing leaks due to poor localized sealing and comprehensively improving protection for the engine compartment. While maintaining tight contact with the seal, the raised structure also provides some support to the bottom of the cover box. When the cover box is installed under the hood, this support helps maintain its positional stability along the width of the vehicle body, preventing lateral displacement due to external forces (such as bumps during vehicle movement or airflow forces), thus ensuring the normal operation of the entire cover box and related components (such as the internal cover). Because the raised structure and the seal fit tightly along the width of the vehicle body, the connection between them is more robust. Even if the seal may change due to aging or wear during long-term use, the raised structure can still maintain its original sealing and fit as much as possible through close contact, extending the service life of the entire sealing structure and reducing increased maintenance costs due to seal failure. The seal can be a rubber sealing strip, silicone gasket, foam sealing material, PVC sealing strip, etc.

[0012] Furthermore, the rear part of the cover plate is provided with an inclined surface that fits against the windshield, and a buffer element is provided on the inclined surface.

[0013] The beveled surface at the rear of the cover plate, designed to better match the shape of the windshield's bottom, is intended to enhance this fit. Since the bottom of the windshield is typically not perfectly vertical but rather sloped, the bevel allows the cover plate to slide smoothly and tightly against the windshield when extended, minimizing gaps and thus improving waterproofing and wind noise reduction. A buffer element is incorporated into the bevel, acting as a cushion when the cover plate is in contact with the windshield. This buffer element can be made of various elastic materials, such as rubber or sponge. The presence of this buffer element prevents scratches and collisions caused by rigid contact between the cover plate and the windshield during vehicle vibrations or when the cover plate extends or retracts, protecting the surface integrity of both the windshield and the cover plate. The beveled design also allows for a tighter fit, reducing potential channels for rainwater leakage. When rainwater flows down the windshield, the cover plate and glass fit tightly at the bottom via a bevel, making it difficult for rainwater to enter the interior area through gaps. This effectively improves waterproofing and prevents rainwater from entering the space where components such as wipers are located, thus protecting these components from rainwater corrosion. The buffer also contributes to waterproofing to some extent. Because it fills any tiny gaps that may exist between the bevel and the glass, it maintains this relatively tight fit even under vehicle vibrations, further reducing the possibility of rainwater leakage and enhancing the overall waterproofing effect. The bevel ensures a tight fit between the cover plate and the windshield, allowing airflow to pass smoothly during vehicle movement, reducing airflow disturbance caused by gaps. Smooth airflow reduces wind noise caused by irregular airflow, making the interior environment quieter. The buffer ensures that the fit between the cover plate and the windshield remains stable under various vibrations during vehicle operation. Without a buffer, vibrations can cause momentary gaps or loosening between the cover and the glass, resulting in irregular airflow disturbances and wind noise.

[0014] Furthermore, the cover box is provided with a cover guide mechanism and a cover drive mechanism; the cover can be moved toward the windshield or retracted into the cover box along the guide direction by the cover guide mechanism; the cover drive mechanism can drive the cover to move along the guide direction.

[0015] The cover guide mechanism, located within the cover housing, primarily provides precise guidance for the cover's movement. It defines the cover's path, ensuring it moves only along a specific guide direction. This guarantees accurate and stable movement as the cover extends towards the windshield or retracts into the housing, preventing deviation from the intended path and ensuring the proper functioning of the entire pop-up wiper system. The cover drive mechanism, also located within the cover housing, is the key component providing the cover's motion power. It drives the cover along the guide direction defined by the cover guide mechanism. Whether pushing the cover towards the windshield to fill gaps and perform its function, or pulling it back away from the windshield and into the housing, the drive mechanism provides the necessary power. The cover guide mechanism ensures the precision of the cover's movement. In the complex and frequently vibrating environment of a vehicle, an accurate movement path is crucial for the cover's functionality. For example, when the cover plate needs to extend precisely to fill the gap between the windshield and the hood, the guide mechanism ensures that the cover plate reaches the designated position accurately, achieving a good gap-filling effect. This effectively reduces wind noise and allows functions such as waterproofing to perform better. Without precise guidance, the cover plate may not reach the gap accurately, leading to functional failure. The cover plate drive mechanism and the guide mechanism work together to achieve continuous cover plate movement. The power provided by the drive mechanism enables the cover plate to move continuously and smoothly in the direction determined by the guide mechanism. For example, during the extension and retraction of the cover plate, the drive mechanism continuously applies appropriate power, combined with the guiding effect of the guide mechanism, making the cover plate move smoothly without any jamming or sudden stops. This is crucial for improving the reliability of the device and the user experience. Through the coordinated action of the cover plate guide mechanism and the drive mechanism, the cover plate can extend and retract accurately and promptly. When the cover plate extends, it can fill the gap between the windshield and the hood, effectively preventing rainwater from entering the interior area through the gap, while also reducing airflow disturbance at the gap, thereby reducing wind noise. When the cover needs to retract, the drive mechanism quickly pulls it back into the cover box, allowing the wipers to perform normal oscillating cleaning operations, ensuring the versatility of the entire wiper system. Precise and stable movement helps extend the lifespan of the system. Because the cover's movement is accurately guided by the guide mechanism and rationally driven by the drive mechanism, damage to itself and other components (such as the windshield and cover box) caused by improper cover movement (such as collisions or excessive friction) is reduced. For example, if the cover's movement is not properly guided, it may frequently collide with other components, leading to wear and deformation of the cover or other parts. Now, with a reasonable mechanism design, these problems are avoided, thus extending the lifespan of the entire pop-up wiper system.

