Wiper system for glazing surfaces

CN116113564BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-18VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180053047.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-08-31
Filing Date
2021-07-30
Publication Date
2026-09-18
Estimated Expiration
2041-07-30

Smart Images

  • Figure CN116113564B_ABST
    Figure CN116113564B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiper system (100) for a glazing surface (211), comprising at least one body (101) comprising at least one blade rubber designed to be in contact with the glazing surface (211) and at least one embedded motorized means (120) for actuation configured to drive the linear movement of the body (101) along the glazing surface (211).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wiping systems for motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention is especially applicable to cleaning the mounting glass surfaces of sensors in driver assistance systems.

[0002] Vehicles (especially motor vehicles) are increasingly incorporating automated systems, particularly driver assistance systems. These driver assistance systems include, in particular, one or more modules for detecting the vehicle's surrounding environment and external parameters, and also include at least one control unit configured to interpret the information collected therefrom and make necessary decisions based on that information.

[0003] Therefore, it is understood that checking the proper functioning of these detection modules throughout the vehicle's lifespan is particularly important. In particular, these detection modules are typically located on the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., mounted on the vehicle body) and may become dirty, making it difficult for them to collect information, if not impossible. Therefore, there is a need for a wiping system capable of effectively removing debris, dirt, organic matter, and other destructive elements. One solution is to install a system for cleaning the surfaces of fitted glass.

[0004] Current wiping systems typically include at least one wiping blade fitted with scraper rubber that contacts the surface of the mounted glass to be cleaned. The wiping blade is driven to rotate via a wiping arm, which is itself connected to a motor (e.g., an electric motor).

[0005] One drawback of current wiping systems is their large size, especially due to the presence of wiping arms and motors, which are typically located near the surface of the mounting glass.

[0006] Linear cleaning wiper systems are also known, wherein the wiper blade is arranged at the end of a wiper arm driven by translational movement. The translational movement drive is arranged at the edge of the mounting glass surface and can consist of a push rod of a push arm or a rotary motor associated with a suitable linkage system that converts the rotational movement of the motor into the translational movement of the wiper support arm. In each of these cases, the lateral volume around the periphery of the mounting glass surface to be cleaned is significant, which has a particularly adverse effect on the detection modules mentioned above, especially in the context of an increasing number of such detection modules.

[0007] The present invention falls within this context and aims to at least address the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a simplified wiping system (i.e., a wiping system having a reduced number of components and whose arrangement allows for a reduction in the overall volume of the wiping system).

[0008] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a wiping system for an embedded glass surface, the wiping system comprising at least one body including at least one scraper rubber and at least one embedded motor member for actuation, the scraper rubber being designed to contact the embedded glass surface and the embedded motor member being configured to drive the body to move linearly along the embedded glass surface.

[0009] In this example, "embedded motorized component for starting" is understood to refer to the fact that the motorized component for starting and its actuating elements move simultaneously. Therefore, according to the invention, the motorized component for starting is designed to drive the movement of the body and, consequently, the scraper rubber carried by that body, along the surface of the mounted glass (i.e., facing the surface of the mounted glass). Since the motorized component for starting is embedded in the body, it will be understood that the component for starting also generally moves along the surface of the mounted glass. Since the scraper rubber is designed to be arranged in contact with the surface of the mounted glass, it will be understood that the movement of the body allows the scraper rubber to sweep across the surface of the mounted glass to clean it. This arrangement also allows the volume of the wiping system to be limited by avoiding the need to provide a dedicated space at the periphery of the mounted glass surface to receive the motorized component for starting.

[0010] "Linear movement" is understood to refer to translational movement, that is, movement along a straight line. Therefore, the body of the wiping system, and thus the rubber blade supporting it, is designed to be driven along this straight line in at least a first displacement direction and at least a second displacement direction opposite to the first displacement direction.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the wiping system may include at least one fixed guide device configured to guide the body to move linearly along the surface of the mounted glass.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, the starting component includes at least one motor, and the body includes at least one energy storage device designed to supply electrical energy to the motor. Advantageously, the body may include at least one connection portion electrically connected to the at least one energy storage device, and the wiper system includes at least one charging terminal configured to be electrically connected to the at least one connection portion. In this example, "energy storage device" is understood to mean a device designed to accumulate electrical energy during a charging phase and then feed that energy back to drive the motor to rotate, enabling the phase of cleaning the surface of the mounted glass to be performed, i.e., enabling the body to be moved and thus the surface of the mounted glass to be cleaned by a scraper rubber. To achieve a new, subsequent cleaning phase, the energy storage device must perform a new charging phase during which the energy storage device accumulates electrical energy via the charging terminal, which is itself electrically connected to an external energy source. It will be understood that this is merely an example of implementing the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. For example, it may be specified that the energy storage device performs the charging phase only after a predetermined number of cleaning phases have been completed, or that the charging phase is performed only when the vehicle equipped with the wiper system according to the invention is parked.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the wiping system includes at least one pressure-applying member for pressing the wiper blade rubber against the surface of the mounted glass. Advantageously, the presence of such a pressure-applying member allows for improved cleaning effectiveness performed by the wiping system according to the invention by ensuring effective cleaning throughout the entire displacement of the wiper blade rubber along the surface of the mounted glass.

