Rain wiper system for cleaning high-curvature windows

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper system for cleaning a vehicle window, comprising a drive attachment (2), an arm (8), a wiper blade (10) and a connecting body (12) between the drive attachment (2) and the arm (8), the wiper system (1) comprising a pivot link (P) between the connecting body (12) and the drive attachment (2), the wiper system (1) comprising a rotation link (A) between the connecting body (12) and the arm (8), the rotation link (A) having an axis extending along a first direction (F), the pivot link (P) having an axis along a second direction (S), the first direction (F) and the second direction (S) intersecting, wherein the wiper system (1) comprises a mechanical link (14) between the drive attachment (2) and the arm (8), the mechanical link (14) forcing a rotation of the pivot link (P) around the second direction (S) upon a rotation of the arm (8) around the first direction (F).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiper system for cleaning a vehicle window, and more particularly to an adapted wiper system for complex windows, such as panoramic windows. BACKGROUND

[0002] Typically, a vehicle comprises a windshield in front of the driver, through which the driver can see the road and the front of the vehicle. The windshield must be transparent in order for the driver to observe the front of the vehicle. Due to its position, the windshield is subject to weather conditions, water and dirt can come onto the window and obstruct the driver's view. To this end, the vehicle comprises a wiper system to wipe off this water and dirt outside the window.

[0003] The wiper system traditionally consists of an arm that extends between a first end attached to the vehicle and a second end to which a wiper blade is attached. The arm is connected to the shaft of an electric motor of the vehicle through its first end, the arm moves back and forth around the axis of the electric motor to wipe the windshield.

[0004] Some vehicles can be equipped with panoramic windows, which are windows comprising end portions that extend to the lateral edges of the vehicle. With known wiper systems, these end portions can be difficult to wipe effectively. Indeed, a wiper system can typically wipe a flat surface, but wiping a window extending in two planes that intersect each other is more complex.

[0005] Such windshields are common in trucks and other heavy vehicles, in which good visibility and fuel economy are equally important design considerations. SUMMARY

[0006] In this case, the invention relates to a wiper system comprising a drive attachment, an arm, a wiper blade and a connecting body between the drive attachment and the arm, the wiper system comprising a pivot link between the connecting body and the drive attachment, the wiper system comprising a rotation link between the connecting body and the arm, the rotation link having an axis extending in a first direction, the pivot link having an axis extending in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction intersecting, wherein the wiper system comprises a mechanical link between the drive attachment and the arm, the mechanical link forcing the pivot link to rotate around the second direction when the arm rotates around the first direction.

[0007] The connecting body connects the arm to the drive attachment and comprises a pivot link between the connecting body and the drive attachment and a rotation link between the connecting body and the arm.

[0008] The pivot link is parallel to or confounds the first direction, and the rotation link is parallel to or confounds the second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect each other.

[0009] The mechanical link is in contact with at least the arm and / or the drive attachment. The mechanical link can be attached to the arm and / or the drive attachment. The mechanical link guides the wiper blade against two portions of the window extending in planes intersecting each other. The wiper blade can wipe the first portion, then the second portion, then again the first portion.

[0010] The mechanical link ensures a constant distance between the drive attachment and the arm, and more particularly when the mechanical link comprises two different attachment points, a constant distance between the different attachment points of the mechanical link.

[0011] According to an optional feature of the application, the first direction defining the rotational link and the second direction defining the pivoting link are perpendicular.

[0012] According to another optional feature of the application, the pivoting link comprises a shaft protruding from the connecting body and housed in a hole arranged inside the drive attachment.

[0013] The shaft acts as a rotating element that rotates inside the hole (like a hole) arranged inside the drive attachment, the connecting body being rotatable around the pivoting link.

[0014] According to another optional feature of the application, the connecting body comprises an axial blocking device that sets the shaft into the hole.

[0015] According to another optional feature of the application, the axial blocking device is a snap that cooperates with a groove of the shaft.

[0016] According to another optional feature of the application, the axial blocking device is a protrusion of the shaft and is blocked into the drive attachment.

[0017] According to another optional feature of the application, the drive attachment presents a "U-shaped" section with two lateral sides and an upper side connected to the two lateral sides, the lateral sides and the upper side at least partially defining a cavity.

[0018] According to another optional feature of the application, the hole is located inside the cavity.

[0019] According to another optional feature of the application, the drive attachment comprises a front side that closes the "U-shaped" section next to the connecting body, the shaft passing through this front side.

[0020] According to another optional feature of the application, the mechanical link comprises a lever piece and at least one spherical joint arranged at one end of the lever piece.

[0021] According to another optional feature of the application, the lever piece comprises at least a housing for the spherical joint.

[0022] According to another optional feature of the application, the drive attachment and / or the arm comprise at least a protrusion on which the spherical joint is arranged.

[0023] According to another optional feature of the present application, the ball joint of the protrusion is housed in a housing of the lever member.

