阅读说明：本技术 具有铰接枢轴的刮水器系统 (Wiper system with articulated pivot ) 是由 迈克尔·威尔逊 于 2019-04-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：风挡刮水器系统具有用于刮擦车辆的弯曲玻璃表面的铰接枢转部。铰接枢转部具有枢轴组件(64),枢轴组件(64)具有与第二枢转球(166)分隔一定距离的第一枢转球(160)。枢轴组件被包围在外壳体(158)中,每个枢转球由轴承支撑。小齿轮与第一枢转球、第二枢转球和/或枢轴中的一个集成。齿条齿轮集成在轴承和/或壳体中的一个中。当枢轴旋转时,小齿轮沿齿条齿轮的旋转运动使枢轴铰接。(A windshield wiper system has an articulated pivot for wiping a curved glass surface of a vehicle. The hinge pivot has a pivot assembly (64), the pivot assembly (64) having a first pivot ball (160) spaced a distance from a second pivot ball (166). The pivot assembly is enclosed in an outer housing (158), each pivot ball being supported by a bearing. The pinion is integrated with one of the first pivot ball, the second pivot ball, and/or the pivot. The rack and pinion is integrated in one of the bearing and/or the housing. When the pivot shaft rotates, the rotation motion of the pinion along the rack gear causes the pivot shaft to hinge.)

1. An articulation pivot assembly for a vehicle windshield wiper system, the articulation pivot assembly comprising:

a pivot having a distal end, a proximal end, and a shaft longitudinal axis;

a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end fixedly coupled to the pivot;

an upper pivot ball having a first passage extending therethrough, the upper pivot ball fixedly coupled with the pivot shaft extending through the first passage;

a lower pivot ball having at least one gear tooth projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the lower pivot ball, the lower pivot ball having a second passage extending therethrough, the lower pivot ball fixedly coupled with the pivot adjacent the pivot proximal end with the pivot extending through the second passage; and

a rack having at least one cutout configured to meshingly engage the at least one gear tooth;

wherein moving the distal end of the rod rotates the pivot such that the at least one gear tooth meshingly engages the at least one cutout in the rack to reposition the pivot proximal end that articulates the pivot between a first axis orientation and a second axis orientation different from the first axis orientation.

2. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper pivot ball is rotatably retained by an upper bearing.

3. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 2, wherein:

the lower pivot ball is rotatably retained by a lower bearing; and

the rack is integrated with the lower bearing.

4. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 3, wherein the rack gear comprises a plurality of cutouts.

5. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one gear tooth comprises a plurality of gear teeth.

6. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of gear teeth form a pinion gear configured to meshingly engage with the rack gear as the pivot shaft rotates.

7. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 6, wherein at least two of the plurality of gear teeth have different tooth profiles.

8. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 7, wherein the pinion is a non-circular pinion.

9. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 7, wherein the pinion is a circular pinion.

10. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 7, wherein the rack is a non-linear rack.

11. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 7, wherein the rack gear is a linear rack gear.

12. An articulation pivot assembly for a vehicle windshield wiper system, the articulation pivot assembly comprising:

a pivot having a distal end, a proximal end, and a shaft longitudinal axis;

a first pivot ball having a first passage extending therethrough, the first pivot ball fixedly coupled with the pivot extending through the first passage;

a second pivot ball having at least one gear tooth projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the second pivot ball, the second pivot ball having a second passage extending therethrough, the second pivot ball being fixedly coupled with the pivot extending through the second passage and spaced apart from the first pivot ball; and

a rack having at least one cutout configured to meshingly engage the at least one gear tooth;

wherein rotating the pivot shaft from a first rotational position to a second rotational position to reposition the pivot shaft proximal end that articulates the pivot shaft between a first shaft orientation and a second shaft orientation different from the first shaft orientation, wherein in the first rotational position the at least one gear tooth meshingly engages the at least one cutout in the rack; in a second rotational position, the at least one gear tooth is meshingly disengaged with the at least one cutout in the rack.

13. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one cutout comprises a plurality of cutouts.

14. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one gear tooth comprises a plurality of gear teeth.

15. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 14, wherein:

the first pivot ball is rotatably held by a first bearing;

the second pivot ball is rotatably retained by a second bearing; and is

The rack is integrated with the second bearing.

16. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 15, wherein:

the second bearing has a generally elliptical shape; and is

The first bearing has a generally circular shape.

17. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 15, wherein the rack is a non-linear rack.

18. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 15, wherein the rack gear is a linear rack gear.

19. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 15, wherein at least two of the plurality of gear teeth have different tooth profiles.

20. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 15, wherein:

the first bearing is an upper bearing and the second bearing is a lower bearing;

the lower bearing is fixedly coupled to the pivot shaft adjacent the proximal end; and is

The upper bearing is fixedly coupled to the pivot shaft between the lower bearing and the distal end of the pivot shaft.

21. The hinge pivot assembly of claim 15, wherein:

the first bearing is a lower bearing and the second bearing is an upper bearing;

the lower bearing is fixedly coupled to the pivot shaft adjacent the proximal end; and

the upper bearing is fixedly coupled to the pivot shaft between the lower bearing and the distal end of the pivot shaft.

