FR2994147A1 - Connection device for connecting wiping brush to wiping arm of glass wiping system of car, has channel arranged to supply liquid to pipe, extended along axis and centered on pipe according to longitudinal direction of device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (7) has an attaching unit (24) attaching the device on a wiping brush, and a connection unit (32) connecting the device with a wiping arm. A hydraulic circuit (11) channels a liquid and includes a pipe (12) extended along a longitudinal direction (13) of extension of the device. The channel is arranged to supply the liquid to the pipe, extended along an axis (15) perpendicular to the direction and centered on the pipe according to the direction. The pipe is arranged in a base (25) that is surmounted by a flange (28) in which the channel is partially extended. An independent claim is also included for a wiping system of a glass of a vehicle.

Description

The field of the present invention is that of equipment for vehicles, and more particularly that of equipment for wiping glass panes. 'a vehicle. The present invention relates to a connection device providing a mechanical connection between a wiper arm and a wiper blade adapted to wipe a windshield or a rear window of the vehicle.

Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with a windshield wiper system to sweep and wash the windshield and to prevent the driver's vision from being disturbed. These wipers are conventionally driven by an arm performing an angular reciprocating movement and comprise elongate brushes, themselves carrying scraper blades made of an elastic material. These blades rub against the windshield and evacuate the water by bringing it out of the driver's field of vision. The brushes are made in the form, or, in a conventional version, articulated hoists that hold the scraper blade in several discrete places, or, in a newer version called "flat blade" (for "flat blade"), a semi-rigid set that keeps the scraper blade along its entire length. In this second solution, the blade is attached to the rotating arm of the wiper by a set consisting of a mechanical connector and an adapter. The mechanical connector is a part that is crimped directly on the flat broom, while the adapter is an intermediate piece that allows the attachment of the connector on the arm of the wiper. It is known to add to the wiper blade a spray boom of the windshield washing liquid. Such a ramp is formed by a duct which extends along the wiper blade along a main longitudinal axis of extension of this blade. This duct is provided with projection orifices distributed along this axis.

It has been found that the projection of liquid by the wiper blade, on either side of the attachment point of the arm on the wiper blade, is not homogeneous. Such inhomogeneity is even more obvious when the washing liquid is viscous, which happens in particular when the temperature outside the vehicle is low, for example near or below 0 ° C. The washing liquid therefore has difficulty reaching both longitudinal ends of the wiper blade, which results in a degradation of the cleaning performance.

The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the disadvantage described above by balancing the distribution of the liquid in the connection device, so as to distribute the same amount of liquid in the wiper blade, on both sides. other of the connection device.

The invention therefore relates to a connection device adapted to connect a wiper blade to a wiper arm, comprising at least one securing means on the wiper blade and a connection means with the wiper arm said connecting device comprising a circuit adapted to channel a liquid, said circuit comprising at least one duct extending in a longitudinal direction of extension of the connection device and a channel arranged to supply liquid to said duct, characterized by the the channel extends along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, said channel being centered on said duct at least in the longitudinal direction. The function of this particular arrangement of the channel with respect to the duct makes it possible to guarantee a good distribution of the liquid towards the two portions of the projection ramp fitted to the wiper blade and arranged on either side of the connection device. . Fixing the connection device on the wiper arm can be operated indirectly, for example via an adapter. The securing means and the connecting means are implemented by different forms. The connection device may be formed by a base in which the conduit is formed, said base being surmounted by a sidewall in which at least partially extends the channel. The securing means of the connection device on the wiper blade can be arranged at the base.

The connecting means of the connection device to the wiper arm can be arranged at or in the sidewall. According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel is terminated by a sleeve which opens out of the base. The presence of such a sleeve results from the molding process of the connection device. In such a case, the sleeve is closed by a closing device of the channel. According to an exemplary embodiment, the closure device of the channel is a lid attached to an end portion of the sleeve, and secured to the latter, for example by a welding step. According to an alternative example, the closing device of the channel is a ball housed in the channel to the right of the sleeve. According to an example of the invention, the duct is delimited by two end pieces which open each of longitudinal ends delimiting the base. Such a configuration makes it possible to thread the portions of the projection ramp of the wiper blade directly onto the connection device. The circuit formed in the connection device according to the invention may comprise a channel connected to the channel in order to supply liquid to the latter, said channel being terminated by a tip which opens out from the sidewall. It is thus easy to slip on the nozzle the liquid transport tube which travels along the wiper arm.

