Connector for a wiper wiper system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (7) for connecting a wiper blade of a vehicle wiper system to a drive arm of the wiper system, the connector (7) comprising a circuit for conveying a cleaning fluid, the circuit being defined within the connector (7) and extending between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, a circuit for conveying a cleaning fluid comprises a distribution duct (23) extending longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector (7) to the other longitudinal end and a conveying duct (22) leading to the distribution duct (23), the conveying duct forming a distribution node (40), characterized in that the distribution node (40) comprises an opening (28) sealed by a cover (29) comprising at least one spray orifice (26b).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wiper systems for glass-mounted surfaces of vehicles, in particular for windshields or rear windows of vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wiper blade, such a wiper system being equipped with the wiper blade and being configured to spray a cleaning fluid.

[0002] Typically, vehicles include different glazing surfaces, especially at the front or rear of the vehicle, which allow the driver to see the outside environment and more specifically the road scene. To this end, the glazing surfaces must be transparent and optically neutral so that the driver can properly see the environment around the vehicle.

[0003] Each glazed surface of a vehicle between the vehicle interior and the exterior environment is exposed to weather conditions, such as rain, and to certain particles or dirt that may at least partially obstruct or prevent the driver's view of the exterior environment.

[0004] In order to expel these different elements, the vehicle comprises a wiper system which is able to wipe and thus expel water or different elements which may be present on the glazed surface of the vehicle from said glazed surface.

[0005] As is known, such a wiper system comprises at least one drive arm and a wiper blade. The drive arm is fixed to the vehicle via one of its ends and supports the wiper blade via its opposite end, and the drive arm is particularly capable of performing a back and forth movement allowing the wiper blade to wipe a large part of the surface of the glass.

[0006] To this end, the wiper blade comprises a blade rubber intended to be pressed against the embedded glass surface, a rigid blade rubber support, and a connector intended to connect the blade rubber support to the drive arm of the wiper system. The wiper blade also comprises aerodynamic deflection elements mounted on the rigid blade rubber support and placed on either side of the connector.

[0007] It is known to equip a vehicle with a system for spraying a cleaning fluid towards the glass surface, so as to facilitate the cleaning of particles and / or dirt present on the glass surface by means of a wiper blade. The spraying system may comprise a spraying nozzle mounted on the engine cover of the vehicle and / or a spraying system built directly into the drive arm and / or the wiper blade.

[0008] In the case of a spraying system integrated in a wiper blade, a spraying line is usually formed in each of the aerodynamic deflecting elements so as to communicate with a plurality of holes which are provided in the respective aerodynamic deflecting element and through which the fluid is sprayed towards the glazing surface. Each aerodynamic deflecting element is connected to a connector at one longitudinal end. It is therefore known to have a connector comprising a conveying circuit via which the fluid can flow from a fluid inlet of the connector to a fluid outlet of the connector in order to connect the spraying line formed in the deflecting element.

[0009] It is therefore known to have a conveying circuit in the connector, the conveying circuit comprising a conveying conduit connected to the fluid inlet and a distribution conduit connected to the fluid outlet, wherein the distribution node is formed at the same time as the conveying conduit is introduced into the distribution conduit. The distribution conduit can be easily produced by drilling, extending substantially longitudinally from one fluid outlet to another in the connector. The production of a conveying conduit at the core of the connector and possibly extending in a series of several directions is more complex and may involve a hole leading out of the connector at the distribution node.

[0010] This built-in system is particularly effective because it makes it possible to spray the fluid onto the glazing surface just before the wiper rubber scratches the glazing surface. The orifices are arranged at regular intervals in each aerodynamic deflector element so that the glazing surface is uniformly wetted. However, the distribution of these orifices on these deflector elements as known in the prior art does not make it possible to spray the fluid uniformly on the glazing surface, because at least the connector is not equipped with a spraying device. As a result of this distribution, there are areas of the glazing surface that do not receive any fluid, or at least areas of the glazing surface close to the wiper blade including the area of ​​the connector receive a smaller amount of sprayed fluid than adjacent areas of the area close to the wiper blade including the deflector element. At these areas of the glazing surface that receive little or no fluid, the wiper system cannot effectively discharge particles and / or dirt.

[0011] The present invention proposes to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and especially improve the distribution of fluid on the embedded glass surface of the vehicle by means of a connector for connecting the wiper blade of the wiper system of a vehicle to the drive arm of the wiper system. The connector includes a cleaning fluid delivery circuit, which is defined in the connector and extends between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is configured to interact with a cleaning fluid supply hose, and the at least one fluid outlet is configured to communicate with a cleaning fluid spray channel in the wiper blade. The cleaning fluid delivery circuit includes at least one distribution pipe and a delivery pipe, the at least one distribution pipe extends longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector to the other longitudinal end, the delivery pipe forms a distribution node while leading to the distribution pipe, and the at least one fluid outlet longitudinally extends the distribution pipe, characterized in that the distribution node includes an opening, the opening is located on the outside of the connector and is closed by a cover, and the cover includes at least one spray orifice.

