Motor vehicle with a windshield wiper having a rest position on the hood

Abstract

A motor vehicle (1) comprising a longitudinal axis (X), a window (3) arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a hood (2) extending substantially as a longitudinal extension of an upper portion (3b) of the window (3), the hood (2) and the upper portion (3b) extending continuously in the longitudinal direction and flush with each other along a profile (5) which is continuous between a first intermediate point of the hood (2) and a second intermediate point of the upper portion (3b) in at least one domain of the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the motor vehicle further comprises at least one windscreen wiper (25) having a wiper blade (26) movable between a first position in which the wiper blade (26) is aligned completely above the hood (2) and a second position in which the wiper blade (26) is in complete contact with the window (3).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102024000027924, filed on December 9, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, and more particularly, to a motor vehicle having a window and a hood, the shape of which is designed to define the natural longitudinal extension of the window, i.e., the window and the hood having their respective longitudinally adjacent portions having substantially equal curvature and being arranged flush with each other. Background Technology

[0004] As is known, some motor vehicles have a hood that is flush with the windshield, and the curvature of the rear edge of the hood is approximately equal to or in any case similar to the curvature of the longitudinally adjacent portion of the windshield.

[0005] In this way, even considering the possible gaps or dividing areas between the windshield and the hood, they still extend along a single continuous surface, so that the front aerodynamic flow impacting the hood during use does not deflect sharply from the front of the windshield adjacent to the hood, but continues to flow longitudinally along the windshield surface.

[0006] The first drawback of this hood and windshield configuration is that it requires the windshield wipers to be particularly exposed, which deteriorates the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and may even lead to aerodynamic noise.

[0007] In addition, the second drawback is that the exposure of the windshield wipers seriously damages the overall aesthetics of the front of the vehicle.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to address or eliminate at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements, preferably in a simple and repeatable manner. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The above objective is achieved by a motor vehicle, which includes

[0011] - Longitudinal axis,

[0012] - The windows are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] - A hood, which extends longitudinally as a portion of the window, wherein the hood and the portion extend sequentially in the longitudinal direction and are flush with each other according to a continuous profile within at least one defined domain of the longitudinal axis between a first midpoint of the hood and a second midpoint of the portion.

[0014] The motor vehicle also includes at least one windshield wiper having a wiper blade movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the wiper blade is fully aligned above the hood in the first position and fully in contact with the window in the second position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the windshield wiper includes an arm that pivots about a pivot axis between a first angular position and a second angular position corresponding to a first position and a second position of the wiper blade, respectively, the wiper blade being coupled to the arm.

[0016] In one embodiment, the arm pivots about a pivot axis that is longitudinally positioned in the gap between the hood and the window.

[0017] In some embodiments, the angular swing of the arm between the first angular position and the second angular position is greater than 150°.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wiper blade moves from the first position to the second position via a third position centered relative to the first and second positions, wherein the wiper blade in the third position is located at the boundary between the hood and the window, and the wiper blade contacts the window in a sliding manner between the second and third positions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the wiper blade contacts the hood in a sliding manner between the first position and the third position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the motor vehicle further includes a control unit configured to control the movement of the wiper blade between the first position and the second position, wherein the movement includes a first movement portion from the first position to the third position, and a repeating alternation of a forward movement portion from the third position to the second position and a return movement portion from the second position to the third position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the motor vehicle further includes a control unit configured to control the movement of the wiper blade from the first position to the second position, wherein the movement includes a first movement portion between the first position and the third position, and a second movement portion between the third position and the second position, wherein the control unit is configured to control the first movement portion at a speed of the wiper blade that is different from and / or lower than that of the second movement portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the motor vehicle further includes a panel that extends over a region of the hood to cover the region from above, and the wiper blades, in the first position, are at least partially disposed between the hood and the panel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the area is the peripheral area of ​​the hood, which includes at least a portion of the perimeter of the hood and is externally defined by said portion of the perimeter of the hood.

[0024] In some embodiments, the panel is defined by a portion of the wing of the motor vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the panel is fixed relative to the hood and together with the hood forms a cavity that opens laterally toward the center of the hood.

[0026] In some embodiments, the panel and the hood are formed as a single piece such that the panel and the hood ideally intersect along an ideally intersecting curve.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ideal intersecting curve is a portion of the perimeter of the hood.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hood and the portion respectively have a first outer surface and a second outer surface, and the wiper blade is fully aligned with the first outer surface or located above the first outer surface, or is in complete contact with the first outer surface at the first position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the hood is a front hood, and the window is a windshield, and / or the hood and the window are separated from each other by a gap along the longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a better understanding of the invention, wherein:

[0031] - Figure 1 This is a plan view of a motor vehicle according to the present invention.