[0024] According to another optional feature of the present application, the arm presents a "U-shaped" section having two side walls and an upper wall connected to the two side walls, the protrusion protruding from one of the side walls, the pivot link geometry being interposed between the upper wall and a main axis of the protrusion.

[0025] According to another optional feature of the present application, the lever member comprises a first ball joint disposed at one end of the lever member and a second ball joint disposed at the other end of the lever member, a straight line passing through the first and second ball joints, the arm and the connecting body being positionable in a first position in which the straight line forms a first angle with a second direction defining the pivot line and in a second position in which the straight line forms a second angle different from the first angle with the second direction defining the pivot link.

[0026] According to another optional feature of the present application, in the second position, the straight line forms a second angle greater than the first angle with the second direction defining the pivot link.

[0027] According to another optional feature of the present application, the mechanical link comprises a lever body having a gear wheel meshing with a toothed section disposed on the drive attachment, the toothed section and the gear wheel presenting a curvilinear profile.

[0028] According to another optional feature of the present application, the gear wheel meshing comprises a plurality of teeth cooperating with the toothed section.

[0029] According to another optional feature of the present application, the toothed section is disposed at a corner of the drive attachment between one of the lateral sides and the front side.

[0030] According to another optional feature of the present application, the toothed section extends from an upper side of the drive attachment to a free edge of one of the lateral sides.

[0031] According to another optional feature of the present application, the arm is laterally interposed between the connecting body and the lever body at least at the second pivot link.

[0032] According to another optional feature of the present application, the wiper system comprises a spring element attached to the connecting body and the arm.

[0033] According to another optional feature of the present application, the arm and the connecting body are configured to rotate about an axis of the pivot link when the spring element exerts a traction force between the connecting body and the arm.

[0034] The traction force of the spring element holds the wiper blade against the vehicle window.

[0035] The invention relates to a method of wiping a panoramic window using a wiper system according to one of the above features, the panoramic window comprising a first portion extending in a first plane and at least a second portion extending in a second plane, the second plane intersecting the first plane of the first portion, in which method the wiper blade is in a first position to wipe the first portion of the panoramic window and in a second position to wipe the second portion of the panoramic window, said pivot link rotating when gradually changing from the first position to the second position.

[0036] The second portion consists of a planar surface extending in the second plane and a curved surface connecting the planar surface of the second portion to the first portion of the panoramic window. The second portion of the panoramic window extends at least on one of the lateral sides of the vehicle.

[0037] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a panoramic window and a wiper system according to at least one of the above features, the wiper system being configured to wipe the panoramic window. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following description, given, by way of indication and not of limitation, several implementation examples, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wiper system according to the invention located on a panoramic window;

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a wiper system according to the invention; Figure 1

[0041] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a wiper system according to the invention; Figure 2

[0042] Figure 4 is a view from below of a wiper system according to the invention; Figure 2

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a drive attachment of a wiper system according to the invention; Figure 2

[0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a connecting body of a wiper system according to the invention; Figure 2

[0045] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drive attachment according to the invention and of a connecting body according to the invention; Figure 5 Figure 6

[0046] Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drive attachment according to the invention and of a connecting body according to the invention; Figure 2 ​​​​​​​perspective view of a mechanical linkage of a wiper system according to

[0047] Figure 9 is according to Figure 8 perspective view of a spherical joint of a mechanical linkage according to

[0048] Figure 10 is according to Figure 2 perspective view of a wiper system according to in a first position;

[0049] Figure 11 is according to Figure 2 perspective view of a wiper system according to in a second position;

[0050] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a wiper system according to a second embodiment;

[0051] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a mechanical linkage of a wiper system according to Figure 12

[0052] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a drive attachment of a wiper system according to Figure 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The features, variants and different implementation modes of the present application can be associated with each other in various combinations, provided that they do not contradict or exclude each other. In particular, variants of the present application can be envisaged which include only the features subsequently described, chosen from among the other features described, if the choice of such features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to distinguish the present application from the prior art,

[0054] In the following description, the terms "longitudinal", "transversal" and "vertical" refer to the directions of the wiper system according to the present application. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the main extension direction of the arm of the wiper system, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the reference L, V, T shown in the figures. The transversal direction corresponds to the main extension direction of the protrusion of the arm of the wiper system, for example, this transversal direction is parallel to the transversal axis T of the reference L, V, T and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, the vertical direction corresponds to the vertical axis V of the reference L, V, T, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transversal axis T.