22. A windshield wiper system for a vehicle, the windshield wiper system comprising:

a first link having a first end and a second end;

a motor rotatably coupled with the first end of the first link; and

a first hinge pivot assembly comprising:

a pivot having a distal end, a proximal end, and a shaft longitudinal axis;

a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end fixedly coupled with the pivot and the distal end rotatably coupled with the second end of the first link;

a first pivot ball having a first passage extending therethrough, the first pivot ball fixedly coupled with the pivot extending through the first passage;

a second pivot ball having at least one gear tooth projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the second pivot ball, the second pivot ball having a second passage extending therethrough, the second pivot ball being fixedly coupled with the pivot extending through the second passage and spaced apart from the first pivot ball; and

a rack having at least one cutout configured to meshingly engage the at least one gear tooth;

wherein rotating the motor to reposition the first link, the first link repositioning the distal end of the lever, the lever rotating the pivot such that the at least one gear tooth meshingly engages the at least one cutout in the rack, and repositioning the pivot proximal end, the pivot proximal end articulating the pivot between a first axis orientation and a second axis orientation different from the first axis orientation.

23. The windshield wiper system according to claim 22 wherein said windshield wiper system comprises:

a second link having a first end and a second end;

the motor rotatably coupled with the first end of the second link; and

a second hinge pivot assembly rotatably coupled with the second end of the second link;

wherein rotating the motor to reposition the second link, the second link rotating the second hinge pivot assembly between a third axis orientation and a fourth axis orientation different from the third axis orientation.

24. A method of articulating a pivot shaft of an articulation pivot assembly for a vehicle windshield wiper system between a first shaft orientation and a second shaft orientation, the method comprising:

providing a hinge pivot assembly, the hinge pivot assembly comprising:

a first pivot ball having a passage therethrough and rotatably retained by the first pivot bearing;

a second pivot ball having a passage therethrough and first gear teeth projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the second pivot ball, the second pivot ball rotatably retained by a second pivot bearing;

the second pivot bearing has a rack gear having a first cutout configured to matingly engage the first gear teeth; and

a pivot having an upper end and a lower end, the pivot passing through the passages in the first and second pivot balls, the pivot fixedly coupled to the first and second pivot balls; and is

Rotating the pivot shaft from a first rotational position in which the first gear tooth is meshingly engaged with the first notch to a second rotational position in which the first gear tooth is meshingly disengaged from the first notch,

wherein the pivot moves from a first pivot orientation when the first gear tooth is meshingly engaged with the first notch to a second pivot orientation when the first gear tooth is meshingly disengaged with the first notch.

25. The method of claim 24, the method comprising:

providing a second cutout in the rack and providing second gear teeth protruding from the outer surface of the second pivot ball; and is

Rotating the pivot shaft from a third rotational position in which the second gear tooth is meshingly engaged with the second notch to a fourth rotational position in which the second gear tooth is meshingly disengaged from the second notch;

wherein the pivot moves from a third pivot orientation when the second gear tooth is meshingly engaged with the second cutout to a fourth pivot orientation when the second gear tooth is meshingly disengaged from the second cutout.

26. The method of claim 25, the method comprising:

rotating the pivot shaft in a first rotational direction from the first rotational position toward the second rotational position, wherein the pivot shaft is articulated from the first pivot orientation toward the second pivot orientation; and is

Rotating the pivot from the second rotational position toward the first rotational position in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction, wherein the pivot articulates from the second pivot orientation toward the first pivot orientation.

27. An articulation pivot assembly for a vehicle windshield wiper system, the articulation pivot assembly comprising:

a pivot shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a shaft longitudinal axis, and at least one gear tooth projecting radially outward from an outer surface of the pivot shaft;

a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end fixedly coupled to the pivot;

a first pivot ball having a first passage extending therethrough, the first pivot ball fixedly coupled with the pivot extending through the first passage;

a second pivot ball having a second passage extending therethrough, the second pivot ball fixedly coupled with the pivot shaft extending through the second passage; and

a rack having at least one cutout configured to meshingly engage the at least one gear tooth;

wherein moving the distal end of the rod rotates the pivot such that the at least one gear tooth meshingly engages the at least one cutout in the rack, repositioning the pivot proximal end, which articulates the pivot between a first axis orientation and a second axis orientation different from the first axis orientation.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a windscreen wiper system for wiping a glass surface, such as a windscreen, of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a windshield wiper system having an internal mechanism to change the orientation of the wiper pivot to dynamically change the angle of the orientation of the wiper blade rubber element relative to the glass surface.

Background

Various hinge pivots for vehicle windshield wiper systems are known in the art. One known system articulates the wiper arm pivot by rotating a bevel gear attached to a curved pivot shaft along a stationary bevel gear sector rigidly attached to the dashboard structure of the motor vehicle. Another known system passes a pivot through a cylindrical bearing at an oblique angle such that rotation of the pivot changes the relative orientation of the pivot with respect to a cage for the bearing. Another known system includes a pivot that passes through the center of the first bearing and through the second bearing at a point offset from the center of the second bearing.

