Park safe mechanism for wiper systems
AssigneeValeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
InventorsJames P. Penrod, Harry C. Buchanan JR., Bruce A. Bryson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A windshield wiper drive linkage is provided for use in a wiper system. The linkage includes a crank arm connectible to an output shaft of a drive motor. A drive arm is pivotally connected to the crank arm for movement between first and second angular positions about a pivot pin with respect to one another. A flexible composite spring extends between the crank arm and the drive arm. The flexible composite spring is preloaded into an initial arcuate position and is bendable from the initial position to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a load applied to the arms exceeds a predetermined load.
Claims20
A windshield wiper drive linkage for use in a wiper system comprising:
- a crank arm connectible to an output shaft of a drive motor;
- a drive arm pivotably connected to the crank arm for movement between first and second angular positions with respect to one another;
- and
- a flexible composite spring extending between the crank arm and the drive arm, the flexible composite spring preloaded into an initial arcuate position and bendable from the initial position to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a load applied to the arms exceeds a predetermined load.
A wiper system comprising:
- a first wiper and a second wiper;
- a drive motor for moving the first and second wipers between an inwipe position, an outwipe position, and a park position;
- and
- a windshield wiper drive linkage coupled between the first and second wipers and the drive motor, the windshield wiper drive linkage including a crank arm connectible to an output shaft of the drive motor, a drive arm pivotably connected to the crank arm for movement between first and second angular positions with respect to one another, and a flexible composite spring extending between the crank arm and the drive arm, the flexible composite spring preloaded into an initial arcuate position and bendable from the initial position to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a load applied to the arms exceeds a predetermined load.
A windshield wiper system for a motor vehicle comprising:
- a first wiper and a second wiper;
- a drive motor for moving the first and second wipers between an inwipe position, an outwipe position, and a parked position;
- and
- means for automatically shortening an effective length of a crank in response to a load applied to the crank exceeding a predetermined load to allow continued rotation of an output shaft of the drive motor, the shortening means connectible between the first and second wipers and the drive motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.