[0055] As Figure 1 ​​As shown, the wiper system 1 comprises at least a drive attachment 2 extending between a first end 4 and a second end 6. At its first end 4, the drive attachment 2 is attached to the vehicle and more specifically to the shaft of an electric motor that moves the wiper system 1 around a rotation axis R of the wiper system 1. The wiper system 1 has the function of wiping a window of the vehicle, for example in a front windshield 3 of the vehicle. According to the invention, the windshield 3 is a panoramic window comprising at least two portions: a first portion 5 comprising a planar surface 7 extending at least in a first plane and a second portion 9 extending in a second plane intersecting the first plane. The second portion 9 consists of a planar surface 11 extending in the second plane and a curved surface 13 connecting the planar surface 11 of the second portion 9 to the planar surface 7 of the first portion 5. The wiper system 1 rotates around the rotation axis R at the first end 4 of the drive attachment 2. Once the motor is turned on, the wiper system 1 enables a back and forth movement against the windshield 3 of the vehicle to wipe the windshield, including the passage on the second portion 9 and on the first portion 5 of the windshield 3.

[0056] However, a windshield 3 comprising only a curved surface is included in the scope of the invention.

[0057] Furthermore, the wiper system comprises a wiper blade 10 comprising at least one scraper blade 15 configured to come into contact with the windshield 3 of the vehicle and to wipe the windshield 3. The scraper blade 15 has a triangular transverse section, only one vertex of which comes into contact with the windshield 3. The scraper blade 15 moves around a hinge, the line, the angle of attack of the scraper blade 15 and the hinge pass through the line and form a certain angle at which the scraper blade 15 cuts into the windshield 3. In order to provide a good wiping action, this certain angle must adapt to the angle of the windshield 3, the type of vehicle, the speed of the vehicle and the type of scraper blade 15 over the entire range of motion of the scraper blade 15. This angle must be followed over the first portion 5 and its second portion 9 of the windshield 3, which the invention achieves by simple and reliable means.

[0058] As Figure 2 shown, in addition to the drive attachment 2 and the wiper blade 10, the wiper system 1 also comprises an arm 8 and a connecting body 12 located between the second end 6 of the drive attachment 2 and the arm 8, the arm 8 extending between the connecting body 12 and the wiper blade 10.

[0059] The connecting body 12 is connected on the one hand at the arm 8 and on the other hand to the drive attachment 2. The connection between the connecting body 12 and the arm 8 forms a rotational link A around which the arm 8 and the wiper blade 10 can rotate relative to each other. This rotational link A extends in a first direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis T marked L, V, T.

[0060] The connection between the connecting body 12 and the driving appendage 2 forms a pivot link P around which the connecting body 12 and the arm 8 can rotate relative to each other. This pivot link P extends along a second direction S which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the reference L, V, T.

[0061] The first direction F of the rotation link A and the second direction F of the pivot link P are perpendicular to each other in the plane of intersection. However, and as illustrated herein, the plane defining the first direction F of the rotation link A in which it extends is different from the plane defining the second direction F of the pivot link P in which it extends, the two planes intersecting each other.

[0062] According to the invention, the wiper system 1 comprises a mechanical link 14 between the driving appendage 2 and the arm 8 which forces the connecting body 12 and the arm 8 to rotate around the pivot link P in both directions around the second direction S defining the pivot link P.

[0063] Reference Figures 2 to 9 Before describing the cooperation between each element of the wiper system 1 with each other, we will now describe the first embodiment by starting from the description of each element of the wiper system 1.

[0064] As Figures 2 to 5 illustrated, the driving appendage 2 generally takes the shape of a specific angle shape and comprises a first portion 16 which terminates at the second end 6 and extends along the second direction S defining the pivot link P, and a second portion 18 which terminates at the first end 4 and extends along a direction which intersects the second direction S defining the pivot link P. Here, the intersecting direction and the second direction S defining the pivot link P form an angle comprised between 1° and 90°, as a non-exhaustive example of the invention.

[0065] The driving appendage 2 generally takes the shape of a “U-shaped” section according to a cross-sectional view made in the plane in which the transversal axis T and the vertical axis V are located, with two transversal sides 20 and an upper side 22 connecting the two transversal sides 20, each side 20, 22 extending from the first end 4 to the second end 6 of the driving appendage 2. At least in the first portion 16 of the driving appendage 2, each transversal side 20 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V, while the upper side 22 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L and the transversal axis T. The transversal sides 20 and the upper side 22 participate in defining a cavity 24. The driving appendage 2 also comprises a front side 26 visible on the figure above, the front side 26 extending in a plane parallel to the transversal axis T and the vertical axis V, the front side 26 being located at the second end 6 of the driving appendage 2 by joining the transversal sides 20 and the upper side 22. Figure 5

[0066] ​At its first end 4, the drive attachment 2 comprises a hole 28 configured to accommodate a shaft of an electric motor of the vehicle. The hole 28 extends through the upper side 22 along a vertical axis V and within the cavity 24. Here, the hole 28 is of circular shape. However, a hole 28 of another shape is included in the scope of the invention.

[0067] In this first embodiment and as shown in Figure 5 , the drive attachment 2 comprises a protrusion 30 protruding from one of the lateral sides 20 and extending along an axis parallel to the transversal axis T. The protrusion 30 is more particularly located at the second end 6 and is of the shape of a circular shaft. The protrusion 30 is configured to cooperate with the mechanical link.