However, known articulated wiper arm pivot systems are mechanically complex. Furthermore, known systems may not be sufficient to maintain a targeted range of orientations of the wiper blade rubber element relative to certain curved glass surfaces. Further, known systems may be limited in the range of adjustment for various specific applications.

Accordingly, it is desirable to dynamically adjust the angle of orientation of the wiper blade rubber element relative to the glass surface. It is also desirable to maintain the blade angle of attack within a desired range to provide good performance. Further, it is desirable to have a scratch pattern that cleans the glass area as required by federal regulations. Finally, it is desirable to provide an adjustable pivot orientation to improve the scraping performance on highly wrapped glass surfaces.

Disclosure of Invention

A windshield wiper system has an articulated pivot for wiping a curved glass surface of a vehicle. The hinge pivot has a pivot assembly with a first pivot ball spaced a distance from a second pivot ball. The pivot assembly is enclosed in a housing and each pivot ball is supported by a bearing. The pinion is integrated with one of the first pivot ball, the second pivot ball, and/or the pivot. The rack and pinion is integrated in one of the bearing and/or the outer housing. Upon rotation of the pivot, the rotational movement of the pinion along the rack and pinion articulates the pivot.

Drawings

Advantages of the present invention will become apparent and appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a windshield wiper system with an articulation pivot for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the articulation pivot is in a first position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the windshield wiper system of FIG. 1 with the hinge pivot in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 1 with the hinge pivot in a first position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 3 with the hinge pivot in a first position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 2 with the hinge pivot in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 4 with the hinge pivot in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 2 with the hinge pivot in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a rack pivot housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rack pivot housing of FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a rack bearing according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the rack bearing of FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rack bearing of FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a front lower bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the front lower bearing of FIG. 11A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11C illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the front lower bearing of FIG. 11A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11D illustrates a side view of the front lower bearing of FIG. 11A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of an upper bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the upper bearing of FIG. 12A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12C illustrates a top view of the upper bearing of FIG. 12A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the upper bearing of FIG. 12C taken along section line D-D, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12E illustrates a front view of the upper bearing of FIG. 12A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the upper bearing of FIG. 12E taken along section line F-F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the pivot assembly of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the pivot assembly of FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower pivot ball illustrated in FIG. 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

16A-16C illustrate cross-sectional views of the tooth profile of the lower pivot ball shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 3A with the lower ball in a first position and a second position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the upper pivot ball illustrated in FIG. 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the upper pivot ball of FIG. 18 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 20 in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 20 in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot of FIG. 20 in a third position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 24 shows a perspective view of a windscreen wiper system with two articulated pivot parts for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention;

figure 25 shows a perspective view of a windshield wiper system with an articulated pivot for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the invention;

fig. 26 shows a perspective view of a hinge pivot according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a pivot assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 28 shows a perspective view of a rack pivot housing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-28 illustrate a windshield wiper system having a hinge pivot and components thereof according to embodiments described herein. Directional references used or shown in the specification, drawings or claims, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, longitudinal, lateral, left, right, etc., are relative terms used for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any respect. Further, a cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot is shown to illustrate layers and components thereof, but such views are not necessarily to scale. Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a windshield wiper system 10 for a vehicle (not shown), the windshield wiper system 10 having a motor 14, the motor 14 coupled to a wiper linkage system 18 to drive rotation of a non-articulating pivot assembly 22 and an articulating pivot assembly 64. The motor 14 rotates a drive shaft 32, and the drive shaft 32 rotates a motor drive shaft 36. The motor drive shaft 36 is rotatably coupled with one or more links 40, 44. The link 40 is rotatably coupled with a pivot rod 48, the pivot rod 48 also being fixedly coupled with a non-hinge pivot 52. The link 44 is rotatably coupled with the hinge pivot rod 76, and the hinge pivot rod 76 is also fixedly coupled with the hinge pivot 72. Any combination of articulating pivot assembly 64 and/or non-articulating pivot assembly 22 suitable for the intended application may be used. For example, the windshield wiper system 10 can have an articulation pivot assembly 64, with the articulation pivot assembly 64 positioned on a driver side of the vehicle, a passenger side of the vehicle, and/or midway along a lower portion of the windshield (not shown). Each hinge pivot assembly 64 may be configured with any number of hinges suitable for a particular vehicle location and a particular vehicle application. For example, the windshield wiper system 10 can include two hinge pivot assemblies 64, 64', as shown in FIG. 24. When the windshield wiper system 10 includes two hinge pivot assemblies 64, 64 ', one hinge pivot assembly 64 can have the same number, a greater number, or a lesser number of hinges as the second hinge pivot assembly 64' if it is desired to wipe a particular windshield. Alternatively, the windshield wiper system 10 can include a single articulating pivot assembly 64 (i.e., the windshield wiper system 10 having a single articulating pivot assembly 64, as shown in FIG. 25). The X, Y and Z axes are also shown generally in fig. 1 for reference.

