DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wiper arm. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a method for locking and unlocking a wiper arm at predetermined positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE AND PRIOR ARTS

Existing wiper arm assembly consists of a wiper arm 1011 and a wiper blade 1031 connected to the wiper arm 1011 as shown in FIG.1. Typically, one end of the wiper arm 1011 is fixed to a hood region 105 in the vehicle and other end of the wiper arm 1011 is hinged to the wiper blade 1031. The wiper blade 1031 moves on the windshield 100 of a vehicle to wipe the visibility limiting material, such as water or dust or dirt deposited on the windshield 100 of the vehicle. A spring is provided in the wiper arm 1011 which provides required pressure on the wiper blade 1031 to acquire the shape of the windshield 100 at different angle/positions during working and non-working conditions of the wiper arm assembly. One disadvantage associated with the existing wiper arm assembly is that at parking position, i.e. when the wiper arm 1011 is rested on the windshield 100 for prolonged time and during sunny days, the wiper arm 1011 may get damaged. Another disadvantage associated with the existing wiper arm assembly is that, when a user wants to clean or wipe the windshield 100 manually, the wiper arm 1011 has to be stretched completely, i.e. the wiper arm 1011 is stretched for about 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees with respect to resting plane of the wiper arm assembly for locking the wiper arm 1011. Thus, the spring present in the wiper arm 1011 is also stretched to its fullest length and is held in this position until the manual cleaning or wiping is completed. Hence, by stretching the wiper arm 1011 for full 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees, the spring present in the wiper arm 1011 will be in stressed condition until the manual wiping/cleaning is completed and therefore the life span of the spring gets reduced considerably.

One way for overcoming one or more limitations of the existing wiper arm assembly is described in US6964080 (hereinafter referred as US Pat 080’). The US Pat 080’ provides for a wiper arm locking mechanism which consists of two number of cam, a fastening port, a pin, a joint member, an angled element, a spring tongue, and a swing-down joint. However, the mechanism provided in the US Pat 080’ is having more number of components and hence is complex in nature and thereby difficult to control during production. Further, the mechanism is integrated with head of the wiper arm, and therefore, if any mechanical failure with cam provided the wiper arm, may also lead to a failure in pressure provided by the wiper arm to the wiper blade of the wiper arm assembly. Thus, the mechanism may deteriorate the user’s visibility on the wind shield, which may lead to serious untoward events.

In the above mentioned conventional techniques, many components are used which increases the complexity of the mechanism and thereby increasing the cost. In addition to that, there is no break point, wherein the wiper arm will not go beyond and hence spring dislodging can happen prior to life of the wiper arm.

In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved mechanism for locking and unlocking the wiper arm in order to overcome the limitations stated above.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for moving the wiper arm from the non-working position and locking at predetermined positions.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a low cost, simple method for locking and unlocking wiper arm that reduces the complexity by using fewer components which thereby reduces the process variations during manufacturing.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a cam mechanism (combination of a support member and a spring loaded plunger) which is independent with wiper arm function to reduce the probability of failure occurrences with wiper function as well as wiper arm locking function. Hence, failure to the cam mechanism will not lead to deterioration of wiper arm pressure and hence maintains the required pressure on the windshield and helps to clean the windshield properly which increases occupants visibility.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of wiper arm assembly and method as claimed in the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a wiper arm assembly. The wiper arm assembly comprises a wiper arm, a support member, a track and a locking unit. The wiper arm is characterized as a bottom part and a top part, wherein said wiper arm is configured with a locking unit which is placed on the top part of the wiper arm. The support member is fixed to the bottom part of the wiper arm. The track is formed on the support member, wherein the track comprises one or more indents at predetermined positions. The locking unit, the support member and the track are arranged such that the locking unit guides on the track when the wiper arm is moved from a non-working position and resides at any one of the one or more indents to lock the wiper arm at predetermined position.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for locking and unlocking a wiper arm at predetermined positions. The method comprises moving the wiper arm from a non-working position such that a locking unit which is placed on top part of the wiper arm contacts a support member which is fixed to the wiper arm. When the wiper arm is moved from the non-working position, the locking unit guides on a track formed on the support member such that the locking unit resides at anyone of one or more indents located in the track.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for locking and unlocking a wiper arm. The mechanism comprises a locking unit, a support member and a track. The locking unit is placed on top part of the wiper arm. The support member is fixed to a bottom part of the wiper arm. The track is formed on the support member, wherein the track comprises one or more indents at predetermined positions. The locking unit, the support member and the track are arranged such that the locking unit guides on the track when the wiper arm is moved from a non-working position and resides at any one of the one or more indents to lock the wiper arm at predetermined position.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 shows mounting of a wiper arm on a wind shield of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;