[0014] According to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wiper system includes at least one fixing guide for the body, the fixing guide being formed by at least one notched strip, and a motorized member for actuation including at least a motor and at least one gear designed to be driven by the motor to rotate, the at least one gear engaging with the at least one notched strip. According to a feature of the first exemplary embodiment, the at least one gear and the at least one notched strip have dimensions that allow these components to mesh in a rack and pinion type connection. Therefore, it will be understood that when the gear rotates, the gear displaces along the notched strip engaged with the gear. Since the gear is carried by the body of the wiper system, the gear drives the body, and consequently also drives the wiper blade rubber supported by the body. Optionally, the fixing guide may include two notched strips distributed on both sides of the mounting glass surface, and the actuation member may include at least two gears, each gear engaging one of the notched strips. Advantageously, with this option, the two gears can be rotatably connected, such that the motor drives both gears to rotate simultaneously, thereby ensuring smooth displacement of the body along the mounting glass surface.

[0015] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the pressure-applying member for pressing the wiper blade rubber is carried by at least one notched strip. The pressure-applying member includes at least one resilient reset device designed to stretch the notched strip, and at least one gear engaged with the notched strip is arranged between the notched strip and the mounting glass surface. Because the notched strip is stretched by the resilient reset device, it applies a supporting force to the gear between the notched strip and the mounting glass surface, allowing the gear and the remainder of the body supporting the gear to be moved closer to the mounting glass surface. Since the body also supports the wiper blade rubber, the pressure-applying member allows the wiper blade rubber to be pressed against the mounting glass surface. In other words, the pressure-applying member is configured to allow the body to be moved closer to the mounting glass surface, causing the wiper blade carried by the body to contact the mounting glass surface.

[0016] According to another feature of this first exemplary embodiment, the wiper system includes at least one tensioning member for tensioning at least one notched strip arranged upstream of the gear along a displacement direction relative to the body along the surface of the mounting glass. Specifically, it will be understood that in order to enable displacement of the gear along the notched strip, the notched strip must remain straight and stretched (i.e., extending in a direction parallel to the displacement direction of the gear) to act as a rack. For example, the at least one tensioning member includes at least one ring, at least one first plate, and at least one second plate, the at least one ring arranged around the at least one gear, the at least one first plate and the at least one second plate extending from the at least one ring, the at least one first plate and the at least one second plate arranged spaced apart from each other and defining an area for receiving the at least one notched strip. These first and second plates extend in two mutually parallel directions, which are also parallel to the displacement direction of the gear.

[0017] As mentioned above, the body can be displaced in at least two opposite displacement directions. According to an example of implementing the invention, the wiping system can advantageously include at least two tensioning members, a first tensioning member designed to tension a notched strip upstream of the body in a first displacement direction, and a second tensioning member designed to tension a notched strip upstream of the body in a second displacement direction. Optionally, the first and second tensioning members can be integral, i.e., formed as a single component that cannot be separated without causing damage to the first and / or second tensioning members. According to this option, the first plate of the first tensioning member and the first plate of the second tensioning member form a single plate facing the gear and extending on both sides of the gear in the displacement direction of the body. Advantageously, these first plates form an abutment against the notched strip, thus ensuring that the notched strip remains in contact with the gear. According to this option, the second plates of the first and second tensioning members are distributed on both sides of the gear in the displacement direction of the body. In other words, the second plates of both the first and second tensioning members extend from the ring arranged around the gear, but are physically spaced apart from each other, such that the gear extends in the space formed between these second plates, thereby ensuring that the rotation of the gear is unimpeded and that the gear can engage with the notched belt. In other words, according to this arrangement, the gear and the notched belt interact between the two second plates of the first and second tensioning members, and this interaction is ensured at least in part by the first plates of the first and second tensioning members, which form end stops for the notched belt, thereby preventing the notched belt from disengaging from the gear.

[0018] As mentioned above, the fixing guide device according to the first exemplary embodiment may include two notched strips. In this case, the wiper system may then include up to four tensioning members, a first tensioning member and a second tensioning member dedicated to tensioning the first notched strip in the two displacement directions mentioned above, and a third tensioning member and a fourth tensioning member dedicated to tensioning the second notched strip upstream of the body in the first displacement direction and the second displacement direction of the body, respectively.

[0019] According to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wiper system includes at least one fixing guide for a body, a wiper blade rubber configured to press against a front surface of an inlaid glass surface, the at least one fixing guide including at least one groove formed on the front surface of the inlaid glass surface, and an actuation member including at least one motor designed to drive at least one rolling member received in the at least one groove to rotate. Optionally, the fixing guide may include two grooves distributed on both sides of the inlaid glass surface, and the actuation member may include at least two rolling members, each rolling member received in one of the two grooves. Advantageously, according to this option, the two rolling members may be rotatably connected such that the motor drives both rolling members to rotate simultaneously, thereby ensuring smooth displacement of the body along the inlaid glass surface. It will be understood that this is only an exemplary embodiment, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the actuation member may include more than two rolling members.

