Automobiles equipped with windshield wipers that have a resting position on the hood.

Abstract

To provide automobiles that have good aerodynamic performance and do not compromise aesthetics. [Solution] The vehicle comprises a longitudinal axis, a window (3) positioned laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a hood (2) substantially extending as a longitudinal extension of the upper portion (3b) of the window (3), wherein the hood and the upper portion (2, 3b) extend longitudinally in a continuous manner along a profile continuous to at least one region of the longitudinal axis between a first midpoint of the hood (2) and a second midpoint of the upper portion, and are flush with each other, and further comprises 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 aligned overall above the hood (2) and in overall contact with the window (3) in the first and second positions, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to related applications] This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102024000027924 filed on December 9, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, and more specifically, to a motor vehicle having a window and a hood having a shape that defines a natural longitudinal extension of the window, that is, a motor vehicle in which the window and the hood have substantially equal curvatures and have respective longitudinally adjacent portions that are flush with each other.

Background Art

[0003] As is well known, some motor vehicles have a hood that is flush with the windshield and whose curvature at the rear edge is substantially equal to or at least similar to the curvature of the portion of the windshield adjacent in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] Thus, considering the possibility of a gap or boundary area between the windshield and the hood, they extend along a substantially single continuous surface, whereby the forward aerodynamic flow hitting the hood during use continues longitudinally on the surface of the windshield without being abruptly deflected from the forward portion of the windshield adjacent to the hood.

[0005] This configuration of the hood and the windshield has a first drawback in that the windshield wiper, which is indispensable, is particularly exposed, deteriorating the aerodynamic performance of the motor vehicle and generating aerodynamic noise.

[0006] Furthermore, the second drawback is that the exposure of the windshield wiper significantly impairs the overall aesthetics of the front part of the motor vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks needs to be addressed or eliminated.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in a preferably simple and reproducible manner. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] The objective is reached by the automobile described in claim 1.

[0010] Each dependent claim defines a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as a non-limiting example, in order to better understand the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the automobile according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged perspective view of the front portion of the car shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Similar to Figure 2, but showing automobiles under different operating conditions. [Figure 4] Similar to Figure 2, but showing automobiles under different operating conditions. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the longitudinal section of the front portion of the hinge axis of a car's windshield wiper, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a magnified perspective view of the windshield wiper. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 is used to indicate the automobile as a whole.

[0014] Automobile 1 has a longitudinal axis X that coincides with the roll axis of automobile 1. The longitudinal axis X belongs to the longitudinal section, which is perpendicular to axis Y, and axis Y is particularly coincident with the pitch axis of automobile 1, and axis Y is horizontal and perpendicular to axis X.

[0015] Therefore, the longitudinal section is perpendicular and preferably defines the intermediate surface of the automobile 1.

[0016] Automobile 1 comprises a body 1b, the body 1b comprising a plurality of panels, or more specifically, metal plates and windows defining each of the exterior surfaces of automobile 1, for example, but not limited to these.

[0017] The vehicle body 1b is supported by the frame 1c of the automobile 1, as is commonly done in automobiles.

[0018] More generally, the body 1b and frame 1c form the main body of the automobile 1, or form a part of the main body.

[0019] Automobile 1 comprises a hood 2 and a window positioned laterally with respect to axis X (forming part of the body 1b, more precisely part of the aforementioned panel), more specifically a windshield 3, both of which form part of the front portion of automobile 1. The windshield 3 is an example of a window and can be replaced with a rear window or another window throughout this specification, with necessary modifications as needed. Thus, the term windshield 3 is always interchangeable with the more general terms window 3 or rear window.

[0020] Similarly, hood 2 is specifically the front hood, but it may also be the rear hood or the back door.

[0021] In any case, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 is (for example, according to the most common definition of a hood in the automotive industry) a panel (for example, of the vehicle body 1b), coupled to the frame 1c or at least partially coupled to the frame 1c, or supported by the frame 1c so as to be movable relative to the frame 1c.

[0022] Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, hereinafter, expressions such as front, rear, forward, backward, etc. refer to the axis X, and more specifically, to the normal traveling direction of the vehicle 1.

