Deicing equipment for removing ice and snow from vehicle windscreens

摘要

A holder (7,13) parallel to the wiper blade retains a flexible heater (5) which moves across the windscreen and is supplied with current from the vehicle power supply. A thermal screen (12) for the heater (5), preferably one or more rows of bristles, also cleans the windscreen. A temperature sensor (10) in the heater is connected to a temperature control unit. An electrical supply wire (8) in the heater (5) is enclosed in a flexible temperature resistant polymer (9) and is made of metal, carbon or plastics with conductive additives. The wire cross-section is 0.1-100 sq. mm and resistance 0.005 ohm to 100 kOhms. The holder (13) and heater are mounted on or below a pressure applicator (2) of a windscreen wiper holder (1) or are an integral part of the latter. A mechanism raises or lowers the wiper blade (3) or heater (5) independently or both together and holds them in a set position. Heater movement over the windscreen is delayed until the heater reaches a specified temperature. Wiper arm movement during deicing is slower than in normal operation. A water repelling plastics section is located at the point where the wiper blade and heater are parked when out of use.