Windscreen wiper system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a windscreen wiper system which comprises a windscreen wiper assembly and a water sprayer assembly, the windscreen wiper assembly comprises a windscreen wiper motor, a transmission mechanism and a wiping assembly, and the water sprayer assembly is provided with a nozzle arranged on the wiping assembly. The follower rotates along with an output shaft of the wiper motor, the two contacts keep abutting against the follower during rotation of the follower, a conductive part and an insulating part are arranged on the follower, and the two contacts periodically make contact with the conductive part and the insulating part along with rotation of the follower, so that the two contacts are periodically connected and disconnected; when the two contacts are switched from disconnection to connection, the scraping brush assembly is located at the initial position; when the two contacts are switched from connection to disconnection, the scraping brush assembly is located at the passing position, and the passing position is located between the initial position and the final position. The utility model further provides a vehicle. According to the windscreen wiper system, the using amount of the glass washing liquid can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the windscreen wiper system is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, specifically to a windshield wiper system and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Some vehicles are equipped with windshield wipers with a washer function. These wipers have the following technical problems:

[0003] Typically, a metal disc is mounted on a helical gear connected to the wiper motor's output shaft. This metal disc, along with three mating contacts, forms a control circuit. A return signal generated by this circuit controls the wipers to return to their initial position, and a washer fluid spray signal controls the wipers to spray water. However, using a metal disc and three contacts to construct the control circuit for both wiper return and washer fluid spray is costly.

[0004] Some windshield wipers with a washer function spray a large amount of water, which not only wastes windshield washer fluid but may also obstruct the driver's view. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a windshield wiper system and vehicle to alleviate or eliminate at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] This utility model discloses a windshield wiper system, including a wiper assembly and a washer assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper motor, a transmission mechanism, and a wiper brush assembly. The wiper motor drives the wiper brush assembly to reciprocate between an initial position and an end position via the transmission mechanism. The washer brush assembly has a nozzle disposed on the wiper brush assembly and includes a follower that rotates with the output shaft of the wiper motor and two contacts that remain against the follower during rotation. The follower has a conductive part and an insulating part. The two contacts periodically contact the conductive part and the insulating part as the follower rotates, causing periodic on / off connections between the two contacts. When the two contacts change from disconnected to connected, the wiper brush assembly is located at the initial position; when the two contacts change from connected to disconnected, the wiper brush assembly is located at a transit position, which is a position between the initial position and the end position.

[0007] Optionally, the nozzle is located on the side of the scraper assembly near the endpoint.

[0008] Optionally, the follower and the two contacts form a control circuit for controlling the water sprayer assembly to spray water and for controlling the scraper assembly to return to the initial position.

[0009] Optionally, the follower is provided with an annular portion, one circumferential end of the annular portion being the conductive portion, and the other circumferential end of the annular portion being the insulating portion.

[0010] Optionally, the follower includes an insulating body and a conductive sheet fixedly connected to the insulating body, wherein the conductive part is disposed on the conductive sheet and the insulating part is disposed on the insulating body.

[0011] Optionally, the follower is a gear in the transmission mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, a control module is also included, the control module being configured to: control the washer assembly to spray water when a windshield washer signal and a signal indicating connection between the two contacts are received; and control the washer assembly to return to the initial position when a scraper assembly return signal and a signal indicating that the connection between the two contacts has changed from disconnected to connected are received.

[0013] Optionally, it may also include a combination switch for generating the windshield washer signal and the wiper assembly return signal, and / or a rain sensor for generating the wiper assembly return signal.

[0014] Optionally, one of the two contacts is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the wiper motor.

[0015] This utility model also proposes a vehicle including any of the windshield wiper systems described above.

[0016] The wiper system proposed in this invention can reduce the amount of windshield washer fluid used and lower the manufacturing cost of the wiper system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wiper motor, follower, first contact, and second contact of the wiper system described in some embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional changes of the follower, the first contact, and the second contact as described in some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the scraper assembly described in some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the wiper system described in some embodiments.