FIG.2 shows top view of a wiper arm assembly illustrating arrangement of locking unit with wiper arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG.3 shows front view of a wiper arm assembly illustrating arrangement of a support member, track and wiper arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG.4 shows cross-sectional view of a wiper arm assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5a-5d shows front views of the wiper arm assembly illustrating wiper arm locked at different positions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates indentation of the locking unit on the track along with dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background, the present disclosure provides a wiper arm assembly and a method for locking and unlocking a wiper arm at predetermined position during non-working condition.

The wiper arm assembly comprises of a wiper arm characterized as bottom part and top part, a support member, a track and a locking unit. The locking unit is placed on the top part of the wiper arm. The support member is fixed to the bottom part of the wiper arm. The position of the support member is proximal to hinged portion of the top part and the bottom part. The track is formed on the support member and comprises of one or more indents at predetermined positions. The locking unit, the support member and the track are arranged such that the locking unit guides on the track when the wiper arm is moved from a non-working position and resides at any one of the one or more indents to lock the wiper arm at predetermined position.
FIG. 2 shows top view of a wiper arm assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wiper arm assembly 200 consists of a wiper arm 101 characterized as a bottom part 101a and a top part 101b, a support member 201, a track 203 provided on the support member 201 and a locking unit 207. The bottom part 101a and the top part 101b are hinged using a spring. The support member 201 is fixed to the bottom part 101a of the wiper arm 101 and position of the support member 201 is proximal to the hinged portion of the bottom part 101a and the top part 101b. In an embodiment, the locking unit 207 is a spring loaded plunger. In an embodiment, the locking unit 207 is placed on top part 101b preferably near to the hinge portion with the bottom part 101a. In an embodiment, the support member 201 is a molded plate and it is in arc shape. The support member 201 can also be in any other shape which will not foul to other part during operation of the wiper arm 101.

FIG.3 shows front view of the wiper arm assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support member 201 consists of a track 203, wherein the track 203 consists of one or more indents 205 at predetermined positions. The track 203 is also in an arc shape. The track 203 can also be in any other shape which will not foul to other part during operation. For example, the track 203 has three indents namely a first indent 2051, a second indent 2052 and a third indent 2053 such that each of the indents are positioned at 20 degrees from the preceding indent.

FIG.4 shows cross-sectional view of the wiper arm assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the locking unit 207 is a spring loaded plunger in which spring 209 is attached to a top portion of the piston/plunger, wherein the bottom portion of the plunger is in circular shape such that it easily guides in the track 203 formed on the support member 201. The spring 209 in the spring loaded plunger is provided with a predetermined/preloaded tension. The preloaded tension enables the plunger to lock itself in its original position.

In an embodiment, when the wiper arm 101 is moved from the non-working position, the locking unit 207 guides on the track 203 and resides at any one of one or more indents 205. The non-working position is selected from at least one of resting on a windshield 100 of a vehicle (also referred as parking position) and resting on any one of the one or more indents 205.
At the parking position, the wiper arm 101 is mounted in a hood gap between the windshield 100 and a hood region 105 because of which the wiper blade 103 rests on the windshield 100. When a user wishes to wipe the windshield 100, the user moves the wiper arm 101 from the parking position. When the wiper arm 101 is moved from the parking position, the tension of the spring 209 increases and therefore forces the locking unit 207 to guide on the track 203 in the support member 201 and reside at any one of the one or more indents 205 for locking the wiper arm 101 at predetermined positions.

FIG.5a shows front view of the wiper arm assembly 200, when the wiper arm 101 is in resting position. The wiper arm 101 is in non-working position or parking position, wherein the wiper arm 101 is resting on windshield of the vehicle. The plunger is located on the track 203 of the support member 201 and not rested on any of the indents for locking at predetermined indents 205.