[0068] The protrusion 30 can be manufactured directly on the drive attachment 2, or separately from the drive attachment 2 and assembled to the protrusion 30 later during the supplementary process manufacturing, without going beyond the scope of the invention.

[0069] The drive attachment 2 presents, at the second end 6, a hole 32 located at the front side 26 of the drive attachment 2. The hole 32 is a through hole of the front side 26, connecting the cavity 24 to the outside of the drive attachment 2. The hole 32 extends along the longitudinal axis L and is configured to cooperate with the connecting body 12 to form the pivot link P.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6 , the connecting body 12 comprises a main body 34 and at least a pivot element 36 extending from the main body 34 to the outside of the connecting body 12 along the longitudinal axis L. The pivot element 36 can be manufactured directly on the connecting body 12, or separately on the connecting body 12 and then assembled to the pivot element 36 later during the supplementary process manufacturing, without going beyond the scope of the invention. The pivot element 36 is like a cylindrical pawn presenting different sections, among which a tip section 38 and at least a base section 40 located between the tip section 38 and the main body 34. The tip section 38 is different from the base section 40, which has a different diameter, and more particularly, the diameter of the tip section 38 is smaller than the diameter of the base section 40. Moreover, the base section 40 has a constant diameter. These technical features are only an example of the way the pivot element 36 is arranged.

[0071] The tip section 38 comprises a groove 42 circularly positioned on the pivot element 36. The groove 42 is internally made circular around the pivot element 36. Moreover, the diameter of the groove 42 is smaller than the diameter of the tip section 38.

[0072] The connector comprises an axial blocking device, here a snap 44 configured to cooperate with the groove 42 of the pivoting element 36. The snap 44 is an elastically deformable curved strip. More precisely, the snap 44 deforms its initial structure to assemble or disassemble on the pivoting element 36 in the groove 42 and returns to its initial structure after deformation. Once the pivoting element 36 is housed in the hole 32 of the drive attachment 2, the snap 44 serves to retain the connector 12. To this end, the snap 44 has an internal diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the groove 42 to form a cooperation with it when the snap 44 is assembled on the groove 42. In addition, the external diameter of the snap 44 is greater than the diameter of the end section 38 and the diameter of the hole of the drive attachment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7 the pivoting element 36 is housed in the hole 32, the end section 38 is partially in the cavity 24 of the drive attachment 2. To this end, the diameter of the end section 38 is less than the diameter of the hole 32 to allow the cooperation between the pivoting element 36 and the hole 32. Once the end section 38 and more particularly the groove 42 enter the cavity 24 of the drive attachment 2, the snap 44 is assembled on the groove 42.

[0074] The drive attachment 2 comprises a washer 46 disposed at the front side 26 in the cavity 24 and having a hole in its center, the hole of the washer 46 having the same diameter as the diameter of the hole 32. The snap 44 is configured to have an external diameter greater than the diameter of the hole of the washer 46. Once the snap 44 is assembled into the groove 42 of the end section 38 of the pivoting element 36, the snap 44 retains the pivoting element 36 into the hole 32 by abutting the washer 46, the cooperation between the snap 44 and the washer 46 retaining the connector 12 in place on the drive attachment 2.

[0075] In addition, the hole 32 of the drive attachment 2 is shaped like a shoulder ring 48 that cooperates with the base section 40 of the pivoting element 36. The diameter of the shoulder ring 48 is slightly less than the diameter of the base section 40 of the pivoting element 36, the base element can be seated in the shoulder ring 48 once the pivoting element 36 is housed in the drive attachment 2. The base section 40 of the pivoting element 36 helps the pivoting element 36 of the connector 12 to slide in the hole 32 of the drive attachment 2 when the connector 12 is rotated around the second direction S defining the pivoting link P.

[0076] The pivoting element 36 and the hole 32 cooperate to form a pivoting link P that rotates around the second direction S. Thus, the pivoting element 36 and the connector 12 are respectively movable around this pivoting link P in the hole 32 and the drive attachment 2.