[0032] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified perspective view of the front of a medium-sized motor vehicle.

[0033] - Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 2 Similarly, it shows that the motor vehicle is in the same position as... Figure 2 The situation under different operating conditions.

[0034] - Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The image shown is a longitudinal sectional view of the front part along the hinge axis of the windshield wiper of a motor vehicle.

[0035] - Figure 6 This is a magnified perspective view of the windshield wipers. Detailed Implementation

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the attached figure, reference numeral 1 generally represents a motor vehicle.

[0037] The motor vehicle 1 has a longitudinal axis X, which coincides in particular with the roll axis of the motor vehicle 1. The longitudinal axis X belongs to a longitudinal plane that is orthogonal to axis Y; axis Y, in turn, coincides in particular with the pitch axis of the motor vehicle 1; axis Y is horizontal and orthogonal to axis X.

[0038] Therefore, the longitudinal plane is vertical and preferably defines the middle plane of the motor vehicle 1.

[0039] The motor vehicle 1 includes a body 1b, which in turn includes multiple panels or more specifically (e.g., but not limited to) metal plates and windows, which define the various outer surfaces of the motor vehicle 1.

[0040] As is common in motor vehicles, the body 1b is supported by the frame 1c of the motor vehicle 1.

[0041] More generally, the body 1b and the frame 1c form the body of the motor vehicle 1 or are part of it.

[0042] Motor vehicle 1 includes a hood 2 and a window (which forms part of the body 1b, or more precisely, part of the aforementioned panel), the window being arranged laterally relative to axis X, or more specifically, a windshield 3, both forming part of the front of motor vehicle 1. The windshield 3 is one example of a window 3; for necessary adaptations, it may be replaced throughout this specification with a rear window or another window if required. Therefore, the term "windshield 3" in the following text can always be replaced with the more general terms "window 3" or "rear window".

[0043] Similarly, although hood 2 is specifically the front hood, it could also be the rear hood or the rear door.

[0044] In any case, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 is (e.g., according to the most common definition of a hood in the automotive industry) a panel (e.g., belonging to the body 1b) that is coupled or at least partially coupled to the frame 1c, or is carried by the frame 1c in a manner movable relative to the frame 1c.

[0045] Furthermore, for clarity, from this point onward, expressions such as "front," "rear," "in front," and "in rear" will refer to axis X, or more specifically, to the normal driving direction of motor vehicle 1.

[0046] The orientation of the longitudinal axis X can be consistent with the normal driving direction, that is, it extends from the rear of the motor vehicle 1 to the front of the motor vehicle 1.

[0047] The hood 2 is positioned in front of the windshield 3; more specifically, according to axis X, the hood 2 follows the windshield 3 longitudinally. Clearly, if the windshield 3 were replaced by a rear window, the hood would be positioned behind the rear window.

[0048] Specifically, the hood 2 and the windshield 3 are separated from each other along the axis X by a gap, slot, or dividing line 4. In other words, the gap 4 extends or is arranged longitudinally between the hood 2 and the windshield 3.

[0049] The engine hood 2 can be arranged to cover a lower compartment (not shown), which can be, for example, a compartment for housing the engine or a cargo compartment.

[0050] Here, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 or a portion thereof (such as the portion mentioned above) may be movable relative to the frame 1c between a closed position and an open position, for closing the lower compartment and entering the lower compartment, respectively.

[0051] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 or a portion thereof (such as the portion mentioned above) may be movable relative to the windshield 3.

[0052] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the windshield 3 is fixed relative to the frame 1c.

[0053] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 and the windshield 3 are separate or spaced apart.

[0054] The hood 2, or more generally, the motor vehicle 1, has at least one configuration in which it is arranged to extend longitudinally (specifically, at the front) as a portion 3b of the windshield 3.

[0055] The term “substantially” specifically refers to the existence of a gap 4 between the hood 2 and the portion 3b along the axis X (i.e., longitudinal direction); the size or minimum length (i.e., the shortest length) of the gap 4 along the axis X may be on the order of millimeters and in any case does not exceed 99 millimeters, and is therefore negligible relative to the size of the hood 2 and the windshield 3.

[0056] Along axis X, or more precisely, in the longitudinal plane ( Figure 3 The hood 2 and the upper part (part 3b) 3b are arranged flush with each other. In other words, the hood 2 and the upper part (part 3b) 3b are aligned with each other in the area of ​​the gap 4; specifically, the alignment occurs based on a plane inclined relative to the axis X.

