Wiper motor permanent-magnet type.
How to wiper motor works
The electric wiper motor is a permanent magnet, rotary electric motor. A worm gear
machined on the armature shaft drives the output shaft and gear through an idler gear and
shaft. The output shaft operates the output arm, which is connected to the wiper linkage. As
the electric motor revolves the output arm, the linkage is forced to move in a back and forth
motion. The speed of the electric motor is controlled by resistors, located on or in the control
switch, and connected to the wiper motor electrical windings. The control switch directs the
current through certain circuits of the wiper motor, as the driver desires. The construction of
a single speed motor is shown in Fig. The armature with 8-slots is mounted on self
lubricating sintered bushes. Two carbon brushes, set 180 degrees apart, rub on an 8 segment
commentator generally installed at the driving end. Two strong permanent magnets are
bonded to the steel yoke using an adhesive, which is sometimes coated externally with non-
ferrous metal to protect it against corrosion. A steel worm, formed on the end of the
armature, drives a plastic worm wheel at a speed of about l/10th the speed of the armature.
The motor (Fig. 30.2) has the output drive through a pinion gears, driven directly by the
worm wheel. At the joint faces of the motor, rubber seals are fitted to protect it from
moisture. A polythene pipe is used to vent the gases formed by arcing at the brushes.
The wiper motors now in use are mostly of permanent magnet three brush types, which are
driven through a worm gear to increase torque and reduce speed. The three brushes permit
two speed operations. The normal speed is achieved through two brushes placed in the usual
position opposite to each other. For a fast speed the third brush is installed closer to the earth
brush. This design reduces the number of armature windings between them, which reduces
resistance and consequently increases current and hence speed. Typical values for wiper
motor speed and hence wipe frequency are 45 rpm and 65 rpm at normal and fast speed
respectively. The motor must overcome the starting friction of each blade at a minimum
speed of 5 rpm. The following equation can be used to calculate torque required by the
motor.
Figure shows the characteristics of a typical car wiper motor. The two sets of curves
correspond to fast and slow speed.
Motor Faults.
Unable to operate and low operating speed are two normal faults that can take place in the
motor. In both the cases it is necessary to check the motor by using a voltmeter to ensure that
the motor is receiving the full battery voltage. To test the motor is situ, a pair of test leads is
used to connect the motor directly to the battery. However a spare wiper motor plug
simplifies this job. This test indicates the possible faults in the switch and wiring. After a
reasonably long time of operation the brushes wear down and the commutator becomes dirty.
On many models it is recommended to replace the brush when the main brushes are worn to
a length of less than 5 mm, or the stepped portion of the third brush has worn away. The
complete new brush sets including springs and plastic mounting plate is normally reinstalled.
The commentator should be cleaned using a petrol-moistened rag or a strip of glass-paper
when the surface is extremely blackened. Some motors use a screw for adjustment of the
armature end-float, a typical setting of which is 0.2 mm.