[0077] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment, the pivoting element 36 and the hole 32 are usable on the drive attachment 2 and the connector 12 interchangeably, such as the drive attachment 2 comprises the pivoting element 36 and the connector 12 comprises the hole 32.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the connecting body 12 comprises a passage 50 extending into the main body 34 parallel to the transverse axis T. The passage 50 is circular (like a hollow cylinder) and passes through the main body 34. The passage 50 has a first terminal end 52 on a first lateral side 54 of the main body 34, a second terminal end of the passage 50 on a second lateral side of the main body 34, the first lateral side 54 and the second lateral side 54 of the main body 34 being perpendicular to the transverse axis T.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6 , the passage 50 comprises a crown 56, the crown being at least at the first terminal end 52, or preferably at each terminal end 54. The crown 56 is like a ring flanking the first terminal end 52 and protrudes from the main body 34 to the outside of the main body 34 along the transverse axis T.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the main body 34 comprises at least one aperture 58 passing through the main body 34 from the first lateral side 54 to the second lateral side. The aperture 58 is like a hollow cylinder, similar to the passage 50. However, the diameter of the aperture 58 is smaller than the diameter of the passage 50, the aperture 58 and the passage 50 being separate and independent from each other.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6 , the main body 34 comprises a recess 60 extending along the longitudinal axis L, the recess 60 being opposite the passage 50 with respect to the pivoting element 36, as seen in Figure 6 . The recess 60 defines a first tap 62 adjacent to the first lateral side 54 of the main body 34 and a second tap 64 adjacent to the second lateral side of the main body 34. Each tap 62, 64 extends from the main body 34 along the longitudinal axis L and is opposite the passage 50 with respect to the pivoting element 36. In addition, each tap 62, 64 comprises a pawn 68 extending from the tap 62, 64 to the outside, opposite the aperture 58 with respect to the passage 50, the opposite face being realized along a perpendicular axis V.

[0082] The aperture 58 and the passage 50 of the connecting body 12 are configured to cooperate with the arm 8, the connecting body 12 being partially interfaced between the arm 8 and the drive attachment 2.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the arm 8 comprises at least a stem 70, a spring element 72, a cover 74 and a wiper blade connection 76.

[0084] The spring element 72 extends along the longitudinal axis L between the stem 70 and the connecting body 12, each end of the spring element 72 being connected to the connecting body 12 or to the stem 70. As in Figure 4As shown in the figures, the spring element 72 comprises a first hook 82 connected to the connecting body 12 and a second hook 84 connected to the rod 70. More specifically, the first hook 82 engages on a shaft partially housed in the orifice 58 and the second hook 84 is attached to one end of the rod 70.

[0085] The rod 70 of the arm 8 extends mainly along the longitudinal axis L between the spring element 72 and the wiper blade connector 76. The rod 70 comprises a first longitudinal end 90 in which a hole is realized and in which the second hook 84 of the spring element 72 is hooked. Similarly, the spring element 72 connects the connecting body 12 at the rod 70 of the arm 8. The rod 70 comprises a second longitudinal end 92 connected at the wiper blade connector 76.

[0086] The wiper blade connector 76 is configured to receive a connector 94, for example connecting the arm 8 to a wiper blade 10 comprising a blade 15 configured to be in contact with and wipe a windshield of a vehicle.

[0087] The cover 74 is generally shaped as a “U-shaped” section according to a cross-section made in a plane lying according to the transversal axis T and the vertical axis V, with two lateral walls 102 and an upper wall 104 connecting the two lateral walls 102, each wall 102, 104 extending from a first longitudinal extremity to a second longitudinal extremity of the cover 74. Each lateral wall 102 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis V, while the upper wall 104 extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L and the transversal axis T.

[0088] Each wall 102, 104 of the cover 74 participates in defining a cavity 106 in which the spring element 72 is housed when the wiper system 1 is assembled, as Figure 4 shown.

[0089] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the cross-section of the cover 74 at its first longitudinal extremity is greater than another cross-section of the cover 74 at its second longitudinal extremity. The second longitudinal extremity of the cover 74 at least partly covers the rod 70 of the arm 8 at the first longitudinal end 90, while one of the longitudinal extremities at least partly covers the open end of the joint of the connecting body 12.

[0090] Each lateral wall 102 of the cover 74 has a longitudinal extension 108 extending from the lateral wall 102 of the cover 74 to the outside along the longitudinal axis L. Each longitudinal extension 108 comprises a circular opening 110, the diameter of which is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the crown 56 of the channel 50 of the connecting body 12.

[0091] The longitudinal extensions 108 of the cover 74 partially cover the lateral sides 54 of the connecting body 12. Once the rain wiper system 1 is assembled, the connecting body 12 is interposed between each longitudinal extension 108 of the cover 74, the crown 56 of the channel terminal 52 being housed in the circular opening 110 of the longitudinal extension 108, as seen in Figure 2 or Figure 4 The cooperation between the crown 56 of the channel 50 and the circular opening 110 forms a rotational link A between the arm 8 and the connecting body 12, the arm 8 and the rain wiper blade 10 rotating around a first direction F defining the rotational link A.

[0092] Furthermore, at least one of the lateral walls 102 comprises a secondary extension 112 extending from the lateral wall 102 of the cover 74 to the outside along a vertical axis V and opposite the upper wall 104 with respect to the circular opening 110. The secondary extension 112 of the lateral wall 102 is proximate to the first lateral side 54 of the connecting body 12. The secondary extension 112 is an integral part of the cover 74, but it can be a separate element and assembled to the cover 74 during a complementary process of manufacture, without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0093] The secondary extension 112 has a protrusion 114 in the shape of a cylindrical column protruding from one of the lateral walls 102 of the cover 74 to the outside parallel to the transverse axis T. The protrusion 114 of the cover 74 is located on the lateral wall 102 so that the circular opening 110 is geometrically interposed between the upper wall 104 and the main axis of the protrusion 114. In other words, according to the vertical axis V, the circular opening 110 is located between the protrusion 114 and the upper wall 104.