[0023] The longitudinal axis X can be oriented in the normal traveling direction, whereby it extends from the rear of the vehicle 1 towards the front part of the vehicle 1.

[0024] The hood 2 is disposed in front of the windshield 3, and more specifically, follows from the windshield 3 at a position longitudinally adjacent to the windshield 3 along the axis X. Clearly, if the windshield 3 is replaced by a rear window, the hood is disposed behind the rear window.

[0025] The hood 2 and the windshield 3 are particularly separated from each other along the axis X by a gap or slit or separation line 4. In other words, the gap 4 extends or is disposed longitudinally between the hood 2 and the windshield 3.

[0026] The hood 2 may be arranged to cover a lower compartment (not shown), which may be, for example, a compartment for housing an engine or a compartment for housing an object.

[0027] In the present specification, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 or a part thereof (for example, the part mentioned above) is movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the frame 1c, respectively, to close the lower compartment and to enable access to the lower compartment.

[0028] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 or a part thereof (e.g., the part mentioned above) is movable relative to the windshield 3.

[0029] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the windshield 3 is fixed to the frame 1c.

[0030] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 is separate from or spaced apart from the windshield 3.

[0031] The hood 2, or more generally the automobile 1, has at least one configuration in which the hood 2 is substantially positioned as a longitudinal, particularly forward, extension of portion 3b of the windshield 3.

[0032] In this specification, the term “substantially” means, in particular, that there is a gap 4 between the hood 2 and part 3b along axis X, i.e., the longitudinal direction, and the dimensions or minimum length (i.e., shortest length) of the gap 4 along axis X may be on the order of millimeters, and in any case shall be 99 millimeters or less, and negligible with respect to the dimensions of the hood 2 and the windshield 3.

[0033] Along axis X, or more precisely, on the longitudinal section (Figure 3), the hood 2 and portion 3b are positioned flush with each other. In other words, the hood 2 and the upper portion 3b are aligned with each other in the section of the gap 4, and in particular, this alignment is along a plane inclined with respect to axis X.

[0034] Furthermore, the hood 2 and section 3b extend sequentially, i.e., continuously, in the longitudinal direction, particularly along the profile 5 in the longitudinal section. In the longitudinal section, the profile 5 can be treated as a function of a variable associated with axis X, and in some cases can be treated according to either of the two possible opposite directions of axis X (from front to rear of the vehicle 1, or vice versa).

[0035] Profile 5 follows the outer surfaces 18 and 19 of the hood 2 and section 3b (however, in Figure 5, it is shown as a dashed line that rises above the outer surfaces 18 and 19 for purely illustrative purposes, i.e., to avoid confusion with the contour lines of the hood 2 and windshield 3).

[0036] For example, since the hood 2 and part 3b are arranged flush with each other, the outer surfaces 18 and 19 are also arranged flush with each other.

[0037] Generally, the hood 2 and part 3b have or are equipped with outer surfaces 18 and 19, respectively, independently of, for example, the profile 5 or other characteristics of the automobile 1.

[0038] For example, by definition, the outer surfaces 18 and 19 are either at least one surface portion of which is directly exposed to the external environment of the automobile 1, or (for example, the whole) directly exposed to the external environment of the automobile 1. In other words, surfaces 18 and 19 are the outermost surfaces of the hood 2 and part 3b, respectively.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, faces 18 and 19 face upward and / or are the highest faces or upper surfaces (having the highest vertical height) of hood 2 and portion 3b, respectively.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, surface 18 is part of the outer panel of hood 2 or defines its outer surface.

[0041] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the surface 18 (which is flush with surface 19) or the portion of surface 18 that is flush with surface 19 is a solid surface as a whole, i.e., a completely closed and continuous surface, i.e., without openings or holes, or grids or meshes.

[0042] Faces 18 and 19 form an almost straight angle, i.e., an angle of approximately 180°, particularly between 170° and 190°.

[0043] More specifically, section 3b, gap 4, and hood 2 are continuous along profile 5 in this order, and in particular, they are continuous with each other without any further elements or empty spaces between them, i.e., they are in a close, continuous arrangement.