[0021] In the diagram, 1—wiper motor, 2—insulating body, 3—conductive sheet, 4—first contact, 5—second contact, 6—wiper assembly, 7—initial position, 8—end position, 9—path position, 10—windshield, 11—control module, 12—combination switch, 13—rain sensor, 14—washer motor, 15—first switch, 16—second switch, 17—third switch. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating this utility model and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 The windshield wiper system shown includes a wiper assembly and a washer assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper motor 1, a transmission mechanism, and a wiper assembly 6. The wiper motor 1 drives the wiper assembly 6 to reciprocate between an initial position 7 and an end position 8 via the transmission mechanism. The washer assembly has nozzles disposed on the wiper assembly 6. The wiper system also includes a follower that rotates with the output shaft of the wiper motor 1 and two contacts that remain against the follower during rotation. The two contacts are a first contact 4 and a second contact 5. The head 5, the follower is provided with a conductive part and an insulating part. The first contact 4 and the second contact 5 periodically contact the conductive part and the insulating part as the follower rotates, so that the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 periodically switch on and off. When the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 switch from disconnected to connected, the scraper assembly 6 is located at the initial position 7. When the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 switch from connected to disconnected, the scraper assembly 6 is located at the passing position 9, which is the position between the initial position 7 and the end position 8.

[0025] By employing the above technical solution, the timing of water spraying in the washer assembly can be controlled by periodically switching the two contacts on and off. By rationally setting the correspondence between the position of the wiper assembly 6 and the rotational position of the follower, water is sprayed when the wiper assembly 6 is in the area between the initial position 7 and the transit position 9. When the wiper assembly 6 is in the area between the transit position 9 and the end position 8, water can be withheld. The wiper assembly 6 pushes the windshield washer fluid to flow on the windshield 10, allowing a sufficient water curtain to be formed on the windshield 10 with less washer fluid, thus reducing washer fluid consumption. Furthermore, the reduced water volume helps ensure good visibility for the driver.

[0026] In some embodiments, the nozzle is positioned on one side of the scraper assembly 6 near the end position 8, enabling the scraper assembly 6 to better propel the glass washer fluid to form a water curtain on the windshield 10.

[0027] As a specific example, the washer assembly includes a washer water reservoir, a washer water pump, and nozzles. The input end of the washer water pump is connected to the washer water reservoir, and the output end of the washer water pump is connected to the nozzles via a pipeline. The washer motor 14 of the washer water pump drives the washer water pump to operate, and the washer water pump drives the glass washer fluid in the washer water reservoir to flow through the pipeline to the nozzles, and then sprays it onto the windshield 10 through the nozzles. The nozzles can be mounted on the scraper mounting brackets of the scraper assembly 6, and the scraper of the scraper assembly 6 is used to scrape the glass washer fluid on the windshield 10.

[0028] In some embodiments, the follower, the first contact 4, and the second contact 5 form a control circuit for controlling the water spraying of the water sprayer assembly and for controlling the return of the brush assembly 6 to the initial position 7. Using the above technical solution, the water spraying of the water sprayer assembly can be controlled based on the signal connecting the first contact 4 and the second contact 5, and the return of the brush assembly 6 to the initial position 7 can be controlled using the signal changing from connected to disconnected between the first contact 4 and the second contact 5.

[0029] In the above technical solution, a control circuit for controlling the washer assembly to spray water and for controlling the wiper assembly 6 to return to its initial position 7 can be formed using only two contacts. Compared to a solution that uses three contacts to form the control circuit for controlling the washer assembly to spray water and for controlling the wiper assembly 6 to return to its initial position, the above technical solution reduces one contact and one wiring harness loop, and also reduces the size requirements of the conductive parts, thereby reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs of the wiper system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the follower is provided with an annular portion, one circumferential end of which is a conductive portion, and the other circumferential end of which is an insulating portion. By employing the above technical solution, a conductive portion and an insulating portion are provided on the follower, which alternately contact the two contacts, enabling the two contacts to alternately open and close. This satisfies the requirements for forming a control circuit for controlling the water spraying of the water sprayer assembly and for controlling the return of the scraper assembly 6 to its initial position 7. It features a simple structure and ease of arrangement. More specifically, the annular portion is arranged in the annular region of the follower's end face, and the annular portion is coaxially arranged with the follower.

