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Title:
APPARATUS FOR POWERING WINDSCREEN WIPERS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/109675
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus (11) for powering windscreen wipers (21, 23), the apparatus (11) comprising: a motor (31); a member (33) coupled to the motor (31) such that actuation of the motor (31) causes linear motion of the member (33); wherein the member (33) comprises a first toothed portion (37) arranged to engage with a first toothed wheel (41) to couple a spindle (35) of a first windscreen wiper (21) to the member (33) and the member (33) also comprises a second toothed portion (38) arranged to engage with a second toothed wheel (42) to couple a spindle (36) of a second windscreen wiper (23) to the member (33).

Inventors:
HOWARD MALCOLM (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2016/057783
Publication Date:
June 29, 2017
Filing Date:
December 19, 2016
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TATA MOTORS EUROPEAN TECHNICAL CT PLC (GB)
TATA MOTORS LTD (IN)
International Classes:
B60S1/04
Foreign References:
US20130154412A12013-06-20
CA2193135A11998-06-17
FR2656845A11991-07-12
FR2342190A11977-09-23
Other References:
See also references of EP 3393867A4
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . An apparatus for powering windscreen wipers, the apparatus comprising:

a motor;

a member coupled to the motor such that actuation of the motor causes linear motion of the member;

wherein the member comprises a first toothed portion arranged to engage with a first toothed wheel to couple a spindle of a first windscreen wiper to the member and the member also comprises a second toothed portion arranged to engage with a second toothed wheel to couple a spindle of a second windscreen wiper to the member.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the motor comprises a linear motor.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first toothed portion and first toothed wheel have a different gearing ratio to the second toothed portion and second toothed wheel.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion are provided within elongate openings.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the elongate openings comprise a smooth edge positioned opposite the toothed portion.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the member is configured to enable the toothed wheels to be removably coupled to the toothed portions.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the member is configured to enable at least one of the first and second toothed portions to be removably attached thereto.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the member comprises plastic.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the toothed wheels comprise plastic.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the motor is positioned between the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion.

1 1 . An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a cover configured to overlay at least part of the member. 12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a casing configured to retain the motor within the apparatus.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the casing is ribbed. 14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the motor has a plurality of different operational speeds.

15. A system comprising an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims and a first windscreen wiper coupled to the member by the first toothed wheel configured to engage with the first toothed portion and a second windscreen wiper coupled to the member by the second toothed wheel configured to engage with the second toothed portion.

16. A vehicle comprising an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14. 17. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

18. A system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

19. A vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Description:
APPARATUS FOR POWERING WINDSCREEN WIPERS

TECHN ICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for powering windscreen wipers. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to an apparatus for powering windscreen wipers using a motor which is arranged to provide linear motion.

Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, system and vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Apparatus for powering windscreen wipers which use rotary motors are known. In such apparatus a wiper mechanism is used to couple the spindles of the windscreen wipers to a rotary motor. The rotary motor causes rotation of the wiper mechanism which then causes rotation of the spindles and windscreen wipers. Such systems require a larger amount of space within the vehicle to accommodate the rotary motion of the wiper mechanism.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide improved apparatus for powering windscreen wipers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, system and vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for powering windscreen wipers, the apparatus comprising: a motor; a member coupled to the motor such that actuation of the motor causes linear motion of the member; wherein the member comprises a first toothed portion arranged to engage with a first toothed wheel to couple a spindle of a first windscreen wiper to the member and the member also comprises a second toothed portion arranged to engage with a second toothed wheel to couple a spindle of a second windscreen wiper to the member. The toothed portions of the member and the toothed wheels form a rack and pinion arrangement which enables the linear motion of the member to be converted into rotation of the windscreen wiper spindles. In examples of the disclosure both of the spindles are coupled to the same member. This provides the advantage that only one motor is used to drive both of the windscreen wiper spindles. No additional crankshafts or coupling members are needed between the motor and the spindle. The embodiments of the invention may provide the advantage that they reduce the number of components within the apparatus and minimise the size and weight of the apparatus. The motor may comprise a linear motor.