[0094] In the following description and for the sake of simplifying the understanding of the present invention, we use the terms "first" and "second" to distinguish the protrusion 30 of the drive accessory 2 from the protrusion 114 of the cover 74, such as the first protrusion 30 refers to the protrusion 30 of the drive accessory 2 and the second protrusion 114 refers to the protrusion 114 of the cover 74.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical link 14 comprises a lever piece 116 and a spherical joint 118 provided at at least one longitudinal end of the lever piece 116, as shown in Figure 8 According to the example represented, the lever piece 116 has a central portion 120 extending rectilinearly between a first longitudinal end 122 and a second longitudinal end 124, each longitudinal end 122, 124 of the lever piece 116 comprising a spherical joint 118.

[0096] More specifically, the lever member 116 extends rectilinearly between a first longitudinal end 122 and a second longitudinal end 124. The lever member 116 comprises a spherical housing 126 at each longitudinal end 122, 124 in which a spherical joint 118 is housed. Each spherical housing 126 is constituted by at least a spherical portion 128 in which the spherical joint 118 can rotate. To this end, each spherical portion 128 of the lever member 116 presents an inner spherical side configured to house the spherical joint 118 and to allow the spherical joint 118 to rotate into the spherical portion 128. As Figure 8 shown, at the first longitudinal end 122, a first spherical joint 118a is housed in a first spherical portion 128a and, at the second longitudinal end 124, a second spherical joint 118b is housed in a second spherical housing 128b.

[0097] The spherical joint 118 is represented in Figure 9 and takes the shape of a spherical ball with a through hole 132. The spherical joint 118 has two planar sides 134 parallel to each other. The through hole 132 is open on the two planar sides 134 of the spherical joint 118. The through hole 132 is a circular hole configured to cooperate with the first or second protruding part.

[0098] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the lever member 116 cooperates with the arm 8 and the drive attachment 2 by housing the first protruding part 30 in the first spherical joint 118a and the second protruding part 114 in the second spherical joint 118b. The lever member 116 is held in place on the wiper system 1 by the close guidance of the respective protruding part 30, 114 in each spherical joint 118.

[0099] We will now describe the cooperation between the mechanical linkage 14 and the rest of the wiper system 1 during the wiping of the panoramic window of the vehicle by the wiper system 1 with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11

[0100] As Figure 10 shown, the wiper system 1 is shown in a first position corresponding to the moment when the blade wipes the first portion of the panoramic window. In this first position, the lever member 116 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the upper wall 104 of the cover 74 extends in a plane parallel to the plane in which the transverse axis T and the longitudinal axis L lie, which plane also extends parallel to the plane in which the upper side 22 of the drive attachment 2 extends. At the same time, the transverse wall 102 of the cover 74 extends in a plane parallel to the plane in which the transverse side 20 of the drive attachment 2 extends.

[0101] ​When the wiper system 1 is in the first position, the straight line B passing through the first and second spherical joints 118a, 118b of the lever member 116 forms a first angle with the second direction S defining the pivot link P. For example, and according to the example represented here in Figure 10 , this first angle measures 0°, since the straight line B is parallel to the second direction S.

[0102] The spring element keeps the blade against the panoramic window to ensure wiping the panoramic window. When the wiper system 1 moves to the second portion of the panoramic window, the traction of the spring element keeps the blade against this second portion of the panoramic window, the wiper system 1 gradually becoming the second position represented in Figure 11 . During this time, the connecting body 12 and the arm 8 rotate around the pivot link P.

[0103] In this second position, the wiper system 1 is configured to wipe the second portion of the panoramic window. Thus, the plane in which the upper wall 104 of the cover 74 extends intersects the plane in which the upper side 22 of the drive attachment 2 extends. At the same time, the lateral walls 102 of the cover 74 extend in planes parallel to each other and these planes intersect the plane in which the lateral sides 20 of the drive attachment 2 extend.

[0104] Furthermore, when the wiper system 1 is in the second position, the straight line B passing through the first and second spherical joints 118a, 118b of the lever member 116 forms a second angle D with the second direction S defining the pivot link P, the second angle being different from the first angle formed by the straight line B passing through the first and second spherical joints 118a, 118b of the lever member 116 with the second direction S defining the pivot link P when the wiper system 1 is in the first position, as Figure 10 is shown.

[0105] The spring element 72 keeps the blade against the second portion of the panoramic window, the lever member 116 turning the arm 8 and the wiper blade 10 to the second portion.