[0031] In some embodiments, the follower includes an insulating body 2 and a conductive sheet 3 fixedly connected to the insulating body 2. A conductive portion is disposed on the conductive sheet 3, and an insulating portion is disposed on the insulating body 2. Using an insulating body 2 and a conductive sheet 3 to form the follower is easy to implement. In specific implementations, the conductive sheet 3 can be made of a metal material, such as copper; the insulating body 2 can be made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The conductive sheet 3 can be fixed to the insulating body 2 by means of adhesive bonding or snap-fitting.

[0032] In some embodiments, the follower is a gear in the transmission mechanism, which makes reasonable use of the structure of the transmission mechanism and helps to reduce the number of parts and lower costs. In a specific implementation, the insulating body 2 can be manufactured as a plastic gear, which can be fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the wiper motor 1.

[0033] In practice, the transmission mechanism of the wiper system is usually composed of a gear set and a linkage mechanism, which can be implemented with reference to the wipers in existing vehicles.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wiper system further includes a control module 11, which is configured to: control the washer assembly to spray water when receiving a windshield washer signal and a signal indicating connection between the two contacts; and control the wiper assembly 6 to return to its initial position 7 when receiving a wiper assembly return signal and a signal indicating a change from disconnection to connection between the two contacts. Using the above technical solution, the control module 11 can determine the timing of water spraying from the washer assembly and the timing of the wiper assembly 6 returning to its initial position. In specific implementations, the control module 11 can be implemented using an existing vehicle controller, such as a body control unit.

[0035] In some embodiments, the wiper system further includes a combination switch 12 for generating a windshield washer signal and a wiper assembly return signal, and a rain sensor 13 for generating the wiper assembly return signal. In a specific implementation, the combination switch 12 and the rain sensor 13 are communicatively connected to the control module 11, and the two contacts are connected to the control module 11 via a wiring harness.

[0036] In some embodiments, one of the two contacts is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the wiper motor 1. When both contacts are closed, a low-level signal is generated; when both contacts are open, a high-level signal is generated. The position of the follower can be accurately determined using the aforementioned low-level and high-level signals.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific implementation, the control module 11 is connected to the first switch 15 in the low-speed wiper control circuit and the second switch 16 in the high-speed wiper control circuit. The control module 11 controls the operation of the wiper assembly by controlling the on / off state of the first switch 15 and the second switch 16. The control module 11 is also connected to the third switch 17 in the washer control circuit, and the control module 11 controls the washer assembly to spray water by controlling the on / off state of the third switch 17. The first switch 15, the second switch 16, and the third switch 17 can all be relays.

[0038] The first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are typically fixedly installed in the wiper motor 1, for example, fixedly installed in the housing of the wiper motor 1. The switching process of the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 is as follows:

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure A, the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are in contact with the starting end of the conductive sheet 3, and the connection between the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 changes from disconnected to connected. At this time, the wiper assembly 6 is in the initial position 7, that is, the wiper assembly 6 is located at the bottom of the windshield 10.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure B, as the follower rotates, the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 remain in contact with the conductive sheet 3, and the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 remain connected.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure C, as the follower rotates, the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 disengage from the end of the conductive sheet 3, and the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 come into contact with the insulating body 2, changing from connection to disconnection between the first contact 4 and the second contact 5. At this time, the scraper assembly 6 is located at the passing position 9.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure D, as the follower rotates, the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 remain in contact with the insulating body 2, while the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 remain disconnected.

[0043] When the control module 11 receives a wiper action signal from the combination switch 12 or the rain sensor 13, the control module 11 controls the first switch 15 or the second switch 16 to turn on, causing the wiper motor 1 to run at high or low speed. At the same time, the follower will rotate together with the output shaft of the wiper motor 1, and the control module 11 will detect the periodically changing high and low level signals generated by the periodic switching between the first contact 4 and the second contact 5, until the wiper motor 1 stops running.