Using a linear motor may help to reduce the number of components within the apparatus.

The first toothed portion and first toothed wheel may have a different gearing ratio to the second toothed portion and second toothed wheel.

Having the different gearings for different portions of the member provides the advantage that it enables the first windscreen wiper spindle to have a different angular range and speed to the second windscreen wiper spindle.

The member may be configured to enable the toothed wheels to be removably coupled to the toothed portions.

This may enable different toothed wheels to be coupled to the different toothed portions of the member. This may provide the advantage that it enables a toothed wheel to be exchanged with a different toothed wheel. This may enable different angular speeds and ranges to be obtained with the same member. This may enable the toothed wheels to be interchangeable so that the same member can be adapted for use in different vehicles by selecting an appropriate toothed wheel.

Alternatively, or in addition, the member may be configured to enable the toothed portions to be removable therefrom. This provides the advantage that it enables a toothed portion to be exchanged with a different toothed portion. The different toothed portions may allow for different gearings. This enables different angular speeds and ranges to be obtained with the same member. Interchangeable toothed portions may allow the same member to be adapted for use in different vehicles by selecting an appropriate toothed portion.

The first toothed portion and the second toothed portion may be provided within elongate openings. For example, the first toothed portion may be provided within a first elongate opening and the second toothed portion may be provided within a second elongate opening.

The elongate openings may provide the advantage of maintaining the strength and rigidity of the member.

The elongate openings may comprise a smooth edge positioned opposite the toothed portion. For example, the first elongate opening may comprise a first smooth edge positioned opposite the first toothed portion, and the second elongate opening may comprise a second smooth edge positioned opposite the second toothed portion.

The smooth edge may provide a bearing surface which may ensure that the teeth of the toothed wheels are kept in optimal engagement with the teeth of the toothed portions.

The member may comprise plastic. The toothed wheels may comprise plastic.

Using plastic for parts of the apparatus provides the advantage of a lightweight apparatus. The plastic may be strong and may be easily moulded into the shapes required for the respective toothed portions and toothed wheels. The motor may be positioned between the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion.

Having the motor positioned between the two toothed portions may provide the advantage that it minimises the overall length of the apparatus. This positioning of the motor also ensures that the parts of the apparatus are provided in line with each other which may reduce the space needed for the apparatus within a vehicle. Having the motor positioned between the two toothed portions may provide an even distribution of forces along the member and may avoid large loads and bending forces at an end of the member. The apparatus may comprise a cover configured to overlay at least part of the member.

The cover may provide the advantage that it protects the apparatus from dirt and other contaminants which may interfere with the apparatus and gearing mechanisms.

The apparatus may comprise a casing configured to retain the motor within the apparatus.

Having a casing as part of the apparatus provides the advantage that the motor and gearing systems are provided in an integral system . The casing may also prevent unwanted movement of the motor and/or the member.

The casing may be ribbed.

Having a ribbed casing may ensure that the casing is strong enough to bear the weight of the apparatus but is also light weight.

The motor may have a plurality of different operational speeds.