The pipe may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the pipe extends.

According to one embodiment, the channel may be inclined around the longitudinal direction of extension of the conduit at an angle between 0 °, corresponding to a vertical direction, and 60 °. Advantageously, the angle may be between 45 ° and 55 ° relative to the vertical direction.

Whatever the embodiment of the connection device, it may comprise at least one liquid projection orifice on the window, in communication with the conduit.

The invention also relates to a wiper system of a window of a vehicle, comprising a wiper blade mechanically connected to a wiper arm at least by a connection device as detailed above. In such a situation, the wiper blade comprises at least one projection ramp of a washing liquid of the window supplied with washing liquid by the connecting device. Such a ramp can be divided into two portions, each extending longitudinally along the wiper blade on either side of the connecting device. These portions may be formed by two air deflectors reported on the wiper blade.

An advantage according to the invention lies in improving the performance of the cleaning function of the vehicle window. Such an improvement is particularly noticeable when the outside temperature is cold. The liquid circuit in the connection device is thus arranged to distribute the same amount of liquid in the two portions of the wiper blade bordering the connection device. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below as an indication in relation to drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a wiper system for a window of a motor vehicle according to the invention, - Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the liquid circuit integrated in the connection device according to the invention, - Figure 3 is a schematic view the side of the liquid circuit integrated in the connection device according to the invention, - Figure 4 is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the liquid circuit integrated in the connection device according to the invention, - Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connection device according to the invention, - Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connection device according to the invention. It should be noted that the figures disclose the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal or lateral denominations refer to the orientation of the wiper blade according to the invention. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main axis of the wiper blade in which it extends, while the lateral orientations correspond to intersecting lines, that is to say which cross the longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wiper blade in its plane of rotation. For the longitudinal directions, the outer or inner names are assessed relative to the point of attachment of the blade on the arm, the inner name corresponding to the part where the arm and a half-blade extend. Finally, the directions referenced as higher or lower correspond to orientations perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the wiper blade, the lower denomination containing the plane of the windshield.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a wiper system consisting of a brush holder or wiper arm 1 extending at its outer end by an end piece 2, which is fixed on the side The end piece 2 cooperates with an adapter carrying a wiper blade 3 by means of a connecting device 7 according to the invention. The adapter is intended, for example, to be inserted in the end piece 2 by a translation movement in a longitudinal direction, to come into a position of use, where it is positioned in abutment against a cooperating shape given to the terminal piece 2. It is then fixed reversibly by means of, for example, a retractable locking button 5, which is fixed at the end of a flexible tongue coming from the adapter and which cooperates with a recess practiced at this effect in the upper part of the end piece 2.

The adapter and the connecting device 7 are mechanically connected to one another via a connecting means. According to an exemplary embodiment, this connecting means is a pivot connection formed between the adapter and the connection device 7 according to the invention. The wiper blade 3 is thus maintained in translation vis-à-vis the wiper arm 1, while a rotation around the pivot connection is authorized by the connecting means. A liquid supply tube 4 runs along the wiping arm 1. This tube 4 channels a washing liquid from the windshield to bring it to the level of the connection device 7 between the wiper arm 1 and the wiper arm 1. wiper blade 3. The wiper blade 3 comprises at least one projection ramp 8 of the glass washing liquid. This projection ramp 8 is supplied with washing liquid by the connection device 7. Such a projection ramp 8 is distributed on either side of the connection device 7 in a first portion referenced 9 and a second portion referenced 10. The first portion 9 extends longitudinally along the wiper blade 3, the inner side thereof, while the second portion 10 extends longitudinally along the wiper blade 3, the outer side of the latter . The first portion 9 and the second portion 10 are both hydraulically connected to the connection device 7. The projection ramp 8 can for example be formed by a tube provided with spraying orifices and then attached to the wiper blade 3 It can also be implemented by an air deflector which covers the wiper blade 3 and in which is formed, on the one hand, a washing liquid circulation duct which extends along the longitudinal direction. wiper blade 3, and secondly a multiplicity of sprinkler orifices of the washing liquid. The wiper blade 3 may comprise a support inside which is housed a stiffening vertebra. Alternatively, the support may be provided with two open slots and arranged laterally, these two slots each receiving a stiffening vertebra. The support further comprises a longitudinal cavity in which is threaded a squeegee, otherwise called scanning blade. The latter is a flexible component of the wiper blade 3 bears against the outer face of the windshield.