[0057] Furthermore, the hood 2 and part 3b extend longitudinally sequentially according to a profile 5 (specifically located in the longitudinal plane), i.e., they are connected front to back. In the longitudinal plane, profile 5 can be treated as a function of a variable associated with axis X, possibly according to either of two possible opposite directions of axis X (from the front to the rear of the vehicle 1, or vice versa).

[0058] Contour 5 extends along the first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19 of the hood 2 and part 3b (although in Figure 5 For ease of display, and to avoid confusion with the outlines of the hood 2 and the windshield 3, the outlines are represented by dashed lines that are raised relative to the first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19.

[0059] For example, since the hood 2 and part 3b are arranged flush with each other, the first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19 are also arranged flush with each other.

[0060] Generally, the hood 2 and the portion 3b have or include a first outer surface 18 and a second outer surface 19, respectively, for example, independent of the profile 5 or other features of the motor vehicle 1.

[0061] For example, by definition, the first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19 have at least one surface portion that is directly exposed to the external environment of the motor vehicle 1, or is directly (e.g., completely) exposed to the external environment of the motor vehicle 1. In other words, the first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19 are the outermost surfaces of the hood 2 and the portion 3b, respectively.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19 face upward and / or the highest or uppermost surface of the hood 2 and part 3b (with the highest vertical height).

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the first outer surface 18 is part of or defines the outer skin of the hood 2.

[0064] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first outer surface 18 (flush with the second outer surface 19) or the portion of the first outer surface 18 flush with the second outer surface 19 is a completely solid surface, i.e., a completely closed and continuous surface, i.e., without openings, holes, grilles or mesh.

[0065] The first outer surface 18 and the second outer surface 19 form an approximately flat angle, that is, about 180°, especially between 170° and 190°.

[0066] More specifically, part 3b, gap 4 and hood 2 are connected in this order along contour 5, especially since there are no other elements or gaps between them, that is, they are tightly connected.

[0067] Specifically, in a non-limiting manner, the portion 3b defines the lower end or lower edge of the windshield 3.

[0068] The outline 5 is continuous within at least one domain, interval, or segment of the axis X between a midpoint of the hood 2 and a midpoint of the portion 3b.

[0069] More precisely, the midpoint refers to a point that is not on the edge of the hood 2 or the edge of the portion 3b. Therefore, according to the axis X (especially in the longitudinal plane), the midpoint (especially towards the inside of the opposite part) is spaced apart from the edge 6 of the hood 2 (especially the rear edge) or the edge 7 of the portion 3b (especially coinciding with the lower edge of the windshield 3).

[0070] However, it is clear that contour 5 passes through edges 6 and 7 as well as gap 4.

[0071] The windshield 3 extends longitudinally between edge 7 (particularly the front edge) and opposite edge 8 (particularly the rear edge) along axis X, and extends laterally between side edges 9.

[0072] The hood 2 extends longitudinally between the rear edge 6 and the opposing edges (particularly the front edge) opposite each other (not shown) along the axis X.

[0073] Gap 4 is defined in the longitudinal direction between edges 6 and 7.

[0074] Furthermore, contour 5 is preferably globally continuous along the entire axis X.

[0075] Specifically, profile 5 has a substantially constant slope or curvature, at least within the aforementioned domain or globally along axis X. Alternatively, the difference between the curvature of profile 5 at edge 6 and at edge 7 or around them along axis X is limited by a threshold that specifically ensures that, during use of the motor vehicle 1, there is no significant loss of frontal aerodynamic flow A along profile 5 at gap 4.

[0076] In fact, outline 5 is not raised at the edge 7 of part 3b.

[0077] In other words, from a mathematical point of view, contour 5 is differentiable in the domain or globally along the entire axis X, or at least Lipshitz continuous (e.g., because it has a limited derivative with respect to the axis X).

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, profile 5 may maintain its concavity or convexity (i.e., always concave or always convex) within the domain or globally along the entire axis X. In other words, profile 5 may have no inflection points, at least not within the domain or along the entire axis X.

[0079] Contour 5 may even be straight within its domain, or more specifically, it may be straight globally, although this is not required.

[0080] Specifically, contour 5 extends upwards, meaning it extends specifically between the front and rear ends, with the rear end having a greater (vertical) height than the front end. If the windshield 3 were replaced by a rear window, contour 5 would obviously extend in the opposite direction, i.e., downwards.