Typically, a wiper arm assembly (not shown) is operatively coupled to each pivot shaft 52 such that rotation of the pivot shaft 52 moves the wiper arm through a generally arcuate path to clean a windshield (not shown) having a contoured glass surface. A typical wiper arm assembly (not shown) includes a wiper arm coupled with a wiper blade. The wiper blade has a rubber element that scrapes over the windshield to clean the glass surface. The wiping cycle includes moving the wiper arm assembly from the first position to the second position and returning the wiper arm assembly to the first position. A wiping pattern is the area of the glass surface cleaned by the wiper blade as the wiper arm moves through a wiping cycle. The wiper angle of attack is an operating parameter of the wiper system and is defined as the angle of orientation of the wiper blade rubber element relative to the glass surface. Wiper system design pivot orientation is a major design feature of wiper systems that affects the angle of attack that a wiper blade makes with respect to a glass surface throughout a wiping pattern. The angle of attack measured at the wiper arm (center of the blade) varies from park inward wiping to outward wiping, from plus 3 to 5 degrees (target) at inward wiping to-3 to-5 degrees (target) at outward wiping. The angle formed by the rubber element relative to the glass surface will cause the rubber lower body of the element to flip over at its hinge when the scratch pattern reverses (inward and outward scratches). The positive to negative inward to outward scraping aids in the inversion of the rubber lower body and facilitates good scraping quality.

Blades that scrape a windshield outside of the target angle of attack range are more prone to scraping defects, which include poor scraping quality and adverse noise effects. An excessive magnitude of the angle of attack (positive or negative) would cause the wiper blade to tip to the point where the non-wiping area of the rubber element can contact the glass surface. Excessive tipping of the wiper element can result in stains and sharp sounds. Too little dumping at reversal can cause the rubber to stand up and cause the wiper blade to flutter as it moves over the glass surface.

The range of angles of attack is typically determined based on the shape of the wiper pattern (where the wiper blade moves across the glass surface to perform the wiping function), the pivot orientation, and the shape of the glass in the area of the wiper pattern. Given that the glass surface is provided and controlled by the vehicle manufacturer and the area/scratch pattern of the glass surface that needs to be cleaned is governed by federal regulations, the only way to effectively design and control the angle of attack and the range of angles of attack is to select the most appropriate pivot orientation.

As shown in fig. 1, the non-articulating pivot assembly 22 has a fixed pivot 52 orientation. For certain glass surfaces, single axis orientation does not allow a viable workable design where the angle of attack/ascent and descent for the system is within an acceptable range for the desired function. For these glass surfaces, the hinge pivot assembly 64, also shown in FIG. 1, allows for the efficient use of a range of pivot angles, improving the ability of the wiper system to act on highly wrapped glass surfaces. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hinge pivot assembly 64 has a pivot 72 orientation that varies based on the rotational position of the hinge pivot 72. The rotational position of the hinge pivot 72 is represented by the position of the lever 76, the lever 76 being rotatably coupled with one of the links 44 and fixedly coupled with the hinge pivot 72. Fig. 2 illustrates a change in orientation of hinge pivot 72 when motor 14 rotates motor drive rod 36 to a second position to move links 40, 44 to the second position and rotate pivots 52, 72 to the second rotated position. The change in the axis orientation of the hinge pivot 72 is evident when comparing fig. 1 and 2. In fig. 1 and 2, the non-hinged pivot 52 maintains a single axis orientation. In contrast, when comparing fig. 1 and 2, the hinge pivot 72 has a different axis orientation.

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate the respective orientations of the hinge pivot 72 in the first rotational position 84 and the second rotational position 90 relative to a representative axis 94 passing longitudinally through the hinge pivot assembly 64. A cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot assembly 64 with the hinge pivot 72 in the first and second positions is shown in fig. 3A and 4A, respectively. Referring to fig. 3A, the hinge pivot assembly 64 includes a pivot assembly 130, an upper bearing 134 and a lower bearing 150 assembled within a pivot housing 158. Pivot assembly 130 includes pivot 72, rod 76, and upper and lower pivot balls 164, 166 fixedly coupled with pivot 72, rod 76 being fixedly coupled with pivot 72 and having ball stud 160, ball stud 160 having a pin portion 162 fixedly attached to rod 76.

As shown in the exploded view of fig. 5, the pivot housing 158 includes a front housing 168 and a rack housing 174. Likewise, upper bearing 134 includes forward and aft bearing portions 180, 186. The front bearing portion 180 has one or more cutouts and/or protrusions 188. When the front and rear upper bearing portions 180, 186 are assembled to form the upper bearing 134, the one or more cutouts and/or protrusions 188 of the front bearing portion 180 matingly engage with the corresponding one or more protrusions and/or cutouts 190 in the rear bearing portion 186. Similarly, the lower bearing 150 includes a front bearing portion 198 and a rack bearing portion 206. The front lower bearing portion 198 has one or more cutouts and/or protrusions 210. When the front and rack lower bearing portions 198, 206 are assembled to form the lower bearing 150, the one or more cutouts and/or protrusions 210 of the front lower bearing portion 198 matingly engage with the corresponding one or more protrusions and/or cutouts 212 in the rack bearing portion 206.

As also shown in fig. 5, one or more fasteners 218 mechanically secure the front housing 168 and the rack housing 174 when the hinge pivot 64 is assembled. The front and rack housings 168, 174 optionally have one or more recessed areas and/or projections 234A, 234B that matingly engage with projections and/or recessed areas 248A, 248B in the respective upper and lower bearing portions 180, 186, 198. The rack bearing portion 206 has an outer profile 260 matingly engaged with an inner profile 266 of the rack housing 174, which will be shown in more detail in fig. 6-10.