[0016] Furthermore, both the cover plate guiding mechanism and the cover plate driving mechanism are fixed to the top of the cover plate box.

[0017] This layout positions the two key mechanisms relatively high within the cover box. When the cover moves under their influence, it receives guidance and power support from the top area of ​​the cover box, enabling movement in a specific direction, such as extending towards the windshield or retracting into the cover box. Fixing these mechanisms at the top effectively utilizes the space above the cover box, avoiding spatial conflicts with other components (such as wiring connections or auxiliary structures) located at the bottom or middle of the cover box. This allows for more rational planning and utilization of the internal space of the cover box, enabling each component to better perform its function within a relatively independent yet collaborative spatial environment. During installation, operators can easily install these mechanisms from the top of the cover box without needing to delve too deeply into its complex interior. Furthermore, subsequent maintenance also allows for easier access from the top for inspection, repair, or replacement of parts, reducing maintenance difficulty and workload. These two mechanisms are secured to the top of the cover box, relatively far from potential water inlets (such as paths where rainwater might flow in from the windshield) and dust inlets. During vehicle operation, rainwater and dust typically enter the device more easily from below or the sides, while the top position is relatively safer. This reduces the risk of rainwater and dust entering these two critical mechanisms, decreasing the likelihood of malfunctions due to water or dust ingress, thereby improving the reliability of these mechanisms and the stability of the entire device.

[0018] Furthermore, the cover plate guiding mechanism includes a guide rail fixed to the inner wall of the cover plate box and a slider disposed on the guide rail, and the cover plate is fixed on the slider.

[0019] Furthermore, the cover plate driving mechanism includes a cover plate driving motor, and the driving end of the cover plate driving motor is connected to the slider through a transmission mechanism, so that the slider moves linearly along the guide rail.

[0020] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes a gear and rack mechanism, a lead screw and nut mechanism, and a worm gear mechanism.