[0081] From front to back, along axis X, profile 5 is increasing (more specifically, strictly increasing) within its defined domain, or more specifically, globally increasing along the entire axis X. If the windshield 3 were replaced by the rear window, profile 5 would obviously decrease in the opposite direction.

[0082] Preferably, the vehicle body 1b, or more generally, the motor vehicle 1, in addition to the hood 2, includes an additional element or panel (specifically sheet metal) 10, which is more specifically defined by a portion of a fender 11, arranged or extending above the area of ​​the hood 2 to cover or overlap that area from above.

[0083] Therefore, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the panel 10 extends above the first outer surface 18 or a surface portion of the first outer surface 18.

[0084] In other words, for example, the projection of panel 10 onto the first outer surface 18 along an axis orthogonal to the first outer surface 18 (i.e., the orthogonal projection of panel 10) is entirely within the periphery of hood 2 and / or defines the aforementioned area of ​​hood 2.

[0085] In fact, panel 10 forms a canopy-like structure over the aforementioned area or the surface portion of the first outer surface 18, or forms a canopy-like structure over the aforementioned area or the surface portion of the first outer surface 18.

[0086] Specifically, the area covered by panel 10 is the peripheral area of ​​hood 2, that is, including at least a portion of the periphery of hood 2, and is externally defined by that portion of the periphery of hood 2.

[0087] For example, panel 10 has an inner surface that directly (downward) faces the first outer surface 18 or a surface portion of the first outer surface 18. In particular, panel 10 also has an upper surface that faces upward opposite the lower surface so as to be directly exposed to the external environment of the motor vehicle 1.

[0088] The wing panel 11 is part of the motor vehicle 1 or the body 1b.

[0089] In particular, apart from panel 10, wing 11 is at least partially laterally facing the external environment around the motor vehicle 1 along the Y-axis.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, the wing 11 is part of the side wall of the motor vehicle 1 or the body 1b, that is, it is a side element of the motor vehicle 1 or the body 1b.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the wing 11 has another portion in addition to the panel 10, which extends vertically from the panel 10, particularly downward and / or below the panel 10, and is continuous with the panel 10 so as to face the external environment around the motor vehicle laterally along the Y-axis.

[0092] For example, panel 10 and another part form a single piece or a single panel, such that panel 10 and another part of wing 11 are integral to each other and joined together in a continuous and / or indistinguishable manner.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the wing 11 defines at least one edge of the wheel arch of the motor vehicle 1 or the body 1b, which defines an opposing wheel well below for receiving the wheels of the motor vehicle 1.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, the wing 11 is arranged to directly cover or face (especially downward) a relative wheel well for accommodating the wheels of the motor vehicle 1.

[0095] For example, the perimeter of the hood 2 is a closed line that defines, or is defined by, the outer contour or boundary of the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18. Alternatively or additionally, the perimeter of the hood 2 is a closed line that defines or demarcates the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18. Alternatively or additionally, the perimeter of the hood 2 is a closed line within which the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 is defined or demarcated.

[0096] Specifically, edge 6 of hood 2 is not covered by panel 10; alternatively or additionally, one longitudinal end (specifically the front end) of hood 2 is completely covered by panel 10, while the other opposing longitudinal end (specifically the rear end) is at least partially or even completely uncovered by panel 10. In other words, panel 10 defines an opening that aligns with or exposes edge 6 above. More generally, panel 10 defines an opening that aligns with or exposes a portion of hood 2 above.

[0097] For example, the periphery of the hood 2 includes all edges of the hood 2, particularly including edge 6 and / or the edges of the opposite longitudinal ends that are completely covered by the panel 10.

[0098] For example, the periphery of the hood 2 is also the periphery of the first outer surface 18.

[0099] Preferably, but not necessarily, the panel 10, or therefore specifically the wing 11, is fixed relative to the hood 2.

[0100] In particular, the panel 10 or the wing 11 is formed as a single piece with the hood 2, and more particularly, it is seamless; that is, alternatively or otherwise, the panel 10 and the hood 2 are directly and integrally coupled to each other.

[0101] Therefore, the panel 10 and the hood 2 ideally intersect or meet at an ideal or virtual intersection curve or line.

[0102] Therefore, specifically, the aforementioned portion around the hood 2 defines the ideal or virtual intersecting curve or line between the hood 2 and the panel 10.

[0103] For example, in other words, the perimeter of hood 2 includes the ideal (or virtual) intersecting curve, or the ideal (or virtual) intersecting curve is part of the perimeter of hood 2.