FIG. 5b shows front view of the wiper arm assembly when the wiper arm 101 is moved or stretched manually from the non-working position or resting position and is locked at first indent on the support plate. In an embodiment, the track 203 consists of three indents namely a first indent 2051, a second indent 2052 and a third indent 2053. The location of the first indent 2051 in the support member 201 is 25 degrees with reference to plane of the windshield 100/central axis of the bottom part 101a of the wiper arm 101. The wiper arm 101 is stretched manually from the non-working position and therefore, the locking unit 201 of the wiper arm 101 is guided on the track 203 of support member 201. When the wiper arm 101 is moved from the parking position, the tension of the spring 209 increases and hence forces the locking unit 207 to guide on the track 203 and resides at the first indent 2051. Once, the locking unit 207 is reached at the first indent 2051, the locking unit 207 reside on the first indent 2051 and gets locked with the support plate. Hence, the wiper arm 101 is restrained from any movement. After locking of the wiper arm 101 with the support member 201, the wiper arm 101 is located offset to the windshield 100, i.e. the wiper blade 103 connected to the wiper arm 101 is not rested on the windshield 100 and there is a preset gap between the wiper blade 103 and the windshield 100. The wiper arm 101 is positioned at the first indent 2051 when the user wants the wiper blade 103 to not be in contact with the windshield 100. The user sets or locks the wiper arm assembly 200 such that the wiper blade 103 is offset to the windshield 100 which in turn increases the life span of the wiper blade 103. By locking the wiper arm 101 at the first indent 2051, the wiper blade 103 will not strike the hood or fall back against the windshield 100 which therefore prevents the damage of the wiper blade 103.

The prolonged resting of the wiper blade 103 on the windshield 100 is prevented by locking the wiper arm 101 at the first indent 2051.

FIG. 5c shows front view of the wiper arm assembly 200 when the wiper arm 101 is moved or stretched manually from the non-working position or resting position or from locking position at the first indent 2051 and locked at second indent 2052 of the support plate. The location of the second indent 2052 in the support member 201 is 45 degrees with reference to plane of the windshield 100. In one embodiment, the wiper arm 101 is locked at second indent 2052 position for cleaning or wiping the windshield 100 of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the wiper arm 101 is displaced from the first indent 2051 position by moving or stretching manually. When the wiper arm 101 is stretched, the locking unit 207 is dislodged from the first indent 2051 and is guided on the track 203 till the second indent 2052 is reached. The wiper arm 101 is locked with the support member 201 when the locking unit 207 resides at the second indent 2052.

In one embodiment, the wiper arm 101 is displaced from the non-working position or resting position by moving or stretching manually. When the wiper arm 101 is stretched, the locking unit 207 is dislodged from the non-working position or resting position and is guided on the track 203 till the second indent 2052 is reached. The wiper arm 101 is locked with the support member 201 when the locking unit 207 resides at the second indent 2052.

FIG. 5d shows front view of the wiper arm assembly 200 when the wiper arm 101 is moved or stretched manually from the non-working position or resting position or from locking position at the first indent 2051 or from the second indent 2052 and the wiper arm 101 is locked at third indent 2053 of the support plate. The location of the third indent 2053 in the support member 201 is 65 degrees with reference plane of to the windshield 100. As an example, the user moves the wiper arm 101 from the parking position for cleaning or wiping the windshield of the vehicle. When the wiper arm 101 is moved from the parking position, the tension of the spring 209 increases and hence forces the locking unit 207 to guide on the track 203 and resides at third indent 2053. When the wiper arm 101 is pulled, the tension of the spring 209 increases and hence forces the locking unit 207 to guide over the track 203 and lock at third indent 2053. The user wishes to lock the wiper arm 101 at third indent 2053. The user pulls the wiper arm 101 from the second indent 2052. When the wiper arm 101 is pulled by the user, the tension of the spring 209 increases and hence guides the locking unit 207 on the track 203 to lock at the third indent 2053. By locking the wiper arm 101 at the third indent 2053, the wiper arm 101 will not allow the spring 209 to get dislodged throughout the wiper arm 101 life.

FIG. 6 illustrates indentation of the locking unit on the track along with dimensions in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The approximate dimensions of the indentations are as follows:
A = 6 ± 0.2
B = 1 ± 0.2
C = 5 ± 0.2 ----radius
D = 4.5 ± 0.2----radius
E = 7 ± 0.2----radius
F = 1.5 ± 0.2----radius
G = 8 ± 0.2

In an embodiment, the locking pressure of the wiper arm is 1/4th of the total wiper arm pressure as shown in the below table.