Fig. 6 shows an interior perspective view of the rack housing 174. The rack housing 174 has one or more projections and/or recesses 234A, the one or more projections and/or recesses 234A configured to matingly engage with recesses and/or projections on the outer surface of the upper and lower bearings 134, 150. The rack housing 174 also has a first chamber 286 configured to retain the upper rear bearing portion 186 and a second chamber 292 configured to retain the rack bearing portion 206. The third chamber 298 forms a passage for the pivot shaft 72.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the second chamber 292 of the rack housing 174 of fig. 6, showing the contours of the inner surface 316 and the outer surface 320. The contour of the inner surface 316 generally includes a first curved section 330, two recessed sections 336, 340, a second curved section 344, and transitions 350, 352, 354 between adjacent sections 330, 336, 340, 344. Other profiles may be used as appropriate for the intended application.

Fig. 8 and 9 show an external perspective view and an internal perspective view of the rack lower bearing 206. A cross-section of the rack lower bearing 206 is shown in fig. 10. Fig. 11A shows a perspective view of the front lower bearing 198. A cross-sectional top view, a cross-sectional side view, and a side view of the front lower bearing 198 are shown in fig. 11B-11D, respectively.

The front lower bearing 198 and the rack lower bearing 206 are assembled to form the lower bearing 150. As shown in fig. 9, the rack lower bearing 206 has one or more generally rectangular lugs 210 projecting in a generally circumferential direction, the lugs 210 being configured to matingly engage with one or more generally rectangular cutouts 212 in the front lower bearing 198 (see fig. 11A). Other shapes, configurations and methods of assembling the rack lower bearing 206 with the forward lower bearing 198 may be used as appropriate for the intended application.

Generally, the inner surface 316 of the second chamber in the rack housing 174 is contoured to matingly engage the outer surface 356 of the rack bearing portion 206. The inner profiles of the first and second chambers 286, 292 in the front and rack housings 168, 174 are configured to matingly engage the outer surfaces of the corresponding bearing portions 180, 186, 198, 206. Thus, the profile of the inner surface 316 of the rack housing 174 (represented by the sections 344, 354, 340, 352, 336, 350, and 330 shown in fig. 7) is configured to matingly engage the profile of the outer surface 356 of the rack bearing 206 (represented by the sections 344A, 354A, 340A, 352A, 336A, 350A, and 330A shown in fig. 10). A second chamber (not shown) in the front housing 168 is configured to matingly engage the exterior surface 356 of the front lower bearing 198. The front lower bearing 198 optionally has a generally cylindrical protrusion 248B that projects radially from the outer surface 356. The front housing 168 has a generally cylindrical recess (not shown) in the second chamber that is configured to matingly engage the cylindrical protrusion 248B of the front lower bearing 198. Circumferential lugs/notches 210, 212 maintain alignment between the rack bearing 206 and the forward lower bearing 198. The engagement between the outer profiles 356, 358 of the rack lower bearing 206 and the forward lower bearing 198 protrusions 248B, 336A, 340A with the inner surface profile 316 and recesses 234B, 336, 340 of the second cavity in the housings 168, 174 limits the rotation of the lower bearing assembly 150 when assembled with the pivot housing 158. Other combinations of matingly engaging features may be used as appropriate to the intended application.

As shown in fig. 10, a non-linear rack 360 is formed in the interior profile of rack bearing 206 and is configured to operably engage lower pivot ball 166 to articulate pivot shaft 72 as pivot shaft 72 is rotated by rod 76. It will be appreciated that any rack geometry suitable for the intended application may be used, including linear racks. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the non-linear rack 360 includes a plurality of teeth 364A-364D, each pair of teeth being separated by a respective cutout 366A-366C. The roots of incisions 366A-366C are located along contoured root line 368. Similarly, the crest of each tooth 364A-364D is positioned along a contoured crest line 370. A rolling line 372 shows the line of engagement between the non-linear rack 360 and the rack bearing 206. One skilled in the art can select a particular non-linear rack 360 profile based on the desired articulation path of the pivot 72. The engagement between the rack bearing 206 and the non-linear rack 360 will be discussed below with reference to fig. 17 and 21-23.

The upper bearing assembly 134 includes a forward upper bearing portion 180 and an aft upper bearing portion 186, as shown in fig. 5. Alternatively, the front upper bearing 180 and the rear upper bearing 186 may comprise substantially the same components as shown, for example, in fig. 12A-12F. Fig. 12A and 12B show perspective and side views, respectively, of the upper bearing portions 180, 186. Top and cross-sectional views of the upper bearing portions 180, 186 are shown in fig. 12C and 12D, respectively. A front view and a second cross-sectional view are shown in fig. 12E and 12F, respectively. As generally shown in the drawings, the upper bearing assembly 134 is typically a truncated hollow spherical bearing.

Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the outer surface 390 of the upper bearing portions 180, 186 is contoured to matingly engage the inner surface of the upper bearing chamber 286 of the housings 168, 174. Further, the upper bearing portions 180, 186 have generally cylindrical projections 248A (see fig. 12A) projecting outwardly from the outer surfaces 390 of the bearing portions 180, 186, the projections 248A being configured to matingly engage the recesses 234A in the housings 168, 174. It should be appreciated that any shape of protrusion 248A suitable for the intended application may be used. Similarly, projections (not shown) may protrude from the housings 168, 174 and matingly engage recesses (not shown) on the upper bearing portions 180, 186. The engagement of the cylindrical projection 248A and the recess 234A aligns the bearing portions 180, 186 within the housings 168, 174 and prevents the upper bearing assembly from rotating within the housings 168, 174 when assembled as part of the hinge pivot assembly 64.

As shown in fig. 5, the two upper bearing portions 180, 186 are assembled to form the upper bearing assembly 134. As shown in fig. 5 and 12A-12F, the upper bearing portions 180, 186 have generally rectangular lugs 190 projecting in a generally circumferential direction, the lugs 190 being configured to matingly engage with the generally rectangular cutouts 188 in the upper bearing portions 180, 186. Thus, the rectangular lugs 190 of the first upper bearing portion 180 matingly assemble with the rectangular cutouts 188 of the second upper bearing portion 186 to form the upper bearing assembly 134. It should be appreciated that any configuration of lugs, cutouts, or other known assembly methods may be used to align the two halves 180, 186 of the upper bearing assembly 134. Alternatively, the front upper bearing portion 180 and the rear upper bearing portion 186 may be different components.

Referring to fig. 13, the pivot assembly 130 includes a generally cylindrical shaft 72, the shaft 72 having one or more splined sections 398 and/or threaded sections 404. The pivot 72 may have one or more sections 410, 420, wherein the diameter of the sections 410, 420 is suitable for the intended application and/or to facilitate assembly. The upper pivot ball 164, the lever 76 and the lower pivot ball 166 are assembled with the pivot shaft 72. The upper pivot ball 164 is generally spherical. The lower pivot ball 166 is generally spherical in shape with one or more gear teeth 426, 430, 434 projecting radially from the spherical surface.

It should be appreciated that one or more gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may protrude radially from the spherical surface of lower pivot ball 166, upper pivot ball 164, and/or may protrude radially from the cylindrical surface of one or more segments 410, 420 of pivot 72. Further, although not specifically shown, one or more of the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may be formed by a cutout recessed into a surface of one or more of the upper pivot ball 164, the lower pivot ball 166, and/or the pivot 72. Further, while the rod 76 is shown fixedly coupled with the shaft 72 at a location between the upper pivot ball 164 and the threaded end section 404, the rod 76 may alternatively be fixedly coupled at any point along the pivot shaft 72 suitable for the intended application, including between the lower pivot ball 166 and the lower end 398 of the pivot shaft 72. It will be readily appreciated that the description of "up" and "down" with respect to relative positions along the pivot 72 is arbitrary, i.e., the upper pivot ball 164 and the lower pivot ball 166 may be referred to as the first pivot ball 164 and the second pivot ball 166, respectively. Further, the relative positions of the first and second pivot balls 164, 166 may vary with respect to distance from the threaded shaft section 404. For example, the first pivot ball 164 and the second pivot ball 166 may be fixedly coupled to the pivot 72 such that the second pivot ball 166 is positioned between the first pivot ball 164 and the threaded shaft section 404.

The rod 76 may include a first section 440 having a splined through bore 444, the splined through bore 444 configured to be assembled with one of the splined sections 398 of the pivot shaft 72. The second rod section 448 may protrude from the first rod section 440 at an angle, as shown in fig. 13. Alternatively, the second rod section 448 and the first rod section 440 may be aligned. The ball stud 160 is mechanically coupled to the second stem section 448. The longitudinal axis through the ball stud 160 projects at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis through the pivot shaft 72. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the ball stud 160 and the longitudinal axis of the pivot shaft 72 may be parallel to each other. It should be appreciated that any orientation, shape, and location of the rod 76 and ball stud 160 suitable for the intended application may be used.

The relative positions and orientations of the lever 76 and the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 protruding from the lower pivot ball 166 are shown in FIG. 14. Reference surface 452 is defined by the longitudinal axis of pivot 72 and the center of ball 160. The location, size and number of gear teeth 426, 430, 434 are selected based on the desired articulation as the pivot 72 rotates. A cross-sectional view of the lower pivot ball 166 is shown in fig. 15, illustrating the size and orientation of the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 relative to the reference surface 452. Also shown is an internal through bore 456 having internal splines configured to matingly engage external splines 398 on pivot shaft 72. Cross-sectional views of the various gear teeth 426, 430, 434 are shown in fig. 16A-16C, illustrating the relative size and orientation on the lower pivot ball 166. It should be appreciated that the shape, number, and location of the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 on the lower pivot ball are selected based on the desired articulation path of the pivot 72. It should be appreciated that any combination of orientations, shapes, and positions of the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may be used as appropriate for the intended application. Likewise, the size of each gear tooth 426, 430, 434 may be substantially the same. Further, gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may be selectively positioned on the upper pivot ball 164 and/or the pivot shaft 72 as desired for the intended application. Although not specifically shown, the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may be formed by cutouts on the surface of one or more of the pivot balls 164, 166 and/or the pivot shaft 72 such that the gear teeth 424, 430, 434 are formed by the sides of the cutouts. Alternatively, the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may optionally include a combination of protruding teeth distal from the surface and cutouts in the recessed surface.