[0104] For example, in other words, a portion of the perimeter of hood 2 is defined by the ideal (or virtual) intersecting curve, or the ideal (or virtual) intersecting curve is defined by a portion of the perimeter of hood 2.

[0105] Preferably, a cavity 12 is defined between the panel 10 and the hood 2 (more precisely, vertically), the cavity being open, and more particularly laterally open toward the center of the hood 2. Specifically, the panel 10 and the hood 2 form a profile that defines the cavity 12 and is C-shaped or concave toward the center of the hood 2.

[0106] In other words, the panel 10 and the hood 2 actually form a recess or niche (particularly in the peripheral area of ​​the hood 2) that is vertically defined between the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 and the panel 10; in particular, the recess is defined by the cavity 12.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, the cavity 12 is precisely or directly (particularly vertically) defined between the panel 10 or its inner surface and the first outer surface 18 or a surface portion of the first outer surface 18. In other words, the panel 10 or its inner surface and the first outer surface 18 or a surface portion of the first outer surface 18 define the cavity 12 at the upper and lower portions, respectively.

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, the panel 10 or its inner surface and the first outer surface 18 or the surface portion of the first outer surface 18 define the upper and lower boundaries of the groove, respectively.

[0109] The motor vehicle 1 also includes at least one windshield wiper 25 (in particular two windshield wipers 25), the windshield wiper including wiper blades 26 movable on the windshield 3, in particular in a sliding manner.

[0110] The wiper blade 26 is movable between a first position and a second position, meaning it has a travel distance between the first and second positions. More precisely, the wiper blade 26 is constrained relative to the frame 1c, enabling it to move along its travel distance.

[0111] In the first position, the wiper blade 26 is fully aligned with the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, or more specifically, it is located on the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, i.e., it is aligned with the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 along an axis orthogonal to the first outer surface 18. In other words, in the first position, the wiper blade 26 (partially) covers a strip or portion of the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 from above. In particular, the wiper blade 26 in the first position is in contact with the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, and more particularly, in complete contact.

[0112] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the wiper blade 26 in the first position faces the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 completely from above along an axis orthogonal to the first outer surface 18. That is, the entire projection along the axis orthogonal to the first outer surface 18, or the entire orthogonal projection of the wiper blade 26 in the first position onto the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, lies completely on the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, or within the periphery of the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18. This is a direct and explicit consequence of the wiper blade 26 being completely aligned above the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18.

[0113] In other words, according to a non-limiting embodiment, each point of the wiper blade 26 at the first position (i.e., each of all points of the wiper blade 26) can be geometrically projected onto the hood 2 along a corresponding axis passing through that point and orthogonal to the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, such that the corresponding projection yields another point on the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, i.e., another point within the perimeter of the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 (in particular, this corresponding axis belongs to a plane orthogonal to axis Y, i.e., to a vertical plane). This is a direct and explicit consequence of the wiper blade 26 being perfectly aligned above the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18.

[0114] In fact, according to a non-limiting embodiment, at least one "shadow" or geometric projection or orthogonal projection of the wiper blade 26 in the first position falls completely from above onto the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 along an axis orthogonal to the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, and is located within the perimeter of the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18. This is a direct and explicit consequence of the wiper blade 26 being perfectly aligned above the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, the wiper blade 26 in the first position is completely separated from or spaced apart from the windshield 3, and / or is positioned completely outside the area directly above the windshield 3, or is located completely in front of the windshield 3 along axis X (or, if the windshield 3 is replaced by a rear window, is located behind or behind it). This is a direct and explicit consequence of the wiper blade 26 being completely aligned above the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18.

[0116] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the wiper blade 26 at the first position overlaps the entire hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 along an axis orthogonal to the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18.

[0117] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 extends from a lower surface (not shown) to a first outer surface 18 according to its thickness, and is completely defined between the lower surface and the first outer surface 18 according to the thickness direction. In this document or in general, any point of the wiper blade 26 at the first position (i.e., each of all points of the wiper blade 26) lies above the first outer surface 18 along a corresponding projection line passing through that point and orthogonal to the first outer surface 18 (e.g., this projection line belongs to a plane orthogonal to the axis Y, i.e., a vertical plane).

[0118] In the second position, the wiper blade 26 is in full contact with the windshield 3, and therefore it is specifically aligned with or located on the windshield 3.

[0119] More specifically, the windshield wiper 25 includes an arm 27 pivotable about a pivot axis R, which in particular has at least one vertical component. Specifically, the pivot axis R is located at the gap 4, i.e., it passes perpendicularly through or through the gap 4.