[0012] The wiper blade has in particular a rigid blade rubber support which is fixed to a connector and on one side is mounted a blade rubber intended to be pressed against the glass surface to be cleaned and on the other side is mounted an aerodynamic deflection element which is configured to deflect the air flow and help press the blade rubber against the glass surface.

[0013] The connector forms a cleaning fluid delivery circuit therein, the cleaning fluid delivery circuit comprising at least one delivery conduit and a distribution conduit. It will be appreciated that the delivery circuit may comprise more delivery conduits, provided that the connector comprises a distribution node according to the invention having a delivery conduit leading to the distribution conduit. The distribution conduit extends longitudinally along the connector and is delimited at each of its longitudinal ends by a connecting element configured to interact with a deflection element of the scraper blade and in the form of a sleeve.

[0014] The delivery pipe allows the cleaning fluid to flow to the distribution pipe, so that the cleaning fluid entering the connector reaches the distribution pipe by previously flowing through the delivery pipe. The production of the delivery pipe by a drilling operation involves forming an opening on the outside of the connector in the distribution node where the delivery pipe meets the distribution pipe, and the opening is formed in the wall of the connector in the extension of the delivery pipe. The opening is closed by a cover so that the cleaning fluid passing through the distribution node can be largely guided into the distribution pipe and then guided into the spray line formed in the aerodynamic deflection element of the wiper, which is connected to the connector at the end of the distribution pipe. According to the present invention, at least one spray orifice is advantageously drilled in the cover. It will be understood that the at least one spray orifice is a through-hole, that is, it enters the distribution pipe from the cover via one end and leaves the connector via the opposite end. In this way, a small part of the cleaning fluid entering the distribution node can be sprayed out from the connector and directed onto the surface of the embedded glass facing the connector. A more even distribution of the spray of cleaning fluid onto the glazed surface is thus facilitated, since the cleaning fluid is sprayed at the connector between the holes in the lines additionally provided in the aerodynamic deflector elements integrated on either side of the connector.

[0015] It is noteworthy that the connector according to the invention, and more particularly the presence of the at least one spraying orifice, which is specifically provided in a cover dedicated to closing an opening produced in the extension of the delivery duct by a drilling operation, makes it possible to implement a more uniform spraying of the cleaning fluid over the entire longitudinal dimension of the wiper blade equipped with the connector, by advantageously using the cover, which is otherwise necessary for directing the flow of the washing fluid inside the connector. The result is a functional integration at the cover, since the cover is not only configured to contribute to defining the distribution duct, but is also configured to make it possible to spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface of the glass panel.

[0016] The arrangement of at least one spraying orifice provided in the cover has the advantage that it can be realized before the cover is assembled with the connector, i.e. before the cover is placed in the opening. Thus, the cover with the spraying orifice can be prefabricated, for example, by an additive manufacturing operation, or by a laser welding operation that is easier to implement when the cover is not mounted on the connector, and then the cover with the spraying orifice is assembled with the connector including the distribution node and more specifically the opening leading out of the connector.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the cover is made of the same material as that used to produce the connector. "Same material" is also understood to mean a material prepared in different grades on the same basis.

[0018] According to a feature of the present invention, the at least one spraying orifice is advantageously arranged in the cover in a direction substantially parallel to the main elongated axis of the delivery conduit when the cover is assembled with the connector. In addition, the axis of the spraying orifice is configured so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed from the spraying orifice toward the embedded glass surface of the vehicle.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the at least one spray orifice has a diameter ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the at least one spray orifice ranges between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, a single spray orifice is drilled in the cap, centrally located on the outer surface of the cap.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the connector comprises at least one dispensing area which is at least partially arranged along the dispensing conduit and in which a spray hole is formed, and the cover is arranged in a longitudinal extension of the at least one dispensing area.

[0022] Regardless of the number and arrangement of the distribution areas, the cover and the spray orifices formed in the cover form together with the one or more distribution areas form a uniformly distributed overall area extending from one longitudinal end of the connector to the other longitudinal end. According to one feature of the invention, the cover can take a centered position relative to the longitudinal dimension of the connector and be placed between two distribution areas of equivalent longitudinal dimensions. According to an alternative feature of the invention, the cover can be offset and close to the longitudinal end of the connector and communicate directly with the sleeve forming the longitudinal end of the connector so that a single distribution area extends on the other side of the cover.

[0023] It should be noted that the cover is distinct from at least one defined distribution area, i.e., an area at least partially arranged along the pipe and having at least one spray hole, and the cover is configured to form a uniform overall distribution area together with one or more distribution areas on the side on which the cover is placed, which makes it possible to spray the cleaning fluid evenly along the connector.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the cover is placed flush with the outer face of the connector in the at least one dispensing area.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the cover has a thickness equal to the thickness of the at least one dispensing area.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, two dispensing areas are formed on each side of the cover, the at least one spraying orifice is arranged in the cover, a spraying hole being formed in each of these dispensing areas.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the outer face of the at least one dispensing area is formed by a flat portion extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction parallel to the spraying axis of the spraying orifice.