[0106] To do this, the lever member 116 maintains an equal distance between the first and second protrusions 30, 114, the spherical joints 118a, 118b allowing the rotation of the lever member 116 around the protrusions 30, 114. The rotation of the lever member 116 around the protrusions 30, 114 and the traction of the spring element allow the perfect positioning of the blade on the second portion of the panoramic window, taking into account the angle of the blade which allows the back and forth wiping movement. This particular angle formed by the line passing through the contact point of the blade with the windshield and the articulation of this blade is included in the range of values mentioned above. When the wiper system 1 returns to wipe the first portion of the panoramic window, the wiper system 1 gradually becomes the first position from the second position.

[0107] We will now refer to the figuresFigures 12 to 14 A second embodiment of the wiper system 1 is described.

[0108] As Figure 12 illustrated, the mechanical link 14 comprises a lever body 136 having a gear wheel 138 engaging a toothed section 140 provided on the drive attachment 2, the toothed section 140 and the gear wheel 138 presenting a curvilinear profile.

[0109] Indeed, the lever body 136 comprises, on the one hand, a circular orifice 142 cooperating with the connecting body 12 and the arms 8, and, on the other hand, the gear wheel 138 cooperating with the toothed section 140 of the drive attachment 2.

[0110] The circular orifice 142 has a diameter similar to that of the circular opening 110 of the cover 74. During assembly of the wiper system 1, the cover 74 is assembled and positioned on the connecting body 12 so that the connecting body 12 is positioned partially between each longitudinal extension 108 of the cover 74. The mechanical link 14 is positioned on one of the longitudinal extensions 108, more particularly close to the first lateral side 54 of the connecting body 12, the circular orifice 142 being aligned with the passage 50 of the connecting body 12 and the circular opening 110 of the cover 74. In order to attach the connecting body 12, the cover 74 and the mechanical link 14 integrally, as Figure 12 illustrated, the wiper system 1 comprises a tubular shaft 144 received in the passage 50 of the connecting body 12, through the circular opening 110 of the cover 74 and the circular orifice 142 of the lever body 136.

[0111] Figure 13 The lever body 136, as represented in the middle, has an upper edge 146, a lower edge 148 and at least a lateral edge 150 connecting the upper edge 146 to the lower edge 148. The lever body 136 comprises, at its lateral edge 150, the gear wheel 138 and comprises a toothed section comprising a curvilinear profile, as seen from the circular orifice 142, and more particularly a concave profile. The lever body 136 comprises a plurality of teeth 152, each tooth 152 of the plurality of teeth 152 extending radially from the center of the lever body 136 to the outside of the lever body 136. Each tooth is realized on the lateral edge 150 of the lever body 136, with a recess 154 being inserted. The gear wheel 138 is configured to cooperate with the toothed section of the drive attachment.

[0112] As Figure 14 illustrated, the drive attachment 2 comprises a toothed section 140 provided at a corner 156 of the drive attachment 2 between one of the lateral sides 20 and the front side 26 of the drive attachment 2. More particularly, the lateral side 20 on which the toothed section 140 is mounted is adjacent to the first lateral side 54 of the connecting body 12. Thus, the gear wheel of the lever body can cooperate with the toothed section 140 of the drive attachment 2.

[0113] The toothed segment 140 extends from the upper side 22 of the drive attachment 2 to the free edge 158 of the lateral side 20, and the number and extent of the teeth are variable. Furthermore, the toothed segment 140 extends along a corner 156 of the drive attachment 2, between the lateral side 20 and the front side 26 adjacent to the lever body 136. The toothed segment 140 includes a curved profile as seen from the channel 50 and, more specifically, a concave profile. As a gear of the lever body 136, the toothed segment 140 includes a plurality of teeth, similar to the teeth of a gear in the lever body, each tooth extending radially from the lateral side 20 of the drive attachment 2.

[0114] In this second embodiment, and similarly in the preferred embodiment, as defined above, the wiper system 1 may be in a first position or a second position. Figure 12 As shown, during the movement from one of the first or second positions to another position of the wiper system 1, the mechanical linkage 14 also guides the connecting body 12 and the arm 8. For this purpose, during the gradual change of the wiper system 1 from one position to another, the lever body 136 partially rotates about the pivot linkage P, and during position swiping, the lever body 136 follows the toothed section 140 of the drive attachment 2. Each tooth 152 of the gear 138 temporarily moves from one groove of the toothed section 140 to another in a gear-like manner.

[0115] The traction force of the spring element causes the lever body 136 to rotate along the toothed section 140 and allows the wiper blade to be well positioned on the second portion of the panoramic window. The line passing through the angle of attack of the wiper blade and the hinge forms a specific angle with the windshield, which includes the aforementioned value range on both the first and second portions of the windshield. As the wiper system 1 returns to wipe the first portion of the panoramic window, the wiper system 1 gradually changes from the second position to the first position.