[0120] Therefore, the arm 27 is rotatable or at least pivotable between a first angular position and a second angular position, which are defined by corresponding values ​​of the rotation angle of the arm 27 about the pivot axis R. In particular, the first angular position and the second angular position of the arm 27 define corresponding endpoints or limit stops of the angular swing amplitude of the arm 27.

[0121] The first and second corner positions of arm 27 correspond to the first and second positions of wiper blade 26.

[0122] Specifically, arm 27 extends longitudinally along axis L, which originates from pivot axis R and includes a radial (more specifically, orthogonal) segment relative to pivot axis R.

[0123] Wiper blade 26 is coupled to arm 27, particularly at the end of arm 27 that is pivoting about the pivot axis R (along axis L). Specifically, wiper blade 26 is secured to arm 27 in a known manner, for example, particularly by snap-fit ​​coupling.

[0124] At the second corner position of arm 27, wiper blade 26 is driven by arm 27 to form (sliding) contact with windshield 3 through arm 27.

[0125] By rotating arm 27, wiper blade 26 can slide on windshield 3 in a second position. Figure 4 ) and the third position ( Figure 3 They move between these two positions, which specifically correspond to the second angular position and the triangular position of arm 27, respectively.

[0126] In other words, the wiper blade 26 contacts the windshield 3 in a sliding manner between the second position and the third position.

[0127] The third position is centered relative to the first and second positions, and in particular, the third corner position is also centered between the first and second corner positions.

[0128] The wiper blade 26 maintains contact with the windshield 3 between the first position and the second position, in particular by the thrust applied to the wiper blade 26 toward the windshield 3 by the arm 27.

[0129] In other words, between the first triangular position and the second triangular position, the arm 27 is configured to press the wiper blade 26 against the windshield 3, thereby keeping the wiper blade 26 in sliding contact with the windshield 3 (i.e., in a sliding manner).

[0130] In the third position, the wiper blade 26 (i.e., at least a portion thereof) is positioned (particularly by the rotation of the arm 27, i.e., when the arm 27 is in or reaches the third angle position) at or near the gap 4, i.e. at the boundary between the windshield 3 and the hood 2, while in particular maintaining at least a portion in contact with the windshield 3 (or more precisely, with its edge 7).

[0131] For example, the width of the wiper blade 26 (perpendicular to the axis L) may be greater than the length or size of the gap 4 along the axis X. Thus, in other words, alternatively or additionally, the wiper blade 26 in the third position may be partially located within or aligned above the gap 4, and / or even in contact with the hood 2, which is flush with the windshield 3, and the gap 4 is located between the windshield 3 and the hood 2.

[0132] At the first corner position of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 is located above the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18, and preferably (but not necessarily) contacts the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 (especially in full contact), more preferably in sliding contact between the first position and the third position.

[0133] Therefore, more specifically, by way of example but not limited to, between the first and third corner positions of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 is located on the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18.

[0134] In other words, preferably (but not necessarily), between the first and third corner positions, the arm 27 is configured to press the wiper blade 26 against the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 so that the wiper blade 26 maintains sliding contact with the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 (i.e., in a sliding manner).

[0135] In fact, as the arm 27 rotates from the third corner position to the first corner position, the wiper blade 26 moves through or across the gap 4, thereby moving fully aligned above the hood 2, preferably (but not necessarily) maintaining sliding contact with the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 until it reaches the first position.

[0136] In summary, the travel of the wiper blade 26 is defined between a first position and a second position, which correspond to the endpoints of the angular travel or angular swing of the arm 27 between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0137] The angular travel or angular swing of arm 27 between the first angular position and the second angular position is preferably greater than 150°, more preferably greater than 170°, and especially between 170° and 200°.

[0138] Preferably, in the first position, corresponding to the first corner position of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 is at least partially or optionally completely (according to an embodiment not shown herein) arranged between the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 and the panel 10, for example, arranged vertically, i.e., more specifically, arranged in the cavity 12.

[0139] Therefore, a portion of the arm 27 may also be arranged between the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 and the panel 10, for example, vertically, i.e. more specifically, in the cavity 12, while the remainder of the arm 27 may optionally be located outside the cavity 12.

[0140] In this way, the wiper blade 26 is at least partially covered from above by the panel 10, so advantageously, it does not affect or minimally affects the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1, and is less visible from the outside of the vehicle 1.