[0028] It will be understood that the flat portion extends in a plane which makes it possible to advantageously drill cleaning fluid spray holes on either side of the cap other than the spray orifice, along a spray axis perpendicular to the plane in which the flat portion extends. It should be noted that the axis of the spray hole is substantially parallel to the axis of the spray orifice and that the flat portion makes it possible to ensure greater reproducibility of the spray hole than in the case of drilling on a curved surface.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the cover is placed flush with the flat portion of the at least one dispensing area.

[0030] According to a feature of the invention, at least two spray holes communicating with the distribution duct are placed on each side of a transverse midplane of the connector, the transverse midplane being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the distribution duct. The transverse midplane divides the connector into two parts having the same longitudinal dimension. The transverse midplane can divide the cover into two equal parts, wherein the spray orifice is provided on the transverse midplane.

[0031] According to a feature of the invention, spraying devices are arranged on the connector at regular intervals. Spraying devices are elements of the connector that allow cleaning fluid to be sprayed toward the embedded glass surface of the motor vehicle. These spraying devices include spraying holes arranged in the distribution area (and, if necessary, in the flat part), and spraying orifices arranged on the cover. As mentioned, the distribution duct is confined in the distribution area facing the embedded glass surface to be cleaned, wherein a large number of spraying devices are formed in the distribution area so as to make it possible to spray cleaning fluid at regular intervals at the connector, just as in the case of the rest of the wiper blade. It will be understood that the distance between two adjacent spraying devices on the distribution area of ​​the connector is a fixed distance depending on the diameter of the spraying devices. More particularly, the dispensing area comprises at least four spray holes, two of which are placed on either side of a transverse midplane of the connector, the transverse midplane longitudinally dividing the connector into two parts having substantially equal longitudinal dimensions, and the two spray holes are placed, if necessary, on either side of the cover and the at least one spray orifice, the at least one spray orifice being arranged at the transverse midplane.

[0032] According to a feature of the present invention, the spraying devices extend respectively along a spraying axis, and the spraying axis of the spraying device intersects the distribution pipe. It will be understood that the cleaning fluid flowing in the distribution pipe can be sprayed out of the distribution pipe by the spraying device.

[0033] According to another feature of the present invention, the spray holes are placed on either side of the transverse midplane of the connector in a symmetrical distribution. This symmetrical distribution of the spray holes makes it possible to spray the cleaning fluid uniformly toward the embedded glass surface along the distribution area of ​​the connector.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, the at least one dispensing area comprises at least four spray holes on each side of a transverse midplane of the connector, and the spray orifices are formed in a cover arranged on this transverse midplane.

[0035] According to one feature of the invention, the spraying devices are placed so as to form a single longitudinal row.

[0036] According to an alternative feature of the invention, the spraying devices are staggered in at least two different longitudinal rows. It is thus possible to optimize the directions along which the cleaning fluid is sprayed on several different areas of the glazing surface to be cleaned.

[0037] According to another characteristic of the invention, each spraying device has a diameter around the spraying axis ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, each spraying device has a diameter equal to the average diameter of the adjacent spraying devices.

[0039] According to another feature of the present invention, each spray device formed in the at least one dispensing area and the cover is spaced apart from an adjacent spray device by a distance ranging between 0.2 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the distance between two adjacent spray devices is in the range between 0.28 mm and 13.70 mm.

[0040] According to a feature of the invention, the distance is a function of the diameter of each spraying device, wherein the diameter of each spraying device may vary from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, and thus the distance varies from 0.28 mm to 13.70 mm. The distance between two spraying devices is measured from the spraying axis of the first of the two spraying devices to the spraying axis of the other. The distance between two adjacent spraying devices increases as the diameter of the spraying devices increases.

[0041] According to one characteristic of the invention, the spraying device is obtained by laser drilling. The drilling operation performed by a laser source can advantageously make it possible to form orifices of small diameter with high precision. Implementing this drilling operation in a distribution area with a flat portion and a constant thickness makes it possible to form spraying devices of small dimensions, reproducible from one spraying device to the next.

[0042] According to one feature of the invention, the at least one distribution area has a constant thickness. More particularly, the at least one distribution area has a constant thickness in a longitudinal dimension from one spraying device to an adjacent spraying device, the thickness of the distribution area being measured in a direction parallel to the spraying axis of the spraying device.

[0043] According to one feature of the invention, at least one dispensing zone of constant thickness extends from a longitudinal end of the connector to the cover.

[0044] The invention also relates to a wiper blade of a wiper system of a vehicle, the wiper blade comprising at least one connector according to one of the preceding features for connecting the wiper blade to a drive arm of the wiper system.

[0045] According to one feature of the invention, the wiper blade has holes formed on the deflection element or the wiper blade rubber support, and the cleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the embedded glass surface to be cleaned through these holes, and the spraying device is placed on the connector so that the distance between two adjacent spraying devices is substantially equal to the average value of the distance between two adjacent holes of the wiper blade.