[0044] Specifically, non-limitingly, portion 3b defines the lower edge or lower margin of the windshield 3.

[0045] Profile 5 is continuous in at least one region, interval, or segment of axis X between the midpoint of hood 2 and the midpoint of portion 3b.

[0046] More precisely, the midpoint is a point that is not located on the edge of the hood 2 or the edge of section 3b, and thereby, specifically, the midpoint is spaced apart along axis X (particularly on the longitudinal section) toward the inside of the opposing components from the portion that coincides with the edge 6 of the hood 2, particularly the rear edge, or the edge 7 of section 3b, particularly the lower edge of the windshield 3.

[0047] However, clearly, profile 5 passes through edges 6 and 7 and through gap 4.

[0048] The windshield 3 extends longitudinally between opposing edges 7, particularly the front edge, and edge 8, particularly the rear edge, along axis X, and also extends laterally between side edges 9.

[0049] The hood 2 extends longitudinally between the rear edge 6 and the edge (not shown) that faces the edge 6, particularly in the axial X direction, and especially the front edge.

[0050] The gap 4 is defined longitudinally between edge 6 and edge 7.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferable that profile 5 is continuous throughout the entire axis X.

[0052] Specifically, profile 5 has a substantially constant slope or curve, at least in the aforementioned region, or overall along axis X. Alternatively, the difference in the curvature of profile 5 at edges 6 and 7, or around them on axis X, is limited by a threshold, in particular, so that the forward aerodynamic flow A flows along profile 5 without significant loss in the gap 4 during use of the vehicle 1.

[0053] In reality, profile 5 does not rise at the edge 7 of portion 3b.

[0054] In other words, mathematically, profile 5 is either derivable entirely within the domain or along the entire axis X, or at least Lipschitz continuous (for example, because its derivative with respect to axis X is restricted).

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, profile 5 may maintain its concave shape (i.e., always concave or convex) in a region or overall along the entire axis X. In other words, profile 5 may not have any inflection points, at least in a region or along the entire axis X.

[0056] Profile 5 may be straight in its domain, and more specifically, it may be straight overall, although it is not necessarily so.

[0057] In particular, profile 5 extends upward in the sense that it extends especially between the front end and the rear end, which has a higher (vertical) height than the front end. If the windshield 3 is replaced with a rear window, profile 5 clearly extends in the opposite direction, i.e., downward.

[0058] As we move from front to back along axis X, profile 5 increases in the region (more specifically, strictly increases), or more specifically, increases overall along the entire axis X. If the windshield 3 is replaced with a rear window, profile 5 clearly decreases.

[0059] Preferably, the vehicle body 1b, more generally the automobile 1, comprises, in addition to the hood 2, further elements or panels (specifically sheet metal) 10 defined more specifically by a portion of the fender 11, positioned or extending above the compartment of the hood 2 so as to cover or overlap the compartment from above.

[0060] Therefore, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the panel 10 extends above the surface 18 or a portion of the surface of the surface 18.

[0061] In other words, for example, along an axis perpendicular to the surface 18, the projection of panel 10 onto surface 18 (i.e., the orthogonal projection of panel 10) is placed within the perimeter of the hood 2 as a whole and / or defines the aforementioned section of the hood 2.

[0062] In practice, panel 10 is positioned above or over the surface portion of the aforementioned section or surface 18, forming a cover-like structure for that purpose.

[0063] In particular, the area covered by panel 10 is the area surrounding hood 2, that is, it includes at least a portion of the area surrounding hood 2, and the outside is separated by the portion of the area surrounding hood 2.

[0064] For example, panel 10 has an inner surface that faces directly downwards toward surface 18 or a portion of surface 18. In particular, panel 10 also has an upper surface that faces upwards toward the opposite side of the lower surface so as to be directly exposed to the external environment of the automobile 1.

[0065] The fender 11 is part of the automobile 1 or the vehicle body 1b.