[0020] According to one example of applying the invention, the at least one rolling member may be in the form of a wheel, for example. The wheel may be a smooth wheel or a textured wheel.

[0021] According to this second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pressure-applying member for pressing the scraper rubber is carried by a body and includes at least one hook portion defining at least one receiving portion for receiving a roller. The pressure-applying member includes at least one elastic reset member that is stretched between two pins carried by the hook portion and contacts the shaft of the roller, such that the shaft of the roller is movable along an elliptical hole formed in the upper wall of the hook portion (which helps to define the receiving portion) under the reset action of the elastic reset member, such that the scraper rubber supported by the body abuts against the front surface of the embedded glass surface.

[0022] According to any of the exemplary embodiments mentioned above, the two opposite displacement directions of the body can be implemented, for example, by changing the rotation direction of the motor of the embedded motor component used for starting.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a driving assistance device comprising at least one detection module and at least one wiper system as mentioned above, the detection module comprising at least one driving assistance sensor and at least one mounted glass surface, the at least one mounted glass surface enclosing the detection module and protecting the at least one driving assistance sensor, and the wiper system being configured to clean the mounted glass surface.

[0024] Finally, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle including at least one driving assistance device as mentioned above.

[0025] Further features, details, and advantages will become clearer by reading the detailed description given below by way of indication and with reference to the various exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of a driving assistance device according to the present invention is shown, the driving assistance device including at least one detection module and at least one wiping system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the main body of the wiping system of the first exemplary embodiment shown in the figure;

[0028] Figure 3 A partial top view of the main body of a wiping system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A perspective view of a driving assistance device according to the present invention is shown, the driving assistance device including at least one detection module and at least one wiping system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the wiping system including a housing closed by a cover;

[0030] Figure 5 A front view of a wiping system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing of the main body is without its cover;

[0031] Figure 6 A side view of a wiping system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] The features, variations, and various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are compatible or non-exclusive. In particular, it is possible to contemplate variations of the invention that include only the features selected below and described in isolation from the other features, provided that such selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0033] In the figures, the terms longitudinal, transverse, lateral, left, right, top, and bottom refer to the orientation of the trihedrons L, V, and T of the wiper system 100 according to the invention. Within this frame of reference, the longitudinal axis L represents the longitudinal direction, the transverse axis T represents the transverse direction, and the vertical axis V represents the vertical direction of the object under discussion. In the following description, the terms "wiper blade" and "wiper" will be used interchangeably, as will the terms "wiper arm" and "arm".

[0034] Figures 1 to 3 A wiping system 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figures 4 to 6A wiping system 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. First, before describing in detail the features unique to each exemplary embodiment, a description of the features common to both exemplary embodiments will be given.

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate a wiper system 100 applied to a driving assistance device 200. This driving assistance device 200 includes at least one detection module 210 and at least one wiper system 100 according to the invention.

[0036] The detection module 210 includes at least one driving assistance sensor (not visible in the figure) and at least one embedded glass surface 211 that encloses the detection module 210 and thus protects the at least one driving assistance sensor. As shown, the wiper system 100 is more specifically designed to clean the embedded glass surface 211 of the detection module 210. It will be understood that this is only one exemplary embodiment, and the wiper system can be used to clean other types of embedded glass surfaces without departing from the scope of the invention. In this example, "driving assistance sensor" is understood to refer to a component configured to acquire data relating to the external environment of the vehicle targeted by the driving assistance device 200 according to the invention and to transmit the acquired data to a control unit, which is configured, for its own purposes, to issue one or more instructions based on the received information to trigger or assist vehicle maneuvering.

[0037] The driving assistance sensor can be, for example, a detection element that uses wave emission (e.g., electromagnetic wave emission), that is, the detection element is configured to estimate its distance from any object by measuring the time between the time t when it emits the wave and the time t1 when the wave is reflected. Therefore, the detection element includes at least one emitting element configured to emit at least one wave and at least one receiving element configured to receive the reflected wave. According to various exemplary embodiments of the invention, these waves can be radio waves, in which case the detection element is referred to as a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) element, or these waves can be light waves (e.g., a laser beam), in which case the detection element is referred to as a LIDAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) element.

[0038] Since the decisions made by the control unit depend directly on the data acquired by the driving assistance sensors, it will be understood that it is important for the driving assistance sensors to operate optimally in all situations. Advantageously, the mounting glass surface 211 of the enclosed detection module 210 protects the detection module, and more particularly the driving assistance sensors of the detection module, especially from possible external attacks (e.g., from flying gravel or other objects that may be present on the road). The wiping system 100 according to the invention, in itself, ensures that the mounting glass surface 211 is always clean so as not to hinder the acquisition of images performed by the driving assistance sensors.