[0046] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description and on studying several exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0047] [ Figure 1 ] shows a wiper system according to the invention comprising a drive arm and a wiper blade, the wiper blade being connected to the arm in particular via a connector and extending mainly in a longitudinal direction;

[0048] [ Figure 2 ] schematically shows the Figure 1 ], a perspective view of a connector for a wiper blade comprising a cover according to the invention and two distribution areas, wherein eight cleaning fluid spray holes are placed on either side of a spray orifice formed in the cover;

[0049] [ Figure 3 ] schematically shows [ Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the connector shown in ];

[0050] [ Figure 4 ] schematically shows the connector passing through the [ Figure 3 ] shows a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional plane BB, showing the spray orifice through the cover and the thickness of the connector at the cover provided according to the present invention;

[0051] [ Figure 5 ] schematically shows the connector passing through the [ Figure 3 ] shows a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional plane AA, showing the thickness of at least one distribution area, which is equal to the thickness of the connector in [ Figure 4 ] the thickness at the cover shown;

[0052] [ Figure 6 ] schematically shows [ Figure 2 ] is a perspective view of a first embodiment variant of the connector of ], the connector comprising two dispensing areas, wherein eight cleaning fluid spray holes are placed on either side of a spray orifice formed in the cover, the spray devices being arranged to form two different parallel rows;

[0053] [ Figure 7 ] schematically shows [ Figure 2 ] The second embodiment of the connector in the variant with [ Figure 5 ] is similar to a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 , the connector comprising at least one distribution area having a continuous thickness, wherein the outer surface of the at least one distribution area is not realized by a flat portion but has a rounded shape.

[0054] The features, variations and various embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it is conceivable that variations of the present invention include only selected features described in isolation from other features described below, provided that the selected features are sufficient to provide technical advantages and / or distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0055] Furthermore, in the following description, reference will be made to the orientation according to the longitudinal axis L, the vertical axis V and the transverse axis T, as indicated by Figures 1 to 7 The trihedrons L, V, T shown in are arbitrarily defined, the longitudinal direction corresponding to the main extension direction of the blade. The choice of designation of these axes does not restrict the orientation that the device can adopt when applied to a motor vehicle.

[0056] [ Figure 1] schematically illustrates a wiper system 1 for cleaning a glass-mounted surface of a vehicle, such as a windshield, in order to improve visibility for the driver of the vehicle, for example, in rainy weather, or for the purpose of clearing particles and / or dirt from the glass-mounted surface. The wiper system 1 comprises at least one drive arm 2, which extends between a connection end 3 and a link end 4 opposite to the connection end 3. The connection end 3 is configured to support a wiper blade 5, which extends along a longitudinal main extension axis substantially parallel to the axis L. The link end 4 opposite to the connection end 3 is connected to the vehicle and more particularly to a motorized device that enables the drive arm and therefore the wiper blade to perform angular reciprocating movements. A connection system is arranged between the connection end 3 of the drive arm and the wiper blade 5 so as to be able to drive the wiper blade to perform angular reciprocating movements, the connection system comprising an adapter 6 fixedly connected to the connection end 3 and a connector 7 fixedly connected to the wiper blade 5, the adapter 6 being pivotally mounted on the connector 7.

[0057] The connector 7 of the connection system is fixed to a rigid support 19 which extends over the entire longitudinal dimension of the wiper blade 5 and which bears in particular the wiper blade rubber 8 intended to come into contact with the glazing surface.

[0058] The rigid support or rigid blade rubber support 19 also bears at least one aerodynamic deflection element 10, which is placed longitudinally next to the connector 7. In the embodiment shown, the connector 7 is positioned between two different deflection elements 10, each extending the connector 7 at one of its longitudinal ends.

[0059] Each deflection element 10 has a first end 11 (called proximal end, since it is linked to the connector 7) and a second end 12 (called distal end). The wiper blade 5 comprises, at each of its longitudinal ends (i.e. at the second end 12 of each deflection element 10), an end piece 9 which holds the various elements of the wiper blade 5 (i.e. the rigid blade rubber support, the blade rubber 8 and the deflection elements 10) in a longitudinal position. As a result of the above, the connector 7 and the end piece 9 both form an element of the wiper blade 5 connected to the deflection element 10.

[0060] The wiper blade has a built-in cleaning fluid spraying and supply system, which makes it possible to spray cleaning fluid from the wiper blade and thus in a targeted manner onto the embedded glass surface before the wiper rubber passes over the embedded glass surface. Advantageously, the built-in system on the wiper blade has a fluid distribution duct and a delivery duct formed in the connector 7 and in the deflection element, and also has a spraying device, that is, spray holes or spray orifices distributed on these deflection elements and on the connector.

[0061] According to the invention, and as will be explained below, the connector comprises within it a distribution node formed by the point where the delivery pipe meets the distribution pipe, the distribution node having an opening formed in the extension of the delivery pipe and leading out of the connector, the opening being closed by a cover in which a spray orifice is drilled.

[0062] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A schematic view and a partial cross-sectional view of a connector 7 according to one embodiment of the invention are shown respectively.The connector 7 extends in a longitudinal main extension direction which is substantially parallel to the axis L.