[0044] When the control module 11 receives the windshield washer signal from the combination switch 12, if the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are simultaneously in contact with the conductive sheet 3 (i.e., the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are connected), the control module 11 detects a low-level signal and sends a signal to control the washer motor 14 to start spraying water. If the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are not in contact with the conductive sheet 3 (i.e., the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are disconnected), the control module 11 detects a high-level signal and does not start the washer motor 14. The washer motor 14 is not started until the follower rotates to the point where the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are simultaneously in contact with the conductive sheet 3. The washer motor 14 is then sent a signal to start spraying water until the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 disengage from the conductive sheet 3. This controls the spraying time and spraying range; water spraying begins when the scraper assembly 6 swings upwards from the bottom of the windshield 10, and stops after the scraper assembly 6 swings a certain angle to its destination position 9. In this way, the wiper assembly 6 can push the glass washer fluid upward along the windshield 10, requiring only a small amount of glass washer fluid to form a satisfactory water curtain on the windshield 10, while also ensuring that the driver has good visibility.

[0045] When the control module 11 receives the wiper assembly return signal from the combination switch 12 or the rain sensor 13, if the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 are simultaneously in contact with the conductive sheet 3 (i.e., the control module 11 detects a low-level signal), the control module 11 will not perform any action. If neither the first contact 4 nor the second contact 5 is in contact with the conductive sheet 3 (i.e., the control module 11 detects a high-level signal), the control module 11 will not perform any action. When the first contact 4 and the second contact 5 transition from a "non-contact" state to a "contact" state with the conductive sheet 3 (i.e., the control module 11 detects a "transition from high level to low level"), the control module 11 will control the first switch 15 or the second switch 16 to open, stopping the power supply to the wiper motor 1, and the wiper assembly will stop at the initial position 7.

[0046] This utility model also proposes a vehicle including any of the windshield wiper systems described above.

[0047] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present utility model, and the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

Claims

1. A windshield wiper system comprising a wiper assembly and a washer assembly, the wiper assembly including a wiper motor (1), a transmission mechanism, and a wiper assembly (6), the wiper motor (1) driving the wiper assembly (6) to reciprocate between an initial position (7) and an end position (8) via the transmission mechanism, the washer assembly having a nozzle disposed on the wiper assembly (6), characterized in that, It also includes a follower that rotates with the output shaft of the wiper motor (1) and two contacts (4, 5) that remain against the follower during rotation. The follower is provided with a conductive part and an insulating part. The two contacts (4, 5) periodically contact the conductive part and the insulating part as the follower rotates, so that the two contacts (4, 5) periodically switch on and off. When the two contacts (4, 5) switch from disconnected to connected, the wiper assembly (6) is located at the initial position (7). When the two contacts (4, 5) switch from connected to disconnected, the wiper assembly (6) is located at the transit position (9), which is a position between the initial position (7) and the end position (8).

2. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle is located on one side of the scraper assembly (6) near the end position (8).

3. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The follower and the two contacts (4, 5) form a control circuit for controlling the water spraying of the water sprayer assembly and for controlling the scraper assembly (6) to return to the initial position (7).

4. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The follower is provided with an annular portion, one circumferential end of which is the conductive portion, and the other circumferential end of which is the insulating portion.

5. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The follower includes an insulating body (2) and a conductive sheet (3) fixedly connected to the insulating body (2). The insulating part is disposed on the insulating body (2), and the conductive part is disposed on the conductive sheet (3).

6. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The follower is a gear in the transmission mechanism.

7. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control module (11), which is configured to: control the water sprayer assembly to spray water when a windshield washer signal and a signal connecting the two contacts (4, 5) are received; and control the wiper assembly (6) to return to the initial position (7) when a wiper assembly return signal and a signal connecting the two contacts (4, 5) are received.

8. The wiper system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a combination switch (12) for generating the windshield washer signal and the wiper assembly return signal, and / or a rain sensor (13) for generating the wiper assembly return signal.

9. The wiper system according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the two contacts (4, 5) is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the wiper motor (1).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the wiper system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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