[0039] The wiper system 100 includes at least one body 101 movable along a mounted glass surface 211 and at least one fixed guide 110. The body 101 includes at least one wiper blade and at least one embedded motorized member 120 for actuation, configured to drive the body 101 along the at least one fixed guide 110. In this context, "embedded motorized member for actuation" is understood to refer to a member configured to drive an object to move and to be displaced simultaneously with the object. In this example, the actuation member 120 drives at least its own displacement and the displacement of its associated body 101, and thus also drives the wiper blade, which is also carried by the body 101. More specifically, the wiper blade 102 is arranged facing the mounted glass surface 211, and the wiper system 100 advantageously includes at least one pressure member 130 for pressing the wiper blade against the mounted glass surface 211.

[0040] According to the invention, the body 101 is displaced in a linear (i.e., parallel to a straight line) manner facing the embedded glass surface 211. According to the example shown in the figures, the body 101 is displaced parallel to the transverse axis T of the illustrated trihedron. Since a starting mechanism 120 is embedded, it will be understood that the starting mechanism 120 is also displaced in a linear manner facing the embedded glass surface 211, in this example, parallel to the transverse axis T. Advantageously, the control unit receiving images acquired by the driving assistance sensor can be configured to process the images acquired during the cleaning phase of the embedded glass surface (i.e., during the phase in which the body and the embedded mechanism for starting are positioned in front of the embedded glass surface (where the driving assistance sensor is arranged behind the embedded glass surface)) to prevent the presence of the body and the embedded mechanism for starting from obscuring the sensor.

[0041] According to the example shown, the starting component 120 includes at least one motor 123, which is powered by at least one energy storage device 128. In this context, "energy storage device" is understood to mean a device designed to accumulate electrical energy and then feed that energy back to drive the motor 123 to rotate.

[0042] To enable charging of the energy storage device 128, the starting component 120 advantageously includes at least one connecting portion 121, which is designed to be electrically connected to at least one charging terminal 122 of the wiper system 100, the charging terminal 122 being electrically connected to an external energy source, not shown here. Therefore, when cleaning of the mounting glass surface 211 is required, a cleaning phase is initiated, i.e., the starting component 120 is activated, and thus the body 101, and consequently the scraper rubber 102 supported by the body, is displaced along the mounting glass surface 211 to clean it. According to the invention, the scraper rubber is designed to clean the mounting glass surface 211 by sweeping across it. In other words, the scraper rubber, and therefore the body 101 supporting the wiper blade, is designed to displace along the mounting glass surface 211 in at least two opposite displacement directions S1, S2. For example, changing the displacement direction of the main body 101 can be achieved, for example, by changing the rotation direction of the motor 123 of the embedded motor component 120 used for starting.

[0043] Once the cleaning phase has ended, or after a predetermined number of cleaning phases have been completed, the initiation component 120 drives the main body 101 to shift, thereby enabling the connection portion 121 to engage with the charging terminal 122, and thus ensuring that the energy storage device is charged to initiate future cleaning phases. Advantageously, the charging terminal 122 can be arranged at the lateral end of the detection module 210 (i.e., outside the area occupied by the mounting glass surface 211) so that the cleaning device 200 does not obstruct image acquisition during the charging phase.

[0044] The cleaning phase can be commanded, for example, by a control unit of a driver assistance sensor. For instance, when a driver assistance sensor detects dirt on the surface 211 of the embedded glass, the sensor can be configured to send a corresponding message to the control unit, which is then configured to instruct the starter component 120 to begin the cleaning phase. Once the dirt is removed, the sensor sends a corresponding message to the control unit, which in turn instructs the starter component 120 to stop the cleaning phase. As already mentioned, the starter component can then drive the body to a position referred to as the "parking" position, in which the connection 121 of the body is connected to the charging terminal 122. It will be understood that this is merely an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the cleaning phase can be commanded by the vehicle user, by sensors and / or a separate control unit, or even independently of dirt detection, triggered and stopped at specific time intervals and / or when the vehicle is parked.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment not shown here, the wiping system may not have a charging terminal 122, and then the energy storage device may need to be replaced or charged independently of the vehicle.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The wiping system 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0047] Figure 1 This presents a perspective view of a detection module 210 equipped with a wiper system 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the Figure 1 A wiping system 100 is shown during the cleaning phase of the mounting glass surface 211 of the detection module 210.

[0048] According to the first exemplary embodiment, the fixing guide device 110 includes at least one notched strip 111. According to the illustrated example, the fixing guide device 110 more specifically includes two notched strips 112, 113, which are vertically distributed on both sides of the mounting glass surface 211. Thus, a distinction is made between the upper notched strip 112 and the lower notched strip 113. In other words, the two notched strips 112, 113 are distributed on both sides of the mounting glass surface 211 in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the body 101 and the actuation member 120 along its displacement.

[0049] The starting component 120 itself includes at least a motor 123 and at least one gear 124, which is designed to be driven to rotate by the motor 123 and engage with the notch of at least one of the notched belts 111. According to the illustrated example, the starting component 120 includes two gears 124, at least one upper gear designed to engage with the notch of an upper notched belt 112, and at least one lower gear designed to engage with the notch of a lower notched belt 113. According to the invention, each gear 124 and the notched belt 111 engaging therewith have dimensions that allow these components to mesh in a rack and pinion type connection.