[0063] The connector 7 comprises in particular a base 15 forming part intended to be fixed to the wiper blade 5 and a lower wall 13 forming a vertical projection relative to the axis V and configured to interact with the adapter 6 and to enable a relative rotational movement of the adapter relative to the connector along a transverse axis T. The lower wall 13 interacts with the adapter 6 , in particular by inserting a pin supported by the adapter into a transverse hole 14 .

[0064] The base 15 extends along the connector 7, parallel to the axis L, and comprises a receiving portion 16 for the wiper blade 5, and more particularly, as [ Figure 5 ], comprises a receiving portion for a rigid wiper rubber support 19, which is intended to support the wiper rubber 8. The rigid wiper rubber support 19 also forms a support for a flexible element 20, which is particularly referred to by the term "reinforcement spline", which particularly facilitates the application of the rigid wiper rubber support 19 and the associated wiper rubber 8 to the embedded glass surface. More particularly, the combination of the rigid wiper rubber support 19 and the flexible element 20 allows the wiper rubber 8 to closely follow the shape of the embedded glass surface, such as a slightly curved shape, while ensuring that the wiper rubber 8 is applied to the embedded glass surface so that particles, water and / or dirt can be discharged from the embedded glass surface during the back and forth movement of the wiper system 1.

[0065] The connector 7 comprises a cleaning fluid delivery circuit defined within the connector 7. The delivery circuit extends between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet and comprises at least one delivery duct and a distribution duct.

[0066] The fluid inlet is formed by a supply member 17 which is intended to be housed in a supply hose of the vehicle. More particularly, the supply hose is a flexible element which is connected at one end to a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vehicle and at the opposite end to the supply member 17 of the connector 7 and which can extend along the drive arm 2, in particular by being clipped to the drive arm.

[0067] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in [ Figure 5 ], the fluid delivery circuit in the connector 7 is formed by a first delivery conduit 21, a second delivery conduit 22 and a distribution conduit 23. The first delivery conduit 21 extends substantially parallel to the axis L from the supply member 17 to the middle longitudinal portion 18 of the connector 7. The cleaning fluid is pumped from a reservoir of the vehicle and flows via a supply hose to the supply member 17 and then to the first delivery conduit 21.

[0068] The second delivery duct 22 extends substantially vertically relative to the first delivery duct 21, mainly through vertical and transverse planes of elongation, so as to connect the first delivery duct 21 placed in the lower wall 13 to the distribution duct 23 placed in the base 15. It will be understood that the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir of the vehicle enters the connector 7 via the supply member 17 and flows in the first delivery duct 21 and then in the second delivery duct 22 to the distribution duct 23.

[0069] As mentioned above, the delivery circuit extends between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. Figure 2 ], the connector 7 comprises two fluid outlets, each of which is formed by a sleeve 24 intended to be received in a spray channel of a deflector element 10. The spray channel extends along the associated deflector element 10 and has a plurality of holes drilled therein, through which the cleaning fluid can be sprayed towards the glazed surface of the vehicle. It will be understood that the sleeves 24 each form a connection between the connector 7 and the deflector element 10 of the wiper blade 5 for the cleaning fluid to flow from the connector 7 to the spray channel of the associated deflector element 10.

[0070] The distribution duct 23 extends longitudinally from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the connector 7. It should be noted that the distribution duct 23 is strictly longitudinally defined between the sleeves 24 forming the fluid outlet. In other words, the sleeves 24 forming the fluid outlet of the connector 7 do not form part of the distribution duct 23, and each sleeve 24 defines a circulation duct different from the distribution duct therein.

[0071] It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the conveying circuit comprises two conveying pipes 21, 22, however, it does not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention for the conveying circuit to comprise a single conveying pipe or a greater number of conveying pipes, provided that at least one conveying pipe (in this case the second conveying pipe 22) leads to the distribution pipe 23 in order to form a distribution node 40 (in particular in [ Figure 4]). At this distribution node 40, in the extension of the delivery pipe leading to the distribution pipe, in this case the second delivery pipe 22, an opening 28 is formed on the outside of the connector 7, in particular by a drilling operation for producing said delivery pipe. The opening 28 thus has a size, and in this case a diameter, which is substantially equal to the corresponding size of the delivery pipe extending axially from the opening, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 can be seen in.

[0072] According to the invention, this opening 28 is closed by a cover 29 so as to allow most of the cleaning fluid arriving through the delivery duct to flow into the distribution duct, and this cover 29 is perforated with at least one spray orifice 26b.

[0073] [ Figure 4 ] more particularly shows the spray orifice 26b provided in the cover 29. More particularly, [ Figure 4 ] shows connector 7 passing through [ Figure 3 ] shows a sectional view of the sectional plane BB, which makes it possible to show in particular the integration of the functions at the distribution node 40 with the opening generated in the material of the connector so that the production of the conveying pipe can be simplified by drilling, the presence of a cover 29 for closing the opening 28 and making it possible to guide the cleaning fluid, and the presence of a nozzle orifice 26b in the cover so that the cleaning fluid can be sprayed at the connector.

[0074] The cover 29 is placed on the connector to close the opening 28. It should be noted that the cover has a body housed in the opening, and a head that protrudes from the opening and lies flush with the outside of the connector at the dispensing area to be described below, forming an abutment when the cover is positioned in the opening. The shape and size of the body are substantially the same as those of the opening 28 so that the cover can be retained in the opening by a suitable operation (e.g., force fit, adhesive bonding operation or welding operation).