[0141] The windshield wiper 25, more specifically, the arm 27, is generally elastic and preloaded to push or hold the wiper blade 26 in contact with the windshield 3 between a third position and a second position, and preferably in contact with the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 between a first position and a third position.

[0142] The elasticity of the windshield wiper 25 also makes it flexible to adapt to the possible changes in curvature of the windshield 3 and / or hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 at all points in the stroke of the wiper blade 26, so that the wiper blade 26 maintains contact with the windshield 3 and / or hood 2 respectively.

[0143] For example, arm 27 includes a rigid or less flexible portion 28 (which actually pivots about axis R) and a more flexible portion 29 (relative to portion 28) which is hinged to portion 28 about an axis W transverse to axis L.

[0144] Wiper blade 26 is fixed to one end of part 29 opposite to the end hinged to part 28 (along the axis L direction).

[0145] The preload of arm 27 can be determined by one or more torsion springs (not shown) applied between parts 28 and 29 and configured to generate a resilient torque about axis W to resist lifting of part 29 (or more precisely, to resist rotational lifting of part 29 about axis W).

[0146] Without loss of generality, the hinge effect between parts 28 and 29 around axis W can be achieved either by a physical hinge (as shown in the figure) or virtually by adding flexibility to part 29 at axis W.

[0147] The windshield wiper 25 also includes a motor (not shown) that is controllable to drive the arm 27 to rotate about axis R, particularly by setting a rotation angle between a first angular position and a second angular position. Thus, the wiper blade 26 can be driven to move or move along its stroke under the control of the motor of the windshield wiper 25, particularly by sliding on the windshield 3 between a third position and a second position (corresponding to the first angular position and the second angular position of the arm 27, respectively), and preferably by sliding on the hood 2 or the first outer surface 18 between the first position and the third position (corresponding to the first angular position and the third angular position of the arm 27, respectively).

[0148] The motor vehicle 1 includes a control unit ECU configured to control a windshield wiper 25, or more precisely its motor, to drive a wiper blade 26 along its travel and / or between a first position and a second position, or to drive an arm 27 along its angular swing between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0149] In fact, the control unit ECU controls (particularly via the motor and / or arm 27) the movement of the wiper blade 26 between the first position and the second position, or more precisely, controls the first movement portion between the first position and the third position and the second movement portion between the third position and the second position.

[0150] For example, the control unit ECU can control the windshield wipers 25 based on an activation command from the driver or user of the motor vehicle 1, which can be issued, in particular, by appropriate control devices of the motor vehicle 1 (such as buttons, on-screen controls, joysticks, knobs, etc.).

[0151] Arm 27 is preferably pivotally connected to the frame 1c of the motor vehicle 1.

[0152] Conveniently, arm 27 pivots at gap 4, allowing part 28 to descend through gap 4 to a height below the hood 2 or windshield 3.

[0153] The wiper blades 26 in the third and second positions are located outside or outside the cavity 12.

[0154] In other words, the travel of the wiper blade 26 begins and ends inside and outside the cavity 12, respectively, or its two ends are located inside and outside the cavity 12, respectively.

[0155] More precisely, when the wiper blade 26 is in the second position, the windshield wiper 25 (in particular, the entire wiper) is outside the cavity 12.

[0156] Preferably, the movement of the wiper blade 26 (controlled by the control unit ECU) from the first position to the second position includes a first movement portion between the first position and the third position, and a second movement portion between the third position and the second position.

[0157] For example, the control unit ECU can be configured to control (by continuing to control the windshield wiper 25 or more precisely, its motor) a first part, wherein the speed of the wiper blade 26 is different from and particularly lower than that of the second part.

[0158] Once the wiper blade 26 reaches the second position, the control unit ECU can continue to control the windshield wiper 25 so that the wiper blade 26 moves cyclically along a decreasing stroke between the second and third positions (i.e., continuously alternating between a return motion from the second position to the third position and a forward motion from the third position to the second position), particularly until the control unit ECU receives a shut-off command (e.g., from a user) (e.g., this command can be issued by a suitable control device of the motor vehicle 1, preferably the same control device used to issue a start command).

[0159] In this document, in response to receiving a shut-off command, the control unit ECU controls the windshield wiper 25 to move the wiper blade 26 to a first position. Therefore, the first position or first corner position defines the rest position of the windshield wiper 25.

[0160] In other words, after the first movement portion, the movement of the wiper blade 26 (controlled by the control unit ECU) may include a repetitive or cyclical alternation of a forward movement portion from the third position to the second position and a return movement portion from the second position to the third position, i.e., a further movement portion that continues along a decreasing stroke.