[0050] As mentioned above, the wiper blade 102 is arranged to face the glass mounting surface 211. Gears 124, driven by a motor 123, rotate such that they can be displaced along each of the notched bands 111, which are fixed in themselves. The wiper blade 102 and the actuation member 120 are both part of the body 101 of the wiper system 100. The displacement of the gears 124 of the actuation member 120 along the notched bands 111 also drives the wiper blade to linearly displace along the glass mounting surface 211. As will be described in detail below, the pressure member 130 ensures contact between the wiper blade and the glass mounting surface 211, enabling the wiper blade to wipe the glass mounting surface 211 and thus clean any dirt that may be present there. More specifically, the wiper blade 102 is arranged to contact the front face 212 of the glass mounting surface 211.

[0051] According to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pressure member 130 for pressing the wiper blade rubber takes the form of at least one resilient reset device 131, which is designed to press one or more notched strips 111 against the embedded glass surface 211. More specifically, each notched strip 111 is at least partially wound around a reset element (e.g., a pulley), in which case the reset element is carried by a rod 215, the notched strip having at least one free end extending toward the interior of the vehicle equipped with the wiper system according to the invention (i.e., away from the front face 212 of the embedded glass surface 211). As shown, the resilient reset device 131 is fixed at this free end.

[0052] According to the example shown here, the pressure member 130 more specifically includes at least one first resilient reset device 131 and at least one second resilient reset device (not shown here), the first resilient reset device tending to press the notched strip 112 against the fitted glass surface 211, and the second resilient reset device tending to press the notched strip 113 against the fitted glass surface 211. For example, the first resilient reset device 131 and / or the second resilient reset device may each take the form of a traction spring, which tends to pull the free end of the notched strip in question toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0053] The notches of these notched bands 111 face the mounting glass surface 211, and the gears 124 that engage with these notches are thus positioned between the mounting glass surface 211 and the notched bands 111 discussed. As a result of this arrangement, the notched bands 111 are pressed against the mounting glass surface 211 by the aforementioned resilient reset member 131, so that the body 101, and in particular the scraper rubber carried by the body 101, can be indirectly pressed against the mounting glass surface 211.

[0054] To ensure smooth and continuous displacement of the gears 124 along the notched strips 111, and thus to avoid obstructing image acquisition by the driver assistance sensors during the cleaning of the mounting glass surface 211, the notched strips 111 must be stretched to form a rack-like straight portion, at least upstream of the gears 124 relative to their displacement direction, extending parallel to the displacement direction of the gears 124. For this purpose, the wiper system 100 includes at least one tensioning member 140 associated with each of its notched strips 111.

[0055] In the examples shown, such as especially in... Figure 2 As seen in the image, the wiping system 100 includes at least one first tensioning member 141, at least one second tensioning member 142, at least one third tensioning member 143, and at least one fourth tensioning member 144. The first tensioning member is designed to ensure tension of the notched band 112 in a first displacement direction S1 of the body 101; the second tensioning member is designed to ensure tension of the notched band 112 in a second displacement direction S2 of the body 101; the third tensioning member is designed to ensure tension of the notched band 113 in the first displacement direction S1 of the body 101; and the fourth tensioning member is designed to ensure tension of the notched band 113 in the second displacement direction S2 of the body 101. (See below for reference...) Figure 3 These tensioning components will be described in more detail.

[0056] Figure 2A perspective view of the body 101 of a wiping system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, the Figure 2 The main body 101 is shown as viewed from the surface of the mounting glass, thus making the wiper rubber 102 visible. As shown, the wiper rubber 102 is supported by a base 103, which is itself fixed to the main body 101. The base 103 includes at least one main wall 104 and at least two flanges 105, each flange extending from a lateral edge 106 of the main wall 104. The “lateral edge” of the main wall 104 is understood to refer to the edge that defines the lateral dimension of the main wall 104 along the lateral axis T of the illustrated trihedron. Thus, a first flange 105a extends from a first lateral edge 106a of the main wall 104, and a second flange 105b extends, in itself, from a second lateral edge 106b of the main wall 104.

[0057] The main wall 104 has at least one slot 107 extending vertically parallel to or substantially parallel to each of the transverse edges 106 of the main wall 104, and the at least one slot receives a scraper rubber 102. According to the example shown here, the slot 107 extends over the entire height of the main wall 104 of the base 103 between the two vertical edges 108 of the main wall 104 (i.e., over the entire dimension of the main wall 104 measured parallel to the vertical axis V). In other words, in the example shown, the slot 107 opens on the lower vertical edge 108a and the upper vertical edge 108b of the main wall 104. Advantageously, this configuration allows the scraper rubber 102 to be replaced when it becomes excessively worn, ensuring effective cleaning of the mounted glass surface to be cleaned. Alternatively, without departing from the scope of the invention, the slot may open only on one or the other of the vertical edges of the main wall of the base.