[0066] In particular, in addition to the panel 10, the fender 11 faces laterally toward the external environment adjacent to the automobile 1 along axis Y, at least partially along axis Y.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the fender 11 is part of the side wall of the automobile 1 or the body 1b, i.e., a side element of the automobile 1 or the body 1b.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the fender 11 has, in addition to the panel 10, another portion extending vertically from the panel 10, particularly below and / or below the panel 10, which is continuous with the panel 10 so as to face laterally toward the external environment adjacent to the vehicle 1 along axis Y.

[0069] For example, panel 10 and other parts may form a single part or a single panel such that, for example, panel 10 and other parts of fender 11 are integrated with each other and joined together in a continuous and / or indistinguishable manner.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the fender 11 defines at least one edge of the wheel arch of the vehicle 1 or body 1b, the wheel arch defining a relative wheel bay for housing the wheels of the vehicle 1, downward.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the fender 11 is positioned to directly cover or directly face (particularly downward) a relative wheel bay for housing the wheels of the automobile 1.

[0072] For example, the perimeter of hood 2 is a closed line defined or demarcated by the outer contour or boundary of hood 2 or surface 18. Alternatively or additionally, the perimeter of hood 2 is a closed line that demarcates hood 2 or surface 18. Alternatively or additionally, the perimeter of hood 2 is a closed line that demarcates or demarcates hood 2 or surface 18.

[0073] Specifically, the edge 6 of the hood 2 is not covered by the panel 10, and alternatively or additionally, the longitudinal end of the hood 2 (specifically, the front end) is completely covered by the panel 10, while the other opposite longitudinal end (specifically, the rear end) is not covered by the panel 10, at least partially or completely. In other words, the panel 10 demarcates an opening aligned above the edge 6, or an opening that exposes the edge 6. More generally, the panel 10 demarcates an opening aligned above a portion of the hood 2, or exposes the same portion of the hood 2.

[0074] For example, the perimeter of the hood 2 includes all edges of the hood 2, in particular the edges of the opposite longitudinal end that are completely covered by edge 6 and / or panel 10.

[0075] For example, the periphery of hood 2 is also the periphery of surface 18.

[0076] Preferably, but not necessarily, the panel 10, or more specifically the fender 11, is fixed to the hood 2.

[0077] In particular, the panel 10 or fender 11 forms a single component with the hood 2, and more specifically, seamlessly, i.e., alternatively or additionally, the panel 10 and the hood 2 are directly and integrally joined to each other.

[0078] Therefore, panel 10 and hood 2 ideally intersect or touch in an ideal or hypothetical intersecting curve or line.

[0079] Therefore, specifically, the aforementioned portion surrounding the hood 2 defines an ideal or hypothetical intersection curve or line between the hood 2 and the panel 10.

[0080] In other words, for example, the perimeter of hood 2 includes an ideal (or hypothetical) intersection curve, or the ideal (or hypothetical) intersection curve is part of the perimeter of hood 2.

[0081] In other words, for example, a portion of the perimeter of hood 2 is defined by an ideal (or hypothetical) intersection curve, or the ideal (or hypothetical) intersection curve is defined by a portion of the perimeter of hood 2.

[0082] Preferably, the panel 10 and the hood 2 define a cavity 12 between them (more precisely, vertically), which is open, more specifically, laterally toward the center of the hood 2. In particular, the panel 10 and the hood 2 divide the cavity 12 and form a profile that is C-shaped or concave toward the center of the hood 2.

[0083] In other words, the panel 10 and the hood 2 substantially form a recess or groove defined perpendicularly between the hood 2 or surface 18 and the panel 10 (particularly in the periphery of the hood 2), the recess being defined by the cavity 12.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, the cavity 12 is precisely or directly defined (particularly perpendicularly) between the panel 10 or its inner surface and the surface 18 or the surface portion of the surface 18. In other words, the panel 10 or its inner surface and the surface 18 or the surface portion of the surface 18 separate the cavity 12 from above and below, respectively.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, panel 10 or its inner surface and surface 18 or the surface portion of surface 18 define the upper and lower boundaries of the recess, respectively.