[0021] The guide rail provides a precise guiding path for the cover plate, and its stable position fixed to the inner wall of the cover plate box ensures the accuracy of the slider and cover plate's movement path. The slider's low-friction sliding on the guide rail strictly follows the shape and direction of the guide rail, allowing the cover plate fixed on the slider to accurately reach designated positions such as the gap between the windshield and the hood, effectively achieving functions such as reducing wind noise and waterproofing. Only when the cover plate accurately fills the gap can these functions be maximized. The cover plate drive motor transmits power to the slider through a transmission mechanism, enabling the slider to move continuously and smoothly in a straight line along the guide rail. The characteristics of different transmission mechanisms each contribute to achieving this goal. For example, the efficient transmission of the gear and rack mechanism ensures the timeliness and accuracy of power transmission; the self-locking function of the screw and nut mechanism ensures the accurate stopping and starting of the cover plate at specific positions; the large transmission ratio and self-locking capability of the worm gear mechanism also make the cover plate movement more controllable, thereby achieving the continuity of the cover plate movement and ensuring the normal operation of the entire device. The low-friction sliding of the slider on the guide rail and the reasonable cooperation of the various components in the transmission mechanism both help reduce friction between components. For example, the good meshing of gears and racks in a gear and rack mechanism, the relative movement of the lead screw and nut in a lead screw and nut mechanism, and the fit between the worm wheel and worm in a worm gear mechanism can all reduce the coefficient of friction, thereby extending the service life of guide rails, sliders, cover plates, transmission mechanism components, and cover plate drive motors. Since the movement of the cover plate is achieved through the orderly movement of the slider on the guide rail and the rational driving of the drive mechanism, direct collisions between the cover plate and the inner wall of the cover plate box or other components are avoided during movement. During installation, the guide rail is fixed to the inner wall of the cover plate box, its position is clearly defined, making it easy for installers to place the slider on the guide rail and fix the cover plate to the slider, improving installation efficiency. At the same time, the connection methods of different transmission mechanisms are relatively clear. For example, the installation of gears and racks in a gear and rack mechanism, the installation of the lead screw and nut in a lead screw and nut mechanism, and the installation of the worm wheel and worm in a worm gear mechanism all have relatively standard installation procedures, facilitating operation by installers. During subsequent maintenance, if problems are found with the guide rail, slider, cover plate, transmission mechanism components, or cover plate drive motor, this structure facilitates repair. For example, if the slider is not sliding smoothly, it can be relatively easily removed from the guide rail for inspection and repair; if a component in the transmission mechanism malfunctions, targeted repairs can be performed based on the specific type of transmission mechanism, without requiring large-scale disassembly of the entire device, thus reducing the difficulty and workload of maintenance.

[0022] Furthermore, the working method of the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise includes: when the wipers need to work, the cover plate retracts into the cover plate box, the wiper drive motor drives the wipers to wipe away the liquid droplets on the windshield; when the wipers do not need to work, the wiper drive motor drives the wipers to return to a horizontal position, the cover plate extends out of the cover plate box and fills the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood.

[0023] When the wipers are in operation, the retracting cover into the cover box provides unobstructed movement for the wipers. The wipers can swing freely across the entire windshield surface, ensuring effective and efficient wiping of raindrops. When the wipers are not in operation, the cover extends to fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood, significantly reducing wind noise. In rainy weather, when the wipers are not in use, rainwater may run down the windshield. If this gap is not filled, rainwater may enter the area containing the wipers and other components, potentially damaging them. Filling the gap with the cover effectively prevents rainwater from entering through this path, and also blocks dust and other impurities from entering the relevant areas, protecting the wipers and other related components and extending their lifespan. The design of returning the wipers to a horizontal position when not in operation, along with the cover extending to fill the gap, not only facilitates wiper storage, placing them in a relatively neat and easily protected position, but also prevents the wipers from being damaged by external factors (such as wind, sand, and impacts) while the vehicle is in motion due to improper storage. At the same time, this method can also reduce problems such as aging and deformation of windshield wipers caused by long-term exposure to the elements, further extending the service life of windshield wipers.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The windshield wiper uses a wiper drive motor fixed to the front bulkhead drainage channel sheet metal as its power source, and the motor drive end is connected to the wiper blade. This is the basic structure for enabling the wiper to swing normally and clean the windshield. The cover box under the hood is an important component of the device. Its rear part is located above the wiper drive motor and cooperates with the front bulkhead drainage channel sheet metal. The gap between the two is filled by a seal, effectively preventing rainwater from entering the front engine compartment. This provides good protection for the components inside the engine compartment and avoids problems such as rust and short circuits caused by rainwater corrosion. The cover plate installed inside the cover box can extend or retract. When extended, it can fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood. When the cover plate is extended and the wiper is retracted, the wiper can be located within the space enclosed by the front bulkhead drainage channel sheet metal, the cover box, the cover plate, and the windshield. Under normal working conditions, the wiper swings under the drive of the wiper drive motor to clean the windshield. When the wipers are not needed or in special situations (such as parking), the cover extends, allowing the wipers to retract into a designated space. The cover also fills the gap, changing the traditional exposed wiper design. When the vehicle is in motion, the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood disrupts airflow, creating turbulence and generating wind noise. The extendable cover fills this gap, allowing airflow to pass more smoothly over the front of the vehicle, reducing noise caused by turbulent airflow. According to aerodynamic studies, a smooth airflow surface can significantly reduce wind noise; this design creates a smoother transition area for airflow at the front of the vehicle. Traditional wipers remain exposed to airflow when not in use, and their structure and position interfere with airflow, becoming a source of wind noise. The pop-up wiper cover, covering the wipers when they retract, effectively prevents the wipers from interfering with airflow, further reducing wind noise levels and improving cabin quietness, providing a more comfortable driving environment, especially at high speeds where this wind noise reduction is more pronounced. When the windshield wipers retract into the enclosed space, the cover prevents dust, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris from falling directly onto the wipers. If this debris remains on the wipers for a long time, it will wear down the wiper blades during the next wipe, reducing their cleaning effectiveness and lifespan. Additionally, when parking in inclement weather (such as heavy rain or snow), the cover protects the wipers from the effects of accumulated ice and snow, preventing them from freezing or deforming due to the weight of the ice and snow. During driving, various chemicals from the road (such as de-icing agents and oil) may splash onto the wipers with rainwater. With the cover, the chance of these chemicals coming into contact with the wipers is greatly reduced, thus lowering the possibility of corrosion of the wiper blades, ensuring the wipers remain in good working order for a longer period, reducing the frequency of wiper replacements, and saving on operating costs for the owner. The pop-up wiper system, when the cover is extended, makes the front of the vehicle look cleaner and smoother.Compared to traditional, obtrusive wiper designs, this concealed design blends more seamlessly with the vehicle's overall appearance. Especially for vehicles with a stylish design philosophy, this feature enhances the vehicle's perceived quality and gives it a more refined look, aligning with modern consumers' aesthetic preferences. The cover fills the gap between the windshield and the hood, eliminating this potentially unsightly detail and creating a more cohesive front profile, thus improving the vehicle's overall visual appeal. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pop-up wiper device in this invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the machine cover in this invention;