[0161] Conveniently, the control unit ECU can control the wiper blade 26 to move along a reduced stroke, in a manner similar to the second part of the aforementioned movement, i.e., using a different wiper blade speed than the first part of the movement.

[0162] All of the above can of course be applied to all windshield wipers 25 of motor vehicle 1.

[0163] Based on the above, the advantages of the motor vehicle 1 according to the present invention are obvious.

[0164] When the wiper blade 26 is in the resting position above the hood 2, the wiper blade 26 has a smaller impact on the aerodynamics of the motor vehicle.

[0165] More advantageously, when the wiper blade 26 is housed within the cavity 12, or more generally, between the panel 10 and the hood 2, the wiper blade 26 is more concealed, thus having less impact on the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1 and being less visible, thereby having less impact on the aesthetics of the vehicle 1.

[0166] In this way, the aerodynamic noise generated by windshield wipers in known motor vehicles can be effectively avoided or limited.

[0167] Finally, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention can be modified and varied, but such modifications and variations do not exceed the scope of protection set forth in the appended claims.

[0168] In particular, the number and shape of each component described and shown in this article may differ, especially regarding the shape of outline 5.

[0169] Finally, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with each other without any limitation, and in particular, reference can be made to the various features described individually in different paragraphs of the specification. Each of these features can be independently applied to each of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (1), comprising: - Longitudinal axis (X). - The windows (3) are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis. - A hood (2), which extends substantially as a longitudinal extension of a portion (3b) of the window (3), wherein the hood (2) and the portion (3b) extend longitudinally sequentially and are flush with each other according to a continuous profile (5) within at least one defined domain of the longitudinal axis (X) between a first midpoint of the hood (2) and a second midpoint of the portion (3b). The motor vehicle also includes at least one windshield wiper (25) having a wiper blade (26) movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the wiper blade (26) is fully aligned above the hood (2) in the first position and fully in contact with the window (3) in the second position.

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the windshield wiper (25) includes an arm (27) that pivots about a pivot axis (R) between a first angular position and a second angular position corresponding to a first position and a second position of the wiper blade (26), the wiper blade (26) being coupled to the arm (27).

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the arm (27) pivots about a pivot axis (R) longitudinally disposed at the gap (4) between the hood (2) and the window (3).

4. The motor vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the angular swing of the arm (27) between the first angular position and the second angular position is greater than 150°.

5. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wiper blade (26) is moved from the first position to the second position via a third position centered relative to the first and second positions, wherein the wiper blade (26) in the third position is located at the boundary between the hood (2) and the window (3), and the wiper blade (26) contacts the window (3) in a sliding manner between the second position and the third position.

6. The motor vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the wiper blade (26) slidably contacts the hood (2) between the first position and the third position.

7. The motor vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a control unit (ECU) configured to control the movement of the wiper blade (26) between the first position and the second position, wherein the movement includes a first movement portion from the first position to the third position, and a repeating alternation of a forward movement portion from the third position to the second position and a return movement portion from the second position to the third position.

8. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a control unit (ECU) configured to control movement of the wiper blade (26) from the first position to the second position, wherein the movement includes a first movement portion between the first position and the third position, and a second movement portion between the third position and the second position, wherein the control unit (ECU) is configured to control the first movement portion at a speed of the wiper blade (26) that is different from and / or lower than that of the second movement portion.

9. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a panel (10) extending over a region of the hood (2) to cover the region from above, wherein the wiper blade (26) is arranged at least partially between the hood (2) and the panel (10) in the first position.

10. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the region is a peripheral region of the hood (2), which includes at least a portion of the periphery of the hood (2) and is externally defined by said portion of the periphery of the hood (2).

11. The motor vehicle according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the panel (10) is defined by a portion of the wing (11) of the motor vehicle (1).

12. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the panel (10) is fixed relative to the hood (2) and together with the hood (2) forms a cavity (12) that is laterally open toward the center of the hood (2).

13. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the panel (10) and the hood (2) are formed as a single piece such that the panel (10) and the hood (2) ideally intersect along an ideal intersection curve.

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the ideal intersecting curve is a portion of the periphery of the hood (2).

15. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hood (2) and the portion (3b) have a first outer surface (18) and a second outer surface (19), respectively, wherein the wiper blade (26) is fully aligned with or located above the first outer surface (18) or fully in contact with the first outer surface (18) at the first position.

16. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hood (2) is a front hood, and wherein the window (3) is a windshield, and / or wherein the hood (2) and the window (3) are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis (X) by a gap (4).

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