On its upper part, the support can be covered by the air deflector arranged to use the dynamic effect of the movement of the vehicle to increase the support force of the wiper blade 3 on the windshield. As mentioned above, this air deflector can also form the projection ramp of which the wiper blade 3 is provided. At the end opposite to the end piece 2 relative to the wiper arm 1, there is a driver 6 provided with a hole through which a shaft of a drive motor or linkage passes in order to rotate the wiper system. Figure 2 schematically shows the organization of a circuit 11 whose connection device is provided. Such a circuit 11 is arranged to channel the liquid inside the connection device. It is therefore a hydraulic circuit. This circuit 11 comprises a conduit 12 formed by a rectilinear recess formed in the connection device. This duct 12 extends in a longitudinal direction 13 of the connecting device, such a direction being parallel to the longitudinal main extension direction of the wiper blade.

The circuit 11 further comprises a channel 14 arranged in the connection device for supplying liquid to the conduit 12. The channel 14 and the conduit 12 are thus in hydraulic communication with each other. The channel 14 is formed by a recess provided in the connecting device which extends rectilinearly along a transverse axis with the conduit 12, advantageously concur with the longitudinal direction 13 of the conduit 12. According to the invention, the channel 14 is perpendicular to the conduit 12. In other words, the axis 15 of the channel 14 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 13 of the conduit 1 2. The perpendicular term covers all substantially perpendicular positions of the channel 14 vis-à-vis duct 12, that is to say by incorporating manufacturing tolerances of the connection device. Still according to the invention, the channel 14 is connected to the conduit 12 in a particular location of the latter. The channel 14 is thus centered on the duct 12 in the longitudinal direction 13. In other words, a distance 16 separating the axis 15 of the channel 14 from a first longitudinal end 37 of the duct 12 is equal or substantially equal because of the tolerances of manufacture, at a distance 18 which separates the same axis 15 from a second longitudinal end 38 bordering the duct 12. The perpendicular and centered disposition of the channel 14 with respect to the duct 12 makes it possible to distribute the liquid circulating in the duct in an identical manner in a first portion of the duct 12 corresponding to the distance 16 and in a second portion of the duct 12 corresponding to the distance 18. According to an exemplary embodiment, the circuit 11 may comprise a duct 22 hydraulically connected to the channel 14. This ducting is intended to function of supplying liquid channel 14, and subsequently the conduit 12. This pipe 22 is formed by a rectilinear recess arranged in the connection device, this recess being opening out of the connecting device so as to hydraulically connect the connection device to the liquid supply pipe referenced 4 in FIG. 1. This pipe 22 extends along a transverse axis 23 with the axis 15 of the channel 14. This axis 23 of the pipe 22 may for example be parallel to the longitudinal direction 13 along which the conduit 12 extends.

Figures 3 and 4 show the transverse arrangement of the channel 14 vis-à-vis the conduit 12, that is to say a side view of Figure 2. Thus, the channel 14 can be inclined relative to the conduit 12 by rotation around the longitudinal direction 13 of the duct 12. The inclination is detailed below with respect to a vertical direction referenced 20. According to the example of Figure 3, the inclination can be zero. In such a case, the axis 15 of the channel 14 coincides with the vertical direction 20. The channel 14 can be inclined with respect to this vertical direction in any position up to an angle 21 at most equal to 60 °. In the particular example of Figure 4, the angle 21 is between 45 ° and 55 ° relative to the vertical direction 20, such a range of value offers a good compromise to achieve the circuit 11 while maintaining a limited space of the connection device. A perfect compromise is reached when the angle 21 is equal to 53 °, ie 37 ° relative to a horizontal direction. Referring now to Figure 5, we see more precisely the connection device 7 according to the invention. This part is defined in an orthonormal coordinate system OX-OY-OZ, where the direction OX represents a longitudinal direction, the direction OZ represents a vertical direction and the direction OY represents a transverse direction. The longitudinal direction OX is parallel to the longitudinal direction 13 of the duct 12.

This connection device 7 is arranged to be secured, for example by crimping, the wiper blade which moves on the vehicle windshield. Such a wiper blade is rotated by the wiper arm.