This provides the advantage that it enables the windscreen wipers to be operated at a plurality of different speeds.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs and a first windscreen wiper coupled to the member by the first toothed wheel configured to engage with the first toothed portion and a second windscreen wiper coupled to the member by the second toothed wheel configured to engage with the second toothed portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for powering windscreen wipers, the apparatus comprising: power source means arranged to provide linear motion ; a coupling means coupled to the power source means such that actuation of the power source means causes linear motion of the coupling means; wherein the coupling means comprises a first toothed means arranged to engage with a first toothed rotatable means to couple a spindle of a first windscreen wiper to the coupling means and the coupling means also comprises a second toothed means arranged to engage with a second toothed rotatable means to couple a spindle of a second windscreen wiper to the coupling means.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for powering windscreen wipers, the apparatus comprising; a linear motor configured to cause rotation of two windscreen wiper spindles.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for powering windscreen wipers, the apparatus comprising; a motor; a member coupled to the motor such that actuation of the motor causes linear motion of the member; wherein the member comprises a first portion arranged to be coupled to a first windscreen wiper spindle such that linear motion of the member causes rotation of the first windscreen wiper spindle and the member comprises a second portion arranged to be coupled to a second windscreen wiper spindle such that linear motion of the member causes rotation of the second windscreen wiper spindle. The apparatus may be for powering windscreen wipers in a vehicle.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Fig 1 illustrates an example vehicle which may comprise embodiments of the invention ; Fig 2 illustrates an example apparatus;

Fig 3 illustrates an example apparatus;

Fig 4 illustrates an example apparatus;

Fig 5 illustrates an example apparatus; and

Figs 6A to 6D illustrate various components of an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatus 1 1 which may be used to control windscreen wipers 21 , 23 of a vehicle 1 . For instance, some examples relate to apparatus 1 1 which may use a motor 31 arranged to provide linear motion to control the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 of the vehicle 1 .

The Figures illustrate an apparatus 1 1 for powering windscreen wipers 21 , 23, the apparatus 1 1 comprising: a motor 31 ; a member 33 coupled to the motor 31 such that actuation of the motor 31 causes linear motion of the member 33; wherein the member 33 comprises a first toothed portion 37 arranged to engage with a first toothed wheel 41 to couple a spindle 35 of a first windscreen wiper 21 to the member 33 and the member 33 also comprises a second toothed portion 38 arranged to engage with a second toothed wheel 42 to couple a spindle 36 of a second windscreen wiper 23 to the member 33. Fig 1 illustrates an example vehicle 1 which may comprise an apparatus 1 1 according to examples of the present disclosure. It is to be appreciated that the vehicle 1 of Fig 1 is provided as an example and that apparatus and systems of the disclosure may be provided in any suitable vehicle 1 . The vehicle 1 comprises a windscreen 3. The vehicle 1 may also comprise an apparatus 1 1 for powering windscreen wipers 21 , 23 as described below.

Fig 2 illustrates an example system 13. The system 13 comprises an apparatus 1 1 and a first windscreen wiper 21 and a second windscreen wiper 23. Fig 2 illustrates the system 13 in position within the vehicle 1 . The system is positioned within the vehicle so that the apparatus 1 1 is positioned adjacent to the windscreen 3 and the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 are in contact with the windscreen 3.

The windscreen wipers 21 , 23 may comprise a wiper arm and a wiper blade assembly. The windscreen wiper arm may be coupled to a spindle 35, 36 at a first end and may support a wiper blade at a second end opposite to the first end. In the example of Fig 2 the apparatus 1 1 is positioned towards one side of the windscreen 3. In the example of Fig 2 the apparatus 1 1 is positioned towards the left hand side of the windscreen 3, as viewed in Fig 2. In some examples the apparatus 1 1 may be positioned on the driver side of the vehicle 1 . In the example of Fig 2 the apparatus 1 1 comprises a casing 25. The casing 25 at least partially encases components of the apparatus 1 1 such as a motor 31 and member 33. Example arrangements of motors 31 and members 33 are described below with reference to Figs 3 to 6D. The casing 25 may be arranged to prevented unwanted motion of components of the apparatus 1 1 and the system 13. For instance the casing 25 may be secured in position within the vehicle 1 to hold the apparatus 1 1 and windscreen wipers 21 , 23 in position relative to the windscreen 3. The casing 25 comprises a first opening 27 and a second opening 28. The first and second openings 27, 28 may enable the spindles 35, 36 of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 to be coupled to the apparatus 1 1 . The openings 27, 28 may be sized and shaped to allow rotation of the spindles 35, 36 of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23. In the example apparatus 1 1 of Fig 2 the first opening 27 is provided at a first end of the casing 25 and the second opening 28 is provided at a second end of the casing 25. This allows the first windscreen wiper 21 to be coupled to a first end of the apparatus 1 1 and the second windscreen wiper 23 to be coupled to a second end of the apparatus 1 1 . Fig 3 illustrates the example apparatus 1 1 of Fig 2 with the casing 25 removed. The example apparatus 1 1 comprises a motor 31 and a member 33.