[0027] Among them, 1—engine cover, 2—cover box, 3—cover drive motor, 4—guide rail, 5—protruding structure, 6—cover plate, 7—spherical hinge, 8—wiper, 9—front windshield, 10—front bulkhead sheet metal, 11—wiper drive motor, 12—front bulkhead drainage channel sheet metal, 13—sealant, 14—transmission mechanism, 15—slider. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0029] This invention describes the position of components based on the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, that is, the position of the front of the vehicle is the front, and the position of the rear of the vehicle is the rear.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise includes a wiper drive motor 11 fixed to the front hood drainage channel sheet 12 (the front hood drainage channel sheet 12 is fixedly connected to the front hood sheet 10) and a cover box 2 fixed below the hood cover 1. The drive end of the wiper drive motor 11 is connected to the wiper 8. The rear part of the cover box 2 is located above the wiper drive motor 11. A seal 13 is fixed between the front part of the front hood drainage channel sheet 12 and the bottom of the cover box 2 to fill the gap between the two and prevent rainwater from entering the front engine compartment. A cover plate 6 is provided inside the cover box 2, which can extend out of the cover box 2 to fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield 9 and the hood cover 1 or retract into the cover box 2. When the cover plate 6 extends, the wiper 8 can be retracted into the space enclosed by the front hood drainage channel sheet 12, the cover box 2, the cover plate 6 and the windshield 9.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, based on the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise in some of the above embodiments, the arrangement of the cover box is further designed: the rear surface of the cover box 2 is flush with the rear surface of the hood cover 1, and the left, right, and front sides of the cover box 2 are all within the coverage area of ​​the hood cover 1. The cover box 2 does not exceed the coverage area of ​​the hood cover 1, allowing airflow to pass through this area relatively smoothly during vehicle operation. Because there are no sudden changes in airflow caused by protrusions or depressions, the generation of air turbulence is reduced, which helps to reduce wind resistance. Lower wind resistance not only improves the vehicle's fuel economy (for gasoline vehicles) or range (for new energy vehicles), but also reduces noise generated by wind resistance, further reducing wind noise and making the in-vehicle environment quieter.

[0033] Example 2:

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, based on the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise in some embodiments or Embodiment 1, the sealing element 13 is further designed: the sealing element 13 is fixed to the front bulkhead water channel sheet 12 along the width direction of the vehicle body, and the bottom of the cover box 2 is provided with a protruding structure 5 arranged along the width direction of the vehicle body and in close contact with the sealing element 13. The protruding structure 5 is in close contact with the sealing element 13, which can greatly reduce the possible small gaps between them compared with ordinary flat contact. During vehicle operation, even if affected by external factors such as vibration and airflow impact, this close contact relationship can better maintain the sealing state, effectively preventing rainwater, dust, etc. from entering from the gap between the bottom of the cover box 2 and the front bulkhead water channel sheet 12, further improving the waterproof and dustproof sealing performance. The sealing element 13 can be a rubber sealing strip, silicone sealing gasket, foam sealing material, PVC sealing strip, etc.