The connection device 7 provides a so-called complete mechanical connection with the wiper, in that there is no degree of freedom. This complete mechanical connection is provided by a securing means 24 arranged on the connection device 7.

The connection device 7 comprises a base 25 which extends longitudinally and transversely. This base 25 receives the securing means 24 on the wiper blade, and more particularly on a stiffening vertebra of the wiper blade. This securing means 24 takes for example the shape of at least one groove 27 formed in the base 24. As detailed with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the connection device 7 provides a transport and distribution function for a washing liquid from the windshield. To do this, the connection device 7 comprises the circuit 11 consisting of the conduit 12, the channel 14 and possibly the pipe 22 in which circulates the washing liquid to be distributed in the wiper blade, on each side the connecting device 7. This duct 12 is formed by the rectilinear recess, in particular of circular section, which extends in the longitudinal direction 13, the latter being parallel to the longitudinal direction OX. Such a duct 12 is formed on one side of the base 25, the latter giving rise to two end pieces 26 which delimit the duct 12. Each of these end pieces 26 opens with two longitudinal ends referenced 17 and 19 of the base 25, defining the longitudinal extension of the connection device 7.

The washing fluid distribution means constituting the wiper blade, for example the air deflector mentioned above, is thus threaded onto each endpiece 26. According to one embodiment, the base 25 comprises two opposite grooves 27. Each of these two grooves 27 form hooks adapted to engage on the wiper blade. The base 25 may also comprise a plurality of reinforcing ribs 30 formed at least partly around the conduit 12. These reinforcing ribs 30 are distributed three by three in the longitudinal direction OX on either side of the axis 15. of the channel 14. According to a variant of the invention, the base 25 of the connection device 7 may comprise at least one projection orifice 31 in communication with the conduit 12. According to the example of FIG. 5, the base receives two orifices of projection 31, formed on either side of the channel 14. The or orifices of projection 31 are for example holes of transverse axis, and advantageously perpendicular, with the longitudinal direction 13 of the conduit 12. These holes connect thus the conduit 12 to the environment surrounding the connection device 7, so as to project the washing liquid on the windshield wiped by the wiper blade. The base 25 is surmounted by a flank 28, for example, from this base 25. This flank 28 has a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension smaller than those of the base 25. The flank 28 is for example centered on the base 25, in the transverse direction OY and the longitudinal direction OX. The flank 28 receives the circulation channel 14 through which the washing liquid is directed towards the conduit 12. The flank 28 also receives the pipe 22, the latter being delimited by a tip 29 which originates on the sidewall 28, and on which the windshield washing fluid transport tube which runs along the wiper arm, referenced 4 in FIG.

The connection device 7 and the wiper arm are mechanically connected, in particular via the adapter, by the connecting means 32, for example the pivot connection. As regards the connection device 7, this pivot connection is implemented by a cavity 33 made in the sidewall 28. This cavity 33 extends in the transverse direction OY. In other words, the cavity 33 may be a central axis hole parallel to the transverse direction OY. In the plane OXZ, the cavity 33 has a circular section.

In the example of Figure 5, the channel 14 opens the base 25 by a sleeve 34. Such a sleeve 34 extends at a region of the base 25 which is reinforced by the reinforcing ribs 30 This sleeve 34 results from the method of manufacturing the connection device 7, due to the extraction of a drawer during a molding step. According to the example of Figure 5, we note that the section of the channel 14 is parallelepiped, including square. This sleeve 34 is closed by a closure device of the channel 14, attached to an end portion 35 of the sleeve 34. This is for example a cover 36 welded to the end portion 35 by an ultrasonic welding process. The cover 36 may be formed by a plug that enters the channel 14, integral with a cover that covers the end portion 35 of the sleeve 34. Of course, the shape of the plug and the cover is advantageously complementary to the section of the channel 14 .

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the connection device 7. The description below details the differences with the embodiment of FIG. 5. For the identical elements, reference will be made to the detailed description in relation to the latter.

A first difference lies in the shape of the channel 14. This has a circular section.

A second difference lies in the embodiment of the closure of the sleeve 34 delimiting the channel 14 and which opens out of the base 25. The closure device of the channel 14 may thus be formed by a ball forcibly housed in the sleeve 34 , so as to quench the latter.