The motor 31 may comprise any power source means which may be arranged to provide linear motion. In the example of Fig 3 the motor 31 comprises a linear motor. In other examples the motor 31 may comprise a rotary motor coupled to a mechanism to provide linear motion. In such examples the mechanism could comprise a rack and pinion mechanism or cam and follower mechanism or any other suitable mechanism. The rotary motor could comprise a reversible rotary motor.

The motor 31 may have a plurality of different operational speeds. This may enable the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 to be driven at a plurality of different speeds.

In some examples the motor 31 may have a low speed operational mode and a high speed operational mode. As an example the high speed operational mode may allow for around 45 wipes per minute while the low speed operational mode may allow for around 30 wipes per minute. It is to be appreciated that any suitable speeds of the motor 31 and wipes per minute of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 may be provided in various examples of the disclosure. The linear motion which is provided by the motor 31 comprises reversible motion towards the left and right as indicated by the arrow 32. The linear motion is in a single line and does not have any rotational components. The motor 31 is coupled to the member 33 so that the motor 31 drives the member 33 to be moved towards the left and the right as indicated by the arrow 32.

The apparatus 1 1 also comprises a member 33. The member 33 may comprise coupling means which is arranged to couple the spindles 35, 36 of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 to the motor 31 . The member 33 couples the spindles 35, 36 of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 to the motor 31 so that actuation of the motor 31 causes rotation of the spindles 35, 36.

The member 33 may be an elongate member 33 such that the length of the member 33 may be larger or much larger than the width of the member 33. The member 33 may be coupled to the motor 31 so that the length of the member 33 is aligned with the direction of the linear motion. The length of the member 33 may extend in a direction which is parallel to the linear motion of the motor 31 .

In the apparatus 1 1 of Fig 3 a single member 33 is provided. The single member 33 couples both the spindle 35 of the first windscreen wiper 21 and the spindle 36 of the second windscreen wiper 23 to the motor 31 .

The member 33 comprises a first toothed portion 37 and a second toothed portion 38. The toothed portions 37, 38 may provide means which enable the member 33 to couple to the spindles 35, 36 of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23.

In the example of Fig 3 the toothed portions 37, 38 are provided around the edges of elongate openings 39, 40. The elongate openings 39, 40 are configured to enable the spindles 35, 36 to extend through the openings 39, 40. The elongate openings 39, 40 extend along the length of the member 33 to enable linear motion of the member 33 relative to the spindles 35, 36.

The elongate openings 39, 40 may provide an advantage of maintaining the strength and rigidity of the member 33.

The first toothed portion 37 is provided towards a first end of the member 33 and the second toothed portion 38 is provided towards a second end of the member 33. The elongate openings 39, 40 are positioned at the respective ends of the member 33 so that when the casing 25 is attached to the apparatus 1 1 the openings 27, 28 of the casing 25 are positioned in line with the elongate openings 39, 40 of the member 33. The motor 31 is positioned between the toothed portions 37, 38. In the example of Fig 3 the motor 31 is positioned approximately in the middle of the member 33.

The toothed portions 37, 38 may be arranged to engage with toothed wheels 41 , 42. In the example of Fig 3 the first toothed portion 37 is arranged to engage with a first toothed wheel 41 to couple a spindle 35 of a first windscreen wiper 21 to the member 33. The second toothed portion 38 is arranged to engage with a second toothed wheel 42 to couple a spindle 36 of a second windscreen wiper 23 to the member 33. The toothed portions 37, 38 and the toothed wheels 41 , 42 form rack and pinion arrangements which convert the linear motion of the member 33 into rotation of the spindles 35, 36.