[0035] Example 3:

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, based on the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise in some of the above embodiments, or Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the cover plate 6 is further designed: the rear surface of the cover plate 6 is an inclined surface that fits against the windshield 9, and a buffer is provided on this inclined surface. The purpose of the inclined surface of the rear part of the cover plate 6 fitting against the windshield 9 is to better match the bottom shape of the windshield 9. Since the bottom of the windshield 9 is usually not a completely vertical plane, but has a certain degree of inclination, the inclined surface allows the cover plate 6 to fit tightly and smoothly against the bottom of the windshield 9 when it extends, reducing the gap between the two, thereby playing a more effective role in waterproofing and wind noise reduction. The buffer provided on the inclined surface can provide a cushioning effect when the cover plate fits against the windshield. It can be made of various elastic materials, such as rubber, sponge, etc. The presence of the buffer component ensures that during the contact between the cover plate 6 and the windshield 9, whether under vibration during vehicle operation or when the cover plate 6 extends or retracts, it can prevent scratches, collisions, and other damage caused by rigid contact between the cover plate 6 and the glass, thus protecting the surface integrity of the windshield 9 and the cover plate 6 itself.

[0037] Example 4:

[0038] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 2, based on the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise in some of the above embodiments, or Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3, the driving structure of the cover plate 6 is further designed: a cover plate guiding mechanism and a cover plate driving mechanism are provided inside the cover plate box 2; the cover plate 6 can move towards the windshield 9 or retract away from the windshield 9 into the cover plate box 2 through the action of the cover plate guiding mechanism; the cover plate driving mechanism can drive the cover plate 6 to move along the guiding direction. Both the cover plate guiding mechanism and the cover plate driving mechanism are fixed to the top of the cover plate box 2. The cover plate guiding mechanism includes a guide rail 4 fixed to the inner wall of the cover plate box 2 and a slider 15 set on the guide rail 4, and the cover plate 6 is fixed on the slider 15. The cover plate driving mechanism includes a cover plate driving motor 3, and the driving end of the cover plate driving motor 3 is connected to the slider 15 through a transmission mechanism 14, so that the slider 15 moves linearly along the guide rail 4. The transmission mechanism 14 includes a gear and rack mechanism, a lead screw and nut mechanism, and a worm gear mechanism. The guide rail 4 provides a precise guiding path for the cover plate 6, and its stable position fixed to the inner wall of the cover plate box 2 ensures the accuracy of the movement path of the slider 15 and the cover plate 6. The low-friction sliding of the slider 15 on the guide rail 4 strictly follows the shape and direction of the guide rail 4, allowing the cover plate 6 fixed on the slider 15 to accurately reach designated positions such as the gap between the windshield 9 and the hood cover 1, effectively achieving functions such as reducing wind noise and waterproofing. Only when the cover plate 6 accurately fills the gap can these functions be maximized. The cover plate drive motor 3 transmits power to the slider 15 through the transmission mechanism 14, enabling the slider 15 to move continuously and smoothly in a straight line along the guide rail 4. The characteristics of different transmission mechanisms 14 each contribute to achieving this goal. For example, the efficient transmission of the gear and rack mechanism ensures the timeliness and accuracy of power transmission; the self-locking function of the screw and nut mechanism ensures the accurate stopping and starting of the cover plate 6 at specific positions; the large transmission ratio and self-locking capability of the worm gear mechanism also make the movement of the cover plate 6 more controllable, thereby achieving the continuity of the movement of the cover plate 6 and ensuring the normal operation of the entire device. The low-friction sliding of the slider 15 on the guide rail 4 and the reasonable cooperation of each component in the transmission mechanism 14 all help to reduce friction between components. For example, the good meshing of the gear and rack in the gear and rack mechanism, the relative movement of the screw and nut in the screw and nut mechanism, and the cooperation of the worm wheel and worm in the worm gear mechanism can all reduce the coefficient of friction, thereby extending the service life of the guide rail 4, slider 15, cover plate 6, transmission mechanism 14, and cover plate drive motor 3. Since the movement of the cover plate 6 is achieved by the orderly movement of the slider 15 on the guide rail 4 and the reasonable driving of the drive mechanism, direct collision between the cover plate 6 and the inner wall or other components of the cover plate box 2 during movement is avoided. The cover plate 6 should be made of lightweight plastic to facilitate hanging upside down on the guide rail 4 and moving back and forth.The cover box 2 needs to be made of a high-rigidity plastic, and even reinforced with ribs to reduce fatigue damage caused by the impact of the wipers during windshield wiper operation, thereby increasing the service life of the cover box 2. The seal 13 operates in a humid environment and is responsible for blocking rainwater; therefore, corrosion resistance should be a primary consideration, and non-corrosive rubber should be the preferred material.