[0058] For example, the wiper rubber 102 includes a base and a wiping lip 117 connected together by a hinge. The wiping lip 117 forms the portion of the wiper rubber 102 designed to contact the surface of the mounted glass to be wiped, and the base ensures that the wiper rubber 102 is held on the base 103. Optionally, means may be provided for locking the base in a position abutting against the inner surface of the main wall 104 of the base 103 to prevent unintentional vertical displacement of the wiper rubber 102 relative to the body 101. The wiping lip 117, for example, in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is visible in the middle, and part 118, in itself, is only in Figure 3 The hinge formed between the base and the wiping lip allows the wiping lip 117 to bend, thus enabling the mounting glass surface to be wiped in the two opposite directions mentioned above.

[0059] Note that flanges 105 of the base 103 extend on both sides of the housing 125 of the motor 123. More specifically, these flanges 105 extend on both sides of the first portion 125a of the housing 125, which houses at least one stator and at least one rotor. The stator is formed, for example, of a metal body, around which at least one coil is wound. This coil is configured to generate a magnetic field capable of driving the rotor to rotate when powered. The rotor is rotatably connected to gears 124. In other words, the upper gear 124a and the lower gear 124b are driven to rotate simultaneously, thereby ensuring smooth and uniform displacement of the body 101 of the wiper system 100. This displacement advantageously allows for image acquisition performed by a driver assistance sensor equipped with a detection module of the wiper system according to the invention without obstructing the acquisition of images. Therefore, the associated control unit can better remove the body from each acquired image through appropriate image processing. This makes image acquisition more reliable, thereby ensuring the safety of the user of the vehicle equipped with the detection module.

[0060] The housing 125 also includes at least one second portion 125b that houses the energy storage device and also protects the connection portion 121, which allows the storage device to be electrically connected to the aforementioned charging terminal. For example, the housing 125 may be integral, i.e., the housing may be formed as a single component that cannot be separated without causing damage to the first portion 125a and / or the second portion 125b of the housing 125.

[0061] As mentioned above, the wiper system 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes four tensioning members 140 for tensioning notched strips. These tensioning members 140 are configured to ensure a minimum tension level of the notched strips in order to ensure smooth displacement of the body 101 along a guide formed by the notched strips in a rack and pinion meshing configuration. Thus, the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 are arranged near the upper gear 124a, while the third tensioning member 143 and the fourth tensioning member 144 are arranged, in themselves, near the lower gear 124b.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the body 101 of the wiper system 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment, and particularly clearly shows a first tensioning member 141 and a second tensioning member 142 for tensioning a notched strip, the notched strip being... Figure 3Not shown in the diagram. As mentioned above, the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 for tensioning the notched strip are distributed on both sides of the upper gear 124a in the displacement direction of the body of the wiper system. Therefore, in the first displacement direction S1 of the body, the first tensioning member 141 is arranged upstream of the upper gear 124a and the second tensioning member 142 is arranged downstream of the upper gear 124a, while in the second displacement direction S2 of the body, the first tensioning member 141 is arranged downstream of the upper gear 124a and the second tensioning member 142 is arranged upstream of the upper gear 124a.

[0063] These tensioning members 141 and 142 both extend from a ring 145 arranged around the upper gear 124a. For example, the ring 145 may be secured to the motor housing 125, and more specifically, to the vertical end of a first portion 125a of the housing 125. Each of the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 includes at least one first plate 146 and at least one second plate 147, which are spaced apart to form a receiving area 148 for receiving a notched strip.

[0064] Each of these tensioning members 141, 142 includes at least one straight portion 146a, 147a in its first plate and at least one inclined portion 146b, 147b in its second plate. In the example shown, each inclined portion 146b, 147b extends the straight portion 146a, 147a of the corresponding plate 146, 147. The straight portions 146a, 147a extend in two parallel transverse straight lines, while the inclined portions 146b, 147b extend away from each other. Thus, these inclined portions 146b, 147b form guide members for guiding a notched strip, which allows the notched strip to be guided toward the portion of the receiving area 148 defined by the straight portions 146a, 147a of each of the plates 146, 147. Once in the receiving area 148, the longitudinal movement (i.e., movement parallel to the longitudinal axis L) of the notched strip is restricted by the straight portions 146a, 147a of each of the plates 146, 147. This ensures that the notched strip is straight at least upstream of the body 101 along the direction of displacement of the notched strip.

[0065] As mentioned above, the first tensioning member 141 is arranged upstream of the upper gear 124a in the first displacement direction S1 of the body 101, and the third tensioning member 143 is arranged upstream of the upper gear 124a in the second displacement direction S2 of the body 101.

[0066] According to the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the first plates 146 of the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 are integral, i.e., these plates 146 are formed as a single, inseparable component without causing damage to at least one of the plates. In contrast, the second plates 147 of the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 are separate and spaced apart from each other. More specifically, at least one space 149 is thus formed between the two second plates 147 of these tensioning members 141, 142, and the upper gear 124a extends through this space 149 between the second plates 147.

[0067] Advantageously, in the example shown, the upper gear 124a extends between the two second plates 147 and engages with a notched belt facing the space 149 formed between the two second plates 147. In other words, the engagement area between the upper gear 124a and the notched belt is thus formed facing the space 149 formed between the two second plates 147. The first plates 146 of the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 form a single component in themselves and intersect in this engagement area. Advantageously, the connection between the first plates 146 of the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142 thus forms a stop area for the notched belt, which helps to ensure that the upper gear 124a can engage with the notched belt.