The toothed wheels 41 , 42 are attached to a first end of the spindles 35, 36. The windscreen wipers 21 , 23 are attached to the second ends of the spindles 35, 36. The spindles 35, 36 are arranged to extend through the elongate openings 39, 40. The spindles 35, 36 may extend though the elongate openings 39, 40 in a direction which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the member 33. The spindles 35, 36 may be arranged to extend through the openings 27, 28 of the casing 25 when the casing 25 is attached to the apparatus 1 1 .

In some examples the first toothed portion 37 and first toothed wheel 41 have a different gearing ratio to the second toothed portion 38 and second toothed wheel 42. The different gearings may enable the first windscreen wiper spindle 35 to have a different angular range and speed to the second windscreen wiper spindle 36.

In some examples the member 33 may be configured to enable the toothed wheels 41 , 42 to be removably coupled to the toothed portions 37, 38. This may enable the toothed wheels 41 , 42 to be detached from the spindles 35, 36 and replaced with a different toothed wheel. The different toothed wheels may allow for different gearings. The different gearings may allow a different angular range and/or speed of the spindles 35, 36. This may enable the same standard member 33 to be arranged for use with different vehicles having different sized and shaped windscreens 3 and windscreen wipers 21 , 23. The member 33 and or the toothed wheels 41 , 42 may be made from a light weight material such as plastic or metal or any other suitable material. The material used for the member 33 and the toothed wheels 41 , 42 may be durable so as to enable the apparatus 1 1 to withstand a large number of use cycles. In some systems 13 the member 33 and the toothed wheels 41 , 42 may be durable enough to withstand over a million cycles, over 800 000 of which may be at a higher speed. It is to be appreciated that these levels of durability are examples and that other levels of durability may be required and/or attained in other example systems 13 and vehicles 1 . Fig 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example apparatus 1 1 from the underside. In the example of Fig 4 the apparatus 1 1 is positioned within the casing 25.

The view of the apparatus 1 1 of Fig 4 shows the toothed wheels 41 , 42 in position in the toothed portions 37, 38. When the motor 31 is actuated this causes linear motion of the member 33 and the toothed portions 37, 38. As the teeth of the toothed wheels 41 , 42 are engaged in the toothed portions 37, 38 the linear motion of the toothed portions 37, 38 causes rotation of the toothed wheels 41 , 42 and so enables the angular motion of the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 to be driven by the motor 31 .

In embodiments of the invention, the dimensions of the elongate openings 39, 40 and/or lateral position of the elongate openings 39, 40 within the member 33 are arranged to cooperate with the diameters of the spindles 35, 36 and toothed wheels 41 , 42 to keep the teeth of toothed wheels 41 , 42 in optimal engagement with the teeth of the toothed portions 37, 38.

In the example of Fig 4 the elongate openings 39, 40 of the member 33 comprise a toothed portion 37, 38 and a smooth edge 53, 54 where the smooth edge 53, 54 is positioned opposite the toothed portion 37, 38. The toothed portions 37, 38 are provided along one edge of the elongate opening 39, 40. The smooth edge 53, 54 of the opening 39, 40 opposing the toothed portion 37, 38 does not comprise any teeth. The smooth edge 53, 54 of the elongate openings 39, 40 may provide a bearing surface for the spindles 35, 36. The spindles 35, 36 may run against the bearing surface to assist engagement between the toothed wheels 41 , 42 and the toothed portions 37, 38 on the member 33. The smooth edges 53, 54 may therefore enable the toothed wheels 41 , 42 to be kept in optimal engagement with the teeth of the toothed portions 37, 38.