The connection device 7 described above in connection with Figures 1, 5 and 6 is advantageously unitary, that is to say constituted by the same synthetic material. This connection device 7 can thus be manufactured during a single molding operation, in particular by injection.

The connection device mentioned in the description of FIGS. 1 to 6 is particularly suitable for mechanically connecting a wiper arm to a wiper blade of the flat wiper type, the pivot connection making it possible to implement a rotation of the wiper blade. relative to the wiper arm. These components thus form a wiper assembly for a motor vehicle. The wiper blade of this wiper assembly includes a wiper blade, otherwise known as a squeegee, which extends longitudinally along the wiper blade. The latter is a flexible component of the wiper blade resting against the outer face of the windshield to be wiped. The wiper blade further comprises at least one element in which is provided at least one conduit adapted to channel the washing liquid of the windshield. According to an exemplary embodiment, the element is an air deflector which covers an upper portion of the wiper blade, such air deflector being in particular provided with a deflector blade arranged to use the dynamic effect of the displacement of the wiper blade. vehicle to increase the support force of the wiper blade on the windshield.

The wiper blade is provided with two separate elements threaded onto the wiper blade on either side of the connection device according to the invention. As an exemplary embodiment, the two elements have a structure identical to that described above, that is to say delimiting at least one duct and having at least one deflector blade. The wiper blade also comprises at least one device for stiffening the wiper blade. Such a stiffening device may be formed by one or two vertebrae, the latter taking the form of a metal blade which prestresses the wiper blade so as to follow a curve when it is not applied against the shield. broken. The one or both vertebrae are made integral with the wiper blade constituting the wiper blade, for example by means of the connection device according to the invention and / or with the aid of an end cap threaded on the longitudinal ends of the wiper blade. The wiper blade may be provided with two slots open along the wiper blade and arranged laterally thereon, these two slots each receiving a stiffening vertebra. Alternatively, the blade may comprise a support in which is formed a groove which receives a heel of the wiper blade and a longitudinal housing in which is installed a single stiffening vertebra. The constituent connection device of the invention is then advantageously crimped onto the stiffening vertebrae or vertebrae. The end caps may also bring the stiffening means toward each other so as to pinch the wiper blade of the wiper blade.

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. Connecting device (7) adapted to connect a wiper blade (3) to a wiper arm (1), comprising at least one securing means (24) on the wiper blade (3) and a means of link (32) with the wiper arm (1), said connection device (7) comprising a circuit (11) adapted to channel a liquid, said circuit (11) comprising at least one duct (12) which extends in a longitudinal direction (13) of extension of the connecting device (7) and a channel (14) arranged to supply liquid to said conduit (12), characterized in that the channel (14) extends along an axis (15) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (13), said channel (14) being centered on said duct (12) at least in the longitudinal direction (13). 2. Device according to claim 1, formed by a base (25) in which is formed the conduit (12), said base (25) being surmounted by a flank (28) in which extends at least in part the channel ( 14). 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the connecting means (32) is formed in the sidewall (28). 4. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the channel (14) is terminated by a sleeve (34) which opens out of the base (28). 5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve (34) is closed by a closure device of the channel (14). 6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the closure device of the channel (14) is a cover attached to an end portion (35) of the sleeve (34), and secured thereto. 7. Device according to claim 5, wherein the closing device of the channel is a ball housed in the channel (14) to the right of the sleeve (34). 8. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the conduit (12) is defined by two ends (26) which each opening longitudinal ends (17, 19) defining the base (25). 9. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein is provided a pipe (22) connected to the channel (14) for supplying liquid to the latter, said pipe (22) being terminated by a nozzle ( 29) which opens out of the sidewall (28). 10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the pipe (22) extends in a direction (23) parallel to the longitudinal direction (13) in which extends the conduit (12). 11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (14) is inclined around the longitudinal direction (13) of extension of the duct (12) at an angle (21) between 0 °, corresponding to a vertical direction, and 60 °. 12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the angle (21) is between 45 ° and 55 °. 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein is provided at least one projection port (31) of the liquid in communication with the conduit (12). 14. System for wiping a window of a vehicle comprising a wiper blade (3) mechanically connected to a wiper arm (1) at least by a connecting device (7) according to any one of preceding claims. 15. System according to claim 14, wherein the wiper blade (3) comprises at least one projection ramp (8) of a washing liquid of the window supplied with washing liquid by the connecting device (7). .5