[0075] More specifically, the cap 29 has an inner surface 291 facing the distribution duct 23 at the free end of the body and an outer surface 292 facing the outside of the connector 7 at the free end of the head. The inner surface 291 of the cap 29 contributes to defining the distribution duct 23 at the distribution node and therefore has a concave shape in the extension of the walls defining the distribution duct 23 on either side of the second delivery duct. The outer surface 292 of the cap 29 is substantially flat and advantageously flush with the outside of the connector at the distribution area so as not to create aesthetic or aerodynamic interference.

[0076] The spraying orifice 26b is produced as a through-orifice, i.e. a through-orifice extending from the inner surface 291 of the cover to the outer surface of the cover. Thus, part of the cleaning fluid entering the distribution node 40 can be sprayed onto the glazing surface, thereby ensuring that a part of the glazing surface facing the connector is wetted.

[0077] In order to ensure that only a minimum portion of the cleaning fluid passes through the spray orifice 26b, the remainder being directed via the distribution duct towards the fluid outlet of the connector, and in order to ensure that sufficient pressure is generated at the outlet of the cover to perform the function of cleaning the embedded glass surface, the spray orifice can have a diameter ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, and preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0078] In the example shown, the spray orifice 26b has a Figure 4 ] is shown in the figure with a spray axis 30 which is parallel to the main extension axis of the delivery conduit leading to the distribution conduit (in this case the second delivery conduit 22), and this has the advantage of making it easier for the cleaning fluid to be sprayed through the spray orifice without a pressure drop, but it should be noted that it would also be within the scope of the present invention for the spray orifice formed in the cover to have a spray axis with a different orientation than that shown.

[0079] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, a single spray orifice 26 b is formed substantially in the center of the cover 29 , but it should be noted that a plurality of spray orifices may be provided in the cover without departing from the context of the present invention.

[0080] In this case, the cover 29 is placed longitudinally in the center of the connector 7, i.e. on a transverse midplane 31 extending perpendicularly along the axis T and the axis V relative to the longitudinal direction of the distribution pipe 23. This transverse midplane 31 divides the connector 7 into two parts with the same longitudinal dimension. This arrangement (made possible by placing the delivery pipe centrally in the extension where the cover is placed) is particularly advantageous on connectors where only one spraying orifice according to what has just been described (i.e. formed in the cover) is provided. This ensures the distribution of the cleaning fluid where the pipelines are placed on either side of the connector and the connector is equipped with a spraying orifice in a central position, which is substantially uniform.

[0081] In the case of other built-in spray devices on the connector, in the context to be described below, the position of the cover and the position of the spray orifice formed in the cover may be offset from the transverse mid-plane.

[0082] The distribution duct 23 extends more particularly in at least one distribution area 25 which contributes to forming a lateral portion of the base 15 intended to face the glazing surface of the vehicle. More particularly, at least one distribution area 25 has an outer face 250 intended to face the glazing surface.

[0083] The cover 29 is placed in the longitudinal extension of the at least one dispensing area 25, ie beside the at least one dispensing area, so as to form together the entire dispensing area extending from one longitudinal end to the other of the connector.

[0084] refer to Figures 2 to 5 More particularly, a first embodiment is described in which two distribution areas 25 are placed on each side of the cover 29. In other words, the cover 29 is placed between the distribution areas 25 in the longitudinal extension of each of these areas so as to form the entire distribution area in which the distribution duct 23 extends from one longitudinal end of the connector to the other longitudinal end. Figure 2 ], the first distribution area extends from the longitudinal end of the connector to the cover 29 in a first longitudinal dimension L1, and the second distribution area extends from the longitudinal end of the connector to the cover 29 in a second longitudinal dimension L2.

[0085] Each distribution area 25 can have a spray hole 26a drilled therein, which appears on the outside 250 of the connector at the distribution area, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the spray hole 26a is placed on either side of the cover 29, and a spray orifice 26b is drilled in the cover. These spray holes formed in addition to the spray orifice increase the area covered by the spraying cleaning fluid at the connector. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, the connector has a plurality of spray devices 26, which lead to the distribution pipeline 23 and the cleaning fluid can be sprayed toward the embedded glass surface of the vehicle by these spray devices. More particularly, the spray device 26 comprises at least one spray orifice 26b arranged through the cover 29 and a spray hole 26a arranged on either side of the cover 29.

[0086] In the example illustrated, the outer face 250 of each dispensing area 25, intended to face the glazing surface, has a flat portion 27 extending from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the corresponding dispensing area 25. Considering the connector outer face 250 formed by the outer face of each dispensing area, the flat portion 27 is in this case partially interrupted by the presence of a cover 29. Each of the spray holes 26a appears on one of the flat portions 27. The cover 29, or more particularly the head of the cover, is placed in the opening 28 so as to be flush with the flat portion 27 of each dispensing area 25 and thus contribute to forming a flat surface from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the connector.