Fig 5 illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus 1 1 . The apparatus 1 1 comprises a casing 25 a motor 31 and a member 33 and spindles 35, 36 with toothed wheels 41 , 42 as described above.

In the example apparatus 1 1 of Fig 5 a cover 51 is provided. The cover 51 may be arranged to overlay the member 33 and the toothed wheels 41 , 42. The cover may be sized and shaped to fit into the casing 25 to provide a sealed or substantially sealed housing for the apparatus 1 1 .

The cover 51 may be fastened to the casing 25 using pins or any other suitable fastening means.

The cover 51 may comprise plastic or any other suitable light weight materials. Figs 6A to 6D illustrate various components of an apparatus 1 1 and system 13.

Fig 6A illustrates the casing 25 of the example apparatus 1 1 . The casing 25 may be ribbed. The casing 25 may be ribbed to ensure that the casing 25 is strong but lightweight. Fig 6A illustrates the spindles 35, 36 protruding out of the openings 27, 28 of the casing 25. The spindles 35, 36 protrude far enough out of the casing 25 to enable the windscreen wipers 21 , 23 to be attached to the end of the spindles 35, 36.

Fig 6B illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 1 1 . In Fig 6B the cover 51 is not illustrated so the member 33 and the toothed wheels 41 , 42 are visible. The motor 31 is provided behind the member 33 within the casing 25 and so is also not illustrated in the view of the apparatus shown in Fig 6B. The rotation of the toothed wheels 41 , 42 as indicated by the arrows causes rotation of the spindles 35, 36 as described above.

Fig 6C illustrates a cross section through a portion of the apparatus 1 1 . In Fig 6C the spindle 35 extends though the casing 25. The spindle 35 may fit into the opening 27 in the casing 25 to allow for rotation of the spindle 35 but so as to restrict lateral motion of the spindle 35.

Fig 6D illustrates a rear view of the apparatus 1 1 . The rear view of the apparatus 1 1 shows the member 33 and the toothed wheels 41 , 42 in engagement with the toothed portions 37, 38 of the member 33. The motor 31 is coupled to the midpoint of the member 33 and causes linear motion of the member 33 as indicated by the arrow 32. The motion of the member 33 comprises back and forth motion. The motion of the toothed portions 37, 38 of the member 33 causes rotation of the toothed wheels 41 , 42 as described above. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For instance, in the examples described above the member 33 is a flat member. In some examples the member 33 may be curved or partially curved. The curvature of the member 33 may allow for any curvature of the windscreen 3.

Also, in the examples described above, the apparatus 1 1 may be configured for use with different vehicles 1 by interchanging the toothed wheels 41 , 42. This may enable a standard member 33 to be adapted for use with different vehicles 1 . In other examples the toothed wheels 41 , 42 may be a standard design and the apparatus 1 1 may be adapted for use in different vehicles 1 by changing the member 33.

In some examples the apparatus 1 1 may be configured for use with different vehicles 1 by interchanging the toothed portions 37, 38. In such examples the toothed portions 37, 38 may be removably attached to the member 33. The toothed portions 37, 38 may comprise interchangeable inserts which may be arranged to be attached to the member 33. The interchangeable inserts may be attached to the member by snap-fixtures, adhesive or other suitable means. The interchangeable inserts may comprise any suitable material such as metal, plastic or a composite. The interchangeable inserts may comprise the same material as the member 33 or one or more different materials.

The interchangeable inserts may enable the toothed portions 37, 38 to be detached from the member 33 and replaced with a different toothed portion 37, 38. The different toothed portions may allow for different gearings. The different gearings may allow a different angular range and/or speed of the spindles 35, 36. This may enable a same standard member 33 to be arranged for use with different vehicles 1 having different sized and shaped windscreens 3 and windscreen wipers 21 , 23. Also in the examples described above the toothed portions 37, 38 are provided within apertures of the member 33. In other examples the toothed portions 37, 38 could be provided along an outer edge of the member 33. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.