[0116] The above description illustrates a male-female connector for pivoting link P, with the male portion designed on the connector 12 and the female portion designed within the drive attachment 2. Of course, this male-female connector can be reversed, with the male portion on the drive attachment 2 and the female portion designed within the connector 12.

[0117] However, the invention should not be limited to the devices and configurations described and shown herein, but should extend to any equivalent devices or configurations described and shown herein, and any combination of techniques for operating these devices. Specifically, the mechanical linkage may be located on the second lateral side of the connecting body without falling outside the scope of the invention, and its shape may vary. Furthermore, if the location of the protrusion allows, the lever may extend along the vertical axis.

Claims

1. A windshield wiper system (1) for cleaning vehicle windows, comprising a drive attachment (2), an arm (8), a wiper blade (10), and a connector (12) located between the drive attachment (2) and the arm (8), the windshield wiper system (1) including a pivoting link (P) between the connector (12) and the drive attachment (2), the windshield wiper system (1) including a rotating link (A) between the connector (12) and the arm (8), the rotating link (A) having an axis extending along a first direction (F), the pivoting link (P) having an axis extending along a second direction (S), the first direction (F) and the second direction (S) intersecting, wherein the windshield wiper system (1) includes a mechanical link (14) between the drive attachment (2) and the arm (8), the mechanical link (14) forcing the pivoting link (P) to rotate about the second direction (S) when the arm (8) rotates about the first direction (F).

2. The wiper system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first direction (F) defining the rotating link (A) and the second direction (S) defining the pivot link (P) are perpendicular.

3. The wiper system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pivot link (P) includes a shaft (36) that protrudes from the connector (12) and is received in a hole (32) arranged within the drive attachment (2).

4. The wiper system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector (12) includes an axial blocking device (44) for positioning the shaft (36) in the hole (32).

5. The wiper system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drive attachment (2) presents a "U-shaped" section having two lateral sides (20) and an upper side (22) connected to the two lateral sides (20), the lateral sides (20) and the upper side (22) at least partially defining a cavity (24).

6. The wiper system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pivot link (P) includes a shaft (36) that protrudes from the connector (12) and is received in a hole (32) arranged in the drive attachment (2), and the drive attachment (2) includes a front side (26) that closes the "U-shaped" section next to the connector (12), through which the shaft (36) passes.

7. The wiper system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The mechanical link (14) includes a lever (116) and at least a spherical joint disposed at one end of the lever (116).

8. The wiper system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive attachment (2) and / or the arm (8) include at least a protrusion (30, 114) on which the ball joint is arranged.

9. The wiper system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The arm (8) presents a "U-shaped" section having two sidewalls (102) and an upper wall (104) connected to the two sidewalls (102), the protrusion (114) protruding from one of the sidewalls (102), and the rotating link (A) is geometrically located between the upper wall (104) and the main axis of the protrusion (114).

10. The wiper system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lever (116) includes a first ball joint (118a) disposed at one end of the lever (116) and a second ball joint (118b) disposed at the other end of the lever (116). A straight line (B) passing through the first ball joint (118a) and the second ball joint (118b) allows the arm (8) and the connector (12) to be in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the straight line (B) forms a first angle with the second direction defining the pivot link (P). In the second position, the straight line forms a second angle (D) with the second direction defining the pivot link (P), which is different from the first angle.

11. The wiper system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The mechanical link (14) includes a lever body (136) with a gear (138) that meshes with a toothed section (140) disposed on the drive attachment (2), the toothed section (140) and the gear (138) having curved profiles.

12. The wiper system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The drive attachment (2) presents a "U-shaped" section having two lateral sides (20) and an upper side (22) connected to the two lateral sides (20), the lateral sides (20) and the upper side (22) at least partially defining a cavity (24), the pivot link (P) including a shaft (36) protruding from the connector (12) and received in a hole (32) arranged in the drive attachment (2), the drive attachment (2) including a front side (26) that closes the "U-shaped" section next to the connector (12), the shaft (36) passing through the front side (26), and the toothed section (140) being disposed at a corner (156) of the drive attachment (2) between one of the lateral sides (20) and the front side (26).

13. The wiper system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The wiper system (1) includes a spring element (72) attached to the connector (12) and the arm (8).

14. The wiper system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the arm (8) and the connecting body (12) are configured to rotate about the axis of the pivot link (P) when the spring element (72) applies a traction force between the connecting body (12) and the arm (8).

15. A method for wiping a panoramic window (3) using a wiper system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the panoramic window (3) comprising a first portion (5) extending in a first plane and at least a second portion (9) extending in a second plane intersecting the first plane of the first portion (5), wherein the wiper blade (10) is in a first position to wipe the first portion (5) of the panoramic window (3) and in a second position to wipe the second portion (9) of the panoramic window (3), and the pivot link (P) rotates as it gradually changes from the first position to the second position.

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