[0087] [ Figure 5 ] shows connector 7 passing through [ Figure 3 ] is a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional plane AA shown in FIG. More specifically, [ Figure 5 ] makes it possible to show the spray holes 26a arranged in at least one dispensing area 25 of the connector and opening into the dispensing duct 23. [ Figure 5 ] advantageously and like the group of spray devices 26 of connector 7 comprises a spray axis 30, around which each spray device 26 extends from the distribution pipe 23 to the flat portion 27 (in the case of the spray hole 26a) and from the distribution pipe 23 to the outer surface 292 of the cover 29 (in the case of the spray orifice 26b).

[0088] The spraying device 26 is produced by laser drilling. The use of such a manufacturing device makes it possible to form a spraying device 26 having a diameter ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, and more preferably equal to or substantially equal to 0.2 mm around the spraying axis 30. In theory, taking into account manufacturing tolerances, the diameter of each spraying device 26 is equal to the average diameter of adjacent spraying devices 26. The spraying orifices 26b can advantageously be prefabricated when the cover 29 is manufactured (for example during a material injection operation or during an additive manufacturing operation), or formed by a laser drilling process like the spraying holes 26a.

[0089] It should be noted that the diameter of the spraying device 26 (and if it is equal to 0.2 mm, for example) can be in particular similar to the diameter of the hole provided on the deflector element 10, and this makes it possible to spray the cleaning fluid towards the glazing surface with a similar pressure over the entire longitudinal dimension of the wiper blade 5 (both at the deflector element and at the connector).

[0090] When the outside of the distribution area 25 is formed by the flat portion 27, the spraying axis 30 of the spraying device 26 is substantially perpendicular to the elongated plane of the flat portion 27, so that the spraying axis 30 of the spraying device 26 intersects the distribution duct 23. The flat portion 27 advantageously makes it possible to improve the accuracy of laser drilling by providing a flat surface on which said drilling is performed in a direction perpendicular to the distribution duct 23. It will be understood that the flat portion 27 and the outer surface 292 of the cover 29 have a similar form when the cover is housed in the opening 28. More particularly, and as mentioned above, the cover 29 is flush with the flat portion 27, so that during the drilling process, the inclination of the surface is the same between the flat portion 27 and the cover 29. This similarity makes it easier to produce various spraying devices 26.

[0091] At least one distribution area 25 has a thickness 100 between the distribution channel 23 and the flattened portion 27, which thickness remains constant in the longitudinal dimension from at least one spraying device 26 to an adjacent spraying device 26, i.e. remains constant taking into account manufacturing tolerances. The thickness 100 of the distribution area is measured in a direction parallel to the spraying axis 30 of the spraying device 26, between an inner face 251 of the distribution area 25 defining the distribution channel and an outer face 250 intended to face the glazing surface. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in , the value of thickness 100 can be considered to be the same at the cover, or in one or more distribution areas on either side of the cover, so that the constant thickness of the one or more distribution areas can advantageously extend from one longitudinal end of the connector to the other longitudinal end in order to form a uniform distribution area throughout the connector. In this way, each spray device 26 is produced by an amount of material equal to the amount of material used to produce another spray device 26. Therefore, this constant thickness from one longitudinal end of the connector to the other longitudinal end, between the one or more distribution areas 25 and the cover 29, means that it is not necessary to modify the parameters of the laser source to perform the drilling of each spray device 26 throughout the distribution area 25.

[0092] In addition, as Figure 3 ], the spray hole 26a is placed on either side of a transverse midplane 31 of the connector 7, it being understood that in the exemplary embodiment shown, the spray orifice 26b formed on the cover 29 is placed in said plane 31.

[0093] Advantageously, the connector 7 comprises at least two spray holes 26a on either side of the transverse midplane 31. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the connector 7 comprises four spray holes 26a placed on either side of a transverse midplane 31 of the connector 7, wherein in this case said plane 31 passes through the spray orifices 26b.

[0094] The distribution of the spray holes 26a is symmetrical on either side of a transverse midplane 31 of the connector 7. More specifically, the spray means 26, ie both the spray holes and the spray orifices, are substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the connector.

[0095] The spraying means 26 are longitudinally arranged on the connector at regular intervals. It will be understood that the spraying means 26 are thus continuous from one end of the connector 7 to the other, with the spraying orifice 26b being located in the centre.

[0096] And, according to one feature of the invention, considering the blade as a whole, the regular spacing formed between two adjacent spraying devices 26 of the connector 7 is the same or substantially the same as the spacing between two adjacent holes for spraying the cleaning fluid at the deflection element. For example, this distance can vary from 0.28 mm to 13.7 mm. It should be noted that this distance between two adjacent spraying devices 26 is measured longitudinally from the spraying axis 30 of one spraying device 26 to the spraying axis 30 of the adjacent spraying device 26.

[0097] The distance between two adjacent spraying devices 26 can advantageously be equal to the average value of the distance between two adjacent holes formed on the deflector element 10. In this way, the same spacing is maintained between two cleaning fluid spraying elements from one longitudinal end to the other of the wiper blade 5, and a uniform spraying of the cleaning fluid over the entire blade is ensured.