The gear teeth 426, 430, 434 on the lower pivot ball 166 meshingly engage a non-linear rack 360 integrated within the rack bearing 206, as shown in fig. 17. The longitudinal axes of the pivot shaft 72 in the first orientation 84 and the second orientation 90 are represented by the relative positions of the longitudinal axes 84, 90 through the cross-section shown in fig. 17. When the lower pivot ball 166 is in a position aligned with the longitudinal axis 84, the gear teeth 436 meshingly engage the cutouts 366A. As the pivot shaft 72 rotates toward a position aligned with the longitudinal axis 90, the lower pivot ball, represented by element 166 ', rotates along the rack 360 such that the gear teeth 436 ' disengage from the notch 366A and the gear teeth 426 ' meshingly engage with the notch 366C. It should be appreciated that the shape, orientation, number and location of the gear teeth 426, 430, 434, as well as the rack 360 roll line 372, the respective cutout profiles, the number and orientation of the cutouts 366A, 366B, 366C, may be used as appropriate for the intended application to articulate the pivot 72 as desired.

A perspective view and a side view of the upper pivot ball 164 are shown in fig. 18 and 19, respectively. The upper pivot ball 164 has a generally spherical shape that may be truncated at one or both ends. The upper pivot ball 164 may have a generally cylindrical protrusion 464 extending from the upper pivot ball 164 and a central passage 468 configured with internal splines 472. It should be appreciated that the general shape and size of upper pivot ball 164 may be selected based on the intended application. Further, the inner profile of upper bearings 180, 186 is configured to matingly engage the outer profile of upper pivot ball 164 when assembled into hinge pivot 64.

A cross-sectional view of the hinge pivot assembly 64 is shown in fig. 20, illustrating the general alignment of the pivot housing 158, the lower bearing assembly 150, the lower pivot ball 166, the pivot shaft 72, and the lever 76. The position of the hinge pivot assembly 64 shown in FIG. 20 generally illustrates the position of the hinge pivot assembly 64 of FIG. 3 and the windshield wiper system 10 of FIG. 1. The rack lower bearing 206 and the front lower bearing 198 are assembled to form the lower bearing assembly 150. The lower bearing assembly 150 has a generally oval shape with a non-linear rack integrated into one side of the lower bearing assembly 150. The front housing 168 and the rack housing 174 are assembled to form the pivot housing 158. The outer profile of the lower bearing assembly 150 matingly engages the interior of the pivot housing 158. The gear teeth 426, 430, 434 on the lower pivot ball 166 are non-circular pinions and align to mesh with the non-linear racks 366A, 366B, 366C in the lower bearing assembly 150 as the rod 76 rotates. It should be appreciated that the gear teeth 426, 430, 434 may be any number, size, or orientation of teeth suitable for the intended application, and may also be circular or non-circular pinions.

The articulation of the pivot 72 as the lever 76 rotates is generally shown in fig. 21-23. The pivot housing 158 has been omitted for clarity. The position of the pivot 72 shown in fig. 21 generally matches the position of the pivot 72 in fig. 1 and 3. The first tooth 426 on the lower pivot ball 166 meshingly engages a first notch 366A in the non-linear gear rack 360. As the lever 76 rotates toward the midpoint, the first tooth 426 disengages from the first notch 366A and the second tooth 430 engages with the second notch 366B, as shown in fig. 22. Comparing the relative positions of the lower pivot ball 166 and the upper pivot ball 166 between fig. 21 and 22, the articulation of the pivot 72 is shown as the lever 76 rotates.

The position of the lower pivot ball 166 is shown in fig. 23 with the third tooth 434 meshingly engaged with the third notch 366C. The position of the pivot 72 shown in fig. 23 generally matches the position of the pivot 72 in fig. 2 and 4. The upper pivot ball 164 is also shown, as well as the threaded end 404 of the pivot shaft 72. Comparing the relative positions of the lower pivot ball 166 and the upper pivot ball 166 between fig. 21, 22 and 23 further illustrates the articulation of the pivot 72 as the lever 76 rotates. When the rotation of the lever 76 is reversed (i.e., moved in a clockwise direction from the position shown in fig. 23), the lower pivot ball 166 rotates toward the intermediate position (fig. 22) and toward the first position shown in fig. 21. This movement changes the articulation of the pivot 72 from the position shown in fig. 4 to the position shown in fig. 3.

The rotating upper pivot ball 164 on pivot 72 provides three degrees of freedom of movement. The hinged lower pivot ball 166 provides four degrees of freedom and binds the X, Y and Z axis articulation to the rotation of the pivot shaft 72 through a gear and rack system. The gears are represented by teeth 426, 430, 434 on the lower pivot ball 166. The rack is represented by a non-linear rack 360 integrated in the lower bearing 150. By controlling the X, Y and Z articulation of the center of the lower pivot ball 166, the orientation of the pivot shaft 72 changes throughout the scraping cycle. A change in the orientation of the pivot 72 relative to the glass surface changes the angle of attack on the glass.