[0068] The third tensioning member 143 and the fourth tensioning member 144 for tensioning the notched belt 113 are structurally identical to the first tensioning member 141 and the second tensioning member 142, so that the description just given can be directly applied to these third tensioning members and the fourth tensioning members, except that these third tensioning members and the fourth tensioning members are arranged near the lower gear so as to ensure that the notched belt is tensioned.

[0069] As mentioned above, the Figure 3 The wiping lip 117 and heel 118 of the scraper rubber 102 are also clearly shown.

[0070] refer to Figures 4 to 6 The wiping system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0071] According to the second exemplary embodiment, the fixing guide 110 takes the form of at least one groove 114, which is formed in the thickness of the mounting glass surface 211. In other words, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the fixing guide 110, as part of the wiper system 100, is formed on the mounting glass surface 211. According to the example shown, the fixing guide 110 more specifically takes the form of at least one upper groove 115 and at least one lower groove 116, which are distributed on both sides of the mounting glass surface 211 to be cleaned along the vertical axis V (i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the displacement direction of the body 101 along the mounting glass surface 211). The body 101 of the wiper system 100 according to the second exemplary embodiment includes at least one housing 126, which at least houses a motor and an energy storage device.

[0072] The starting component 120 itself includes a motor and at least one rolling member 127 (advantageously multiple rolling members 127), which is designed to be driven to rotate by the motor. According to the example shown, the starting component 120 includes at least four rolling members 127, which are received in pairs in two grooves 114 of the fixed guide device 110. Thus, the two upper rolling members 127a received in the upper groove 115 and the two lower rolling members received in the lower groove 116 (in...) Figure 4 A distinction is made between (not visible in the text). More specifically, the edges defining each of the aforementioned grooves 114 allow these rolling members 127 to be guided so that the body 101, and thus the scraper rubber carried by the body 101, can be displaced along the mounting glass surface 211 to be cleaned. For example, these rolling members 127 may take the form of smooth or textured wheels. In the remainder of the specification, the terms "rolling member 127" and "wheel 127" are used interchangeably.

[0073] According to this second exemplary embodiment, the pressure member 130 for pressing the body 101 and thus the scraper rubber supported thereon against the embedded glass surface 211 includes at least one hook portion 132, which is fitted with at least one resilient reset member 133. Reference will be made below. Figure 6 The structure and operation of the pressure-applying component 130 are described in more detail.

[0074] Figure 5 The body 101 of a wiper system 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the cover of the outer casing 126 of the body 101 has been removed. Therefore, the... Figure 5The motor 123 and the energy storage device 128 are clearly shown, which allows power to be supplied to the motor 123. Although not shown, at least one electrical connection member (e.g., a cable) allows the energy storage device 128 to be connected to the aforementioned connection 121.

[0075] The wheels 127 are rotatably connected in pairs, thus forming two pairs of wheels, each pair consisting of one of the upper wheels 127a and one of the lower wheels 127b. The wheels 127 in the same pair are connected by an axle supported at the center of the axle by a toothed pinion that is substantially equidistant from the wheels.

[0076] The motor 123 is similar to the motor described above, and in this case, the rotor is connected to at least one worm (advantageously two worms are arranged on opposite sides of the rotor), which is configured to interact with a toothed pinion carried by a wheel bearing associated with a pair of wheels. The worm is configured to rotate via the toothed pinion, rotating the wheel bearing and thus the wheel associated with the wheel bearing. In the same manner as above, the upper wheel 127a is driven simultaneously with the smoothly driven lower wheel 127b, ensuring uniform and smooth movement of the body 101, thereby contributing to ensuring continuous image acquisition by the driver assistance sensor equipped with the detection module of the wiping system according to the invention.

[0077] Figure 6 It shows, in itself, a side view of the body 101 of a wiper system 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] As shown, the housing 126 includes at least one substantially parallelepiped base 126a, which is open on at least one face, and the open face is closed by a cover 126b. As shown, the cover 126b is held onto the base 126a by at least two retaining tabs 126c distributed on both sides of the connecting portion 121. Advantageously, at least two other retaining tabs are also arranged on the other side of the base 126a.

[0079] Should Figure 6A pressure-applying member 130 for pressing the body 101 is also clearly shown. As mentioned above, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the pressure-applying member 130 includes at least one hook 132 extending from the base 126a of the housing 126. More specifically, the hook 132 includes at least one upper wall 134 and at least one lower wall 135, the at least one upper wall starting between smooth upper wheels 127a, the at least one upper wall and the at least one lower wall being connected to each other by at least one curved wall 136. The walls 134, 135, and 136 of the hook 132 define a receiving portion 137, in which at least one roller 138 is received, the at least one roller being supported against the lower surface 213 of the fitted glass surface 211 (i.e., the surface of the fitted glass surface 211 facing in the direction opposite to the front surface 212 of the fitted glass surface 211). In other words, near the upper edge 214 of the embedded glass surface 211, the embedded glass surface 211 is sandwiched between the roller 138 and the upper roller 127a.