[0098] This placement of the spray devices 26, and more particularly the associated distance, may be a function of the diameter of the spray devices 26. Specifically, as described above, the spray devices 26 have a diameter ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, and the distance between two adjacent spray devices 26 may increase as the diameter of the spray devices 26 increases.

[0099] As illustrative and non-limiting examples, the distance between two adjacent spray devices with a diameter of 0.05 mm is 0.28 mm, the distance between two adjacent spray devices with a diameter of 0.15 mm is 2.65 mm, the distance between two adjacent spray devices with a diameter of 0.2 mm is 5 mm, and the distance between two adjacent spray devices with a diameter of 0.3 mm is 13.7 mm.

[0100] However, it should be noted that in this first embodiment, as in the variants that will be described, it will be possible, without departing from the context of the invention, to provide that the distance between two adjacent spray devices is not the same from one longitudinal end of the contact portion to the other, and that the different distances can vary linearly or non-linearly.

[0101] Now we will refer to [ Figure 6 ] A description is given of a first variant of the invention which differs from the above in that the spray holes formed in the distribution area 25 extend on two levels. In other words, the spray holes are grouped into a first subassembly, in which some of the spray holes are aligned on the first longitudinal axis A1, and a second subassembly, in which the other spray holes are aligned on the second longitudinal axis A2.

[0102] In the example shown, the holes are distributed alternately in the first subassembly and in the second subassembly.

[0103] It will be appreciated that this variant makes it possible to direct the cleaning fluid sprayed via the connector onto different areas of the glazed surface and thus improve the cleaning performance of the wiper system.

[0104] [ Figure 7 ] shows a second variant. This second variant differs from that described and shown above in that the outer face 250 of the connector at the distribution area is in this case curved and has no flat portion. The thickness 100 as measured radially between the distribution duct and the outer face 250 of the distribution area as above may be continuous in the longitudinal dimension of the distribution area.

[0105] As is evident from the above description of different embodiments and exemplary embodiments, the present invention clearly achieves its set objects by providing a wiper blade, the distribution of the fluid of which is improved in particular at the connector for fastening the wiper blade to a drive arm of a wiper system, by realizing at least one distribution area, in which at least one distribution area a cover closing a duct for conveying a cleaning fluid towards a distribution duct comprises a spraying orifice through which the cleaning fluid can be sprayed towards a glass-paneled surface of the vehicle.

[0106] However, as described above, the present invention is not limited to the specifically described and illustrated devices and configurations, but also applies to all equivalent devices or configurations, and any combination of such devices or configurations.

Claims

1. A connector (7) for connecting a wiper blade (5) of a vehicle's wiper system (1) to a drive arm (2) of the wiper system (1), the connector (7) comprising a cleaning fluid delivery circuit, the cleaning fluid delivery circuit being defined within the connector (7) and extending between a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the fluid inlet being configured to interact with a cleaning fluid supply hose, the at least one fluid outlet being configured to communicate with a cleaning fluid spray channel within the wiper blade (5), the cleaning fluid delivery circuit comprising at least one distribution conduit (23) and a delivery conduit (22), the at least one distribution conduit extending longitudinally from one longitudinal end of the connector (7) to the other longitudinal end, the delivery conduit forming a distribution node (40) while leading to the distribution conduit (23), the at least one fluid outlet longitudinally extending the distribution conduit (23), characterized in that The distribution node (40) comprises an opening (28) located on the outside (250) of the connector and closed by a cover (29) comprising at least one spray orifice (26b).

2. A connector (7) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The at least one spray orifice (26b) is advantageously arranged in the cap (29) in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis of extension of the delivery duct (22) when the cap is assembled with the connector.

3. The connector (7) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: The at least one spray orifice (26b) has a diameter ranging between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm.

4. The connector (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connector (7) comprises at least one distribution area (25), which is at least partially arranged along the distribution pipe (23) and has at least one spray hole (26a) formed in the at least one distribution area, and the cover (29) is arranged in the longitudinal extension of the at least one distribution area (25).

5. A connector (7) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The cover (29) is placed flush with the outer face (250) of the connector in the at least one dispensing area (25).

6. The connector (7) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: Two dispensing areas (25) are formed on each side of the cover (29), the at least one spraying orifice (26b) being arranged in the cover, a spraying hole (26a) being formed in each of the dispensing areas.

7. The connector (7) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The outer face (250) of the at least one dispensing area (25) is formed by a flat portion (27) extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction parallel to the spraying axis (30) of the spraying orifice (26b).

8. A connector (7) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 4, characterized in that Each spray device (26, 26a, 26b) formed in the at least one dispensing area (25) and the cover (29) is spaced apart from an adjacent spray device (26, 26a, 26b) by a distance ranging between 0.2 mm and 20 mm.

9. A connector (7) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 4, characterized in that The at least one distribution area (25) has a constant thickness.

10. A wiper blade (5) of a wiper system (1) for a vehicle, the wiper blade comprising at least one connector (7) according to one of the preceding claims, for connecting the wiper blade (5) to a drive arm (2) of the wiper system (1).

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