Fig. 24 and 25 show an alternative embodiment of a windshield wiper system 10 having one or more hinge pivot assemblies 64, 64'. It should be appreciated that any combination of articulating pivot assemblies 64, 64' and/or non-articulating pivot assemblies 22 suitable for the intended application may be used. Likewise, any number and/or configuration of internal configurations of the links 40, 44, rods 48, 76 'and hinge pivot assemblies 64, 64' (including the upper and lower pivot balls 164, 166 and the rack 360) suitable for the intended application may be used. Fig. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a windshield wiper system 10 for a vehicle (not shown) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the windshield wiper system 10 having a motor 14, the motor 14 being coupled to a wiper linkage system 18 to drive rotation of a first hinge pivot assembly 64 and a second hinge pivot assembly 64'. The motor 14 rotates a drive shaft 32, and the drive shaft 32 rotates a motor drive shaft 36. The motor drive shaft 36 is rotatably coupled with one or more links 40, 44. The link 40 is rotatably coupled with a first pivot rod 76 ', the first pivot rod 76 ' being further fixedly coupled with the first hinge pivot 72 '. The link 44 is rotatably coupled with the second hinge pivot rod 76, and the second hinge pivot rod 76 is also fixedly coupled with the second hinge pivot 72.

Fig. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a windshield wiper system 10 for a vehicle (not shown) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the windshield wiper system 10 having a motor 14 coupled to a wiper linkage system 18 to drive rotation of a single articulation pivot assembly 64. The motor 14 rotates a drive shaft 32, and the drive shaft 32 rotates a motor drive shaft 36. The motor drive shaft 36 is rotatably coupled with a link 44. The link 44 is rotatably coupled with a pivot rod 76, and the pivot rod 76 is further fixedly coupled with the hinge pivot 72.

Fig. 26-28 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a hinge pivot assembly 64A, the hinge pivot assembly 64A having a hinge pivot rod 76A, the hinge pivot rod 76A fixedly coupled to a lower end of a hinge pivot shaft 72A, wherein the pivot shaft 72A passes through a pivot housing assembly 158A. Although not specifically shown, the pivot assembly 64A is similar in construction to the pivot assembly 64 shown in fig. 5, i.e., the pivot housing assembly 158A includes a front housing 168 and a rack housing 174A. The rack housing 174A is shown in fig. 28. Further, as in the first embodiment, the pivot housing assembly 158A has first and second bearings 134, 150 (not shown) inserted into first and second bearing chambers 286A, 292A in the front housing 168 and rack housing 174A.

As shown in fig. 27, pivot shaft 72A is part of an articulation pivot assembly 130A, which articulation pivot assembly 130A has a first ball 164A and a second ball 166A fixedly coupled to pivot shaft 72A. The hinge pivot rod 76A is fixedly coupled to the lower end of the pivot shaft 72A. The hinge pivot rod 76A may be fixedly coupled at any point along the hinge pivot 72A. Further, the first ball 164A, the second ball 166A, and the pivot 72A may be formed as an integrated unit.

The pivot shaft 72A has one or more gear teeth 426A, 430A, 434A that project radially from the cylindrical shaft surface 72A, as shown in fig. 27. The first and second balls 164A, 166A are generally spherical and have no teeth and/or cutouts.

The interior profile of the rack housing assembly 174A is shown in fig. 28. The bearing chambers 286A, 292A are contoured to hold respective bearings (not shown), similar to the first embodiment. The central cavity 298A has one or more teeth 364-1, 364-2, 364-3 forming a rack and is configured to matingly engage with one or more gear teeth 426A, 430A, 434A on the pivot 72A as the pivot 72A rotates. Although not specifically shown, a third bearing with an integrated gear rack may be inserted into the central cavity 298A such that the one or more gear teeth 426A, 430A, 434A matingly engage the gear rack integrated within the third bearing.

Alternatively, the pivot shaft 72A may have a notch (not shown) in the shaft surface 72A that matingly engages teeth 364-1, 364-2, 364-3 protruding from an interior surface 298A of the pivot housing assembly 158A and/or from an interior surface of a housing bearing (not shown), which is similar to the bearing 206 shown in FIG. 10.

One advantage of a wiper system having one or more hinge pivots is improved wiping performance for highly wrapped glass. A second advantage is to dynamically adjust the angle of orientation of the wiper blade rubber element with respect to the glass surface. Another advantage is that the blade angle of attack is kept within the desired range for highly curved glass surfaces. In addition, the non-linear rack-and-pinion gear profile, combined with the non-circular pinion gear profile contained within the pivot housing, allows the articulation of the pivot to be adjusted to accommodate various curved glass surfaces. It will be appreciated that any combination of linear or non-linear racks and circular or non-circular pinions may be used as appropriate for the intended application, i.e. linear rack pitch line and circular pinion profile combination may result in the desired articulation of the pivot for a particular application. Likewise, it should be appreciated that any combination of one or more articulated pivot assemblies and optional non-articulated pivot assemblies may be used within a single windshield wiper system to suit the intended application.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.