[0086] The automobile 1 further includes at least one windshield wiper 25 (specifically two windshield wipers 25) on the windshield 3, each having a wiper blade 26 that is particularly slidably movable.

[0087] The wiper blade 26 is movable between a first position and a second position, that is, it has a stroke between the first position and the second position. More precisely, the wiper blade 26 is constrained to the frame 1c so that it can move along its stroke.

[0088] In the first position, the wiper blade 26 is aligned with the hood 2 or outer surface 18 overall, or more specifically, rests on the hood 2 or outer surface 18, i.e., aligned with the hood 2 or outer surface 18 along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 18. In other words, the wiper blade 26 in the first position (in particular, the whole) covers a strip portion or part of the hood 2 or outer surface 18 from above. In particular, the wiper blade 26 in the first position is in contact with the hood 2 or outer surface 18, more specifically, the whole.

[0089] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the wiper blade 26 in the first position is positioned to face the hood 2 or the outer surface 18 from above along an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 18, that is, the entire projection along the axis perpendicular to the surface 18, or the entire orthogonal projection of the wiper blade 26 in the first position relative to the hood 2 or the outer surface 18, is positioned entirely on or around the hood 2 or the outer surface 18. This is a direct and obvious consequence of the fact that the wiper blade 26 is aligned entirely above the hood 2 or the surface 18.

[0090] In other words, according to a non-limiting embodiment, each point of the wiper blade 26 in the first position (i.e., every single point of the wiper blade 26) can be geometrically projected onto the hood 2 according to a corresponding projection along a corresponding axis passing through the point and perpendicular to the hood 2 or surface 18, thereby resulting in the corresponding projection yielding further points on the hood 2 or surface 18, i.e., further points within the periphery of the hood 2 or surface 18 (in particular, the corresponding axis belongs to a plane perpendicular to axis Y, i.e., a vertical plane). This is a result that is directly and clearly derived from the fact that the wiper blade 26 is generally aligned above the hood 2 or surface 18.

[0091] In practice, according to non-limiting embodiments, at least the “shadow” or geometric or orthogonal projection extending downward from above the wiper blade 26 in the first position along an axis perpendicular to the hood 2 or surface 18 is contained entirely on the hood 2 or surface 18 from above within the periphery of the hood 2 or surface 18. This is a direct and obvious consequence of the fact that the wiper blade 26 is aligned entirely above the hood 2 or surface 18.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the wiper blade 26 in the first position is entirely separated or spaced apart from the windshield 3 and / or positioned entirely outward from the area directly above the windshield 3, or positioned entirely forward (or rearward or behind, if the windshield 3 is replaced by a rear window) relative to the windshield 3 along axis X. This is a direct and obvious consequence of the fact that the wiper blade 26 is entirely aligned above the hood 2 or surface 18.

[0093] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the wiper blade 26 in the first position overlaps the entire hood 2 or the surface 18 along an axis perpendicular to the hood 2 or surface 18.

[0094] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the hood 2 extends from a lower surface (not shown) to a surface 18, depending on its thickness, and is divided overall between the lower surface and the surface 18 along the thickness direction. In this specification or in general, any point of the wiper blade 26 in a first position (i.e., each of all points of the wiper blade 26) is above the surface 18 along a corresponding projection line passing through the same point and perpendicular to the surface 18 (for example, the projection line belongs to a plane perpendicular to axis Y, i.e., a vertical plane).

[0095] In the second position, the wiper blade 26 is in overall contact with the windshield 3, thereby aligning the wiper blade with the windshield 3 or resting on the windshield 3.

[0096] More specifically, the windshield wiper 25 comprises an arm 27 that pivots around a pivot axis R having at least one vertical component. In particular, the pivot axis R is located in the gap 4, that is, it crosses or penetrates the gap 4 perpendicularly.

[0097] Therefore, the arm 27 is at least rotatable or pivotable between a first angular position and a second angular position, which are defined by the respective values ​​of the rotation angle of the arm 27 around the pivot axis R. In particular, the first and second angular positions of the arm 27 define the respective ends or limit stops of the angular deviation of the arm 27.

[0098] The first and second angular positions of the arm 27 correspond to the first and second positions of the wiper blade 26.