[0039] The following describes the working method of the pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise, using Example 4 as an example: When the wiper 8 needs to work, the cover plate drive motor 3 operates, driving the cover plate 6 fixed on the slider 15 to retract into the cover plate box 2 via the transmission mechanism 14. The wiper 8 is fixed on the spherical hinge 7, and the drive end of the wiper drive motor 11 is connected to the spherical hinge 7, thereby driving the wiper 8 to operate and scrape off the liquid droplets on the windshield 9. When the wiper 8 does not need to work, the wiper drive motor 11 drives the wiper 8 to operate, and the wiper 8 returns to the horizontal position. The cover plate drive motor 3 operates, driving the cover plate 6 fixed on the slider 15 to extend out of the cover plate box 2 via the transmission mechanism 14, filling the gap between the bottom of the windshield 9 and the hood cover 1. At this time, the inclined surface of the rear part of the cover plate 6 cooperates with the bottom of the windshield 9, and the buffer is pressed between the bottom of the windshield 9 and the rear surface of the cover plate 6.

[0040] In summary, the wiper 8 is powered by a wiper drive motor 11 fixed to the front bulkhead drainage channel sheet 12. The motor drive end is connected to the wiper 8, which forms the basic structure for the wiper to swing normally and clean the windshield. The cover box 2 below the hood 1 is an important component of the device. Its rear is located above the wiper drive motor 11 and cooperates with the front bulkhead drainage channel sheet 12. The gap between the two is filled by the seal 13, effectively preventing rainwater from entering the front engine compartment. This provides good protection for the components inside the engine compartment, avoiding problems such as rust and short circuits caused by rainwater corrosion. The cover 6 inside the cover box 2 can extend or retract. When extended, it can fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield 9 and the hood 1. When the cover 6 is extended and the wiper 8 is retracted, the wiper 8 can be located within the space enclosed by the front bulkhead drainage channel sheet 12, the cover box 2, the cover 6, and the windshield 9. Under normal operating conditions, the wiper 8 swings under the drive of the wiper drive motor 11 to clean the windshield. When the wipers 8 are not needed or in special circumstances (such as parking), the cover 6 extends, allowing the wipers 8 to retract into a designated space. Simultaneously, the cover 6 fills the gap, changing the traditional situation where wipers are exposed. When the vehicle is in motion, the gap between the bottom of the windshield 9 and the hood 1 disrupts airflow, creating turbulence and generating wind noise. The extendable cover 6, by filling this gap, allows airflow to pass more smoothly over the front of the vehicle, reducing noise caused by turbulent airflow. According to aerodynamic research, a smooth airflow surface can significantly reduce wind noise; this design creates a smoother transition area for airflow at the front of the vehicle. Traditional wipers remain exposed to airflow when not in use, and their structure and position interfere with airflow, becoming a source of wind noise. The cover 6 of the pop-up wiper unit covers the wipers when they retract, effectively preventing interference with airflow, further reducing wind noise levels, improving cabin quietness, and providing a more comfortable driving environment, especially at high speeds where this wind noise reduction effect is more pronounced. When the wiper blades 8 retract into the enclosed space, the cover plate 6 prevents dust, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris from falling directly onto them. If these debris remain on the wiper blades 8 for a long time, they will wear down the wiper blades during subsequent uses, reducing their cleaning effectiveness and lifespan. Simultaneously, when parking in inclement weather (such as heavy rain or snow), the cover plate 6 protects the wiper blades 8 from the effects of accumulated ice and snow, preventing them from freezing or deforming due to the weight of the ice and snow. During vehicle operation, various chemicals from the road (such as de-icing agents and oil stains) may splash onto the wiper blades 8 with rainwater. With the protection of the cover plate 6, the chance of these chemicals contacting the wiper blades 8 is greatly reduced, thus lowering the possibility of corrosion of the wiper blades, ensuring the wiper blades 8 remain in good working order for a longer period, reducing the frequency of wiper blade replacement, and saving on operating costs for the owner. The pop-up wiper system, when the cover plate 6 is extended, makes the front of the vehicle look cleaner and smoother.Compared to traditional, obtrusive wiper designs, this concealed design blends more seamlessly with the vehicle's overall appearance. Especially for vehicles with a stylish design philosophy, this feature enhances the vehicle's perceived quality, giving it a more refined look and aligning with modern consumers' aesthetic preferences. The cover plate 6 fills the gap between the windshield 9 and the hood 1, eliminating this potentially unsightly detail and creating a more cohesive front profile, thus improving the vehicle's overall visual appeal.