[0080] An elliptical hole 139 is formed in the upper wall 134 of the hook portion 132, and the shaft 230 of the roller 138 extends through the elliptical hole 139. At least two pins 231 also connect the lower wall 135 and the upper wall 134 of the hook portion 132, and these two pins 231 extend beyond the upper wall 134 and away from the lower wall 135, respectively.

[0081] As shown, the elastic reset member 133 is arranged between two pins 231 and supported against the shaft 230 of the roller 138. Therefore, the elastic reset member 133 is in a tensioned state and tends to reset to its initial position, thus generating a force on the two pins 231 of the hook 132. This force tends to move the body 101, and thus the scraper rubber supported by the body, closer to the front face 212 of the mounted glass surface 211. This ensures that the scraper rubber is always in contact with the mounted glass surface 211 to be cleaned.

[0082] As can be understood from the above text, the present invention proposes a wiping system for an embedded glass surface (e.g., a detection module) that ensures effective cleaning of the embedded glass surface while maintaining a reduced volume compared to currently used wiping systems.

[0083] However, the present invention is not limited to the devices and configurations described and shown in this document, but extends to any equivalent devices or configurations and any combination of their technical functions. In particular, the form and arrangement of the pressure-applying members for pressing the wiper blade rubber against the surface of the mounted glass, the form and arrangement of the fixing guide device, and the form and arrangement of the actuation members can be modified without prejudice to the present invention, provided that they perform the functions described above.

Claims

1. A wiper system (100) for an embedded glass surface (211), the wiper system comprising at least one body (101), the body including at least one scraper rubber (102) and at least one embedded motor member (120) for actuation, the scraper rubber being designed to contact the embedded glass surface (211), the embedded motor member being configured to drive the body (101) to move linearly along the embedded glass surface (211); The wiper system (100) includes at least one pressure member (130) for pressing the wiper blade rubber (102) against the embedded glass surface (211); At least one fixing guide device (110) for the main body (101), wherein, The scraper rubber (102) is configured to press against the front surface (212) of the mounting glass surface (211), wherein the at least one fixed guide device (110) includes at least one groove (114) formed on the front surface (212) of the mounting glass surface (211), and wherein the actuating member (120) includes at least one motor (123) designed to drive at least one rolling member (127) received in the at least one groove (114) to rotate.

2. The wiping system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The component (120) for starting includes at least one motor (123), and wherein the body (101) includes at least one energy storage device (128) designed to supply electrical energy to the motor (123).

3. The wiping system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The main body (101) includes at least one connecting portion (121) electrically connected to the at least one energy storage device (128), and wherein the wiper system (100) includes at least one charging terminal (122) configured to be electrically connected to the at least one connecting portion (121).

4. The wiping system (100) as described in any one of claims 1-3, comprising: At least one fixed guide device (110) for the main body (101), the at least one fixed guide device (110) being formed of at least one notched belt (111), the motor component (120) for starting includes at least one motor and at least one gear (124), the at least one gear being designed to be driven to rotate by the motor (123), the at least one gear (124) engaging with the at least one notched belt (111).

5. The wiping system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The pressure member (130) for pressing the scraper rubber (102) is carried by the at least one notched band (111), the pressure member (130) for pressing the scraper rubber (102) includes at least one elastic reset device (131) designed to stretch the at least one notched band (111), and wherein the at least one gear (124) engaging the notched band (111) is arranged between the notched band (111) and the embedded glass surface (211).

6. The wiping system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 4 and 5, comprising: At least one tensioning member (140) for tensioning the at least one notched belt (111), the tensioning member being arranged upstream of the at least one gear (124) relative to the body (101) along the displacement direction (S1, S2) of the embedded glass surface (211).

7. The wiping system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The pressure-applying member (130) for pressing the scraper rubber (102) is carried by the body (101), and the pressure-applying member includes at least one hook (132) defining at least one receiving portion (137) in which a roller (138) is received. The pressure-applying member (130) includes at least one resilient return member (133) stretched between two pins (231) carried by the hook (132). And it contacts the shaft (230) of the roller (138), so that the shaft (230) of the roller (138) is movable along the elliptical hole (139) formed in the upper wall (134) of the hook (132) under the reset action of the elastic reset member (133), so that the scraper rubber (102) supported by the body (101) abuts against the front surface (212) of the embedded glass surface (211), wherein the upper wall helps to define the receiving portion (137).

8. A driving assistance device (200) comprising at least one detection module (210) and at least one wiper system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, the detection module (210) comprising at least one driving assistance sensor and at least one embedded glass surface (211), the at least one embedded glass surface enclosing the detection module (210) and protecting the at least one driving assistance sensor, the wiper system (100) being configured to clean the embedded glass surface (211).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Sensor installation device

    CN208498399U

  • Device for cleaning motor vehicle screen has movement unit that can move autonomously on screen, drive unit integrated into movement unit, control unit that controls path of movement unit

    DE10216869A1

  • Linear-motion wiper

    JP1986282151A