[0099] Specifically, the arm 27 extends longitudinally, starting from axis R and along axis L, with a section in the radial direction (more specifically, perpendicular to axis R).

[0100] The wiper blade 26 is coupled to the arm 27, and more specifically, to the end of the arm 27 opposite (along the axis L) to the end of the arm 27 that pivots around the pivot axis R of the arm 27. Specifically, the wiper blade 26 is fixed to the arm 27 by known methods, for example, particularly by a snap-fit ​​coupling.

[0101] At the second angular position of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 is supported by the arm 27 and (sliding) contacts the windshield 3 by the arm 27.

[0102] Due to the rotation of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 slides between a second position (Figure 4) and a third position (Figure 3) on the windshield 3, particularly corresponding to the second angular position and the third angular position of the arm 27 defined above.

[0103] In other words, the wiper blade 26 is in sliding contact with the windshield 3 between the second position and the third position.

[0104] The third position is midway between the first and second positions, and in particular, the third angular position is also midway between the first and second angular positions.

[0105] The wiper blade 26 is held in contact with the windshield 3 between a first position and a second position, and is particularly held by the thrust applied by the arm 27 toward the windshield 3.

[0106] In other words, between the third angular position and the second angular position, the arm 27 is configured to press the wiper blade 26 against the windshield 3 and hold the wiper blade 26 in a sliding contact state (i.e., sliding) with the windshield 3.

[0107] In the third position, the wiper blade 26 (i.e., at least a portion thereof) is positioned in or next to the gap 4, i.e., at the boundary between the windshield 3 and the hood 2, i.e., by the rotation of the arm 27, i.e., when the arm 27 is in or has reached the third angular position, while remaining in contact with the windshield 3 (or, more precisely, its edge 7), in particular.

[0108] For example, the width of the wiper blade 26 (lateral to the axis L) may be greater than the length or dimension of the gap 4 along the axis X, thereby, in other words, alternatively or additionally, the wiper blade 26 in the third position may be partially present within the gap 4 or aligned above the gap 4 and / or in contact with the hood 2, the hood 2 being flush with the windshield 3 and the gap 4 between the windshield 3 and the hood 2.

[0109] At the first angular position of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 is positioned at a first position above the hood 2 or surface 18, preferably (but not necessarily) in contact with the hood 2 or surface 18 (particularly overall), and more preferably slidably positioned between the first and third positions.

[0110] Therefore, more specifically, as an example, but not limited to, the wiper blade 26 is placed on the hood 2 or on the surface 18 between the first and third angular positions of the arm 27.

[0111] In other words, preferably (but not necessarily), between the first and third angular positions, the arm 27 is configured to press the wiper blade 26 against the hood 2 or surface 18, thereby holding the wiper blade 26 in sliding contact (i.e., sliding) with the hood 2 or surface 18.

[0112] In practice, as the arm 27 rotates from the third angular position to the first angular position, the wiper blade 26 moves past or over the gap 4 and then moves in a state of being perfectly aligned above the hood 2, preferably (but not necessarily) maintaining sliding contact with the hood 2 or surface 18 until it reaches the first position.

[0113] In summary, the stroke of the wiper blade 26 is defined between the first and second positions, which correspond to the end of the angular stroke or displacement of the arm 27 between the first and second angular positions.

[0114] The angular stroke or displacement of the arm 27 between the first angular position and the second angular position is preferably greater than 150°, more preferably greater than 170°, and particularly between 170° and 200°.

[0115] Preferably, in the first position, i.e., the position corresponding to the first angular position of the arm 27, the wiper blade 26 is positioned at least partially or (according to embodiments not shown herein) optionally entirely, between the hood 2 or surface 18 and the panel 10, for example vertically, i.e., more specifically, within the cavity 12.

[0116] As a result, a portion of the arm 27 can be positioned between the hood 2 or surface 18 and the panel 10, for example, vertically, i.e., more specifically within the cavity 12, while the remaining portion of the arm 27 can optionally be positioned outside the cavity 12.