[0041] It should be noted that the description of the above technical solutions is exemplary, and this specification can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limiting it to the technical solutions set forth herein. Rather, providing these descriptions will ensure that the disclosure of this invention is thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical solutions of this invention are defined only by the scope of the claims. When using the terms "comprising," "having," and "including" as described in this specification, there may also be another part or other parts; the terms used are generally singular but may also represent plural forms. Finally, it should be pointed out that the above embodiments are merely representative examples of the present invention. Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and many variations are possible. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention should be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise, comprising a wiper drive motor (11) fixed to a front vent drainage channel sheet metal (12), wherein the drive end of the wiper drive motor (11) is connected to a wiper (8), characterized in that: It also includes a cover box (2) fixed below the hood cover (1), the rear of the cover box (2) being located above the wiper drive motor (11), a seal (13) for filling the gap between the front of the front drainage channel sheet metal (12) and the bottom of the cover box (2) being fixed, and rainwater entering the front engine compartment is prevented from entering. The cover box (2) is provided with a cover plate (6) that can extend out of the cover box (2) to fill the gap between the bottom of the windshield (9) and the hood cover (1) or retract into the cover box (2). When the cover plate (6) extends, the wiper (8) can be retracted into the space enclosed by the front drainage channel sheet metal (12), the cover box (2), the cover plate (6) and the windshield (9).

2. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cover box (2) is fixed within the coverage area of ​​the bottom surface of the machine cover (1).

3. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing element (13) is fixed to the front water channel sheet metal (12) along the width direction of the vehicle body, and the bottom of the cover box (2) is provided with a protruding structure (5) arranged along the width direction of the vehicle body and in close contact with the sealing element (13).

4. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The rear part of the cover plate (6) is provided with an inclined surface that fits against the front windshield (9), and a buffer is provided on the inclined surface.

5. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cover box (2) is provided with a cover guide mechanism and a cover drive mechanism; the cover (6) can be moved toward the windshield (9) or retracted into the cover box (2) along the guide direction by the action of the cover guide mechanism; the cover drive mechanism can drive the cover (6) to move along the guide direction.

6. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Both the cover plate guiding mechanism and the cover plate driving mechanism are fixed to the top of the cover plate box (2).

7. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The cover plate guiding mechanism includes a guide rail (4) fixed on the inner wall of the cover plate box (2) and a slider (15) disposed on the guide rail (4), and the cover plate (6) is fixed on the slider (15).

8. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The cover plate driving mechanism includes a cover plate driving motor (3), and the driving end of the cover plate driving motor (3) is connected to the slider (15) through a transmission mechanism (14) so ​​that the slider (15) moves linearly along the guide rail (4).

9. The pop-up wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (14) includes a gear and rack mechanism, a lead screw and nut mechanism, and a worm gear mechanism.

10. A method for operating a pop-up windshield wiper device for reducing wind noise as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: When the wipers (8) are needed to work, the cover plate (6) retracts into the cover plate box (2), and the wiper drive motor (11) drives the wipers (8) to move, wiping away the liquid droplets on the windshield (9). When the wipers (8) are not needed to work, the wiper drive motor (11) drives the wipers (8) to move, the wipers (8) return to the horizontal position, the cover plate (6) extends out of the cover plate box (2) and fills the gap between the bottom of the windshield (9) and the hood cover (1).

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