Wiper Arm pressure (gms) locking pressure of the wiper arm (gms)
700 175
750 187.5
800 200
850 212.5
900 225
940 235
950 237.5
1000 250

Advantages:

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a simple method for locking and unlocking the wiper arm which is cost-effective.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for locking the wiper arm at any one of one or more indents. By locking the wiper arm at first indent position, the wiper blade will not strike the hood or fall back against the windshield thereby preventing the damage of the wiper blade and thus increasing working life of the wiper blade. By locking the wiper arm at the second indent position, the user can easily wipe the windshield and hence no need to pull the wiper arm further. By locking the wiper arm at the third indent position, the wiper arm will not allow the spring to get dislodged throughout the wiper arm life.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method which is less complex by using fewer components which thereby reduces the process variations during manufacturing.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for locking and unlocking the wiper arm at any one of one or more indents which is independent of the cam mechanism. Hence, failure to the cam mechanism will not lead to deterioration of wiper arm pressure and hence maintains the required pressure on the windshield and helps to clean the windshield properly which increases occupants visibility.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals

Description Reference Number
Windshield 100
Wiper arm in the prior art 1011
Wiper blade in the prior art 1031
Wiper arm 101
Wiper blade 103
Hood region 105
Bottom part of wiper arm 101a
Top part of wiper arm 101b
Support member 201
Track on the support member 203
One or more indents on the support member 205
First indent on the support member 2051
Second indent on the support member 2052
Third indent on the support member 2053
Locking unit 207
Spring 209

,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A wiper arm assembly 200, comprising:
a wiper arm 101 characterized as a bottom part 101a and a top part 101b, wherein said wiper arm 101 is configured with a locking unit 207 placed on the top part 101b of the wiper arm 101;
a support member 201, said support member 201 is fixed to the bottom part 101a of the wiper arm 101; and
a track 203 of a predetermined shape formed on the support member 201, wherein the track 203 comprises one or more indents 205 at predetermined positions;
the locking unit 207, the support member and the track 203 are arranged such that the locking unit 207 guides on the track 203 when the wiper arm 101 is moved from a non-working position and resides at any one of the one or more indents 205 to lock the wiper arm 101 at predetermined position.

2. The wiper arm assembly 200 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member 201 and the track 203 is in arc shape.
3. The wiper arm assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking unit 207 is a spring loaded plunger.
4. The wiper arm assembly 200 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-working position of the wiper arm 101 is selected from at least one of resting on a windshield 100 of a vehicle and resting on any one of the one or more indents 205.
5. The wiper arm assembly 200 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member 201 is a molded plate.
6. The wiper arm assembly 200 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member 201 is positioned substantially parallel with windshield 100 of the vehicle.
7. The method of assembling the wiper arm assembly 200 as claimed in claim 1, the method comprises acts of:
fixing a support member 201 to a bottom part 101a of the wiper arm 101 such that the support member 201 is proximal to hinge portion of the bottom part 101a and the top part 101b; and
placing a locking unit 207 on the top part 101a of the wiper arm 101 such that the locking unit 207 guides on the track 203 when the wiper arm 101 is moved from the non-working position and resides at anyone of the one or more indents 205.

8. A method for locking and unlocking a wiper arm 101 at predetermined position, said method comprising act of:
moving the wiper arm 101 from a non-working position such that a locking unit 207, placed on top part 101b of the wiper arm 101, contacts a support member 201 fixed to the bottom part 101a of the wiper arm 101; and
guiding the locking unit 207 on a track 203, formed on the support member 201, such that the locking unit 207 resides at anyone of one or more indents 205 located in the track 203 when the wiper arm 101 is moved from the non-working position.

9. A mechanism for locking and unlocking a wiper arm at predetermined position, said mechanism comprising:
a support member 201 fixed to a bottom part 101a of the wiper arm 101;
a locking unit 207 placed on the top part 101b of the wiper arm 101; and
a track 203 of a predetermined shape formed on the support member 201, wherein the track 203 comprises one or more indents 205 at predetermined positions;
the locking unit 207, the support member 201 and the track 203 are arranged such that the locking unit 207 guides on the track 203 when the wiper arm 101 is moved from a non-working position and resides at any one of the one or more indents 205 to lock the wiper arm 101 at predetermined position.