[0117] In this way, the wiper blade 26 is at least partially covered from above by the panel 10, which reduces its visibility from the outside of the vehicle 1. Conveniently, it does not affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1, or if it does, it does so to a small extent.

[0118] The windshield wiper 25, more specifically the arm 27, is elastic as a whole and preloaded, and holds the wiper blade 26 pressed against or in contact with the windshield 3 between a third position and a second position, and preferably holds it pressed against or in contact with the hood 2 or surface 18 between a first position and a third position.

[0119] Due to the elasticity of the windshield wiper 25, the wiper blade 26 also flexes at all points of its stroke to adapt to any changes in the curvature of the windshield 3 and / or hood 2 or surface 18, and the wiper blade 26 maintains contact with each of the windshield 3 and / or hood 2.

[0120] For example, the arm 27 comprises a more rigid or less flexible portion 28 that actually pivots around axis R, and a more flexible portion 29 (compared to portion 28) that is hinged to portion 28 around axis W which crosses axis L.

[0121] The wiper blade 26 is secured to part 29 at the end of part 29 opposite to the part 28 (along the axis L) that is hinged to part 28.

[0122] The preload on arm 27 may be determined by one or more torsion springs (not shown) applied between sections 28 and 29 and configured to respond to an elastic torque around axis W in response to the lifting of section 29 (or, more precisely, rotation around axis W to lift section 29).

[0123] Without lacking generality, the hinge effect between parts 28 and 29 around the W axis can be achieved by both a physical hinge (as shown in the figure) and by virtually increasing the flexibility of part 29 on axis W.

[0124] The windshield wiper 25 further includes a motor (not shown) that can be controlled to drive the arm 27 around 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 or moved along its stroke by the control of the motor of the windshield wiper 25, particularly by sliding between a third position and a second position (corresponding to the third and second angular positions of the arm 27, respectively) on the windshield 3, and preferably by sliding between a first position and a third position (corresponding to the first and third angular positions of the arm 27, respectively) on the hood 2 or surface 18.

[0125] Automobile 1 includes a control unit ECU configured to control a windshield wiper 25, more precisely its motor, so that the wiper blade 26 is driven or moved along its stroke and / or between a first position and a second position, or so that the arm 27 is driven or moved along its angular displacement between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0126] In practice, the control unit ECU controls the movement of the wiper blade 26 between the first and second positions, or more precisely, the first movement portion between the first and third positions and the second movement portion between the third and second positions (particularly by the motor and / or arm 27).

[0127] For example, the control unit ECU can control the windshield wipers 25 based on activation commands that may be given by the driver or user of the vehicle 1, in particular by appropriate control devices of the vehicle 1 (e.g., buttons, on-screen controls, levers, knobs, etc.).

[0128] The arm 27 is preferably pivotally supported on the frame 1c of the automobile 1.

[0129] Conveniently, the arm 27 is pivotally supported in the gap 4, thereby allowing the portion 28 to pass through the gap 4 below the level of the hood 2 or the windshield 3.

[0130] The wiper blades 26 in the third and second positions are located outside or on the outside of the cavity 12.

[0131] In other words, the stroke of the wiper blade 26 starts and ends, or has its ends, on the inside and outside of the cavity 12, respectively.

[0132] More precisely, when the wiper blade 26 is in the second position, the windshield wiper 25, in particular its entirety, is located outside the cavity 12.

[0133] Preferably, the movement of the wiper blade 26 (controlled by the control unit ECU) from a first position to a second position includes a first movement portion between the first position and a third position, and a second movement portion between the third position and a second position.

[0134] For example, the control unit ECU may be configured to control the first part (by further controlling the windshield wiper 25, or more precisely, its motor) at a speed different from that of the second part, and particularly lower than that of the second part.

[0135] Once the wiper blade 26 reaches the second position, the control unit ECU can continue to control the windshield wiper 25 so as to periodically move the wiper blade 26 along a reduced stroke between the second and third positions, that is, to continuously alternate between returning movement from the second to the third position and advancing movement from the third to the second position, until the control unit ECU receives, for example, a switch-off command from the user (which can be given, for example, by a suitable control device of the automobile 1, preferably by the same control device used to give the start command).

