1. Motor:
- At the heart of the wiper system is an electric motor that provides the power to drive the wipers.
2. Wiper Transmission:
- Connected to the motor is a series of gears and linkages known as the wiper transmission.
3. Wiper Arms:
- Extending from the transmission are the wiper arms. These are responsible for holding and moving the wiper blades across the windshield.
4. Wiper Blades:
- Attached to the wiper arms are the wiper blades, which are made of flexible rubber. They sweep across the windshield during operation.
5. Windshield Washer System:
- Modern wiper systems also incorporate a windshield washer system to clean the windshield prior to or during wiping.
- When activated, the washer nozzle sprays pressurized washer fluid onto the windshield, aiding in the removal of dirt and grime.
6. Control Switch:
- Drivers can usually control the speed and operation of the wipers using a lever or switch located on the steering column or dashboard.
Here's a step-by-step overview of how a typical car window wiper system operates:
- Starting the Wipers:
- The driver turns the wiper switch to the desired setting.
- Power Transfer:
- The electric motor receives power from the vehicle's battery.
- Mechanical Conversion:
- The gearbox and linkages of the wiper transmission use the motor's rotational energy to generate a back-and-forth motion.
- Arm Movement:
- The wiper arms, connected to the transmission, receive this reciprocating motion from the transmission.
- Wiper Blade Motion:
- As the arms move, they guide the wiper blades across the windshield in a continuous sweeping motion.
- Cleaning the Windshield:
- During operation, the flexible rubber blades wipe away raindrops, dirt, snow, and other contaminants from the windshield.
- Windshield Washer Activation:
- If the driver activates the windshield washer control, the washer fluid is pumped through the nozzle and sprayed onto the windshield.
During operation, various sensors and timers may also be used to monitor and automate the wiper function based on factors like rain intensity or time intervals. By combining mechanical movements and electrical control, car window wipers help maintain a clear field of vision for drivers in all kinds of weather conditions, contributing to improved safety while driving. Regular maintenance and occasional replacement of wiper blades ensure optimal performance and visibility.