[0136] Here, when the control unit (ECU) receives a switch-off command, it controls the windshield wiper 25 to move the wiper blade 26 to a first position. Thus, the first position or first angular position defines the resting position of the windshield wiper 25.

[0137] In other words, after the first movement portion, the movement of the wiper blade 26 (controlled by the control unit ECU) may include a repetition or periodic 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 is continuous along the reduction stroke.

[0138] Conveniently, the control unit ECU can control the movement of the wiper blade 26 along the reduced stroke in the same way as the second moving portion described above, that is, at a different speed of the wiper blade 26 compared to the first moving portion.

[0139] The information presented so far can, of course, be applied to all windshield wipers 25 of automobile 1.

[0140] The advantages of the automobile 1 according to the present invention are clear from the above.

[0141] When the wiper blade 26 is in a resting position above the hood 2, the wiper blade 26 has less impact on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

[0142] A further advantage is that, by housing the wiper blade 26 within the cavity 12, or more generally, between the panel 10 and the hood 2, the wiper blade 26 is more concealed, and therefore its impact on the aerodynamics of the vehicle 1 is further reduced. In addition, its reduced visibility also reduces its impact on the aesthetics of the vehicle 1.

[0143] In this way, known aerodynamic noises caused by windshield wipers in automobiles are advantageously avoided or limited.

[0144] Finally, the automobile 1 according to the present invention may be modified and altered insofar as it does not deviate from the scope of protection set forth in the appended claims.

[0145] In particular, the number and shape of each component described and illustrated herein may differ, especially with respect to the shape of profile 5.

[0146] Finally, the various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in any way without limitation, and in particular, the various features described separately in different paragraphs of the description may also be combined in any way without limitation. Each of these features is independently applicable to each of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. - Longitudinal axis (X), - A window (3) arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, - A hood (2) substantially extending as a longitudinal extension of portion (3b) of the window (3), wherein the hood and portion (2, 3b) extend longitudinally in a continuous manner along a profile (5) that is continuous in a region of the longitudinal axis (X) between a first midpoint of the hood (2) and a second midpoint of portion (3b), and are flush with each other, The automobile further comprises 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) in the first and second positions is aligned overall above the hood (2) and in overall contact with the window (3). Automobile (1).

2. The automobile 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 the first and second positions of the wiper blade (26), and the wiper blade (26) is coupled to the arm (27).

3. The automobile according to claim 2, wherein the arm (27) pivots about a pivot axis (R) in a gap (4) arranged longitudinally between the hood (2) and the window (3).

4. The automobile according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the arm (27) has an angular deviation greater than 150° between the first angular position and the second angular position.

5. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wiper blade (26) is movable from the first position to the second position by passing through a third position intermediate to the first and second positions, the wiper blade (26) in the third position is at the boundary between the hood (2) and the window (3), and the wiper blade (26) is in sliding contact with the window (3) between the second position and the third position.

6. The automobile according to claim 5, wherein the wiper blade (26) is in sliding contact with the hood (2) between the first position and the third position.

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

9. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a panel (10) extending above the compartment of the hood (2) and covering the compartment from above, wherein the wiper blade (26) is at least partially positioned at the first position between the hood (2) and the panel (10).

10. The automobile according to claim 9, wherein the compartment includes at least a portion of the area surrounding the hood (2), and the area surrounding the hood (2) is separated externally by the portion surrounding the hood (2).

11. The automobile according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the panel (10) is defined by a part of the fender (11) of the automobile (1).

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

13. The automobile according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the panel (10) together with the hood (2) forms a single component, and thereby, ideally, the panel (10) and the hood (2) intersect in an ideal intersection curve.

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

15. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the hood (2) and the portion (3b) each have first and second outer surfaces (18, 19), and the wiper blade (26) in the first position is aligned or contained above the first outer surface (18), or is in overall contact with the first outer surface (18).

16. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the hood (2) is a front hood, the window (3) is a windshield, and / or the hood (2) and the window (3) are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (X) by a gap (4).

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